Lent is one of the oldest observations in the Catholic Faith. Like other seasons and holy days, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics and many other Christians. The video below from Catholic Online explains the symbolism of wearing ashes on the forehead, and the significance of the prayer the priest prays on Ash Wednesday.
Why do we receive Ashes? What is the Origin of Ashes? Learn about Forgiveness? What is Confession? CTN through Learn360 has many resources to guide you through this most holy liturgical season of the Church.
Primary & Intermediate Level:
- Forgiven (Brother Francis) (Gr. PreK-5)
- Stations of the Cross (Brother Francis) (Gr. PreK-5)
- Forgiveness Fun! (Bedbug Bible Gang) (Gr. PreK-3)
- Lost and Found-The Prodigal Son (Bedbug Bible Gang) (Gr. PreK-3)
- Reconciliation (The Best We Can Be) (Gr. 3-5)
- In the Beginning: The Suffering Servant (Gr. 3-5)
- Lenten Practices (Gr. 3-5)
- In the Beginning-Lent Special (Ash Wednesday to the Triduum) (Gr. 3-5)
- Paschal Mystery-Segment 1 (WOW-A Catholic Game Show w/Fr. Reed) (Gr. 3-5)
- Paschal Mystery-Segment 2 (WOW-A Catholic Game Show w/Fr. Reed) (Gr. 3-5)
- Paschal Mystery-Segment 3 (WOW-A Catholic Game Show w/Fr. Reed) (Gr. 3-5)
- Paschal Mystery-Segment 4 (WOW-A Catholic Game Show w/Fr. Reed) (Gr. 3-5)
Intermediate & Junior High Level:
- Lent The Facts (Why do we say there are 40 days of Lent when there are actually 46?) (Gr. 3-8)
- Lent the Facts (Are Sundays really a day of exemption if you have made a Lenten sacrifice?) (Gr. 3-8)
- Lent the Facts (When we abstain from eating meat what exactly is classified as meat?) (Gr. 3-8)
- Lent the Facts (What are the rules of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?) (Gr. 3-8)
- Lent the Facts (According to canon law, who is supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?) (Gr. 3-8)
- Oops! I Did It Again! (I’m Catholic, and That’s What’s Up!-Sac. of Reconciliation) (Gr. 6-8
- Origins of Ashes with Fr. John Cush (Gr. 6-8)
- Ashes on the Forehead with Fr. John Cush (Gr. 6-8)
- The Mystery of Suffering-A Lenten Special (Kingdom & Culture) (Gr. 6-8)
- 40 Days with Fr. John Cush (Gr. 6-8)
- Fasting in the Bible with Fr. John Cush (Gr. 6-8)
- How Do I Go to Confession (Gr. 6-8)
- Trick Question of Paying Taxes to Caesar (Palm Sunday-Dateline Jerusalem) (Gr. 6-8)
- Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Dateline Jerusalem) (Gr. 6-8)
Additional Resources:
- Ash Wednesday Video (Catholic Online)
- Lenten Resources (Sadlier Religion)
- Lent Activities and Resources for Children (Loyola Press)
- Stations of the Cross for Children (Loyola Press)
- Unplugging for Lent (Catholic Icing)
- Lenten Sacrifice Beans for Lent (Catholic Icing)