Many, though, dip their thumb in the fine ash and then trace a cross with the ash on the foreheads of the faithful as they come forward one by one. Some priests and ministers already use a sprinkling method for administering the ashes. This directive was published January 12 by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in a note signed by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Dicastery.
As well, the optional phrases - such as “remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” - will not be pronounced to each member of the faithful, but said once by the celebrant, for the whole congregation. Liturgy dicastery says that the ashes should be sprinkled on the heads of the faithful, and in silence.įor Ash Wednesday on February 17, priests or designated ministers should sprinkle the ashes on the heads of the faithful, so that there is no contact from tracing the cross in ash on the forehead.
