Though it hardly feels like it with the absence of marching bands and lingering beads littering our trees, Mardi Gras 2021 is nearly upon us. In many Christian circles across the world, Mardi Gras is looked down upon--seen only as a time of debauchery and sin. Yet Scripture, as seen in the above quote from Nehemiah, encourages us to set time aside for joyful celebration. This is at the heart of Mardi Gras--as we New Orleanians well know--enjoying good food and music with family and friends and celebrating the rich culture of our beloved city. And as our Lord tells us in Ecclesiastes, "there is an appointed time for everything...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" (3:1-4).
So though your celebration may look a lot different this year, we at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church want to wish you all a joy-filled and safe Mardi Gras; A Fat Tuesday filled with the best of food, music, and fellowship (from a safe distance :). And then, just as we join together in revelry, we invite you to change gears with us as we transition to Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
St. Angela Merici Staff