Catholics and members of some Protestant denominations will display a visible sign of penance as they recognize Ash Wednesday today, the beginning of Lent, 40 days leading up to Easter.

Lent is a season of penance, reflection and fasting which "prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption," according to Catholic Online. The ashes are a symbol of penance for sin, and mark a period of 40 days of sacrifice to achieve sacramental absolution.

Churches in Barrington will be marking the sign of the cross on worshipers' foreheads in ashes resulting from the burning of palm fronds after last year's Palm Sunday. Mark the occasion today at one of these churches:

St. Luke's Parish

108 Washington Road

Holy Angels Parish

341 Maple Ave.

Barrington Presbyterian (USA) Church

400 County Road