2. The Blessing and the Distribution of Ashes during Mass

If ashes are to be blessed and distributed during the celebration of Mass, they should be placed on a table which has been prepared for this purpose and so placed that it can be seen by the People.

After the homily, the Priest, facing the People with hands joined, says:

Brethren, it has been the custom in the Church from ancient times to observe with great devotion the days of our Lord's Passion and Resurrection, and to prepare for the same by a season of penitence and fasting. To make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us ask God our Father that he vouchsafe to bless these ashes with an abundance of his grace.

After a brief prayer in silence, the Priest, with hands extended, continues:

Let us pray,

O GOD, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sin and be saved: mercifully look upon the frailty of our mortal nature, and of thy goodness vouchsafe to bless + these ashes now to be set upon our heads, in token of humility and to obtain thy pardon; that we, knowing we are but dust, and that for our unworthiness unto dust shall we return, may through thy mercy be found meet to receive forgiveness of all our sins, and those food things which thou hast promised to the penitent; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Priest sprinkles the ashes with holy water. he may also then cense them with the incense.

If another Priest is present as a Concelebrant or in choir, he places ashes on the head of the Priest. If no Concelebrant is present, the Priest himself, kneeling before the altar, places ashes on his own head.

The Priest then places ashes on the head of all present who come to him, saying to each one:

Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust shalt thou return.

During the distribution of ashes the choir may sing the following Anthems or another suitable chant or hymn.

Anthem Immutemur habitu (Cf.Jl 2:13)

Let us change our raiment for sackcloth and ashes: let us fast and mourn before the Lord: for our God is merciful to forgive us our sins.

Anthem Iuxta vestibulum (Cf. Jl 2:17; Est 4:17)

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people, and shut not up, O Lord, the mouths of them that praise thee.

Responsary Emendemus (Cf. Bar 3:2; Ps 79:9)

Let us amend the sins that in our ignorance we have committed lest the day of death come upon us suddenly, and we find no place for repentance though we seek it.

R. Hear, Lord, and have mercy: for we have sinned against thee.

Help us, O God of our salvation: for the glory of thy Name deliver us, O Lord.

R. Hear, Lord, and have mercy: for we have sinned against thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

R. Hear, Lord, and have mercy" for we have sinned against thee.

Following the distribution of ashes, the Priest washes his hands and the Mass continues with the Prayers of the People. The Penitential Rite is omitted.

DWM pg. 228