Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Why we receive the ashes?

Following the example of the Ninevites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

“Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

Lenten Resources

In 2012 the Church of Scotland General Assembly received the report of the Special Commission on the Purposes of Economic Activity – A right relationship with money.

For Lent 2014, a small writers group has produced a six-session study resource based upon this report. The group was chaired by Professor Charles Munn, who was Chair of the Special Commission.  http://www.ctbi.org.uk/649

Saints’ days in March

1 David, Bishop of Menevia, Patron of Wales, c.601

2 Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary, 672

7 Perpetua, Felicity and their Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 203

8 Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln, 1910

8 Felix, Bishop, Apostle to the East Angles, 647 8 Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, Priest, Poet, 1929

17 Patrick, Bishop, Missionary, Patron of Ireland, c.460

18 Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, Teacher of the Faith, 386

19 Joseph of Nazareth

20 Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687

21 Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Reformation Martyr,1556

24 Walter Hilton of Thurgarton, Augustinian Canon, Mystic, 1396

24 Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, Martyr, 1980

25 The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary

26 Harriet Monsell, Founder of the Community of St John the Baptist, 1883

31 John Donne, Priest, Poet, 1631