Imposing Ashes This year we will be following Church guidelines by imposing ashes on the top of heads rather than on the forehead. Ashes are distributed after the homily. We invite you to come forward to receive ashes in the same many you approach the altar for Communion. When you get to the minister please bow your head and the minister will sprinkle a small bit of ash on the top of your head. For those uncomfortable with this option or who have family members at home who would like to receive ashes, envelopes with ashes will be available for you to take home. Ashes can be sprinkled on the top of the head or, if safety precautions are observed, you can make a sign of the cross on the forehead. Remaining ashes and the envelope they are in should be buried in the ground rather than discarded in a trash can since the ashes are blessed