I've found it helpful to have a list of ideas ready to go before the liturgical season begins. This requires little preparation, and includes many journal prompts for children and teens. It can be kept private, or used as a an educational activity for your homeschool or faith formation class during Lent. The questions are for ages 8 and up and can be easily adapted to include younger children.
YOU CAN PRINT THE JOURNAL PROMPTS BELOW FOR FREE, or you can find it included in an easy to print Teacher plans and Student Journal in an 87 page PDF file boasting more Lent Activities here:
Let's begin with a REFLECTION
A journal is a place to reflect and record a moment in your life. It becomes part of your journey. Something to deepen your thoughts, and look back on later. Let your Lenten Journal be a reflection of your spiritual journey, discovering God’s greater plan for your life. These activities are intended to deepen your relationship with God during the liturgical season of Lent. You are always allowed to add more reflections than listed if you are inspired.
Reflection means to take some quiet time. Think about what you are reading or hearing or seeing or feeling. Then think about what this means TO YOU, now, in this time and place. There are no right or wrong answers, only your own thoughts and musings.
I encourage you to write down your prayer intentions each week. Offer up your suffering and sacrifices as a prayer for grace for others or yourself. You can have a bookmark in your journal that you add to as you think of more intentions.
You can find more activities and printables for your Lent journey at:
DIRECTIONS
m Use a 60+ sheet notebook, dot grid book, journal, sketchbook or the Student Journal for the daily activities.
m Paste a picture of Jesus on the first page of your journal. Write “Jesus I trust in You” underneath it.
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| You can find this art and more through my Lent Pinterest Board |
m Include your name on the cover or inside, and the year.
m All entries are to be neat, legible, and well-written.
m All reflection entries are to be AT LEAST one full paragraph in length (5-7 sentences).
m Include the date for each entry. Make sure you have answered ALL questions.
m Entries are to reflect your feelings and thoughts on the daily topics and should be serious, personal, and honest. You can decorate after you’ve finished, or doodle as you think it through.
m Make sure you have a Bible to use for certain reflections. Read ahead for other supplies that may be needed to complete your activity or journal entry. Such as the Pray-Fast-Alms cards.
m Journals may be collected for review, but kept private from other students.
These are a few bonus worksheets you can print off here:
The Lesson Plan below is completely free. However I highly suggest looking into the very affordable Digital File {CLICK HERE} which includes all these journaling prompts along with several activities, cards, recipes, and more with Teacher plans and Student Journal. Here's a peek at the journal.
WEEK ONE - Selfless
SHROVE TUESDAY (MARDI GRAS)
Activity: Celebrate the feast before the fast. There are many fun traditions found online for this day. As a family, consider choosing food from your pantry to donate to a local food shelf or volunteering at a place that serves the poor.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Copywork: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Activity: Draw a self portrait with charcoal.
Reflect: Then write something good about yourself beneath the picture. Thank God for creating you, and for sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem you. Know you are special in the eyes of God. He wants more than this world for you. He wants to be a part of your life, so that you will be together in the next with all its splendor.
Activity: Attend an Ash Wednesday service and receive your ashes. While it is not a holy day of obligation, it is good practice to use this day and week to begin reflection on dying to ourselves.
THURSDAY
Reflect: Read John 3:22-36, and think about how you can strive for humility.
Write down verse 30 “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Read the Beatitudes. Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Writing: How can you bring yourself closer to Christ through self-sacrifice? What are you willing to offer/give up to grow in virtue during Lent?
4 Cardinal (Moral) Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance
3 Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity
3 Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 1 Jesus is condemned. 2 Jesus carries his cross.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Jesus to bear this heavy burden. Reflect on what it was like for Him to be abandoned by His friends when He needed them most. How can you be a better friend?
Activity: Plan when you’ll participate in the Stations of the Cross at your parish.
THIS WEEKEND
Take five to fifteen minutes and do nothing - hear, see, think, do nothing. Just relax and let the world disappear. “Be still and know that I am God.” A great place to do this is in an Adoration Chapel near the True Presence. Do you have a regular Holy Hour?
WEEK TWO - Commandments
MONDAY
Activity: Choose a PRAY-FAST-ALMS activity for the week. Be diligent in this task and write about your experience. If you have a toothpick crown, you can pull a "thorn" when you complete the activity. Lent activity cards to print can be found at this link Homegrown Catholics: Prayer-Fasting-Almsgiving
TUESDAY
Reflect: Read Galatians 6:1-10 then write verse 1 “Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted.”
