At the 2:30 p.m. service, at least five members of Congress could be seen in attendance, including Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL).
"I choose to participate in Ash Wednesday as a reminder and recommitment to my faith. I live my faith in Congress through promoting good works to help others, particularly the less fortunate," Soto told CNA.
Conroy told CNA that he had been distributing ashes each year since he became House Chaplain eight years ago, and his predecessor, Fr. Dan Coughlin, also made a point of holding services on Ash Wednesday.
The Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black, who is not Catholic, also offered ash distribution services.
Coughlin and Conroy are the only Catholics to serve as House Chaplain.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Earlier in the day, Conroy told CNA that about eight members came to Mass that morning, and that he had also distributed ashes to about 45 members after votes had concluded.
"It's a pretty popular devotion," said Conroy. He told CNA that many members also chose to receive ashes at one of the nearby Catholic parishes.
Two members of Congress who did not have to wait in line for ashes were Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA). Both are practicing Catholics. Conroy told CNA that he had visited their offices earlier in the morning and distributed ashes there.