Please join All Saints East Dallas for Ash Wednesday Services: 7 p.m. Childcare provided up to age 5.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter. Ash Wednesday takes its name from the ancient custom of placing ashes on the heads of worshippers to signify penitence.

On Ash Wednesday ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water and imposed on the head with the sign of the cross or sprinkled on the forehead. When the priest imposes the ashes he says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (see Genesis 3:19), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15).

The ashes serve a dual purpose. First we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility.

Read more about Ash Wednesday here.