Help explain the meaning of ashes to an 8 year old

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StBenMom

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Hey y’all,

I was hoping someone could help me explain, to an 8 year old, the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the meaning of the ashes. We will be going to the 9 am Mass before the girls go to school. They go to public school. I want her to be able to answer any questions that might come up from her classmates, etc. Don’t get me wrong… I know what/why etc. but my husband and children are not cradle Catholics like me. I want to find language suitable for the mind of a child to grasp. Our priest is a very busy man so I thought I would try here first. Thanks!!

Peace be with you!
 
The ashes remind us that our bodies will die someday and be returned to the earth (buried). (“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”) To some people this might be frightening, but we also remember that our souls live forever, and if we love and serve God, we will live with Him in heaven and be happy forever. So the ashes also remind us to turn away from sin. This is the first day of Lent, a season when we repent of our sins and remember that Jesus died on the Cross to save us. The ashes in the form of a cross remind us of His sacrifice.
 
Thank you so much!! Sometimes I tend to get “all caught up” in the CCC, etc. and forget that I need to word it so they will grasp the meaning. I never realized how much I rely on our parish catechists, priest, etc. when it came to faith formation. They are all so good with the kids. I really, truly appreciate the time you took to answer my question. Thanks! Anyone have a similar situation and solution that worked for them??

Peace!

P.S. PhilotheaZ: I sent you a PM. I am truly grateful!
 
StBenMom said:
Hey y’all,

I was hoping someone could help me explain, to an 8 year old, the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the meaning of the ashes. We will be going to the 9 am Mass before the girls go to school. They go to public school. I want her to be able to answer any questions that might come up from her classmates, etc. Don’t get me wrong… I know what/why etc. but my husband and children are not cradle Catholics like me. I want to find language suitable for the mind of a child to grasp. Our priest is a very busy man so I thought I would try here first. Thanks!!

Peace be with you!
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The ashes also remind us of the need for penance, because we dirty our souls by sin, but that dirt of sin can be washed away by Repentance and Reconciliation.
 
Remind your child of the Bible passages where people showed repentance through sackcloth and ashes. Perhaps a read of Johah and the repentance of the people of Ninevah.
 
Thanks Bro. Rich!! I really appreciate all the help from everyone! Each piece of advice here adds a little jewel to my treasure box! Thank you so very much! This may sound rediculous but here goes… I have received sacraments, gone to Mass, prayed the Rosary, etc. for so long in my life that I am afraid I have lost the meaning of some of them. I don’t mean that I am a robot who just “functions Catholic-ly” but that these things are almost like a “habit”… something I do without question or thinking…like putting up a tree at Christmas. We do it every year, without fail, because it’s our tradition. So are the ashes, the Eucharist, Mass, etc. I believe every word of the Creed with all my heart, but sometimes, being human, I fail to see the meaning behind it all sometimes. Frankly, I was at a loss for words when my daughter asked me about the ashes. It was just hard to translate my words and meaning to her in a way she would understand it. I am grateful to all of you for your time. It is my mission to raise two, VERY Roman Catholic children and I could not do it without the help of the Church(all of you!!)
May the blessings and peace of Jesus be with you always!

Thanks!
 
I would also add that Catholics many years ago used to cover themselves in ashes as a public way to tell others they have done something wrong and desire God’s forgiveness. We place ashes on our forehead to remind ourselves that sometimes we sin (maybe “do things we know are wrong” would be more understandable for an 8 year old) and need God’s forgiveness. And God provides us His forgiveness because He loves us so much.
 
You guys have been so helpful. For the life of me, I just couldn’t grasp a thought that would translate well to my child. A parental “deer stuck in headlights” moment. I am grateful for your help. Thanks!!!

Peace!
 
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