Ash Wednesday

imposition of ashes

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey towards the cross of Christ. Lent is a forty day season of prayer, penitence, fasting and study that is intended to prepare the Christian for the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Day. The observance of Lent is one of the earliest Christian practices in existence and begins on Ash Wednesday as we remember our mortality with the imposition of ashes. The imposition of ashes reminds us that “we are dust, and to dust shall we return.” This reminder of our mortality connects us with the humanity of Christ and the sacrifice of his life on our behalf.