Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is on 2 March 2022
by Brian Radcliffe
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Aims
To consider the meaning of Ash Wednesday.
Preparation and materials
- Have available an image of a forehead being marked with the sign of the cross in wood ash and the means to display it during the assembly. An example is available at: https://tinyurl.com/yscatb5e
Assembly
- Ask the children, ‘Do we find it easy to admit when we are wrong?’
Listen to a range of responses. - Ask the children, ‘Can we admit our faults and failings?’
Listen to a range of responses. - Explain that it is often difficult for us to admit when we get something wrong. When we’ve made a mistake, hurt someone, told a lie or chosen not to do something, we can be more likely to try to get out of trouble, maybe even lie or blame someone else. The problem is that none of those reactions makes us feel any better about the matter.
- Explain that Ash Wednesday is a day when we can all be open and honest, admit our guilt and walk into tomorrow with a clear conscience. This year, Ash Wednesday is on 2 March 2022.
On this day, it is traditional for Christians to admit how easy they find it to make mistakes. Sometimes, they have their foreheads marked with the sign of the cross in wood ash. This means that they are saying sorry for what they’ve done wrong and getting ready to make a fresh start.
Show the image of a forehead being marked with the sign of the cross in wood ash.
It takes some courage to do this, to be humble and admit that we’ve got things wrong in our lives. However, it does help us to acknowledge that we all get things wrong and that none of us are perfect! It can also be a sign that we are willing to make a new start. - Ash Wednesday takes place just over six weeks before Easter Sunday and marks the start of Lent. This is a period when Christians think about the sacrifices that Jesus made during the 40 days that he spent in the desert, where he fasted and was tempted three times by the devil.
To remind themselves of the sacrifices that Jesus made, it’s traditional for Christians to make a small, regular sacrifice of their own during Lent. They usually choose to do this by giving up a luxury (chocolate is a common example) or by volunteering their time for a helpful activity.
Time for reflection
Ask the children to consider whether they would give up something for Lent or do something positive for the next six weeks in the lead-up to Easter.
Ask the children what differences they could make to their families, the school community or the wider world by giving something up or doing something positive.
Listen to a range of responses.
Explain that giving up a small amount of screen time might enable us to listen to or talk with family members more. Helping in school or taking part in a voluntary activity such as visiting the elderly would make a real difference to others. Making changes, however small, to how we use energy or recycle things could have an impact on the whole world!
Point out that small changes can make big differences. We might see that our families, our school, our community and the planet are improved because of what we’ve done through our little acts of kindness. And remember, it’s not for ever, just for six weeks . . . although we may end up preferring things this way.
Song/music
‘We can make a difference’, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6uynLWvlK4 (2.16 minutes long)
