1st Sunday of Lent – Year C (2022)

The readings for the First Sunday of Lent for Year C demonstrate that we must give our whole lives to God. In the first reading (Deuteronomy 26:4-10) Moses explains that we must give our best offering to the Lord. The psalm (Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15) sings of deliverance from trouble. In the second reading (Romans 10:8-13) Paul tells us we must follow Jesus not just with our minds, but also with our hearts. In the gospel (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus is tempted by the devil in the desert but resists, putting his trust in his Father instead.

This is a good time to think about if we give our whole selves to the Lord or if we hold back for ourselves. Here are some ideas:

Make a Prayer Rock (VBS or Youth Ministry Activity)

A prayer rock is a simple way to remember to pray each day. Parents can lay them on their children's pillows so they remember to pray. Teens can keep them in their backpacks or lockers. Anyone can put them on a desk or carry a small one in a pocket or purse.

Lenten Activities: Make a Prayer Chain

A prayer chain puts our prayers in a tangible form. For children, this can be a good way to teach about the different types of prayer.  #prayer #YouthGroup #YouthMinistry #ReligiousEd #CCD #PSR #VBS

Lenten Activities: Give Up Candy and Soda for a Week

The three traditional Catholic practices during Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Long term fasting during Lent can be difficult for young children. So instead of giving up something for all of Lent they can give up something different each week. #Lent

Lenten Activities: Make an Offering Box

Lent is a beautiful opportunity to offer ourselves to our Lord.  An offering box is a tangible way to make our offerings. It can be used for many different types of offerings. #Lent #sacrifice #offering

Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It

Gratitude can be one of the most fruitful forms of prayer. When we specifically notice things to be grateful for, we become aware of and acknowledge God's constant presence in our lives. Practicing gratitude daily is a practice which can change your whole attitude and it doesn't have to take a lot of time.

Christ vs Satan in Our Daily Lives

Fr. Robert Spitzer explains how to recognize evil forces in our lives and overcome them. Through Jesus Christ we can be transformed and fight evil instead of being controlled by it.

God Alone Shall You Serve

The devil said to him, "I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me." Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve."