Each participant will be given some ashes blessed by one of our priests, a container of oil, and some cotton pads. Giving ashes is a sacred act that is accessible to everyone. We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business! We’re offering ashes on the street because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building. That turning to God is the work of Lent, preparation for the celebration of Easter. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. In the evening, we will join Francisco in his service of coffee to the homeless on Connecticut Ave and offer ashes at the Circle.Īshes are an ancient sign of penitence. In the morning we plan to walk down to Dupont Circle if there are enough of us. All laypeople are invited to ‘impose’ (make the sign of the cross on the recipient). Please join Reverends Diana, Julie, and Francisco in offering Ashes-to-Go to passersby on February 22, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm before services.
