It is not a holy day of obligation. If you don’t got then you don’t have to go to confession. However you do receive special graces from God when you do go.
I disagree entirely. The sacramental of the ashes can have significant meaning outside of Mass. Many people receive ashes only at a Liturgy of the Word service or even just by dropping by the parish office. It’s about intention, interior disposition, evangelization (to a point), and more. You can pray a rosary without attending Mass afterward. You can dip your fingers into the holy water fonts at the doors whether you’re there for Mass or not. Having ashes on your forehead on Ash Wednesday is no different.
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