Lent

I am very glad that Lent is finally here.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  I see it as a time for the cleansing of my soul, a chance to rid myself of bad habits (even if only temporarily), and the newness of life with spring approaching.
I read an article in the paper a few days ago that gave some wonderful ideas on how to use each of the 40 days of Lent to prepare for the Resurrection of Our Lord.  I really liked some of the ideas and think I am going to have the kids adapt it fit our family.  I've already gotten them to agree that we will pray more as a family, something that we try to do each day but never seems to materialize.  We'll do Stations of the Cross every Friday night after Fish Fry and we all look forward to that.  Each of the kids have decided to give something up and most of them will attend daily Mass with me when I lector twice a week.  Ash Wednesday I think was hardest for them. They all fasted and abstained which I realize they all didn't have to but what they don't know won't hurt them. :)  Anyhow, they all did great and it showed them that they really don't have to eat all day long just because the food is there. (Maybe there is help for my food bill after all!)

The kids are also taking part in the Living Stations at St. Mark's the beginning of April.  Ricky will be playing Jesus, Jyl will play Veronica, and Michelle and Marybeth will be some of the children.  There are no speaking parts, well at least not the characters, there will just be a narrator but it will be a nice opportunity for each of them to step out into the acting world. I'm looking forward to it. Should be fun and of course give them an inside understanding of what Jesus went through for us. I definitely have to try and video it, wonder if that will be an issue in Church.  I'll have to make a mental note and ask.