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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent.
It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on
Easter Day, through which we attain redemption.
The Ash Wednesday Service at Hope Presbyterian Church is Wednesday, February
21, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Why we receive the ashes
Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked
with ashes to humble our hearts and remind us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told
"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."
Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit
of humility and sacrifice.
The Ashes
The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the
previous year. The ashes are a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant
hearts. His divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church
calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.
Material borrowed from: The Season of Lent - Catholic Online
http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ashwed.php
If you have questions about the
ministries of the church, please contact
Senior Pastor Fred Morgan at 512-258-9117 x 13.
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