A White Oak church is putting a modern twist on a centuries-old Christian tradition, offering \u201cAsh and Dash\u201d for people on the go or with mobility challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have Catholics and protestants, we have people who really don\u2019t go to church, but they recognize the tradition of this period of time leading to Holy Week and to the Easter day of resurrection,\u201d the Rev. Wendy Farone said.<\/p>\n
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season in many Christian denominations, 40 days of reflection leading up to Easter. Worshippers traditionally receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a sign of repentance.<\/p>\n
In White Oak, cars lined up outside the church as parishioners waited to receive ashes without leaving their vehicles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is such a convenience for everyone to do this. It\u2019s a blessing,\u201d Gina Andrejcak said.<\/p>\n
Scott Smith, also of White Oak, said the brief stop provides an opportunity to reflect.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople get so busy, and things in your life get busy, but it\u2019s time to slow down and take a look at things,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
Ash Wednesday also signals the start of fish fry season across the Pittsburgh region.<\/p>\n
At Blessed Trinity Parish in Baldwin, volunteers prepared fried fish, donuts and clam chowder for the parish\u2019s first fish fry of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our first day of getting everyone back together, and it\u2019s always a lot of fun,\u201d Elaine Garfold said.<\/p>\n
Joe Pope said the weekly meals foster connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a community thing, and it\u2019s really nice to do because you meet other people,\u201d Pope said.<\/p>\n
Ten percent of the fish fry\u2019s sales will go to local food pantries and Meals on Wheels programs, the Rev. Stephen Kresak said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about raising money, it\u2019s about providing a ministry to the people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> for a full list of fish fries across the Pittsburgh region.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n