Important notice regarding Ash Wednesday (2/17)

Due to the extreme weather and dangerous road conditions, many of our parishes have already announced they are closed and that Ash Wednesday services are cancelled. Others will make the decision Wednesday morning. Many churches will distribute ashes at the end of Masses on Sunday. Please check with your parish for details.

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. While it is an important observance for Catholics, safety is a great concern at this time. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day when the Church calls Catholics to observe abstinence and fasting so long as they are able to do so.

Lent is a season of fasting and reflection in spiritual preparation for Easter. Please visit this website for more resources for Lent: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/lent.

Collect Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Ash Wednesday Reflections from Loyola Press