Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, this year on Feb. 18.  At the Mass for that day, we receive ashes on our foreheads. In Jesus’ time, those who were grieving, or who were expressing sorrow or regret, would put ashes on their heads as an outer expression of their inner sadness. We are reminded by the minister who gives us the ashes, “Remember, you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” As morbid as that might sound, it is a reminder that this body will one day pass away, but that we have an immortal soul that will go on and on. Therefore, we should take care of our soul with all of the concern and attention as we do our bodies.
   
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence. All Catholics over the age of 14 are to abstain from meat that day, and those 14 to 59, fast that day, eating one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal.

Mass times on Ash Wednesday are at 12:05 pm and 6:30 pm.