Shrove Tuesday is traditionally the day when people cleared out rich foods to prepare for their fasting during lent. In doing so their pantries were 'Shriven' (cleaned out). It became tradition to use some of these foods to make Pancakes and to have a celebration before the more austere time of Lent (click here for an explanation of Lent).
This year we are not gathering to share pancakes on Shrove Tuesday but we would like to encourage you to do so. Our Families and Formation ministry has put together a recipe for North American style pancakes (aka Flapjacks) and European style pancakes (aka Crepes) so you can enjoy whichever style you prefer - we will attach those recipes, along with the explanation (also found above) of why we call this day Shrove Tuesday below.