Lent

Lenten Resources

Browse the collection of Lenten articles for catechists from the contributors at Catechist’s Journey.

For even more Lent ideas, including the e-mail series Living Lent Daily, visit Lent Resources from Loyola Press.

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Stations of the Cross

Living Stations

Joe Paprocki

This past Monday, the 4th graders put on the Living Stations of the Cross and they did a wonderful job. I was very impressed with how prayerful and mature they were…the whole experience was done with great reverence.  Here’s a pic and then an invitation from a catechist named Ron to view their Living Stations in a picture gallery, station-by-station. Thanks Ron! All, Click the link below, if you’d like to see Station-by-Station scenes of […]

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Lent

The Seven Last Words of Christ – A Blackline Master

Joe Paprocki

One of the activities in my 40 Ideas for 40 Days of Lent, 2011, is an exercise on the Seven Last Words of Christ. Since I am once again only going to have about half of my students present this Monday (because of Living Stations rehearsals), I thought it would be nice to have them work on a Lenten activity related to the suffering and death of Jesus that is portrayed in the Living Stations. […]

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Stations of the Cross

Another Living Stations Script

Joe Paprocki

Here’s another Living Stations script…this one from Sr. Marie who read my post about Living Stations scripts just after she got home from coordinating the Living Stations at her parish! Trooper that she is, she immediately sent this script along. Thanks Sr. Marie! Living Stations Script – Sr Marie

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Stations of the Cross

It’s Time for the Living Stations Again!

Joe Paprocki

Each year, during Lent, the parish school of religion puts on 2 Living Stations of the Cross – one by the 4th graders and one by the 8th graders. Since I’m teaching 4th grade this year, it once again means that many of my students will be involved (in fact, my aide’s son will play the role of Jesus!). Our DRE, Arlene, handles all of the preparations and rehearsals and the rehearsals begin this Monday. What […]

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Lent

When the Snow Melts Away…a Lenten Thought

Joe Paprocki

Here in Chicago, we had a blizzard in February that dumped 20 inches of snow. Most of it is gone now, melting in the ever-so-slowly rising temperatures. Occasionally, however, one comes across the vestiges of a huge mountain of snow left behind by the snow plows. Underneath all of that snow, what do we find? Lots of MUCK! (see pic below) It soon becomes apparent that it’s time for spring cleaning! It seems to me […]

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Lent

A Lenten Prayer Service

Joe Paprocki

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 […]

stories from the field
High School/Youth Ministry

A Lenten Idea from Anna Marie

Joe Paprocki

Here’s a nice Lenten idea shared by a catechist named Anna Marie. Thanks, Anna Marie! Here’s a Lenten idea that I have done in 7th-10th graders. The last day before we depart for Spring/Easter Break or during Holy Week, I create the classroom as a Retreat/Desert experience. Shades are pulled down, lights are dimmed if possible, and the window of the classroom door is covered. There is a sign placed outside the door:  Do Not […]

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Lent

A Guided Reflection on Praying, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Joe Paprocki

Tonight, we begin in church with a Lenten prayer service that should be about 30 minutes. With all the coming and going between the church and school buildings, I should have about 35 minutes left with my kids. Since I haven’t been able to do a guided reflection with them for a few weeks, I thought I would go right into that when we get back to the classroom. Here’s the script that I put […]

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Lent

More About Pretzels

Joe Paprocki

In my 40 Ideas for 40 Days of Lent calendar, Monday, March 14 is an activity titled “What’s with the Pretzels?” which goes into the meaning of the pretzel as a traditional lenten food. I received an email from a 6th grade catechist named Marie who had quite a bit to say about the topic. Thanks, Marie! Enjoy! Joe, I’ve been on your mail list for about three months and have enjoyed the information and […]