Wednesday
February 9

ASH WEDNESDAY -- Priests throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago
will bless ashes and participate in applying the ashes to the foreheads of Roman Catholics with the Sign of the Cross and the reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” The ashes remind the faithful of the need to do penance for sin and to seek spiritual renewal by means of prayer, fasting and good works.

At Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets, ashes will be distributed during Masses beginning at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.; and at short prayer services at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

12:10 p.m. Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will preside at the midday Ash Wednesday Eucharistic Liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral. During the Mass, Cardinal George will bless ashes and participate in their imposition.

4:30 p.m. Cardinal George also will celebrate an Ash Wednesday liturgy for students

and faculty at Northwestern University’s Sheil Center, 2110 Sheridan Rd., in Evanston.

Throughout Lent

OPERATION RICE BOWL --This six-week Lenten program of prayer, fasting, education and almsgiving designed by Catholic Relief Services seeks to make Catholics aware of the needs of the poor around the world. Twenty-five percent of the money raised by local Catholic schools and Parishes (donated when participants eat simple, small meals and then contribute the funds they otherwise would have used preparing a larger meal) will help finance projects that fight hunger in the Chicago area.