Faith/Mission /Prayer

Lenten Weekday (First Week of Lent), the Catholic liturgy focuses on repentance and righteousness, featuring readings from Ezekiel 18:21-28 and Matthew 5:20-26. The theme emphasizes turning away from wickedness to live, adhering to God's laws, and reconciling with others before offering worship. 

"Almighty and Everlasting God, You have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man and giving His life on the Cross. Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering. And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen"

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten season for Catholics, acting as a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and repentance before Easter. 

At Ash Wednesday Mass the ashes on the forehead, symbolize our mortality and a commitment to spiritual renewal. The ashes are made from burning the palms from last year's Palm Sunday. Traditionally the ashes are applied in a cross on the forehead with the words from Scripture, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," or "Repent and believe in the Gospel". Ashes represent humility, repentance, and recognition that as humans we are fragile, and this emphasises the need for God.