Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent, comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. Our practice on Ash Wednesday includes the wearing of ashes on the head symbolizing the dust from which God made us. This year Bishop Greg has advised that the distribution of ashes will take on a different form, being sprinkled on the head in a return to the traditional practice from Mass around the 12th century. Lent is a time of self-examination, self-denial and deep contemplation about the mystery and grace of God's mercy as we prepare for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ at Easter. How will you grow closer to God this Lent?