Ash Wednesday

[tradcathconvert]

carlysrose, did you get a chance to go today? If there was a Mass, there was also communion. Maybe it was’t a Mass, but just the distribution of ashes.

 

[carlysrose]

I’m not sure how it works in your parish, but in mine we have ashes and the Eucharist at the Ash Wednesday Mass. I have never been to an Ash Wednesday Mass that didn’t have both.

I guess it’s not universal then, which is strange, because that’s what catholic means.

 

[carlysrose]

carlysrose, did you get a chance to go today? If there was a Mass, there was also communion. Maybe it was’t a Mass, but just the distribution of ashes.

There is no communion after ashes. That is supposed to be the point, we are supposed to be in penance, though I disagree with the entire concept entirely. So no, I made a conscious effort not to go.

 

[nickybr38]

I guess it’s not universal then, which is strange, because that’s what catholic means.

The teachings of the Church on faith and morals are universal throughout the Catholic faith. Disciplines such as when to fast, when to kneel, when to stand, when to sing are different according to culture.

This is not a ‘strange’ thing. It’s a human thing. The Church is, after all, both divine and human. Just as Christ was.

 

[carlysrose]

The teachings of the Church on faith and morals are universal throughout the Catholic faith. Disciplines such as when to fast, when to kneel, when to stand, when to sing are different according to culture.

This is not a ‘strange’ thing. It’s a human thing. The Church is, after all, both divine and human. Just as Christ was.

How can the Mass not be the exact same. I thought one of the points was to be able to go to Mass anywhere in the world and participate. Maybe it’s not in English, but the sacrifice should be the same.

 

[nickybr38]

How can the Mass not be the exact same. I thought one of the points was to be able to go to Mass anywhere in the world and participate. Maybe it’s not in English, but the sacrifice should be the same.

The words that are said are the same. The actions that accompany the words can vary. So? So I knelt at this part in this parish but this other parish stands… does it matter in the end? So long as our hearts are raised to God and our words are the same we are still in union.

Either way, if you are so concerned about your parish not offering the Eucharist on Ash Wednesday (mine does offer Him, by the way) then perhaps you should speak to your priest instead of making assumptions on your own. He can explain it to you and help you to understand.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

You still have the Eucharist on Wednesday, just as you have the Eucharist on Monday, and Friday, or anyother day for that matter. Just because a person doesn’t see the Eucharist or taste the Eucharist does not me they do have the Eucharist. The whole universe spins like great wheel and the Eucharist is the spoke, like a giant haystack and tiny, impercieveable needle. As long as there is one man who is a priest in the world you will always have the Eucharist. Don’t be afraid or lose hope. The devil can’t do you any harm unless you intend him to harm you first. In a lonely valley somewhere in Vermont there is a handful of hermits carrying about the business of showering grace upon you. The world goes by and they notice it not. This does not mean that the world doesn’t exist. How much more we can say about the Eucharist. A tiny speck or crumb is more God than the world could ever be world.

That’s wonderful and exquisite. Have you read Pierre Teilhard de Chardin?

Oh yes… and if you think that Original Sin is a crooked idea, best examine thyself before admitting yourself to the Eucharist. Swallow your pride before you swallow God.

I thank you for the admonition, for as a sinner I know that I need constant correction and repentance. Please note that I do not think that Original Sin is a crooked idea.

I guess it’s not universal then, which is strange, because that’s what catholic means.

I think you are equivocating here. Catholic does mean “universal,” but you are using the term in such a narrow way that it ceases to be universal.

I don’t know what the situation is in your parish, but you seem to be upset by it. Prayers for you and your parish.

 

[Cristiano]

Distribution of the Ashes has nothing to do with Mass. One is a sacramental and the other is a liturgy. Saying that the two must be together is like saying that you must have a Mass every time that you are going to pray the rosary.

Quite a few parishes have the regularly scheduled daily mass and then they add extra services that are the Liturgy of the Word together with the distribution of the ashes. I think that you are quite confused in your understanding of the Mass and of the use of sacramentals.

