Long Island Christians mark beginning of Lent

The religious season of Lent, which began Wednesday with Ash Wednesday, is traditionally a time when the faithful give up certain indulgences - commonly sweets or a favorite food - or make other personal sacrifices.

This year, the Rev. John Mellitt, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in East Patchogue, has another idea: Instead of just sacrificing something, do something positive for the loved ones in your life.

He suggested making a commitment to turn off the television during dinner time and focus on family relations. Or for a husband to commit to slowing down and making sure he spends enough time simply talking to his wife.

"What gift can we share with others?" Mellitt said Wednesday as he prepared for noontime services during which the foreheads of about 200 parishioners were marked with ashes in the shape of a cross.

Thousands more Long Islanders of Western Christian faiths - including not just Roman Catholics but Episcopalians and Lutherans - also observed Ash Wednesday services.

The faithful received the ashes to signify penance and contrition. The ashes come from burned palms used in celebrating Palm Sunday of the previous year.

The season of Lent is 40 days of fasting, penance and reflection that precedes Easter Sunday in Christian religions. Lent is to prepare for Easter, which Christians believe marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter will be April 4.

The 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays. For Eastern Orthodox churches, the beginning of Lent was Monday.