Ash Wednesday is the day everyone knows as having dirt on your forehead, but there is a way deeper meaning. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, but that still doesn’t explain the reasoning for the “dirt” crosses on your forehead.

Those crosses are ashes, not dirt. They come from the palm leaves from Palm Sunday of the year prior. The ashes represent repentance, they show that we, as people, know we have made mistakes and that we are not perfect. Lent is a forty day time period for us to focus on bettering ourselves. We are preparing for Jesus’ resurrection.

This year, we will have the option to receive ashes at school. Every class will head to the chapel for a fifteen minute ceremony during different periods. The seniors will head to the chapel during 5th period. The juniors will head to the chapel during 6th period. The sophomores will head to the chapel during 7th period, and the freshmen will head to the chapel during 8th period. This will take place on Wednesday, February 18th.

That means you have a week to decide what you are going to give up during this Lent season. Try to find something that might be a challenge for you but will strengthen your relationship with God. It does not always have to be about giving something up, you can always add something into your life. For example, you could try your best to pray the rosary, or read the Bible every day.

Just remember to really focus on your relationship with God, and try to make it stronger!