Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period in the lead up to Easter. Lent is a chance to slow down and be more intentional about your time and priorities, making time to put God first whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or giving something up. 

Ash Wednesday itself started in the early Church, around 1st to 4th century as a form of public repentance, through sprinkling of ashes.

In services today, priests mark people's foreheads with ashes – a symbol of humility and a reminder of human mortality. Priests will say the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", originating from Genesis 3:19 when God tells Adam that his life, like all human life, is temporary, but turning back towards God offers something eternal.  

Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, where he fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation (Matthew 4:1–11). Just as Jesus withdrew to focus on God, Lent invites us to step away from daily distractions and reflect on our lives – what's going well, where we need growth, and how we can deepen our faith.

In medieval times, Christians followed strict fasting rules, like giving up meat, dairy, and sometimes fish. These days, it's more flexible; some choose to give up something they love, like sweets, caffeine, or social media. Others choose to take on something positive, such as daily prayer, volunteering, or acts of kindness.

Ash Wednesday falls on 5 March this year. Whether you’re a lifelong Christian, someone rediscovering faith, or just curious, you’re welcome to attend a service and experience this tradition for yourself.

If you decide to participate in Lent, remember that Lent isn’t about self-denial, but about renewal and a chance to reset, refocus, and prepare for the joy of Easter. We have lots of resources on our website to help guide you through Lent – visit https://gloucester.anglican.org/living-faith/everyday-faith/lent

Palm Sunday is celebrated one week before Easter Day. It marks the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, an event that is recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, while the crowds waved palm branches and shouted "Hosanna!" (an exclamation of praise)

Palm branches were widely associated with victory and triumph during the time in which Jesus lived. People also laid their cloaks on the ground, a sign of respect and honour for someone of great importance.

To mark this, Palm Sunday is often celebrated with a procession through the streets near a cathedral or church, where congregations carry palm branches or other greenery, sometimes decorated with flowers. Some churches or cathedrals even involve a real donkey in their procession, to mark the role of the animal which carried Jesus.

The palm crosses are then often burned to make ashes for the following year's Ash Wednesday service.

Palm Sunday is a time of mixed sentiment because, although triumphal, it precedes the marking of events which led to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.

It is a time for Christians to reflect on their faith and to prepare themselves for the solemnity of Holy Week, which culminates in the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus.

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Mothering Sunday, what are its origins in the Church?

Each year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, countries around the world celebrate Mothering Sunday. This typically involves lavishing Mums with gifts and attention and celebrating the women who have nurtured us throughout our lives.