Longview — Once the party hats and beads are put away from Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season.
It isn’t just the Catholic Church that observes Ash Wednesday — most liturgical denominations, including Episcopal, Disciples of Christ (Christian), Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran, also have a ceremony in which ashes are drawn into the participant’s forehead in the shape of a cross.
The Rev. Kevin Wittmayer, senior pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, said Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Penitential Season, commonly called Lent, during which time the church is called to reflect and repent.
“This is a time of concentrated reflection on your life ... with a focus on your spiritual life,” Wittmayer said. “Our liturgy asks for forgiveness for what we have done and what we have left undone ... we’re reflecting on sings of both commission and omission.”
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