Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday (17 February) is a day traditionally associated with shriving (confession), self-examination, and using up rich foods before the Season of Lent begins. It is celebrated with the making and sharing of pancakes, and sometimes informally called Pancake Day.
Our sister church, Holy Trinity, will be hosting an All-Age Pancake Party at 4pm. Everybody is warmly invited to attend, but it would be very helpful if you could sign-up for (free) tickets so that we know how many pancakes to prepare. We will be burying our Alleluia (marking the last day on which “Alleluia” is said for 40 days), eating pancakes, and preparing the Ash to use the next day.
Following the party, at 7pm at Holy Trinity, there will be an opportunity to make a pre-Lent Confession in the side chapel.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday (18 February) is the first day of Lent. Lent is a forty-day season of lament, in preparation for the celebration of Easter. During Lent, Christians walk with Jesus on the way of the cross and reflect on his suffering and death for our salvation. It is marked by the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and charitable giving. During this season, we have an opportunity to return to God and to remember our need for mercy and grace. (If you’ve not been to church for a long time, Lent is a beautiful time to come back).
On Ash Wednesday there will be a simple Eucharist at St Augustine’s at 12 noon, with the opportunity for ashing, and a sung Eucharist at our sister church, Holy Trinity, at 8pm.
Ash Wednesday is a Principal Holy Day in the Church of England, and Christians are expected, wherever possible, to attend a Eucharist on that day.
We warmly encourage you to begin the journey into Lent at St Augustine’s or Holy Trinity.
