OBSERVER Photo by Jo Ward The Rev. Joe Walter bestows ashes to patrons at Ash Wednesday services at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fredonia.

Despite COVID-19, many turned out for Ash Wednesday services in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. While St. Anthony of Padua’s service was small — around 50, Holy Trinity and St. Hedwig’s saw turnouts of between 70 to 100 parishioners.

“It’s a lot like a family where some people can’t see all of their members,” said the Rev. Joe Walter of St. Anthony’s in Fredonia. “We like to be in one another’s physical presence. It’s Ash Wednesday and it’s great. We need Lent. We’re called to simplicity and called to grow closer to God. Whether or not we can make it here, we’re all still celebrating Ash Wednesday and this call to conversion.”

The Rev. Jan Trela at St. Hyacinth’s and St. Hedwig’s had three Masses for distributing ashes as well as a large funeral. The Mass at 7 a.m. was small, but he reported the noon gathering was much larger.

“People here are good. For Sunday Masses I see a big turnout, at least 100 or more,” Trela said. “Other Masses are 60 to 80. St. Hedwig’s holds 700 so we’re well within guidelines.”

While Walter sprinkled ashes on people’s heads Trela had a spice shaker and is peppering people with it.

“It’s been tough with the masks,” Trela said.

“It’s a completely different level of communication with the people. You cannot see them smile. Generally I think people should be allowed to do what they want. .. it should be up to you. If you want you should be able to do it.”

The Rev. Dan Walsh said turnout at Holy Trinity in Dunkirk was about 70 people at 8:30 a.m., 70 people at noon and 180 for the students at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, including some parents.

“It was completely different like everything else with COVID,” Walsh said. “You miss seeing the cross on people’s foreheads. That’s a real sign of Ash Wednesday.”

According to Walsh, Ash Wednesday ranks with Christmas and Easter as far as turnout goes. In his opinion that may be because people feel worthy enough for ashes, but not communion.

“Lent gives us a reason, a grace, an incentive to get back into spiritual, psychological and physical shape,” Walsh said. “I’ve seen it help people who are alcoholics or smokers. They give up those things for Lent and hopefully the idea is when you give up those things, you have more time for your family, to read, to pray and even sleep or exercise.”

At St. John’s Episcopal Church at West Fourth and Lark streets in Dunkirk, a “No Hand Touching, Ashes to Go” imposition was from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The imposition consisted of a short prayer and ashes. The person administering ashes wore gloves and followed all safety precautions, according to the church.