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Into the Desert: Resources for Lent

Ashes, fasting, praying, Stations of the Cross, no meat on Fridays, parish fish fries, Passion plays, communal penance services… there are SO many things going on during the season of Lent to help us enter into this time of penance and preparation. It can feel a little overwhelming. What do we choose to do? What will we actually stick with? Are we giving from the heart or out of obligation? What are we doing to help our kids learn how to fast, pray, and give alms?

If you are in need of just a few things to inspire you or to help you and your teen children enter into all the good things of Lent, check out these ideas and resources:

If you want to cover your house in quotes from holy people to inspire you on your Lenten journey check these out. Put them on the fridge, in lunch boxes, or on mirrors. The possibilities are endless — just like the opportunities to grow in holiness.

This one is just something fun to do with your teens. Do you want to see what kind of Easter you will have based off of how you spend your Lent? Try taking this quiz.

Also, don’t forget the ceremonial changing of the desktop background with the changing seasons and check out this gem.

Lent is a great time to recommit to prayer or start up a consistent prayer life if it is not already part of your daily routine. This is also a great time to encourage your teens to do the same. For some ideas on how to inspire them as they dive into prayer, check out this blog about the rosary, this blog about prayer journaling, and this blog for teens just beginning to pray.

While fasting is an important part of our prayer lives in general, it is central to our Lenten experience. As St. Augustine once said, “Fasting and almsgiving are ‘the two wings of prayer’ which enable it to gain momentum and more easily reach even to God.”

And since you brought it up St. Augustine, almsgiving is also central to Lent and the Catholic life, so here is something for that one too.

Also, it is never too late to pick up our Lent Companion, so be sure to check that out as well.

I hope that you enjoy all of these resources that Life Teen has to help you and your teen in your Lenten journey!

About the Author

Amanda Grubbs

Amanda Grubbs is a graduate from Franciscan University with a degree in Theology and Catechetics with a concentration in Youth Ministry. She serves as the Edge Support Coordinator for Life Teen, and is actively involved at her local parish. She is a Colorado native who now happily resides in the heat and beauty of the desert with her husband and two children. You can email her at [email protected] or follower her on Twitter @LT_AmandaG.