BRUNSWICK — The Lenten season begins Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13, with the distribution of ashes during all Masses at All Saints Parish.

Symbolically, the centuries old tradition of marking the foreheads of penitents with blessed ashes is intended to help them develop a spirit of humility and contrition, remind them of their own mortality and call them to repentance.

The penitential nature of Ash Wednesday is emphasized by the Roman Catholic Church on this day by calling all Catholics over the age of 18 and younger than 60 years to fast during the day. In addition, Catholics age 14 years and older are required to abstain from meat.

The following Ash Wednesday Masses will be held at All Saints Parish churches: St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick, 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 82 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor, 12:15 p.m.; St. John the Baptist Church, 37 Pleasant St., Brunswick, 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; St. Patrick Church, 380 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle, 6 p.m.; and St. Ambrose Church, 29 Kimball St., Richmond, 6 p.m. In addition, a Mass will be celebrated at Bowdoin College Chapel, Brunswick, at 8 p.m.

All Saints Parish also announced the Stations of the Cross will be held the Fridays of Lent from Feb. 15 through March 22 at the following times and locations: 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church, Bath; 4:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Brunswick; and 5 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Newcastle. St. Charles Borromeo and St. Patrick Church will also be hosting Lenten suppers immediately following the Stations of the Cross.

For more information about events scheduled at All Saints Parish during the Lenten season, call the parish office at 725-2624 or visit www.allsaintsmaine.com.