St. James’ Episcopal Church, 2584 Main Street, Glastonbury is preparing for community worship opportunities to mark Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.   Ash Wednesday, falling on February 18, 2026, marks the start of Lent; a 40-day solemn period of prayer, fasting and repentance for Christians leading up to Easter. This year St. James’ will celebrate with the Ash Wednesday worship at noon that will include the Imposition of Ashes, Holy Eucharist, music, a sermon and prayers. 

Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God.