Q: Regarding Ash Wednesday Mass w/distribution of ashes, I only know of the 2 rites for distribution – 1) In the Mass where the Penitential Act is omitted and the ashes are blessed and distributed following the homily. 2) Distribution of ashes w/in Liturgy of Word service.
Are there any other forms?
We celebrated with a Mass. We had a celebrant who said a penitential rite at the “usual” time and also only blessed the ashes after the homily. Distribution was after the dismissal. It felt quite awkward and we weren’t prepared for a Kyrie, etc.
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A: Your celebrant’s decision was not in keeping with the mind of the Church. How odd to begin a season of repentance by leading the people in an order of service that departs from what the Church asks. There is no penitential act at Mass on Ash Wednesday. The distribution of ashes takes place after the homily. I understand that a lot of people leave Mass after the distribution of ashes—which is also an odd way to begin a penitential season for the same reason. But deferring ashes in an attempt to get people to stay at Mass breaks the integrity of the service.