Lent Retreat for Families

Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families Emphasizing Catholic Identity and Discipleship 2018 Loyola Press

Leader Background Lent is the perfect time to remind families of their Catholic identity and their call to the New Evangelization as disciples. It is a time to plan what they will do to live as Christians. Use some or all the activities in this packet to engage families in a one-hour retreat. Retreat Timeline Total Time: 1 hour 1. Gather: Getting to the Heart of Lent. (10 minutes) 2. Prayer Bowl (10 minutes) 3. Fasting Cup (15 minutes) 4. Almsgiving (10 minutes) 5. Prayer Service (10 minutes) 6. Go Forth and Dismissal (5 minutes) Materials and Preparation Step 1 Gather Leader Script (pp. 2 4) Advance Preparation Recruit volunteers to mime Scripture story. Step 2 Prayer Bowl Prayer handouts, 1 per family (pp. 6 9) Step 3 Fasting Cup 5 strips of paper to record their fasting intentions handouts, 1 per person (see template on page 11) Pencils or pens Step 4 Almsgiving Box Almsgiving Guidelines, 1 per family (p. 13) Step 5 Prayer Service Prayer Service handouts, 1 for each person (pp. 15 17) Prayer table, draped in Lenten purple 6 battery-operated flameless candles Basket with holy cards Bible Cross Advance Preparation Designate six readers and a leader. Optional Music for procession and for veneration Step 6 Go Forth (Dismissal) Prayer Center handout, 1 per family (p. 18) 1 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 1 Gather: Getting to the Heart of Lent Gather families in a chapel or large meeting space. Introduce Lent and the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, using the following script. Script Share the following information with the families. Say: Lent is a hopeful season of the Church year and a wonderful opportunity for personal reflection. Lent is a little like getting ready for a big trip: you spend time planning what you want to see and do; you work extra hard at home or at school to make up for the time you ll be away; and you go to sleep each night thinking about what you will do when you reach your destination. Explain that the Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Lent tells us that after his baptism, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to pray and fast. He wanted to prepare before he began his ministry of teaching. Say: We are now going to hear the story of Jesus temptation in the desert. Read aloud Luke 4:1 13 to the group. After the Gospel reading, say: We are now going to act out this Gospel reading. Please stand as you are able and repeat the actions after me as we retell this story. Dramatized Scripture Reading Invite volunteers to mime the Scripture with you, and have them join you. You may also ask the entire group to perform the pantomime with you. Say: After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus went into the desert wilderness for 40 days to pray. How many days? (40!) Open and close both hands four times and count to 40 by tens. Say: In the desert, Jesus was tempted by the Devil. Hold both hands in front of your face, one behind the other, as if warding off evil. Say: He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights; afterward, he was starving. Hold stomach and bow to the ground, as if weak. Say: The tempter came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. Point to the ground, as if pointing at stones, and eat an imaginary loaf of bread. 2 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 1 continued Gather: Getting to the Heart of Lent, continued Say: But Jesus answered, It is written, One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Put both hands into the air and look heavenward, then bring hands down and put them together in prayer. Say: Then the Devil took Jesus to the holy city and placed him at the top of the temple, saying to him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; Throw your hands out and down. Say:... for it is written, He will command his angels and On their hands they will hold you up. Crouch down and pretend to lift someone up with great care. Say: Jesus said to the Devil, Again it is written, Do not test God. With a stern look, wag your finger. Say: The Devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; Shade your eyes with your hands, as if looking far off. Say:... and he said to him, All these will I give you if you will fall down and worship me. Point to the ground. Then hold out your arms as if offering all that you see. Say: Jesus said to him, Away with you, Satan! Kick Satan away! Say:... for it is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him. Raise your hands in the air and then cross your arms across your chest with hands on opposite shoulders, with head bowed. Say: And Satan left him. Run quickly in place. Thank everyone for participating in the Scripture reading and congratulate them on a job well done. Invite the group to be seated. 