During these challenging times, Trinity Episcopal Church would like to offer a celebration of comforting food before the 40 days of Lent. In doing so, the church will also be helping the community with proceeds benefiting The Newtown Fund Heating Oil Relief Fund and FAITH Food Pantry.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a day to feast on rich foods before Lent begins. During Lent, many Christians fast, and the name Fat Tuesday refers to the last day of eating richer foods before the leaner days of Lent begin.

On Saturday, February 13 — the weekend before Fat Tuesday — from 4 to 6 pm, Trinity will be serving classic Mardi Gras Cajun food, including four entrees to choose from: Shrimp Creole, Chicken Gumbo YaYa, Red Beans and Rice, and Crawfish Etouffée. Shrimp Creole dinners are $13.50 each; the others are $12.50 each.

Then on Tuesday, February 16, also from 4 to 6 pm, church members will be serving up pancakes, which have long been associated with Shrove Tuesday as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.

Three choices of pancakes will be offered for Shrove Tuesday as well as bacon and sausage.

Pancake suppers will be free, with goodwill donations forwarded to the two recipients mentioned above.

See the complete menu to order online and reserve a pickup time at trinitynewtownct.org. Orders must be placed by 2 pm Wednesday, February 10.