How the date is set
Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter. Churches that observe Lent count forty days of preparation, with the Sundays outside that forty-day count.
These dates follow the Western Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox churches can observe Easter and related days on different dates. Confirm your own church's calendar before announcing a service.
Planning the service
Ask the pastor to confirm the service time, readings and whether the church will offer ashes. Explain the church's practice in the invitation so visitors know what to expect. Schedule readers and musicians, and check whether an evening service needs childcare or a separate building opening time.
A Scripture passage to discuss with the service leader is Psalm 51. Choose the final readings according to your church's practice.
Related church dates in 2026
- Epiphany
- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Ascension Day
- Pentecost
- Trinity Sunday
- Reformation Day
- First Sunday of Advent
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Read the U.S. Naval Observatory explanation of the Western Easter calculation.
Save the calendar
Download the 2026 calendar file for a calendar app, or use the church calendar maker to prepare a printable calendar.
Calendar questions
When Is Ash Wednesday 2026?
Ash Wednesday 2026 falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Which calendar do these dates follow?
These dates follow the Western Gregorian church calendar. Eastern Orthodox churches can observe Easter and related days on different dates. Confirm your own church's calendar before announcing a service.