Livonia, Michigan

Faith Formation News

Hello Families,

The students are beginning their preparation for Lent. Please join us for our Family Activity Night on Wednesday February 18th (Ash Wednesday) at 5:45 pm for a cheese pizza dinner, Lenten activity, and Mass at 7 pm.

The season of Lent presents families with an opportunity to examine our family life and to re-commit ourselves to the Christian practices of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Each of us is invited to do these things as individuals, but we can also do one or more actions as a family. Ash Wednesday is a good time for families to pray together and to plan the family’s Lenten practices.

Gather as a family and read the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18. Remind yourselves that Jesus expected that his disciples would give alms, pray, and fast and that he gave instructions that when we do those things, they should not be done for show. Determine one way that your family will give alms during Lent to share what you have with people in need. Decide upon one way that your family will pray together during Lent and choose one thing that your family will give up during Lent as a reminder of your love for God. Agree to encourage one another in whatever Lenten promises each has made individually. Pray together that God will bless your family’s Lenten promises by praying together today’s psalm, Psalm 51, and/or praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Family Challenge – Today’s Gospel teaches us about anger. Challenge each family member to control anger or angry outbursts this week. Make an effort to talk about angry feelings and find peaceful solutions to problems.

Liturgy Link – Find a piece of art in church and study it. It can be a painting, sculpture, or stained-glass window. What is the story that is being conveyed through this work of art?

Partners in Faith,

Phyllis Chudzinski

www.loyolapress.com, 52sundays.com