February 17th marks the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Please plan to join us at St. Joan of Arc for the distribution of ashes at the following Mass times:

  8:15 am (Reconciliation 7:30 – 8:00 am and 9:00 – 10:00 am)
12:10 pm
  5:30 pm
  7:30 pm

“Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.” The traditional rite of the imposition of ashes, repeated today, is always very eloquent and the words that accompany it are very indicative. In its simplicity, it evokes the transience of earthly life: Everything passes and is destined to die. We are sojourners in this world. Sojourners who must not forget their true and final end: heaven. If, in fact, we are dust and destined to become dust, this, however, does not put an end to everything. Man, created in the image and likeness of God, is for eternal life. Jesus, dying on the cross, has unlocked the access to it for every human being.

 The entire liturgy of Ash Wednesday helps us to focus on this fundamental truth of faith, and stimulates us to undertake a decisive journey of personal renewal. We must change our way of thinking and acting, fixing our eyes on the face of the crucified Christ and making his Gospel our daily rule of life. “Be converted and believe in the Gospel”: May this be our Lenten program, while we enter an atmosphere of prayerful listening to the Spirit.”  – Pope John Paul II – General Audience. Vatican City. Ash Wednesday – February 28, 2001