Each of the Church's liturgical seasons celebrates a particular expression or moment of a singular event - Christ's Paschal Mystery, that is, Christ's dying and rising for us. The season of Lent evolved as a time of growth and preparation leading to the annual paschal celebration of Easter.

The Christian community spends Lent preparing candidates for welcome and initiation into the faith community. This preparation ends with the rituals of the Easter Vigil (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), which give candidates a share in the Paschal Mystery.

Lent is also a time for atonement and reparation, a season of penitence leading to a change of heart. It is a season of renewal, a time when the faithful ready themselves for Easter by renewing their own commitment to a life of change and growth in faith.

In response to Jesus' invitation to change and grow, your child enters upon a Lenten journey presented in an age-appropriate way in the four lessons of this chapter. They are challenged to do a particular loving action that will show how they are growing in love.

The Church recognizes that little children cannot undertake an adult Lenten pilgrimage, nor can children undertake this journey of growth alone. Your loving guidance can show your child that God's love is always there. This love does not come because your child changes and grows. No, God's love precedes the change and growth. Your child changes and grows because of God's love.

Family Activity

	Help your child plant seeds and watch them grow in the next few weeks. Plant seeds, such as grass, radish, or beans that easily germinate. Each day of Lent, encourage your child to tend to his or her seeds. Tell your child that by Easter the seeds will become wonderful plants.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.