Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time of fasting and preparation for Easter.  The Old Testament book of Jonah tells of a city of sinners that humble themselves by wearing rags and ashes.  After God saw everyone from the King to the beasts turn from their evil ways, our Lord spared them.
 

• What do the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday symbolize?
  
• What does the phrase, “you are dust and to dust you shall return”, mean to you?
• Consider the Italian proverb, “After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box”. Share what this means to you in a few sentences (3+)
• Give an example of two types of Lenten commitments.  Why do we, as Catholics, make Lenten commitments?