By Kathy Woodward
Special to The PREVIEW
Shrove Tuesday officially ends the season of Epiphany and is the vigil for the starting of the season of Lent.
Its celebration began during the Middle Ages and, as in contemporary times, food items like meats, eggs, milk and fish were regarded as restricted during Lent. In order to keep such food from being wasted, many families would have big feasts on Shrove Tuesday to consume those items that would inevitably become spoiled during the 40 days of Lent.
The English tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday came about as a way to use as much milk, fats and eggs as possible before Ash Wednesday began. In France, the consumption of all fats and fatty foods on this day brought about the term “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras.
In keeping with tradition, St. Patrick’s Church will be holding its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper Tuesday, March 4, from 5-6:30 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to come and enjoy the Mardi Gras atmosphere and the all-you-can-eat pancake meal. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The 40-day season of Lent leading up to Easter will begin at St. Patrick’s with an evening service Wednesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. It is a traditional Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.
All are welcome.
