I was raised Presbyterian by a Roman Catholic mother & Protestant father who believed that we should definitely attend Sunday School as children,  but that it was wiser to let my brother & me make our own decisions as to which faith we would eventually embrace as adults. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians & especially Catholics. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. For some Christians, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God. For all my friends & family who celebrate this day, & especially for those that don’t ~ God Bless You All! ~JGT  

WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY? Excerpted from: Catholic Online:

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.  Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.  Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” The Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God. Many Catholics believe that the wearing of ashes is a sign of penance. Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s palm Sunday Mass.

It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Feasting is highly inappropriate. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance.

It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening. Recently, movements have developed that involve pastors distributing ashes to passersby in public places. This isn’t considered taboo, but Catholics should know this practice is distinctly Protestant. Observant Catholics should always receive ashes within the context of Mass. However; Priests are allowed to deliver ashes to those who are sick or shut-in.