ALPHARETTA—On Ash Wednesday, students at three public high schools attended by parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Church could receive blessed ashes at a student-led prayer service. Some 40 students and parents participated in the services at Cambridge, Alpharetta and Milton high schools. The day began the season of Lent when Catholics observe a period of self-denial and service.

The best part was it was completely led by the students, said parish youth minister Alejandro Rodriguez. The young people were trained in the rite, but the rest was in their hands, he said. They reserved space before school with faculty and then spread the word among students, he said.