We hope these free digital downloads bless you this Lent as you prepare for His Glorious Resurrection!

1. Sing the Ave Regina Caelorum

The Marian Antiphone “Ave Regina caelorum” is from the Liturgy of the Hours during Compline. It is sung from Candlemas  until Maundy Thursday. We sing it at the end of our academic day during this time of year. You can listen to it here and download a free printable coloring page in English and Latin here! It is a nice time to reflect on the lyrics and consider what happens in the life of Mary from Candlemas to Maundy Thursday.

2. Bury the Allelulia, literally!

When Lent starts we bury the Allelulia at Mass, and so in our home we physically bury the Allelulia as a visual sign that Lent is here. It is all the more exciting on that wonderful Easter Sunday when we dig up the Allelulia that was buried in the cold ground, and display the beautiful creation. Try to color before Ash Wedneday and decorate it for the Easter Season. Then place it in a plastic ziploc bag and bury it until it’s proper time. Print a copy here!

3.Reflect on John 11:35 with a free Illuminated Coloring Page

Illuminated manuscripts have a special place in our faith. They are beautiful, inspiring, and they truly help to light up the page. Have your children color the shortest verse in the Holy Scriptures, John 11:35 in English or Latin. You might even want to illuminate one yourself! Review the passage with them and be well prepared for the 5th Sunday of Lent when this verse is read. Print the illuminated coloring page here. 

4.Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries is a well known devotion for the Lenten Season. Enjoy this Scriptual Rosary for Lent and meditate on the passion of Our Lord. Download your Scriputal Rosary for the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary here.

4. Begin to prepare ideas for observing Holy Week and the Holy Triduum

Have you seen the free Holy Week and Triduum EBook? It is filled with recipes and acitivies for enjoying this season and preparing to celebrate the Resurrection.

5.Make a point to recall the 10 Commandments and preform an examination of conscience often

Lent is a great time to recall the 10 Commandments, and make an examination of conscience (daily would be ideal!) as well as go to Confession and preform Penance. When review the 10 Commandments we can refer to them often and why they are rules that really help us to live happy lives. Printable 10 Commandment Craft is available for download, and it is interactive to aid with studying!

6.Decide as a family or class what Penance you will complete.

Make a list and keep it as a reminder as Lent progresses what your original intentions were. Be clear from the start and try to encourage one another on the journey!

7. Find a Tenebrae Service

Tenebrae is a traditional service of the Church which means darkness, and was held during the Triduum. Today Tenebrae services vary, but try to see if any are hosted in your area!

Bonus ideas for this Lent!

• Pray the Stations of the Cross often. There is a great printable for children here that we use each year. We use them to color and take with when we pray the stations at church. This book is a favorite for when we want to sit down and pray the stations at home. We also love these posters and we like to set them up as stations in our home, each with a candle. We begin with all 14 candles it and after each station one candle is extinguished until the room is dark. This reminds us of the Tenebrae service too, and helps us to remember we are is darkness, and Christ is Our Light. *Always* be careful with lit candles.
• Give Alms, Make Sacrifices, Donate, time, talent and treasure- come up with a plan to give this Lent. Remember the Works of Mercy and brainstorm ideas together of how to live them.
• The 7 Churches Devotion – On Holy Thursday visit 7 Churches reflecting on 7 points of His Sorrowful Passion
• Observe Passiontide

May we all have a blessed Lent filled with the Grace of God and enjoy the fruit, peace, and joy of the light that follows the darkness, the Easter Season!

JMJ

Rest in Thee Publications