“For you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Genesis, chapter 3
March 1st is Ash Wednesday
Lectio Divina for Ash Wednesday from the USCCB
The penitential season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, where we hear,“For you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Catholics and other Christians receive the mark of the cross on their foreheads. We acknowledge that we have sinned and we strive to make amends, and promise to not repeat the sin. Lent lasts for “forty days and forty nights” remembering Jesus’s time of fasting, prayer and his triumphant confrontations with Satan in the wilderness. The children are practicing their “Act of Contrition” in preparation for their First Reconciliation, the second Saturday of Lent. For an excellent short article on Lent, visit “Lent: Spring Cleaning for the Soul” on USCCB.org.
Lent for Children
Lenten Poster for Young Children from Catholic Icing
The big question for kids is, “What am I going to give up?” Will it be dessert, or chocolate, ice cream, or video games? I read a wonderful blog that suggested we add behaviors we need to change to the list. Perhaps we can be less grumpy with our family members, or can be more helpful to Mom and Dad.
Here is a list that the children can add to and hang on their wall or refrigerator to ponder.
Lenten Activities