Lent is the season of reflection and fasting leading to Easter. Westfield Patch brings you a list of area churches offering services on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season.

• St. Helen's Catholic Church at 1600 Rahway Ave. will distribute ashes at the 3:30 p.m. service and at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mass.
• Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 315 First St. will distribute ashes during Mass at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There also will be a service at 3:30 p.m.
• The Presbyterian Church in Westfield at 140 Mountain Ave. will hold services at noon and 8 p.m. in the Chapel. 
• Redeemer Lutheran Church at 229 Cowperthwaite Pl. will hold noon and 7 p.m. worship services.
• First United Methodist Church at 1 East Broad St. will have a service at 7:30 p.m. 
• First Congregational Church at 125 Elmer St. will hold a special Ash Wednesday worship of hymns, Scripture, Reflection, and the dispensing of ashes at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Beginning February 20, St. Helen's and every Catholic church and chapel in the Archdiocese of Newark will be open every Wednesday evening during Lent from 7 to 8 pm for individual confessions. This initiative, called "The Light is on for You," is designed to help all Catholics experience the forgiveness of Christ.