For Parents To Teach To Their Children
Hello Families. Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Here are three excerpts from MagnifiKid! that help you explain Lent to children:
“Turn away from sin, be faithful to the Gospel”
“Today is a very special Wednesday. Throughout the whole world, the Church begins to prepare for the great feast of Easter. This time of penance is called Lent, and it lasts for forty days. The word “Lent” comes from a word meaning “to lengthen.” This season happens in the spring, as the days “lengthen” and the sun stays out longer and longer. This is very appropriate, because Christ’s Resurrection is celebrated right when the trees and flowers are springing back to new life. You are also invited to experience new life, and MagnifiKid! is going to help you. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us what we must do in order to prepare ourselves. He invites us to give alms, to pray, and to fast. More importantly, Jesus asks that we do these things with love, and not for some reward. Lent isn’t about show, it’s opening our hearts more fully to God’s grace.”
Our Art Gallery
Lenten Art
Our Readings
Source: USCCB.org. Matthew, Chapter 6:1=6, 16-18
“Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
‘When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
‘When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.’”
Our Art Project
This is the simplest cross painting or drawing. I used watercolor paint in black with a brush on watercolor paper to represent a cross and ashes. It can also be made using crayons, pencil or markers. It is supposed to have a somber mood.
Week 28–Suggested Family Activities
Here is a Lenten chart for children
