Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, will lead Ash Wednesday Masses on March 5 at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey. The Mass schedule includes a service in English at noon and another in Spanish at 7:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent, a period dedicated to prayer, fasting, and repentance leading up to Easter. During this time, ashes from burned palm leaves are placed on the foreheads of attendees as a symbol of humility and penance. As they receive the ashes, participants hear the words, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).

Reflecting on Ash Wednesday's significance, Cardinal Tobin has previously said, “We rend our hearts this day in reparation for all the days when our hearts have been closed to the sufferings of our sisters and brothers. Because God has mercy on us, now is the day of salvation.”

Throughout Lent, Catholics engage in practices such as fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstaining from meat on Fridays, praying more intensely, giving alms, and making personal sacrifices to deepen their faith. Lent concludes with Holy Thursday on April 17 before Easter celebrations begin.

For more information about nearby parishes offering services during this season, visit rcan.org/parishes.