From Ashes to Easter: A sacred season begins
By Allison Mosier02/22/2026
Across the Diocese of Erie, churches were filled as the faithful gathered to mark Ash Wednesday — the solemn and beautiful beginning of Lent. With bowed heads and open hearts, thousands approached to receive ashes, hearing the timeless words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Ash Wednesday invites us into a sacred season of reflection, repentance and renewal. Lent is not merely a time of sacrifice — it is an invitation. An invitation to return to the Lord more intentionally. To deepen prayer. To fast and give alms. To examine our lives and allow Christ to transform our hearts.
Throughout Erie and the surrounding counties, the impact of this holy day was visible and powerful. Local media outlets captured the witness of faith lived publicly and reverently.
- WJET visited St. Mark Catholic Center, where Father Singer spoke about the meaning of the day and the call to conversion.
- Erie News Now shared coverage from St. George Parish, highlighting parishioners who began their Lenten journey together in prayer.
- The Erie Times-News published photo galleries from parishes throughout the region, showing families, students and seniors alike marked with ashes.
- In Oil City and Franklin, The Derrick reported on area churches filled with the faithful.
These stories reflect something deeper than headlines — they reveal a church alive. On a weekday morning and throughout the day, Catholics made time to pause, pray and publicly profess their faith. The simple sign of ashes becomes a powerful witness in workplaces, schools and neighborhoods.
Lent now unfolds before us — forty days that mirror Christ’s time in the desert. It is a season that calls each of us to renewal. Some will take up fasting in new ways. Others will recommit to daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Families may gather for Stations of the Cross. Parishes will offer missions, retreats and opportunities for service.
This is the beauty of Lent: it meets each person where they are, yet always calls them forward.
Across the Diocese of Erie, resources have been prepared to support this journey. Reflections, prayer opportunities, parish events and spiritual tools are available to help individuals and families grow during these sacred weeks.
The ashes placed upon our foreheads fade quickly. But the invitation remains.
To walk more closely with Christ.
To turn away from sin.
To prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
To learn more about Lenten opportunities and resources throughout the Diocese of Erie, visit: https://www.eriercd.org/lent.html
May this season be one of grace, courage and deeper communion with the Lord for every parish and every home across our diocese.
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