From dust to dust

The Rev. Michael McLoughlin, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, administers ashes to parishioners on Wednesday, March 5, to mark the beginning of the season of Lent. The 40 days that follow are set aside as a time of penance, reflection and fasting in preparation for Easter. Although Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, most Catholics attend Mass or services to receive their ashes. As the priest, deacon or lay minister traces the sign of the cross on the foreheads of parishioners, they remind them that life on Earth will pass away: "Remember, You are dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Photo by Roger Gavan