(RNS) On Ash Wednesday, Episcopalians take it to the streets

Posted by Kendall Harmon

This year, at least 49 Episcopal parishes across 12 states will offer ashes to passersby at train stations, bus stops and college campuses on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) as Danieley’s “Ashes to Go” concept spreads nationwide.

“We live in a time where we can’t just sit back and wait for people to come to us,” said Bishop Stacy F. Sauls, chief operating officer for the New York-based Episcopal Church. “We have to meet people where they actually are.”

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Parishes • * Christian Life / Church Life • Church Year / Liturgical Seasons • Lent • Parish Ministry • * Culture-Watch • Religion & Culture • * International News & Commentary • America/U.S.A.

6 Comments
Posted February 22, 2012 at 5:30 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. BlueOntario wrote:

The evangelical in me likes the idea of taking the ashes to the people. Ah, but as the article gets to, it’s meant to be fast and painless and easy. Despite Danieley’s denial, I can’t help but feel Bonhoeffer really did warn us of exactly this.

February 22, 12:10 pm | [comment link]
2. Frank Fuller wrote:

We need to start a contest for an even better way to trivialize the Faith.  Suggestions, anyone?

February 22, 1:13 pm | [comment link]
3. paradoxymoron wrote:

“Holy Meals”, with apple slices and a prize in every box?

February 22, 4:03 pm | [comment link]
4. Yebonoma wrote:

Couldn’t help referencing this link after reading the article -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUE0r3fsWdg
Be sure to check out the drummer’s vestments!

February 22, 5:04 pm | [comment link]
5. David Keller wrote:

We already have clown Eucharist with pizza and Eucharist for dogs, so how about using fire hoses to baptize anyone who happens by?  Actually I agree with Blue that “taking it to the street” is what we’re supposed to do.  But the “it ” is Jesus. 
#4—I don’t know about the drummer, but the lead guitar knocked me off my chair!

February 22, 5:49 pm | [comment link]
6. evan miller wrote:

Cheap gimmick so typical of the shallow, irrelevant entity know as TEC (SC, Albany, and a few other honorable dioceses excepted).  Just a publicity stunt with nothing behind it.

February 23, 3:57 pm | [comment link]
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