News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
FIFA World Cup

Ashes to-go bus brings Ash Wednesday tradition into the community

The bus makes stops at Norwalk City Hall and local businesses throughout Norwalk, Southport and Stamford.

Emily Knapton

Feb 18, 2026, 1:58 PM

Updated

Share:

Top Stories

For the 11th straight year, St. Matthew Catholic Church in Norwalk ensures people can receive ashes on Ash Wednesday even if they can't attend Mass.

The bus makes stops at Norwalk City Hall and local businesses throughout Norwalk, Southport and Stamford.

Church officials say the idea for the bus was inspired by Pope Francis' call to "meet people where they are."

“There are a lot of people who cannot go to church for different reasons,” says Fr. Miguel Betancur Lenis of St. Matthew Catholic Church. “Some of them are homebound, some of them are sick, some of them work — the business of the day doesn't allow us to go to church.”

Over the past decade, church officials say thousands of people have received ashes from the ashes-to-go bus.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices