Lenten almsgiving: No-cost good deeds, donations, ROAK, volunteer work for kids

Catholics around the world enter into the penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. In 2016, Ash Wednesday will be on Feb. 10. Starting after Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), until Easter, Catholics practice Lenten virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving (charitable giving) Catholics "give up things" in sacrifice for others and in imitation of Jesus's temptation in the desert. So abstaining--got it. But what about almsgiving if you're poor yourself? What about kids who typically don't have much money? Can they practice Lent sacrifice? Yes, because almsgiving doesn't have to involve donations of money. You can make donations of time and talent as well as treasure. Here are no-cost good deeds, ROAK (Random Acts of Kindness) and volunteer work for kids. Use this Lenten calendar of no-cost good deeds, one for every day of Lent.  Lenten almsgiving: No-cost good deeds, donations, ROAK, volunteer work for kids | Examiner.com

Free printable Catholic crafts, Bible bingo, Christian games, religious puzzles

The Catholic liturgical year heads into Lent on Feb. 10, 2016. In this most solemn and meaningful season, Catholic school teachers, religious education instructors, homeschool parents will enjoy these free printable Catholic crafts, Christian games, religious puzzles and activities. Use these for lesson plans, party games, holy day activities and family fun. Free printable Catholic crafts, Bible bingo, Christian games, religious puzzles

Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes before and after Christmas

Ask any normal red-blooded kid what he looks forward to most about Christmas and he will unabashedly state, "the presents!" (and stop just short of adding "duh!") Children aren't selfish, per se; they like getting presents and have been taught to expect things. So before you say a child is spoiled or selfish, look to home. Because parents talk big about the importance of giving over receiving and they overspend, overindulge and over-gift children. This reinforces to kids that getting is the essence of Christmas. Need ideas to teach children holiday generosity and unselfishness? The best medicine for the greedy, green-eyed gimmes is giving. Here are pay-it-forward activities.   Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas