PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- With Ash Wednesday at hand, more than a dozen clergy including Episcopal Bishop Nicholas Knisely plan to give out ashes in some unusual venues Wednesday as part of an effort to bring the traditional observance to the streets and neighborhoods.
Though the distribution of ashes may stretch over several hours, some will begin quite early -- 5:40 a.m., when the Rev. Jan Grinnell will begin offering ashes at the commuter rail station in South Kingstown.
Starting at 7 a.m., ashes will be distributed at three Providence venues including the Seven Stars bakery on Hope Street, Burnside Park and Kennedy Plaza, and the Amtrak train station.
Also starting at 7, clergy will distribute ashes at the main bus stop on Roosevelt Avenue next to Slater Mill; and in front of Holy Trinity Church in Tiverton, where the rector plans a drive-through service.
Other early venues include the Harrington House homeless shelter on Howard Avenue, Cranston at 6 a.m.; the security area at T.F. Green Airport at 8 a.m.; the Seamans Institute on Market Square, Newport, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and in front of the University of Rhode Island's Memorial Union Building and the Emporium at 9:30 a.m.
Starting at noon, clergy will distribute ashes at Washington Park on Broad Street and at the Whole Foods in Cranston.
Bishop Knisely will distribute ashes at the Providence Amtrak Station at noon -- the same time that Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin will kick off the Lenten season with a more traditional Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul at 12:05 p.m.
By Richard C. Dujardin