Happy Mardis Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday . . . Ash Wednesday Eve! On this day, the Church feasts before she enters into a more solemn and penitential season called Lent. “Shrove” is the past tense of the word “shrive,” which means to hear a confession, assign penance, and absolve from sin. Are you eating pancakes today?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent (Sundays excluded from this number). Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Don’t forget to get your ashes! What are you planning on giving up or doing this Lenten season to grow closer to Christ?