Lent with the Family

Just for Parents Becca Meagher

Our Time Together

• Lectio Divina

• History / Purpose of Lent

• Sundays of Lent

• Pray / Fast / Give ideas and implementation

• Discussion – Sharing – questions

The Word of the Lord

What is Lent?

• special time in preparation of the celebration of Easter • prayer• penance • sacrifice • good works

• The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words lencten, meaning "Spring," and lenctentid, which literally means "Springtide”

40!

• What is the significance of the number 40?• Moses• Elijah• Jesus

• Are there really 40 days in Lent?

Sundays of Lent

• Perennial debate – Do Sundays count?

• We are a people of the Resurrection

• Creative ways to give Sundays a special significance in Lent

Pray

• Use the Catholic Schools Week Book Mercy in the City to have a family book club

• Plan a focused prayer time for your family• Week one do 1 day; week two do 2 days etc.

• Commute Conversations• Each day someone picks a topic to talk about in the

car. Two kids = 2 days a week, Three kids = 3 days a week. Could be done in carpool situations.

• Consolation / Desolation• Round Robin style - - what gave you life, made you feel

connected? When did you feel drained and distant?

Fast

• Feasting and Fasting• David Haas

• Fasting Jar• Fill a jar with fasting suggestions and each day

you pick one that you will do

• Creative Meals• Use meatless Fridays to get creative with your

cooking. Use the internet to find simple recipes and have family mealtime

• Go to a good ‘ol fashioned fish fry!

Give

• Rice Bowl

• Fasting jar = money to donate

• Each family member is challenged to donate money

• Giving doesn’t have to be about money• Time and Talent are important too

Resources

• http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/

• http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm