Does God Show through you?

Showing Through
A little girl on the way home from church turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me"

The mother said, "Oh my, why is that?"

The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true." the mother replied.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true, too?"

Again the mother replied "Yes."

"Well," said the girl."If God is bigger than us and he lives in us, wouldn't he show through?"

I like that little girl's way of putting it. If God lives in us, then there's no way of keeping him from "showing through". That's the essence of Christian living - living in such a way that people around us will see God in our lives.

~author unknown

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

What is Prayer?

Prayer is so simple
It is like quietly opening a door
And slipping into the very presence of God
There in the stillness
To listen to his voice
Perhaps to petition
Or only to listen
It matters not
Just to be there
In his presence
Is prayer.

   ~ THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD is the Conversations and Letters of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, a Carmelite lay brother who in the 1600's discovered a way to live our lives in a constant conversation with God.

The Light Heart Edition is taken from an Italian version that was available in 1996 when all other editions were either out of print or not in demand at the time

Homily in Havana

From Pope Benedict XVI's homily in Havana on March 28th:

The truth is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom. Many, without a doubt, would prefer to take the easy way out, trying to avoid this task. Some, like Pontius Pilate, ironically question the possibility of even knowing what truth is (cf. Jn 18:38), claiming is incapable of knowing it or denying that there exists a truth valid for all. This attitude, as in the case of scepticism and relativism, changes hearts, making them cold, wavering, distant from others and closed. There are too many who, like the Roman governor, wash their hands and let the water of history drain away without taking a stand.

On the other hand, there are those who wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves up in “their truth”, and try to impose it on others. These are like the blind scribes who, upon seeing Jesus beaten and bloody, cry out furiously, “Crucify him!” (cf. Jn 19:6). Anyone who acts irrationally cannot become a disciple of Jesus. Faith and reason are necessary and complementary in the pursuit of truth. God created man with an innate vocation to the truth and he gave him reason for this purpose. Certainly, it is not irrationality but rather the yearning for truth which the Christian faith promotes. Each man and woman has to seek the truth and to choose it when he or she finds it, even at the risk of embracing sacrifices.

The complete text of the homily is at the Vatican website.

Prayer Vigil Celebration

There will be a wrap-up celebration, for the Salt Lake City 40 Days for Life prayer vigil, at St Ambrose this Saturday at 6:30 pm (following the 5pm Vigil Mass).

A main dish will be provided and folks are encouraged to bring a side dish/dessert/beverage. Please come to encourage one another. We will also watch "A Voice for Life", Melissa Ohden's real life story that is the same topic as the recently released movie "October Baby."

There are still a few days left for the prayer vigil (St Ambrose parish is focusing on Wednesday afternoon) and volunteers can sign up at: http://www.40daysforlife.com/saltlakecity/  where there is also more information.

Praying the Psalms

In the Liturgy of the Hours, in addition to Morning Prayer (Lauds), Evening Prayer (Vespers), etc, which focus on praying the Psalms, there is also the Office of Readings which includes both a Scripture reading and a reading from non-Biblical sources. In the course of the year, these non-Biblical readings include: 93 by Saint Augustine, 43 from Vatican II, 31 by Saint Chrysostom, 39 by Pope Leo the Great, as well as less frequent samplings from many other saints.

For example, the second reading in the Office of Readings for this 5^th Wednesday of Lent is a homily about praying the Psalms, by Saint Augustine:

Jesus Christ prays for us and in us and is the object of our prayers

God could give no greater gift to men than to make his Word, through whom he created all things, their head and to join them to him as his members, so that the Word might be both Son of God and son of man, one God with the Father, and one man with all men. The result is that when we speak with God in prayer we do not separate the Son from him, and when the body of the Son prays it does not separate its head from itself: it is the one Saviour of his body, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who prays for us and in us and is himself the object of our prayers.

Welcome to Story Hour   

I am not a deep thinker.  Thus, I have struggled to understand the points and counterpoints surrounding the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate that Catholic hospitals must provide certain reproductive services at their facilities.

