The road to the joyous celebration of Easter starts with Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the six weeks of penitence leading to Christ’s glorious Resurrection.

St. Anne Roman Catholic Church and Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church are two of the Bethlehem area parishes that joined Christians worldwide Feb. 18 in observing the day with services.

“Ash Wednesday is a special day – the beginning of Lent,” the Rev. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor of St. Anne, said as celebrant and homilist of the 8:45 a.m. Mass that welcomed students from St. Anne School as well as adults.

Father Esposito referenced the two prayers that are said at the Imposition of Ashes: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” and “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

“We are less like ash and more like clay in the hands of the great potter.”

“May we repent, and may our sacrifices at this time link us to the God of love,” Father Esposito said.

“We are ash – nothing. But with God, we are something.”

The distribution of ashes was offered at each of the Masses celebrated at St. Anne at 450 E. Washington Avenue.

The faithful at Holy Cross gathered for a service of with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes at noon at the church at 2700 Jacksonville Road.

The Rev. David Brown, pastor of Holy Cross, reflected in his homily that Lent is “a penitential journey with Jesus that can prepare us for the joys of Easter.

“Follow his command – take up our cross daily and follow him.”

“Life in our culture keeps us on the run,” Pastor Brown said. “Lent calls us to slow down and reassess our lives.”

Pastor Brown said God wants us to walk with him – he’s the one in charge, but sometimes we are not in step with the Lord. “Lent is a time to recalibrate.”

Pastor Brown said people often think of Lent as a time of deprivation, of giving things up. He encouraged the faithful to first think of something to add to their lives, such as a new ministry. “Ask God to guide you,” he said. “Remember you belong to God. Pray for God’s mercy and his grace to change you.”

Karen Brown, wife of Pastor Brown and church secretary at Holy Cross, noted the church will offer midweek Lenten services on Wednesdays in Lent, February 25 and March 4, 11, 18 and 25. The noon service will feature readings, videos, prayers and personal testimonies and be preceded by a light meal at 11:30 a.m.

Holy Cross will also host a Community Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 4, the day before Easter. The event, which includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, is free and open to the public.

Lent & Ramadan

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