THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 5 A COVID-19-safe beginning to Lent First Ash Wednesday drive-by draws hundreds to Blessed Sacrament Parish By Tara Vocino A bout 400 people – most of them wearing facial coverings while practicing social distancing – received ashes during Blessed Sacrament Parish’s first Ash Wednesday drive-by. “There was a tremendous demand for ashes,” Father Rev. Tim Kelleher said. “Everyone felt safe and comfortable while remaining in their car, masked.” He and fellow clergy distributed ashes using a Q-tip while drivers and passengers remained in their car during the Wednesday (Feb. 17) observance. YOUNG WORSHIPERS: Coming out during February School Vacation to accept ashes on their foreheads are friends Hunter Arsenault, 13; Mia Shawdee, 10; Teaghan Arsenault, 10; and Cadin Arsenault, 7. (Saugus Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) ADMINISTERS OF THE ASH: Pictured from left to right are Deacon Rev. Jorge Patino, parishioner Donna Zinna and Rev. Timothy Kelleher during the administering of ashes during the first Ash Wednesday drive-by at Blessed Sacrament Parish on Wednesday (Feb. 17). Deacon Rev. Jorge Patino said it was rewarding to see hundreds of people being faithful to church tradition. “It was an overwhelming feeling to see so many people coming to our parish,” Patino said. Approximately 250 people came in the morning shift, including children on February School Vacation, according to Kelleher. A PASSIONATE TURNOUT: The line was backed up in the church parking lot and down Summer Street. Kelleher explained that Ash Wednesday, in the Roman Catholic tradition, is an internal disposition to reflect on how people can improve their lives in relation to God. It also marks Saugus Democratic Town Committee hosts Zoom meeting on Feb. 28 he Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet via Zoom on Sunday, February 28 at 7 p.m. The topics will include the 2021 yearly calendar, speaker roster and long-range planning. All Saugus Democrats are welcome to join the SDTC to help elect Democrats to public office. For information on attending and membership, please email us at saugusdtc@ gmsil.com. T the first day of Lent observed by many of the Christian faith, seven weeks before Easter. Parishioner Donna Zinna, who helped to distribute ashes, said they were touched SIGN OF THE CROSS: Robert Gatchell received his ashes. by people’s appreciation and reverence, even more so than in previous years. “They were worried about us standing out in the cold,” Zinna said. “They made sure we’re okay.”
6 Publizr Home