Flocknote

"Ash Wednesday is Not About Ashes"

Ash Wednesday, February 18, marks the beginning of the Season of Lent, but its meaning goes far beyond the simple act of receiving ashes on the forehead. While the ashes are a powerful symbol, Ash Wednesday is not about the ashes themselves, but about the interior conversion they represent. The day calls us to repentance, humility, and a renewed commitment to God.

The ashes, made from the burned palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, are placed on the forehead with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words reveal the true focus of the day. Ash Wednesday reminds us of the reality of human frailty, mortality, and dependence on God. It is a moment of truth, confronting the illusion of self-sufficiency and inviting the faithful to acknowledge their need for God’s mercy.

However, simply wearing ashes without a change of heart misses the purpose of the day. Ash Wednesday is not a ritual for outward display but a call to inward transformation. The prophet Joel urges, “Rend your hearts, not your garments.” This Scripture emphasizes that God desires sincere repentance rather than external signs alone. The ashes are meant to prompt reflection, humility, and a genuine turning away from sin.

Ash Wednesday also sets the tone for the entire Lenten journey. It invites us to begin a forty-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with intention and sincerity. It is a call to examine one’s life, relationships, and priorities, and to realign them with the Gospel. The day challenges us to live Lent not as a temporary ritual but as a season of spiritual renewal that leads to lasting change.

Ultimately, Ash Wednesday is about conversion, not cosmetics; repentance, not performance; and transformation, not tradition alone. The ashes will eventually fade from the forehead, but the commitment to repentance and renewal should remain. When embraced with faith and humility, Ash Wednesday becomes a powerful invitation to begin again, walking more closely with God on the journey toward Easter.

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Our 2025 Parish Financial Disclosure and Annual Report can be downloaded HERE. Printed copies will be included in Sunday's bulletin, and available at the back of the Church. We encourage everyone to review it at your convenience.

Thank you to every member of our parish family for your love, generosity, and ongoing sacrifice. Your commitment helps make our church a welcoming home for worship, prayer, and fellowship.

--Father Augustine Joseph

Friday, February 13:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
Saturday, February 14:
St. Valentine's Day
- Private baptism 10:00 a.m. (Church)
- Reconciliation 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Anchor & Vine Ministry 4:30 p.m. (Pope/Benedict)
- Ministry Sign-Ups 4:45 - 6:15 p.m. (Plaza)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, February 15:
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Ministry Sign-Ups 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Plaza)
- Family Mass with CLW 9:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- OCIC/T Class with Deacon Dave 2:00 p.m. (Ignatius)
Monday, February 16:
President's Day
Parish Office Closed
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
Tuesday, February 17:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- A&E Change: Ash Wednesday/Lent Change 9:45 a.m. (Church)
- Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Prime Time Lunch Bunch 12:00 p.m. (Hall)
Wednesday, February 18:
Ash Wednesday
Rice Bowl Distribution
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- SET Meeting 10:15 a.m. (Oscar)
- Mass 12:00 p.m. (Church)
- Family Mass 4:00 (Church)
- Soup & Grilled Cheese Dinner (Hosted by Men of Faith)
5:00 - 6:45 p.m. (Hall)
- Lenten Collection #1 - Elizabeth House, Oakland 6:45 p.m.
- New Testament Bible Study Group (off-site) 6:45 p.m.
- Mass with Music 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Thursday, February 19:
LA RECongress
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- WINGS - Lenten Reflection with Mary Fair 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Church Safety Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Family Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Hall)