Dear Mary,

Thanks for the question.

Only a priest can celebrate the Mass; no woman can and, even if she tried, it would be totally invalid.

If there are no priests to celebrate the Mass on Holy Days of Obligations, this should be made known to the local bishop. It is his responsibility that the faithful receive the sacraments of the Church at Catholic parishes he oversees.

Lay Catholics, with permission of the pastor of the local Catholic parish, and proper training, may distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday.

I hope this helps,

Mike