Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are at the heart of the forty days of Lent. Here are some strategies for helping your kids get involved in these traditional penitential practices. Most of the ideas you’ll find on the website are appropriate for kids ages six and up. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing them; use their natural curiosity and desire to be “grown up” as a springboard for talking about what you’re doing, and why. Find out how to talk about Lent with kids, fasting ideas, prayer suggestions, giving ideas and much more.
Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette Soubirous • Saint stories
Our Lady has appeared to many people throughout history, including a fourteen-year-old girl in Lourdes, France–Bernadette Soubirous. Bernadette lived in a very poor house in Lourdes, France, with her parents, two brothers, and a sister. You’ll find Bernadette’s story, and a movie suggestion based on her life.
Count down to Christmas with an O Antiphons paper chain
“How many days until Christmas?” young children want to know. In the week before Christmas, help them keep track with an O Antiphons paper chain that will serve as a daily reminder of Christ’s coming.
Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with your kids
The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December twelfth, recalls the appearance in 1531 of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego, a native who had recently converted to Catholicism, at a place called Tepeyac in what is now Mexico City. Celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with food, prayer, a story, and videos about the miraculous image. Find everything online.
Five ways to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas
The feast of St. Nicholas on December sixth is a great time to celebrate the life of the beloved fourth-century bishop. Here’s his fascinating story, and five ways to celebrate with your kids.