3 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 1 continued Gather: Getting to the Heart of Lent, continued Lenten Practices Explain that during Lent, we spend 40 days preparing our hearts for the joy of the Easter celebration. Ask: What do we celebrate on Easter? (the Resurrection) The 40 days of Lent begin with Ash Wednesday. Does anyone know what happens on Ash Wednesday? (Answers may vary.) Explain that on Ash Wednesday, we receive the cross on our foreheads in ashes. The ashes are burnt palms from last year s Palm Sunday. Ashes are an ancient symbol of humility and penitence, and the cross is a symbol of the Resurrection. Say: Let s turn to one another and make the Sign of the Cross on our neighbor s forehead, saying May God bless you. Explain that during Lent, we don t say Alleluia at Mass. We wait until Easter when we can proclaim it joyously because Christ is risen. You might also want to describe how the colors in the church are changed to purple to mark the change in the Church season. Encourage families to mark the change in the Church season by making a prayer center of their own. Say: Having a dedicated space in your home for prayer is an ongoing reminder that God is always calling you to grow in your relationship with him. There are strong parallels between the change and progression of the Church seasons and the seasons of the year. The word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten, which means spring. Say: Just as spring is a season of renewal and rebirth, Lent is a time when we think about our lives, trust in God s forgiveness, and make a special effort to grow in our relationship with God. Explain that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are at the heart of Lent. Of these three practices, fasting is the one that most people think of first when they think of Lent. Some people give up a favorite treat during Lent to remind themselves that this is a season of preparation for Easter. Transition Transition the group to Retreat Step 2: Prayer Bowl. Instructions for this activity begin on page 5. 4 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 2 Prayer Bowl In advance, photocopy the Prayers template for each family (pages 6 9). Then lead the group through the following directions. Why Do We Pray? Say: Prayer is conversation with God. Explain that prayers can be spoken or thought, occasional or constant, original or traditional. Say: We pray in thankfulness, in petition, in praise, in sorrow, and in joy. Prayer indicates belief in our God who wants to communicate with his people and be involved in their lives. People who pray believe there is something greater than themselves, a transcendent Creator, beyond their understanding but as near as their own breath. Through prayer, we nurture our relationship with God. Explain that the Church encourages a wide variety of prayer. Say: All too often, we talk to God only when we need or want something. We can also turn to him when we have happy news or when we want to praise him or thank him. Most importantly, when we pray, we remember to listen to God too. How Should We Pray? Say: Jesus gave us a beautiful answer to this question by teaching us the Lord s Prayer. Pray the Lord s Prayer together. After the prayer, say: There are many ways to pray during Lent. You could go to Mass on weekdays or read the Bible. We will now do an activity that will help us pray every day of Lent. Make copies of the prayers on pages 6 9. Hand out copies of the prayers to each family, one set per family. Say: 1. I have given each of you 20 prayers and Scripture readings. Allow time for the group to look through the prayers and readings. Which one is your favorite? (Answers will vary.) 2. Take these prayers and Scripture readings home with you. Cut them into strips and place them in a large bowl, box, or other container. Place it in your prayer center. 3. Each day during Lent, remove a strip and recite that prayer or meditate on that Scripture passage. Transition The Prayers template follows on pages 6 9. Remind families that they should cut apart these prayers and use them to pray throughout Lent. Then transition to the Fasting Cup activity on page 10. 5 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen. May God s word be in my mind, on my lips and in my heart. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 6 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Angel sent by God to guide me, be my light and walk beside me; be my guardian and protect me; in the paths of life direct me. Amen. God, our Father, I offer you today all that I think and do and say. I offer it with what was done on earth by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen. Jesus, I believe in you. Jesus, I hope in you. Jesus, I love you. O my God, relying on your infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. Lord, let me know clearly the work you are calling me to do in life. And grant me every grace I need to answer your call with courage and love and lasting dedication to your will. Amen. 7 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Lord, fill our hearts with your grace: once, through the message of an angel you revealed to us the incarnation of your Son; now through his suffering and death, lead us to the glory of his Resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. Julian of Norwich Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one. Saint Teresa of Ávila Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given it all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. Saint Ignatius of Loyola God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr 8 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:23 25 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. Philippians 2:3 4 If we say, We are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. 1 John 1:8 9 Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 9 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 3 Fasting Cup Cut out strips of paper from the template on page 11. Give each person five strips and a pen or pencil. Share the following directions. Why Do We Fast? Explain that fasting, defined as partial or full abstinence from food and drink, is part of nearly every religious tradition. For Christians, fasting is the setting aside of earthly concerns so that we can focus on faith. Say: When we fast, we recognize that we ultimately depend on God, not material goods, to sustain and enrich our lives. It is our response to Jesus question, Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25) Share with the group the guidelines on fasting. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics who are 18 years old or older fast between meals and limit themselves to only one full meal on each of those days. Catholics don t eat meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, or any Friday during Lent. Remind the group that fasting is not only about food. Say: We can also set limits on things that are not good for us, such as saying bad words, gossiping, or fighting. It is a common mistake to think of fasting as a mere sacrifice or a giving up of a thing. It is really more a matter of letting go, putting away, and resting from the struggle to get and spend. As Jesus reminds us in the Gospels: Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, What are we to eat? or What are we to drink? or What are we to wear? All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. (Matthew 6:28 33) Ask the group: What are some things you can let go of for Lent? (Answers will vary. Suggestions might be television, computer games, or desserts. Invite families to share their responses.) What can you replace those things with that will bring you closer to God? (Answers will vary. Invite the group to share their responses.) Explain the activity. Now look at your strips of paper. Fill in the blanks on each strip. When you get home, place the strips of paper in a large plastic cup or similar container. Place it in your prayer center. Each day, draw a strip from the cup and do whatever it says. Transition After families have completed their strips, begin the next activity on page 12. 10 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Today I will let go of and replace it with. Today I will let go of and replace it with. Today I will let go of and replace it with. Today I will let go of and replace it with. Today I will let go of and replace it with. 11 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 4 Almsgiving In advance, select some local charities that you would like to highlight. For each charity you choose to highlight, provide the following information: the name of the charity what the charity does how families can help Make sure there is one copy of the Almsgiving Guidelines on page 13 for each family. Almsgiving Not Just Money Share the following information. Say: As you choose to limit some activities, you can also choose to increase others. You could practice the Lenten discipline of almsgiving, for example, by volunteering for a good cause or performing some service for another person. Almsgiving includes acts of service such as giving time and goods to those in need for example, donating time to a soup kitchen, giving clothes to charity, visiting people who are shut-in, or driving those without transportation. Explain that the Lenten discipline of almsgiving helping those in need is not just a generous thing to do; it is a practical way to improve the community. Other valuable contributions include donating time and expertise to a local charity. Say: The sharing of your gifts is a joyous thing to do any time of the year, but almsgiving the donation of money, time, expertise, or other resources is an essential part of the Lenten season. Explain the activity. Throughout Lent, collect money to benefit a local charity using the guidelines I am handing out. (Hand out the guidelines on page 13.) Each time you perform one of those actions, put the amount of money indicated on the handout in a jar or box. Keep this jar or box in your prayer center at home. Decide how the money will be spent at the end of Lent. Here are some local charities that would benefit from your donation. (Share the information about the charities you chose to highlight.) Of these charities, which ones would you support and why? (Answers will vary.) Transition Share the information about the charities you choose to highlight. Hand out the guidelines for filling the jar or bowl on page 13. When you are ready, prepare for the Prayer Service on page 14. 12 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Almsgiving Guidelines Family Handout Throughout Lent, fill a jar or box with money. Keep this jar or box in your prayer center. Here are some suggestions for how to fill your jar or box: Put in 50 cents whenever someone does something kind for you or your family. Put in a dollar every time your family eats at a restaurant. Put in 50 cents every time you have dessert. Put in 25 cents every time you find a peaceful solution to conflict with family members. Put in 25 cents for each good deed you do. Put in 50 cents for each time your family completes a service project together. Add any money earned by doing extra chores. Decide how the money will be spent at the end of Lent. Will you give it to the parish Lenten mission project? Will you give it to a charity? If so, which one and why? (Illustration: Yoshi Miyake) 13 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 5 Prayer Service In advance, designate someone to be a leader and six volunteers to be readers. Adjust any instructions to fit your parish s traditions and preferences. Photocopy the Prayer Service handouts for each family (pages 15 16). In the front of your service space, set up a simple table, draped in Lenten purple, with a place for an enthroned Bible and six votive candles. Place a basket of holy cards and a cross either on the table or near it. Provide each reader with a battery-operated flameless candle to use during the procession. Provide the leader with a Bible. Ask the leader and the readers to leave the room and prepare themselves for the processional. Distribute the Prayer Service handouts to each person gathered for the service. Open the service with a reverent procession of the seven volunteers: the six readers with candles and the leader carrying the Bible. They will place these items on the table. During the procession, you may wish to play Lenten liturgical music. Transition Play quiet music as people come forward during the veneration of the Cross (see page 16). After everyone has venerated the Cross, follow the directions on page 17 for the Go Forth (Dismissal). 