US Trends

is there communion on ash wednesday

Yes, there is often Communion on Ash Wednesday, but it depends on the type of service and the church tradition.

Is there Communion on Ash Wednesday?

  • In the Roman Catholic Church , Ash Wednesday is usually celebrated with a full Mass, which includes the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion, plus the distribution of ashes.
  • Some Catholic parishes, especially where priests are limited, may offer a Liturgy of the Word with Ashes without Communion, but this is more the exception than the norm.
  • Many Protestant churches (Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, some Reformed) also hold Ash Wednesday services, and a good number of them include Holy Communion in the liturgy.
  • Other Protestant communities may have a simple service of ashes, readings, and prayer with no Communion at all.

Bottom line:

  • There can be Communion on Ash Wednesday, and in many churches there is.
  • It is not guaranteed ; it depends on the denomination and local parish’s custom.
  • To know for sure, check your parish or church’s schedule or bulletin for “Mass with ashes,” “Holy Communion with imposition of ashes,” or just “Ash Wednesday service.”

Do you have to receive Communion to get ashes?

  • No. Receiving ashes and receiving Communion are separate actions. You may receive ashes even if you are not receiving Communion.
  • In Catholic practice, the usual rules for Communion apply : only Catholics who have made First Communion and are properly disposed (in a state of grace) should receive the Eucharist.
  • Non-Catholics or Catholics not receiving Communion generally stay in the pew during Communion or may come forward with arms crossed for a blessing in some parishes.

What actually happens at an Ash Wednesday service?

While the exact order varies, a typical service with Communion often includes:

  1. Scripture readings and homily.
  2. Blessing and imposition of ashes (“Remember that you are dust…” or similar words).
  3. Prayers of the faithful.
  4. (If included) Liturgy of the Eucharist / Holy Communion.

In many Protestant liturgies that include Communion, the service is structured so that the ashes and the Lord’s Supper are both central symbols of repentance and renewal.

Quick answer for search/SEO

  • If you’re asking “is there communion on ash wednesday?” the practical answer is:
    • Catholic parishes: usually yes, at Mass on Ash Wednesday.
    • Other churches: sometimes yes, sometimes no—check the specific church’s announcement.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.