Wednesday marks Ash Wednesday. Here's where to go to get ashes in Springfield

Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register
·1 min read
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Rev. Fredrick "Freddie" Mbiere prays with HSHS St. John's Hospital patient James Degenhart after distributing ashes for Ash Wednesday at his bedside in HSHS St. John's Hospital, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. Rev. Mbiere, the chaplain of HSHS St. John's Hospital, visited with over 50 patients delivering ashes for Ash Wednesday, officially known as the Day of Ashes, which marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. [Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register]

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent for most Christians.

Catholics and Episcopalians and some Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, United Methodists and Presbyterians, hold worship services on Ash Wednesday. Ashes are also dispensed at Catholic masses.

Lent is the principal penitential season in the church year. All the Christian faithful are urged to develop and maintain a voluntary program of self-denial, serious prayer and the performing of deeds of charity and mercy, including the giving of alms.

Catholics between the ages of 18 years and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Only one full meatless meal is permitted. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength may be taken according to each person's needs, but together these two should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals isn't permitted, but liquids are allowed.

Catholics 14 years of age and over are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

The Episcopal Church recognizes Ash Wednesday as a fast day.

Easter is April 9.

For Eastern Orthodox Christians, Lent begins next Monday. Easter, or Pascha, is April 16.

Where to get ashes in Springfield

Here are some select places to get ashes on Wednesday:

  • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 5:15 p.m.

  • Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 7 p.m.

  • Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 6:30 p.m.

  • Christ Episcopal Church, 611 E. Jackson St., 5:30 p.m.

  • Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N Cotton Hill Rd, 1 p.m.

  • Our Saviour Catholic Church, 453 E. State St., Jacksonville, 8:20 a.m., 12:10 (distribution only), 6 p.m.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for most Christians