Actually, Ash Wednesday is not a Holy day of obligation, which means that you are not required to celebrate Mass on that day. However, Catholics are highly encouraged to do so. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of penance and spiritual exercise meant to bring us closer to God in preparation for His resurrection. The ashes on our foreheads are reminders of our mortality (a result of our fallen nature) and the need to repent for our sins to be closer to God through prayer and self-denial.
Though Catholics are not required to attend Mass, we are required to fast (only one full meal per day for those aged 18-60) and abstain (from meat, for those aged 14+) on this day and on every Friday of Lent. Additional sacrifices may also be practiced.
Have a blessed Lenten season!
- Kai
