Can anyone get ashes on Ash Wednesday?

Answer 1

Of course, Ashes are a sacramental used to remind the faithful of death and the necessity of penance and contrition. The use of ashes, expressing humiliation and sorrow, was common in ancient religions and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The Church has used them for centuries for public penitents, and for Ash Wednesday and Lent in particular. The use on Ash Wednesday is about the only use that most people in the modern world know of.

Answer 2

You can but it is best to go to a Catholic Church.

Catholic Answer

For a good and specific reason (such as a funeral for someone that you know well), a Catholic may attend a protestant Church (Episcopal is one of the many branches of protestants) but they may not participate in the service in any meaningful way. Although ashes are just a symbol, receiving them in a protestant church would, in my opinion, be participating in a meaningful way, and thus not permitted.

Answer 3

The ashes are sacramentals, not sacraments, as such they are not limited to Catholics. Anyone who believes they are useful and wishes to receive the ashes may do so.

Answer 4

you should use the ash only on ash wednesday.

Answer 5

Yes, anyone of any age can.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

amen