imposition of ashes ash wednesday forehead

That said, I do believe the imposition of ashes to be a good and right thing to do.

Therefore, I do not judge those who abstain from the practice any more than I do those who practice it. The practice is not commanded in scripture, and it is not something that I consider to be essential to the life of the church. Let me first say that I resonate with the idea of not offering ashes on Wednesday. So, why even make ashes an option? Here, briefly, are the reasons. It's not required that a worshipper wear ashes for the rest of the day, although some Christians choose to do so.Today is Ash Wednesday, and as many Christians of the Protestant formerly “low church” persuasion are reacquiring some of the good and ancient practices of the church, one question in particular comes to the front: to ash or not to ash? That is, while many of us are finding great spiritual value in keeping Lent, we are also wondering, what about the whole ashes on the forehead thing? Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.' Prior to the pandemic, on Ash Wednesday, a minister would mark a cross on the forehead of each recipient, saying the words: 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Ministers may wish to encourage the imposition of ash within households, especially if public worship is not taking place,' the guidance added. 'The imposition of ash in places other than the church or churchyard is not recommended. The Church of England added that if ash is produced locally, it should be done in a hygienic manner and as the ash will be sprinkled and not daubed, the addition of oil 'may not be necessary.' The temptation should be resisted to use a single use implement to apply ash to the forehead,' the guidance continued. 'If the minister accidentally touches the recipient, they must sanitize hands again. Wearing a face mask, the minister should then sprinkle the ashes on each person's head, without touching them or speaking any words. New guidance stated that in churches, choosing to remain open for public worship, the minister involved should stand at arm's length from the recipient and sanitize their hands immediately before the imposition of ashes begins. The Church of England has said imposition of ashes will be permitted during Ash Wednesday but not in the traditional way.

Imposition of ashes ash wednesday forehead