Finally, I separated the bones of the issue from the heat of politics and personal issues, and spread them out on the blanket of a fairy tale. 

So come along with me, if you will, as we share story hour.

Once upon a time in Happy Valley, the Dog Club was busy with their dog shows.  (OK, I’m an animal lover.  This is the best I could come up with.)  Suddenly, the governor, himself a cat lover, declared that all organizations that sponsor show events must allow cats to enter their shows or there would be severe penalties

 “But we have never allowed cats in our dog shows!”  cried the Dog Club.  “In fact, our Rule Book specifically states that no cats shall ever be allowed here.”

Many people were surprised and angered.  Not just dog groups, but all groups, because they realized this was a threat to their own organizations.  They understood they might be next to have a government order forced upon them.

Supporters of the law cried, “But cats are wonderful.  Everyone should have one.”  Others said, “Those dog lovers are just trying to impose their beliefs on everyone else.”

People debated the awesomeness of cats, and if the Dog Club was ridiculous and old fashioned for not allowing cats in their dog shows.  This brought a lot of attention to the deeply held beliefs of the Dog Club, but it deflected attention from the real issue. 

Then someone said, “There are lots of easily accessible cat shows nearby, why don’t they just go there?  It’s unfair to dog owners who are allergic to cats.  Even the ones who simply don’t like cats.  And the fact remains that it is against the rules of the Dog Club to allow cats in their shows.  Is it right for the government to force the Dog Club to break its own rules?”

Well, there was such an outcry that the government offered some accommodations.  They said Dog Clubs must still offer cat shows at their events, but they didn’t have to actually touch any cats themselves.

Some people thought that was a pretty good compromise.  But then they realized that there would still be expenses to run the cat shows, and ultimately the unfortunate dog organization and its members would still be responsible for the cat shows.

The Dog Club held firm on their position.  They simply could not allow cats in their shows.  It was against their rules.  The government held firm.  They would force the Dog Club to shut down their shows if they did not change their rules.  Everyone began to wonder what would happen to all the dogs if the shows were forced to close.

So how does the story end?  That part is up to you.

When Thomas Jefferson wrote about the separation of Church and State, his concern was that our government should never be able to establish, favor, or demote any religion.  Yet that is exactly what is happening.  

For hundreds of years, our government has upheld the tradition of respect for religious freedom.  But today, in an unprecedented move, the government has broken a promise upon which our Country was founded.  Unless the Church agrees to allow certain practices that directly violate its mission to protect and promote human life, the government could force the closure of its hospitals and clinics.

But the Catholic Church will not, cannot, allow its institutions to practice abortion and forms of contraception that violate the sacredness of life. 

Yes, Catholic hospitals get money from the Government, but only for the care of the poor and those otherwise unable to afford their treatment.  But no hospital can continue to offer services to individuals who do not have insurance or the financial means to pay their own expenses without the support of the Government

If government support is withdrawn, Catholic hospitals will not be able to remain open, leaving  healthcare for the poor totally up to the government.  Something every taxpayer, regardless of religious or political conviction, should take very seriously.

Now here is how you can help write a happy ending to the story.  Support the “Respect for Rights of Conscience Act” and join your voice with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and many other organizations, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

You can easily send a personalized message to Congress now, just click on the following link:

http://actions.nchla.org/Core/core.aspx?APP=GAC&AID=970&IssueID=25200&SiteID=-1     

The Fifth Week of Lent: Giving Our Time

For most Catholics, Lent is seen as a time of sacrifice—of "giving up things in remembrance of all that Jesus did for us. As children, giving up candy or our favorite dessert was difficult and it helped us to grow in a spirit of sacrifice. But we often missed the point of this sacrificial giving up—the reason why it's important. 

Lent is a time for helping us to grow beyond our selfishness to love others as Jesus did. The giving up is meant to help us realize the significance of giving to others.

Help your children to see the deeper meaning behind their their sacrifice. Recall for them Jesus' words at the last supper: "Love one another as  I have loved you." ( John 15:12) To love others as Jesus loved others often demands sacrificing our own needs and wants, and this is what giving up things helps us to do. 

