Lent Resources
To the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit!Lent is a season of repentance. It is a specific time in the Liturgical Year to focus on our personal relationship with Christ. We can always strengthen that relationship and the Lenten practices of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving help us to do that. They are encouraged to bring us closer to the Lord as we unite ourselves to Him in His suffering. The resources on this page are some of the same we have used in our family and parish ministry over the last decade or so. Feel free to use them in your family and any ministry setting you care to.
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Fasting – For members of the
Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.- USCCB.org
Prayer – Our prayer practices during Lent should be increased and focused on Jesus’ Passion and Death in preparation for His Glorious Resurrection at Easter. His sacrifice for the remission of our sins should increase our desire to serve Him more. A true repentance for our sins and any attachment to sin is the goal of our prayer practices. Making a good Confession is a particularly efficacious practice during Lent (and anytime!).
Almsgiving – An increased sharing of our time, talent, and treasure in order to make room for others and their needs in our lives. By sharing our gifts with the poor and suffering we unite in Christ’s mission to redeem ALL people. We need reminding that there are others less fortunate than ourselves, Lent does that.
Downloadable Resources
Our Lenten Sacrifices sign – Print out on 11 X 17 paper. These can be hung in a classroom or at home, have everyone write down their sacrifices and fold them over, staple or tape them closed and put their names on the outside, or use small envelopes. Attach them to the poster or hang them on the wall below or around the posters. At each faith formation session, remind everyone of what they are doing to grow closer to Jesus this Lent.
Stations of the Cross for young children – Perfect for preschoolers and easy to to with them either at home or in a chapel or church. At our parish, we set up images of the Stations of the Cross in the Faith Formation hallway that were at child level, so the classes could walk around to each and pray these prayers together. The catechists loved the simplicity and the children always enjoyed them. You can also use them at home in a similar way.
My Lenten Prayer – From Brother Francis, a coloring page and Lenten reminder in one!
MCA Lenten Prayer Service – A simple prayer service to remind us of the great need around the world.
Lent Prayer Chain Craft – this is a simple way to add prayer to your Lenten practices, and includes a visual reminder to children who need that!
Lenten Family Calendar – print and put on the refrigerator or at the dinner table, where it can be discussed and practiced each day.
Goodbye for Lent – put away those toys or items children are giving up for Lent, put this sign on the box and put the box where it can be seen, but not displayed in the open (maybe on a shelf in a closet). This way children are reminded of what they are giving up, and can remember why – to grow closer to Jesus.
Faith-and-Fabric-Printable-Lenten-Prayer-Stained-Glass
Faith-and-Fabric-Lent-Promise-Card – You can use these as directed in the activity or you can fold them up and use them in conjunction with our Ash Wednesday TWFT or with Our Lenten Sacrifices Signs.
Lent Mobile Craft – This takes a while to do, give yourself and your class plenty of time. Possibly two class times. If you are doing it with your children at home, you may consider breaking up the activity into several sessions. Printing this on different shades of purple paper is a fun way to incorporate the Liturgical Seasonal Color.
Children’s Confession Guide – Including an examination of conscience, how to go to confession, and an Act of Contrition.
