This Sunday marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten season. For some places it is the beginning of the carnival season culminating in the Mardi Gras festival. For others the days are still marked by measuring Sundays since Epiphany.

Continuing Anglicans see this time as both a preparation Easter, but also preparations for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Shrove tide is a phrase to describe the period leading up to Shrove Tuesday, a day we mark with a pancake supper and some of the rich and good things we enjoy. The following day, Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season with the imposition of Ashes.

At Saint Barnabas the altar will be dressed in purple to remind us of our King, but also to be in readiness for Lent. The Shrove Tuesday pancake supper is always a party, but we can expect a visit from the “Shroves”. We never know how these little creatures will make themselves known, but there is no missing the impact. Underlying all of these events is the knowledge that Lent is a time of spiritual preparation.

May you all be blessed with a Holy Lent!

Fr. Harley+