While thinking about the Lenten season, I think about simplicity. We quiet our home. We are spending more time in prayer, scripture and maybe a devotional. We wait in anticipation of Holy Week with works of mercy, charity and sacrifices. We refine our fasting days and fill them with virtue building, adoration and study. Lent is a beautiful time of repair of the soul and sanctification of our family.
When it comes to the liturgical seasons, I always like to have a post full of ideas and a file that I can print what I need and be ready in a day or two. That's what we're all about here at Homegrown Catholics, making it available to you in this way. This post is a collaboration of all our family's favorite Lent activities for you to bring into your traditions. I'll have plenty of free ideas listed, along with a link to print out the kit for a small fee if you'd like to have it ready to go year after year. It's a simple plan to do with your children or with a classroom. We homeschool so that's both for us!
First, I recommend printing out the >> LENT JOURNEY for FAMILIES digital file << in my shop. It includes the Lent Journaling and Activities lesson plan mentioned above and so so much more. These PDF Digital Files include 87 pages used to do all the activities on my Lent blog posts. Just print what you need, as many as you need. Save it to your computer and use year after year. It never expires. For personal or classroom use, not intended to be resold or shared. Direct interested friends to this post.
Teacher's Lent Lesson Plans (12 pgs)
Student Lent Journal (45pgs)
Mini Lent Booklet (2pgs)
Lent Calendar Poster (1pg)
Prayer Bookmarks (1pg)
Lent Worksheets (2pgs)
Copywork Pages (2pgs)
Mini Lent Booklet (2pgs)
Lent Calendar Poster (1pg)
Prayer Bookmarks (1pg)
Lent Worksheets (2pgs)
Copywork Pages (2pgs)
10 Commandments Poster (1pg)
Examination of Conscience (1pg)
Morning Offering (1pg)
Almsgiving Jar Label (1pg)
Pray - Fast - Alms Cards (4pgs - 48 cards)
Lent Tracking Calendar (1pg)
40 Day Jesus Tree Cards Bible Study (5pgs - 45 Cards)
Jesus Images to Color or Craft (2pgs)
Taste of Reconciliation Label and Gift Bag (2 pgs)
Act of Contrition Posters (2pgs)
Stations of the Cross Craft (2pgs)
Examination of Conscience (1pg)
Morning Offering (1pg)
Almsgiving Jar Label (1pg)
Pray - Fast - Alms Cards (4pgs - 48 cards)
Lent Tracking Calendar (1pg)
40 Day Jesus Tree Cards Bible Study (5pgs - 45 Cards)
Jesus Images to Color or Craft (2pgs)
Taste of Reconciliation Label and Gift Bag (2 pgs)
Act of Contrition Posters (2pgs)
Stations of the Cross Craft (2pgs)
Otherwise, I recommend visiting the LENT JOURNALING & ACTIVITIES POST, which outlines activities, prayers and journaling ideas for every day during lent. It includes a free lesson plan and a few free printable worksheets, including the Lent Path to color and count the days. This is my master plan!
MARDI GRAS
Mardi Gras or Pancake Tuesday or Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday or Carnival…. is the day before the beginning of Lent. It's "The Feast Before The Fast." It's traditions are easily found online. Our family celebrates with a big pancake meal and crafts including masks, necklaces and glitter! If you have a King Cake, you might be hiding a little plastic baby inside to be found! Basically this is the day you feast on all the food you don't want around during Lent.
*Also consider things that are being given up that you could allow one last time today. If children/teens/ yourself are giving up gaming, television or social media, allow a family movie, playing a game before packing away remotes, or taking a minute to let friends know they're signing off for lent.
ASH WEDNESDAY
We begin Lent with Ash Wednesday. 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. I recommend taking your whole family to Ash Wednesday service. Everyone is welcome, even non-Catholics. Many people take pride in wearing their ashes throughout the day at work and outings, just like someone might wear their "I Voted" sticker, but in a manner of reminding others that we must die to ourselves (our worldly desires) if we want to be like Christ. Weeks prior to this day, remember to bring in your old blessed palms from last Palm Sunday. If you forgot, they can be buried, burned or cut apart to be disposed properly.
*Ash Wednesday Fasting and Abstain from Meat
MORNING OFFERING - ROSARY - CHAPLET - STATIONS - ADORATION - EXAMEN
CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK
Prayers and the Lenten Path from the Lent Journey can also be found in the new Catholic Children's Prayer Book! You can read more about this printable book HERE.
