Ashes On The Go

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent. I started my day by receiving ashes on my forehead at my parish school's Mass (where they 'buried the Alleluia' until Easter and the Eighth graders and Kindergartners teamed up to do the Prayers of the Faithful petitions), then continued on with my errands.

Once on the main street, I noticed that the nearby Methodist church was having what they call an "Ash and Dash" program again this year. The event was set up in the parking lot of the city's Athletic Association, which is where the church also has their Christmas tree lot in December.

There was a pop-up tent set with a sign that indicated they were offering Drive-Thru Prayer and Ashes set up right off the street. The lot was divided into lanes with traffic cones, and I could see two clergy people standing and waiting for business.

At our church they ask parishioners to bring in their palms from last year's Palm Sunday to burn and make ashes. I don't know how this church also did it, but I know it's just a coincidence that the event is held right next to a cremation provider.

Five years ago today: Polenta. It's What's For Dinner