Lent 2025: Resources from the Catechesis Collective
It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
We are soon entering the season of Lent.
The 40 days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter correspond to the length of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. For Christians, this season is marked by self-examination and joyful repentance in preparation for celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Most of us who have observed Lent in the past are accustomed to fasting. Giving up food or social media may help reveal where we have replaced our hunger for God with a hunger for finite things. But if all we do is fast, we’ll simply find ourselves, well... hungry. Fasting is of little benefit unless we’ve first feasted on the Word of God.
This Lent, let us take up a daily practice of family scripture reading and prayer. I’ve recommended two Lenten journeys below, one for younger children and the second for school-aged children or older. Our readings through Lent will remind us of the means of our salvation, placing us as hearers of Jesus’ earthly ministry and sojourners with him on the road as he turns his face toward Jerusalem and the cross.
So, knowing the relative value of bread (or chocolate) to the Word of God, let us take up a feast. May we be nourished by the daily Bread God provides.
Catechesis
Learn catechesis with actions! Here
Who is Jesus?
Jesus is my Saviour. Totally God, totally man.
He bore my sin, dying in my place on the cross
Then he rose from the dead
To rule as King over me and all creation.
Making a Family Plan for Lent
Make a plan before Lent. Talk with your children about when and where you will meet for family prayer. Aim for daily, but give grace when you miss a day. When that happens, don’t go back to make it up—just start at the current day. In our family, we have found it helps to have a box that holds a candle, matches, a Bible, and a cross. Give a gentle reminder five minutes in advance. The children grab the box at 8 AM, and we all meet at the table.
A Simple Family Prayer Guide
Gather: Light a candle and remember God is here.
Invitation: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). With coaching, children five or younger can easily lead this while everyone responds with the bold words.
Scripture Reading: Follow the Lenten Journey reading plan. Invite your children to take turns looking up and reading aloud the scripture.
Wondering Questions: Encourage reflection and understanding by asking wondering questions and discussing the reading.
Prayer: Offer praise, thanksgiving, and intercession to God. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer. Mix it up and sing Te Karakia O Te Atua.
Lenten Journey with Jesus (For Younger Children)
Prepare: Dust off your Jesus Storybook Bible, or borrow one from your church. Download and print out the paper chain (double-sided). Invite your children to help you cut and staple, and display the chain.
During Lent: Gather daily for a short family prayer. Undo one link from the chain each day and read the corresponding story. Enjoy counting down the days to celebrate Easter.
Lenten Journey with a Scripture Calendar (For Confident Readers & Youth)
Prepare: Print out the calendar and sticker pages.
During Lent: Gather daily for family prayer and read the assigned scripture. Cut out the corresponding sticker and glue it to the calendar for a visual timeline that builds as you journey toward the cross.
Join the Catechesis Collective
Are you interested in simple practices for household discipleship? Join the Catechesis Collective. We’re exploring how to be faithfully formed through a rediscovery of catechesis and yearly rhythms.
For more information, email kara.dodds@yahoo.co.nz.
This Lent, let’s not just give up things—we invite you to take up a feast of God’s Word and be nourished daily.