THE JESUS TREE
These cards are used in the same way as a Jesse Tree during Advent, but reflecting on the parallels in scriptures about Jesus for Lent. The verses are listed below. If you would like to have cards with colorful images to show your children or hang up in your home, they are available in my Etsy Shop's Lent Journey for Families digital file. Begin Ash Wednesday through Easter, not on Sundays.
1. Even Now Joel 2:12-13
2. Original Sin Genesis 3:1-20
3. Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-12
4. Noah's Ark Genesis 6:5-13, 9:8-11
5. Abraham and Isaac Genesis 22:1-18
6. Jesus Freed Us of Slavery john 8:31-40
7. Moses & the 10 Commandments Exodus 20:1-21
8. Covenant with Abraham and Moses Jeremiah 31:31-33
9. A New Covenant Luke 22:15-20
10. 2 Great Commandments Matthew 22:34-40
11. 40 Years in the Desert Numbers 14:2-4, 10-12, 17-19, 33-34
12. 40 Days in the Desert Luke 4:1-13
13. The Day of the Lord Joel 2:10-16
14. Jonah and the Whale Jonah 1:1, 4:11
15. Whom shall I send? Isaiah 6:8-10
16. Trust and Rescue Psalm 22
17. Prophetic Role of Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:4-8, 3:12-15
18. Story of Elijah 2 Kings 2:9-12
19. Story of Elisha 2 Kings 4:38-44
20. Loaves and Fishes Mark:6:34-44
21. The Anointed One Daniel 9:15-24
22. Anointing of David 1 Samuel 16:1-13
23. Anointing at Bethany Matthew 26:6-13
24. John the Baptist Luke 1:13-17, 80
25. Prophecy of New Order Micah 4:1-7
26. Fulfillment of all Prophecies Luke 24:44-48
27. Transfiguration Luke 9:28-36
28. Entrance into Jerusalem Matthew 21:1-9
29. Enduring Trials Psalms 69:6-25
30. Destroys Market in the Temple John 2:13-25
31. Judas' Betrayal Matthew 26:14-25
32. The Innocent Victim Isaiah 53:1-12
33. The Last Supper Luke 22:14-20
34. Agony in the Garden Matthew 26:36-46
35. Denial of Jesus Mark 14:29-31, 66-72
36. Crown of Thorns Matthew 27:27-31
37. Scourging at the Pillar Mark 15:1-20, Isaiah 53:5
38. The Two Thieves Luke 23:32-43
39. On the Cross Matthew 27:32-44
40. Death of Jesus Matthew 27:45-54
2 FISH & 5 LOAVES of PRAYER INTENTIONS
We made magnet loaves and fish with foam sheets. We reiterate that God provides, but it is up to us to ask in prayer and consideration if the request is humble and necessary. That we must put others first in our desires and prayers. The Fish remind us to pray for ourselves, our wants and needs. The Loaves remind us to pray for others. Here are some ideas:
For the Sick and Suffering
For the Needs of the Poor & Those who Provide
For our Catholic Church & its Shepherds
For Missionaries, Military, Medical, First Responders and all Helpers
For our Community and Friends
For my needs & For my wants
PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
I think I change this one up every single year. With little ones in the home, it can be hard to bring the family to a quiet, meditative Stations at church. So we like to have one at home to do as a family, and in passing. I completely admire Catholic All Year who has an outdoor stations built to walk by candlelight in the evenings. Ours are subpar in comparison. I included in my {Lent Journey Digital File} these small, stained glass drawings to create a popsicle stick Stations of the Cross for in your home. There are a plethora of ideas and coloring sheets to use found online to create your own unique Stations. Share in the comments your favorite set/craft and any links you have.
MONTESSORI STATIONS
Our youngest children always like to play the STATIONS OF THE CROSS MATCH-UP. We printed a double set of illustrated Stations of the Cross, and they pair them up with the matching card. Even more exciting and meaningful for them is a container of small items that represent each station to match with the image.
Catholic Icing blog recently made a free printable and tutorial for this: https://www.catholicicing.com/printable-stations-of-the-cross-eggs-for-kids/
1. Rubber Band - Jesus is condemned to death, his hands are bound.
2. Cross - Jesus is made to carry his cross.
3. #1 Bandage - Jesus falls for the first time.
4. Marian medal - Jesus meets his sorrowful mother.
5. Peg Doll holding a Cross - Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross.
6. Cloth with drawing of face - Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. #2 Bandage - Jesus falls a second time.
8. Tissue - Jesus meets the weeping women.
9. #3 Bandage - Jesus falls the third time.
