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Ash Wednesday takes its name from the ashes used as early as the 3rd century to publicly signify contrition. With roots in the ancient Jewish festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, it is a day to honestly face one’s self – to be one with God, our neighbor, all of creation and ourselves. It began to be observed in the 7th century as a time for disciplining penitents. By the 11th century, Christians had come to recognize the universal need for self-examination and repentance. Believers began to be blessed with ashes on their foreheads as they began their Lenten fast as a reminder that we are dust, and to dust we return.
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Online Lenten Resources for Families:Family Faith for Lent
(from 2017 but ideas apply for any Lenten season) Simple Family Lent Ideas Children's Books for Lent |
A webinar St. Paul's co-hosted: |