The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14th. St. Raphael’s Church will be holding its traditional Ash Wednesday service at 12 noon in their tent at 5601 Williams Drive.
To offer the ashes to those who cannot attend the service, the church is offering a different way to mark the holy day and receive ashes. St. Raphael’s will be offering drive-through blessings and Ashes-To-Go from 1:00 to 2:00 (also on the 14th) at the TriPower Realty Office at 2500 Estero (across from Diamondhead).
Reverand Michael Rowe, the new priest in charge at St. Raphael’s, will be imposing the ashes on anyone who comes by foot, bike, or car. “Ashes to Go” is a popular movement dedicated to bringing the spirit of God out from the church and into the community. It’s a simple event that draws on centuries of tradition. “Ashes to Go” is aimed at helping people who cannot make it to the traditional Ash Wednesday service to participate in the central act of this day—receiving ashes and prayer. Ash Wednesday is intended to be a day of reflection and repentance. St. Raphael’s hopes that “Ashes to Go” can make this day more accessible for residents of the island.
The spirit of God is within us and lives with us…outside of a building made for religion. We are called to go out and tell everyone about the glory of Jesus Christ and his grace for our redemption. While it is good to gather in communion with other Christians, our calling is to bring others to the cross.