Celebrate Lent in the Catechism Classroom

Catholics prepare themselves for Holy Week by observing a meaningful Lent. Aiming at a spiritual revival the faithful are instructed to renew their spiritual life through the practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent has to be a time for intense prayer. Fasting usually involves giving up or depriving of something we like. We usually give up our favourite food, such as sweets or pop, during Lent. Here are a few suggestions that can help you, in the catechism classroom, instruct your students as to a fruitful practice of Lent.

  1. You want to have the Best Lent Ever? If there are interested groups with a strong desire to observe the Lent, bring them together and make them watch a Lenten series of preaching or reflection.
  2. Read the Scripture for the day or for the weekend. Ask your students to write a short reflection on the Gospel reading with practical applications to personal life.
  3. Consider creating a new classroom policy for your students, asking to give up using the word “can’t”. You never know, this could be a great way to change the classroom culture or attitude.
  4. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours with your students and thus familiarize them with this practice. If your students are unfamiliar with the Divine Office, you could teach a unit about its history and different components. (Saying the Angelus at noon would be a good way to start class after lunch!)
  5. Read the Works of Mercy as Jesus narrates them in Matthew 25:31-46. Consider choosing an act of service based on a work of mercy. For example, visit a jail or write a letter to the imprisoned.
  6. Practice Christian meditation. Encourage them to engage in mental prayer and build up a relationship with God.
  7. Set apart time for daily prayer at the beginning or end of class. Let the students write their own prayer or find a prayer that they can pray together. Students may enjoy the opportunity to share a video or song (pre-approved of course!) that could serve as a source for prayer and reflection.
  8. Pray for others. Consider asking students to offer up intentions or submit intentions in an intention jar. It may be a great way to remind students about the dignity of every person and how “each one of them is Jesus in disguise” (Mother Teresa).

 

 

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