Cherished family rituals, parish events, beloved books, scripture reading
and my own deep reflections, written and pondered
related to the liturgical season of Lent,
fill my thoughts, my to-do lists and my plan book
as we enter this holy 40 day stretch.
Here, in QT form, is a collection of a number of our family
Lenten memories,
activities and resources.
~ 1 ~
Crucifixion Art
Last year during Holy Week, my kids made these
lovely paintings.
Here's all you need in terms of supplies~
You already have everything in the house!
The super easy, how- to is right here.:
Enjoy painting while you read one of our Lenten book picks below!

~ 2 ~
Lenten Wreaths
Here's a simple, no -frills but extremely lovely decoration to remind and instill
in us all to
"PRAY, FAST, GIVE ALMS"
which I found at A Blessed Journey
and adapted for our use.
Above, are the items needed to create the wreath.
Again, all were purchased at The Dollar Tree.
As you can see, you start with a
simple wreath (about 10 inches in diameter), purple ribbon
( I picked up dark and light shades for my kids to choose.) and purple card stock.
( I picked up dark and light shades for my kids to choose.) and purple card stock.
About to wrap the ribbon around wreath:
Adding letters to the card stock "mini banners."
And here, affixing the card stock "mini banners" so they
hang from the center.
And hanging from the door inside of our most lived in room,
so that we can enjoy it often:

~ 3 ~
Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy Crosses
We began with simple foam cross cut outs as well as a package of
foam-y flower stickers. :
Easy and time saving during a busy week.
Both items obtained at The Dollar Tree.
Love The Dollar Tree, don't you?
The kids glued a cross on each of two pieces of pastel card stock.
They then wrote key words from the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, after an in depth discussion of ways that, as a family, we could endeavor to accomplish as many of the Works as possible during Lent.
They then wrote key words from the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, after an in depth discussion of ways that, as a family, we could endeavor to accomplish as many of the Works as possible during Lent.
And of course, during Ordinary Time as well.
There's a great explanation of the Works of Mercy at this site.
Every time they/we accomplish a Work of Mercy,
they'll stick a flower on the cross;
by Easter, hopefully, the crosses will be covered!
they'll stick a flower on the cross;
by Easter, hopefully, the crosses will be covered!
Not an artistically challenging project for either of my kids, as they are 11 and almost 14, BUT the faith and the service meaning behind the project is, of course, of utmost import and will serve as a tangible and visual reminder of living the way of the Cross this season.

~ 4 ~
Play Dough Crown of Thorns
Step 1: Create 3 strands with any colors of play dough.
Step 2: Braid
Step 3: Form crown
Step 4: Add "thorns" (toothpicks)
Completed crowns:

~ 5 ~
Books we've come to live in and love during Lent
Amon's Adventure
continues the story began during Advent
with the same beloved characters
in Tabitha's Travels
Jotham's Journey
and
Bartholomew's Passage.
This is a family favorite that sweeps us back to the time surrounding
Jesus's Crucifixion and provide a front row seat people,
the events, the circumstances, the injustices, the betrayals and the loyalties.

~ 6 ~
Our favorite Bible
The Fireside Catholic Youth Bible
I've mentioned this Bible numerous times here in liturgical season activity
(it's also well read and refereed to during advent as we create our Jesse Tree )
We read also very frequently the Concise Bible History
to clarify and to reinforce settings,
Biblical figures.

~ 7 ~
Resurrection Eggs
A dozen bright and colorful plastic eggs, each containing an item
which symbolizes Jesus's life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
are perfect for every age.
Honestly, my kids' level of understanding at their ages is beyond the
symbolism conveyed through each;
yet each time we sit and talk "Lent,"
they still enjoy the discovery
within each egg as well as reading the
corresponding scripture verses in our Bible.
Symbols include a purple cloth, a piece of wood representing the cross,
dice, coins and of course one empty egg representative of the resurrection.
Please visit Jen's for more QTs!

~ Also, friends a reflection of mine
on the Lenten season, giving up and failing:
The Dark Night of the Soul:
Why a Failing Lent Really Isn't

For my previous "Artful Friday" posts,
you might like to click below.....
They're all here if you'd like to dust off something from the archives:
( knitting, winter crafts, the theater and piano)
Sewing Fun for Kids!
Light up the Night with a Paper Lantern:
Doctor Who Torch!
Valentine and Snowy Craft, Books, Games
Robert Frost Unit Study:
Poetry Notebooks, Rhyme Scheme Lessons,
Glitter Stopping by Woods Snowy Bottle,
The Road Not Taken Collage,
Make Your Own Snowflakes and More
And, my son's popular guest posts on crafting rocket balloons,
both of which include instructional videos:
I hope you get a chance to click over and enjoy one of his posts!
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Until next time,
~Chris