DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES IN 2021

• During normal times, most Churches of the English-speaking world distribute ashes with the sign of the cross on the forehead.  Catholics in many other countries around the world are more familiar with the ancient practice of sprinkling  ashes over the head. 

• This year, in order to safely distribute ashes, we won’t receive ashes in the way we normally do in America (the ashes being used to make a sign of the cross on the forehead of the penitent).  Rather, we will bow our heads and the ashes will be sprinkled on the crown of each of our heads.  
  
  Learn more about the orgin and meaning of ashes here.