CHESHIRE, Conn. (WTNH) — This Wednesday is what Christians know of as Ash Wednesday. It’s a ritual for many people to go to church and receive ashes on their foreheads.
You probably think of a drive thru as a convenient way to get fast food or coffee, but this is how some Christians are going to be able to get their ashes this Ash Wednesday. It’s something that First Congregational Church in Cheshire will be doing for the second year in a row. Parishioner Joyce Holtzman knows how important it is for many Christians to get ashes.
“When the pastor makes a sign of the cross on your forehead it just lightens your heart,” she said. “It lifts that heavy load that we all carry.”
But people are busy and it’s not always easy to get to services. But Holtzman had an idea – something she had done when she lived in Florida. Bring ashes to the people – without them ever having to get out of the car. The church tried it last year for the first time.
“When people would drive away they would have tears in their eyes because they were not able to get to church,” said Holtzman.
“They were overwhelmed with gratitude that they could do this,” said Rev. Alison McCaffrey.
It’s called Ashes on the Way. People would simply drive up and receive their ashes on their way to work. More than 100 cars came through, and not just parishioners of First Congregational Church. Some came from out of state.
“Oh, it made my heart smile,” said Holtzman. “It really did.”
Holtzman will be helping this Wednesday so Christians can start their Ash Wednesday – and the holy Lenten season – in good faith.
“It just symbolizes your faith, everything,” she said.
Parishioners can drive up to the church on Wednesday morning from 5:30 to 9:30 to get their ashes.
