Lenten Crosses • Gather Us In

This activity is similar to Advent wreaths. The entire activity will take less than an hour. It can be done in conjunction with a related prayer service, if you have more time. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Praying through Lent & Easter

This session explores how to pray during Lent and Easter. No other season or feast throughout the year calls for deeper, more heartfelt prayer than Lent and Easter. Lent calls us to pray as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, offering humble obedience to the will of the Father. And the Easter season calls each of us to prayerfully consider how to fulfill our baptismal promise of discipleship.

The Death & Resurrection of Jesus

This session explores the paschal mystery, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ: “For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. And his kingdom will have no end” (Nicene Creed). Participants will journey with Jesus through the liturgies from the Last Supper through Good Friday to the Easter Vigil, discovering the meaning of the paschal mystery and its significance for our faith as Christians. • By John Roberto

Death of the Messiah

This session on following Jesus explores the meaning and significance of Jesus’ death on the cross. It immerses people in Jesus’ journey to the cross through an experience and exploration of the Scriptural Stations of the Cross. Through an examination of the Gospels, participants will discover why Jesus was sentenced to death and crucified by the religious and civil authorities of his day. The example of Jesus’ commitment to do the will of God, even to the point of sacrificing his own life, serves as a model for all of his followers.

The Living Community • FIRE

An Issue of Justice

This lesson offers participants an experience of the injustice that governs world economics and will help them to prepare to celebrate Lent meaningfully. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

The Responding Community • FIRE

Passover Celebration

This lesson is meant to give an appreciation of the historic event of the Exodus and some insight into the present Jewish celebration, while calling us to take an active role in the liberation of all people. It is best if used in conjunction with "The Responding Community: Slavery & the Exodus." It requires the use of "The Passover Celebration" by Leon Klenicki. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Becoming Community • FIRE

Calvary Walk

The purpose of this experience is to enable all of us to realize that Jesus not only suffered and died in Jerusalem almost 2000 years ago, but that he continues to suffer and die in all the people suffering in our world today. It also hopes to familiarize participants with the ancient Catholic devotion of "Stations of the Cross." • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Lenten Jeopardy • Generations of Faith

Explore the people, traditions, and scripture passages of Lent in a Jeopardy-style format.

Jesus Through the Church Year • Generations of Faith

Experiencing Christ through the Symbols of Lent

In this all-ages session, participants will explore the "who" of Jesus through the central symbols of the season of Lent - Year C.

The Practice of Prayer

This all-ages session has been adapted from "Pray Always" specifically for Lent.

The Three Practices of Lent Prayer Service • Generations of Faith

Use this prayer service to reflect on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent.

Mardi Gras Celebration • Generations of Faith

This program begins with a festive Mardi Gras celebration of favorite foods and games and then shifts from feasting to fasting with a reflection and prayer service that prepares participants for a meaningful experience of Lent.

Calvary Walk • Gather Us In

This reflection on the Way of the Cross was designed to help families recognize how Jesus is suffering in the world today. Although preschoolers can easily be incorporated into the activity, it is not particularly appropriate for those families who only have small children. School age children will gain far more from the experience. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Forgiveness Session • Gather Us In

This activity was originally designed to help those families who are preparing a child for the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time. It has been modified, to review the concept of forgiveness and celebrate reconciliation outside the sacrament. It makes an excellent preparation for Lent. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Lent • First Steps for Families

Parent drop-in sessions with home activities on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to use during Lent.