Catholic parishes all over the world marked the beginning of Lent with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18. The Catholic Courier visited two Rochester-area churches, St. Thomas More in Brighton and St. Pius Tenth in Chili, to capture local Catholics observing the start of the Lenten season.
Click here to view more photos from this event and/or buy prints.
Eight-year-old Leah Marcell receives ashes from Father William Coffas at St. Thomas More Church.
Mary Lee Bishop prays during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Thomas More Church.
Steven Lewis bows as he receives ashes from Father William Coffas at St. Thomas More Church.
Jim Flanagan pauses for prayer after receiving ashes at St. Thomas More Church.
Dan Donohue (left) receives ashes from Father William Coffas as Donahue’s 1-year-old daughter Hannah looks on at St. Thomas More Church.
Steven Lewis (from left), Mary Fran Hansen and Mary Lee Bishop kneel to pray during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Thomas More Church.
Father William Coffas elevates the Eucharist during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Thomas More Church.
Seven-year-old Gabriel Hitchings receives ashes from Father Paul Bonacci at St. Pius Tenth Church.
Bowls of ashes sit at the front of St. Pius Tenth Church.
Larry Rodwell receives ashes from Father Paul Bonacci at St. Pius Tenth Church.
Parishioners pray after receiving ashes at St. Pius Tenth Church.
Three-year-old Marne Mazzochetti receives ashes at St. Pius Tenth Church.
A boy looks through the crowd during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Pius Tenth Church.
