Stations of the Cross
Catholic Relief Services has resources to use with Rice Bowls for praying, fasting, giving and learning.
For small groups during Lent:
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This weekly Lenten series is designed for individual or small group use, and follows along with Catholic Mobilizing Network's faith formation guide, Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity: A Catholic Encounter with Restorative Justice (Liturgical Press, 2019). While using the book is strongly recommended, the series may also be completed without it. Each weekly module includes additional web-based resources and reference materials.
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Who Do You Say That I Am? is an experiential resource for faith communities to explore the wide-ranging effects of incarceration and to discern what our faith calls us to in response. This Lenten series has videos, PowerPoint presentations, participant discussion guides that guide a group in your parish, organization, school or small faith community.
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A valuable 1-minute reflection on what to "do" for Lent
In 2.5 minutes, Joe Paprocki demonstrates how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
have a domino effect in our lives and in the world.
have a domino effect in our lives and in the world.
Spend 2.5 minutes with this lovely Lenten visual meditation
The article above is from the Archdiocese of Detroit, referencing art museums in their area,
but you can adapt the ideas to art in your area, or look up photos online for Visio Divina prayer.
but you can adapt the ideas to art in your area, or look up photos online for Visio Divina prayer.
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Online Lenten ResourcesCheck these free resources: |
These prayer, fasting, and almsgiving ideas for Lent will help to build inclusiveness of people of all abilities in our faith communities.
From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. For example, "When offering 'living" Stations of the Cross, be sure that a few students...give a visual portrayal of the fact that some people who followed Jesus had disabilities."
From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. For example, "When offering 'living" Stations of the Cross, be sure that a few students...give a visual portrayal of the fact that some people who followed Jesus had disabilities."
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Loyola Press has activities and resources to
help children and families understand and embrace the season of Lent. Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary Scripture Search Invite young people to do a Scripture search when learning about or reviewing the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. A Whole Bunch of Values Lenten Countdown for Children Explore a variety of values with young children this Lent. Guided Reflection on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving Introduce the disciplines of Lent with this guided reflection. 40 Ideas for 40 Days Get an early start on Lent planning with this selection of Lenten activities from the deep archives of Catechist’s Journey. While organized according to the 2022 calendar, the activities aren’t limited to just one day of Lent. Liturgical Year: Lent Bookmark this link for a full selection of Lenten articles, activities, prayers, and videos. 7 Ways to Practice Lent—Free eBook Explore seven ways to practice Lent. Joe Paprocki offers background on each tradition, an accompanying prayer, and activities for catechists to share the riches of Lenten practices with those they serve. Here's a resource to help adults to pray during Lent: |
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Lent: The Journey Begins
FREE 2-page reproducible flyer from The Pastoral Center Fasting in a Fast-Paced World
FREE reproducible flyer from The Pastoral Center |
Lenten Calendars to share with families
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Lenten Gospel Stories
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Jesus is Tempted in the Desert
The Woman at the Well
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Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind
The Raising of Lazarus
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"Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us." Pope Francis blessing, March 27, 2020.
"Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday." Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen
"There are periods in every life when we feel as naked and vulnerable and racked with pain as Jesus on Calvary. We can’t fast-forward through them; we can only endure them, trying to find some comfort in the love of others and in the knowledge that God has suffered, too," Ginny Kubitz Moyer
LENTEN REFLECTION VIDEOS
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BEST Lenten advice EVER!!!
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Bishop Robert Barron's thoughts on Lent
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How about giving up something more meaningful than food?
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Hilarious video about picking odd and awkward things to give up for Lent!
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A lighthearted look at Ash Wednesday and Lent,
set to the tune of a popular 80s song |
Lenten Music Videos
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Matt Maher's 40 Days music video
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In the Library:
Borrow these Lenten Reflection Books from our Diocesan Library
To reserve call 330 744-8451 ext. 297 or email [email protected]
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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.” |
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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 |
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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. |
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Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit
by Paula Huston, Ave Maria Press, 2011 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. |
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Being the Body of Christ: What the People of the Passion Teach Us about Jesus Today, by Marci Alborghetti.
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. |
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Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent. Rohr, Richard. Franciscan Media, 2011.
Richard Rohr, one of today's most prophetic voices, invites us to self-disclosure and to enter the wondrous divine dialogue with clarity, insight-and holy desire! These daily meditations for Lent are his gift to us for our transformation into our original image and likeness, which is the very image of God. |
Borrow these Lent Activity Books from our Diocesan Library
To reserve call 330 744-8451 ext. 297 or email [email protected]
Radiate Christ Lenten Retreat Kit. Schaeffler, Janet. Pastoral Center, 2016.
Lent is a counter-cultural season that is more about how we are meant to bring Christ to the world than just a focus on ourselves as individuals. Sr. Janet graciously opens her archive of parish-tested resources to offer this reflective and practical reflection that offers a fresh and challenging perspective on Lent. Use this flexible kit to help you and your people live our Lent, Easter, and Pentecost differently, whether as a full-day retreat, parish meeting, morning or evening of reflection, parish mission, youth event, or more. It's really three retreat experiences in one that you can draw from year-after-year. This guide includes three sessions, each exploring how Lent calls us to radiate Christ to everyone we encounter:
Lent is a counter-cultural season that is more about how we are meant to bring Christ to the world than just a focus on ourselves as individuals. Sr. Janet graciously opens her archive of parish-tested resources to offer this reflective and practical reflection that offers a fresh and challenging perspective on Lent. Use this flexible kit to help you and your people live our Lent, Easter, and Pentecost differently, whether as a full-day retreat, parish meeting, morning or evening of reflection, parish mission, youth event, or more. It's really three retreat experiences in one that you can draw from year-after-year. This guide includes three sessions, each exploring how Lent calls us to radiate Christ to everyone we encounter:
- A Fresh Perspective on Lent - Lent is not an isolated season, but one that points toward Easter, Pentecost, and how we are called to transform the world. Lent calls us to responsibility beyond guilt.
- Lenten Practices - The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us get into shape as disciples for our common mission.
- Lenten Resolutions - Our Lenten practices help us become more spacious, so God can work within us to radiate Christ in the world. What "resolutions" might we take that will outlast the season and stay with us?
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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. |
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The Lent-Easter Book: Living and Celebrating Our Catholic Customs and Traditions. Arbogast, Joan Marie. Pauline Books and Media, 2005.
Hands-on stories, crafts, activities and discussion starters to help children celebrate Lent and Easter traditions at home and in class. |
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Journey of Faith for Lent: Creating a Sense of Belonging Between Young People and the Church. Shrader, Mary. Saint Mary's Press, 2005.
Ten lesson plans for youth ages 10-13 the season of Lent. Each session includes icebreaker, prayer, hands-on learning, and a "live it" section. Activities are high energy and engaging for this middle school age group. |
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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. |
Lent Video Series
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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) |
