Playgroup Activity and Activities for Lent

Today at playgroup, Rachel Horsting led us in a fun dress-up and Carnival party, to mark the last day before the beginning of Lent. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and we will begin the penitential season leading up to Easter.

Why celebrate Carnival? As Rachel so aptly puts it: "We end the celebration of our material blessings before we put them aside during Lent, when we focus more on our spiritual blessings."

HERE is a fantastic website, which has a FREE program to walk kids through the season of Lent.  Why not sign up?  Who knows -- you might learn a little something new as well! Click and print the picture below. We hope you have a holy Ash Wednesday, and we hope to see you next Tuesday!

What to do in Lent? How can we make this a holy season, growing spiritually and in our relationship with our Lord? Here's are five quick thoughts:

1. Sacrifice something - give it up. Not for yourself (aka. dieting), but as an offering to the Lord. Put this thing out of your life for a time, and allow God to fill that void with His grace.
   
2. Give alms - give from your need, not just your excess. Give money saved by making sacrifices to the poor, lonely, forgotten, and mistreated.  Unite yourself to those who suffer, and give with a sincere and generous heart.
   
3. Give time - start a habit of caring for someone that God has put in your life. This may mean beginning a commitment to volunteer, visiting a neighbor in need, or giving more dedicated time to your family.
   
4. Go to Confession - recognize your sins, faults, failings, and struggles. Confess them to the Lord sincerely, and ask for His help. God is faithful! Then go out and make amends with those whom you have hurt. Generously forgive those who have hurt you. Offer others the same new beginning which Christ has offered to each of us.
   
5. Make a habit of Prayer - start spending time with God, habitually. For some this means going to Daily Mass. For others, it means praying the Rosary, the Daily Readings, or other set devotions. For others this means cracking open the Scriptures. For others it means sitting quietly and listening to God. Whatever way you pray, just do it.

Now, here are some resources that may help you:

• The Light is On For You - Confession every Wednesday (not Ash Wednesday), in every church and chapel of the Boston diocese, from 6:30-8:00 pm.  All are welcome.  An introduction on how to make a good confession can be found here.
  
• Attend a Mini-Retreat - Sunday, March 23rd, 1-4 pm
  Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church
  920 Trapelo Rd., Waltham MA
  **For people of all ages, keynote talks by Dr. Ernest Collamati and Susie Collamati.  The Daughters of Saint Paul will offer information on growing in faith using technology.  Eucharistic Adoration throughout the afternoon.  FREE.
  
• Making Music Praying Twice - 
  Thursday Mornings, 9:45-10:45 am
  Ongoing Thursday morning class transitions to season of Lent beginning Thursday, March 6th. This class has space for a few more children. If you would like to join and/or drop in for a class, please contact Dot Bowe (dbowe [at] ssjl.org). Classes for this session will continue through Holy Thursday, April 17th.  Classes appropriate for children birth – age 5 with a caregiver. All classes will be held at St. Joseph Parish, 130 Common Street, Belmont, MA.
  
• Saint Joseph / Saint Luke Collaborative Simple Supper - Friday, March 7th, 6 pm
  The Belmont Saint Joseph and Saint Luke collaborative parishes invite you to a simple supper of pizza, salad, and desserts beginning at 6 pm this Friday, March 7th. There will be age-appropriate Lenten activities following the supper, one of which will be MMP2. You may RSVP for this event by calling the Saint Joseph / Saint Luke collaborative offices at 617-484-02479.