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
Lenten Activities
40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: A Spiritual St. Patrick’s Day Activity
St. Patrick’s Day falls smack dab in the middle of Lent and, for many, is seen as a “day off” from Lent. A quick search for St. Patrick’s Day activities reveals mainly opportunities to color shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, and pots of gold; very little of spiritual value is offered. As catechists, we can still have fun with our young people on St. Patrick’s Day while also teaching something of spiritual value. Here are a few […]
Making Lent Simple, but Not Easy
Lenten Webinar: Creative Lenten Ideas Shared by Participants
During last evening’s Lenten Webinar, I invited participants to share brief descriptions of some creative things they have done for Lent either for themselves or with a group they were teaching. SO MANY GREAT IDEAS! Thanks for sending them in. Enjoy perusing them! Lenten Webinar Participants Ideas Print Friendly
Junior High
Helping Young People Write Intercessions
While many parts of the Mass are always the same (we use the same words for the Gloria; the Holy, Holy, Holy; the Lord’s Prayer; the Lamb of God; etc.), several parts are always different from one Mass to another: the Scripture readings, the homily, and the Prayer of the Faithful. This, of course, gives us an opportunity to invite young people to shape some of the words we use at Mass. In particular, inviting […]
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!