Ash Wednesday Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St Peter's
Church Street Woolley Wakefield WF4 2JU, WF4 2JU, United Kingdom

What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It always falls six and half weeks before Easter, beginning the season of Lent as we journey towards Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th century however, the tradition of receiving ashes has even earlier roots. The ancient Jewish custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance (saying sorry to God).

As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday reminds us of Jesus’ 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Ash Wednesday is the first step in our Lenten journey. In the service you may if you wish receive the sign of the Cross marked on your forehead to visibly show that you are taking the first steps in your Lenten journey.

What are the ashes made from?
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It celebrates Christ’s return to Jerusalem from the wilderness. In this service, we receive palm crosses, which are blessed, for individuals to take home. The palms crosses that are left in church are then burned to make ash and is then saved to be used in the following years Ash Wednesday service.

All are welcome to attend this service.

St Peter's

Effective from April 2026, the Benefice will enter a period of Interregnum.

During this time, church leadership and services will be supported by covering clergy and lay members of the church until a new appointment is made.

To arrange Baptisms, The Calling of Banns, Weddings, Funerals and/or general enquiries, please contact:

St James the Great Chapelthorpe - Lynn Clews on 07587 992514 or [email protected]

St Peter’s Woolley – David Slater on 07770 937511 (please do not leave a voicemail message) or [email protected]

Please keep checking this website for all the latest news, services and events.


gallery image

Get in touch

Vacant owing to Interregnum

Our website

What's on

Ash Wednesday Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St Peter's
Church Street Woolley Wakefield WF4 2JU, WF4 2JU, United Kingdom

What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It always falls six and half weeks before Easter, beginning the season of Lent as we journey towards Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th century however, the tradition of receiving ashes has even earlier roots. The ancient Jewish custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance (saying sorry to God).

As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday reminds us of Jesus’ 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Ash Wednesday is the first step in our Lenten journey. In the service you may if you wish receive the sign of the Cross marked on your forehead to visibly show that you are taking the first steps in your Lenten journey.

What are the ashes made from?
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It celebrates Christ’s return to Jerusalem from the wilderness. In this service, we receive palm crosses, which are blessed, for individuals to take home. The palms crosses that are left in church are then burned to make ash and is then saved to be used in the following years Ash Wednesday service.

All are welcome to attend this service.