The sacrifices of Lent still lead to the joys of Easter

As a child, Easter was a very different holiday compared to all the rest. The preparation took 40 days, beginning with Ash Wednesday.

Lenten season starts today: a time of preparation

Ash Wednesday signals the start of Lent, a period of 40 days prior to Easter that many Western Christians consider a time of preparation that includes reflection, remembrance and repentance.

Dyngus Day celebration grows in Portage

Margie Dixon, of Portage, makes a plate Monday for the Portage American Legion Post 260 Dyngus Day celebration at the hall.

Dyngus Day celebration grows in Portage

Frank Wischman boils pierogi Monday for the Portage American Legion Dyngus Day celebration at the hall.

Dyngus Day celebration grows in Portage

Keith Elliott, second vice president of the Portage American Legion Post 260, wears a Polish shirt Monday for a Dyngus Day celebration at the hall.

St. Francis Xavier Parish to hold fish fry event March 30

LAKE STATION | St. Francis Xavier Parish, 2447 Putnam St., has scheduled a fish fry lunch and dinner for March 30.

Ash Wednesday Service

Father Kevin McCarthy of St. Teresa of Avila holds an Ash Wednesday service.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

Many Christians in Northwest Indiana worshiped in churches to observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent — a sacred period of spiritual preparation.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

The Rev. Kevin McCarthy rubs ashes on the forehead of Valparaiso resident Fran Wulf during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

Valparaiso University senior Lindsey Dillingham drinks Communion wine from a chalice after receiving ashes during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

Bob Emery, of Wanatah, has ashes rubbed onto his forehead in the shape of a cross during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University. Christians in Northwest Indiana worshiped in churches Wednesday to observe the start of the Lenten season.

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University.

Ashes from burned palms wait to be distributed to parishioners at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center during an Ash Wednesday service.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

The Rev. Kevin MCarthy drinks from a Communion chalice with ashes on his forehead during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University.

Symbolic time of sacrifice, service begins for Christians

Valparaiso resident Pat Greenboam has ashes rubbed onto her forehead during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University.

Mardi Gras celebration weighs heavy on many people's diets

With a name like Fat Tuesday, today is an easy excuse to splurge on high-calorie, high-fat food in the spirit of celebration and tradition.

Fundraisers and food planned for Hub City

Mark your calendar for March 9 and support the Crown Point High School athletic department at its annual fundraiser.

Whiting art studio offers Lenten exhibit

While you've probably been trying to avoid the infamous seven deadly sins during Lent, they're all going to come alive for your viewing pleasure as Studio 659 invites you to the opening reception of their newest exhibit, "The 7 Deadly Sins" Friday evening.

Fish fry events continue at Lake Station VFW on Fridays

LAKE STATION | Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9323, 2750 Central Ave., is hosting a fish fry every Friday.

St. Thomas Council to host fish fries through April 15

HOBART | St. Thomas Council 1347 Knights of Columbus will serve Lenten fish fry dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through April 15, in the St. Bridget Parish Center at Second and Main streets in Hobart.