Entering Lent as a Family

In preparation for Lent, Maria Riley shares practical and prayerful suggestions for observing the season as a family. 

I feel like we just put away the Christmas decorations, but it’s not too soon to start preparing for Lent. Many families have traditions during the Advent season, but Lent does not have the same richness of traditions for families. Even without an Advent wreath or Jesse tree, Catholic families can still fully participate in this season of preparation together so that they can grow closer to Christ as a family. 

Prepare Your Hearts  

Over the six weeks of Lent, Catholics are called to sacrifice to prepare our hearts for the joy of the Easter season. By spending a season willingly abstaining from some of the enjoyments of this world, Catholics can fully enter into the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  

Throughout the season of Lent, Jesus calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Catholics of all ages are encouraged to choose a practice from each category. Families can pray, fast, and give alms together. In this way, the family will grow closer together while deepening their faith. 

Prayer  

Praying together as a family yields bountiful fruit. When the family prays together, kids learn through example. Families should consider their current prayer routine when making a plan for Lent. A daily family Rosary may be the perfect addition to your routine, but if family prayer is new, it might just be an Our Father and three Hail Marys after dinner each night. The intentional time spent together connecting with God is more important than the specific prayer you pray. Remember what Venerable Patrick Peyton said: “The family that prays together, stays together.” 

Fasting  

Most kids think about giving up sweets when it comes to fasting, but fasting can include a plethora of categories like television/screen time, social media, hot showers, hitting the snooze button, or even playing with a favorite toy. By willingly giving up something we love, we remember how generous God has been to us. We also learn detachment from the earthly gifts God has given us, always reminding us that our permanent home is not earth but in heaven with Him. Help your kids decide on a fast that is a sacrifice but realistic for their age.  

This type of fasting is different from the obligatory fasts and abstinence for Catholic adults. You can learn more about those at USCCB.org.  

Almsgiving  

Traditionally, almsgiving is interpreted as giving money to the poor. If children have an allowance, modeling and teaching tithing will foster life-long givers. Almsgiving isn’t only money, though. Children can also share their time volunteering, donating items to a shelter, or going out of their way to say a kind word to a lonely classmate.

Encourage family members to practice one intentional act of generosity or kindness each day of Lent, and then share the experiences during dinner. 

Stations of the Cross  

On Fridays during Lent, Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross to remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for us. For children, entering into the suffering of Christ’s passion can be difficult and overwhelming. Use resources designed for kids and families (like Brother Francis’ Stations of the Cross on Formed.org) and always remind children that Jesus’ crucifixion isn’t the end of the story. With steadfast hope we await the Easter season. 

What About Sundays in Lent?

Even throughout Lent, each Sunday is celebrated as a mini-Easter. Catholics refrain from fasting and rejoice in Christ’s victory over death. The remembrance of Jesus’ Passion keeps our hearts and mind on the profound proof of how much God loves us — so much that He sent Jesus to suffer and die for us so that we might have eternal life (see John 3:16). 

While journeying through Lent with your family, always keep in mind that as we detach from the things of this world and make more time for prayer and selfless giving, we make room in our hearts for the heavenly gifts Jesus wants to bestow on us in this life and the next. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Maria Riley
Images: Canva