Question about Ash Wednesday

[Student09]

I know it’s still more than a month away, but the deacon at RCIA a few days ago was talking about Ash Wednesday and I wanted to ask him, but didn’t get the chance - as a catechumen, am I allowed/supposed to receive the ashes on my forehead on Ash Wednesday? Or does one have to be a baptized Catholic? Thanks.

 

[puzzleannie]

I know it’s still more than a month away, but the deacon at RCIA a few days ago was talking about Ash Wednesday and I wanted to ask him, but didn’t get the chance - as a catechumen, am I allowed/supposed to receive the ashes on my forehead on Ash Wednesday? Or does one have to be a baptized Catholic? Thanks.

yes in fact this and the other penitential practices of Lent were originally part of the catechumen’s preparation, and later extended to the whole church. In the early church you might have lived in the bishop’s house with the other catechumens to receive daily instruction from him, and walk around in sackcloth and ashes all during Lent.

 

[revert_jen]

I’m not 100% sure you even have to intend to become Catholic to receve the ashes. Repentance is open to all. Anyway, the blessed ashes are a sacramental, not a sacrament. And it is certainly OK for catechumens to receive them, as puzzleannie said.

–Jen

 

[mswood]

From what I was told by my priest any baptized Christian may receive ashes not just Catholics, also Catechumens are also suppose to receive ashes (even though they are not yet baptized, this is part of the process).

 

[1believer1]

yes in fact this and the other penitential practices of Lent were originally part of the catechumen’s preparation, and later extended to the whole church. In the early church you might have lived in the bishop’s house with the other catechumens to receive daily instruction from him, and walk around in sackcloth and ashes all during Lent.

One thing that I have seen is that ( someone correct me if I am wrong ) Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation it is one of the few times where the church is full. This includes people that are not Catholics, yes it is true that some Protestants will receive ashes in a Catholic Church. Spend some time in study and understand what Ash Wednesday really represents. Peace and blessings upon you.

 

[Student09]

Thank you. Well, I thought it seemed like it would be appropriate … as I am certainly in great need of penance. I am very glad that Lent is coming.

 

[LindaSK]

Thank you. Well, I thought it seemed like it would be appropriate … as I am certainly in great need of penance. I am very glad that Lent is coming.

Aren’t we all! And, yes, you will probably find a full church. It surprised me even though my priest told me to expect it.

Welcome Home! This is an exciting time for you. Three years ago, I was where you are. I counted down the weeks, then the days until Easter Vigil!!

God bless

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I know it’s still more than a month away, but the deacon at RCIA a few days ago was talking about Ash Wednesday and I wanted to ask him, but didn’t get the chance - as a catechumen, am I allowed/supposed to receive the ashes on my forehead on Ash Wednesday? Or does one have to be a baptized Catholic? Thanks.

As a Catechumen you can participate and receive this sacramental and the Actual Grace associated with it.

 

[LindaSK]

As a Catechumen you can participate and receive this sacramental and the Actual Grace associated with it.

Br. Rich,
Could you please explain this? I understand the penitential nature of Ash Wednesday, and ashes as a reminder of our mortality. I have seen Protestants come in to receive ashes. We also have several Protestant churches that distribute ashes. Is this Grace given to all? Is there anyone who should NOT receive ashes - too young, etc.? This is still relatively new to me, too. Where we lived before moving here, I only ever saw Catholics wear ashes. The Protestant churches I was involved with there held Ash Wed. services as the beginning of Lent, but did not distribute ashes.

Thanks!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Br. Rich,
Could you please explain this? I understand the penitential nature of Ash Wednesday, and ashes as a reminder of our mortality. I have seen Protestants come in to receive ashes. We also have several Protestant churches that distribute ashes. Is this Grace given to all? Is there anyone who should NOT receive ashes - too young, etc.? This is still relatively new to me, too. Where we lived before moving here, I only ever saw Catholics wear ashes. The Protestant churches I was involved with there held Ash Wed. services as the beginning of Lent, but did not distribute ashes.

Thanks!

Actual Grace is received through sacramentals. This grace can be received by all, even those not Baptized, and helps us turn towards God and respond to His seeking us. The Grace is associated with the Sacramental, the Blessed ashes, I would tend to say that ashes “blessed” by a protestant minister do not carry the necessary Blessing. Just as a Lay Minister may when necessary distribute ashes, say to shut-ins or those in the nursing homes, they cannot Bless them themselves. They must be Blessed by a priest, I do not believe a Deacon can Bless ashes. (I will stand to be corrected on this) The Actual Grace is received by all properly disposed (open) to the Grace. A validly Baptized infant or child under the Age of Reason is in a state of perfect Sanctifying Grace, It does no harm for them to receive ashes.

 

[tinalewis]

On the east coast Jews reverently attend on Ash Wednesday and receive ashes!

 

[Mintaka]

Well, there’s all that stuff about sackcloth and ashes in the OT, so I guess Jews can go put ashes on their heads if they want.

Really, it’s sad that this society of ours has so little tolerance for people who want to repent and change their ways. But that’s probably why so many non-Catholics come to an event where that’s not just tolerated, but accepted as normal and praiseworthy behavior.

Where sin abounds, grace abounds too.