ALTON — Marquette Catholic High School students, faculty and staff gathered Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season as participants came forward to receive ashes.
The observance brought the school community together “in reverence,” Principal Tim Harmon said, calling the ashes “a simple yet powerful reminder of our call to prayer and fasting."
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“As a Catholic high school, days like today ground us in who we are,” Harmon said. “The cross traced on each forehead is both a sign of humility and of hope. Throughout Lent, students will continue to grow not only in knowledge, but in character, compassion, and commitment to serving others.”
Harmon also described Lent as “time for reflection, prayer and renewal,” and said being marked with ashes signifies that “on the outside and inside.” He said it is an important part of development for students, adding that during the Lenten season, "fasting” takes place, including on Ash Wednesday, and that many abstain from meat.
“May this season draw our entire school family closer to Christ and to one another,” he said.
