METAIRIE, La. – The Wednesday after Mardi Gras is the first day of Lent, and Catholics across the world will observe the day by going to Mass to be blessed with ashes.
But one location in Metairie, Louisiana doesn’t require you to go to mass. Instead, you can get your “ashes to go” from the driver’s seat of your car.
Munholland United Methodist Church located at 1201 Metairie Rd. is hosting imposition of ashes and prayer until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
“We invite you to drive up in our back parking lot and our ministers will come to your window to pray and impose ashes,” the church says. “No need to even get out of your car!”
Munholland UMC started “Drive Through Ashes” four years ago in 2014. Reverend Annakate Rawles says the church was completely surprised after 500 cars showed up in the first year. The church has since moved the event to its back parking lot after it became so popular that a line of cars blocked the interstate, Rawles said.
“It has just continued to grow. It’s just a great opportunity to get to spend a little one-on-one time with people and pray with them and put ashes on their head,” Rawles said.
Rawles said that “Drive Through Ashes” allows the church to connect with people in the community that are uncomfortable about going to church. It is also convenient for those who don’t have an hour to spare on Wednesday to go inside and worship but still want to receive ashes.
Drivers will also receive a special Lenten activity book with their visit. Because Ash Wednesday also falls on Valentine’s Day this year, families will also receive a valentine.
Churches offering drive-thru or walk-in ashes include:
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
2825 Paris Rd.
Chalmette, LA 70043
Christ Episcopal Church-Slidell
1534 7th Street
Slidell, La. 70458
Gretna United Methodist Church
1309 Whitney Ave.
Gretna, La. 70056