I'm not a member of the Catholic church yet, when Ash Wednesday comes will I be allowed to participate?

My interest in reconciliation came in early December, I was too late to join RCIA. I have to wait until next September to join the RCIA, so that means Easter of 2011 before I can partake in m! That's a life age when you actually want to be a part. :/ All that aside, does anyone know if I'll be allowed to have the priest put ash on my forehead? I read online and it said that it's placed on "the faithful". I try to go to weekday m as often as possible, but I don't think that makes me a part of "the faithful" yet. haha