Across every region of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, congregations, schools, and campus ministries gathered to observe Ash Wednesday and begin the holy season of Lent.
In Fort Worth, Bishop Seage participated in the morning Ash Wednesday service at All Saints’ Episcopal School, marking students and faculty with ashes as the school community entered Lent together.
At the same time, in Tyler, Bishop Fisher joined the All Saints Episcopal School Chapel, standing with young people as they heard the call to repentance and grace.
In Freeport, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church offered thanks to Baci’s Restaurant for allowing the parish to use its outdoor space to offer ashes to neighbors in the community.
In Houston, Christ Church Cathedral, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, and many others observed Ash Wednesday through Ashes to Go and services throughout the day.
On university campuses, ministry leaders prayed with students. At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Canterbury Student Center, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, ashes were imposed in gathering spaces filled with people in very different stages of life.
Nearly 600 people, of all ages and walks of life, found their way to Calvary Richmond on Ash Wednesday for ashes and a prayer. Deacon Nancy Wilkes, supported by church members, were roadside during morning and afternoon commutes so any community member couldpause and reflect as they enter into this Lenten season.
As the Rev. Alex Montes reflected, Ash Wednesday brings the Church together “in different contexts, communities, and yet one single truth.”
In Freeport, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church offered thanks to Baci’s Restaurant for allowing the parish to use its outdoor space to offer ashes to neighbors in the community.
That truth is both sobering and hopeful. The ashes are honest. They remind the faithful that life is fragile and that no one is in control. The ashes are also a sign of mercy. The God who formed humanity from dust continues to hold his people in steadfast love.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas invites all to keep one another in prayer as this holy season unfolds.
