By Susan Ciancio
Lent is here! This 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving affords us an amazing opportunity to spend the next several weeks building our faith, growing closer to God, and shining the light of Christ to others.
Some years it feels like we run out of ideas for Lent. We spend days beforehand wondering what to do or how to spend our time. Traditionally, people give up certain things for Lent. Sacrifice is great, but we must also act, for as we know, faith without works is dead. When we take action—for ourselves and others—we strengthen our faith. And when we strengthen our own faith, we not only build a stronger relationship between us and God, but we build a culture of life here on earth.
So, this year, let’s get excited, and “Lent’s” do better! Below are 12 unique ways to fill the days of Lent, and whether you do one, some, or all of these things, you are sure to find that you have grown as a person and as a Catholic come the day of Christ’s Resurrection.
1. Teach your children to live the Corporal Works of Mercy
Make an impact on your community by choosing one of the Corporal Works of Mercy to perform each week together. Maybe it’s donating to a food pantry. Maybe it’s visiting a sick neighbor or taking a meal to someone in need. The possibilities are endless. As a family, discuss how these acts make others feel valued.
2. Download a Lenten reflection booklet for the entire family
The Culture of Life Studies Program offers three downloadable reflection booklets that will help you and your family grow in faith this Lent. All are meant to be read aloud, and each will generate meaningful pro-life discussions.
3. Watch a movie with a pro-life theme each weekend
As parents, we know that there are a lot of terrible movies out there. But there are also many awesome movies that show the beauty of life and that will spur great conversations. The Culture of Life Studies Program offers numerous movie suggestions—and even free discussion guides to help you process the film. So instead of watching The Avengers for the 12th time, try one of these suggestions!
4. Create 40 Days of Thankfulness
Even during difficult times, we all have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we forget how much we have. That’s why it is vital to reflect on our blessings. Buy a journal, or just grab an extra notebook that you have lying around, and place it where everyone in the family can access it. Every day of Lent, write several things that you are thankful for, even if they are small things. Read through it every few days with your family. You will be amazed at how many wonderful things happen to you each and every moment.
5. Create a family Lent calendar
Create a calendar listing all the days of Lent and simple suggestions for each day about how each of your family members can grow closer to God. Suggestions could include sacrifices, kind deeds for others, readings about saints or from the Bible, or more. How you format your calendar is up to your creative spirit and can be a fun activity in itself!
6. Donate
Clean out your closets and shelves and find gently used toys, games, books, and clothing that your family rarely uses (or better yet, give away your favorite game, book, or toy). Take them to a women’s shelter or a homeless shelter so others can enjoy them.
7. Purchase baby items
Show moms and babies that you care about them. Buy diapers, formula, or other baby items and donate them to a pregnancy resource center. Include a note from your family that tells the moms and babies how valuable they are.
8. Pray for others
Take your family to Adoration and pray for family members or friends who need prayers. Create a list beforehand. Remember to pray for them at home as well.
9. Fast from certain conduct
Fasting doesn’t just have to be from food. It can also be from a behavior that harms yourself or others. Those include anger, irritability, impatience, and more. Train yourself to pay attention to when these feelings or thoughts arise and work to change them to gratitude, love, and kindness.
10. Go to confession
Personal accountability is crucial. Taking ownership of our sins and working to sin no more are things that we are all charged with doing as Christians. Encourage your family to examine their conscience, to think about their failures, and to make a good confession.
11. Converse with God in silence
As parents, we can all agree that phones and other devices steal our precious time. Our spouses, children, and friends need our time to help our relationships grow, and so does God. Spending quiet time with God is something everyone in the family can do, even if you start with just 5-10 minutes a day. Sit quietly and talk to God about your day, about your hopes and dreams, about what makes you happy, and about what you are thankful for.
12. Create care packages for the homeless
When my kids were younger, we frequently passed homeless people near a highway entrance ramp. My daughter started packaging nonperishable items into brown paper bags, which we took with us when we drove past that area and could easily pass out the window. Include items such as granola or protein bars, juice boxes, gift cards to fast-food restaurants, crackers, fruit roll-ups, and more.
This Lent, put God first. Then take action to let your faith guide you to care for others. When you do this, you will truly experience a meaningful Lent.