Communities of faith may or may not choose to participate in the act of imposition. Lay and clergy leaders of communities of faith are encouraged to adapt the guidance offered to best reflects their current ministry context.Īccording to the Book of Common Prayer, the imposition of ashes is an optional practice for Ash Wednesday.

Several options are offered in order to reflect the different contexts that make up the Diocese of Missouri. Particular pastoral consideration should be made for members of communities of faith who have recently lost loved ones or who remain isolated during this time.

All pandemic precautions and limitations for gathering that are currently in place in the Diocese of Missouri must be followed. The guidance and resources provided here spring from a desire to respond pastorally to the needs of the communities of faith during a time when safely gathering for worship on Ash Wednesday is not possible. Pastoral Guidance for the Celebration of Ash Wednesday in the time of Pandemic Like those who have gone before us in faith, we are confident that we walk beside each other following the path of Jesus of Nazareth. This guidance offers opportunities for communities of faith to engage with Ash Wednesday during a time of pandemic.Īs we embark on this journey through a Holy Lent, we can be assured that we do not travel alone. While Ash Wednesday 2021 will be unlike any in living memory, we are given an opportunity to engage more deeply with our faith through the liturgical practices that shape our worship.īelow you will find pastoral guidance for the commemoration of Ash Wednesday in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. We continue to worship in the many diverse and innovative ways that reflect the context of the communities of faith that make up this diocese. While we continue to live into the reality of a global pandemic, the customary ways of “doing church” have been upended in many ways. Ash Wednesday officially begins this most solemn season where we, as followers of Jesus Christ, prepare for the celebration of Easter by walking through a Holy Lent.

In a few short weeks, the Church throughout the world will once again embark on the journey of reflection, repentance, and renewal that is a part of the season of Lent. Download this letter and pastoral guidance

Preparing ashes for imposition