14 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 5 continued Lent Prayer Service, continued Lent Prayer Service Prayers of Contrition Leader: We have gathered together as God s children of all ages. Let us remember that God is full of gentleness and compassion for us. God knows us for who we are; he knows our strong points and our weak ones. God gives us the strength to do good things, and he also forgives us if we make bad choices for which we are sorry. Jesus has called us to follow him from the moment of our Baptism. As Lent begins, let us think about our faith: are we living it as well as we can? Have we followed Jesus call? Reader 1: All: Reader 2: All: Reader 3: All: For the times we forget that we are all brothers and sisters who respect and help one another: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. For the times we act selfishly, putting our needs before those of others: Christ, have mercy. Christ have mercy. For the times we have hurt one another with angry words or actions: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Reading Leader: A reading from the book of the prophet Joel (Joel 2:12 13): Yet even now oracle of the Lord return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. All: Prayer Service page 1 of 2 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Continued on next page 15 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 5 continued Lent Prayer Service, continued Prayers of Petition Reader 4: Help us meet you in prayer, loving God, during Lent and every day. For this we pray: All: Reader 5: All: Reader 6: All: Leader: All: Lord, hear our prayer Thank you for all the wonderful gifts you have given us, Lord, and help us not to take them for granted. May we share what we have with others. For this we pray: Lord, hear our prayer May we fast from those things that separate us from you and from one another this Lenten season. For this we pray: Lord, hear our prayer Let us all say the prayer of hope and forgiveness that Jesus taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Dismissal Leader: Prayer Service page 2 of 2 As we begin the season of Lent, let us ask the Holy Spirit to show us the way. After our days of preparation, may we know the happiness and hope of Easter. As you leave this prayer service, please come bow (or kneel) before the cross, genuflect, and touch (or kiss) the cross. You are welcome to take a holy card from the basket as well. We ask everyone to be as quiet as possible during this time. 16 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

RETREAT STEP 6 Go Forth Have families return to their seats and turn on the lights. Remind the group that Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and one another through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Ask the following questions as a brief follow-up, providing hints or answers as needed. How many days did Jesus spend in the desert? (40 days) What happened to Jesus in the desert? (He was tempted by the Devil.) During Lent, we prepare for the joy of the celebration. (Easter) Lent begins on. (Ash Wednesday) What is the color of Lent? (purple) What three practices are at the heart of Lent? (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving) What is prayer? (Possible answer: a conversation with God) What prayer did Jesus teach us? (The Lord s Prayer) How will you pray during Lent? (Answers will vary.) How do we show that we depend on God to sustain us? (by fasting) On Fridays during Lent, Catholics don t eat. (meat) On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, how many full meals can Catholics age 18 and older eat? (one) What will you do or let go of for Lent? (Answers will vary.) The Lenten practice of is a way we can improve our community. (almsgiving) How will you give alms this Lent? (Answers will vary.) Transition Distribute the Lenten Prayer Center handout to each family as you dismiss the group. Make sure the families take home the sheets of paper from Retreat Steps 2, 3, and 4. The Lenten Prayer Center follows on page 18. 17 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families

Lenten Prayer Center Why Create a Prayer Center? Life can be hectic, and it can be hard to find quiet time to communicate prayerfully with God. But the habit of prayer is a gift you can give yourself that will last a lifetime. Having a dedicated space in your home for prayer is an ongoing reminder that God is always calling you to grow in your relationship with him. Add your prayer bowl with the prayers from this retreat, your fasting cup, and your almsgiving jar to your prayer center. Decorate these items. Feel free to add other items that remind you of God. Because the items you create will be handmade and personal, your prayer center will reflect your values and help you live the three Lenten disciplines of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. If you would like to add items to your Prayer Center as the year goes on, take a look at Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers (Loyola Press) and 189 Ways to Contact God: Find the Prayer Starters That Work for You (Loyola Press). 18 Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION Lent Retreat for Families