Ashes to Go

On February 10, 2016, Ash Wednesday, the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton will offer “Ashes to Go” – a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition.

This is the sixth year the Edmonton diocese has joined an international movement to offer ashes, along with God’s love and mercy, to people at transit stops, street corners, coffee shops, and college campuses: wherever they might be, and whatever their connection to church or God.

Clergy and lay people from several churches will offer ashes and blessings to people as they commute to work and school.

In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. For centuries, Christians have received a cross of ashes on the face at the beginning of that season as a reminder of mortal failings and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness. Ashes to Go is an informal opportunity for people – many who have lost their connection to a church, or have never participated before – to learn more about and participate in and the Ash Wednesday tradition.

“Ashes to Go is about bringing the important traditions of our faith out from behind church walls into the places where people gather and work, says Archdeacon Chris Pappas, rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Archdeacon for Congregational Growth/ Vitality. “As people get busier and busier, we need the church in new and non-traditional ways. We especially need reminders of forgiveness in the tough places of our working lives. The people who accept ashes on the street are often people longing to make a connection between their faith and the forces of daily life. Through Ashes to Go we help them feel that connection.”