Have you noticed anyone with ash on their forehead today? Maybe you’ve been to Mass yourself to get your ashes?
To mark the start of Lent both of our nursing homes, St Catherine’s in Newcastle and Holy Cross in Sunderland, held the traditional Ash Wednesday service in their chapels, giving residents the opportunity to receive their ashes.
The ashes are actually produced by burning the palm crosses made for Palm Sunday the previous year and the cross on the foreheads of churchgoers symbolises repentance for sin.
Mainly a Catholic feast, Lent and Ash Wednesday are also celebrated by a number of Protestant denominations. St Catherine’s and Holy Cross, though founded in the Catholic faith, are home to people of all denominations and none, so everyone was welcome at the Masses.
As well as the familiar idea of “giving something up for Lent”, many people choose this time to do something more positive, such as volunteering for a charity. St Cuthbert’s Care is always happy to hear from anyone who is interested in giving some of their time to help with our work. If you would like to find out about our volunteering opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Nicola Milne on 0191 228 0111 or email enquiries@stcuthbertscare.org.uk