Drive-thru Ash Wednesday allows religious worship with convenience

Looking to observe a religious holiday but don’t have much time for worship? A Union County church has a solution.

News 12 Staff

Mar 7, 2019, 1:49 AM

Updated 1,877 days ago

Share:

Drive-thru Ash Wednesday allows religious worship with convenience
Looking to observe a religious holiday but don’t have much time for worship? A Union County church has a solution.
Today marked Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the Christian Lenten season leading up to Easter. Those who practice the religion receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, while they embark on six weeks of reflection and sacrifice.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church featured a drive-thru option for those who wanted to observe the holiday, but did not have the time to attend a Mass.
The Catholic Church does not do drive-thru ashes – but News 12 New Jersey found many practicing Catholics who came to St. Andrew’s looking for the convenience. Some asked not to be filmed in case their parish priest was watching.
One of the clergy giving out the ashes Wednesday was Episcopal priest Michael Calandriello. He is a former Catholic priest who then went on to marry and join the Episcopal clergy.
St. Andrew's was one of about a half-dozen different churches in New Jersey offering drive-thru ashes. About 200 people attended the service last year. Clergy said that they were well on that pace again Wednesday afternoon.


More from News 12
0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

1:30
Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

0:26
Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

0:23
Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

0:21
Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

0:23
Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers