Lent 2021
AN ILLUSTRATED LENT FOR FAMILIES: REFLECTIONS ON THE HEART
We are thrilled to provide families with a resource for engaging their children in faith formation at home during Lent.
The theme is Reflections on the Heart. As we journey through this season of Lent together, families are invited to focus intentionally on the spiritual discipline of evaluating what the heart treasures. Some are physical treasures we can touch, hold, store, and give. Some treasures are invisible, yet still greatly matter and guide our lives. By exploring Gospel passages about treasures and matters of the heart, families will reflect on what kind of treasure matters to us, why we store treasures, and the power these treasures have in our lives.
Starting with Ash Wednesday and going through Easter, each weekly session will have a scripture and reflection, discussion questions with a coloring page, activities and a prayer.
Our Lent devotions are written for all ages. We believe you’ll find appropriate questions and discussion topics in each devotion for your children, no matter the age. At the same time, feel free to tweak content and questions to work for your family. You don’t need to do all the activities for it to be a meaningful experience. Take a look at the devotions, see what you think will work best for your family’s schedule, and find time each week to gather together.
Introduction | Click Here for Password Protected Weekly PDFs.
These are copyrighted and password protected. Find the password in the Children’s Ministry Weekly Newsletter.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Utensil Holder
Download & print this free utensil holder, which adds a special touch to any church or family meal. All you need to do is:
- Print out the paper
- Cut it in half lengthwise.
- Fold it and glue the sides together.
Find more creative ideas for children of all ages at childrensministry.com.
Thanksgiving Rituals
Often, it’s family traditions that make our holidays so special & memorable. In this article, you’ll see several examples of how to create space for a spiritual approach to Thanksgiving. Learn more about the power of family rituals.
Advent
Advent Playlist
Click here to listen to a curated Play List of songs & hymns for Advent on Spotify.
Arts & Faith: Advent from Loyola Press
Prepare for Christmas and deepen your experience of the Advent season this year with Arts & Faith: Advent. Each week we’ll provide a video commentary about a work of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures. Use these videos to take a new look at this season of hope and preparation through the lens of sacred art.
For your convenience, video transcripts are included. Commentary is by Daniella Zsupan-Jerome, assistant professor of liturgy, catechesis, and evangelization at Loyola University New Orleans. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in liturgy from St. John’s University in Collegeville, a master’s degree in religion and the arts from Yale Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in theology and education from Boston College. Her unique background in faith and art brings to life a new way of celebrating Advent and understanding the season on a more personal level.
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Christmas Reflection
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
