About Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Catholics attending mass on this day have their foreheads marked with ashes as a sign of repentance.
Mass Readings for Ash Wednesday:
- First reading: Joel 2:12-18 – “return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning”
- Responsorial psalm: Psalm 51 – “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”
- Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 – “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”
- Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 – “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them”
Other Resources
- Fasting and Abstinence information for Catholics (from the USCCB)
- Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
- The Ignatian Workout for Lent: 40 Days of Prayer, Reflection, and Action
- Surrender All: A Retreat through the Stations of the Cross
Top ideas for Ash Wednesday
Lent in 3 Minutes (Video)
This brief video from Busted Halo answers some basic questions about Lent: What is Lent? What is Ash Wednesday? Why do people have ashes on their heads? Why fast, pray, and give during Lent?
Where Is Lent in the Bible?
This video explains the origins of Lent – a time of preparation, and testing, and training. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert preparing for his ministry, we spend 40 days engaging in battle.
The Significance of Ash Wednesday
In this video, Fr. Mike talks about the significance of Ash Wednesday. What do the ashes mean? We understand we have reached a low point and are in need of redemption. But the ashes go beyond shame.
Lent Dice
Lent dice is a way to choose what activity to do each day for Lent. You roll two dice. One die will indicate what you will do that day and the other will indicate your intention, whom you are doing…
Ash Wednesday is full of joy…
“Ash Wednesday is full of joy…The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves we are anything but dust.” – Thomas Merton
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish…
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked…
Lenten Practices: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Lent is a time of penance. It is a time when we reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. Catholics have three main practices during Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. All Catholics, young and old, can participate…
Lent and Triduum Cryptogram Puzzle
This printable cryptogram is a fun way to introduce youth to the vocabulary for Lent and Triduum. Each word is encrypted and definitions are given. Youth must consider the definition and then decrypt the word.
Is Lent Like March Madness?
This article from Busted Halo describes how Lent can be a little bit like March Madness. We make our brackets and fill them in. ” Lent isn’t basketball though. ” This article may resonate with your youth and encourage them…