Short on time? Drive-thru ashes offered

Christians marking Ash Wednesday received the sign of the cross in a rather non-traditional location: a parking lot. The Rev. Daniel Ramm gave the Christian sign of repentance — a smudged cross of ashes on the forehead — in the parking lot of Clarkstown Reformed Church this morning for a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter on March 27. Christians will be attending services to receive the crosses of ash throughout the day.

The next 40 days of fasting and prayer symbolize the days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before starting his ministry.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.