Churches use drive-thru mass, Q-tips to celebrate Ash Wednesday amidst pandemic

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Christians, and one local church held services in a new way during the pandemic.

Saint Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek held Mass Wednesday in the parking lot.

“We had to make arrangements to meet the needs of our people. Some people were apprehensive about coming into the church, some had pre-existing conditions that made it impossible for them to come to church. We want to meet them were they are and accommodate their spiritual needs as best we can,” Father Neil Herlihy said.

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The Knights of Columbus chapter at the church built a deck in the parking lot to serve as an altar. A transmitter broadcast the Mass to car radios. Parishioners left their cars to receive communion while social distancing and wearing masks.

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On Ash Wednesday, a priest placed ashes on their foreheads using a Q-tip, instead of a traditional rub of the thumb.

“We make the sign of the cross on their foreheads with swabs. We never touch them,” Herlihy said.

The outdoor Masses now draw hundreds in their cars and have become the most popular services at the church.

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“I think it’s really neat. This is my first time coming to a Mass in the parking lot. I’m really excited to see it and to experience it,” parishioner Kathy Greco said.

Other parishioners say they prefer attending the parking lot Mass to watching it online or attending in church.

“Not having to wear a mask, that’s my one reason. It’s uncomfortable wearing a mask during church. I know it’s for the safety of everyone, but this way is much more comfortable,” Pam Rotchford said.

The church expects a huge parking lot turn out for Easter weekend Masses, with well over a thousand people attending.

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