Sharing our blessings with others is an important part of the way we celebrate Lent. Lent is a giving time. We share what we own. We work together to care for those in need. We pray or everyone who needs God's help and care. 

Lenten suggestions for children:

Make friends with someone in your class or neighborhood who seems to be lonely or without friends.

Let each family member mention one person or problem that they would like to pray for in a special way at dinnertime.

Take the kids grocery shopping for the poor. Let them help you bring the food to the local food bank.

Let children light a candle at church for people throughout the world who are sick or hungry.

Tell someone who seems sad today how nice they look or compliment them in some other way.

Make a list of 10 things you are grateful to God for and thank God in a prayer for each one.

Share with a friend or neighbor something you have learned about your Catholic faith this year, and talk about how it has helped you.

Source:40 deeds for forty days

Lenten Video Series: Fifth Sunday of Lent

God Sent Me a Trailer!

A Little Vintage Trailer (not mine!)

So, I’ve been looking for a trailer.  Not just any trailer, mind you.  I want a sweet, tiny, vintage trailer. 

I’m really serious about this.  I’ve been riding the online classifieds like a kid with a new bike.  Every spare second I get, I’m right there, in front of my computer, searching the ads.

Lest you think this is an easy task, let me tell you, I have been searching relentlessly for seven months.  I have walked away from many, many trailers, and I have missed several gems.  Like, by 30 seconds. 

Last weekend I missed TWO trailers.

So I had a little talk with God.  I said, “God, you know the desires of my heart.  And you know where my perfect trailer is.  I’m tired of searching and driving and waiting, and I’m really tired of being disappointed.  So can we just get this done?”  

Then I clicked on the classifieds, and there she was!  A 1961 Shasta Compact!  With her original wings! 

Only one picture.  No close-ups.  No interior shots.  But she was only a few blocks away!  Did I mention it was sunset?  I raced over, but it was already dark when I got there.  Nevertheless, what did I have to worry about?  God sent this one to me!

I was the first one there, but there were other hopeful buyers on the way, leaving me about 30 seconds to make up my mind.  So I handed the guy my cash, and he handed me the key and the title.  I had a few misgivings….like about the lump in the middle of the floor.  And the squishy wood behind the sink, and the paneling that I could push my finger through; but what the heck?  God sent me this trailer, right?

Once my little trailer was safely in my driveway, I had a chance to inspect her fully.  Let’s see….there are holes in the front where someone drove her into a tree.  There are the tiny dents all over the back, probably from a hailstorm.  There are the repairs that are literally on top of other repairs.  And the bent axle.  (In case you are wondering, you can tell by the way THE WHEEL IS ALL COCKEYED.)  Then there is the split back seam, and the two million decking screws along the edges. 

The interior?  Let’s just say I still haven’t had the courage to lift the piece of carpet in the teeny tiny bathroom to see what‘s underneath.  The stove is missing, the cupboard doors are warped, and a big piece of pressed board is glued to the back wall, covering up….I can only imagine what.

But, hey, God sent me this trailer, right?

Maybe.  But did he intend for me to buy it blindly?  Because I know the rules for buying trailers.  Never buy one in the dark.  Never buy one with water damage.  Always look carefully at the underside.  Always look behind cushions and in the backs of cupboards to check for, oh yeah, WATER DAMAGE.

So, some guy lists his trailer just about the time I have a conversation with God.  Clearly, there was no fine print from the Divine in the ad.  Nothing wrong with checking it out.  But there IS something wrong with not using the good sense the good Lord gave me when it came time to make a decision.

Just because I temporarily lost my mind, went against all the rules of good judgment, and bought a stupid trailer DOES NOT MEAN I CAN BLAME GOD.  Because even if he DID send me this trailer, it was probably meant as a really good example of what NOT to buy. 

