Diocese of Parañaque

COMMISSION ON LITURGY AND POPULAR RELIGIOSITY

Diocesan Center for Evangelization

LITURGICAL NOTES AND GUIDELINES FOR

ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE LENTEN SEASON

I. RITE FOR THE BURNING OF OLD PALM BRANCHES

1. The burning of old palm branches blessed during Palm Sunday of the previous liturgical
year represents an important aspect for the preparation of the Lenten Season.

2. The ritualized burning of the old palms emphasizes the preparation of the ashes in order for
the people to become witnesses to the fact that the old palms represent our old life of sin,
transformed into ashes, as a sign of our inner desire for conversion and repentance.

3. In order to promote the participation of a great number of the lay faithful, an opportune time
for the celebration of this rite is after the last Mass of the Sunday before Ash Wednesday,
this is meant to strengthen and spiritually dispose themselves as the ashes are imposed on
our heads.

4. It is noteworthy to consider that in the Old Testament, those who chose to repent from sin
wore sackcloth and imposed ashes on themselves.

II. ASH WEDNESDAY

1. Who can impose the ashes?

1.1 During the Celebration of the Mass
1.1.1 Bishops
1.1.2 Priests
1.1.3 Deacons
1.1.4 Seminarians
1.1.5 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
1.1.6 Religious Sisters

1.2 Celebration done outside the Mass (with the Liturgy of the Word)
1.2.1 EMHC
1.2.2 Religious Sisters
1.2.3 Catechists

2. Who can receive the imposition of ashes?

2.1 Adult Catholic lay faithful
2.2 Children who have at least received First Holy Communion
2.2.1 This is in view of the fact that these children are aware of sin and the need for
repentance.
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 2.3 Infants and children who have not received First Holy Communion therefore have no
need for such symbol of conversion and repentance.

3. During which part of the Mass are the ashes imposed?

3.1 After the homily
3.2 In view of those who arrive late for the Mass, especially after the ashes have been
imposed on the foreheads of the people, it would be recommended that after the
Mass, they be gathered in a particular place in the Church and the short rite for
imposition of ashes outside the Mass is celebrated. In any case this is not possible,
the meaning and significance of this ritual should at least be explained (preferably by
the priest celebrant) to them before ashes are imposed on their foreheads.

4. The rite of imposition of ashes outside the Mass

4.1 Aside from the Mass, people may also receive the imposition of ashes outside of it.
(e.g., for students or teachers in schools where the Mass is not celebrated.) A
liturgical rite (English and Tagalog) is annexed to this instructional material.
4.2 Ministers, therefore, who carry out the rite must observe the proper decorum and
disposition so as to explicitly express the dignity and reverence of a liturgical
celebration. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, wearing the liturgical
hood, are to be accompanied by Lectors or Catechists who may proclaim the Word of
God. They must also explain the meaning and significance of the rite.
4.3 Unused ashes must be brought back to the parish church.
4.4 Unused ashes must be disposed of properly and in a dignified manner. If a sacrarium
is available in the sacristy, the ashes may be poured into it. If a sacrarium is not
available, the ashes may be scattered in the ground (soil) or scattered in plant boxes or
pots. It is important that these ashes are not used indiscriminately or for superstitious
purposes.

III. LENTEN SEASON

1. On Fasting and Abstinence

During the Lenten Season, fasting and abstinence are two primary modes of expressing the
inner desire for conversion and repentance.
1.1 On Fasting
1.1.1 Obligatory fasting is done on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
1.1.2 Fasting is abstention from meals for a whole day. Those who fast may eat one
full meal and refrain from eating or drinking anything else (except water) for
the rest of the day.
1.1.3 Dispensed from fasting are the following:
1.1.3.1 Those below 18 years of age
1.1.3.2 Those above 60 years of age (cf. CIC # 1252)
1.1.3.3 Pastors or parents have the responsibility of educating or
encouraging repentance through other modes of sacrifice.
1.1.3.4 Sick members of the Christian community or those who are
physically incapable of undergoing fasting from food.

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 1.2 On Abstinence
1.2.1 Abstinence is observed during Fridays of the Lenten Season
1.2.2 Abstinence is refraining from meat products (chicken, pork, beef, etc.). Fish
is allowed.
1.2.3 Dispensed from abstinence are children under fourteen (14) years of age.
1.3 Fasting and abstinence is not limited to abstention from food or drinks. Other forms
of sacrifice may be exercised so long as they express the penitential character and are
intended to convey the desire for repentance and conversion

2. The Order of Precedence of Liturgical Celebrations

2.1 The Sundays of Lent take precedence over all other celebrations.
2.2 The Solemnities of St. Joseph (19 March) and the Annunciation (25 March) and the
Feast of the Chair of Peter (22 February) may be celebrated as such (with Gloria, but
without singing the Alleluia), so long as they do not fall on Sunday.
2.3 Weekdays of Lent take precedence over Obligatory Memorials.

3. On the Penitential Character of the Lenten Season

3.1 During the Lenten season, in order to express the penitential character, the Kyrie
Eleison may be sung. The Gloria is not sung (unless otherwise stated in the Ordo),
moreover, the Alleluia is omitted. In place of the Alleluia, the Acclamation Before
the Gospel may be sung (e.g., Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless
glory.)
3.2 The Church, especially the altar and sanctuary must express the sobriety of the Lenten
Season, hence, there must be no decorations (flowers, plants, etc.)
3.3 Moderate use of decorations is allowed for feast days, solemnities or other occasions
with significant value which parishes celebrate. However, a certain sense of
simplicity and sobriety must be maintained. Decorations should be removed after the
celebration.
3.4 The liturgical color is deep purple (close to the reddish shade), in order to distinguish
it from the violet of the Advent season (close to the bluish shade).

4. The two (2) Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation are appropriate for the Season of Lent.

5. On the ferial days of Lent, no Obligatory Memorials may be celebrated. Those which
occur during Lent are considered Optional Memorials for the year.

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