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Mountain Lakes, Rockaway churches taking Ash Wednesday message of hope and love on the road in Parsippany

The Rev. Adele Hatfield and the Rev. Debra Duke giving "Ashes to Go"
By: 
Renata Magalhaes / Parsippany Life

[Parsippany Life] Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent for Christians, signifying the 40 days until Easter. It’s usually a time for the faithful to reflect and to offer personal sacrifice.

The use of ashes, in fact, dates back to the very early days of the church. In ancient times, they symbolized a period of mourning, expressing sorrow, or penitence. For those raised in Christianity, Ash Wednesday still serves as a reminder, as said in Genesis 3:19, "That thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return."

But as modern times progress, the tradition of attending an Ash Wednesday service is becoming less traditional.

That is why some local houses of worship have turned to more creative ways of tending to their congregations’ needs.

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, the Rev. Adele Hatfield, co-rector at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, together with the Rev. Dr. Debra Duke from the Community Church, both in Mountain Lakes, and the Rev. Lyssette N. Perez, of United Methodist Church of the Rockaways, decided to take their services on the road – literally.

"This is the third year that I have gone to the Waterview Park and Ride [in Parsippany] to offer ashes," said Hatfield. "I wear liturgical vestments and bring along a sign marked ‘Ash Wednesday’ which tells what I am there to offer."