Teach Children Generosity With Lent Almsgiving Activities

Catholics around the world enter into the penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. From now till Easter, we practice Lenten virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We give up things in imitation of Jesus's temptation in the desert. We pray to draw closer to God. And we share with those in need. Here are 40 ways kids can give, one for each day of lent. I've included free printable activities, Bible coloring sheets, Catholic crafts and lesson plans.  Teach Kids Generosity With Lenten Almsgiving Activities, Donations

Ban Bossy, We Need to Empower Girls, Not Squash Them

I hate it when Americans pontificate about how bad women have it in other countries, then silence their own women. I know women are abused, kept in slavery, prevented from learning. I'm not deaf to their problems. I pray for them and support empowerment missions, like Amnesty, WAR and Global Girlfriend. It's our hypocrisy I object to. In our supposed enlightened nation, girls have low self-esteem issues 3.5 times more than boys. Girls don't speak up, don't take leadership, don't assert their intelligence. They play dumb and weak. Why? Because we teach them to. Parents, join me in helping our girls find and use their voice. This is what God calls us to do. When He spoke of women as the weaker vessels, it wasn't to shame or silence them. It was to help their realize their essential role.   Ban Bossy, Empower Girls to Speak Out, Not Tell Them to Shut Up

Why Catholics Give Up Things for Lent, Spiritual and Physical Fasts

Today on Ash Wednesday, Catholics begin Lent which follows Christ’s passion, death and resurrection at Easter. Part of our Lenten practice is to fast from vices or luxuries in imitation of Christ’s sufferings. We deny ourselves to get closer to God.



What we give up may not be bad. But preoccupation with it takes focus from God. Common fasts are sweets, TV, video games. This may seem immature. But we’re called to approach the kingdom of heaven like children. I know plenty adults (raises hand) who let worldly things distract us from Godly.   Why Catholics Give Up Things for Lent, Spiritual and Physical Fasting