This is the first day of Lent when we would traditionally go to church to receive ashes which are an outward sign of our inward commitment ... a reminder in the words the priest says ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’.
Or: ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’.
For a range of practical ideas for how we might take time to focus on that inward commitment. Cardinal Nicholls offers a range of prayers and things we might do in our families. For further information check out the Catholic Bishops website - Ash Wednesday.
Image shows the bare sanctuary, flowers usually on show during Ordinary time are removed and won't appear again until Easter. The table in the front has a bowl of ashes that would normally be used to anoint us.