Ash Wednesday will be celebrated a bit differently this year. Below you will find the mandate from Rome: By mandate of the Congregation for Divine Worship in Rome, ashes are to be distributed in the following (European) manner: The Priest says the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The Priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The Priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything. EUROPEAN STYLE DISTRIBUTION - The distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday will be different for 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols. In the Diocese of Sioux City, you will receive ashes sprinkled on top of your head. This is a practice that dates back centuries and is widely practiced in Europe. Tip: bend down a bit when you approach the presider so that he may impose the ashes.