A sign of faith

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 22, 2007

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The faithful across the bay area went to Ash Wednesday services, like this one at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting, penance and almsgiving that precedes Easter. Smearing of ashes on the forehead, a practice observed by Catholics and some Protestants, symbolizes mortality and the frailty of humanity. Math teacher Olena Spridgeon, left, says she is giving up alcohol for Lent. "Lent for me is a time to cleanse yourself and to better yourself, whether you are a teacher, student, wife, husband or whatever it is that is important to you," she said.