And that’s the thing about trying to decide God’s will.  Yes, he knows the desires of my heart.  Yes, he always answers prayer.  But sometimes the answer is ‘No.”  Imposing MY will and trying to make it be God’s…well, it just doesn’t work like that. 

Trusting in God AND using your good sense works a lot better.

But, then again, maybe God wants me to learn about trailer repair!

Linked up with:

Troublesome Intercession

The intercessions, in the Liturgy of the Hours, for the 4th Monday of Lent are particularly challenging, don't you think?

God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer 

and repentance, 
  - with burning love for you and for all mankind. 
Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ,
  - and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.
Teach us the meaning and value of creation,
  - so that we may join its voice to ours as we sing your praise.
Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor,
the distressed and the troublesome.
  - and for our failure to reverence your Son in their persons. 

Area Blogs

Here is a list, which I hope to keep updated, of blogs authored by folks in the Salt Lake Diocese (i.e. individual blogs rather than parish or diocese blogs so they represent the individual author instead of the parish or diocese to which the individual belongs).

A Life-Size Catholic Blog

by Holly Langton, parishioner at St Ambrose

Καθολικός διάκονος

by Scott Dodge, deacon at Cathedral of the Madeleine

Maude's Tavern

by Thomas Dunbar, parishioner at St Ambrose

Orthometer

by Fr Erik Richtsteig, priest at St James the Just

Work and Play, Day by Day

by Heidi Olson Indahl, parishioner at St Ambrose

By the way, even the USCCB has a blog.

The Fourth Week of Lent: Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness can be one of the most difficult concepts to grasp.

This may explain why it’s one of the most difficult and greatest gifts to give. It may sound a bit cliché, but one of the best definitions of forgiveness I’ve ever heard was actually stated by Oprah Winfrey. Oprah’s definition of forgiveness is, “to accept the fact that the past can’t change.”

“We all want to be happy. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to happiness for most people is resentment. It’s easy to see how widespread this problem is: just notice the critical tone of so many conversations, the anger, the complaints and lamentations, the excuses, negative thoughts, frustrations, family divisions, marriage breakdowns, eagerness for vindication or vengeance, labor disputes, social problems, even conflicts between nations.” – Lori Schaab

Helping our children become more forgiving as adults begins at home with our example and our guidance.

Youth Activities for Teaching Forgiveness:

Games to Teach Teens Forgiveness  

70x7 Craft 

Sweet Forgiveness  

Lamb of God 

Catholic lessons/Games/Crafts/Puzzles 

Lord’s Prayer Coloring Pages

Joseph forgives his brothers video clip.

Lenten Video Series: Fourth Sunday Of Lent

During Lent St. Ambrose offers the celebration of Stations of the Cross followed by soup suppers. We encourage you to attend this powerful Lenten devotion that will occur every Friday during Lent at 6:00 pm.

Kony 2012*

Invisible Children will be in the Vaughan Center at St. Ambrose on Sunday, March 18 after the 11:00 Mass.  

Invisible Children is a nonprofit organization working to end the war in Northern Uganda.  Those attending will hear from the roadies who volunteer their time to travel the country showing a video about the work currently being done to help educate everyone about the plight of the people in central Africa. Kony 2012 is their latest video.  

Refreshments will be served.

* This post is provided for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by St. Ambrose Parish of any of the products, services, or opinions of the organization or individual.  

Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy

In a sermon in the Liturgy of the Hours' Office of Readings this week, Saint Peter Chrysologus gives a good reminder about the interconnection of prayer, fasting and mercy:

There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other.

  Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God’s ear to yourself.

  When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. If you ask for yourself what you deny to others, your asking is a mockery.

  Let this be the pattern for all men when they practise mercy: show mercy to others in the same way, with the same generosity, with the same promptness, as you want others to show mercy to you.

  Therefore, let prayer, mercy and fasting be one single plea to God on our behalf, one speech in our defence, a threefold united prayer in our favour.

