Parishioners of all ages flocked to St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, Feb. 13 for the community’s first celebration of Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
The evening gathering featured heavy helpings of diversity and culture, along with a generous potluck spread of similarly diverse food and desserts, with some donations from local restaurants.
The crowd was also treated to traditional New Orleans jazz music, along with a special performance by Father John Michael Patilla, parochial vicar, and his band. In keeping with traditional Fat Tuesday celebrations, the evening also featured a King Cake and various celebrations that mirror those that take place during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.