10. Cloth/Tunic w red string - Jesus is stripped of his clothing.
11. Nail - Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12. Crucifix - Jesus dies on the cross.
13. Tiny bottle of Oil - Jesus is taken down from the cross and prepared for burial.
14. Flat, Round Rock - Jesus is laid in the tomb (sepulcher)
I have yet to make my own artistic version of the Stations to share with you. So I'll take this moment to share my friend's creation that she gifted to us and we hang in our hallway. You can find these Mysteries of the Rosary (Sorrowful displayed) in her {Etsy Shop Tribe of Many Arrows} among many wonderful items.
Or perhaps you have a set of Stations of the Cross from Catholic Family Crate.
STATIONS AT THE CHURCH
Attend a Stations of the Cross service at your church, pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, or the prayer of Divine Mercy at 3pm. Our parish has a LIVING STATIONS and a CHILDREN's STATIONS we're excited to attend. When things were shut down a couple years ago, some friends met up with us for Stations of the Cross our Faith Formation crew posted in the parking lot, and then a rosary at the cemetery. It's the little things.
FASTING & DETATCHMENT
FOOD FAST - ENTERTAINMENT FAST - SOCIAL MEDIA FAST - SPENDING FAST
The best fast is to remove bad habits AND replace with good habits in such a way you keep to them after Lent. In the image above, the red crosses marked on the wrist were a visual reminder to keep to our decisions. We have also taken objects, such as a toy, game, treat, device or even a credit card and put it in the "Sacrifice Bin" for safe keeping until Easter. In the mini Lent Booklet or worksheet mentioned earlier, we write down these offerings. In the digital file I offer, there is a calendar with crosses that can be colored in based on what was offered that day. Good planning in that week before Ash Wednesday can help everyone transition into the idea of what they are changing for 40 days.I want to strongly recommend that if it is something to be given up for Lent, it shouldn't be allowed on Sundays during Lent either. And if it is a bad habit, then certainly it should not return at Easter. Lent is a time for "Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves" says Matthew Kelley of Dynamic Catholic.
In a vine wreath, we add toothpicks to represent the CROWN OF THORNS. Whenever we offer up suffering or sacrifice, we can meditate on the Passion of Christ and offer him relief by removing a thorn (toothpick) from the crown. Other years we have had a bowl of "SACRIFICE BEANS" that go from a bowl into a jar for each sacrifice and good deed. Then when children wake up on Easter morning, the dry kidney beans have changed into jelly beans - to represent the sweetness they've become.
PRAY FAST ALMS IDEA CARDS
Some years we have set activities and things we are offering up, but we have liked having these Pray-Fast-Alms Cards to flip through and come up with something we can do that day. These PRAY-FAST-ALMS IDEA CARDS are in {my shop's LENT BUNDLE for you to print} {or only the Pray-Fast-Alms Cards}. Here is a list of those ideas included.
PRAYER
Pray a decade of the rosary as a family
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Go to your church's Stations of the Cross
Learn a song sung during Lent
Go to Adoration to visit Jesus
Pray for the weak, poor, suppressed and unborn
Pray for the healing of the sick and dying people
Pray for a conversion of hearts
Learn a new prayer or make up a new one
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your life
Say nothing but prayers of thanksgiving!
Make a morning offering of your day.
FASTING
Fast from screen time (TV, Computer, Tablet, Gaming, Smartphone)
Fast from saying anything negative
Fast from giving up - do your best!
Fast from over scheduling. Plan for quiet time.
Take time to call a friend
Read a book about a Saint
Drink only water for the week
Dress modest or humbly, or talk to others how they can do it.
Take 15 minutes to read the Bible each day
Eat plain food with no seasonings for a day (or more)
Fast from music except for Christian or instrumental songs
Don't spend any money this week
ALMS GIVING
Make a donation of toys or clothes
Do a chore without being asked
Visit an elderly person
Find change for your rice bowl, add more bills than coins!
Volunteer at a food shelf or food packing location
Take a meal or treat to a new mother, ask how you can help them.
Donate food to your food shelf
Find a new way to volunteer at church
Greet a new person after Mass this weekend
Donate the amount of money you'd spend eating out
Make something crafty to give
Visit a friend and put them first in all activities and conversation
Find new ways to help at home
Pray a decade of the rosary as a family
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Go to your church's Stations of the Cross
Learn a song sung during Lent
Go to Adoration to visit Jesus
Pray for the weak, poor, suppressed and unborn
Pray for the healing of the sick and dying people
Pray for a conversion of hearts
Learn a new prayer or make up a new one
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your life
Say nothing but prayers of thanksgiving!
Make a morning offering of your day.
FASTING
Fast from screen time (TV, Computer, Tablet, Gaming, Smartphone)
Fast from saying anything negative
Fast from giving up - do your best!
