Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostParishioner Lia, who only wanted her first name used, leaves church after taking part in Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostParishioners dab their fingers in holy water as they arrive to take part in Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on February 26, 2020 in Aurora, Colorado.- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostParishioners pray before taking part in Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, the time period preceding Easter.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostLucas Garcia, 4, hangs upside down off of his mother Carolyn's lap during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020. Ash Wednesday is primarily celebrated by Catholics, though other Christian traditions celebrate as well.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostValentina Rossi, left, puts the mark of the cross onto the forehead of Deacon Christopher Martin Pomrening, during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostGrace Perzinski puts the mark of the cross onto the forehead of a young parishioner during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020. The ashes are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostMatias Garcia, 6 hugs his father Dion, while his brother Miguel, 9, rests his head on his shoulder as they take part in Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostGrace Perzinski, right, puts the mark of the cross onto the forehead of a young parishioner during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on February 26, 2020 in Aurora, Colorado.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostGrace Perzinski administers ashes to a young parishioner during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostValentina Rossi, right, puts the mark of the cross onto the forehead of a young parishioner during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on February 26, 2020 in Aurora, Colorado.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostPaloma Paz, right, puts the mark of the cross onto the forehead of young parishioner during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on February 26, 2020 in Aurora, Colorado.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostWith ash on their foreheads, parishioners listen to the closing remarks during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020. Around 1,100 people took part in the afternoon service at the church.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostWith ash on their foreheads, parishioners listen to the closing remarks during Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on February 26, 2020 in Aurora, Colorado.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostParishioner Amber McCulloch, left, gives her 7-week-old son Adonijah a kiss after his first Ash Wednesday as they leave St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish on Feb. 26, 2020 in Aurora.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
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Parishioner Lia, who only wanted her first name used, leaves church after taking part in Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word services at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on Feb. 26, 2020.
By Helen H. Richardson | hrichardson@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
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Getting your player ready...
Parishioners of Aurora’s St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church joined other Catholics around the world in observing Ash Wednesday on February 26, 2020. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent ends on Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. Around 1,100 people took part in the afternoon service.