Area Churches Plan Ash Wednesday Rites

By Shannon Seyler

Several area churches will be observing Ash Wednesday services this week.

Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent, and is traditionally a solemn time of reflection for Christians. It is the begining of the Lenten season of prayer and fasting. Lent has roots in both the Old and New Testaments, recalling both the 40-day period during which Christ was tempted while fasting and praying in the desert, in addition to Moses' repentance for 40 days following the Israelites' creation of the golden calf idol. Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday, but many do, and that includes several churches in Washington and Holmes Counties.

The ashes used during these services are derived from the burning of palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday. According to an article from the American Catholic website (http://www.americancatholic.org), the practice of using ashes made from leftover palms has been known since at least the 12th Century. The ashes are traced, often in the shape of a cross, across parishioners' foreheads. The ashes serve as both as a symbol of penance and a sign of one's mortality, reminding worshipers that they came from dust, and to dust they shall return. In ancient times, ashes were used as a sign of repentance and mourning. There are several instances of Biblical prophets urging people to repent by covering themselves in ashes. Remnants of that tradition can still be seen today during Ash Wednesday services. Pentiential readings from the Psalms may be read during services. Traditionally, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting, prayer and meditation. 

People commemorate Ash Wednesday in different ways. Says Rev. Ward S. Clarke, Jr., the vicar of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Chipley, it's not only a good time for solitary inner reflection, but to come together as a Christian community. "Especially during Lent, we come to realize that we're far from being perfect, and it can be important to rely upon one's spiritual community. It can be helpful to share our experiences. It's a very good time to pray and read Scripture together." In some historical Christian congregations, Lent was very much a community affair. It was a time when Christians joined together as a group to pray and fast on behalf of new converts, who were often brought into the church at Easter Vigil. Easter Vigil, the day before Easter Sunday, is still a popular time for conversions and baptisms in some Christian denominations.

Many people prepare for Ash Wednesday and Lent by confessing their sins, reading appropriate Biblical passages, performing acts of charity, or giving up something for Lent as a spiritual exercise. Contrast that with the joyous exuberance of Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day. The lavish excitement of Mardi Gras fades into the austerity of Ash Wednesday and Lent, only to eventually be replaced by the happiness of Easter. In this way, the church calendar becomes reminiscent of the cycles of life itself, where joy and sorrow often meet face-to-face in the most unexpected ways.

Because Ash Wednesday is one of the church holidays designated as a "moveable feast", the date changes each year. This year, it will be observed on February 22. A number of area churches will be having services, including the following: 

St. Joseph the Worker, Chipley, 5:30 p.m.

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Chipley: 12:15 and 7:30

Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish, Bonifay: 5:30

First United Methodist Church, Chipley: 6:00 with music from the Children's Choir

For service times at other area churches, please contact the church directly.