Mardi Gras season is officially over and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent, is here. A Lafayette church is providing another way of the imposition of ashes throughout the religious holiday.
For the past three years firefighters, police officers and even high school football teams have passed through the driveway at First Lutheran Church after its ministry team created a more accessible way for people to still practice their religion.
“Ash Wednesday means a time of renewal. A fresh start.” said Anita Ardoin, a church member.” “It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to have people who are reaching out and giving of themselves in such to bless me, so I can pass the torch onto others and Christ,” she added.
She’s one of many Lafayette residents who expressed gratitude for First Lutheran’s drive thru ash services. “We have this wonderful facility right here and we were trying to find a way to use it,” said Claire Fung. “One of the women on the team who created the idea three years ago.”
She said it’s an outlet for people from all walks of life to prepare for Lent amid their busy lives.
“Busy duty with another church selling fish dinners for my son,” said one mom passing through the church to receive her ashes.
Pastor Robert Miller said what he loves most about this is that it’s uniting people from all faiths and beliefs. “Most mainline or traditional churches have the more traditional churches, like Ash Wednesday were one step removed from the Catholic Church.”
Church members, non-members, law-enforcement and more began their 40 days of devotion rolling through these church grounds.
“They’ve stepped forward to make it easier and accessible to stop and not only have a time to be blessed in the renewal of Christ and them, but to see other people in Christ laboring,” said Ardoin.
Last year the church did about 500 imposition of Ashes. They believe they will soar above that number this year. The church still holds regular Ash Wednesday services at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the church on 301 West Farrell Road in Lafayette.
