Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day on which Catholics traditionally resist eating between meals (fasting) and avoid eating meat (abstaining). Many Catholics also attend Mass or have special prayer liturgies.

Lent is a forty day period preparation for Easter. It reminds us of the forty-days that Jesus spent in the wilderness before he took up his ministry. During this time he fasted and prayed. Lent is a time of self-denial and prayer for us as well. During this period, we are called to focus on becoming closer to Jesus by praying a little more, doing good deeds for others, going without something we like and giving generously to others in need. Ash Wednesday is a good time for us to think about what we can do to grow closer to Jesus over the lenten period.

Ashes Prayer

Materials:

• Small piece of paper for each person, pens/pencils
• Ribbon or strip of paper with ‘Alleluia’ written on it (use your streamers from Mardi Gras)
• Flame proof bowl
• Candle and matches

Prayer

All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Leader: Scripture says:
‘For everything, there is a season, A time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time weep and a time to laugh
A time to be sad and a time to dance
A time to speak and a time to keep silence.’
Yesterday we celebrated with with song and gladness. Today we begin our time of silence and sadness. We will not proclaim ‘Alleluia’ again until we celebrate the risen Lord at Easter.

We now place our streamers out of sight.

Leader: As we prepare for Easter, we are called to grow closer to Jesus through prayer, service to others and self-denial. Let us listen to God’s word.

Reader 1: The Lord says: Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. But do not let your hearts be broken, turn to the Lord again for he is tender and compassionate, slow to anger and ready to forgive.
The Word of the Lord  (Joel 2: 12-13)

All: Thanks be to God.

Leader: Now let us take a moment to think about how we can turn to God with all our heart this Lent.  Write on your paper, one thing that you promise to do this Lent to grow closer to Jesus.

Leader: As I call you name, come forward with your promise, light it from the candle and place it in the bowl to burn.

Reader 2: Lord God, we gather these offerings, our Lenten promises, and burn them in sacrifice to you. You, Lord, know our hearts. You call us to yourself. Help us to keep our promises faithfully throughout Lent.

Leader: Let us bless these ashes.

Lord God, bless these ashes which are a sign of our desire to grow closer to you. Forgive us for the times we have truned away from you and draw us into your love.

Final Blessing

Reader 3: We leave our sins behind us.

All: Amen

Reader 3: We turn to God with prayers and penance.

All: Amen

Reader 3: For he is kind and merciful.

All: Amen.

Leader: Let us go forth, keeping our Lenten promises, to love and serve the Lord with all our hearts.

All: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen.

Download Print Version Here

What traditions does your family have on Ash Wednesday? Have you tried this or something like this at home or in a class? Tell us in the comments below.

For more on Lent, check out:

• Fasting before Feasting
• Spiritual Spring Cleaning
• Feasting and Fasting in Marriage
• Mardi Gras Prayer
• Waste Not Stale Bread: Panzanella