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A typical Mardi Gras mask

Catholics at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Chandler celebrated Mardi Gras a bit early this year. The parish hosted Mardi Gras-themed festivities for the whole family before and after its 5 p.m. Mass.

Families learned about the spiritual connection of Mardi Gras to Lent (an ecumenical ministry offered its take), made costumes and a Mardi Gras float for the parade. They also challenged themselves to a Mardi Gras bead and coin toss while enjoying music, dinner and fellowship.  

Staff at the Diocesan Pastoral Center observed Mardi Gras — which is also known as “Fat Tuesday” or “Shrove Tuesday” — by enjoying a pancake breakfast. In other words, they observed “Pancake Day,” according to the tradition discussed in “The Little Black Book,” which offers daily six-minute reflections throughout Lent.

Some suggest that serving pancakes on this day became a popular way to use up fat, butter and eggs before Lent got underway. In England, a Pancake Day Race has been held on this day before Lent for over 500 years — begun allegedly when a woman cooking pancakes heard the church bells summoning her to services. In her haste, she rushed out of her house, still holding her frying pan.