At Ash Wednesday Mass you can expect a solemn atmosphere with extended periods of silence, a focus on repentance, and the distribution of ashes on the forehead where the priest will mark a cross while saying "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or "Repent and believe in the Gospel," signifying a reminder of our human frailty and the need to turn away from sin; the ashes are typically made from burned palm leaves from the previous Palm Sunday. In the Catholic Church, fasting begins on this day and is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. In the context of Lent, it refers to reducing food intake and limiting how many meals we have. Visitors are most welcomed!!!