Ash Who??? The 5 W's of Ash Wednesday
Who, What, When, Where, & Why of Ash Wednesday
Feb 26, 2025
Knock KnockWho's there?
AshAsh who?
God bless you!
Ash Wednesday is officially known as the Day of Ashes. It marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day season in which we spiritually prepare for Easter.
It’s a time for increased prayer (listening to God), fasting (going without), and almsgiving (helping others).
WHY do we use ashes?
Ashes are used because they symbolize repentance and death. In Lent, we focus on several things. Turning away from sin (repenting), the death of Jesus, and our own eventual death.
WHO can receive the ashes?
Catholics, as well as non-Catholics, can receive ashes. Father Edward McNamara* says, “There is no good reason to refuse anyone, and indeed, this gesture might light a spark of repentance.”
Even babies and children who have not yet been baptized can receive ashes. Father McNamara notes that this can help form them in Catholic traditions.
WHERE are the ashes placed on the body?
In the United States, it is customary to use ashes to mark the forehead with a cross. In other places, such as Italy, Spain, and parts of Latin America, the ashes are sprinkled on the head.
WHAT is said when the ashes are placed on the head?
“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Both of these call to mind the Lenten themes of death and repentance.
WHEN do you take off the ashes?
The ashes are a visible sign that we are followers of Christ and that we are starting a holy season. Many people leave them on all day. Some wash them off not long after receiving them. There are no rules about when to take them off. Pray and ask God what he would like you to do.
ASH WEDNESDAY JOKES
What did the deacon do on Ash Wednesday?
He ash-isted the priest.What do Catholics like to eat between Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday?
Lentil soupWhat do you call it when you're burned out in the middle of the week?
Ash WednesdayWhat did the priest say to the congregation on Ash Wednesday?
Dust in case you didn’t know, Lent starts today.What did the stargazer say after walking into a church overflowing with people on the first day of Lent?
This is ash-tronomical!Did you hear about the priest who dropped the bowls of ashes?
It was a dust-ash-ter!
MYSTERY POEM
Hint: The answer can be found in one of the Ash Wednesday FUN FACTS.
What am I
? ? ? ? ?
Answer key is at the end of the newsletter.
RHYMING RIDDLES
Think of synonyms for the two clues given to solve the riddle.
The answers are always two words that rhyme.Example: enormous + go without = vast fast
1. before Easter + turn from sin = ______ ______
2. ash + strong wind = ______ ______
3. Hosanna plant + Bible hymn = _____ _____
4. dark dust + facial hair = ______ ______
Answer key is at the end of the newsletter.
Closing prayer
Dear Lord,
When I humbly bow my head to receive ashes, help me remember the great love you have for me. Give me the grace to work hard at turning away from bad choices and to always say yes to your great plan for my life.
Amen.
Answers:
Rhyming Riddles: 1.Lent repent 2.dust gust 3.palm psalm 4.ash mustache
Mystery Poem: Olive
*Father Edward McNamara is a liturgy professor and theology dean at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome.
Sources:
Catholic/roman_missal/lentmass.htm#ashwednesday
Vatican Roman Curia CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP
National Catholic Register.com/9-things-to-know-and-share-about-Ash-Wednesday