The parishioners were members of the Aberdeen and Muswellbrook, Catholic and Anglican community.
St Thomas’ and St Marks at Aberdeen have been hosting the church service alternately for the last three years. This year it was the turn of St Marks to host the combined church service.
Mother Beatrice Pate and Fr Victor Babu conducted the service before all moved to the St Marks hall, where another service for the ‘Burning of the Palm Crosses’ was held. The ash was sifted when it cooled so it could be used for the Ash Wednesday services held in both parishes.
Both Fr Victor and Mother Beatrice were new to their parishes this year so they both experienced a different ‘Shrove Tuesday’.
A crowd of almost 40 people had a feast of beautiful food and great company to round out the night. Approximately $281 was raised for the Missions.