The 40 days of Lent begin every year with a stark change to our normal liturgy. Ashes are rubbed on our foreheads to give us a much needed dose of humility as we begin the season of Lent. As our foreheads are marked with ashes, we hear the words “You are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19b) to remind us that our lives are fragile, that our lives will one day pass away on this Earth, and that we are not the center of the universe.

The 40 days ahead are a journey of fasting, prayer, almsgiving and seeking forgiveness for our sins. Ash Wednesday is a day to reflect on our own sinfulness and to express sorrow for it, but at the same time it is also a day to reflect on God’s goodness and love and mercy.

If you’d like help in preparing for your confession, check out our booklet here: