Lent - Catechist Cafe

Lenten YouTube Videos

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Woman at the Well

How about giving up something more meaningful than food?

A reflection for the First Sunday of Lent from Salt & Light TV

BEST Lenten advice EVER!!!

Hilarious video about picking odd and awkward things to give up for Lent!

Great advice for withdrawing from the busyness of life for Lent.

Short reflection on watching your media consumption

A lighthearted look at Ash Wednesday and Lent,
set to the tune of a popular 80s song

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Ash Wednesday

Explore Lenten customs with people on the street

A 2 minute overview of Ash Wednesday and Lent

This meditative film can be used by adult prayer or scripture study groups, with youth, or for individual Lenten prayer.

Two wonderful renditions of The Woman at the Well.

Matt Maher's 40 Days music video

Created and produced by St. Joan of Arc Parish, Streetsboro.

Bishop Robert Barron's thoughts on Lent

Christ Be Our Light Music video with lyrics.

Beautiful Taize chant music video

Lent Activities for Youth and Families

Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families. O'Boyle, Donna-Marie Cooper. Ave Maria Press, 2015.
Invites families with children to let the wisdom and spiritual insight of Pope Francis be their guide through Lent. The story of the popular Holy Father’s life, brief words of inspiration from him, and a variety of prayers and activities are included for each of the 40 days of Lent.

Junior Youth Activities for the Lent and Easter Seasons: An interactive Guide to Discovering Spirituality. Steve Mason and Sandy Rigsby. Resource Publications, 2001.
Everything you need to create meaningful and fun experiences for Middle School youth through the Lent and Easter season. Each session contains a commentary on the weekly readings, a preparation section, a supply list, discussion questions, and a session outline.

Lenten Reflection Books from the Diocesan Library

Working Toward Sainthood: Daily Reflections for Lent by Alice Camille. Twenty Third Publications, 2013.
We are all saints in progress, says the great spiritual writer Alice Camille. And Lent is the perfect time to let the saint inside each of us “come out and get some exercise.” These daily meditations on the readings of the Mass invite us to immerse ourselves in the season by getting in touch with the saints within. Camille assures us that despite (or maybe because of) our imperfections, we can be saints and superheroes. “They may not know us by our capes,” she says. “But they will know us by our love.”

Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit
by Paula Huston, Ave Maria Press, 2011
BOOK
Huston invites readers to de-clutter their minds, hearts, souls, and relationships thorough this book of daily Lenten practices woven from the Gospels, the Desert Fathers and Mothers, and the author's own wealth of experience. I LOVE this book!

Call 330 744-8451 Ext 297 or email chlavac@youngstowndiocese.org to reserve this resource.

The People of the Way of the Cross: Walking with Jesus Through the Eyes of 14 Witnesses. Alborghetti, Marci. Twenty Third Publications, 2016.
In fourteen penetrating narratives, Marci Alborghetti imagines the stories behind the people who witnessed Jesus’ Way of the Cross. Some are historical, scriptural, or traditional figures, such as Pilate, Nicodemus, Veronica, and Dismas. Others are unnamed and anonymous, but equally compelling—a soldier casting lots, a child lost in the crowd, and a slave who carries a fateful hammer. Each individual encounters Jesus in a unique way. And each is profoundly changed by the experience

Lent and Easter Wisdom from Thomas Merton, The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living. Liguori, 2007.
Let the words of Trappist monk Thomas Merton lead you through the holy season of Lent and into Easter. The author was known for his journaling skills. With that in mind, the daily format includes an explanation of one facet of the season, followed by Merton's writings, appropriate Scripture passages and a daily journal topic to encourage your own thoughts related to Lent and Easter.

Being the Body of Christ: What the People of the Passion Teach us about Jesus today, by Marci Alborghetti. (BOOK)
One is his mother. Another is a friend. Still another is a stranger. They are among the seven people who witness Jesus’ death on the cross. Each chapter offers questions and topics for personal reflection or group discussion, making this an inspiring and cherished companion for all who seek deeper participation in the Body of Christ.
To reserve call 330 744-8451 ext. 297 or email library@youngstowndiocese.org

GREAT DVD FILM SERIES FOR LENT!
Secret of the Horse (Manifest Mysteries Series) DVD
A teenager faces racial prejudice the first day at a new school and must resist fighting to ensure his family does not suffer because of his actions. As he finds it harder to resist fighting, his father reminds him of the true purpose of martial arts and the real meaning of sacrificial love. Based on Christ’s own endurance of suffering in the Scourging at the Pillar. Contains both English and Spanish tracks and a bi-lingual study guide.

Other films in this series include:
The Eggplant Lady (Agony in the Garden)
Haunted Heart (Crowning with Thorns)
Carrying On (Carrying the Cross)
The Hero (The Crucifixion)