Later in the afternoon, Cardinal George will celebrate an Ash Wednesday liturgy at 4:30 p.m. for students and faculty at Northwestern University’s Sheil Center, 2110 Sheridan Rd., in Evanston.

At Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets, ashes will be distributed during Masses beginning at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.; and at short prayer services at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Roman Catholic season of Lent officially begins today as Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago and throughout the world celebrate Ash Wednesday. Priests at all parishes throughout the Archdiocese will bless ashes and participate in applying the ashes to the foreheads of Roman Catholics with the Sign of the Cross and the reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” The ashes remind the faithful of the need to do penance for sin and to seek spiritual renewal by means of prayer, fasting and good works.