Masks, Music and Ministry Highlight Sacred Heart’s Mardi Gras Celebration
Fellowship and Faith at Sacred Heart’s Mardi Gras Celebration
Story by Jim Tierney
As winter lingers and Lent approaches, Sacred Heart Parish in Suffield is once again inviting parishioners to gather for a joyful celebration that brings the community together before the reflective season begins.
On Feb. 15, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, parishioners are encouraged to head to the church hall for the second annual Mardi Gras celebration—a lively afternoon of food, music and fellowship.
Mardi Gras celebrations, especially those rooted in New Orleans tradition, are an institution in themselves, culminating with Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18. At Sacred Heart, the spirit of Mardi Gras is embraced not simply as a party, but as a meaningful pause before the Church enters Lent—a season centered on prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter.
Last year’s inaugural event drew between 80 and 100 people, ranging from senior citizens to young families with children, and organizers say the response was overwhelmingly positive.
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“I work with a gal who goes to a church in Hartford and one Lent the priest had a Mass on Mardi Gras night and asked people to bring what they were giving up for Lent,” Jeanne Forschino, who heads the Sacred Heart Social Committee, explains. “I thought that was a great idea and just think of how this would impact children at the Mass, to visibly see their parents presenting something and themselves bringing something as well.”
Forshino adds attendance is strongest when activities are held immediately after weekend Mass and paired with food, which led the committee to plan a lunch following the final Sunday Mass. After limited participation in a written Lenten intentions book last year, the group will instead invite parishioners to place name tags with Lenten promises into a basket for the altar.
This year’s celebration will feature a catered meal (tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child) to help cover costs. Tables will include information about Lenten devotions, offering attendees a transition from celebration to reflection.
Forschino notes barbecue food will be served, including pulled pork, smoked chicken, macaroni and cheese (a gluten free option will be available), green beans with almonds, rice and beans, and chicken tenders.Music will fill the hall thanks to Paul Kulas, a beloved parishioner in his mid-90s who plays saxophone and clarinet, adding warmth and nostalgia to the afternoon. Children will also enjoy activities such as making Mardi Gras masks and coloring beads to take home.
The event follows a tradition Sacred Heart has been building in recent years: creating opportunities for parishioners to gather beyond Sunday Mass. From barn dances hosted by parish families to themed dinners for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, these events have helped strengthen parish life. Mardi Gras, however, has captured something special.
For Father Joseph Keough, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, the event will be a “fun-raiser” and he credits Forschino’s dedication and perseverance.
“Jeanne is a very determined person and she’s done a fantastic job with it,” he adds.
As Lent begins just three days later, Sacred Heart’s Mardi Gras celebration serves as a notable commencement to the 40 days that recall Jesus’ time in the wilderness. For more information or to attend, parishioners may contact Forschino at 860.254.5421.