In order to provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies.

By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

I agree

 

Ash Wednesday is on 17th February this year and is a day of Fasting and Abstinence.

Make Lent Really Special This Year
 
There’s an insatiable hunger inside of us, put there by Jesus, so that through all the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, pleasures and pain of this world we’ll always want him more than anything. And right now he’s calling us to make this Lent a special time of grace and spiritual growth. We’re here to help. Sign up for our daily Lenten Reflections, starting on Ash Wednesday, so that together we can develop a deeper understanding of what it is we truly hunger for, and spend the days between now and Easter on a transformative spiritual journey through the depths of your soul and into the merciful, loving heart of Jesus. The Reflections will begin on Ash Wednesday and end on Easter Sunday. These brief, personal reflections will give you simple ways to bring Jesus into your everyday life. Ash Wednesday is right around the corner… don’t delay! Just send your email address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and begin receiving the Lenten Reflections.
 

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolise the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Ashes also symbolise grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.

Following the example of the Ninevites in the Old Testament, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth.

Here is a Penitential Prayer, Lenten Reflections and Stations of the Cross that we can use at home if receiving Ashes is not possible.

Ash Wednesday at Home

Lenten Reflections

Stations of The Cross