Mass times for Ash Wednesday:
12:00 noon
7:00 pm
Ash Wednesday, which begins the liturgical season of Lent, is one of two days prescribed by the Church for fasting and abstinence (the other being Good Friday). By fasting and abstaining from meat, we show reverence for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sake and we show repentance for our sins. We deny ourselves in a small way, just as Jesus denied himself in a great way by giving up his life for our salvation. During the Ash Wednesday Mass, we receive ashes in the shape of a cross on our foreheads, while the priest speaks the words, "Remember you are dust and to dust you will return" or "Repent and believe in the gospel."
FASTING: All Catholics aged 18–59 are obliged to fast. One full meal may be taken, as well as up to two smaller meals which combined do not equal that of a full meal. Note that those who are suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, women who are pregnant or nursing, and those who are sick are exempt from fasting. In all cases common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.
ABSTINENCE: All Catholics aged 14 and up are obligated to refrain from eating meat.
All Fridays in Lent are also days of ABSTINENCE from eating meat, but fasting is not required.