THE FAMILY ZONE

Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 80/ 2.20.22

Living Lent

Ash Wednesday is March 2 and another Lenten season is on its way. Many of us gravitate toward the usual Lenten sacrifice: "I'll give up sweets;" "I'll leave Facebook for 40 days." etc. Watch the short video below to consider living Lent a different way this year. This ties in very well to our last edition on living a Christian lifestyle. Are you wanting to use Lent as a time of self-improvement? Consider choosing a path that deepens your relationship with Christ and improves your prayer and faith life! In this edition of The Family Zone we focus on understanding Ash Wednesday. Stay with us throughout Lent as we continue to provide resources for your family to observe the season!
Jesuit Post's "One-Minute Homily": Real Lenten Sacrifices

LIVE THE EUCHARIST

Join us as we prepare for the Eucharistic Revival in the United States!


The Eucharist calls us into communion with Christ. It also invites us into communion with one another when we are sent forth at the end of Mass. The One Minute Homily above asks us to reflect on how we can make space for another during Lent. How can we share the love of Christ for others by paying closer attention to those around us? Who is most in need of your attention right now? How can you share the love of Christ with that person? Perhaps it is your child who is always desperate for attention in a busy household, or a parent who spends a lot of time alone because of family distance; maybe it is a neighbor who has no family at all or a stranger that is living on a cold winter street. Go forth, and share the love of Christ this Ash Wednesday and beyond.



Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash

READ!

SUNDAY READINGS:

Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday's Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in Mass this weekend! For a Mass schedule in our diocese click on the purple button below.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022722.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030622.cfm


Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message.

  • Chester Church Mouse and Ash Wednesday by Lorie Shively
  • Trouble with Lent by Paul McCusker
  • Take Up Your Cross: Lenten Bible Stories for Kids by Jared Dees

Parenting Articles: Explaining Ash Wednesday to Children: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2017/02/explaining-ash-wednesday-to-children/

WRITE!

Use this lesson plan from the CRS Rice Bowl to create a family prayer acrostic for Lent:
Try this Ash Wednesday word search:

LISTEN!

This is an instrumental version of a Lenten hymn; perfect for some quiet contemplative prayer time as you enter the season of Lent
Remember You Are Dust Ash Wednesday Lent Hymn

WATCH!

Burning palms for Ash Wednesday
An Ash Wednesday Dialogue
Arts and Faith Lent: Ash Wednesday II

CREATE!

Shrove Tuesday is the day BEFORE Ash Wednesday. Traditionally it is a day to eat pancakes and other fat and flour-laden treats before the Lenten sacrifice. It's also a day to say goodbye to the Alleluia until Easter. Create a Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras party for your family. Serve pancakes (maybe with a "toppings bar") and color in the Alleluia Banner before ceremoniously making lots of clatter and burying the Alleluia away in a box until Easter time! Round out the celebration with your favorite family games! We've shared some links below to help with your family Mardi Gras!

PRAY!

Download this PRAYER CARD and Reflection from SADLIER for Ash Wednesday

PLAY!

Learn some of the terms connected with Lent by playing Sight Word Bingo: The Lent Edition.

Cut apart cards and gather pennies, paper clips, m&ms or other small items as "markers."

BE WELL!

Fasting on Ash Wednesday is something many people avoid or at least dread, but a 24 hour fast can actually have positive effects on your cardiovascular health and your memory retention according to Medical News Today. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your fast to stay hydrated and curb hunger pains. When hunger pains strike, try to focus on gratitude prayer or other contemplative prayer. Follow this link to learn more about healthy fasting and risks to avoid. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322065#other-effects

Word of the Week!

DAYS OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE: Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Click on the pdf below to understand the official rules regarding this practice.

TEACHABLE MOMENT!

Play a game of "I SPY" as you go throughout the day with your child on Ash Wednesday. How many people do they see with ashes on their head as well? This is a great way to let your kids know they are part of something greater and the observance of Lent isn't just something you and your parish does!

WONDER!

What types of questions might come up when you talk about Lent and Ash Wednesday? Here are some we thought might enter a kid's mind. Have a conversation so that your child can understand the significance of this important season.

  • What could I do to show Jesus I am grateful for his sacrifice?
  • Do I have any behaviors that aren't good? What can I change?
  • Is it hard to give something up for 40 days?
  • Why does it matter if I pay attention to Lent?
  • Are the ashes going to come off?

Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Debtor in Possession

Missed the previous editions of our newsletter?