Catholics begin Lent with Ash Wednesday services

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hundreds of thousands of faithful Christians and Catholics across Houston will stop for a blessing on their way to work, this Ash Wednesday. One Spring church is catering to busy believers on the go.

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church is offering "drive-thru" ashes for those whose schedule doesn't permit stopping for mass.

"Everyone is welcome to acknowledge this important day in our religious life. We realize that it isn't always possible for people to attend a church service during the week so we wanted to make it easy for them. There's no need for them to even get out of their cars if they don't want to, " said the Rev. Jimmy Abbott in a press release.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics, the 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting. This happens six weeks before Easter, which Christians celebrate as the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The drive through will be located in the Holy Comforter Church parking lot, located at. Rev. Abbott and the Holy Comforter family will be on hand from 7am until 7pm.

Regular Ash Wednesday worship services are being held at 6am, 12pm and 7pm for those with a little more time available.