Our Shrove Tuesday celebration—complete with beads, pancakes, special activities for children, King Cake fresh from Louisiana, celebration prayers, and burning of palms—will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening March 4.

 

“Fat Tuesday” (aka Mardi Gras) is the final evening before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally this evening is when Christians take stock of their lives and what they might want to change to prepare for Lent. Shrove Tuesday is for individual confession in preparation for Ash Wednesday’s public penitence for common sins.” Right alongside private confession came the custom for Shrove Tuesday to be a time of indulging in all the foods one might sacrifice during the penitential season of Lent. (Note: We will talk more about this practice in the future. I prefer the intention of “letting go” of things that distract you from your journey with God over a ritual of abstinence.)

 

For most of us, the indulgent aspect of Shrove Tuesday takes higher priority over confession! Yet, we will begin the evening with the “Exhortation” found in our BCP, p. 316! Please come enjoy dinner with your family—all are welcome, wanted, and belong!