DRIVE THRU ASHES

My favorite story about ash Wednesday really happened!! Many years ago, we were supposed to be performing with the Patty Waszak Show for many people who had traveled a great distance by bus to come to Joliet to see her. Realizing that it was Ash Wednesday, and knowing we only had short time in between shows and dinner to possibly give the show-goers a chance to get their ashes, we frantically started making calls to MANY parishes to find out which church might be able to accommodate us. Finally after re-explaining our predicament each time , a Father from St. Mary's in Joliet said we do not have a mass time to fit your schedule, BUT if you come by on your way to your dinner, the deacon and I will come onto your bus and distribute ashes for your travelers. I was SO grateful, and so was everyone on the bus!! Many chose to have ashes, and those who didn't were so impressed with the priest for doing such a kind thing that the day turned out to be one of the highlights of their trip!! One woman commented, "I am not even Catholic, and I did not get ashes, but that priest gave all of us a blessing. How wonderful was that?" Happy ASH WEDNESDAY EVERYONE!! I hope the next 40 days will re-enlighten, and rejuvenate you!