Kids and Holiness: Making Lent Meaningful to Children

Catholic Educator's Resource Center/CERC ^ | 2001 | Cyndi Montanaro

[Salvation]

  Email This Article

Kids and Holiness: Making Lent Meaningful to Children    CYNDI MONTANARO

---

How might we apply the three penitential principles of Lent (fasting, almsgiving, and prayer) to our school-age children's lives? What can we do to teach them (not force them) to do penance for the love of Christ?

---

On Ash Wednesday, we heard Christ teaching his disciples how to do penance (Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18). He focused on three traditional areas for penance in Jewish life. These are fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

How to apply these principles to our school-age children's lives? What can we do to teach them (not force them) to do penance for the love of Christ?

FASTING

C. S. Lewis makes a very interesting point about gluttony in The Screwtape Letters. He points out other types of gluttony besides overeating.

These include being overly concerned about what, when and how we eat. For our children, this translates into refusing to eat anything but pizza and doughnuts, or, in the less extreme cases, into a strong dislike for vegetables.

Let's encourage our children, instead of doing the obvious, giving up sweets, to try to overcome one of their food aversions. Make sure they understand that this change should be from the heart, and should not be done grudgingly. If it is done well, it will be a true penance which will have a lasting benefit. Be sure they understand that it's not necessary to like the food, only to overcome their dislike of it enough to eat it. Because of our fallen human nature, we can't always control our likes and dislikes, and God doesn't expect this superhuman ability from us. He does expect us to bring obedience to the table.

ALMSIVING (Earning Money for the Poor)

All good Christians know that we must give money to the poor. But children don't earn any money. We may give them a few coins to put in the collection basket at church. But does this truly help them to understand the concept of almsgiving, or do they view it as just a game?

During Lent, most Catholic churches participate in Operation Rice Bowl. At the beginning of Lent, you probably received a small cardboard box with various scenes of third world destitution on it. You were asked to make little offerings on behalf of the hungry throughout the season.

This year, instead of simply giving your children money to put in the box, let them earn that money. Get several rolls of nickels, dimes or quarters from your local bank. Post a chart on your refrigerator listing amounts they will be "paid" if they do certain household chores. They might earn a nickel for emptying the dishwasher, or a dime if they do so before they are asked to. The older child, who has a paper route, or mows the neighbor's lawn each week should be encouraged to share his earnings with those less fortunate than himself.

PRAYER

Nearly every canonized saint who did not undergo a deathbed conversion, had an intimate prayer relationship with God. But how did they achieve it? Many saints, from their earliest years, were taught by their parents to pray. The prayers themselves may have been simple ones such as our "Angel of God" prayer, or the "Hail Mary." But the faith and attention with which these prayers are said make a tremendous difference to a child.

As parents, we encourage the development of our children's prayer life first and foremost through example. Let them see us praying often and with outward signs of piety. Don't assume that if you are slouched over in the pew your child will get the message that you are truly in love with Our Lord. The child is a very concrete person. Outward actions help him understand interior disposition (which he cannot see).

In addition to vocal prayer, the saints reached great heights of intimacy in mental prayer. While this may not have happened when they were children, the groundwork was often laid at an early age. Catholic meditation is based upon a mental picture. For example, one who is meditating on the crucifixion, forms a mental picture of that event, and then, striving to empty his mind of all distraction, concentrates the imagination.

This is a tall order for a third grader. A child often is not able to paint that mental picture. Here is where you, the parent, come in.

Take some time with your child, perhaps 15 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, and choose a mystery of the rosary. Take the child in your arms (your touch will help to focus his whole being on what you are saying), and describe to him a scene from the life of Christ. Then ask him what he thinks about when he puts this picture in his mind. Try and guide him toward a dialogue with Christ rather than simply with you. You might say to him, "What would you say to baby Jesus and his mother Mary if you saw them in Bethlehem?" If you can help your child to develop the habit of interior conversation, you will have gotten him on the road to sanctity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Cyndi Montanaro. "Kids and Holiness: Making Lent Meaningful to Children." National Catholic Register (February 25 - March 3, 2001).

Reprinted by permission of the National Catholic Register. To subscribe to the National Catholic Register call 1-800-421-3230.

THE AUTHOR

Cyndi Montanaro is a free-lance writer from Stafford, Virginia.

[Salvation]

Thanks, Colleen. What age are your children/grandchildren?

OK, what does the Latin say? LOL!

[american colleen]

My daughter is 14 and my son is 9.

The other day I was reading and responding to a couple of wacky religious fruitcakes and decided to use "Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione" as a tag line. The translation is: "I'm not interested in your dopey religious cult" - which I was sure would thrill them to no end.