Copy the verse neatly in your journal. Reflect on how you can take this message to heart during this Lent. Briefly describe what you might do.
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: Write the Ten Commandments. Doodle symbols next to each that represent what it means.
1. I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
2. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
THURSDAY
Writing: Write out the Act of Contrition. Really pray it with your whole heart.
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
~or~
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Activity: Make plans to reconcile yourself with God by confessing your sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 3 Jesus Falls. 4 Jesus meets his sorrowful mother.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Jesus and Mary. Think about his mother feeling unable to stop her son’s suffering. How do you honor your mother and father each day?
THIS WEEKEND
Find an Examination of Conscience for your age and stage of life. Booklets and lists are available online, and possibly at your parish. Reflect upon it often, especially before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Examination of Conscience Guide [Children] [Grades 6-12]
WEEK THREE - Works of Mercy
MONDAY
Activity: Choose a PRAY-FAST-ALMS activity for the week. Be diligent in this task and write about your experience.
TUESDAY
Reflect: Read Matthew 25:31-46. Explain what verse 45 means to you. Is it easier for you to be the "doer" of the Works of Mercy or to be the "receiver"? Explain why.
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: Write out the Prayer of Saint Francis (the Universal Prayer for Peace). Pray for peace in our world, nation, as well as in your family, home and community.
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console
to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
not so much seek to be consoled as to console
to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Optional Copywork: Read James 2:14-26, then copy verse 26 “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.”
THURSDAY
Writing: Refer to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Write them down. List three specific ways you can incorporate these ideas in your everyday life. Read the Bible for inspiration in Romans 12. Then put your faith into action!
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Admonish the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Comfort the sorrowful
Bear wrongs patiently
Forgive all injuries
Pray for the living and the dead
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 5 Simon helps carry the cross. 6 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, how Simon and Veronica may have felt serving Jesus in such an intimate way. How can you serve others in your community?
THIS WEEKEND
“My Dearest Jesus, Today, I want to be a light for you. Shine your love into my heart so that I may reflect that love to every person that I encounter. Amen.” ~ GiveHim5
WEEK FOUR - Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
MONDAY
Activity: Choose a PRAY-FAST-ALMS activity for the week. Be diligent in this task and write about your experience.
TUESDAY
Pray: “Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. Amen.” ~ Saint Augustine
Reflect: Study the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Engage in conversation with your parents and/or other students about how the Holy Spirit is working in your life and how you can exercise these gifts. Write down your ideas.
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
· Wisdom is both the knowledge of and judgment about "divine things" and the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth.
· Understanding is penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in effect, the ability to "see" God.
· Counsel allows a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation.
· Fortitude denotes a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting life.
· Knowledge is the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so as to never wander from the straight path of justice.
· Piety is, principally, revering God with filial affection, paying worship and duty to God, paying due duty to all men on account of their relationship to God, and honoring the saints and not contradicting Scripture. The Latin word pietas denotes the reverence that we give to our father and to our country; since God is the Father of all, the worship of God is also called piety.
· Fear of God is, in this context, "filial" or chaste fear whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him—as opposed to "servile" fear, whereby we fear punishment.
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-seven-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: Write down the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Choose an image or activity from this link and paste it in your journal. Pinterest: The Spirit is a Movin'
THURSDAY
Writing: Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. “Choosing joy” is the ability to see God’s grace, mercy and purpose in every moment and respond by praising God with your life. You can choose joy even in times when life is not pleasant or as planned. How do you choose to live joyfully? Write a prayer to God asking Him to bless, heal and help people in your life who are struggling or who you feel are in great need of prayers.
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 7 Jesus falls a second time. 8 Jesus meets the weeping women.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Jesus and His compassion for the women while suffering himself. If you feel yourself falling spiritually, what gifts of Holy Spirit will lift you up?
THIS WEEKEND
“Gentleness” – one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit - means going easy on yourself and on others. Go easy on yourself today. Take time out. Do something for you. You can meditate on the hymn “Veni, Sancte Spiritus.” [Link to the Hymn: Veni Sancte Spiritus]
WEEK FIVE - Suffering
MONDAY
Activity: Choose a PRAY-FAST-ALMS activity for the week. Be diligent in this task and write about your experience.
