Lenten and Easter Seasons
Family Activities
Cycle A
Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY
Taste And See
The Goodness Of The Lord
ASH WEDNESDAY
Theme: We find dust almost everywhere. It can come from ashes from wood burning furnaces, stoves, or burned leaves. Dust from the ashes needs to be swept away. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are traced in the form of a cross to remind us that we, too, will pass away. Lent gives us an opportunity to repent and to reform our lives thinking of the good we have failed to do. This conversion process takes time to go from the darkness in our lives to the experience of the light. We begin with ashes which prepare us for the lighting of the fire at the Easter Vigil where Christ, the Light risen among us, promises to stay with us until the end of time.
Readings
Joel 2:12-18 - The Day of the Lord
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 - Ministry of Reconciliation
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 - Purity of Intention; Prayer and Fasting
What attitude of your heart would you like to change during Lent this Year?
How will you pray together as a family?
What does it mean to have a change of heart?
What could you change in yourself during Lent this year?
Activities
Sign of the Cross
With a bowl of ashes on your table, once a week sign each member of the family with the Sign of the Cross to remind you of Jesus’ presence within your family.
Forty Day Practice
On Ash Wednesday, write the numbers 1-40 on small pieces of paper. Write things to do, e.g. put away your clothes instead of leaving them around, complete your homework on time, pray that God will bless each person in your family, set the table for dinner, etc. Put them in a container. Each day until Easter, draw one of the pieces of paper from the container and do what the paper suggests.
Feed the Poor
From the money saved by not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, make a donation to an organization that helps feed starving people e.g. Propagation of the Faith, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent DePaul Society in your parish, Rice Bowl, Food Pantry or a charity of your choice.
Back to Church
Invite someone you know who has been away from the Church to go to Mass with you, or go to the Stations of the Cross in your parish church.
Breaking Bread Together
On Sunday, or once a week, have a large loaf of bread on the table. Take the bread, break it to share with each other, bless the food you are about to eat, and pray for those less fortunate. Close the meal with grace in gratitude.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Theme: The gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ...
Scripture Readings
Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 - The Fall of Human Kind
Romans 5:12-19 - Humanity’s Sin Through Adam
Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus
Reflection
On one level, the stories of the temptations in this Sunday’s gospel are about the choice between good and evil, between self-will and the will of God, between obedience and disobedience. But there is more at stake. The face-off between the devil and Jesus reveals temptation as a conflict between “the kingdoms of the world” and the rule of God. Ultimately temptation asks all of us, “Whom will you serve?” Lent is a time of discernment – our scripture readings on this First Sunday of Lent speak to us of choices made for good or ill in the biblical tradition. They also call us to reflect on our own choices and the place to which they have taken us. In the course of his earthly life, Christ Jesus repeatedly made choices in favor of the Father’s will, and the fruit of his gracious gift allows each of us to “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
What helpful advice could you offer someone faced with a temptation?
What helps you do the right thing when you want to do something wrong?
Activities
Meditation
Take a few minutes to sit quietly and meditate on the following questions. How will I, this Lent, be an example of the goodness of our God to others? Will Lent come and go with no change in my life or attitude? Is this the moment for me to choose a new and better path?
Let Your Light Shine!
Have members of your family each draw a candle with their names on it. Then invite them to write their own gifts/talents that they can share with others as rays coming from the candlelight.
Called By God!
Write a short story how you can better serve Jesus.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Theme: It is through faith in God that we become transfigured in love.
Scripture Readings
Genesis 12:1-4 - Call of Abraham
2 Timothy 1: 8-10 - Exhortation to Faithfulness
Matthew 17:1-9 - Jesus Transfigured
Reflection
In a society such as ours, it is easy to accept the negative messages we hear everyday..."families are in crisis; kids today are no good; things are going down hill fast and there is nothing we can do". Yet, there is good news for families today and everyday. We have each received a special gift from God in the form of our family. There are daily challenges, but there are daily blessings too. The influence of the media in our lives is pervasive. We begin to look at our lives (and families) as the glass which is always half full, not perfect.
If we look at today's gospel reading, we hear God saying, "This is my beloved son on whom my favor rests.” God did not say, "This is my son who is perfect in all things," or "who is living up to all my expectations." God says, “This is my child whom I love, not because of what He is accomplishing but because He is my son.”
