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The Rev. Sam Godfrey preforms the Blessing of Ashes ritual (photos by Blake Bell | The Vicksburg Post).

Parishioners take part in Ash Wednesday services at Christ Episcopal Church in Vicksburg.

The Rev. Sam Godfrey delivers the message.

The Rev. Sam Godfrey delivers the message.

Parishioners take part in Ash Wednesday services at Christ Episcopal Church in Vicksburg.

Churches across Warren County held Ash Wednesday services marking the beginning of the penitential lenten season Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is commemorated in many Christian denominations as a solemn reminder of human mortality, the need for reconciliation between man and God, and the beginning of Lent, which commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in fasting in the desert and being tempted by Satan, according to the Bible.

At Christ Episcopal Church in Vicksburg, the Rev. Sam Godfrey led two services Wednesday, including an evening observance at 5:30 p.m.

“I woke up this morning and there was a word that came to mind,” Godfrey said during Wednesday night’s service. “It stuck with me all day. And the word is invite. The word came to mind because of Ash Wednesday. That word came to mind, and what struck me was we’re invited into this season of Lent. It’s a season that we usually think of for fasting and penitence. And we’re invited. We’re not ordered into it. What we are invited to do, really, is we’re invited to draw closer to God.”

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