As Ash Wednesday approaches, churches in College Station are gearing up for the distribution of ashes for over 7,000 students and residents. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season and is a holy day for many Western Christian denominations. Following Ash Wednesday, there are 40 days excluding Sundays before Easter. For many Christians,.
Ash Wednesday in Brazos County: locals advised to worship at home
Typically, worshipers might attend an Ash Wednesday service. In the Brazos Valley, however, both the pandemic and the recent winter storm may prevent people from flocking to their houses of worship.
and last updated 2021-02-16 16:00:03-05
BRAZOS COUNTY, TX â Ash Wednesday will mark the beginning of Lent this week, an important occasion for many followers of the Christian faith.
Typically, worshipers might attend an Ash Wednesday service. In the Brazos Valley, however, both the pandemic and the recent winter storm may prevent people from flocking to their houses of worship. Some churches, like St. Andrewâs Episcopal in Bryan, are considering their options should the roads remain slick with ice.
Faith communities across the Brazos Valley will have Christmas Eve services today and tonight in a wide range of formats due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some congregations will have in-person worship gatherings with varied COVID-19 safety protocols in place, with others holding livestreamed or prerecorded worship services. In interviews this week, local faith leaders shared their plans for the holiday services amid the pandemic and spiritual reflections on a Christmas season that is emotionally challenging for many.
The Rev. Daryl Hay, rector of St. Andrewâs Episcopal Church in Bryan, said his congregation has planned three Christmas Eve services. An indoor service will be at 3 p.m. with limited attendance and RSVPs required; at 5 p.m., St. Andrewâs will have a outdoor Eucharist in the parking lot; and a livestreamed virtual service will begin at 7:30 p.m.