Catholic school students get their ashes

A parishioner holds a young girl during Mass as teachers at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, 3721 W 62nd St., distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday to their students Feb. 14. Father Salvador Den Hallegado was the main celebrant at Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Den Hallegado talks about Lent to students during an Ash Wednesday Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

A student laughs after responding to a question from Father Den Hallegado. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Den Hallegado makes a heart with his hands as he talks about Lent to students during an Ash Wednesday Mass. This year St. Valentine's Day fell on Ash Wednesday. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Fifth graders, from front, Alondra Garcia, Isabella Carrillo pray the Our Father during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, 3721 W 62nd St. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Fifth graders Jose Gomez and Alessandra Cavazos pray after Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Christian Rosa prays during the Eucharistic prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Eric Alonzo receives ashes following Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nathan Ramirez lifts his hair to make room to receive ashes on his forehead. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

From left, fifth graders Diego Linares, Davian Venegas and Dylan Navarro sing at the end of Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Eighth grade teacher Billy Schauer distributes ashes to choir members Elizabeth Serrano, Angel Linares and Danny Cabrera following Mass as teachers at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)