March 4 meant an annual milestone for thousands of local residents, possibly including participation in an Ash Wednesday church gathering. Students from Mead Hall and St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School were among participants in Aiken gatherings to mark the start of Lent,

Photos: Catholics around the Lehigh Valley attended services to mark Ash Wednesday, observed on the first day of Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection in preparation of Easter. St. Peter Catholic Church celebrated with many services. “To be careful not to give up stuff,