As we leave the season of Epiphany marked by a celebration of Jesus’ Transfiguration, we embark now on the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 6, 2019. It is a time of reflection, fasting, and repentance in preparation for Eastertide.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES – 12:15 & 7:00 PM
Please join us at one of the two services being offered on March 6. We will gather together and celebrate Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes at 12:15 PM and 7:00 PM.
WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY?
Ash Wednesday traditionally marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of time (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. This is a time many Christians set aside to remember Christ’s life during His 40 days of fasting in the desert. The period from Ash Wednesday to Easter excluding Sundays mirrors these forty days that are segmented by six Sundays, considered celebration days where we gather as a faith community to commemorate Christ’s resurrection.
CHRISTIAN RITUAL
According to Wikipedia, the Ash Wednesday ritual is described this way:
“Ashes are ceremonially placed on the heads of Christians on Ash Wednesday, either by being sprinkled over their heads or, more often, by being marked on their foreheads as a visible cross.
The words used traditionally to accompany this gesture are:
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. – (Based on Genesis 3:19)
In the 1969 revision of the Roman Rite, an alternative formula was introduced and given first place:
Repent, and believe in the Gospel. – (Mark 1:15)”
These acts of observance are designed to guide us on our spiritual journeys to draw us closer as a faith community to Jesus Christ, in whom we place our faith.
QUESTIONS OR SPECIAL NEEDS
If you have questions or special needs, please Contact Us.