Lentis
a period set aside by the Church for fasting, self denial and prayer.
This is in imitation of our Lord's fasting forty days and forty nights.
Lent prepares us for the Joyful Celebration of the feast of Easter.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy
Saturday.
Lent lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays.
At
the beginning of Lent the Church administers to her children the ancient
sacramental of the imposition of ashes. The ashes are made by burning
the blessed palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday.
They are solemnly
blessed by the priest, then imposed on the heads of the faithful in the
form of a cross, with the words: "Remember, man, that thou art
dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."
The Ash Wednesday
Ceremony is a symbol of penance and sorrow for our sins.
Family
Time: Take your children to Church with you on Ash
Wednesday. Even the smallest children will enjoy taking part and
receiving the ashes on their foreheads. This is a great time to talk to
them about Jesus and how he sacrificed for us. You can explain how we
will sacrifice for him during lent... and let your children think of
ideas for fasting and self denial. What can they give as a gift to Jesus
this year??
(Note: Little children don't necessarily
have to fast from food. They can give of themselves and participate in
Lent with the family by doing a special task for mom
each day or giving a favorite toy to the poor).
By serving "special" foods at this time of the year you
will help to remind the family that it is the holy season of Lent. You
might also start some beautiful traditions in your home to help remind
your children of their Catholic Faith as they grow up. Wouldn't it be
wonderful for them to pass these foods and traditions of to their
children?
Family
Time: Take your children to Church with you on Ash
Wednesday. Even the smallest children will enjoy taking part and
receiving the ashes on their foreheads. This is a great time to talk to
them about Jesus and how he sacrificed for us. You can explain how we
will sacrifice for him during lent... and let your children think of
ideas for fasting and self denial. What can they give as a gift to Jesus
this year??
