March 1: I’m really late this year but it’s finally time to make my Lenten “Plans” for the family. Thankfully since I established the habit of observing the holy days and seasons in our home years ago this isn’t too hard. What is hard is sticking to the plans. But again because I’ve been doing this for years I know 1. We won’t always stick to the plans and 2. That’s ok. I’ve finally learned to set the bar low and be alright with that.
With more kids we have and having kids that are getting older our days are really starting to fill up, but I still make it a priority to mark this penitential season in some way. The first and most important way we keep this season is by attending our Divine Services on Sunday and Vespers each Wednesday for the next 6 weeks. Another way, which is pretty easy, is visually by displaying artwork and the color of Lent (purple) and with the books on our shelf which we’ll read together through the season. I have tons of Easter books but it’s very hard to find books for Lent. Some Easter books work better than others so I pull them aside. (Harold and the Purple Crayon….I know. But PURPLE right?)
And finally during our family devotions we keep the same formula we always have, but I just insert “Lenty” things
Catechesis: Typically for Lent we focus on the 10 Commandments in our catechesis but since the kids are learning the Lord’s Prayer in their Wednesday classes we’ll go with that this year.
Hymns: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died, Stricken Smitten and Afflicted, Glory Be to Jesus and In the Cross of Christ I Glory.
Memory verse: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19
Prayer: Our missionaries, our sick loved ones, our brothers and sisters in the face of war
Alms: Giving to our church
Fasting: I have yet to introduce any form of “Fasting” to our kids. I have considered having them “fast” from some of the things they enjoy but really that just always makes my life harder 😰 so I refrain, but one of these years….maybe….😅
I always love hearing how other families observe Lent so let me know if you do!
