Christ Episcopal Church holds 'ashes to go' service to mark start of Lent

The prohibition against large gatherings to help slow the spread of coronavirus forced changes in the traditional practice of ministers applying ashes to the foreheads of worshipers on Ash Wednesday to mark the start of the Lenten season.

While some churches canceled the ceremony altogether, others got a little creative with the ceremony in which ashes symbolize death and repentance.

At Christ Episcopal Church on Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills, the Ash Wednesday service was celebrated in an empty sanctuary but video recorded for broadcast on the church’s website.

The service was followed by dispensing “ashes to go” at a drive-thru set up for parishioners to receive ashes that were applied to their forehead with a cotton swab.

Participants also received a small container of ashes to take home and use with their families.

“Things are different this year because of the pandemic, so we found a way to do our Ash Wednesday service and still keep people safe,” said the Rev. Canon James D. Shoucair, the church’s rector. “I think it’s important that even though we can’t gather as a group, we find ways to remain connected with each other.”

About 40 people signed up to receive ashes at the 1 p.m. drive-thru event and many more picked up containers of ashes that were left inside the church during the past several days so they could observe Ash Wednesday at home.

Catholic churches in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg dioceses were able to receive ashes. But instead of the priest making the sign of the cross on their foreheads using ashes, the ashes were sprinkled on their heads to eliminate direct contact.

“This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries,” according to Father Tom Kunz, associate general secretary and vicar for canonical services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“Our parishioners will still receive these blessings and can still participate in these solemn days, but the extenuating circumstances of our times require us to adapt this year,” said Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Churches that did old public worship services required people attending to wear masks and observe social distancing and other safety measures.