MERGED: Removing Ashes to avoid unwanted attention/conflict?/How long wear ashes?

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My family is protestant and I am in the process of becoming Catholic, as I have been for a year now. I did not mention that I was going to Mass during the day and getting Ashes because I didn’t want to hear a long speech telling me not to or grudgingly saying I should. Would it be wrong to remove Ashes for the sake of family harmony? Or should someone endure and unite their sufferings with Christ?
 
I would ask a priest 😊

I really don’t know what to tell you 😦
 
It’s hard to say. Every situation is unique and only you and those involved would really be able to make the best choice. With that said, if you are serious about becoming Catholic and your family is Protestant then you are going to need to be open about this with them sooner or later. So whether you start to reveal your faith to them now through the ashes or later on in some other way, you will eventually need to have a talk that might lead to some family conflict. Hopefully though, since they are your family, they will accept your choice. But remember Christ must come first in our lives, even before our loved ones as hard as that is. I hope things go well with your family whatever you choose. God bless you.
 
My family knows that I want to become Catholic. I have openly and officially been in RCIA for more than a year and the only reason I have not been received into the Church is my parents’ choice to make me wait another 3 months. I am also no longer a minor so I have made the decision to honor my father and mother while I live under their roof.
 
I have kind of a dumb question, but I am relatively new to the Catholic Church… How long do you wear the ashes you receive at the ash wedsnesday service?

Tommy
 
There is not hard and fast rule. Some priests actually tell you to go ahead a wash it off…as it is in direct contradiction to the Gospel reading about not “showing off your faith”. Others say to let them wear off naturally or until you would normally wash your face for bed.
 
Maureen1125 said:
There is not hard and fast rule. Some priests actually tell you to go ahead a wash it off…as it is in direct contradiction to the Gospel reading about not “showing off your faith”. Others say to let them wear off naturally or until you would normally wash your face for bed.
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Thank you, and God bless you…

Tommy
 
Well you could look at it this way…you could remove the ashes as in keeping with the gospel preaching: Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. BUT you have to make sure that you are doing so for the RIGHT reason and not because you are embarrased of being catholic.

Honestly, the ashes don’t last that long, so I ignore them
 
I wore my ashes at school today. My school is very secular so occasionally I hear “what’s that on your face.” Then people will ask “what are you giving up?” I don’t like answering the last question, so I say one thing that I am doing, but don’t mention everything. I went to Mass and received Ashes for the purpose of seeking Christ.

I think Christ condemned the Pharisees, because they fasted purely for show, not solely for God. None the less I still don’t feel comfortable talking about my penance, but by the grace of God my small witness to faith may lead someone to Christ. Of this sentiment is truly in our hearts, are we safe to say Christ will not be angered by wearing Ashes in public.
 
If a “situation” is going to be enflamed by the ashes, you can remove them to keep the peace.
 
Don’t hide it, as Jesus told us…

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

As long as you’re not wearing the ashes for your own glory, you’re fine.
 
Definitely before bedtime. You don’t want a mess on your pillow/sheets/etc. XD
 
Wow, what denomination is your family. I’m Lutheran and we do ashes, or at least all the Lutheran Churches I’ve been to do.

Honestly I would do what is most comfortable.

I took my daughter today, she’s 17 months, and I did wash off her ashes before her nap…mainly because I didn’t want them all over the bed. She was so cute…I couldn’t get her to realize she had ashes on her forehead, but she sure was concerned about mine. Lot’s of pointing and “Uh-Oh”
 
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