How has your faith in Jesus transformed you, or helped you become a better person and Christian?
What difference does your faith in Jesus Christ make in your life?
What does it mean to you to be a holy person?
Activities
Family Affirmations
At a family meal, have each member of the family go around the table and say a word of affirmation to each other. This is also an opportune time to share with one another what each person’s gift is to the family.
Special Person
Do something special for a family member, e.g. make some food to share, send a note saying you are praying for him/her.
Break Bread
After attending Mass together, invite a senior citizen to join your family for breakfast. It is good to break bread and share stories.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Theme: God has faith in us even when we do not.
Scripture Readings
Exodus 17: 3-7 - Water From the Rock
Romans 5: 1-2,5-8 - Faith, Hope and Love
John 4:5-42 - The Samaritan Woman of the Well
Reflection
Every parent has probably had the experience of reassuring a child that he or she is bright or pretty, or handsome, or a good friend. Does the child believe us? Not usually. When this happens in our home, we normally smile and think, “This is what God experiences consistently.” God tells us that we are good parents, loving spouses, caring children…do we believe this? Not usually. How patient our Creator is with us! The next time your child or parent or spouse tells you, “You are the best!” -- believe them, it is God speaking to you.
Where have you found a source of “living water” for your own journey of faith?
Name some times when your belief in Jesus helped make you stronger.
Activities
Family Blessing
Get a small bottle of Holy Water from your church and use it in family rituals. Put some holy water in a small bowl and take the opportunity to bless each family member. Have your children bless you. It helps all to recognize the holy in the ordinary.
Family Invitation
Invite your priest, religious sister or brother to your home for dinner. Often we take those who serve us for granted; it is good for them and for your family to include them in your family times.
Give Out
Lent is a time when typically we "give up" something. This Lent, resolve as a family to "give out" something to a needy person or organization in your parish community. This could be a time, as a family, to give canned goods each week to a food pantry. When you buy one item and get one free, give the free item to the food bank. This lesson of "giving out" will stay with your children their entire lives.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Theme: The Light of Christ shines in the darkness of all.
Scripture Readings
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 - Samuel Anoints David
Ephesians 5: 8-14 - Duty to Live in the Light
John 9: 1-41 - The Man Born Blind
Reflection
In our fast-paced life amid the barrage of messages telling us to look good, there is the quiet presence of God. Our reading from Samuel invites us into a deeper dimension of life. We are invited to look beyond the appearances of people. We are to look at people as God does, “…the Lord looks into the heart.”
How do I, or we as a family, look past the physical appearances of lifestyle or dress to see the kind heart of a person?
How can you let the light of your faith in Jesus shine for others to see?
Activities
Mirror, Mirror
Remember, God created you. Look in the mirror and think about how beautiful/handsome you are in God’s eyes. Whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for your life.
Look into the Heart
Think about someone in your family who has a “big heart.” Why? You may wish to draw a heart and give it to the person. Write a note of thanks or tell the person why you know he/she has a “big heart”.
Celebrate Eucharist Together
Plan to attend Mass together as a family. Ask the question, “For what shall we pray?” On the way to church mention your intentions so that, as a family, you can ask for God’s blessings.
Eucharist for You
Who has shown you care and respect? Write the names of those people on paper and tell what they did for you. Put the paper on your refrigerator until Easter Sunday. This will be a daily reminder of the people in your life who have been Eucharist for you.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Theme: The Spirit of God abides in us!
Scripture Readings
Ezekiel 37: 12-14 - Prophecy of Restoration
Romans 8: 8-11 - The Flesh and the Spirit
John 11: 1-45 - The Raising of Lazarus
Reflection
Today’s Gospel reminds us that when Jesus saw Mary weeping at the death of her brother, Jesus began to weep. When tragedy touches the lives of our loved ones, we often ask, “Where is God at this time?” While we are grieving, God is grieving with us. When families feel the pain of loss, God is with them in that pain.
When did you last experience God’s presence in a time of need?
How did someone show you God’s love through compassion?
Is it possible for you to be that presence to someone in need?
