Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

by Richelle Thompson on February 21, 2012

The festivities were well underway by the time we arrived.

Sequined dresses and glittered faces greeted us at the door. The normally more staid atmosphere of a diocesan convention was replaced with the upbeat celebration of Mardi Gras, complete with jambalaya, colored beads and auctions to benefit Haiti as well as local ministries.

I was instantly envious of the masks. Ladies in full regalia walked around with intricate masks – peacock feathers, beads and sparkles. What more could a girl want?

Despite my nudging, my husband passed the booth without stopping. But, God bless her, the only other woman in our delegation purchased two and presented me with the masked gift.

It was great fun during the night to don the mask (though I was careful not to wave it too high, lest someone mistake the gesture for a bid on one of the magnificent – but out-of-my-price-range – auction items).

Tonight, too, at our church’s pancake supper, I’ll wear the mask and embrace the frivolity and joy of Mardi Gras before laying it aside on Ash Wednesday.