Ash Wednesday was more than a bit different as the pandemic and a winter storm brought some modifications to the Christian observance.
Many Catholic churches had already made changes to traditional portions of their services in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. No crosses made of ashes were to be smudged on the foreheads at Archdiocese of Oklahoma City parishes. Instead, priests planned to sprinkle ashes on the person's head, avoiding person-to-person contact.
Then, snow-packed roadways and the threat of energy blackouts offered more complications.
Nevertheless, the faithful braved the snow and frigid temperatures to attend in-person church services on Wednesday in the Oklahoma City metro area.