When receiving ashes (for example, on Ash Wednesday), the most common and widely accepted response is to say nothing and remain silent in prayer.

Short direct answer

  • Many Catholic and Anglican/Episcopal priests and liturgical guides say there is no spoken response to the words, “Remember that you are dust…” or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
  • If you feel you must say something, a quiet “Amen” under your breath is sometimes used in practice, but official guidance in some traditions specifically encourages silence rather than a verbal reply.

Why silence is usually preferred

  • In the Episcopal tradition, the Book of Common Prayer notes “Amen” after communion, but gives no response for the imposition of ashes; the expected response is interior, not spoken.
  • Many pastors encourage people to treat receiving ashes like a brief, personal moment of reflection: accept the ashes, make an interior act of contrition or trust in God, and step aside without speaking.

A simple way to think of it: communion is a “yes” you speak out loud; ashes are a reminder you receive in silence.

What you can say silently in your heart

You don’t say these out loud to the minister; they’re for your own prayer:

  • “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
  • “Jesus, help me turn back to you.”
  • “Teach me to remember that my life is short and to live it well.”

Any short, honest prayer of sorrow, trust, or desire to change is appropriate in that moment.

If your parish custom is different

  • Some local communities do quietly say “Amen” after the words are spoken, even if it’s not prescribed in the official books.
  • If you are unsure, you can simply watch what most people do in your parish next time, or briefly ask your priest or minister, “When I receive ashes, should I respond or stay silent?”

When in doubt, a reverent silence is always safe, respectful, and fully in line with many churches’ guidance.

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