Lent Prayers, Devotions, Activities and Resources from CatholicMom.com

Lenten Resources

The season of a Lent is a highlight in the Catholic calendar. An opportunity for "spiritual self improvement", Lent focuses on an increased emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In the weeks ahead, we will work to provide you with resources and information on how to use the season of Lent as a wonderful preparation period for the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.

Lent Begins Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Lenten Resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Complete Directory of Lent and Easter Products at The Catholic Company

Lent and Your Family

Lent is a special time when you can share the concepts of prayer and giving with your children. Take family time each day to offer devotional prayers. Consider as a family how you might help others in need by giving of your time or resources. Even very young children can understand and will enjoy participating in the process. As a mother, carve out time in your day for your own special prayer time. This may involve early rising or time spent away from a favorite hobby or activity.

	Lenten Resources for Your Family:
	US Conference of Catholic Bishops - Lenten Resources Vatican Lenten Resources Embracing the Lenten Season as a Family CatholicMom.com Book Club recommendations for Lent Lenten Activities for Kids
Stations of the Cross for Children - Find our printable Stations of the Cross coloring pages, book and CD Stations of the Cross recommendations for children, and more! A Woman's Stations of the Cross - An uplifting meditation by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur The Lenten “Grumpies” by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle Avoid the Temptation to "Overdo" Lent by James Hahn Puppet Show Scripts for Lent (suggested: Liturgical Year, Three Days, Palm Sunday, Preach the Gospel, The Redeemer) Ash Wednesday Coloring Page Lent and Holy Week Resources - An entire library of wonderful Lenten references and resources from Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Crossroads Initiative Lenten Fasting practices for Pregnant and Lactating Women Lenten Grace - a great new web site from Our Sunday Visitor Lent - the article from New Advent's Catholic Encyclopedia Lenten Workshop - several great ideas from Catholic Culture Lent information from Catholic Online Ash Wednesday and the Lenten fast Meditations for Lent written by parishioners of St. Paul's Church in Halifax The Spirit of Lent by Fr. Victor Hoagland, C.P. Lenten Activities for your family - The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Office of Marriage and Family Life offers Lent and Easter activities, projects, crafts and events for your family. Creative Communications - a catalogue offering prayer aids and resources for Lenten devotions Did You Give Up Chocolat For Lent? - a faith topics column by Nick Popadich 40 Ways to Get the Most out of Lent - a wonderful article by Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Crossroads Initiative 40 Ways to Improve Your Lent - great tips from the Catholic Herald

Stations of the Cross Shrine Set A beautiful and rustic 14 piece set of the Stations of the Cross for outdoor or indoor use. These are made of solid cedar wood and finished with cedar or walnut exterior grade stain. Each image is individually printed on metal plates which are then permanently fastened to the Shrine. These make great pieces for gardens, prayer paths, Church yards, or home chapels! View this item at our Catholic Company store

Online Stations of the Cross:

EWTN - with reflections written by Mother M. Angelica, P.C.P.A.
Our Sunday Visitor - an article on the origins of the stations and a beautiful, interactive set of online stations
U.S. Catholic Bishops - based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion
St. Anthony's School - inspired by a compilation of writings and illustrations by past and present St. Anthony's Students
Arcadia Catholic School - featured at frpat.com and designed to help you walk in the footsteps of Jesus
Multimedia Stations of the Cross for Children
A Woman's Stations of the Cross - An uplifting meditation by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

7 Ways to Make Lent Joyful:

* Start all prayers with praise

* Take time with God in a beautiful place

* Don't carry the world's pain on your own back

* Fast for the sake of richer food - the daily Eucharist

* Take flowers and a smile to a sick person

* Reconcile with an estranged friend

* Compliment someone for making the world better
From Catholic Update, 2/95 St. Anthony Messenger

Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday, we begin Lent. The sacramental ashes, made from burned palms from the prior year's Palm Sunday, are blessed and remind us that "You are dust and unto dust you shall return". Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

Fasting and Abstinence

Those who are physically capable are called to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent. Fasting consists of one full meatless meal and other limited meatless meals as required to maintain strength. The young, the elderly and those with health concerns are not required to fast. This sacrificial fasting and abstinence should be done with the goal of spiritual development and conversion.

Meatless Meals - observe the Church's regulations for abstinence with these Lenten recipes from the tables of our Catholic Moms

Lenten book recommendations

These books are available for online purchase through Amazon by clicking on the titles below. Your purchase helps support CatholicMom.com - Click here for a complete listing of Lenten Book recommendations.

As we progress through the season of Lent we will continue to seek out resources to share with you. We welcome your suggestions as well. Please direct any comments to Lisa@catholicmom.com

Purchase your Lenten devotional materials here and support CatholicMom.com

Meatless Meals Observe the Church's regulations for abstinence with these Lenten recipes from the tables of our Moms.

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Recommends

Catholic Faith Facts Q&A for Lent And Easter (Catholic Faith Facts)

Quiz yourself and others with fascinating Catholic Faith Facts! Students, catechumens, youth, and families ... Play your way to a fuller Lenten experience. Everyone will have fun celebrating and embracing their Catholic identity with Catholic Faith Facts: Q & A for Lent and Easter. Each card features three questions of varying degrees of difficulty about one aspect of Lent or Easter: perfect for the Church, the classroom, or the dinner table! Build confidence in your understanding of Catholic Tradition while developing a deeper appreciation for the richness of this glorious season.

Into The Desert:
Reflections For Lent
by George Lacey, OSB

This book is a series of reflections the days of lent, based on the daily scripture readings.

Lent: An Uncommon
Love Story
by Antoinette Bosco

An insightful, often poignant reflection on the season of Lent - a season of the Church year that is mirrored by seasons in our lives.

Also available through the Catholic Company - click here.

Read a sample chapter

Quantum Grace:
The Sunday Readings:
Lenten Reflections on Creation and Connectedness
by Judy Cannato

Quantum Grace:
Lenten Reflections
on Creation and Connectedness
by Judy Cannato

A book of compelling daily Lenten reflections. Author Judy Cannato invites us during the season of Lent to look at our beliefs, decisions, and actions and the ways they affect our personal lives and the lives of others.

The Power of
the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ
to Your Life
by Michael Dubruiel

Also available
through the
Catholic Company - Click here.

Read our complete Catholic Book Spotlight Profile on this selection.

Chocolate for Lent
By Hilary Brand

Using themes from the film Chocolat, this unique approach to the season creates the space for deeper insights into self-discipline, self-giving, conversion, acceptance and maturing in Christ. Ideal for personal spiritual reading. Perfect for parish Lenten programs, prayer groups, RCIA groups, adult faith formation, or anyone who loves God, movies and chocolate! Includes material for individual reflection and a complete guide for group leaders.