Saint John Calabria

If you have non-Catholic friends with an interest in the Catholic Church, might I suggest that you ask Saint John Calabria for assistance in your prayers. There is a brief biography at the Vatican and here are a few quotes from that document:

He understood this radical and prophetic spiritual renewal in which even the laity could be involved. As a matter of fact in 1944 he founded "The Family of External Brothers" solely made up of laymen.

He prayed, wrote, acted and suffered for the unity of Christians. In view of this he kept in touch with protestants, orthodox and Hebrews: he wrote, spoke and loved but he never entered into discussions.

He conquered everybody's love. Even the Lutheran Pastor, Sune Wiman of Esklstuna (Switzerland), who had had several epistolary sharings with him, on the 6th of March 1964 in a Lettera Postulatoria to the Holy Father Pope Paul VI, asked that his venerable friend be glorified.

Although not mentioned in that biography, Fr Calabria had an interesting correspondence with C. S. Lewis and Lewis' side of the correspondence is printed in The Latin Letters of C. S. Lewis (edited, with English translation by Martin Moynihan).

Fr. Calabria was beatified by Pope John Paul II on the 17th April 1988.

The Third Week of Lent: Better and Better

Making good Choices helps us to grow as children of God. Once Jesus invited a tax collector to make a choice to be a follower of Jesus. The tax collector made the choice to leave his work and follow Jesus. The Man’s name was Mathew. He became one of Jesus’ first disciples.

Jesus asks us to follow him too. During Lent, we take special care to do the things Jesus asks us to do. We forgive. We find ways to make peace. We give to others who are in need.  WE ASK God to help us make everything just a little bit better.

  

As we begin our Lenten journeys, we also begin our participation in CRS Operation Rice Bowl, as a way to connect with our brothers and sisters in need around the world through the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Make simple meals from around the world with your family.

Be a part of CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl and take action on behalf of the poor and vulnerable this Lent. You can participate and make a difference. Pick up your Rice Bowl at the back of the church.

Source: Faith First, catechist guide

Lenten Video Series: Third Sunday of Lent

During Lent St. Ambrose offers the communal celebration of Stations of the Cross followed by soup suppers. We encourage you to attend this powerful Lenten devotion that will occur every Friday during Lent at 6:00 pm.

The Season of Lent

 Actual Good Friday Sky

The Season of Lent 
A Season of Fasting & Feasting

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. A reflection by William Arthur Ward entitled Fasting and Feasting, illustrates the spirit of the Lenten season.
.
Lent should be more than a time of fasting. It should be a joyous season of feast­ing. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season in which we should:

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in you.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on the phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on hope.

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire

I would like to thank Valoree Dowell who sent Holly this wonderful article on lent.  Thanks for contributing to our blog.

St. Patrick

Many interesting tales and legends surround St. Patrick.  He seems to have been adopted as the unofficial mascot of anything related to 4-leaf clovers, Leprechauns, snake herding, drinking Guinness, and pretty much anything green.

So, as we approach St. Patrick’s Day, let’s take a few minutes to separate fact from fiction.

Saint Patrick was born in the year 385 and died on March 17 in 461.  Which explains why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every year on that date.

Point One.  St. Patrick was not Irish.  Something I wish I’d known when Sr. Mercedes sent my Italian self home from school, claiming I “was not worthy to wear green nail polish.”  OK, so technically he was Roman.  But, hello, people?  Where do you think Rome is located?

His parents were wealthy Roman citizens living in Scotland to oversee the colonies there.  When he was 14, give or take a few years, he was captured by warring Celts, and taken back with them to Ireland to herd sheep as a slave of a Druid warlord.  Raising the question, “Why aren’t sheep a symbol of St. Patrick?”

Point Two.  Patrick did not bring Christianity to Ireland.  There were Christians already living there when Patrick arrived.  His faith was a great source of comfort to him during his time in captivity, and Patrick later wrote, “the faith grew in me, so that whilst in the woods and on the mountain, even before the dawn, I was roused to prayer, and whether there was snow or ice or rain; I felt no hurt from it”

Point Three.  Patrick sailed with pirates.  After six or seven years, Patrick escaped his cruel master.  He travelled to the seashore, where he smooth talked his way onto a pirate ship bound for Scotland,  and was there reunited with his family.

