Dear Friends:

I am happy to share with you some ideas for Lent that were shared with me at a meeting of our Mothers’ Prayer Group. I would suggest using the enclosed ideas for a family or an individual plan for Lent.

Respectfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Tom Morgan

Making a Family or an Individual Plan for Lent

Prayer

• Attend Stations of the cross at church or pray stations at home, (the stations could be prayed inside or in your backyard; invite neighbors/family)

• Promote a sprit of prayer; pray throughout the day; find God in the ordinary moments of life; talk to others about how God works in your daily life

• Learn a new Catholic prayer every week (see http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/index.htm)

• Choose a devotion to pray during lent; find a Catholic book of prayer and meditation to assist you during Lent

• Incorporate praise and worship into your prayer life; (Music is an avenue to connect with Christ)

• Gather friends/family in a home: prayer service or rosary; encourage kid friendly gatherings so the family can participate

Fasting

• Always follow church fasting guidelines (i.e. no meat EVERY Friday in lent; fast Ash Wed/Good Friday

• Practice sacrifice and self-denial during Lent; encourage children to give up something; (promotes spirit of self-control/discipline)

• Attach an Intention (daily, weekly) to your fasting and sacrifices (e.g. for the people of Haiti, for vocation, etc.)

• Use fasting to redirect your mind, heart and soul to Christ!

Almsgiving (all spiritual journeys include almsgiving.)

• For self or other family members: plan a giving action for friend, neighbor, stranger etc.; attach it to monetary donation

• Give up a weekly treat or lunch and donate cost to charity/church

•Keep extra food in the car and give to homeless

•Plan a small family mission (i.e. Metropolitan Ministries; San Jose Mission - Seffner, FL)

•Make a habit of taking can goods from your pantry for SVDP (for families: make this an effort of the whole family)