The Roman Missal makes no explicit mention of the use of lay ministers to assist in the distribution of ashes blessed during Mass. The blessing of the ashes, however, is reserved to a priest or deacon.'Ī lay minister may also lead a slightly varied version of the rite of distribution using ashes previously blessed by a priest or deacon, for example, when bringing ashes to the sick. 'This rite may be celebrated by a priest or deacon who may be assisted by lay ministers in the distribution of the ashes.

1062 of this book has the following indication: Is there a correct and/or incorrect way of applying the ashes? - J.P., MontrealĪ: With respect to the first question the Shorter Book of Blessings has a rite for the blessing and distribution of ashes outside of Mass. I always thought that the cross on the forehead was a blessing with the ashes. As far as I can remember, the only method I've seen used in the past has been a cross on the forehead.

Q2: The priest sprinkled the ashes on our heads as if he were putting a pinch of salt into a recipe (rubbing his thumb and index finger over the head while reciting the prescribed words). Q1: Are laypeople allowed to give out ashes on Ash Wednesday? At the Mass I attend on Ash Wednesday I would say there were more than enough priests present - obviously it would have taken longer - but I can't think that the laypersons were actually needed as such. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.

Ashes for imposition