Lenten Promise Place Mats

To understand the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer

The children will be able to identify and explain the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.

• Purple paper
• One poster board or chalkboard
• Crayons, markers, pens, pencils
• Light-colored paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Glitter or other decorative materials

• Spend some time discussing the ways in which we can become more like Jesus during the 40 days of Lent. Encourage the children to share how they have celebrated Lent in the past and if they were ever tempted to give up their Lenten promises.
• Say to the children: During the 40 days of Lent, we may be tempted to turn away from the commitments we have made, but we can persevere by praying, reading Scripture, and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit.
• At this time, ask the children to consider some ways in which they can make Lenten promises with their families. Write their ideas on the poster board or chalkboard.
• Explain to the children that keeping a promise is often easier when sharing the commitment with others you trust.
• Provide the children with paper, crayons, and pencils, and ask them to create a place mat for each member of their families.
• Encourage the children to think of special ways that their families can walk together in Jesus' footsteps during Lent. Have the children decorate their place mats, including the types of promises that other family members might want to share.
• Invite the children to use the color purple on their place mats and remind them that it is the color of the Lenten season.
• Say to the children: When we deliberately practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we grow in moral virtue and we grow closer to Jesus.
  

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