THE FAMILY ZONE

Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 80/ 3.06.22

Moving into the Heart of Lent

Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving are the three pillars of Lent. As our 40 days begin, how will you make time for observing these three pillars in the life of your family? The Catechism tells us, “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” (CCC 540) How can you deepen your faith journey by spending time uniting yourself to that period in the desert? And, if you're Lent isn't perfect and you end up not accomplishing what you hoped, remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Be gentle with yourself as you strive to be a better Christian these 40 days and beyond!

"As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”

– Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

LIVE THE EUCHARIST

LIVE THE EUCHARIST

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


Want to grow this Lent instead of just giving up things? A wonderful idea is to read the Sunday scriptures prior to Mass each week. This experience helps you to reflect on the readings and deepen your connection to Mass. In our publication, we provide the readings for the two Sundays ahead, just so you can take the opportunity to prepare for the Mass by reading the scriptures and reflecting on them throughout your week! Try this as a Lenten practice and gain a new habit that deepens your appreciation for the Eucharist, helps you to see how the readings impact your daily life, and strengthens your connection with Christ!



Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash

LIVE THE EUCHARIST
READ!

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/031322.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032022-YearC.cfm


Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message.

  • The Blackbird's Nest: St. Kevin of Ireland by Jenny Shroedel: St. Kevin holds a blackbird's nest during the 40 days of Lent and then returns to his monastic community for Easter!
  • The Tale of the Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale: Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
  • Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb: Jonah and Jesus: Maura Roan McKeegan

Parenting Articles: Making the Most of Lent: https://www.catholicbrain.com/content/60134/1/how-your-family-can-get-the-most-out-of-lent

READ!

WRITE!

Work as a family to create some opportunities to keep your Lent on track AND choose things you like to do together to share your faith:


LISTEN!

WATCH!

Lent FAQ with Joe Paprocki
4 Reasons for Almsgiving
CREATE!

CREATE!

Here are some Lenten crafts from CATHOLIC SPROUTS to engage your child in the season:



CREATE!

PRAY!

The most traditional form of Lenten Prayer is the Stations of the Cross. Below you will find some family-friendly options for praying the Stations together during the Lenten season. Check your parish for their special Lenten prayer opportunities as well!
Stations of the Cross - For Kids
Click here for a hands-on Stations of the Cross

An interactive Stations of the Cross for Young Families.

PLAY!

Learn more about the Life of Jesus and one another by playing this family board game together!
BE WELL!

BE WELL!

Many of us consider Lent a time to give up something in order to diet or improve our bodies. That's a good starting point but Lent invites us to take it a few steps further. If we are giving up a beloved but not so healthy food or beverage during Lent, it's important to take the time to reflect on WHY its absence will draw you closer to God or help you, help others. Giving up your morning latte at the coffee shop? Maybe the money you would spend can be given to help those who thirst. Taking up daily exercise? Use that time to open your heart and mind to prayer; as you acquire one discipline, you acquire another that deepens your relationship with Christ. This Lent, think about about your physical health as well as your spiritual health and let the two work together to make a great impact on your faith life!
BE WELL!

Word of the Week!

Lenten DISCIPLINES: Click here to read more about what this phrase means!
TEACHABLE MOMENT!

TEACHABLE MOMENT!

PRETZELS are a symbolic Lenten food. Make a point of buying or making some traditionally shaped pretzels during the season of Lent. Ask your child: Do you know that pretzels are a special food for Lent? They were created long ago when Christians couldn't eat meat, dairy, fats or sweets during the 40 days! Pretzels are made with only flour, water and yeast (with a tiny bit of sugar or honey to activate the yeast) so they were a perfect Lenten food. The shape is also meant to remind us of prayer because people used to pray with their arms folded across their chest. Let's try to say a prayer for every pretzel we eat!
TEACHABLE MOMENT!
WONDER!

WONDER!

  • Why does God want me to give something I like up? Is Lent about being punished? (Hint - no it is not!)
  • How does giving money to others help me to get closer to God?
  • When I pray, does God know I am there? How does God hear everyone praying at once?
  • What did Jesus eat when he was in the desert? Was he scared? Was it dangerous?
  • Are Sundays days of Lent? (Here's a link to answer that commonly debated question!) https://www.catholicherald.com/faith/in_lent,_do_sundays_count_/
WONDER!
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Debtor in Possession
Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA oec@dor.org 585-328-3210 oec.dor.org

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