Houston church offers drive-thru Ash Wednesday service

HOUSTON (WLS) -- An Episcopal church offers an alternative for observers of Ash Wednesday who simply do not have time for services.

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church offers "drive-thru" ashes for those who can't stop for mass, KTRK reports.

"We realize that it isn't always possible for people to attend a church service during the week so we wanted to make it easy for them. There's no need for them to even get out of their cars if they don't want to," said the Rev. Jimmy Abbott in a press release.

Parishioners receive their ashes and blessings through their driver's side window instead. The service was offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics, which lasts for 40 days and takes place six weeks before Easter.