A Lenten Prayer Service

This past Monday, we gathered with the children in church for a Lenten Prayer Service (about 30 minutes) with the pastor. I thought the service was very nicely prepared and executed. As we waited to begin, one of the 2nd grade catechists got up and asked all the 2nd grade children to stand and sing “This Little Light of Mine” which was an appropriate pre-processional and served to gather hearts, minds, and voices. I saw some of my 4th graders singing along! The music leader did a nice job of incorporating and leading simple Taizé  (pronounced teh-ZAY) melodies which are terrific for children (as well as adults). The focus on Operation Rice Bowl gave the prayer a powerful social justice emphasis which is quite fitting for Lent. Throughout, the kids were well-behaved and prayerful (it helps that many parents attend…the increase in their attendance attributed to the DRE using SchoolReach to remind them and invite them). Kudos to the DRE Arlene and her assistant Lilian for putting together such a nice service. Here it is if you wish to use it/adapt it to your own setting. Lenten Prayer Service

About Joe Paprocki 2758 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.

2 Comments on A Lenten Prayer Service

  1. Hi Joe I was planning on gathering all the children in the church on sunday after mass instead of catechism classes we would reflect on the station together. As there is a poor attendance at the stations of the children. Some never even heard of stations of the cross. Thanks for the idea will use it. Thanks for the other wonderfull ideas. This evening at mass you came to mind and I offered up prayer for you as you are a true inspiration to all catechists in this special ministry. My prayer is that one day I will be blessed and be part of your workshops. One day I will get to America. Keep doing the will of the Lord and blessings will be bestowed upon many generations after you.

    • Alison, thanks so much for sharing. Teaching your kids about the Stations of the Cross during Lent is very appropriate and will help the kids to reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I hope it goes well for you. Thanks especially for the prayer and your kind words. I do indeed hope we get a chance to meet some day!

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