Ash Wednesday marking the start of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection, repentance and renewal in the Christian calendar. On this day, many Christians attend Church and receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, a powerful symbol of human mortality and the call to turn back to God. The words spoken during the service are: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. They set the tone for the upcoming season that's rooted in humility and honesty. At St Peter and Paul, our own Ash Wednesday service with Ashing will take place on Wednesday 18th February 2026.

Lent lasts for forty days (not counting Sundays), echoing the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Traditionally, it is a time for prayer, fasting, and charity —practices meant to clear space in our lives for what truly matters. Some people give something up as a form of discipline, while others take something on, such as daily prayer, acts of service, or intentional simplicity.

At its heart, Lent isn’t about deprivation for its own sake; it’s about transformation. Ash Wednesday invites us to pause, acknowledge our need for grace, and begin again. As the season unfolds, Lent gently leads us towards Easter. It's a reminder that reflection and sacrifice are not the end of the story, but a path towards renewal, hope, and new life.

We have a full set of services planned for the Easter period at St Peter and St Paul's, please refer to our website or the village noticeboards where you will be able to find details.