A quiet piano melody floats over the Ash Wednesday congregation at the Newman Catholic Student Center as they wait in line to receive an ashen cross on their foreheads, a symbolic reminder of mortality and a mark of redemption.

“Ashes are a reminder we are all destined to die, but are also a reminder of Easter, a reminder of God,” said Father Addison Hart, Associate Pastor at the Newman Center.

The image of ashes for Catholics is the symbolic beginning of Lent, the 40-day period preceding Easter, the day Catholics believe Christ was resurrected. Although it is not an obligatory holy day, many Catholics make a concerted effort to receive ashes.

“I’ve been going since kindergarten,” said Melissa Vargas, a sophomore early childhood education major. “It’s a natural thing for me.”

Others expressed similar sentiment.

“My whole family is Catholic,” said Cindy Herrera, a senior health education major. “There’s not an Ash Wednesday I’ve missed.”

Five masses were held at the church to commemorate Ash Wednesday.

“Of all the days of the year, this is the busiest,” Hart said.

During the mass, people of all ages filled the pews and extra chairs that were set up, and a few people even stood due to lack of space.

The mass began with a quite hymn, as Monsignor Glenn Nelson signed the lyrics of the song for the hearing impaired. He continued to sign throughout the entire service.

He gave a short sermon on the pillars of Lent, which are alms-giving (giving money), fasting and prayer and letting things go.