Lent usually begins in February, but this year it begins in March. The later date may actually enhance our sense of preparing for a new springtime in our souls. These forty days will help us to prune ourselves in order to grow again toward God and heaven. Lent does not have to be a sad and gloomy penance, but rather a time of joyous new life. It can be the excuse we need to get rid of the burdens that keep us from flourishing. In particular, the readings from Ash Wednesday invite us to examine and reform our words and attitudes. Who doesn’t need to do some “spring cleaning” of words and attitudes? Prayer, charity, and fasting are the traditional “pillars” of Lent. Practice these and learn to see them as gifts rather than punishments. As we hear in the readings from Ash Wednesday, let us tear our hearts rather than our garments. Your children will be making a Lenten notebook (included in the Ash Wednesday issue). Encourage them to use it! It will surely bless the whole family with new life. A wonderful Lent to you all! Pray as a family The Gospels this month invite us to change our lives, especially our attitudes. God isn’t interested in pious actions performed so that others will see them. God wants a heart that is open to love and forgiveness. The Word of God placed before us in the liturgy this month is rich and abundant with exhortations to conversion. Let us turn to the Word of God as the basis for family prayer this month. Celebration of the Word of God Place a Bible or a Gospel text in the place where the family gathers for prayer. If possible, choose a quality book. The book should be displayed in a closed position. You may place a few lit candles around it. One of the parents opens the prayer with: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. One of the parents opens the Bible to the page (which can be marked beforehand) with Sunday’s Gospel. Monthly, March 2025 Vol. 22, Part 4 Section 1 of 7 Dear parents,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzMzNzY=