Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter and marks the first day of Lent, a period of prayer and fasting for Christians.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, adherents of Lent will have an ash cross placed on their foreheads symbolizing mourning and repentance. 

Here is where and when ashes will be distributed in and around Belleville:

St. Peter’s RC Church
155 William St., Belleville
Ashes will be imposed during the Masses
9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. (English); 8 p.m. (Spanish)
There will also be a 3:30 Prayer Service with Imposition of Ashes
 

St. Mary’s RC Church
17 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley
Schedule for Distribution of Ashes on Wed., Feb. 22:
6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 7 p.m. Masses.
There will also be a 3:30 p.m. service. All Masses will be in the church on this day.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel
120 Prospect St., Nutley
Ash Wednesday Mass  7 p.m.

Vincent United Methodist Church
100 Vincent Place, Nutley
7:30 – Service of Repentance and Renewal and Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Chancel Choir Singing; Homily by Rev. LeDuc - “Wicked: The Clock Dragon”
Nursery/Child Care available

St. John’s Lutheran Church
216 Liberty St., Bloomfield
7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Divine Service with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes