East Providence Church Offers Drive-Thru Ashes for Ash Wednesday

Each year, the beginning of Lent is marked by Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and fasting for many in the Christians.

The day itself has many, especially in our area, heading to church service or receiving ashes, a traditional start to the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday.

One local church is making it easier to observe the holy day.

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History of Receiving Ashes on Ash Wednesday

The tradition of receiving ashes on the forehead dates back to the Old Testament when sinners would perform acts of penance, showing sorrow for sins and the desire to change.

The ashes would come from the burning of palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday. The cross-shaped marking on ones' forehead can be seen by all as it typically remains for the entire day.

Since the pandemic, some local churches have altered their ash offerings to accommodate those who still like to take part in the tradition, but cannot make the service.

East Providence Church Offers Drive-Thru Ashes

However, one local church in East Providence, Rhode Island has been offering drive-thru ashes since 2014.

"We began doing this back in 2014. This is an out-of-the-box sort of thing that our minister at the time brought here," said Michelle White, Church Office Administer for Newman Congregational Church. "We've continued the tradition ever since."

This year is no different. The church will be offering both a morning and evening session for those who would like their ashes to-go. Visitors are asked to enter the parking lot adjacent to the church located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI.

Where and When to Get Your Ashes

Cones will mark the designated areas where drivers can receive the ashes without leaving their cars. Two ministers will be at the church between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.