Ash Wednesday

(Newser) - A Utah teacher is on administrative leave after she made a 9-year-old Catholic student wash off the Ash Wednesday cross from his forehead. Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams said Thursday that fourth-grade teacher Moana Patterson won't be teaching as the district investigates, the AP reports. Karen Fisher says...

(Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI has publicly addressed his retirement for the first time, saying it's for "the good of the Church," NBC News reports. Speaking during his weekly general audience, he asked that listeners "continue to pray for me, for the Church, and for the future pope,...

(Newser) - No time for church, but still want to observe Ash Wednesday today? A Cincinnati church has the answer for its harried faithful: A drive-thru. The Mt. Healthy Methodist Church will today offer up ashes and a blessing in its parking lot between 5 and 6pm, reports the Enquirer , and you...