The Rev. Seamus Griesbach administers ashes to the forehead of Izzi Luce, 14, during Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn on Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Griesbach told the students that the practices of Lent, such as giving something up, are meant to draw them closer to God and to others. Griesbach encouraged students and staff to re-establish relationships with people from whom they may have become distant, perhaps because of a hasty social media post or during this time of increased political differences. 

The Rev. Seamus Griesbach, center, Camden Jalbert, left, and Elliot Hachey, right, administer ashes to students during Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn on Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Griesbach told the students that the practices of Lent, such as giving something up, are meant to draw one closer to God and to others. Griesbach encouraged students and staff to re-establish relationships with people from whom they may have become distant, perhaps because of a hasty social media post or during this time of increased political differences. 

The Rev. Seamus Griesbach celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn on Wednesday. 

Eighth-grader Matthew Trischler was an altar server during Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn on Wednesday. Trischler turns 14 on Friday. Michael Stowe and Annie Carman also were altar servers.