Every year the Church gives us the
season of Lent. A season of penance and renewal. Penance is the turning away from sin and the opening
of our hearts to more fully receive God’s gifts. The renewal is a reminder of
our baptism when through water and the words of the priest or deacon, the Holy
Spirit of God first entered our souls, removing original sin and flooding us
with grace. As Catholic grandparents, how can we help our grandchildren to make
room for Jesus and experience more of his life and grace this Lent? The following
are a few suggestions. |
| Praying Arms - Pretzel |
If you live near your grandchildren, invite them over to make
pretzels! Pretzels were traditionally Lenten fare. Made originally of flour,
water and salt, their shape is in the form of arms folded in prayer. Serve the
pretzel and use it as a springboard to explain prayer as a conversation with Jesus.
Burying the Alleluia is a fun and instructive activity. Catholics do not say
the Alleluia at Mass during Lent, the Church’s penitential season. Alleluia
means “praise Yahweh.” The Alleluia returns at the Easter Vigil Mass, the
Church’s season of rejoicing. For instructions for burying the alleluia or
making palm crosses, go to www.catholicicing.com.
The Stations of the Cross are prayed in many
parishes. When you go, invite your grandchildren to join you. For younger grandchildren, outdoor Stations of
the Cross are a better option, or The
Stations of the Cross coloring book from Pauline Books & Media. Children’s
Station of the Cross booklets are available from www.autom.com.
 |
| Lenten Calendar from www.catholicicing.com |
Children need concrete activities. There
are printable Lenten maps which take the child day by day on a journey from Ash
Wednesday to Easter Sunday. You and your grandchild determine the activities. I like the linked paper chain activity made
from purple construction paper. Every good deed adds a link to the chain. The
challenge is to see how many good deeds can be made before Easter arrives! There
are more children’s activities at https://www.pinterest.com/colleenmarie51/lenten-activities-for-kids/
 |
| Bread Dough Crown of Thorns |
For your crafter/artist a bread dough crown of thorns or crucifix will
draw them into the deeper meaning of Lent.
 |
| Scones for the Annunciation |
Hot cross buns, scones for the
Annunciation and ceam puffs for the solemnity of St. Joseph will keep baking
hands busy, https://foodsandfestivitiesofthechristianyear.blogspot.com, archive 2015.
Lent is a time for fasting. We associate
fasting with food but it is also a time to fast from TV, electronics and
technology. We can help our grandchildren fill their time with good books. Suggest
reading a saint whose feast day falls
during Lent to fill their technology fast! The
Lent-Easter Book by Joan Marie Arbogast is full of activities, stories and
printables suitable for grades K – 3 and 4- 8. More books for children can be
found on https://www.pinterest.com/colleenmarie51/lent-and-easter-books-for-children  |
| Singh family benefits from Operation Rice Bowl with new farming techniques |
Operation Rice Bowl or a similar charity is a way to share
money saved from sacrificed treats. Show
your grandchildren pictures of how the money will be used, so they can see how
their sacrifices help others.
Our love for Christ and the Church
is the greatest gift we can share with our children and grandchildren. Immerse yourself in the season, and be
assured of the many graces and blessings the Lord will bestow on you and your
family.
