Ash Wednesday begins a wonderful season of reflection and preparation. Receiving the ashes as a member of the church community helps children recognize that they are an important part of the Catholic community and are united with the Church in its Lenten preparation. It is believed that Ash Wednesday was first observed in the Middle Ages around the 8th century. It was first called the Day of Ashes. Since then, the practice has also become an annual ritual in many other Christian churches, including Lutherans and Methodists.

Ash Wednesday provides an incredible teaching moment for kids. This is an opportunity to intentionally pass on the truth that life is but a breath and that our eternal relationship with God is our primary goal. The sage teaches us, "It is better to go to a funeral than to go to a party, because death is the destiny of everyone. The living should take this to heart" (Ecclesiastes 7:2).

On Ash Wednesday, we receive a sign of the cross on our foreheads from ashes (usually made from the palms used on Palm Sunday the previous year). This mark is a reminder of our mortality--we are all going to die--and a call for repentance. The person who gives the signs says over you, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return" (Genesis 3:19b) or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel” (adapted from Mark 1:15).

Lent is a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice, a time for the entire family to be more attentive to the words of Jesus and to each other. It is a time to try harder to put Christ’s teachings into practice. The Church asks everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Everyone 18 or older, and under 59 years of age, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

While children are not bound to observe these penitential practices, they will benefit from participating.

On a Positive Note. Lent means doing something as well as giving up something. They could choose a positive action for each day of Lent.

A New Take on Fasting. Ask students to brainstorm creative ways they could fast during Lent. Ask your class to add to these ideas:

• Fast from fast food.
• Fast from TV one day a week.
• Fast electronic games one day a week.
• Fast from using the computer and spend that time with your family.
• Fast from buying anything that is unnecessary during Lent.
• Fast from bad habits that need to be changed or given up.

Making the Most of Lent in the Classroom. To help your students go deeper into the Lent, your Blest Are We Faith in Action series provides “Feasts and Seasons” lessons near the end of the student book at all levels. The teaching resources provided include the Teacher or Catechist Background page, Resources, and At-A-Glance Planner. The lessons follow the same Share, Hear and Believe, and Respond process as the unit chapters. Also, look for free downloadable resources from RCL Benziger for Lent.