What is Ash Wednesday?

• The 1st day of the penitential season of Lent

• A day of fasting (1 meal + 2 snacks), prayer, almsgiving (charity)

• A symbol of penance

• An expression of remorse for our sins

• Ashes are “dirty” to humble us; reminding us that however proud we may be of ourselves, our achievements, & our possessions, in the end we are dirt and to dirt we shall return (Gen 3:19-“By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”)

• Having dirty faces reminds us that sin stains us, & we need to be cleansed through God’s grace.