Church takes ashes to the street

AUSTIN (KXAN) - If commuters can't make it to Ash Wednesday services, St. David's Episcopal will take ashes to them.

St. David's calls it Ashes to Go, and many people like Stephanie Lozano took advantage of the opportunity during their morning routine at one of Austin's busiest pedestrian intersections.

"I will be going to mass this evening with my kids but wanted to get my ashes early," said Lozano. "I just like the concept of coming out here and getting them this morning.”

Rev.David Boyd will stand at the corner of the busy downtown intersection at Sixth Street and Congress Avenue to offer the Lenten sacrament.

“This isn’t about forcing religion on someone or aimed at making people feel uncomfortable," said Boyd. "It’s about taking our faith out of the church and being present in the everyday places where our faith and lives intersect. It’s about welcoming everyone into Lent, which is a time to grow in knowledge, connection and love of God through soul-searching, repentance and reflection.”

“I think it was convenient and something different and new, and I thought it was a pretty neat idea -- especially for us working people who don’t have a lot of time," said Lozano.

For Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. And Boyd will be out at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to provide the ashes on foreheads as a symbol of repentance.

"It's important for us to make a sacrifice in remembrance of the sacrifice that was made for us so long ago, and, you know, we're really blessed to have all the graces that a lot of people don't have right now. And so that's really the idea," said Lozano, who said she talked to her children about Lent on Tuesday night before tucking them into bed. "It's important because it represents to everyone I know my faith, my Catholic beginnings and the importance of the season."

Some 75 people turned out to the early morning period, and Boyd said the church will stay as long as it needs to so that people can receive the sacrament.

St. David’s has also set its regular Ash Wednesday services for 7 a.m., Noon, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the church. Church officials said all are welcome to join in these more formal services.