Lent Archives - Page 20 of 21 - Catechist's Journey

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: Making a Paschal Candle

OK catechists, today we continue with another Lenten activity… Making a Paschal Candle Ask if any of the young people have experienced a power outage during a storm at night time Talk about how frightening it can be to be surrounded by darkness and how we rely on flashlights and candles to provide light for us at these moments. Explain that we use the image of “darkness” to talk about the bad things that are […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: The 7 Last Words of Christ Scripture Search

Joe Paprocki

Today’s Lenten activity is a Scripture search on the Seven Last Words of Christ. More on that in a second. The Seven Last Words of Christ – A Scripture Search Explain that, before dying, many people speak final words that express their feelings and thoughts at that moment. Invite the young people to identify the speakers of these famous last words (fictional and non-fictional): “Et tu, Brute?” (Julius Caesar) “I have been and always will be […]

40/40 – Lenten Activities: Operation Rice Bowl and Peace Pole

Joe Paprocki

We continue our “festival” of lenten activities – ideas that catechists can use during these 40 days of Lent. Operation Rice Bowl and Peace Pole Yesterday, I posted about Operation Rice Bowl. No sooner had I done that then I received an email from a good friend, DRE Terry Bergmann, at St. Julian Eymard Parish in Elk Grove Village, IL, telling me about how she has implemented Operation Rice Bowl at her parish and […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: CRS Rice Bowl

Joe Paprocki

Here we go with your next Lenten activity! Note: In 2013, Operation Rice Bowl was renamed CRS Rice Bowl by Catholic Relief Services. CRS Rice Bowl Bring in 100 pennies and place them on a table in the center of the group. Tell the young people to imagine that these pennies represent all of the earth’s resources and wealth. Ask for 10 volunteers to represent the world’s population. Divide the pennies in the following manner (according to […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: Bury the Alleluia

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this sacred season. Here is your next Lenten activity: Bury the Alleluia Write the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” on the board and ask if anyone can explain what it means. (we miss something or someone the longer we are without it or them) Point out that during the […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: What’s with the Pretzels?

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this sacred season. Here is your next Lenten activity. What’s with the Pretzels? Ask the children to show a common posture for praying (kneeling or standing with hands folded). Explain that, in the early Church, Christians often prayed with their arms folded across their chests, each hand on the opposite shoulder. […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: Remembering the Lamb

Joe Paprocki

During these 40 days of Lent, I am offering 40 ideas (activities) to help catechists engage young people around the themes and images of this holy season. Here is your next Lenten activity. Remembering the Lamb Explain that we refer to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” not because we want to think of him as cute and cuddly, but because lambs were the animal used in sacrifice for the celebration of Passover. Remind the […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: A Lenten Chain

Joe Paprocki

Catechists of all age groups are always looking for creative Lenten activities. With that in mind, I’m pleased to offer another of 40 Lenten activities (in 40 days) that I hope will be of use to you. Be sure to check back here each day during Lent to find another Lenten activity that you can adapt for your own setting. A Lenten Chain You’ll need purple construction paper, scissors, and tape. Cut the purple construction paper into one-inch […]

40 Ideas for 40 Days—Lenten Activities: Avoiding Temptations

Joe Paprocki

Avoiding Temptations Arrange the young people in pairs and invite them to brainstorm a list of temptations that young people their age can try to avoid during Lent. (Examples: gossiping, calling people names, being lazy, and so on.) Then, have them identify strategies for resisting temptation. (Examples: praying, doing another activity to avoid thinking about the temptation, talking to a parent, teacher, or older friend/relative, and so on.) Have each pair report their ideas to […]

receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday - image © Loyola Press. All rights reserved.

"What’s That on Your Forehead?"—Helping Kids Explain Ash Wednesday

Joe Paprocki

A catechist e-mailed me with the following question about helping children to be able to explain why they are wearing ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday: Do you have anything in print or an article you know of for kids to help explain why they wear ashes on their forehead on Ash Wednesday to their classmates at the public schools? I know the reasons and such but from an elementary child’s perspective would help. […]