Education
The festive decorations are packed away, the echoes of carols have faded, and a sense of quiet reflection settles in. But now, the Catholic Church invites us to embark on another important journey: the season of Lent.
Lent is the forty-day period leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. It's a sacred time of preparation where we focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, mirroring Jesus' forty days in the desert. During that time of solitude, Jesus faced temptations from Satan, demonstrating his unwavering obedience to God. By giving up something we enjoy, we symbolically join him in his period of sacrifice and self-discipline, leading us to the glorious celebration of Christ's resurrection.
In your child's Catholic school, they'll participate in this journey through Ash Wednesday services, Scripture reflections, and acts of charity. You can join them on this transformative path at home too! Here are some simple ways to bring the spirit of Lent into your family life:
1. Embracing simplicity:
- Ash Wednesday: Begin Lent by attending Ash Wednesday Mass as a family. The ashes, a symbol of mortality and repentance, remind us of our need for God's grace.
- Lenten practices: Encourage your child to choose a simple Lenten practice, such as giving up a favourite treat, limiting screen time, or performing extra acts of service. Let the practice be a tangible reminder of their journey toward Easter.
- Stations of the Cross: Participate in the Stations of the Cross, either at church or at home. This powerful devotion allows us to walk alongside Jesus on his journey to Calvary.
2. Acts of charity:
Lent is a time for giving and sharing with those in need, reflecting Jesus' selfless sacrifice. Encourage your child to engage in acts of almsgiving, such as:
- Donating to a Lenten appeal: Support a local or global charity that provides aid to the poor and vulnerable.
- Volunteering time: Find opportunities to volunteer as a family, such as serving meals at a soup kitchen or helping with a community project.
- Sharing resources: Encourage your child to share their toys or belongings with those less fortunate.
3. Reflecting on Scripture:
Deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice by reading and reflecting on the Gospel readings for Lent.
- Daily readings: Read the daily Gospel readings together as a family and discuss their meaning.
- Lenten reflections: Use a Lenten devotional or children's Bible to explore the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and new life.
- Watch age-appropriate movies: Watch movies that depict the passion of Christ, and explain the context to your children.
4. Creating moments of Prayer:
Lent is a time for deepening our relationship with God through prayer.
- Family prayer time: Set aside time each day for family prayer, focusing on Lenten themes. There’s some great digital prayer resources, including apps like Hallow, Laudate, or Pray As You Go.
- Silent reflection: Encourage your child to spend a few minutes each day in silent prayer, reflecting on their Lenten journey.
- Pray the Rosary: The Rosary is a powerful prayer that allows us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ's life, including his suffering and death.
5. Living sustainably during Lent:
In the spirit of self-denial, and caring for God’s creation, we can use lent to focus on sustainable practices.
- Reduce food waste and eat simpler meals.
- Use less electricity and water.
- Reflect as a family on the impact of our consumption on the earth.
By embracing these Lenten practices, you can help your child grow in faith and prepare their hearts for the glorious celebration of Easter.
