Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter in the Christian tradition. On this day, Christians are invited to attend a special service where ashes, often made from burned palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday, are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This act serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance, echoing the biblical phrase, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Participating in Ash Wednesday gatherings helps believers renew their faith, seek spiritual growth, and enter Lent with a heart open to transformation.
In our parish, there will be two different offerings for Ash Wednesday gatherings. The first of these will be at 11am at All Saints' during the time of our usual mid-week eucharist. This will be led by Reverend Peter Williamson and Rev Derry Boylan and is open to any and all who wish to take part.
In the evening, you are encouraged to join with Christians from across the city for an ecumenical gathering at St Patrick's Catholic Church where hundreds will come together to begin the season together. The service will include music by the Waiapu Cathedral Choir.
Amongst these options and others, you are encouraged to find some way this coming Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent not only within your own journey through the year, but with others as we see acknowledge our brothers and sisters as pilgrims and companions on our travel through life and its seasons.
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