Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Feasting on Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church when we "shrive" or "absolve from sin as a reminder that we are entering a season of penance".  It is a great reminder to go to confession before we enter the season of Lent.  This day has many names, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Pancake Day! 

Eating pancakes are a tradition on this day because pancakes require many eggs, milk and butter for their preparation, all which people did not use during times of abstinence and fasting of Lent.  We decided to make pancakes and bacon for a fun brunch to celebrate since tonight is a date night for my husband and I!





We also made a King's cake to signify the ending of "Carnival" or the time between the Epiphany and the beginning of Lent.  The boys had a great time helping make the cake last night and an even better time eating it today!
 


 

 
Truly, it has been a day of feasting before the fast!  If you want to learn more about fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church here is a great illustrated guide from FOCUS

We also set up our Lenten table as we enter our home with our sacrifice beans with a fun new printable from Lacy at CatholicIcing.com, an image of the Last Supper, and a beautiful Lenten quote printable from Kendra at Catholic All Year.  I love that there are so many awesome ideas that help make it easier to celebrate the liturgical seasons our homes!


Proverbs 28:13 "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy."
 
Now is the time to "shrove" and ask for forgiveness.  What have we done wrong in our lives that we need to ask forgiveness for?  What relationships might need to be attended to?  We should prepare to enter Lent with a repentant heart, seeking forgiveness and humility. 

4 comments:

  1. What feasting and fun! Have a blessed Lent Nicole!

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  2. You learn something new every day. I did not know about the pancakes but they look delicious! Thanks for linking up. :-)

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    1. Thanks for commenting! I learn new things about the traditions and feast days in the Catholic Church every day as well! This was our first year having pancakes for Mardi Gras but I have a feeling it will be a tradition to stick around for years to come!

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