Catholics across the Diocese of Rochester marked the start of Lent by receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ashes were distributed using the Vatican form of sprinkling them on people’s heads. St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport and St. Monica Church in Rochester offered outdoor, socially distanced distribution of ashes, while Mass and a prayer service were offered inside at Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Greece.
Tyler Hancock receives ashes at St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport while sitting in the back seat of his family’s car.
Amy Voll distributes ashes through a car window at St. John of Rochester.
A brush was used to sprinkle ashes on people’s heads at St. John of Rochester.
Amy Voll distributes ashes outside St. John of Rochester’s parish center.
Father Raymond Fleming blesses the ashes before distribution at St. Monica Church in Rochester.
A St. Monica parishioner receives ashes.
Father Raymond Fleming distributes ashes through a car window.
Father Raymond Fleming distributes ashes through a car window.
A parishioner kneels at Our Mother of Sorrows before receiving ashes.
Parishioners of Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Greece gather for an Ash Wednesday prayer service.
Deacon Tom Jewell distributes ashes at Our Mother of Sorrows.
Mary Jo Trenkner sprinkles ashes on a parishioner’s head at Our Mother of Sorrows.
