Ask Fr Francis

Traditionally, the palm branches of this year is burned to prepare for the ashes for next year’s Ash Wednesday. Where this is still practiced, branches should be returned to the parish for this purpose.

However, since ashes from one burning tend to last for many years, most parishes no longer make new ashes every year.

Old branches, being blessed objects, should not be put into the garbage. The best way to dispose of them is to burn them and put the ashes into the ground.

As to making the branches into crosses, this is a long honored tradition in many places, and a beautiful way to commemorate Holy Week and Easter.