Fast from over scheduling. Plan for quiet time.
Take time to call a friend
Read a book about a Saint
Drink only water for the week
Dress modest or humbly, or talk to others how they can do it.
Take 15 minutes to read the Bible each day
Eat plain food with no seasonings for a day (or more)
Fast from music except for Christian or instrumental songs
Don't spend any money this week
ALMS GIVING
Make a donation of toys or clothes
Do a chore without being asked
Visit an elderly person
Find change for your rice bowl, add more bills than coins!
Volunteer at a food shelf or food packing location
Take a meal or treat to a new mother, ask how you can help them.
Donate food to your food shelf
Find a new way to volunteer at church
Greet a new person after Mass this weekend
Donate the amount of money you'd spend eating out
Make something crafty to give
Visit a friend and put them first in all activities and conversation
Find new ways to help at home
FASTING FROM FOOD
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent are obligatory fasting days where you eat one larger modest meal and two smaller meals/snacks which do not include meat. All Fridays during Lent follow suit by allowing only fish (a symbol of Christ) to be eaten, no meat. Traditionally this is for ages 14-59, but it is a good practice for children to join in on. It teaches them a lesson in sacrifice and penance. It also makes the transition to adult faith practices easier.*Catholic.com: Why do Catholics fast and abstain during Lent?
*USCCB: Fast & Abstinence Obligations
Lent is certainly not an excuse to make a pit stop at a fast food restaurant for a fish sandwich, or a date night at Red Lobster. Friday should be a mindful change in the week, focusing on your meal prayer and quiet reflection on personal sacrifices you've made during the week. But in an effort to teach young children, you can make that prayer and reflection a group sharing moment. In our family, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in impromptu/spontaneous prayer in addition to our traditional meal prayers.
Learn all about this amazing book "Eat Fast Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul" by Catholic author, Jay W Richards, which taught me how to approach fasting the best way possible, with a backing of spiritual, historical and scientific knowledge. Check out my post on this called: THE LENT FASTING CHALLENGE
This will of course not be a plan for children who are not obligated to fast, but will set the tone for good spiritual and physical habits regarding food, health, and self-control. Which also brings great joy when we come to the Feast!
QUIETING THE HOME
I learned a few years ago with the Catholic Minimalism Challenge how to Quiet Your Home for Lent from a few bloggers. Basically, we go through eliminating all unnecessary clutter from tables, countertops, shelves, etc. Perhaps you haven't done this before, and you need to pace yourself with 40 Bags in 40 Days of decluttering? Then you have areas setup for reflection on the themes of Lent. Here's a few photos of what I've displayed in recent years.
I highly recommend reading: Not of this World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism by Sterling Jaquith for inspiration on how to situate your domestic church (your home) in a intentional, purposeful, decluttered, organized way. It has changed my life! I'd also like to recommend The Domestic Church: Room by Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle. Also, Theology of the Home: Finding the Eternal in Everyday and Theology of the Home: The Spiritual Art of Homemaking by Carrie Gress, Though I haven't read those two myself, they seem to cover a similar philosophy.
Perhaps play some quiet Lent music, such as {Lent at Ephesus} by the Benedictines of Mary. You could even learn to play a few songs for {Lent on the Piano in the book by Hal Leonard}
I cleaned up the homeschool cork board and added Lent posters that can be found in the Lent Journey file and in my Etsy shop is {8 additional Lent posters} for less than a dollar each.
The 8.5x11 Frames shown above have the Mysteries of the Rosary listed along with their virtues or fruits of the mystery. I've made an inexpensive file in my shop that includes these posters along with a rosary guide, and rosary prayer group guide. {ROSARY GUIDES & POSTERS}
FREE PRINTABLE ROSARY GUIDES can be found in my posts about the rosary:
During Passiontide (Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday), we cover all holy images in our home. I've found it easiest to use veils and light shawls to do this. We always uncover our Crucifixes first on Good Friday.
I hang activity bags up for the younger children to access. For Lent I have bags about Repentance/Reconciliation, The Passion Map, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and The Holy Rosary. This is a Montessori or Charlotte Mason approach to learning and the children enjoy it.
REPENTANCE
STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES
When children think about who and what they spend the most time with, they learn a lot about what they admire, what they imitate, what they enjoy and do not, and where they invest their time. Let's talk with them about these things and reflect if there are any changes needing to be made.
