Ash Wednesday atheist question

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Struggling1

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Per the advice of many of you I setup a time to speak to someone at a local parish and want to attend the ash Wednesday service. As a fallen away catholic what parts can I not participate in? Please pray for me as I try to face my biggest fright of whether god exists and what happens when I die.
 
Hey mate. Praying for you to find your way. As a fallen away Catholic, you should not receive communion. Once you talk to the priest, he should be able to set you up with Communion. But I don’t think there is any prohibition on receiving ashes. So basically, the one thing you can’t do is receive Communion.

Good luck!
 
You may receive ashes!

Need to go to Confession before receiving the Eucharist.
 
I think anyone can receive the ashes. As Entwhistler said, you should not partake in communion unless you go to confession first. Even then, if you don’t believe that it’s the body and blood of Christ, I would still abstain.

I’ll pray for you. I wish you well on your journey home. ^^
 
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Thank you I just pray god meets me half way in this very difficult time!
 
I really appreciate the prayers and responses it helps in this darkened state to not be alone. I will pray for you as well. Regardless of how effective a skeptical atheists prayers can be.
 
It could be that your faith is deeper than you think.
Deeper and more pure than any image or logic.
 
I hope so. I am so struggling but ever onward! Thank you for the response.
 
Our parish has two services that are just Liturgy of the Word with no Holy Communion. It, of course, includes the ashes. The other ones are regular Masses with the ashes.
 
A little levity? “Ash Wednesday Atheist” is a great band name!
 
I’ve been there friend.

God calls us back on his time. I was actually a pretty staunch athiest for years. It actually helps me now in dialogue because I understand what atheists feel.
When you humble yourself and realize God is infinitely beyond our fleshly understanding you begin to see how small we are.

You can partake in the Ash distribution. Most churches have just distribution services. I would say you can go to confession but it seems like you are confused. I would find an adoration chapel and meditate on it. It’s all in God’s timing. Most of the greatest saints also struggled with unbelief in their past and doubts throughout their lives. Just remember that.
God bless.
 
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I called myself an agnostic for many years. I am so happy and relieved to be home in the Church. It was a long process, I started and quit RCIA 2 times before I stuck with it. I think if you keep seeking the Truth in a humble manner, you will find it! Listening to Catholic radio helped me a lot too!
 
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