A centuries-old tradition celebrated by Christians on Ash Wednesday is being approached a little more carefully because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Typically, celebrants will get cross-shaped smudges on their foreheads by the hands of pastors and priests. This year, some church like All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove will still carry on the tradition, but with a twist.
"For the sake of Ash Wednesday this year, we've decided to impose ashes in a drive-thru way on Wednesday night," said Rev. Tanner Howard, the Associate Pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church. "We will either use cotton balls or cotton swabs to mark the ashes on foreheads, or on their hands."
Of course, those imposing the ashes will be gloved, masked, and sanitized in an effort to minimize COVID-19 risks.
"We're also sending palms home to students and families so they can burn their palms and create ashes on their own," said Howard.
Services at All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove have been virtual ever since last year's Lenten season, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Since then, the congregation has been worshiping virtually and has offered a drive-thru communion on Wednesday nights.
Howard believes the Ash Wednesday event will be well attended as people look to worship and celebrate in-person.
"This past year has been so difficult to not have that community," Howard said. "We can do it online and we have been, which in many ways is incredibly fulfilling and beautiful. It has also allowed us to reach people like we have never been able to reach people before. There is something about being able to gather in person, look one another in the eye, and hear those words, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.'"