 The 22nd of February is Ash Wednesday and the Chaplaincy will be celebrating this with an ashing service at its weekly mid-week worship event in the Claire Chapel (Emmanuel Centre), starting at 1.10pm. These weekly services are always followed by lunch and fellowship. So come join us as we begin to prepare ourselves for Easter.
The Catholic Chaplaincy will also be holding a similar event for its congregations (see their website for details).
What is Ash Wednesday and an ashing service?
In the western church, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent a 40 day period in which Christians prepare for Easter and Holy Week. In many churches, this is celebrated with an 'ashing service'. This is where ashes are placed on the worshipers forehead in the shape of the cross. It is done as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned.
For more on Ash Wednesday, see this week's lent reflection.
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