Ever since Bishop McConnell introduced “Ashes to Go” in Market Square on Ash Wednesday 2013, the practice has spread to all corners of the diocese.
Clergy and laity alike mark foreheads and spend a moment in prayer with those passing on the street, making their way to a bus, or even catching a flight.
Others continue a slightly more traditional practice of taking ashes to those in retirement communities or who are hospitalized.
Overall, the idea is to help people mark the start of Lent wherever they happen to be.
Here’s a sampling of this year’s offerings that take place outside of regular parish services:
- Mt. Lebanon: “T” station, Washington Rd. and East Shady Dr. (track level) entrances, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
- Johnstown: Central Park, 500 block Main Street, 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m.
- Pittsburgh International Airport: “Ashes on the Fly,” for passengers, Airside Terminal Chapel, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 911th Airlift Wing, Moon Twp.: Ashes for military personnel, spouses, and defense contractors, Base Chapel, 10 a.m.
- Brentwood: Giant Eagle at Brentwood Town Center, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Hastings, Cambria Co: Conemaugh Medical Center Chapel, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Brackenridge: Front of St. Barnabas Church, 989 Morgan St., 12 – 2 p.m.
- East Liberty: Front steps of Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., 12 p.m.
- Squirrel Hill: Corner of Forbes & Murray Avenues, 12 p.m.
- Downtown Pittsburgh with Bishop Dorsey McConnell: Market Square, 1:15 – 2 p.m.
- Penn Hills: parking lot of Lost & Found Pharmacy, 11555 Frankstown Rd., 12 – 1:30 p.m.
- Wilkinsburg: Ashes for kids, St. Mary Magdalene Lutheran Episcopal Church at St. Stephen’s, 600 Pitt Street, 5:30 p.m.
- Chatham University: Ashes for the campus community, Mellon Center, Woodland Road,
7 p.m.