The Church of the Assumption ,Somerset East.

10/02/2026

Sunday, 15 February 2026 @08:00

09/02/2026

WHY THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON OUR FOREHEADS ON ASH WEDNESDAY?

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent when we’re invited, for forty days, to find time for prayer and fasting. The season is dedicated to spiritual growth as we prepare to commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and the celebration of his resurrection at Easter. These six weeks mirror the amount of time that Jesus spent in the desert to fast and pray.

The Ashes, imposed on our foreheads in the sign of the cross, are an outward sign of our inward sorrow for our sins and of our commitment to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Over a billion people will carry this ashen mark, in the shape of a cross, placed on their forehead to signify the start of one of the longest periods of prayer and self-denial in the Christian calendar.

Ashes have been used for centuries by people of faith to express sorrow and grief for their sins and faults. Such a practice is referenced in the Bible on a number of occasions.

In the Christian tradition, the wearing of ashes is an external sign of repentance and communicates a desire to follow more closely God’s way of love and forgiveness. They also remind us, rather poignantly, that from ashes we come, and to ashes we will return.

Abstinence
In addition to receiving ashes, Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. At a very simple level, Lent provides an opportunity for people to re-direct their lives towards God’s plan.

The palm leaves used to make the ashes on Ash Wednesday are used on the previous year’s Palm Sunday; on this Sunday Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, ahead of his suffering, death and resurrection.

It’s fitting to dwell on the words of Pope Francis as we travel through Lent:

“Above all I urge the members of the Church to take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm, sustained by alms-giving, fasting and prayer.

“If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the heart of God! He constantly gives us a chance to begin loving anew.”

07/02/2026

THE REAL MEANING OF THE SIGN OF THE CROSS MOST CATHOLICS DO WITHOUT THINKING

You make it every day.

Before prayer.

After prayer.

At Mass.

In danger.

In hope.

But have you ever stopped to ask what you are truly doing when you trace the Sign of the Cross?

It is not just a gesture

The Sign of the Cross is a prayer in action. Without words, you proclaim the whole Christian faith.

In the name of the Father

You confess that God is Creator, source of life, authority over heaven and earth.

And of the Son

You remember the Cross of Christ. His suffering, death, and victory over sin and death. When your hand moves downward, it recalls Christ coming down to save us.

And of the Holy Spirit

Moving from left to right, you profess that the Spirit strengthens, sanctifies, and guides the Church from weakness to glory.

It is a shield

The Sign of the Cross has always been a weapon against evil. Christians marked themselves with it even before Scripture was written.

It is a reminder of your baptism

You were marked with the Cross when you became a Christian. Every time you make it, you renew that identity.

It is a silent sermon

Without speaking, you declare

I belong to Christ

I believe in the Trinity

I live by the Cross

So next time, do not rush it.

Do not treat it as routine.

Make it slowly. Reverently. Intentionally.

Because every time you sign yourself,

you preach the Gospel on yourself.

15/04/2025

13/02/2025

DON'T BE CONFUSE!

WHEN SHOULD A CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN MAKE:A SIMPLE BOW, A DEEP BOW OR GENUFLECT ?

In Catholic tradition, gestures of reverence such as bowing the head, bowing the body, and genuflection are used to express respect, worship, and humility. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and liturgical norms provide guidance on when each gesture is appropriate.

1. Bowing the Head : A bow of the head is a simple inclination of the head as a sign of reverence.

When to Use It:
-During the mention of the names of Jesus, Mary, and the saint being commemorated in a liturgical celebration.
-Before receiving Holy Communion (if not genuflecting).
-As a general sign of respect in prayer or when greeting clergy.

2. Bowing the Body (Profound Bow) :A bow of the body (also called a profound bow) is a deeper gesture, bending at the waist.

When to Use It:
-During the Creed at the words "by the power of the Holy Spirit...and became man" (except on Christmas and Annunciation, when a genuflection is made instead).
-Before receiving a blessing from a bishop or priest outside of Mass.
-At certain moments in the Mass, such as when approaching the altar if no genuflection is made.

3. Genuflection : Genuflection is the act of kneeling on one knee (usually the right) as a sign of adoration.

When to Use It:
-Before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle or exposed in a monstrance.
-When entering or leaving a pew in the presence of the Eucharist.
-On Good Friday, during veneration of the Cross.

When passing in front of the tabernacle, unless carrying something heavy or if it is impractical.

These gestures help Catholics physically express their faith and reverence in worship.

Would you like further clarification on any of these?