Cardinal Tobin to Lead Ash Wednesday Services in Newark, Marking Start of Lent for Catholics Across North Jersey
Public Masses in English and Spanish to be Held at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses on Feb. 18 at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, marking the beginning of Lent for more than 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey.
The liturgies will include a noon Mass in English and a 7:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Archdiocese of Newark. All are welcome to attend.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most widely observed days in the Christian calendar, drawing both regular worshippers and those who attend church infrequently. The day signals the start of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection, prayer and repentance leading up to Easter.
During the Mass, ashes—made from palm leaves used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday observances—are placed on the foreheads of worshippers in the shape of a cross. The ritual serves as a reminder of human mortality and a call to spiritual renewal.
“Ashes remind us that we return to dust, but they also invite us to renew our hearts and embrace God’s mercy,” Cardinal Tobin said in a recent Ash Wednesday reflection. “This season calls us to walk with hope, knowing we are not alone—Jesus is with us always.”
Throughout Lent, Catholics traditionally fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstain from meat on Fridays and engage more intentionally in prayer, charitable giving and personal sacrifice. Lent concludes on Holy Thursday, April 2, leading into the celebration of Easter.
More information about Ash Wednesday and Lent is available at rcan.org and on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.