photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph Chad Clecker places palms brought back to the church by parishioners from last year's Palm Sunday service into a fire to be burned into ashes for tomorrow's Ash Wednesday services in the parking lot of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, Texas Tuesday Feb. 17, 2015. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a season of spiritual discipline, fasting and prayer observed by many Roman Catholics and some Protestant Christians leading up to Easter. The ashes are rubbed on parishioners' foreheads in the shape of a cross during the Ash Wednesday services. Clecker is the business manager for the parish.

1. East Texans observe Ash Wednesday

East Texans will have many opportunities to commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday.

However, in a new event for the community, clergy and members of Marvin United Methodist Church and Christ Church, Episcopal will gather at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza in downtown Tyler to “impose” ashes on all who desire it.

The Rev. Matt Boulter, assistant rector at Christ Church, said Lent is a 40-day period preceding Easter and is a time when Christians are invited into a season of repentance. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this season.

The downtown event will run from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and is open to anyone who wants to participate.

In addition, numerous East Texas churches will have their own services or celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses.

 

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