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Seasonal Family Activities:
Lent & Holy Week
Features a teaching session plan, activities, and prayers, offered in English and Spanish.
Format: Microsoft Word Docs
Churches and schools have permission to download, print, and adapt the materials for their use.
Permission is given to use these materials in print and digital formats (websites, newsletters, social media) for educational purposes only.
--- LENT ---
LENT
Curated Lent Resources from Strong Catholic Family Faith
Discover videos, activities, reflections, songs, and more on this hub of resources for kids, adults, couples, and families.
The Season of Lent
Source: https://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/lenten-season-resources.html
This page on the Strong Catholic Family Faith website links you to prayers and practices for all ages, focused on Ash Wednesday, fasting, Stations of the Cross, Holy Week, holy days, and other highlights of the Lenten journey.
Visit catholicfamilyfaith.org's Lent LibraryLENT
Family Activities
The zip file contains all of the family Lent activities - in English and in Spanish – that are listed below. To access the activities download the zip file and double click on the file. The activities will open-up in a Lent folder with all of the activities in Word files for easy adapting and publishing. Save the folder to your computer.
Collected Activity Sets (ZIP)
- Ash Wednesday Blessing a Home Cross
- Ash Wednesday Family Activity
- Baking for Lent and Holy Week
- Guide to Living Lent
- Lenten Daily Prayers 1 and 2
- Lenten Family Activity
- Lenten Moments Scripture Reflections
- Prayers for Everyday of Lent
- Preparing for Lent
- Spiritual Reflections – Conversion
- Spiritual Reflections – Forgiveness
- Table Prayer for Lent
LENT
Family Learning Programs
Family Learning Programs are designed for the whole family – parents and children and young adolescents learning together. Choose your plan(s), offered in English and Spanish.
Lenten Practices Family Session
This session engages learners in unpacking the meaning of the three practices of Lent which Jesus named in the Gospel—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Participants will 1) develop a deeper understanding of praying, fasting, and almsgiving and their essential connection to the Lenten season; 2) be equipped to live the practices of praying, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent and throughout the year; and 3) develop an appreciation for the significance of praying, fasting, and almsgiving for their daily lives as Catholics in Lent and throughout the year.
Lent in Word and Symbol Family Session
This session engages participants in exploring the meaning of Lent through the symbols and Scriptures which are part of the season. It guides families to 1) develop a deeper understanding of the Lenten lectionary and symbols; 2) develop an appreciation for the meaning of Lent in their lives; and 3) participate more actively and meaningfully in the Lenten season.
LENT
All Ages Learning Programs
Featuring the same topics described above, All Ages Learning Programs have learning activities for families, children, teens, and adults. They provide learning activities that can be used separately or together as an intergenerational learning program. Download plans and accompanying activities:
Lenten Practices All Ages Session + Handouts
Lent in Word and Symbol All Ages Session + Handouts
--- HOLY WEEK ---
HOLY WEEK
Family Activities
The two files below are offered for families to use for celebrations at home during Holy Week.
Celebrating Holy Week at Home Activities
Activities, reflections, prayers, "listen to the word" and "talk about it prompts" for:
- Palm Sunday
- Holy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Vigil
Holy Thursday Family Rituals Activities
Gather the family around the table for:
- Blessing of the Family Plate
- Blessing of the Family Cup
- Celebration of a Family Seder Meal
HOLY WEEK
Family Learning Programs
Family Learning Programs are designed for the whole family – parents and children and young adolescents learning together. Choose your plan(s), offered in English and Spanish.
Holy Week in Word, Ritual, and Symbol Family Session
Holy Week in Word, Ritual and Symbol guides learners of all ages to 1) develop a deeper understanding of the theology, symbols, and rituals of the Easter Triduum; 2) recognize the importance of the Easter Triduum for living as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of the Catholic community; and 3) utilize their understanding of Holy Week to participate more actively and more meaningfully in the parish’s celebration of Holy Week.
Easter Vigil Family Session
This session guides learners of all ages to 1) explore the meaning of the symbols of the Easter fire and the Easter candle as they are celebrated in the opening of the Easter Vigil liturgy; 2) experience a deeper appreciation for the opening rituals of the Easter Vigil liturgy, especially the preparation of the Easter candle; and 3) understand and explain why the Church uses a rich diversity of symbolism to express the Paschal Mystery in the context of the Easter Vigil and explore the relevance and power of that symbolism in daily Christian living.
HOLY WEEK
All Ages Learning Programs
Featuring the same topics described above, All Ages Learning Programs have learning activities for families, children, teens, and adults. They provide learning activities that can be used separately or together as an intergenerational learning program. Download plans and accompanying activities:
Holy Week in Word, Ritual, & Symbol All Ages Session + Handouts
Easter Vigil All Ages Session + Handouts
LENT + HOLY WEEK
Posts - Activities & Reflections
Timely activities and reflection posts with feature images. Can be used on social media and in bulletins or other printings.
Lent & Holy Week Posts
To be inserted within the Calendar Year series.
Invite your community to engage with our faith through this series of activities and reflections.
Originally posted by NCCL on Facebook - Available in English