Catholics in Chicago can get ashes on Ash Wednesday at parishes, train stations, and airports

Throughout Cook and Lake counties, parishes will host Ash Wednesday services where Catholics can receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Commuters, by subway train or by air, also have options at CTA stations and at O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 2024 Lenten season, a solemn 40-day period devoted to reflection, prayer, spiritual preparation and fasting before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, as an outward expression of their faith, Catholics may have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

In addition to parishes hosting services, clergy and their staff will distribute ashes at unique locations.

Old St. Patrick’s Church (West Loop)will distribute ashes at the below locations and times:

• 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. and Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Union Station, 255 S. Canal St., Chicago
• 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Morgan ‘L’ stop (Green/Pink line station), 958 W. Lake St., Chicago
• 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Bartelme (Mary) Park at the corner of Sangamon Street and Monroe Street

The Faith Table, an interfaith coalition of faith-based institutions united to work collaboratively in building a healthier community, will distribute ashes during rush hour times (7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.) at CTA entrances and in the community:

• CTA Pink Line: Central Park, California, Kedzie, Damen, 18^th Street
• CTA Orange Line: Western Avenue
• CTA Red Line: 63^rd Street
• Manuel Perez Plaza: 4345 W. 26^th Street (26^th Street and Kolin Avenue)

The Chicago Airports Catholic Chaplaincy, located at O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, will offer ashes at Masses and liturgical services throughout the day:

• O’Hare Airport Chapel information:

Mass schedule: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Liturgical services schedule: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Each ceremony will be 30 minutes in length. Holy Communion will only be given at Mass. Ashes will only be distributed during Masses or liturgical services.

O’Hare Airport Chapel is located in Terminal 2 – Mezzanine Level (Outside Security)

• Midway International Airport Information:

Mass schedule: 10 a.m., noon. and 2 p.m.

Liturgical services schedule: 11 a.m.,1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Each ceremony will be 30 minutes in length. Holy Communion will only be given at Mass. Ashes will only be distributed during Masses or liturgical services.

Midway Airport Chapel is located in Concourse C – Mezzanine Level (Inside Security)

• For more information about airport services, please call 773.686.AMEN (2636) or visit http://www.cacc.us/ or http://www.airportchapels.org/ashwednesday.html