[Salvation]

Thanks for the translation! LOL!

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.**

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.**

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Maeve]

Family bump!

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.**

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.**

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.**

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.**

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.**

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

20th day -- Half way through Lent.

How is everyone doing?

Prayers for all of you.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.**

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.**

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.**

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30) As a family, take a walk and notice the beautiful world that God has given us. Say a prayer of thanks to God.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30) As a family, take a walk and notice the beautiful world that God has given us. Say a prayer of thanks to God.**

Day wee (march 31) -- I will write a note to my grandparents telling them of my love.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30) As a family, take a walk and notice the beautiful world that God has given us. Say a prayer of thanks to God.

Day 23 (March 31) -- I will write a note to my grandparents telling them of my love.**

Day 24 (April 1) -- I will write a letter to a distant friend.

Day 25 (April 2) -- I will pray for those who do not feel loved.

Day 26 (April 3) -- I will think of a quality in myself that I could improve.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30) As a family, take a walk and notice the beautiful world that God has given us. Say a prayer of thanks to God.

Day 23 (March 31) -- I will write a note to my grandparents telling them of my love.

Day 24 (April 1) -- I will write a letter to a distant friend.

Day 25 (April 2) -- I will pray for those who do not feel loved.

Day 26 (April 3) -- I will think of a quality in myself that I could improve.**

Day 27 (April 4) -- I will spend less time watching TV tonight.

Day 28 (April 5) -- I will spend some time with my family instead of just playing.

Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 6) -- As a family, pick some flowers from your yard and give them to a neighbor or friend that needs to be cheered up.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

[Salvation]

**Day 1 (March 5) -- I will try to be cheerful in school today.**

Day 2 (March 6) -- I will pray for someone in class whom I find hard to like.

Day 3 (March 7) -- I will set the table (or help with dinner) tonight.

Day 4 (March 8) -- I will help clean up my room today.

First Sunday of Lent (March 9) -- Encourage each member of your family to bring a can of food for _____name of church_____ food pantry when you come to Mass today.

Day 5 (March 10) -- I will put out the trash for my parents.

Day 6 (March 11) -- I will share some of my treats at lunchtime.

Day 7 (March 12) -- I will save some of my spending money for the poor.

Day 8 (March 13) -- I will give my parents a hug tonight.

Day 9 (March 14) -- I will pick up my toys and books without being asked.

Day 10 (March 15) -- I will be nice to those around me today.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16) -- As a family, make get well card for someone you know is sick and mail or deliver them.

Day 11 (March 17) -- I will try to do my school work without a fuss.

Day 12 (March 18) -- I will hang up my clothes without being asked.

Day 13 (March 19) -- I will pray for all fathers today. I will try to help someone with his/her school work.

Day 14 (March 20) -- I will say I'm sorry to someone I have hurt.

Day 15 (March 21) -- I will say a special prayer today for all the sick people.

Day 16 (March 22) -- I will try to compliment (say something nice) to someone today.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23) -- As a family, bake cookies for someone you know that is lonely or a shut-in.

Day 17 (March 24) -- I will share any candy I have with a friend.

Day 18 (March 25) -- I will pick up any litter I see around my neighborhood/school. I will say one Hail Mary for my mother.

Day 19 (March 26) -- I will pray for all who are lonely.

Day 20 (March 27) -- I will pray for all the people who are hungry today.

Day 21 (March 28) I will give up something I want today for those who have less.

Day 22 (March 29) I will go oout of my way to be kind to someone I don't like.

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30) As a family, take a walk and notice the beautiful world that God has given us. Say a prayer of thanks to God.

Day 23 (March 31) -- I will write a note to my grandparents telling them of my love.

Day 24 (April 1) -- I will write a letter to a distant friend.

Day 25 (April 2) -- I will pray for those who do not feel loved.

Day 26 (April 3) -- I will think of a quality in myself that I could improve.

Day 27 (April 4) -- I will spend less time watching TV tonight.

Day 28 (April 5) -- I will spend some time with my family instead of just playing.

Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 6) -- As a family, pick some flowers from your yard and give them to a neighbor or friend that needs to be cheered up.**

Day 29 (April 7) -- I will forgive someone who has hurt me.

Day 30 (April 8) -- I will try to do a good deed for someone.

Day 31 (April 9) -- I will spend some time in prayer today.

Day 32 (April 10) -- I will read from my Bible today.

Day 33 (April 11) -- I will pray for all those people in hospitals.

Day 34 (April 12) -- I will pray for all those children in countries at war.

Catholic Family Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Family Ping list.

Posting a whole week today.

[Salvation]

BTTT!