SHROVE TUESDAY

The word "shrove" in "Shrove Tuesday" means to hear confessions. It was the custom and is still recommended that members of the church go to confession at the beginning of Lent. Nowadays Shove Tuesday is often called Pancake Tuesday. The custom of eating pancakes on this day arose because of the need of using up the eggs and fat which were, originally at least, prohibited articles of diet during the forty days of Lent.

TO DO

1. Why not make some pancakes in school. You could ask your pupils or another adult to help you. You will need lOOg (4oz) of plain flour; one egg; a pinch of salt and 250 ml (1/2pt.) of milk or milk and water mixed. All of these quantities can be multiplied for larger amounts. Firstly mix the flour and salt together then add the egg. Finally, beating well, gradually add all the liquid until the batter is smooth. Heat your pan well and moisten its surface with a few drops of oil. Pour in some of your batter and after a few seconds flip or turn over your pancake to cook the other side. Turn out the pancake on a plate dusted with castor sugar.
2. Ask the pupils to write out a list in their religion copies/journals of what they will do for Lent and another list of what they will give up for Lent.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The custom of using ashes on this day probably dates from at least the eighth century. On this day the faithful approach the altar, and there the priest dipping his thumb into blessed ashes marks the forehead with the sign of the cross while saying the words "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel" or "Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return".

In the bible to cover one's head with ashes, to wear sackcloth and to fast are penitential signs; they express the sinner's repentance imploring the divine mercy and the resolve to change one's heart so as to love God and one's neighbour. So, our reception of ashes at the beginning of Lent means we recognise ourselves as sinners; we ask God's pardon for his Church and show our sincere desire to change our ways. Faith in the Lord's word makes us pass with him from death to life (John 5:24).

TO DO

1. Make some ashes for the priest to bless. All you need to do is burn the remains of the palms which were blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. Ask the children to bring in these old withered palms from their houses.
2. Solve this rebus puzzle giving you a section of a psalm which is suitable for Lent.
3. Compose a rebus puzzle prayer of your own.