Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
CHESTER-- Episcopalians in towns across northern New Jersey took to the streets Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, to participate in the sixth year of "Ashes to Go."
Ash Wednesday initiates the Lenten season of reflection and penitence, which precedes Easter. Ashes are used to mark the foreheads of the faithful with the sign of the cross.
Numerous priests and lay people visited train stations, bus stops, coffee shops, shopping centers and street corners to offer ashes and a brief prayer to commuters and pedestrians who wished to participate.
Reverend Margaret Otterburg, form the Church of the Messiah, who joined member Sharon Hausman, stood outside a Starbucks off Route 206 in Chester and offered ashes to people who stopped at the shop for their morning coffee.
"I think at least 50 people have received ashes since I stared at 6 a.m. at the Dunkin Donuts located across the street," said Otterburg, who went on to say, "I'm afraid I'm getting a little low on ashes."
Eon Savory, a resident of Flanders who stopped by for his morning coffee also received ashes on his forehead and said, "I love it, it gives me a feeling of community."
In Newark, commuters during the morning rush hour received Ashes to Go from the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, at Newark Penn Station while Rev. Canon Gregory Jacobs offered Ashes to Go at the indoor entrance to the Gateway Building on the second floor of Newark Penn Station.
While talking about rush hour, Beckwith said "Every aspect of humanity comes here, all four corners of the Earth. It is important to bring the Church into the world."
For Newark resident Dalia Cortes, it was convenient to receive ashes and she said she was fortunate that her boss at the nearby Metro Cafe in the Gateway Center, allowed her a quick break to practice her faith.
The Episcopal Diocese of Newark comprises the northern third of New Jersey with congregations in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren and Union counties.
Aristide Economopoulos contributed to this report.
Robert Sciarrino may be reached at bsciarrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SciarrinoRobert. Find NJ.com on Facebook.