Ashes to go
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I'm so happy that Episcopal Bishop Dorsey McConnell got a little PG time ("Episcopal Church Offers 'Ashes to Go' to Its Flock," story Feb. 13 and photo Feb. 14). The Catholic Church I work for does provide envelopes and ashes for those who would like to take them home and distribute to neighbors and family who cannot attend the service or Mass, as do most of the Catholic parishes in the diocese.
I am a social minister at a church and distribute ashes and communion to the sick and homebound. It is my busiest day of the year. At the nursing homes, all are welcome to receive ashes including staff, regardless of faith.
At my home parish of St. Benedict the Abbot, there is a service (no Mass) that my children attended, and they reported there were so many people it was like a Christmas or Easter Mass with no seats or parking available. As you can see, there are no restrictions.
Letter writer Walt Weaver ("Ash Opportunities" Feb. 23) needs to get out to the local churches and experience Christianity. Attending the Mass and receiving our Lord in the Eucharist is one of our greatest gifts as Catholics. I hope you research more before bombing the Catholic Church and Bishop David Zubik by saying Catholic churches provide ashes only at Mass.
MARY SPINABELLI
Peters
First Published March 2, 2013 12:00 am
