GOSHEN — Many people observed Fat Tuesday — the last feast before Lent — in Goshen, as members of St. James Episcopal Church hosted members and friends in an annual pancake and sausage dinner last evening.
Members of St. James church have held the Shrove Tuesday event since 1948, said co-chairman Pat Robinson. “We invite everyone to come in and enjoy themselves” before Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season.
“I look at it as a gracious, great time, as we walk in Jesus’ steps,” said Father Larry Biller, the priest there for the past five years.
Members were set to observe Ash Wednesday today at 6 p.m., followed by a Mass at St. James, Father Biller said. The priest places ash on the forehead of parishioners as a sign of sinfulness, he said.
While many people give up something for Lent, Father Biller said, “a lot of people — me included — try to do something for someone else, each day, all anonymously, if you can.”
“As you go through your day, you can always do something. It pops up,” Father Biller suggested.
On Thursday the congregation will begin marking the walk of Jesus each week, by walking to the 14 “Stations of the Cross” around the sanctuary in the church.
“We all move, some carrying a cross, and have a prayer at each station,” Father Biller explained. That observance is followed by a Mass, he said.
Palm Sunday is a big event, and Holy Week includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, when there will be another observance and Mass.
“Holy Week is the greatest of all,” Father Biller said.
Lent “is a special time of year when you put the world aside and concentrate on what religion means to you,” explained Charles Wicks, a member of St. James since 1976, who worked in the kitchen making pancakes Tuesday.
Lent is a penitential season, and people cut down on meals, often eating two meals instead of three per day. And many fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, eating just one meal, Wicks explained.
Then after Easter, the church celebrates 50 days of Easter, with a more lively liturgy and freedom to eat more.
“I definitely observe it in my own way,” Brent Rheinheimer said. “I try to give up something that’s meaningful to me, rather than the latest craze.”
“I make sure I get to church as often as I can in this season,” Rheinheimer said.
Long-time member Thurston Perrin also said he concentrates on attending as often as he can in this season.
Steve Dudley, a five-year member and co-chairman of the pancake dinner Tuesday, said he appreciates the priest at St. James’ church.
“I appreciate what Father Larry has brought to the church,” Dudley said.
Local News
Related Photos
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Stacey McKee serves flapjacks to Gary Miller of Goshen Tuesday night at St. James' Episcopal Church's pancake dinner. JUSTIN CRIPE | THE GOSHEN NEWS
Enjoying a feast before Lent
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