Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the dawn of Lent, a 40-day passage of fasting and reflection that culminates on Easter Sunday, the day Christians believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Area churches will fill to capacity throughout the day to honor religious figures such as Christ, Moses and Elijah for the sacrifice they endured.

“Lent is a time every year when people are reminded to make deep and moving changes for the better in their lives,” said the Rev. Robert H. Byrne, who preaches at Sacred Heart Parish, 302 S. Kinney Blvd. “It lets us know there is something for all of us in the church.”

Lent is a special time for prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter, according to www.catholiceducation.org.

It became more prevalent after Christianity was legalized in 313 A.D. The Council of Nicea, 325 A.D., in its disciplinary canons, noted that two provincial synods should be held each year, “one before the 40 days of Lent.”

Since then it has been common practice to fast and refrain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays for the duration of Lent, including Good Friday, the day Christ is believed to have died on the cross – two days before his Easter resurrection.

“Fasting is when people are supposed to eat smaller meals, commonly two meals instead of three,” said the Rev. Joe Frankenfield, who preaches at St. Mary’s University Parish, 1405 S. Washington St.

Another common practice during Lent includes giving things up like junk food. Some also commit to doing more for the community.

Area Ash Wednesday services

Christ Our Savior, 1305 N. Mission Road, 7:30 p.m. service
Faith Lutheran Church Wels, 1402 E. Preston St., 7 p.m. service
First Presbyterian Church, 1250 Watson Road., 6 p.m. community supper
First United Methodist Church, 400 S. Main St., 6:30-7:30 p.m. drop-in service
Immanuel Lutheran Church ELCA, 320 S. Bradley St., 7 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. services
Sacred Heart Parish, 302 S. Kinney Ave., 8 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. services
St. Mary’s University Parish, 1405 S. Washington St., 12:10 p.m., 5:10 p.m. and 7 p.m. services
Wesley Foundation, 1400 S. Washington St., 9 p.m. regular service
Zion Lutheran Church, 701 E. Maple St., 7:30 p.m. service

Frankenfield said some of these practices are not celebrated in the spirit of Lent.

“It’s not a chance to lose weight or sober up,” he said. “It’s the point of giving up the more important things to make ourselves better people.”

Frederic senior Jonathan McIntyre said he attends Sunday mass at both St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart. He has practiced Lent rituals as long as he can remember.

He said he eats just two meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstains from eating meat on all Fridays during Lent.

McIntyre said giving things up does not represent the true meaning of Lent.

“We recognize that we are all sinners, we recognize our mortality, we recognize that we’re human,” he said. “Lent is a time for renewal, and you realize your true thoughts and become closer to God.”

While Lent started as a Catholic observance, Byrne said the practice has evolved.

He said Lent is growing to many churches, most noticeably to Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and Methodist-based churches. Most evangelical and Pentecostal-based churches do not observe Lent, Byrne said.

Bryne said the strict adherence to Lent’s sacrifices have changed over the years.

“I think the rules have changed somewhat from what I remembered being younger in the 50s and 60s,” he said. “Back then, all Catholics older than 14 had to, and for the most part did, fast for all 40 days. Now it’s just two days – Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.”

Byrne said religious ties are not as conscious in the modern world because life is much busier.

McIntyre said he plans to go to church.

“Outside of Christmas and Easter, Ash Wednesday is one of the most frequented services,” he said.