Ashes Offered To Catholics On The Go At Airports, Train Stations, Parks On Ash Wednesday

CHICAGO — Parishes throughout Cook and Lake counties will host Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 18, where Catholics can receive ashes. Commuters, by subway train or by air, also have options at Union Station and at O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.

A Northwest suburban parish will also host a drive-thru distribution of ashes at the Elk Grove Village Industrial Park.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 2026 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. You do not need to be Catholic to get ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Downtown Chicago parishes offering Ash Wednesday services including:

Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., Chicago, will distribute ashes during Masses and
prayer services:
• Masses: 7 a.m. (no music), 8 a.m. (with music), noon (with music), 5:15 p.m. (with
music), 7 p.m. (with music).
• Prayer services: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m.

St. Peter’s Church in the Loop, 110 W. Madison St., Chicago, will distribute ashes at the
conclusion of Masses and prayer services:
• Masses: 7:30 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
• Prayer services: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Great Hall in Union Station, 255 S. Canal St., Chicago
• 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Mary Bartelme Park, at the corner of Peoria Street and Monroe
Street, Chicago

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Elk Grove Village will distribute ashes at a
community drive-up event:

• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: For the fourth year, the parish’s drive-up event will take place in front of
Tasty Catering, 1900 Touhy Ave. in the Elk Grove Village Industrial Park. Participants
are asked to remain in their vehicles to receive ashes and to follow all traffic safety
protocols.

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: 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 O’Hare Chapels visit or Chicago Airport Chapels.