Mass and distribution of ashes

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.

The placing of ashes on the forehead in the Sign of the Cross is a reminder of our need for penance. The words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” are used as the Sign of the Cross is made on the forehead.

The ashes are prepared by the burning of last year’s palms and the grinding of them into a paste when a few drops of Holy Water is mixed with them.

(Two Masses today at 9:30am and 7pm)