Of course, the big news in the Catholic world is that Pope Benedict is renouncing his office (here are some thoughts on that).
At the same time, Ash Wednesday is coming up.
And, in fact, Ash Wednesday--and Lent in general--is a good time to pray for Pope Benedict and the upcoming conclave.
Here are 9 things you need to know about Ash Wednesday.
1. What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the day that Lent begins (see: 9 things you need to know about Lent).
The name comes from the fact that a particular rite is always celebrated on this Wednesday in which the faithful have ashes put on their foreheads.
According to the Roman Missal:
In the course of today's Mass, ashes are blessed and distributed.
These are made from the olive branches or branches of other trees that were blessed the previous year [on Palm/Passion Sunday].
2. What does the putting on of ashes symbolize?
According to the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy:
125. In the Roman Rite, the beginning of the forty days of penance is marked with the austere symbol of ashes which are used in the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday.
The use of ashes is a survival from an ancient rite according to which converted sinners submitted themselves to canonical penance.
The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God.
Far from being a merely external act, the Church has retained the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the baptized are called during Lent.
The faithful who come to receive ashes should be assisted in perceiving the implicit internal significance of this act, which disposes them towards conversion and renewed Easter commitment.
3. How does the distribution of ashes take place?
The Roman Missal states that after the homily, the priest blesses the ashes and sprinkles them with holy water.
Then the priest places ashes on the head of all those present who come to him, and says to each one:
Repent, and believe the Gospel.
Or:
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Meanwhile an antiphon or another appropriate chant is sung.
4. Is there a particular way the ashes should be put on people's heads?
Fr. Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at Regina Apostolorum University comments:
There are no set rules regarding this, and it largely depends on local custom.
In most English-speaking countries the prevailing custom seems to be that the priest places enough holy water into the ashes to form a kind of paste. The ashes are then daubed in the form of a cross on the forehead.
Many Catholics see this practice as a means of publicly showing their faith and leave the smudge on their forehead throughout Ash Wednesday.
In other countries, such as Spain, Italy and parts of Latin America, the prevailing custom seems to be sprinkling fairly dry ashes on the crown of the head. But even within these geographical areas, both customs are practiced and there may be other legitimate traditions as well.
Yes. The Roman Missal states:
The blessing and distribution of ashes may also take place outside Mass. In this case, the rite is preceded by a Liturgy of the Word, with the Entrance Antiphon, the Collect, and the readings with their chants as at Mass.
Then there follow the Homily and the blessing and distribution of ashes.
The rite is concluded with the Universal Prayer, the Blessing, and the Dismissal of the Faithful.
6. Can someone other than a priest distribute the ashes?
Yes. The Book of Blessings states:
1659 This rite may be celebrated by a priest or deacon who may be assisted by lay ministers in the distribution of ashes. The blessing of the ashes, however, is reserved to a priest or deacon.
7. How long do you leave the ashes on?
There is no rule about this. It is a matter of personal decision based on the individual's own inclinations and circumstances.
The ashes can be left on until they wear off naturally or they can be washed off or wiped off when the individual chooses.
8. Can ashes be distributed to the sick who cannot attend Mass?
Yes. The Book of Blessings states:
1657 This order [in the Book of Blessings] may also be used when ashes are brought to the sick. According to circumstancs, the rite may be abbreviated by the minister. Nevertheless, at least one Scripture reading should be included in the service.
1658 If already blessed ashes are brought to the sick, the blessing is omitted and the distribution takes place immediately after the homily. The homily should conclude by inviting the sick person to prepare himself or herself for the reception of the ashes.
9. Is Ash Wednesday a Holyday of Obligation?
No. There is no obligation to attend Mass.
However, Ash Wednesday is a penitential day and it (together with Good Friday) is one of two days of the year on which fasting and abstinence are required.
See here for more on the discipline of fasting and see here for more on the discipline of abstinence.
One More Thing . . .
If I may be permitted a personal observation, Ash Wednesday is spiritual marketing genius.
Give away free stuff--on a limited time basis--and people will show up in droves.
No wonder Mass attendance soars on Ash Wednesday, even though it's not a holyday of obligation.
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Comments
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Don’t you think the word “renouncing” is a little harsh with regard to the Holy Fathe’s resignation?
I don’t like it either, but it is the technically correct term and the term Pope Benedict used himself in the announcement.