Point Four.  After becoming a priest and then a bishop, Patrick was chosen to return to Ireland and convert the heathens, primarily because he could speak their language perfectly and had a detailed knowledge of Druid practices.  Proving once again that education will help you go places in life.

On Easter Sunday in 433, Patrick enlisted his faith and some pretty impressive miracles to out-power a group of druids and magicians, thus converting  the Supreme Monarch of Ireland  He was then granted permission to preach the Faith throughout the length and breadth of Erin. 

For the next 40 years, Patrick tramped from shore to shore, spreading the Gospels throughout the land.  Entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when they heard his message, cementing Patrick  in history as the Patron Saint of Ireland and one of the most famous and successful evangelists ever to tread upon her soil. 

Point Five.  St. Patrick never drove any actual snakes into the sea.  Nevertheless, he did exterminate a lot of Druids; not by tossing them into the ocean, but by converting them to Christianity.  Apparently the Druids had really big tattoos of snakes all over their hairy arms, and the Irish of the day understood the symbolism.  However, several centuries later, when there were no longer any tattoo sporting Druids roaming the countryside, people began to take the story literally, something that was never intended.  Today, St. Patrick, not to be confused with the Pied Piper, is often depicted herding snakes, presumably into the sea.

Point Six.  The four-leaf clover is NOT a symbol of St Patrick.  Think about it, people.  St. Patrick converted most of Ireland by using the Shamrock (a common three-leaf clover) as a visual aid to help explain the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; three persons in one God, just like the shamrock with three leaves but a single stem.

Point Seven.  On St. Patrick’s day, more than 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed around the world, more than double the amount on any other day of the year.

In honor of the festivities, we leave you with this Irish blessing:

May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!

However you choose to honor St. Patrick, he was a humble, pious, and gentle man, whose trust in God should be a shining example to each of us; and a Christian role model for anyone struggling to overcome obstacles.  Shamrocks and Leprechauns are simply marketing symbols chosen as a politically correct way to monetize another religious holiday.  But that’s a rant best saved for another day.

The passion of the whole body of Christ

In using the Liturgy of the Hours it is helpful to consider the Psalms as being prayed by Jesus, as prayed by the whole body of Christ. In this regard, consider what Saint Augustine says in a homily on Psalm 140: 4-6:

Lord, I have cried to you, hear me. This is a prayer we can all say. This is not my prayer, but that of the whole Christ. Rather, it is said in the name of his body. When Christ was on earth he prayed in his human nature, and prayed to the Father in the name of his body, and when he prayed drops of blood flowed from his whole body. So it is written in the Gospel: Jesus prayed with earnest prayer, and sweated blood. What is this blood streaming from his whole body but the martyrdom of the whole Church?

The Second Week of Lent: Praying Time

Download the  Prayer Card Below

Today, more than ever before, children need comfort and security in their lives, nothing -- no thing -- is more important than to have our youngsters engage in prayer.

All children, even the youngest child, can learn God is always there for them–at any time–from the moment they wake up in the morning, throughout the day as they play, as they share meals, right up until they are tucked in bed to fall asleep at night.

Lent is a special time to offer praise and thanks. Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, and to pray more deeply.

Lent is also a good time to join with others in prayer. On Sunday, we come together in our parish. We praise and thank God together. We especially give thanks to Jesus. 

Activities:

Pretzel for God: Lent and the Pretzel

The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far back as the fourth century. The faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Pretzel recipe from Catholic Icing.

Download the Lenten Pretzel Prayer card free. (Also from Catholic Icing)

Thus the pretzel is an appropriate food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer.

Pretzels originated when a monk was making unleavened bread for Lent. He twisted some of the dough into the shape of people praying with both arms folded across their chests. He decided it would be a perfect treat for children learning to say their prayers. He called the treats pretiola, the Latin word for "little reward." 

(From Our Sunday Visitor)

Lenten Video Series: Second Sunday in Lent