Ash Wednesday is this week

submitted by St. Mary Church, Manchester 

This week, Wednesday, Feb. 26 is known as Ash Wednesday because of the long tradition of beginning Lent by having ashes imposed on the forehead in the sign of the cross. It is not at all uncommon to see your friends and neighbors that day with dark smudges of ash on their foreheads.

All Manchester friends and neighbors are invited to come that day to one of the three Masses at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 W. Main Street in the Village of Manchester. Receive this sign of the ages with the reminder: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”

There is a Mass at sunrise, 7:00 am, to accommodate those with work, school or other daytime commitments. There are also Masses at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm. During each of those Masses, all are invited to come forward to have ashes imposed on their forehead.

Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, sacrifice, and charity in preparation for the great feast of Easter! Ash Wednesday is the visual beginning. Please feel welcome to take part in this traditional ritual by attending one of the three Masses at St. Mary’s. If you have any questions, please call Fr. Bosco or the Parish office at 734-428-8811.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.