St. John's Church will offer "drive-thru ashes" on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26. 

St. John's Episcopal Church Rector Rev. Patrick J. Greene said the drive-through service will be available from 7 to 9 a.m. at the County Road church on Ash Wednesday. 

"Folks will be able to pull into our parking lot, say a few short prayers and receive ashes on their morning commute without getting out of their cars if they’re unable to attend a service that day," Rev. Greene said.

The local church leader said the idea of "Ashes-to-go" has been around for a while, even in the local diocese. He recalled some clergy gathering at places such as bus stops, train stations and airports to offer ashes to people who are on their way to and from work. 

"A friend of mine at a church outside of Houston amended that to drive-through (ashes) at his place because it’s on one of the ways into Houston and has a steady stream of commuters driving every day," Rev. Greene said, adding that he was not sure whether the idea started there or from someplace else.