Prepare for Lenten season with Ash Wednesday

 Burning of  Palm

GREEN: 
Paul Bukovesky warned the local fire department earlier this week that there would be smoke billowing from the parish property at Queen of Heaven.

“I always let them know every year when we will be burning palms to make ashes for Ash Wednesday services because sometimes there is so much smoke that it may look like the place is on fire,” said Bukovesky, the parish custodian. “We have some leftover ashes from past years that can be used, but Father Dave likes fresh ashes each year.”

 Missing of the  Ash with Holy water.

 “Father Dave” — the Rev. David Durkee, the parish pastor — said he follows the tradition of asking parishioners to return to the parish the blessed palm fronds that they received on Palm Sunday of the previous year. Once those are gathered, they are bunched together loosely and set ablaze in a domed fire pit.

The Lenten season begins for millions of Christians with Ash Wednesday.

For Christians, especially Catholics, the day kicks off a solemn period of penance and reflection for 40 days, leading up to Easter Sunday, which is March 31. Normally Christians will abstain from some luxuries for those 40 days,as a sign of penitence.

Ash Wednesday is named for the tradition of placing ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross as a sign of mourning and repentance. 

                 Signing on the Ash on the fore-head.

This Lent, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraging Catholics to participate in the Sacrament of Penance. The Sacrament include four elements -- contrition, confession, satisfaction and absolution. Only a minister can provide absolution.

Orlando Catholic Diocese Bishop John Noonan has designated a special day of reconciliation on March 25. All 93 parishes and missions are planning to offer the Sacrament of Penance on this day.