I - What is Lent?
* Lent is an invitation from God to get closer to Him.
* It is an opportunity where we, as a Church and as individuals, enter a period of reflection, sacrifice, and growth.
* In the past weeks, we have been discussing how Jesus continuously invites us into a relationship with Him. Well - this is YOUR opportunity to do just that!
* As the video states - it lasts for 40 days. Through these days, as Catholics, we practice the following three things: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
II - Prayer = Reflection
* In Session #6, we talked about what prayer is and is not.
* Prayer is our connection with God. It is how we communicate our joys and
sorrows, our hopes and fears, and everything else in between to God. It
is the a KEY element to building our relationship with God.
* Prayer can be a lengthy, informal conversation with God. But it could
also be a quick mentioning of His name (this is why one of the Ten
Commandments states "Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.")
* Please review Session #6 - especially the Prayer Process. You will need to keep this handy for the next couple of weeks!
III - Fasting = Growth
* When we think of fasting, especially during Lent, we think of food. And that is partially right!
* During Lent, we can choose to give something up. Most of us choose a food item that we really like (e.g.: candy, pizza, pasta, soda, chips, etc). But others choose non-food items that they use/like a lot (e.g.: social media, streaming service, video games).
* The objective of fasting is to focus more on God. Sometimes, fasting also makes room for us to be able to pray more, connect with loved ones, and work on the areas in our lives that we know we have to work on.
* Fasting may feel like a punishment, and it will be hard at first. But I can guarantee that you will feed different when you persevere in your fast!
IV - Almsgiving = Sacrifice
* Through almsgiving, we are called to care for others as well.
* This can be done through donating to charity:
- Queen of Angels participates in the "Operation Rice Bowl" program. During the first Sunday of Lent, you will be able to pick one up and participate by donating your spare change throughout Lent. This will help other people who do not have the basic need of food.
* Another way of performing almsgiving is by doing something nice for other people, helping out in the Church (there is an opportunity for you to do this every Saturday at Queen of Angels), or donating food/funds to your local food pantry (you can ask Mr. Rodriguez at Queen of Angels for more information).
*However you choose to do this - the objective is to always remember that our Church is a community, and we have to take care of each other. This relates to our session on "Relationships" = we have the choice to show love to others who are in need.
V - How to Prepare for Lent
* Attend Ash Wednesday Mass (in person or online) OR an Ash Wednesday prayer service! This year it falls on March 2nd. While it is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation, it is a great way for you and your family to start. Mass times are always published in the parish bulletin (you can pick one up at the end of Mass or go the Queen of Angels website)
* Try to go to Confession at least once during Lent. You can grow and be renewed without going through some cleaning in your soul - which is what the Sacrament of Confession/Penance is!
* Pray about what you want to fast! It should be something that will be a true sacrifice and do it because you want to do this!
* Part of the journey to Confirmation is to strengthen your relationship with God. To "CONFIRM" that you truly believe in Him and acknowledge how you need Him. Lent is a perfect time to take that journey to the next level!
HOMEWORK (Due: 2/20/22)
* THERE IS NO CLASS ON 2/24 DUE TO WINTER BREAK! SEE YOU ON 3/3!!!!
* Read the book of Joel, chapter 2, verses 12-18
- What is God inviting you to do?
* Watch each video from the session again:
- Which video you liked the most and why?
* What will be the most challenging part for you as you prepare for Lent?
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