Parents often bring up small children, from babes in arms, to toddlers, to 4-5-year olds, and want them to receive the ashes. We normally consider this to be at the age of reason, that is, 7 years of age. Q1: On Ash Wednesday is it appropriate for young children to receive the ashes? The formula 'Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel,' implies the recipient is capable of committing sin.
Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.
