This year, Ash Wednesday falls one week from today on February 18. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season modeled on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert (Mark 1:12).

Many elders, including those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, remember the Ash Wednesday ritual of receiving ashes on their forehead. If you’d like to offer an Ash Wednesday service, use my Ash Wednesday video service. 

Purchase ashes now (they’re also on Amazon), though if you don’t have ashes, you can just use olive oil.

Be sure to read the description beneath the video, which explains Ash Wednesday and describes 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 want to observe Ash Wednesday as a Sunday service and not distribute ashes, here’s a written agenda that includes everything except ashes.

WEEKLY LENT DEVOTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Also check out my updated, dementia-friendly Lenten Devotions and Activities booklet (PDF) for the entire season. 

This booklet includes weekly meditations, prayers, and hands-on activities for the themes of repentance, humility, charity, prayer, grace, and Palm Sunday. Use it with groups or even for one-on-one reflection.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Ahna Ziegler on Unsplash