Continuing Christian Education

Lenten Activities

February 17 – April 3, 2010

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent in the Church. Each year the liturgical calendar gives us these forty days to change our ways and to turn ourselves completely toward God. Lent does not have to be a sad and gloomy penance, but rather a time of joyous progression toward Christ. It can be a time during which we try to abandon the burdens which prevent us from following him and reconcile with God. Prayer, fasting, and charity are things we can do as humans to move closer in holiness to our Creator. May we know how to show our children that these three things are gifts rather than punishments. May Lent be an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in a special way; a time to pray, to fast, and to give of ourselves and thus to follow him on his way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha and to the final victory over death. Click here to download an Ash Wednesday crossword.

Family Lenten Program: Reconciliation (more info coming soon!)

Lenten Activities by Grade Level
Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

We Pray
Lent is a time for special prayer. We pray in solidarity with Jesus Christ as he prays to his Father in heaven for 40 days in the dessert. We pray in solidarity with him as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his execution. We pray in solidarity with him as he carries his cross through the streets of Jerusalem. And we pray in solidarity with him as he cries out to his Father while gasping for his last breath. Ways of praying in solidarity with Jesus during Lent can include daily scripture readings and reflection or praying the Stations of the Cross.

Stations of the Cross (age appropriate)
Grades K – 2 ; Grades 3 – 4 ; Grades 5 – 12

We Fast
Lent is a time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us. We remember this sacrifice by fasting and abstinence. All baptized 14 years or older are asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday during Lent. Younger children are encouraged to also observe abstinence at the discretion of their parents. (Please see the bulletin for more information about fasting and abstinence observances.) In addition to abstaining from meat, all faithful are encouraged to sacrifice something personal in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. What will you GIVE UP for Lent?

We Give
Charity is one of the theological virtues that we celebrate in the Church. We are called to give of our time and talents for the glory of God throughout the year, but we are especially called to charity during Lent. The CCE program will be holding a collection to benefit Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl. What will you GIVE for Lent?

· Watch Videos about Operation Rice Bowl and the people you can help around the world.

· Play the Free Rice Game – Do you know where Singapore is on the map? If you do, you can give 10 grains of rice to feed the hungry. Free Rice is an internet-based game that tests your knowledge on a variety of subjects like art, science, math, languages, and vocabulary. Sponsors of the site donate 10 grains of rice for each correct answer. This is a great Lenten activity for older members of the family, especially teens!

Contact Teresa Korphage in the parish office for more information.

713-659-1561 ext. 142      OR        tkorphage@sacredhearthouston.org