Episcopal leaders in Arizona are heading to the streets and sidewalks on Ash Wednesday to conduct the "Ashes To-Go" program.
On the corner of Roosevelt and Central in midtown Phoenix, a group of three Episcopal priests are greeting commuters. They're offering them the opportunity to receive ashes, a symbolic gesture marking the start of the Christian holy season of Lent.
"Ashes To-Go" is part of a nationwide movement within the Episcopal Church. Timothy Dombek is a priest with the Diocese of Arizona.
"We want to be visible," said Dombek. "And we want to try to do what we can to meet people where they are, and if they’re touched by that they might meet us where we are."
Dombek says this one of the efforts the organization is taking to adapt to the changing times and the busy schedules found in today’s culture.
Church officials will be administering the program in locations across the state until about 4 p.m. Wednesday.
