Connecticut Churches Offer Drive-Through Ash Wednesday Services

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For Christians in Connecticut and around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of sacrifice and reflection. Many churches in the state are offering drive-through ash distribution services in their parking lots to accommodate parishioners who have to rush to work or take care of their children on this holy day.

Why it matters

Ash Wednesday is an important ritual for observant Christians, as the ashes symbolize mortality and the call to repentance. By offering drive-through services, churches are making it more convenient for busy parishioners to participate in this tradition, ensuring wider community engagement during the Lenten season.

The details

Congregational churches like North Branford Congregational, First Congregational in Cheshire, and Rocky Hill Congregational are offering drive-through 'ashings' that take about a minute. Catholic churches, such as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, are holding multiple indoor services for parishioners to receive ashes. In New Haven, eight churches are offering 'masses and ashes' at different times throughout the day.

• Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, leading up to Easter Sunday.