Louisiana Residents Can Get Drive-Thru Ashes for Ash Wednesday to Begin Lent

Residents have celebrated the fun, festivities, and throws at many Mardi Gras parades for weeks. As Mardi Gras ends, the faithful look to find ashes for Lent on Ash Wednesday, and drive-thru ashes are available.

What Is Lent?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explains that Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday before Easter to pray, fast, and give. Giving can be money to those in need, but it also represents giving our time and talent to others.

Most people know Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, but the bishops remind us that Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice. Some Christians will fast all day on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent.

Why Do People Get Ashes On Their Foreheads?

Christians receive ashes on their foreheads to signify the beginning of Lent. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, ashes on the forehead have roots in the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, wearing ashes was a sign that you were repenting of your sins. At the start of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, many Christians will receive the ashes on their foreheads as a sign to show they will spend the 40 days of Lent in reflection and repentance of their sins.

Most people receive the ashes at the end of the mass on Ash Wednesday. However, for those who may not have time for an entire mass, there are alternatives.

Where Can I Attend Mass In Lafayette for Ash Wedneday?

The Diocese of Lafayette has information on its Facebook page for various places Catholics can receive the ashes.

Check with your local Catholic church to determine when they will offer mass on Ash Wednesday.

For example, St. Pius Catholic Church in Lafayette will offer several confessional options on Ash Wednesday and an early evening service.

Another example is Holy Cross Catholic Church on Broadmoor Boulevard, which will offer three different mass times on Ash Wednesday.

What Are Drive-Thru Ashes, And Where Can I Get Them?

In recent years, some Christian churches have started offering an alternative to church services for those who lack time.

While many local businesses will give their employees the day off for Mardi Gras, many do not extend the time off to include Ash Wednesday.

Asbury United Methodist Church of Lafayette is one of the churches offering drive-thru ashes on Ash Wednesday. The church is located at 101 Live Oak Boulevard in Lafayette and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will also offer an Ash Wednesday Worship service at 6 p.m.

Another church offering drive-thru ashes this Wednesday, March 5, is First Lutheran Church at 301 West Farrel Road in Lafayette.

First Lutheran will offer the ashes via drive-thru starting at 6 a.m. and concluding at 7 p.m., followed by a worship service at 7 p.m.