Area Churches offer Ash Wednesday Services

For many New Milford residents, the 40-day period of prayer and fasting during Lent begins Wednesday.

Febuary 22 marks Ash Wednesday for Christians across all denominations to attend services to have the mark of a cross placed on their forehead or pray. Here are area churches that are offering services:

• Church of the Ascension: Mass will be celebrated at 7am, 8:30am, 12 Noon, 7:30pm and a Liturgy of the Word at 4pm. Ashes will be distributed only during these liturgies. A collection for the Fund for Retired Priests will be taken up at all the liturgies on Ash Wednesday. Church of the Ascension is located at 256 Azalea Drive, New Milford.
• St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church: Ash Wednesday Divine Service will be at 7:15pm. St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 225 Center Street, New Milford.
• St. Joseph of Oradell/New Milford: The distribution of Ashes will take place during the following services: 7am, 8:30am, 12pm, 4pm and 7:30pm. St. Joseph of Oradell/New Milford is located at 300 Elm Street, Oradell.
• The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation: Ash Wednesday Service will be at 7:30pm. The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is located at 343 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell.

For more information about any of the services, contact the respective church.