40/40 – Lenten Activities: A Change-of-Heart Tree

Joe Paprocki Lenten Activities

On to our next Lenten activity which comes to us from the Christ Our Life program, grade 8 Catechist’s Guide.

A Change-of-Heart Tree

  • Have the young people make a Change-of-Heart Tree to show their progress in keeping their Lenten resolutions.
  • Assign a group of young people to design the trunk and bare branches of a tree out of brown paper or felt.
  • Have them glue it to a piece of white fabric or paper (about 3-foot by 2-foot).
  • Direct the other young people to cut out seven purple hearts (one for each week of Lent) and glue them on the branches.
  • Have each young person cut out seven leaves from green paper.
  • Post the banner and collect the green leaves in a container.
  • Tell the young people that once a week, whenever they feel that they have kept their Lenten resolutions, they may glue a green leaf around the purple heart designated for that week.
  • By the Easter Triduum which begins on Holy Thursday evening, the Change-of-Heart Tree will be complete, symbolizing renewed life in Christ.
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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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