Parishes, school mark Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday

Students from St. Walter-St. Benedict School in Blue Island watch as Monsignor Dennis Lyle, pastor, blesses dried palms before a palm burning on the parish and school grounds on March 4, 2025. The ashes would be distributed on Ash Wednesday, March 5, which marks the start of Lent in the Latin-rite church. Parishioners receive ashes at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 4220 N. Sheridan Road, prior to Mass on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Ash Wednesday marked the start of the penitential season of Lent -- a time of reflection, prayer, fasting and charity before the Easter feast. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)