ash wednesday question

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I am not a catholic as of yet but will be attending rcia classes that begin in the fall…and i was wondering if on ash wednesday if it was appropriate to accept ashes or not?
 
lovingarmstrong said:
I am not a catholic as of yet but will be attending rcia classes that begin in the fall…and i was wondering if on ash wednesday if it was appropriate to accept ashes or not?
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Because the ashes are not sacraments, but sacramentals (blessed objects, rather than consecrated, such as the Body and Blood of Christ), you can certainly receive the ash on your forehead. It is an outward sign of our mortality and a reminder that we are sinners.

Welcome to the Church. :hug1:
 
I went through the RCIA process a couple of years ago. I received the ashes on ash Wed. I fasted, abstained and prayed as well. You might as well get some practice in before you come into full communion with the Church.

Anyway, the ashes are a symbol of repentance.

I even see the non-baptized bless themselves with holy water. They do this merley in anticipation of their baptism at the Easter Vigil.

I would love to hear other opinons on this.

Aaron Esco.
 
thank you so much for your replies…are the ashes worn on the forehead all day?
 
lovingarmstrong said:
I am not a catholic as of yet but will be attending rcia classes that begin in the fall…and i was wondering if on ash wednesday if it was appropriate to accept ashes or not?
Click to expand...
yes in fact the origin of the custom is the penitential practices of the catechumens preparing for entry into the Church, so it is actually more appropriate for you than for Catholics even! Anyone who wishes to make this sign of penance may participate, Catholic or not. they are usually worn all day but if they do get brushed off don’t worry about it, there is no requirement, just custom.
 
yes in fact the origin of the custom is the penitential practices of the catechumens preparing for entry into the Church, so it is actually more appropriate for you than for Catholics even!
The ashes were originally for penitents who were being prepared for reconciliation with the Church.

Some souls of great charity were moved to take this public humiliation upon themselves as well to show their support of the penitents, and that’s how the custom spread in the West.
 
At what age do catholic children start getting ashes? Is it after first Communion?
 
Elliott said:
At what age do catholic children start getting ashes? Is it after first Communion?
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Generally when they are of the age to understand not to rub them and get them in their eyes. First Holy Communion age seems about right.
 
Elliott said:
At what age do catholic children start getting ashes? Is it after first Communion?
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My toddler has received ashes the past two years. It probably depends on the person distributing the ashes. At my parish I guess as soon as you can hold your head up they’ll give them to you. We’ll find out when I take my seven week old baby this year (if i make it this year, not sure yet).
 
How does the process work of getting the ashes? I am in RCIA and never have been to an Ash Wednesday service.
 
mkipp said:
How does the process work of getting the ashes? I am in RCIA and never have been to an Ash Wednesday service.
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On Ash Wednesday, blessed ashes are most often distributed within the context of the Mass. This takes place between the Homily and the General Intercessions.

After his homily, the priest blesses the ashes and sprinkles them with holy water. Then, the people approach the altar (as for Holy Communion) to receive ashes from either the priest or another minister who may help him in distribution of the blessed ashes. The congregation sings songs or prays antiphons during the giving of ashes.

Using his or her thumb, the minister marks a cross on your forehead with the blessed ashes while reciting either one of two prayers:
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel (Mark 1:15).
or
Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return (cf. Genesis 3:19).
After all have received ashes, the priest washes his hands and the Mass continues as any other.

I hope that helps.
 
When I was in kindergarten, we were given ashes. Since these have nothing to do with the sacraments, it’s okay to receive them, even at that young age.

Passus, what we do down here is distribute the ashes before the prayer after Communion. Unfortunately, there are folks who will just show up to receive the ashes and then leave. It’s not the ideal place, but, it does make a point that the Sacrifice is more important than receiving the ashes.

Of course, if you are simply going to have a Liturgy of the Word with the Distribution of Ashes, then that is a whole other story.
 
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