Ash Wednesday Mass

Join Cardinal Gregory in celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass, streamed live from the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

Looking for an Ash Wednesday Mass near you? Use our parish finder tool to locate your nearest parish!

Ash Wednesday Begins 40 Days of Penitential Lenten Season

On February 14, the Catholic Church will begin the holy season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Catholics around the world will fast and receive ashes as a symbol of mourning and conversion.

Lent is the 40-day penitential period before the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead at Easter. People of all faiths are invited but not obliged to receive ashes, made from the palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday Mass, as a reminder of our need for mercy and forgiveness.

Experience the healing mercy and love of God this season through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Archdiocese of Washington, in partnership with the Diocese of Arlington, presents The Light is On, an initiative where Catholic churches across the DC metro area will be open for quiet prayer and confessions throughout Lent.