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Ashes-to-go
February 22, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Please join Reverends Diana, Julie, and Francisco in offering Ashes-to-Go to passersby on February 22, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm before services. All laypeople are invited to ‘impose’ (make the sign of the cross on the recipient).
In the morning we plan to walk down to Dupont Circle if there are enough of us. In the evening, we will join Francisco in his service of coffee to the homeless on Connecticut Ave and offer ashes at the Circle.
Why “Ashes to Go”?
Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God. That turning to God is the work of Lent, preparation for the celebration of Easter.
We’re offering ashes on the street because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building. We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business!
Procedures
Giving ashes is a sacred act that is accessible to everyone. Each participant will be given some ashes blessed by one of our priests, a container of oil, and some cotton pads. You press your thumb and oiled cotton pad into the ashes and make a cross on the recipient as you say “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The cotton pad and a mask are our precautions against COVID and the flu. It’s very simple and beautiful. If you like, you may offer to say a prayer with the person as well.
Email Diana (Diana@stmargaretsdc.org) to sign up.
Related Events
Please join Reverends Diana, Julie, and Francisco in offering Ashes-to-Go to passersby on February 22, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm before services. All laypeople are invited to ‘impose’ (make the sign of the cross on the recipient).
In the morning we plan to walk down to Dupont Circle if there are enough of us. In the evening, we will join Francisco in his service of coffee to the homeless on Connecticut Ave and offer ashes at the Circle.
Why “Ashes to Go”?
Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God. That turning to God is the work of Lent, preparation for the celebration of Easter.
We’re offering ashes on the street because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building. We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business!
Procedures
Giving ashes is a sacred act that is accessible to everyone. Each participant will be given some ashes blessed by one of our priests, a container of oil, and some cotton pads. You press your thumb and oiled cotton pad into the ashes and make a cross on the recipient as you say “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The cotton pad and a mask are our precautions against COVID and the flu. It’s very simple and beautiful. If you like, you may offer to say a prayer with the person as well.
Email Diana (Diana@stmargaretsdc.org) to sign up.