When you receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, the usual and most appropriate response is to remain silent and prayerful.

What do you say in church?

In Catholic and many liturgical Protestant traditions, there is no set verbal response when the minister places ashes on your forehead.

The priest or minister says something like:

  • “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
  • Or: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Your part is to:

  • Step forward and bow your head slightly.
  • Receive the ashes in silence, as a moment of humility and repentance.
  • Return to your place and pray quietly.

Some people instinctively say “Amen,” but in most guides and forum discussions, it’s noted that silence is the normal response , unlike Communion where “Amen” is explicitly expected.

If you feel you should say something

In many parishes there is still no expectation that you say anything, but in more informal situations (like “ashes to go” outside a church or drive‑through ashes), people sometimes:

  • Pause briefly in silent prayer, then say “Thank you” to the minister as they move on.
  • Offer a quiet “Amen” if it feels natural; some clergy are fine with this, even though it’s not required.

Think of it this way: your main “response” is an interior one—repentance, reflection, and a willingness to begin Lent seriously—rather than spoken words.

What to say if someone asks about your ashes

If coworkers or friends notice your ashes and ask, “What do you say when you receive ashes?” or “What are those for?” you might answer with something like:

  • “It’s Ash Wednesday; the ashes are a sign that life is short and I need to turn back to God.”
  • “They remind me that I’m dust and will return to dust, and that Lent is a time for repentance.”

These short explanations echo the words used in the service and help connect your visible sign to its spiritual meaning.

Mini FAQ

Do I have to say ‘Amen’?
No. Silence is the standard practice; there is no required verbal response.

Is it rude not to say anything?
Not in this context. Remaining quiet is actually the expected and reverent response.

Can non‑Catholics receive ashes?
Yes; many churches invite anyone of good will to receive ashes as a sign of repentance.

TL;DR:
At the moment you receive ashes, you normally say nothing ; you simply receive them in silence and prayer. If you want to say something in a casual or drive‑through setting, a brief “Thank you” after a silent pause is perfectly fine.

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