WILLMAR - Parishioners commenced the first day of the Lenten season by receiving ashes on their forehead Wednesday at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Ash Wednesday services were held around the region for west central Minnesotans to prepare for Easter.
Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, which this year is April 21.
1/4: Erica Dischino / Tribune Olive Beck stands after receiving ashes on her forehead during an Ash Wednesday service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.
2/4: Erica Dischino / Tribune Parishioners commenced the first day of the Lenten season by receiving ashes on their forehead Wednesday at Calvary Lutheran Church.
3/4: Erica Dischino / Tribune The Rev. Tim Malek leads an Ash Wednesday service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.
4/4: Erica Dischino / Tribune Janel Skindelien of Calvary Lutheran Church, left, puts ashes on Don Kennitz’s forehead during an Ash Wednesday service in Willmar.