St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Dartmouth and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in New Bedford will commemorate Ash Wednesday by offering "ashes to go" on March 1.

Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of spiritual renewal and preparation for Easter. Ashes to go is an opportunity for our local parishes to get outside the walls of the church to not only meet people, but also to invite them to prayer as Christians worldwide begin the Season of Lent.

On Ash Wednesday, anyone in the community is welcome to stop by one of the following locations to be marked with ashes.

• Outside of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 136 Rivet Street, New Bedford; 8-10:30 a.m.
• Big Value Outlet, 718 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth; 3-5:30 p.m.

Additionally, there will be two Ash Wednesday services: a Liturgy of the Word service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 12:15-12:30 p.m., and a service of Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 7 p.m.

The Episcopal Church promotes the inclusion of all people regardless of family or marital situations, sexual orientation, race, creed, gender or life story. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.