All are Welcome

Ash Wednesday, February 18

Distribution of Ashes

Ashes will be distributed throughout the day on Ash Wednesday during Mass, as well as outside the Shrine for those who drive by or walk up.

February 15, 2026

Each year, Ash Wednesday arrives quietly, yet powerfully. We come forward to receive ashes and hear the simple words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words remind us of who we are and, more importantly, of who God calls us to be. 

Lent is not meant to be a gloomy season. It is a gift — forty days given to us to slow down, reflect, and turn our hearts more fully toward the Lord. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of generosity, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the great joy of Easter. 

The prophet Joel reminds us, “Return to me with your whole heart” (Joel 2:12). That is the heart of Lent. God does not ask for perfection — He asks for our hearts. He invites us to come back to Him, no matter how far we may feel we have wandered. The ashes we receive are a sign of humility. They remind us that we are not meant to rely on ourselves alone, but to depend on God’s mercy and grace. Lent invites us to look honestly at our lives — at what draws us closer to God and what pulls us away — and to ask the Lord for the strength to change. 

One of the greatest gifts we have during Lent is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here at the Shrine, Confession is offered regularly, and we have added an extra Confession time every Wednesday evening from 7:00–8:00 PM, giving everyone an additional opportunity to experience God’s forgiveness and begin again. 

We also gather for the Stations of the Cross every Friday after the Noon Mass, walking with Jesus on His journey to Calvary. This beautiful prayer helps us reflect more deeply on Christ’s love and sacrifice and draws our hearts closer to Him. 

As we begin this Lenten journey together, let us open our hearts to God’s grace. May these forty days be a time of renewal, healing, and hope as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection. 

I remember you at Mass.

We are so grateful for all who, year after year, take advantage of the Lenten Season to make a special sacrifice and contribute to St. Joseph the Worker Shrine. Many of you have received the Shrine’s Lenten Appeal letter for 2026, but if you haven’t and would like to contribute, please use the envelopes available in the Confessional Lobby. Be sure to specify “Lenten Appeal 2026” on the check memo line and place your check in any of our collection boxes. The financial support you provide will go towards capital improvements here at the Shrine.

We have been here since 1868 and the Oblates intend to minister to the Lowell community for generations to come. However, we can’t do it without addressing capital needs of our beautiful Shrine. Thank you for your generous support.

The weekend of March 7-8 we are taking up a special collection in the pews to benefit the 2026 Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Last year your generosity provided over $2,500 to support the many worthy, charitable causes in the Archdiocese that benefit from this collection. Make checks payable to the Shrine with ‘Diocesan Appeal’ on the memo line.

Should you desire to make a larger donation, or to make a ’pledge’ contribution, envelopes for that purpose are available in the Shrine Confessional Lobby. If you use this envelope, please return your pledge donation by turning in the envelope to your home parish.

On behalf of Archbishop Henning, thank you for supporting the 2026 Diocesan Catholic Appeal!