Ashes for Lent

The idea had been in the works for several years, and on Ash Wednesday this year it finally happened. Three folks from All Saints Dallas (Dustin+ Messer, Vicar, Erin Roy, Deacon and parishioner Parker Smith) took to a busy plaza in downtown Dallas at noontime and offered ashes to those passing by. “I’ve been trying to think of ways for our Christian witness to be more present in the community,” explained Dustin, “and this year it finally came together.” The trio stayed about an hour, settled strategically near a well-used crosswalk. Parker held a sign, “Ashes for Lent,” while Dustin and Erin imposed ashes on any who came up to them. “I resisted the sign at first, wanting to be more subtle, but Erin explained that a sign is like an agreement that we are offering an invitation and not attempting an ambush. People came up to us, we didn’t go after them,” he said.

About 40 people stopped by to receive the ashes. Some were families, some didn’t speak English, including an elderly woman from France. A few encounters included a brief conversation and when asked if they had needs that could be prayed for, many responded with serious requests. “I think it helped that Erin and I were in our clerical garb,” Dustin mused. “I think it reinforced we were safe and were not there on our own, but representing the Church.” They did encounter a few people who wanted to debate or argue or condemn, but most people seemed welcoming or indifferent. “Some of the onlookers snapped photos or recorded videos,” Dustin remarked.

On Holy Wednesday, Dustin plans another entree into Dallas as he does a prayer walk from one end of the city to the other—covering about 20 miles. He estimates that if he starts at daybreak he should finish by nightfall, depending on the length of conversations that may arise along the way. This idea came from an ancient practice called, “Beating the Bounds,” historically taking place on Ascension Day.

As for next year’s Ash Wednesday, they hope to visit several locations around the city, and bring along a Spanish-speaker.