CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx \u2014 Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and one local church is making it easier for people on the go with “Ashes to Go.”<\/p>\n
Around 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church continued its “Ashes to Go” tradition in the Freedoms Fitness parking lot on Airline and SPID.<\/p>\n
Church member Megan Gordon says real things happen to real people, like wrestling with faith, and this is a time where you can get prayer with no judgment.<\/p>\n
“You should go to church, you should have a church family. We don’t all have that luxury,” Gordon said.<\/p>\n
Gordon says she’s seen it all in this drive-through, from mothers with premature babies to people who can’t take a lunch break.<\/p>\n
“They just want a piece of that church service so they’ll come through,” Gordon said.<\/p>\n
Volunteers and pastors filled the parking lot to offer prayers and blessings to those who drove up.<\/p>\n
Clint Gonzales waited in line for his ashes and explained what brought him there.<\/p>\n
“Just like you’re working right now. As much as I’d like to break away in the middle of the day, it’s always great to know that I can come here,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
He says he’s grateful for spaces like this in his neighborhood.<\/p>\n
“Thank goodness they’ve always done this one, down the street from my neighborhood,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
For Gonzales, the Lenten season is about renewal. Even if you’re not a believer in Christ, he encourages everyone to have an open heart and learn something new.<\/p>\n
“It’s good knowledge for you to know everything. Especially when it comes to love and mercy,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
He says an early morning prayer is a great jumpstart to his day and brings peace.<\/p>\n
“I’ll probably spend the entire day kind of reflecting,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
Many participants say this is a reminder that faith can meet you anytime and any place. Neighbors and volunteers say this simple drive-through moment is both convenient and a powerful way to start the season of Lent with prayer and reflection.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App. <\/a><\/p>\n