1. Who inspires you?
2. What is your favorite bible verse? Why?
3. How do you pray each day?
4. What are your favorite prayers?
5. Do you think we pray as much as God desires?
6. Who are your best friends?
7. What characteristics do you admire in them?
8. How do you stay connected with friends?
9. How do you stay connected with God? Is Jesus your friend?
10. What do you think your friends admire about you?
11. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
12. Does the activities you do each day make you admirable, a good friend, a joy to be around?
13. How can you develop good virtue and make wise choices in friends and activities?
"For those who are weary, lay your burdens down at the foot of the Cross.
God will bear your burdens and give you strength."
CONFESSION DURING LENT
Make it a priority to go at least once!
In the Lent Journey Digital File I've also included a lovely ACT OF CONTRITION poster, with two popular versions of the prayer. See the beginning of this post what else is in this 42 page file.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
In catechesis and from St Ignatius, we learn how important it is to do a DAILY EXAMEN, and most importantly in reflection before a proper CONFESSION. There are plenty of free lists online, but here are a few books to check out as well:
Examination of Conscience Guide [Children] [Grades 6-12]
Examination of Conscience for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries
Examination of Conscience for Teens by Charles Michael
The Warning: Testimonies of the Illumination of Conscience by Christine Watkins
OFFERINGS &ALMSGIVING
LOVE ONE ANOTHER & SPREAD THE GOSPEL
Let us learn together how to enter the mission field, loving others and spreading the gospel message.
WORKS OF MERCY & REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING
Week 3 of the Lent Journaling & Activities Lesson Plan has thought provoking ideas for teaching about THE WORKS OF MERCY. Week 5 discusses the value of SUFFERING.
CHARITY/VOLUNTEERING
With all the quiet of the season, it makes room for volunteering at church and other missions like the food shelf, soup kitchen, food packing, senior home, and other such places. If you are unable to leave your home for any reason, or your children are too young to help at these places, consider making cards to send and making donations to these charities. Don't forget we can live charitably within our own homes when we help with chores, give hugs and smiles, and love the best we are able. You are welcome to print my ALMSGIVING JAR LABEL to drop in your change throughout the weeks, also made available in the Lent Journey Digital File.
LIVING OUT HOLY WEEK
There is a special post dedicated to Holy Week from Palm Sunday to the Easter Season.
LENT RESOURCES
*Disclosure: All links are affiliated and purchases through these links give me a small payment for referrals. This helps me continue to make time to give you Catholic family resources on Homegrown Catholics blog. Thank you for using these links to make your recommended purchases and supporting this small mission!
GAMES THAT ARE GREAT DURING LENT
Commissioned by Chara Games {link- A community game about spreading the gospel!
BOOKS TO READ DURING LENT
Books About Faith and Life
Not of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism by Sterling Jaquith
The Seven Sorrows of Mary: A Meditative Guide by Joel Giallanza CSC {OL Sorrows Rosary}
"Eat Fast Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul" by Jay W Richards
The King of the Golden City by Mother Mary Loyola
Get this book and read it to your family. You won't regret it. It is a literary work of art that teaches us about why we are in this land of Exile before we can enter the King's Golden City. Spiritual guidance for Souls young and old. Initially written to help with preparation for First Communicants, it is a perfect story for Lent.
Daily Devotionals
The Hours of the Passion by Luisa Picaretta {Book}{Kindle}{Spanish}
Bringing Lent Home with [Mother Theresa]: Prayers, Activities, Reflections, and Activities for Families by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
Above All by Elizabeth Foss
To The End by Blessed is She
Walk in Her Sandals: Experiencing Christ’s Passion Through the Eyes of Women by Kelly Wahlquist
Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens by McGrady
Come Clean: A Teen Guide to Reconciliation by LifeTeen
Whispers from the Cross by Anne, Lay Apostle
Examination of Conscience for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries
Examination of Conscience for Teens by Charles Michael
The Examen Journal: Finding God in Every Day by Mary Williams
The Warning: Testimonies of the Illumination of Conscience by Christine Watkins
Coloring Lent
The Mysteries of the Rosary: A Catholic Coloring Devotional by Drawn to Faith
The Stations of the Cross: A Catholic Coloring Book Devotional by Drawn to Faith
The Mysteries of the Rosary: An Adult Coloring Book by Daniel Mitsui
Coloring Lent by Ridjet & Turri
Fiction
Awakening by Claudia Cangilla McAdam
Online
Best Lent Ever by Dynamic Catholic
Living Lent Daily by Loyola Press
Exodus 90: 90 day journey through asceticism for Catholic Men
Once I am finished with the Lent and First Reconciliation posts, I hope to move onto a refresh on my lesson plans for the Holy Eucharist and Adoration. Please message me with any special requests you hope to find in my future post.
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