"Ashes to Go" returns for Ash Wednesday

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Photo credit Ashes to Go. March 6, 2019 (WBEN Photo/Mike Baggerman)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - With busy schedules or family commitments leaving little time for parishioners to receive their ashes, the Episcopal Diocese of WNY on Wednesday is running its annual "Ashes to Go".

Ashes to Go allows worshipers to simply walk or drive up to the church, receive their ashes, and be on their way in no more than 20 seconds. 

"It's a sad day because the ashes remind us that we shall all return to dust but a happy day to remind us that God loves us and gives us eternal life," Episcopal Diocese Bishop William Franklin said. 

Jason Miller, who was just ordained on Saturday, has the ashes imposed on Ash Wednesday. Many others have come to St. Paul’s Cathedral this morning to receive their ashes. pic.twitter.com/DxFlm0gmKA

— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) March 6, 2019

This is the eighth year of Ashes to Go and Franklin said because people have different schedules, they want to bring the church to them, much like how Jesus did before. 

Mike O'Neill works near St. Paul's Cathedral and has received his Ashes to Go for the last three years. 

"It's kind of fun," O'Neill said. "I like to wear the ashes. I love the idea they make it simple to do. I love the idea people can pull up in their cars."

If you missed the morning round of Ashes to Go, St. Paul's Cathedral will run a second one from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.