THE FAMILY ZONE

Next Sunday, as we observe the First Sunday of Lent, the Liturgy of the Word will direct our thoughts to our sinfulness as humans. Sin is an active decision to turn away from God and harms our relationship with Him. The Penitential Season of Lent encourages us to work toward a conversion of heart, turning away form our sinfulness, seeking forgiveness, and making reparations. Making time for prayer and silence, service, and fasting to increase our self-discipline help us to move toward conversion. Meditate on what is pulling you away from your relationship with God as we begin the season of Lent. How can you and your family take steps to make this a meaningful season of personal conversion.

“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”

As you pray and meditate with this quote, consider the shadows you are seeing or feeling in your life today. How can the light of Christ that you bring to others drive away those shadows?

St. Francis, pray for us!

This month we learned about St. Francis' early life and his love for music and parties as a youth. On Tuesday, before we prepare for the quieter season of Lent, have a dance party with your kids! Play their favorite music or stream songs for karaoke singing! Dance and share great joy in the spirit of Mardi Gras and our Jubilee of St. Francis!

During Lent, we are asked to pay particular attention to helping the poor as a "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462). The practice of almsgiving does not just involve making financial donations but can also include sharing your time and specific talents with the poor and the agencies that serve them. This act of generosity and self-sacrifice helps us to turn away from our own self-centeredness and work to serve the mission of Jesus. What will you choose as your Lenten almsgiving?

The Sanctuary candle is the red candle that is kept lit near the tabernacle to signify that the real physical presence of Jesus presides within. It originates from the Jewish faith where a perpetual lamps were kept lit in the temples. The candle holder is red to remind us of Jesus' loving sacrifice and the lit candle points us toward prayer and adoration of our Savior.

The Mardi Gras feast prepares us for the solemn season of Lent! On "Fat Tuesday," enjoy pancakes, donuts, King Cake and other traditional foods with your kids! Celebrate life and family time!

God of goodness and mercy,

Hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to make myself 100% available to you every day as I prepare for Easter."

Amen.

Be inspired to live your own call in Christ's mission!

Do you love to bake? Try making this delicious treat!

Well you are enjoying your paczki, talk with your kids about why we give something up during Lent. It's not to lose weight! Fasting usually involves abstaining from something that could be food or could be an activity. Fasting helps us to surrender our own desires and will for the sake of God's. Fasting helps us to learn to say no to things that tempt us. Ask them, what would be easy for you to give up for Lent that you might not learn a valuable lesson from? What would be difficult to give up? What will you choose?

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

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