How to Observe Ash Wednesday for Children

Religious holidays should generally include the whole family, and Ash Wednesday is no exception. Include your children in the family's observation of this first day of Lent, celebrated by Christians (especially Catholics) worldwide. Teachers at Christian and parochial schools can use these ideas for their classroom activities on Ash Wednesday. Here's how to observe Ash Wednesday for Children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take the children to an Ash Wednesday Mass. Ahead of time, explain to them about the tradition of receiving ashes on one's forehead as a sign of penance. Children may receive ashes along with the adults at the proper time.
2. Read to children from the Bible, reminding them of God's love for us and our need for sacrifice and reparation. Explain the connection between Christ's 40 days in the desert and our 40 days of Lent, which begin on Ash Wednesday.
3. Lead children in a craft or coloring activity with a an Ash Wednesday theme. Use printable coloring sheets with Lenten symbols, or have them draw their interpretation of the Ash Wednesday observance.
4. Encourage children to "give up" something for Lent. Ideas include TV time, candy, or dessert.
5. Help children choose a virtue to work on during Lent. They can practice charity by not fighting with siblings and classmates, obedience by not talking back to their parents, and honesty by telling the truth.

Tips & Warnings

• See resources, below, for books on Lent and Ash Wednesday for Children.