Ash Wednesday February 21st, 2007

9:30 am - Mass

12:00 noon - Scripture Service

7:00 pm – Mass

Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday

The practice of making the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads every Ash Wednesday has evolved over many hundreds of years in the Catholic tradition. More commonly before the Second Vatican Council, the priest placed ashes on the forehead while saying these words: “Remember man, that thou art dust, and into dust thou shalt return”. These words grew out of a medieval practice in which ashes were primarily a reminder of our death and mortality. Since Vatican II, these words are more commonly heard: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel”. We remember that by these words, we are baptized people on a journey, and that “smudge” on our foreheads publicly proclaims our identity to others also.

The PUBLIC aspect of the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday is very important in the Catholic Church. It is not to be done privately, or self-imposed, as was allowed in years past. Ashes on our foreheads is a public sing of our penitence and our Catholic Christian beliefs. We embark on the 40-day journey of Lent, looking forward to the great promise of Easter and Resurrection.

This year on Ash Wednesday at St. Paul of Tarsus, people will have three opportunities to receive ashes on their foreheads: at the 9:30 am Mass, 12:00 noon Scripture Service, and 7:00 pm Mass. Please note that although ashes will not be available for self-imposition during the day, our Church will be open all day for those who want to spend some time with Our Lord in private prayer.

Location:

St. Paul of Tarsus Parish Hall

41300 Romeo Plank Rd.

(across the street from the Clinton-Macomb Library)

Clinton Township, MI 48038

(586) 228-1210  http://www.stpauloftarsus.com/