Jenn Codeluppi / Mon Valley Independent
Many Christians headed to church yesterday for Ash Wednesday services. It also marks the beginning of Lent — the 40-day period of abstinence and self-restraint leading up to Easter. Ashes are placed on the forehead and serve as a public expression of faith. Sydney Dunn, an eighth grader at St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School in North Belle Vernon, is shown receiving ashes from the Rev. Michael J. Crookston during Ash Wednesday mass at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church.