Lent Begins With 'Ashes To Go' In Downtown Tulsa

The first day of Lent, also known as Ash Wednesday, is the beginning of 40 days dedicated to reflection and prayer in preparation for Easter.

Lent begins today, and Trinity Episcopal Church is offering “ashes to go” again this year.

The day usually involves a church service where people receive ashes on their forehead, and the ashes come from the left over palms from the last Palm Sunday.

A full church service on a workday isn't always convenient for everyone, so they have added a “drive-thru” lane for folks to use during their lunch hour and on short breaks.

Tulsans can stay in their car as they go through the line in downtown Tulsa, as a member of the clergy makes the marks a cross on their forehead.

Students at Bishop Kelley also celebrated the start of lent with a special mass.

The school-wide mass discussed the importance of fasting during the 40-day period between now and Easter; and, in return, students chose something to do without during that time.

"I am giving up soda because, one, I just think I drink too much of it," sophomore Paul Dower said.

Junior Danny Warwick said, "I am giving up hot showers to almost do the corporal bodily suffering of not what Christ went through, but as close I can do it right now."

Ash Wednesday services are being held by several other organizations in the area.