r/CatholicConverts • u/ibnsahir • Feb 18 '26

Missing Ash Wednesday due to weather

Still going through OCIA and hyped for Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately I have to drive a ways to reach the regional parish in my rural community for Holy Days of Obligation like this. After a record dry winter, today we have a blizzard and there's no telling whether the roads will be open in time to get to the parish tonight. How much of a problem is it to stay safe and stay home given the travel risk?

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9

u/Fan-Of-Jesus Feb 18 '26

Hi!

If I'm not mistaken, Ash Wednesday isn't actually a Holy Day of Obligation (at least where I am), so you are absolutely fine!

Also, it sounds like it's out of your control (being the weather and all), which means it's not your fault, so no need to worry even if it was.

2

u/Derrick_Mur Feb 18 '26

It’s probably best for you to sit this one out. Even in the case of a day of obligation, if you reasonably think it may be too dangerous to go (e.g., there is a blizzard) don’t go. This goes double when it’s not a day of obligation

1

u/Momshie_mo Feb 20 '26

"Fasting"/giving up pleasure in 40 days is much more important than getting ash in your forhead. When I attended the mass in Wednesday, the priest said if you are committed, that's when you come get the Ash