 

[carlysrose]

perhaps you should speak to your priest instead of making assumptions on your own. He can explain it to you and help you to understand.

We don’t have communion! Is that an assumption?

I have been disappointed with my parish, yes, but my priest is so good, we learnt the new missal months before any parish in the US (from what I have understood being in forums). I had it memorized before it was even introduced to others.

 

[nickybr38]

We don’t have communion! Is that an assumption?

I have been disappointed with my parish, yes, but my priest is so good, we learnt the new missal months before any parish in the US (from what I have understood being in forums). I had it memorized before it was even introduced to others.

Good for you. Talk to your priest.

I think it’s clear you are misunderstanding something here, so speak to him so he can help you. There isn’t anything we can do for you as we aren’t part of your parish.

 

[carlysrose]

I think it’s clear you are misunderstanding something here,

Yes.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

We don’t have communion! Is that an assumption?

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, so there doesn’t have to be a Mass. It sounds like you are having a prayer service of some kind instead.

I have been disappointed with my parish, yes, but my priest is so good, we learnt the new missal months before any parish in the US (from what I have understood being in forums). I had it memorized before it was even introduced to others.

Again, prayers for you and your parish.

 

[rhiannonh]

deleted lot

 

[carlysrose]

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, so there doesn’t have to be a Mass. It sounds like you are having a prayer service of some kind instead.

Again, prayers for you and your parish.

It’s the same Mass, just ashes instead of the host.

And thanks, we need it.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

It’s the same Mass, just ashes instead of the host.

In my parish we are having several Ash Wednesday Masses, but only one Ash Wednesday Prayer Service. Perhaps your parish is having something like the prayer service?

 

[carlysrose]

In my parish we are having several Ash Wednesday Masses, but only one Ash Wednesday Prayer Service. Perhaps your parish is having something like the prayer service?

No, like I said, it is the exact same mass, just instead of taking the Eucharist when we go up, we receive the ashes and some grim statement of how our bodies are going back into the ground after a life of sin.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

No, like I said, it is the exact same mass, just instead of taking the Eucharist when we go up, we receive the ashes and some grim statement of how our bodies are going back into the ground after a life of sin.

There can be no Mass without sacrifice and consecration (for example, on Good Friday we don’t have Mass). It sounds like you are having a Prayer Service. I just got back from one of my parish’s Ash Wed Mass. We received ashes after the homily, went and sat back down, and then the Liturgy of the Eucharist began. Some folks left, but almost all stayed for Holy Communion. Later today, there will be an Ash Wed Prayer Service, which means that there will be no communion – it’ll just be for the distribution of ashes.

Some grim statement? Do you mean, “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return” – which is from Genesis. Or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel” – which is from Mark.

It really sounds like you are upset by all this. I pray that you find peace and some joy from the Psalm in today’s reading, “Give me back the joy of your salvation, sustain in me a generous spirit.”

 

[carlysrose]

It really sounds like you are upset by all this. I pray that you find peace and some joy from the Psalm in today’s reading, “Give me back the joy of your salvation, sustain in me a generous spirit.”

I have peace in my sacrificial penance. This is a good time of year, but I do find it hypocritical how people are so happy right now. Yes, it is beautiful and godly to be inspired and to want to shout that from the mountain top, but we should be the exact opposite: we are supposed to be sorry, and asking for forgiveness, “Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep.” - James 4.9. Who goes to someone who he has trespassed against, with this high energy and grin?

Those people will be singing a different tune when they realize they have been backwards, and are not righteous enough to fast for a month and a half.

And yes, I WAS very upset, but that was just a misunderstanding on my part, and I am very glad I made this thread so I know better now. I thought the universal church was not offering the host, but if I am one of the few parishes who does not, then I don’t really mind anymore.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

“Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep.” - James 4.9. Who goes to someone who he has trespassed against, with this high energy and grin?

Recall that James 1:2 also says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.”

 

[carlysrose]

Recall that James 1:2 also says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.”

I am merely quoting yesterday’s Missal reading, which is naturally the preparatory reading.