Ash Wednesday: The calm after the storm

“It’s time to remove the mask, take off the makeup and get into the season of renewal, conversion and repentance,” Father Schneller said. “We do that so we can look forward to celebrating with greater joy the Resurrection. We put on the makeup of ashes, so to speak, and talk about believing in the Gospel and trying to live that way.”
     

Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ashes – what remains after a fire – are imposed on the forehead in the sign of the cross to signify the penitential aspect of the Lenten season.

 

The ashes come from burning of blessed palm branches that were used the previous year on Palm Sunday. One of two prayers usually is offered: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return”; or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” For those who work in downtown New Orleans, here is a list of CBD churches and their Ash Wednesday schedules.
    

Non-Catholics are welcome to receive ashes during the Ash Wednesday Masses.  
    

St. Louis Cathedral will offer Masses at 12:05 p.m. and 5 p.m. Archbishop Gregory Aymond will preside at the 12:05 p.m. Mass. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available from 11:30-11:50 a.m.
  

Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Baronne St., Masses will be at 7:30 a.m., noon, 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with confessions heard from 11 a.m. to noon, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
    

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 411 N. Rampart St., will offer Masses at 7 a.m., noon, 4 and 6 p.m. Confessions will be heard at 11:30 a.m.
    

St. Joseph Church, 1802 Tulane Ave: Masses at noon and 6:30 p.m. No confessions on Ash Wednesday. 
    

St. Patrick Church, 724 Camp St., will have Masses at 7:15, 11 and 11:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Confession will be available at 6:30 and 10:30 a.m.