What is the proper wording for Ash Wednesday?

[awsiukiewicz]

I am accustomed to the words “Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shall return” being said when ashes are placed on my head…at my Parish today the woman adminstering the ashes said “repent and return to the Gospel” …is this o.k…can the Pastor just arbitrarily change the words.?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

There are two options given by the Church.

From the Roman Missal:

Then the Priest places ashes on the head of all those present who come to him, and says to each one:

Repent, and believe in the Gospel.

Or:

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.