One Ash Wednesday, a friend told me, "Have a horrible Lent!" He said this in such a way that I knew he was trying to wish me a happy Lent, but didn't think “happy” was an appropriate word to use for a penitential season. While I use this phrase as a joke from time to time, I always think about this friend and feel sad that he could never grasp how Lent could be a positive and spiritually uplifting liturgical season. There’s no need for Lent to be “horrible.” Make your Lent "happy" instead. One way you can do this is by reflecting on the self-imposed crosses in your life. Challenge yourself to put these burdens to rest.
I wish each of you a HAPPY Lent!
Right from the floor of the LA Congress, Lisa found Dave and included him in her podcast report (go to minute 53:30).
Using Catholic Parent Know How for Parent/Family Meetings
Sr. Diane Marie Ulsamer SS, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Watertown, NY, is using Catholic Parent Know How to assist in fulfilling her diocesan required family catechesis program. Each year Sr. Diane selects eight Catholic Parent Know How topics that correspond to the basal series used in her parish. She introduces the topic and has a prayer service built around the Catholic Parent Know How. She follows that with a speaker on the topic and dismisses the children to do a craft that is appropriate for the topic. (See all the Catholic Parent Know-How topics here»)
Please share with us your Lenten activity ideas. Email me at ddziena@osv.com.Sign up for a monthly update email reminder here» OSV is Twittering! Follow us for daily updates here»
Don't forget to go to our Catholic Links page to help you with all things Catholic! Just click here for Catholic Links»
To link to Teaching Catholic Kids, use our web address: www.teachingcatholickids.com.
Find February's TCK here»
Feature Article: Visit Our Sunday Visitor's "Observe Lent as a Catholic" section»
Activity One (Grades K-5): Act of Contrition (PDF file)»
Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): From OSV Newsweekly, "Church television ads prove surprisingly successful"» Skit Activity: Create a commercial that would welcome back Catholics who do not go to Church.
Teacher Pattern: Holy Thursday Activity (Love One Another) PDF file »
Soul Food for Teachers: From The Beatitudes for Children»This beautiful book for children, which illustrates the Beatitudes, now now available from OSV. Just click here»The book has a free, online study guide. Download it here»
Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, "Heroes for our Times"»Don't miss Mary Lou's parish column, either»
A must-have this year is the Lent and Easter issues of Take Out: Family Faith on the Go. Inside you will find the "Family Lenten Guide" poster. It can be used throughout the entire Lenten season too! To order the Lent issue of Take Out, or to inquire about a bulk subscription for your parish, please call 800-348-2440. To order an individual Take Out subscription, click here»
Check out OSV's pamphlet “How to Observe Lent as a Catholic” It will give you a combination of explanation, inspiration, and motivation in just the right dose! To order, click here» Also, look at the OSV pamphlet “How to Celebrate Holy Week"»More OSV Lent resources can be found on our "OSV Recommends" page»
Gracious, merciful Lord, Be my guide always. Draw me closer to You. Help me to suffer as I ought. You are the Great Comforter. Be with me, Lord, as I pray and fast. Teach me to pray and fast so I may join You and all the saints. Teach me to offer up my suffering to help those most in need. Guide me to be ever mindful of You and the greater purpose You have in mind for me. Amen.
From OSV's new prayer card for Lent, "A Prayer for Guidance." Order here»
Sacramental Family Posters -- Individual posters are available for
Gain the families' attention while reinforcing classroom study with a colorful poster that families can reference and display proudly. In addition to the personalized color front, the back is filled with helpful summaries of classroom teaching, family prayers, and easy how-tos!
Click here to download a PDF that outlines how to use Catholic Parent Know How: Preparing Your Child for First Communion and My First Communion Preparation Family Poster for parent/family meetings or retreats»
Student Prayer Cards -- Individual prayer cards are available for
Practical remembrance for every child underscores the importance of these special milestones.
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For past months of Teaching Catholic Kids, click here»
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