Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of Lent, begins on March 2. My updated Ash Wednesday video church service is now available for anyone who’d like to provide this important ritual for elders, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who may not be able to attend their regular place of worship.

Watch the 41-minute Ash Wednesday church service here.

The service includes hymns, prayers, an interactive homily on the meaning of Ash Wednesday, and a time to administer ashes to anyone who’d like to receive them. (I also pray a blessing over the ashes beforehand.)

If you’d like to administer ashes, several sellers offer Ash Wednesday ashes online. These are not like regular ashes; the texture is as fine as powder, and a little goes a long way. Just mix a small amount of ashes with a small amount of olive oil.

And for those of you who’d like to conduct the service in person, download the written Ash Wednesday agenda here.

Peace be with you,