Ash Wednesday is one week from today on March 5. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season modeled on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert (Mark 1:12).

If you’d like to offer the Ash Wednesday ritual to elders, including those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, I’ve slightly updated my Ash Wednesday video service. (I’m posting this today so you may still have time to purchase ashes if you wish; though you could also just use oil, such as olive oil.)

Please be sure to read the description beneath the video, which explains what Ash Wednesday is and how to distribute the ashes mixed with a small amount of oil.

Watch the 41-minute church service for Ash Wednesday here.

And here’s the written agenda for Ash Wednesday (If you choose to provide the service but not distribute ashes, here’s a slightly modified written agenda that includes everything except ashes.)

WEEKLY LENT DEVOTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

I’ve also written a special, dementia-friendly Lenten Devotions and Activities booklet (PDF) to use with your loved ones throughout the season. 

This booklet includes short meditations, prayers, and hands-on activities for the themes of forgiveness, humility, charity, prayer, grace, and Palm Sunday. You can use it with groups or even for one-on-one reflection.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Joshua Earle for Unsplash+