The Spirit of Lent
at St Bart’s
Jeremy Hodgskin Volunteer Chaplain
Shrove Tuesday at St Bart’s was fantastic this year! Café Lime was buzzing as residents, staff, and volunteers gathered for a morning filled with golden pancakes, good company, and plenty of smiles.
Known to many as Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday is traditionally the final opportunity to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before Lent begins. We couldn’t think of a better way than delicious pancakes covered with maple syrup or lemon and sugar.
At St Bart’s, Shrove Tuesday is about so much more than ingredients. It’s a moment for our community to share a meal, a laugh, and come together at Café Lime.
Traditionally, Lent is a time when many reflect by giving something up or taking something positive on. But at St Bart’s, we see this a little differently.
For many of our clients who have experienced homelessness, ‘giving up’ isn’t a choice, it’s part of the hardship they’ve experienced. Going without food or necessities isn’t a seasonal practice, it’s a lived reality that has lasting effects.
That’s why we focus less on ‘giving up’ and more on ‘taking on more’.
Taking on new experiences, new challenges, and new opportunities is incredibly valuable for our clients as they continue their journey of healing. Through the support of our donors and volunteers, we offer moments that help people thrive, from table tennis and beach outings to hiking and fishing. These experiences build confidence, joy, and a sense of possibility.
So, this Lent as you decide what you’ll give up or take on, we invite you to spare a thought for the homeless. And if your left with something extra to give, St Bart’s would be honoured to put it toward moments that make a meaningful difference.
Wishing you a Lent that’s full of purpose, possibility, and perhaps just a few leftover pancakes.
Learn more at stbarts.org.au