TUESDAY
Reflect: Read Luke 22:39-46. Reflect on verse 46. Explain what Jesus is telling you.
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: The Morning Offering. Decorate around it. Post a copy on your bathroom mirror to recite daily.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for the intentions of our Holy Father for this month. Amen.
Pray The Serenity Prayer.
O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever. Amen.
Writing: Then, write a letter to Jesus. Pour your heart out. Try not to worry about who might see it. It’s okay . . . give Jesus all of your worries and hopes.
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 9 Jesus falls a third time. 10 Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Jesus to be in such pain and humiliation. What possessions or activities can you remove from your life to have more time for God?
THIS WEEKEND
Activity: While reflecting upon Jesus having His only possessions taken from Him, consider donating items from your home to reduce materialism from your life. There are many great resources online about decluttering and minimalism. We suggest researching “40 bags in 40 days” and the “Catholic Minimalism Challenge.”
WEEK SIX - Faith
MONDAY
Activity: Choose a PRAY-FAST-ALMS activity for the week. Be diligent in this task and write about your experience.
TUESDAY
Reflect: Read the Nicene Creed (The Creed said during Mass). Which part of the Creed had the most impact on you? Copy that part into your journal. Explain how it has had an impact on you.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
the Father almighty,maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THURSDAY
Writing: Praise the Lord for all He has created and all that He has done out of love for you. Do this in a letter, a poem, with pictures, or any way you feel compelled to acknowledge His glory and love for you and all of humanity.
FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 11 Jesus is nailed to the cross. 12 Jesus dies on the cross.
These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Jesus to suffer and die for others, because He knew it would save all those who believe. Do you believe in your faith enough, you’d be willing to die to defend it? How much time do you spend a week learning about the Catholic faith? Can you do more?
SATURDAY
Activity: Create a Home Altar. A place of reflection for holy images and objects, especially pertaining to the liturgical season. It will become a place for you to sit or kneel to pray, and store current journals, your Bible and rosary, and other important things.
PALM SUNDAY:
Activity: Take a picture of your church, a statue, stained glass window, or religious art hung up in your parish. Print out the picture and write what made you choose that image. What about that image moves your heart towards God?
HOLY WEEK - Passion
MONDAY
Writing: Choose song lyrics that inspire you regarding God’s Mercy, Love, and Forgiveness. Play the song and write the lyrics or chorus. Write about how it inspires you.
TUESDAY
Reflect: Read Luke 9:23-25 then write verse 23:“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Then read about the crucifixion in Matthew 27:31-35. What crosses (challenges) do you bear that you can offer up to God? Ask Him for healing and serenity (acceptance). Write about it in your journal.
WEDNESDAY
Copywork: “O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.” ~Prayer of Fatima.
Find an Our Lady of Fatima image to paste or draw on the page.
HOLY THURSDAY
Watch: The Passion of the Christ, or an age appropriate film about it.
Reflect: Write about a moment in the movie that moved you, stirring your emotions or compelling you to do something.
Activity: Attend a service at your church. Otherwise, you may have a family scripture reading about the Passion of Jesus Christ while you eat a supper of unleavened bread and grapes.
GOOD FRIDAY
Coloring the Stations: 13 Jesus is taken down from the cross. 14 Buried in the tomb. These can be copies from a coloring book or your own drawings. Reflect on the image, what it was like for Mary, John and the others to grieve the loss of Jesus. What makes you sad? What are you passionate about? How do your emotions/feelings direct your life?
Activity: Attend a service at your church, pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, or the prayer of Divine Mercy at 3pm.
HOLY SATURDAY
Read: 12 Things to Know About Holy Saturday by National Catholic Register
"On Holy Saturday the Church is, as it were, at the Lord's tomb, meditating on his passion and death, and on his descent into hell, and awaiting his resurrection with prayer and fasting. It is highly recommended that on this day the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer be celebrated with the participation of the people. Where this cannot be done, there should be some celebration of the Word of God, or some act of devotion suited to the mystery celebrated this day. Fasting is also encouraged, but not required, on this day."
Activity: Consider attending the Easter Vigil.
You can find more activities for your Holy Week at
HomegrownCatholics.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing this for free! I am grateful and know it will bless our family!
ReplyDeleteAll so good!
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