Ash Wednesday, celebrated Feb. 13 this year, marks the start of the season of Lent for many Christian denominations. 

Lent, which is traditionally observed by fasting, repentance and spiritual discipline, refers to the 40 days prior to Easter, excluding Sundays.

During some Ash Wednesday services, the priest, minister, or layperson will use ashes to make the sign of the cross on worshipers' foreheads. This action is meant to symbolize a person's repentance to God. 

The following Shelby Township and Utica churches are among those offering Ash Wednesday services:

St. John Vianney Church, 54045 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Township

• 6:30 a.m. Mass
• 7:30 a.m. Mass
• Noon Prayer Service
• 7 p.m. Mass

Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave., Utica

• 11 a.m. Service
• 7 p.m. Service

St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church, 55355 Mound Rd., Shelby Township

• 7 p.m. Service

St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 48115 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Township

• 8:30 a.m. Mass
• Noon Scripture Service
• 7 p.m. Mass

Shepherd's Gate, 12400 23 Mile Rd., Shelby Township

• 5 p.m. Ashes
• 7 p.m. Ashes

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