Ash Wednesday Liturgy

The ashes received are a symbol of our will to be converted and to do penance when faced with the forgiveness offered by Jesus.

A sign of the cross is placed on a persons forehead as a fitting and visible spiritual reminder that encourages us to adopt an attitude of prayer, repentance, and humility. It is good for everyone regardless of our personal faith, to remember that life is fragile and everyone should remember our need to be kind and sorry for our wrong-doing.

Traditionally, ashes used on Ash Wednesday are gathered up after palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. They are then blessed before being used in the ceremony.