Calendar

Ash Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) extending through Holy Week, concluding at the Great Vigil on the night before Easter Day.

The imposition of ashes occurs at all three liturgies of the day -- 8am, 12:10pm and 5:30pm -- as well as throughout the day in between these services. Simply enter the Fifth Avenue doors and walk down the center aisle toward the high altar.

You might find these sermons helpful as you prepare your heart and mind for this holy season:

• A Sermon for Ash Wednesday (2011) by Fr Spurlock
• Why Does Jesus Say to be Good in Secret? (2010) by Fr Austin
• A Sermon for Ash Wednesday (2009) by Fr Stafford
• The Pit of Contrition (2007) by Fr Mead
• Lay Up for Yourselves Treasures in Heaven (2006) by Fr Austin
• Cheerful Piety (2004) by Fr Mead

Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect:

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from thy ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of thy Word, Jesus Christ thy Son; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.