SOTU, Fat Tuesday. Then Ash Wednesday

SOTU:
Anything is better than that - unless you like being lied to. How about preparing taxes?


Fat Tuesday: meaning tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.

Is it obligatory to get ashes?

While all Roman Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass on Ash Wednesday in order to begin the Lenten season with the proper attitude and reflection, Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. It is, however, a day of fasting and abstinence. For the regulations on fasting and abstinence, see Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church and What Are the Rules for Fasting and Abstinence in the Catholic Church?

(source http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/f/Ash_Wed_Holy.htm )