Receiving Ashes

[Onthefly]

Hi,

I’m a recent revert and it’s been awhile since I attended mass on Ash Wednesday. I am wondering what is the proper response after receiving the ashes and is communion dispersed at the same time?

Thanks and God Bless,
Onthefly

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Onthefly:

Hi,

I’m a recent revert and it’s been awhile since I attended mass on Ash Wednesday. I am wondering what is the proper response after receiving the ashes and is communion dispersed at the same time?

Thanks and God Bless,
Onthefly

Imposition of the ashes usually takes place after the homily. If this is within Mass the Liturgy of the Eucharist follows as usual. Usually no response is required from the person receiving the ashes.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

After the homily is the usual time, however, some priests may have it at the end of Mass. Due to the volume of people coming to receive this Sacramental, the Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word is held at different times and Mass is not said more than once or twice. We have only one priest, so there is 1 Mass in the morning and 2 Liturgy of the Word and receiving of Ashes services in the evening. (One in English and one in Spanish) In a larger city close by, they give out Ashes about every 2 hours, all day long.

Have a Holy Lent,
Deacon Tony

 

[pazdziernik]

I think that the proper response should be to wear them proudly all day long! Be humble and on your best behaviour, of course. Go to an early morning mass on Ash Wednesday. Use this as an opportunity to evangelize and explain to others that Lent begins tomorrow. (Ash Wednesday is not technically part of Lent.) Heck, start with a Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) celebration the day before as well as a remote preparation.