St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance. We receive ashes on our foreheads to remind us of our mortality, to remind us to make good use of the time we have, and to prepare us for the celebration of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection at Easter.

"You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return. For so you did ordain when you created me, saying, 'Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.' All we go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia."

For Christians, Ash Wednesday is the start to 40 days of fasting, prayer, and works of charity. We remember Jesus' example of fleeing into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, and we acknowledge our own struggles and demons.

After the 40 days of preparation, we walk with Jesus as he turns his face to Jerusalem, and Holy Week begins...