Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent for Christians around the world. Lent is the traditional period of penance and self reflection.
Ash Wednesday is observed with services in which the faithful are marked with an ashen cross on the forehead.
The season of Lent ends with Holy Week, beginning Palm Sunday and culminating with Good Friday and Easter.
Locally, at St. Kilian R.C. Church in Farmingdale, ashes will be distributed at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Mass.
The Spanish Mass is at 8 p.m. in the Church. Ashes will also be distributed at a Prayer Service at at 4 p.m. in the church.
St. Luke's Lutheran Church also plans a 7:30 Ash Wednesday service tonight.