Although IMO “resign” is probably the better word to use when speaking with most people about the issue (Catholics and non-Catholics). Most people already know the Pope has no superior (except God, of course).
Your spiritual marketing comment makes me giggle. But I think most people are confused by the days of obligation, and think Ash Wednesday is obligatory, and it’s a memorable one from childhood.
Another thing that you might want to point out to your readers: Receiving the ashes does not forgive sins. It marks one as a sinner and reminds one of one’s death. We still have to go to confession to have our sins forgiven.
Pope Benidict wins the “What I gave up for Lent” prize!
Regarding the Pope’s decision, I like the word “abdicate.”
Abdicate is the most suitable term. He is the reigning monarch of a country; he is the sovereign pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, by which he claims the obedience of all mankind (although most don’t know it). Until very recently when Pope John Paul ONE changed the tradition (hopefully to be soon restored), Popes entered office with a papal coronation and were crowned with the papal tiara. The crown may not be there, but what it symbolizes still is.
I have always been under the impression that all baptized Catholics can receive ashes, regardless of age. However, a few years ago, due to time constraints, we attended Ash Wednesday Mass at another parish. Both then-toddler and then-preschooler were denied ashes by the priest administering them. He actually stopped the line to admonish my husband and myself for brining forth children who hadn’t “reached the age of reason” to receive ashes. Since then, our youngest children (infants through Age-of-Reasoners!) have received ashes without objections from any other priest or deacon.
Was the priest who refused to administer ashes to my young children correct?
@Mary Kate: As far as I know, baptism is not even required for receiving ashes. I received ashes for the first time as a catechumen (or was I one of the elect at that point? I don’t remember.)
One priest at our parish does not administer ashes to young children. I don’t think there is a hard and fast rule to it, but he’s the only one I’ve ever known who didn’t. He is a newer priest so I wonder if that has something to do with it.
Can non-Catholics receive ashes or unbaptized babies?
In my 62 years, I have never seen anyone refused ashes no matter what age they are. We have lots of babies in my parish and Mom and/or Dad gets ashes and so do the babies and any other children. I never heard of this “age of reason” excuse. It’s a sacramental not a sacrament. Babies get blessed all the time. Mary Kate, what that priest did was wrong and he should have never stopped the line to “admonish” you when you had done nothing wrong. I wonder if he stops the line for those who should not be receiving Communion. That’s the greater offence. Joseph, I don’t know why a non-Catholic would go to a Catholic Church to receive ashes. We have a large Hispanic community in our parish and we can’t figure out why there’s always more than usual Hispanics lining up to get ashes. Does anybody know why that might be?
@Joseph: Yes, non-Catholics can receive ashes. I received them for several years before I converted.
Yes, many people show up for ashes on Ash Wednesday. But, when reminded that they also should go to confession during Lent, they appear dumbfounded. These are not people that go to confession monthly or every 3 months. When reminded that “turn away from sin and follow the Gospel” is an invitation to penance, they roll their eyes like children and walk away. I work in Adult Day Health Care and, as an EM, I am allowed to take ashes and Communion to the participants who are Catholic. The participants are sick and will not be able to go to church to receive ashes or Eucharist. I am always amazed at the number of employees that want ashes and Communion.These are the “roll their eyes” brigade. But, I always make sure that I have enough.
Robbie: while ashes may be distributed to anyone, you may not give Communion to non-Catholics. Your post implies that you do. Yet another reason to get rid of the EHMC’s.
Isn’t it funny how ash distribution is so popular—even in our parish people suddenly want to sit in the line that goes specifically to the priest to receive ashes. I have to get there early to get a seat.
I suspect people think that Ash Wednesday is mandatory for two reasons: family pressure from childhood, and that it is all about the sinfulness of mankind, which most churches just don’t bother with anymore. Because the upshot is so… um, “negative”, they assume that it is required.
Also—giving away ashes as free stuff? Yes, that does take the cake. They appear more sacramental to the modern mind than even the Eucharist. Forgive us, oh Lord!
Yes, V, I think you’re right on all counts.
Even on Palm Sunday, lots of people “show up”. Free palms? And then there’s the following Sunday, Easter. Every Tom, Dick and Harry comes out and the faithful Sunday atendees have to scrounge for a seat or get there an hour early. What is the greatest feast of the Church becomes a cross instead of a great joy. It bothers me every year because I feel as if I’m sinning when I want to be joyous. Allelulia.
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