What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday this year is on February 26, 2020. Just in time for Ash Wednesday, Fr. Mike Schmitz brings some thoughtful insight as to how we celebrate Ash Wednesday and why it's not a Holy Day. Father Mike Schmitz is a priest for the Diocese of Duluth, MN where he is Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He also currently runs the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, hosts a podcast, and shares Catholic insights for Ascension Presents.
Service on Ash Wednesday at Holy Cross
7:45 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
5:30 PM Mass
12:00 PM Liturgical Service (includes Liturgy of the Word & Homily)
Soup Supper following 5:30 PM Mass
Following the 5:30 pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, join us as we break fast as a family with a simple and delicious soup and homemade bread meal. We’ve even got spaghetti-o’s for the little guys. To help support our food ministry for the poor, we’re asking for a $5 per person donation. Children under 8 are free.
FAQs About Ash Wednesday
How does Mass begin?
It begins with the Sign of the Cross, the Greeting (“The Lord be with you.”), “Let us pray,” and the Collect. The Penitential Act is omitted.
When are ashes blessed and distributed?
After the Homily.
Who may distribute ashes?
A priest or deacon is the ordinary minister. Others (e.g., extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion) may assist when there is a genuine need.
May ashes be blessed and distributed outside of Mass?
Yes. After the Entrance Antiphon, Collect, readings, and Homily. The rite ends with the Universal Prayer, the Blessing, and the Dismissal of the Faithful. See the Book of Blessings, 1656-1678.
What is to be said during the distribution of ashes?
“Repent and believe in the Gospel.” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”