It offers a brief historical and theological account of Ash Wednesday rich with homiletical possibilities for its observance as well as a provocative suggestion for the imposition of Ashes, especially for those who can gather with appropriate masking, or for those who are able to “gather” only online. Neil Alexander shared in this separate Building Faith post. First, I commend to you a fine reflection by The Rt.Regardless of the method chosen the Officiant should stress adherence to COVID safety protocols especially the wearing of masks and social distancing throughout the entire service.Here we go again, folks: figuring out how to keep the holy days if we are in a place where the pandemic has prevented us from meeting. We are all just making our way through this as best we can. With these guiding principles in mind here are three suggestions:ġ) Many Christians have decided to avoid physical contact while reverting to a very ancient practice of sprinkling ashes on the top of worshippers’ heads as our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church are doing.Ģ) The use of a q-tip, makeup wedge, or other similar object (a new one for each person) in the hand of the Officiant in order to place the traditional sign of the cross on the forehead of worshippers.ģ) Understanding that the Ash Wednesday rubrics allow the service to be led by a lay person (BCP, 269), the Officiant makes ashes available in small containers for self-imposition by individuals or families. ⦁ The need for honoring our COVID safety protocols ⦁ Maintaining the meaning and reverence of the ritual Two guiding principles have gone into this discussion:

Many clergy have asked for ideas for the imposition of ashes.

The imposition of Ashes during the Ash Wednesday service is a cherished part of our Ash Wednesday liturgy as a profound sign of our repentance at the beginning of Lent.

Episcopal imposition of ashes