PRINCE ALBERT — In the past, I am sure every parish in the diocese would have had a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper the day before Ash Wednesday, just as there would always be an Easter and Christmas celebration.
According to Google, the word Shrove is derived from the word Shriving. Shriving was a ritual of penitence that medieval Christians practiced. To shrive someone, in old-fashioned English — he strives, he shrove or he has shriven — is to hear his acknowledgement of his sins, to assure him of God’s forgiveness, and to give him appropriate spiritual advice.
The week preceding the Lenten holidays, symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, was traditionally spent cleansing the soul from sin through confession and absolution.
In approximately 1445, Christians held these shrove suppers. It symbolizes a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, sugar, etc., before the fasting season of Lent, which explains the practice of giving up something, maybe chocolate, for Lent.
Did you know that Sundays do not count in your Lenten discipline because it is a feast day to celebrate the resurrection? Another reason is a matter of arithmetic. We honour the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness praying and fasting, and if you count 40 from Ash Wednesday to Easter, you have to skip the Sundays.
For over 20 years, St. David’s and St. Alban’s churches have shared the iconic Shrove Tuesday meal of pancakes and sausages. Before then, each church was having its own supper and then they decided to do something together. For a while, they would alternate between churches, but for the last 10 years, St. David’s has hosted the event.
Members from each church share the work of flipping pancakes and cooking sausages. All the profits have always been given to the Bishop MacAllister College in Uganda. Over the years, they have helped build classrooms and music rooms.
Up until this year, one of the parishioners at St. David’s always bought the sausages. Unfortunately, he died last year. However, on the menu this year were strawberries, cherry preserves, ice cream, real maple syrup and pancakes and sausages. Because of the snowstorm, the attendance was down this year, but after expenses, they still had $70 to send to the college.
Stewart Adams reports from Birch Hills
The pancake flippers were ready and the sausages cooked at St. Mary’s, Birch Hills, for their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper. The blizzard blew in at about 3 p.m., which affected our attendance, but those who braved the snow and wind were well fed. Sausages, pancakes, fruit and fellowship were enjoyed by all in attendance!
The maple syrup bottle was emptied. With the Ash Wednesday service that was held at the Christ Alone Lutheran Church in Birch Hills, the service was organized by the Birch Hills Ministerial and the Anglican, Catholic and Lutheran congregations. Attendance was reduced due to the winter storm that was experienced; however, 20 faithful attended and participated in the service.
St. Patrick’s in Hudson Bay decided to discontinue their pancake suppers. One reason is that they only have two men who can help! Another explanation is that every first Sunday of the month, the Elks put on a pancake breakfast. Among the 10 churches in Hudson Bay, the United Church hosted the event this year.
All Saints Church in Melfort has opted to have a pancake meal, in lieu of Shrove Tuesday, on the following Sunday. In Tisdale, 12 people attended their Shrove Tuesday supper of pancakes and ham. Also, in the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield, there were 20 people enjoying pancakes and sausages.
Many communities have an active ministerial association, while Lent is a time for everyone to come together. One of the traditional events is the Lenten lunches. In most smaller towns, each church will take a turn to host a free-will offering lunch of soup and sandwiches or buns throughout the Lenten season. Usually, the priest responsible for the church will do a short inspirational talk.
It is heartening to know that things don’t always change, to know that for many years churches have had their Shrove Tuesday meals, and their Ash Wednesday services, and their Lenten lunches.
