NewsUpdated: Feb. 18, 2026, 4:02 p.m.|Published: Feb. 18, 2026, 3:42 p.m.
Academy of St. Dorothy Principal Sister Sharon A. McCarthy presents crosses to the younger students at an Ash Wednesday service in the Grasmere school’s auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Christian season of Lent is officially upon us and some 175 students at the Academy of St. Dorothy kicked off the 40 days of solemnity and sacrifice Wednesday afternoon with Ash Wednesday services in front of an audience of parents and guests including Catholic Schools of Staten Island Superintendent Jann Amato.
“During this season of renewal and penance, it is truly inspiring to see our students come together and share a meaningful moment centered on the message and purpose of Lent,” said Sister Sharon McCarthy, the principal.
The service included musical accompaniment from David Dragos and the students.
Check out photos from the ceremony below.
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The Academy of St. Dorothy celebrates Ash Wednesday
After freelancing for over a decade, Jason Paderon came on full-time in September 2021 as a Multimedia Specialist. His duties include photography, videography and podcast producing among others. He is also a… more