Activities
God’s Presence
Turn off the TV for a while. Play some soft music. Close your eyes. Think about a time when you could feel God’s presence in your life. Inasmuch as you are comfortable, share your experience with your family. Be grateful for God’s presence in your life and celebrate with your favorite treat.
Desert Times
Sometimes we may feel that God has abandoned us or is angry with us. While it may be difficult to stay “connected” with God, God still believes in you. God is there with you. Talk about those times with a family member. Make up a prayer that you want to remember when you have “desert times,” e.g. Jesus be with me.
Challenge to Feed the Hungry
The Eucharist is a challenge for us who participate in the Mass to feed the hungry people and to work for peace. As a family, write a letter to your members of Congress urging them to help reduce global hunger.
Weekend Liturgy
The Eucharist is a special way that Christ is present in the community. As you plan to attend Mass in your parish, discuss how you will make the Eucharistic Celebration meaningful, e.g. offer to be in the Offertory Procession, and don’t be afraid to sing and pray out loud. Remember, God likes to see everyone using his/her gifts.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
Theme: Jesus is greeted with palms when he arrives in Jerusalem. Holy Week begins.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 50: 4-7 - Salvation Only Through the Lord’s Servant
Philippians 2: 6-11 - Imitating Christ’s Humility
Matthew 26: 14-27,66 - The Passion of Jesus
Reflection
On Palm Sunday, the crowd, waving palm branches, welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. The celebration turned into a time of Christ’s suffering His passion and death on the cross. Matthew tells us in today’s reading… “Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to His disciples”…so they would not be alone. Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist today assures us that we are not alone.
If Jesus were to come to your home, what preparations would you make to welcome Him?
If Jesus said the blessing at your table, broke the bread and said, “This is my body,” how would your family respond?
Activities
Palms in your Home
Bring home a palm from church and place it in a favorite place in your home as a reminder of your love for Jesus and your many blessings . You may want to be creative and make a palm cross by simply cutting the palm into an appropriate size and cross shape. Have the placing of it in your home part of a short ritual or prayer. There may be someone in your parish who knows how to make more intricate cross shapes with the palm. Perhaps they will share that creative gift with you.
Prayer at Your Home Table
Join in saying a prayer that you have learned for before and after meals. You may wish to take turns making up a prayer of blessings for your meals. Remember, God never tires of listening to our prayers.
Faith Community Gathering
Lent is a special time of parish services. In addition to weekend liturgy, plan on attending Stations of the Cross, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or the parish penance service. Remember that God loves to hear the prayers of two or three gathered together. He promises to be in our midst if we but ask.
Giving “In Memory of Him”
The Eucharist is what Jesus told his followers to do to remember Him. The Eucharist offers a challenge to us to feed the 1.3 million people who live in poverty. How will you as a family be the Eucharist to the hungry? Suggestions: donations to St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Neighborhood Centers, Operation Rice Bowl, Holy Childhood Association or your favorite charity.
Body of Christ
I can be the Body of Christ for others by
Holy Thursday
Theme: Remembrance
Scripture Readings
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 - The Passover Ritual Prescribed
I Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Lord’s Supper
John 13:1-15 - The Washing of the Feet
Reflection on Beginning the Triduum
OnHoly Thursday, the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Triduum. The time of reflection on the forty days Christ spent fasting and praying in the desert closes, and the preparation for Easter begins. As we move through these three days in the Church’s liturgies, it is important to remember that what we are celebrating is not about the historical events that took place, but rather, the Paschal Mystery that brings meaning to our lives today.
It is at the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursdaythat we commemorate how the Eucharist began. We also commemorate the institution of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The Washing of Feet takes place to remind us of Jesus’ command that we serve others. The altar is stripped bare to remind us of how Jesus was stripped of his garments. The Blessed Sacrament is then moved in procession to a place of repose for adoration by the faithful. This is the beginning of the three very special days of the Triduum.
What sacrifices did you make out of love?
What is the difference between doing something for someone out of love, and doing it because someone makes you?
Activities
What Does God Want?
What is it that Gods wants you to do with your life? Set aside time to go to Mass this evening at your parish. Spend some time praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Pray and listen carefully. It is often in these silent moments in Christ’s presence that our answers become most clear to us. When you return home, share with family members what you prayed about, and ask them to add your prayer concerns to their own throughout the Easter season.