Ash Wednesday Question

[chloebelle]

Hello! I’m not sure if this is in the right place, my apologies if not. I was wondering if on Ash Wednesday non-Catholics were were able to receive ashes on the forehead? For example, my intention is to join RCIA and eventually become Catholic. I go to mass (at least) weekly, and of course I can’t receive communion, but hypothetically, would it be acceptable for someone like myself to receive ashes? I haven’t been able to find anything about it. Thank you for your help!

 

[Marie5890]

Hello! I’m not sure if this is in the right place, my apologies if not. I was wondering if on Ash Wednesday non-Catholics were were able to receive ashes on the forehead? For example, my intention is to join RCIA and eventually become Catholic. I go to mass (at least) weekly, and of course I can’t receive communion, but hypothetically, would it be acceptable for someone like myself to receive ashes? I haven’t been able to find anything about it. Thank you for your help!

Yes, anyone may receive ashes. They don’t have to be Catholic, they don’t even have to be Christian.

The late Fr Groeschell used to talk about how in NYC, many people, Jews, atheists, etc receive ashes

 

[chloebelle]

Thank you for your help! That’s really interesting.

 

[pianistclare]

Sure! It’s almost the busiest day of the year in our parish.
Full to overflowing.
Most people we have never seen before.
Some of the Methodist churches in our area also do ashes.

 

[GEddie]

Ashes are a sacramental, not a sacrament.

As such, there is no requirement that one be Catholic, and some other Churches do them.

ICXC NIKA

 

[7_Sorrows]

Just like anyone can pray the Rosary.

 

[Usige]

Ashes are a sacramental, not a sacrament.

As such, there is no requirement that one be Catholic, and some other Churches do them.

ICXC NIKA

Yep. I know we have a number of non-Catholics at our parish every year. As pianistclare says it is actually one of the busiest days of the liturgical year. By the number of services, it is the 3rd most attended day; just after Christmas and Easter.

It’s atually pretty sad given we have 6 Ash Wednesday services, and often only have one or two masses on Holy Days of Obligation that fall on weekdays in a parish of 6000+. Father once told me that if we distributed sacramentals on every Holy Day we’d likely get more people since we get a swell on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.

 

[Vico]

Yep. I know we have a number of non-Catholics at our parish every year. As pianistclare says it is actually one of the busiest days of the liturgical year. By the number of services, it is the 3rd most attended day; just after Christmas and Easter.

It’s atually pretty sad given we have 6 Ash Wednesday services, and often only have one or two masses on Holy Days of Obligation that fall on weekdays in a parish of 6000+. Father once told me that if we distributed sacramentals on every Holy Day we’d likely get more people since we get a swell on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.

Do you think it has anything to do with fast and abstinence on that day?

 

[Usige]

Do you think it has anything to do with fast and abstinence on that day?

Perhaps for some, but many of our non-Catholic brethren don’t fast or abstain on Ash Wednesday. I also know several Catholics that I’ve seen proudly wearing ashes while scarfing down a Big Mac and large fries (and it wasn’t when McDs had a veggie burger a decade ago).

I think for some it is a cultural thing in that you go to church on Ash Wednesday to receive ashes. It just what you do. I grew up Presbyterian so it was not really part of our “culture” and even 10 years after becoming Catholic, I’d say I’ve only received ashes half to two thirds of the time. I go if it fits my schedule, but I don’t feel bad if I can’t make it on any given year.

 

[pianistclare]

Our Deacon says it’s because we’re literally giving away something.
No strings, no regulations, Just show up and get something.

 

[Usige]

Our Deacon says it’s because we’re literally giving away something.
No strings, no regulations, Just show up and get something.

That’s similar to what my pastor said. It’s why he quipped that we need sacramentals to give away on every Holy Day so people feel like they are “getting something” for their efforts.

The funny thing (i.e. funny/sad) is that Ash Wednesday is not a day of obligation. It makes you think that there is something to what your deacon and my pastor say.

Ah well, I just try to pray that the Holy Spirit works to open anyone’s heart regardless of their motivation for encountering Christ.

 

[pianistclare]

That’s similar to what my pastor said. It’s why he quipped that we need sacramentals to give away on every Holy Day so people feel like they are “getting something” for their efforts.

The funny thing (i.e. funny/sad) is that Ash Wednesday is not a day of obligation. It makes you think that there is something to what your deacon and my pastor say.

Ah well, I just try to pray that the Holy Spirit works to open anyone’s heart regardless of their motivation for encountering Christ.

Just goes to show you…people are really seeking, or at least realizing there’s more to this life. They just lack the courage to buckle down and make a move. Let’s pray for conversion of hearts and souls.

Come to think of it, Ash Weds would be the perfect time to have fliers about the RCIA process and adult ed handy.

 

[Usige]

Come to think of it, Ash Weds would be the perfect time to have fliers about the RCIA process and adult ed handy.

Actually not a bad idea. Seems like starting the “advertising” in late summer is a bit of a wasted opportunity when you have some that might benefit from the invitation in Spring. You’d just need to make sure that those interested in RCIA in Lent would not be left to languish for 6 months until September rolls around. Even if it’s not “formal” RCIA inviting inquirers to basic adult faith classes might help keep the desire aflame if the parish can’t or won’t do a year round RCIA process.

 

[Jennifoo]

Actually not a bad idea. Seems like starting the “advertising” in late summer is a bit of a wasted opportunity when you have some that might benefit from the invitation in Spring. You’d just need to make sure that those interested in RCIA in Lent would not be left to languish for 6 months until September rolls around. Even if it’s not “formal” RCIA inviting inquirers to basic adult faith classes might help keep the desire aflame if the parish can’t or won’t do a year round RCIA process.

Excellent point. After all, if they’re in the church anyway…

 

[Vico]

Perhaps for some, but many of our non-Catholic brethren don’t fast or abstain on Ash Wednesday. I also know several Catholics that I’ve seen proudly wearing ashes while scarfing down a Big Mac and large fries (and it wasn’t when McDs had a veggie burger a decade ago).

I think for some it is a cultural thing in that you go to church on Ash Wednesday to receive ashes. It just what you do. I grew up Presbyterian so it was not really part of our “culture” and even 10 years after becoming Catholic, I’d say I’ve only received ashes half to two thirds of the time. I go if it fits my schedule, but I don’t feel bad if I can’t make it on any given year.

I do not receive ashes because we do not have ashes, instead we have Clean Monday and there is no liturgy that day but rather strict fasting. (Byzantine Catholic)

 

[peter26]

Anyone can receive the ashes. Some believe that the larger numbers are because they are getting something for free.

Do you think it has anything to do with fast and abstinence on that day?

All have to do with repentance and are strongly connected in the Bible. For instance

Daniel 9:3

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes”.