Ash Wednesday Morning Mass
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday, and placing them on the heads of participants.
Mass and Ashes 8:15 am, Noon, 5:30 pm
As Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert, the Church traditionally fasts during Lent. A form of bodily prayer, fasting and abstinence in union with other Christians reminds us of our utter dependence on and love for God. A gesture of repentance, fasting is symbolic of a change of heart as we turn away from sin to live in fidelity to the Gospel.
Lenten Regulations Fasting: Ages 18-59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day, with no snacking between meals.
Abstinence: Catholics age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.