Lenten Journey
Lent is a special time when you can share the concepts of prayer and giving with your children.  Take family time each day to offer devotional prayers.  Consider as a family how you might help others in need by giving of your time or resources.  Even very young children can understand and will enjoy participating in the process. 

The First Day of Lent:
In the Roman Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent the season of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday always falls 46 days before Easter. While Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, all Roman Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass on this day in order to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.

The Distribution of Ashes:
During Mass, the ashes which give Ash Wednesday its name are distributed. The ashes are made by burning the blessed palms that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday.  After the priest blesses the ashes and sprinkles them with holy water, the faithful come forward to receive them. The priest dips his right thumb in the ashes and, making the Sign of the Cross on each person's forehead, says, "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return" (or a variation on those words).

Lenten Prayer:
God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent.
By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will.
Keep me from sin, and help me live by Your commandment of love.
Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works.
Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life
Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand;
 Let me walk more readily in Your ways
 I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.  Amen.