Lent begins Wednesday 18th February. Parish Mass times for Ash Wednesday will be 9.15am at St Margarets, with school, all welcome, 11.45am at St Mary's, with school, all welcome and 7.00pm at St Mary's. There is no 9.00am Mass at St Mary's on this day. Remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. Abstinence for all aged over 14 means no meat is allowed. Fish and egg/dairy products are permitted. Fasting is for those ages 18 - 59. It means one full meal and two smaller meals (that do not equal a full meal) are permitted. Exemptions are for those with health conditions (physical/mental) chronic illnesses like diabetes and pregnancy, nursing mothers.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40 day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

In our Catholic tradition, it is commemorated as a time for conversion, repentance, and renewal. Marking our foreheads with ashes on Ash Wednesday is an outward sign of internal conversion. It is also an invitation to "Turn away from sin and believe the good news". In this annual invitation, we acknowledge our human vulnerability, and we pray to be strengthened by God's grace, mercy, and love.