What is the imposition of Ash?

Traditionally, the ashes for the service are prepared (well ahead of time) by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday observance. The ashes should be ground to a fine powder and mixed in a shallow bowl with a little water or oil.

As each worshiper comes forward, the ashes are imposed on the forehead in the sign of a cross and the words of Genesis 3:19 are repeated: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”