Lenten Resource for Families

TIPS FOR CELEBRATING THE LENTEN SEASON WITH YOUR FAMILY

1. CARVE OUT TIME

Together as a family try to schedule some intentional time for prayer and reflection each week as we draw closer to the great feast of Easter. When can you gather together to pray? Do you have a calendar in the home? Try counting down the 40 days of Lent with little footprints, stickers or stamps marking your journey towards the celebration of Holy Week. Remember to mark the Sacred Sundays during the Lenten Season in a special way as these are exclusive of the 40 days of preparation.
2. SET THE SCENE

Create an intentional space for prayer. Working together to create a prayer centre in the home can be a lovely opportunity for the creativity of your family members to shine. Make sure the space you choose is comfortable and inviting for all children present. Think about utilizing signs and symbols from the Church to heighten awareness to the importance of this prayer time; candles, a Crucifix, a purple cloth, a Bible and signs and symbols of spring. If someone in the family is musical, the inclusion of music always elevates prayer.
3. KEEP IT SIMPLE

Engage in prayer and the Celebration of the Word throughout the Lenten season in ways that are simple and accessible for your family. After Sunday Eucharist, share with one another what you heard in the Gospel and any takeaways from the Homily. Utilize your favourite prayer to root your family prayer each day.
4. EMBRACE LENTEN RITUALS

Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are important Lenten rituals that help us strengthen our relationship with God. A prayer routine invites God into the day-to-day pulse of our homes. Fasting is the action of choosing to go without something we enjoy. Traditionally, most Christians refrain from eating meat on Friday. Try to schedule "Fish Friday" on the menu. Almsgiving is an important act of sacrifice during Lent. Almsgiving is not necessarily a financial sacrifice, but giving of time and talents to serve those in need. Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving help us give the best of ourselves for God's glory.
5. KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

Take time throughout the season of Lent to talk about the importance of preparing well for Easter. Consider these conversation starters in the home:

- God calls us to work hard to show our love for Him and for one another during Lent through prayer, fasting and sharing all that we have. How is God calling you to grow this Lent?
- Jesus sacrificed His life on the Cross out of love for us. Sometimes sacrifice is hard, but it can bring life to others. What have you sacrificed out of love for another today?
- How can our family continue to prepare for the joy of Easter?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Holy Week Journal for Young People

An online Holy Week Journal for teens/young people. Spend Holy Week walking with Jesus. With the readings of the day and a message from Christus Vivit, reflect on how you are walking through life knowing you are loved by Christ. The journal is an invitation to love and serve others you encounter in your daily walk.

Ecumenical Social Justice Stations of the Cross: March 29

Join us for a prayerful, inter-faith, community walk. A day that seeks to acknowledge the social issues faced by our communities and reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross. The event will begin at 12:00pm at New Vision Church, McNab St. Hamilton. It will finish at 2:00pm at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, where soup will be served.

Infographic on Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday

An infographic released in 2024, on how to celebrate Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day on the same day.

Luke Through Lent

In this series, we will be praying with the scripture for the Sunday Gospel (Year C) and a paired illumination from The Saint John’s Bible.

15 Free Resources for Children & Families

In preparation for Lent, from Sadlier Publishing.

25 Great Things You Can Do for Lent

An article from Busted Halo.

Lent at Home

Activities for Busy Catholic Families, from Loyola Press

Resources for your Lenten journey

A resource hub from Loyola Press

RESOURCES FOR PURCHASE

All inquiries for purchase can go directly to: The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, catechesis@hamiltondiocese.com

Living with Christ: Household Rituals - Prayers and Blessings Through the Year - $5.00 (includes shipping). A resource to help support prayer in the home throughout the liturgical year as well as special times and milestones in family life (i.e. back to school).
Lent: One day at a time for Catholic Teens - Katie Prejean McGrady - $5.00 (includes shipping).

Contact

Christina Mines

Director of Evangelization & Catechesis

905-528-7988 Ext. 2239
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Matthew Trafford

Administrative Assistant

905-528-7988 Ext. 2339
Send Email