Secaucus Episcopal Church Gives Out Ashes For Ash Wednesday

SECAUCUS, NJ — For those who celebrate the Christian holy day of Ash Wednesday, the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Secaucus will be offering “Ashes to Go," where they give ashes to those who would like them.

Rev. S. Elizabeth Searle, the priest from the Flanagan Way church, will be standing on the sidewalk outside the Secaucus CVS starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

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 forehead at the beginning of that season as a reminder of mortal failings and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness.

"This is a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition," said Rev. Searle. "In past years, recipients have included Muslims and Jews, Hindus, and Christians of all stripes who tell us they are attending a service later the same day, but like the idea of receiving ashes on the street."

“Ashes to Go” is about bringing the important traditions of our faith out to where people are,” she added. “We all need images of loyalty and forgiveness in our lives, our jobs, and our relationships 'Ashes to Go' helps people feel the connection between God’s grace (whether people believe in him or not) and the meaning of our lives.”