Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season. So, on the corner on of Main and Church streets in downtown Buffalo, The Very Rev. Derrick Fetz wasn't smudging ashes on the foreheads of local Christians. He was serving them instead.

"We've adapted this year to make it safe," Fetz said. "So, everyone who comes by can grab a small container."

"Ashes to Go" has been a practice of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral for years now. 

Its downtown location offers a convenient way for workers to begin their day of fasting and holy prayer. This time around, the sign of the cross in ash offers an important reminder.

"I think the fragility piece is something to remember this year, especially in this time of COVID-19," Fetz said.

But getting up close isn't exactly an option right now.

"But we still wanted to be sure we gave people some sense of normalcy," Fetz said.

So, hundreds of sample lotion containers are filled with ash. Prayer cards and even Holy Communion to go is being offered.

It wasn't hard to miss the gratitude and almost relief to see Fetz at the corner on the faces of those stopping by.

"I didn't expect this, but I am glad," Joelle Pietruszki of Hamburg said. "I am glad for the Lent season."

It gave others inspiration to share their own message for anyone struggling.

"People don't understand the significance and importance of God today," James Barner of Buffalo said. "Everybody needs to get on their knees and pray. I mean, look at what we are going through today!" 

For Fetz, this rejoicing is what pushed them to find a solution to the social distancing that's kept his congregation, and so many others, apart.

"The church is a community of people, and it's best expression of that is certainly when we are together," Fetz said.