Ash Wednesday and Non-Catholics

[TC3033]

The Anglicans down the road celebrate Ash Wednesday as well. It’s not just a Catholic thing. You make a lot of “assumptions” in your posts regarding the Priest and Catholics in general. Have you bothered to ask the Priest what he means when he asks you “if you have found a parish?”. Perhaps he is being polite and interested especially if you have indicated that you have no intention of joining the Catholic Church.

Your wife would like to share the special day with you. Go if you want or don’t go if you don’t want but don’t seek to blame others if you don’t go.

You make some assumptions yourself. I’m not looking to blame others in the least, just asking of the etiquette.

I’ve had discussions, I know exactly where they’re coming from and I find it quite strange…especially since they asked my wife and not me.

 

[Kliska]

Thoughts?

As a non-Catholic, I’d go up and receive ashes. I like the meaning behind them, and I’ve been told it’s open to all Christians, kind of like crossing oneself with the holy water when coming into the actual church building. However if you feel it is wrong, don’t do it, for we are to follow our conscience.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

You make some assumptions yourself. I’m not looking to blame others in the least.

I’ve had discussions, I know exactly where they’re coming from.

Where who is coming from? All Catholics? All 1billion of them? Has the Priest said “you are not welcome?” or are you assuming?

 

[TC3033]

Where who is coming from? All Catholics? All 1billion of them? Has the Priest said “you are not welcome?” or are you assuming?

They’re as in the leadership, and some of the Parrish members.

Has the father said it those four specific words, no…if you’d like specifics I will share in PM. I’ve laid anecdotes and experiences here before, and would rather not do it again.

I’d rather stay with if it’s proper etiquette for non-Catholics to receive ashes. My main question being I know that we can, but is it a point of contention if we do…much like the communion blessing. In many places I can, but still many Catholics don’t like it.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

They’re as in the leadership, and some of the Parrish members.

Has the father said it those four specific words, no…if you’d like specifics I will share in PM. I’ve laid anecdotes and experiences here before, and would rather not do it again.

I’d rather stay with if it’s proper etiquette for non-Catholics to receive ashes. My main question being I know that we can, but is it a point of contention if we do…much like the communion blessing. In many places I can, but still many Catholics don’t like it.

Please do pm me as if it is happening as you say then it shouldn’t be and I would like to pray for you and your parish.

 

[ProdigalSun]

I’m sure you are 100% innocent in how your relationship has progressed with both the parish and your FIL.

I n my experience if we have a toxic relationship with someone else it is more than likely a failing on everyones part.

BUt hey maybe it is not the case in this circumstance.

 

[rfournier103]

Hey all.

So, I’m getting some pressure from my wife to attend Mass on Wed night with her and the family. She was excited last night to learn and let me know that I “CAN” receive ashes on Wed with everyone. I’m not 100% sure I’m going to go or not, and if I do I probably wouldn’t go forward anyway. In not so many words I know I’m not welcome there (the father has even asked if I found a church yet), so I think he’d just pass me by anyway.

Anywho…Non-Catholics and Non-Catholic spouses: What do you do at Ash Wednesday? Do you receive ashes, or hold your hell bound protestant position in the pew?

Catholics: What are your thoughts? The same way I “CAN” get a blessing at communion time, many disagree with it. Do you disagree with non-Catholics coming forward for ashes. Should we hold in the pew?

Thoughts?

NOBODY should give you any problems about getting ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Why? Because they are ashes. And from dust we ALL came and to dust we ALL shall return. Regardless of who we are and what we believe. This is VERY different than a non-Catholic receiving the Holy Eucharist - because almost all non-Catholics don’t believe that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ (please see 1 Corinthians 11:26-31) The ashes have been blessed, but they remain ashes. We ALL believe that.

I’m a layman, so take my words for what they’re worth. If you want to go up? Go up. If you wish to remain seated? Do so. If you want to stay home… that’s your right.

I wouldn’t have any problem sitting next to you in my pew and following you in the line to get ashes.

God bless you and yours… and I wish you a holy and enlightening Lent.

+PAX CHRISTI+