The First Lutheran Church in Lafayette offered its option of drive-thru ashes for the fourth year in a row. With the more accessible option, church members say the turnout has more than doubled since last year.
"A lot of them are those that can't stand in line. We've had the flu epidemic, they don't want to be out and around. A lot of the elderly," said Peggy Hayes.
For the members at First Lutheran, it's about opening its doors no matter what worship home a person belongs to.
"Jesus wants us all to be one again instead of being divided," said Carolyn Dufrene.
The ashes placed on a person forehead in the shape of the cross are a reminder for the need for repentance and forgiveness.
"Ash Wednesday just means becoming a better person over the 40 days before Jesus rose for us," said sophomore Peighton Delhomme.
For those of all ages who look to begin the lent season on the right foot, the message remained the same.
"We're born into this world, but this is not our final home. This is not our final resting place. We have something bigger and better to come to," said Dufrene.
