Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday or Mardi Gras) is the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom for Christians to be "shriven" or obtain absolution for one's sins before the start of Lent.
According to tradition, pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. Lliturgical fasting — giving up something for Lent — emphasizes eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: in many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.
Join us at Trinity to eat your fill of pancakes and sausage. You can join us even if you're giving up lima beans for Lent.