join us as we enter and honor the season of a Lent — that time each year when we ‘remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return.’  it’s the season, more than any other, during which we’re honest about the sin that damages our relationship with God and with others.  it’s also the season, more than any other, during which we celebrate God’s mercy and forgiveness — the means by which God opens the door for our ‘return.’

the ‘hinge day’ between the season of epiphany (in which we’ve been since January 6th) and the season of Lent (in which we’ll be until easter day on April 12th) is commonly called ‘mardi gras’ or ‘fat tuesday’ or, in the church, ’shrove tuesday’ — traditionally a day of confession (’shriving’) in preparation for Lent.

most folks connect ’shrove tuesday’ with pancake suppers — pretty lame today, but at one time symbolic of clearing out all the rich, high-calorie foods from the pantry in preparation for lenten fasting.  it was the last chance to really ‘over-do it’ before Lent — to eat, drink, and be merry.  many will connect this imagery with the french Catholic tradition made popular in New Orleans — you know, beads, masks, debauchery, etc.  it’s this part of the mardi gras tradition that Holy Trinity has adopted — choosing to play hard, then pray hard.

to that end, please mark your calendar for the following lenten events:

tuesday, february 24th — mardi gras dinner & debauchery beginning @ 6pm (ht parish hall)
wednesday, february 25th — ash wednesday: 7am, 12noon, & 7pm (cathedral), 12noon (Post & Main), 6pm (dinner table)
tuesday, march 3rd — ht lenten program 6:30-8pm: “God” (w/ Leonard Oakland from Whitworth & Fr. Paul)
tuesday, march 10th — ht lenten program 6:30-8pm: “Jesus” (w/ Matt Rindge from Gonzaga)
tuesday, march 17th — ht lenten program 6:30-8pm: “Bible” (w/ Matt Rindge from Gonzaga)
tuesday, march 24th — ht lenten program 6:30-8pm: “Church” (w/ Fr. Paul)

please join us for the season — and for much, much more!