Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and a very important day to attend church. There will be three masses offered, one at 6am for workers, the normal 9.30am mass and an evening mass at 7.30pm.
The Church of England Web site says:-
Lent and Easter are an important part of the Christian calendar.
The season of Lent lasts for forty days (not including Sundays). It is a time when Christians reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness.
People also give to charity, set aside time to study the bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus’ life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ashes made from palm crosses are blessed and are used to make crosses on people’s foreheads. The custom dates back to the middle ages.
Ash Wednesday services set the tone for Lent, with sombre readings and hymns and a focus on penitence (saying sorry for and turning away from sin).