Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule in Ankeny

Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday (Feb. 13).

It is one of the holiest days in the Catholic Church's calendar. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a period of penance, self reflection, fasting and fish fries.

Ash Wednesday is noticeable by an ash cross marked on the foreheads of Catholics on this day.

This period ends with Easter and the resurrection of Jesus.

In Ankeny, Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church will have masses and distribution of ashes at 7 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

St. Lukes (held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 2110 W. First St., will hold similar services at 7:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Communion services and distribution of ashes also will be held at Mill Pond at 9:30 a.m., and Sunny View at 10 a.m.

Here's more about Ash Wednesday:

Why we receive the ashes

Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return.

Did we miss any services? Let us know in comments and we will add them to the list.