Dust to dust

Father David Konderla, director of campus ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Center, places ashes on a student's forehead in the shape of a cross during an Ash Wednesday service in Rudder Theater. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The ashes are symbolic of sinfulness and are rubbed onto the forehead in the shape of a cross, while the priest or pastor says, "Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return."