Lent is our greatest season of hope because it awaits the great mystery of Jesus resurrection on Easter morning. Hope means “to want and expect.” Christians hope in Christ and that hope will not disappoint us (Romans 5:5). It is a feeling that what is wanted will happen. We pray during Lent and throughout the year, that God will empower us to be positive and help us also seek and see the goodness in one another. We can help our students to look at the world with hopeful eyes. When we have hope, our outlook on the world will be more optimistic.

One of the most important habits of mind that children can develop is optimism. Pessimism, on the other hand, leads to helplessness and withdrawal – it doesn’t matter what I do, it won’t work, so there is no point in trying. Optimism is not about temperament; it is a habit of thinking that relates to how we interpret events. And it can therefore be taught.

Optimism has been found to be one of the key characteristics of resilient people. The brain can be rewired to be more optimistic through the experiences it is exposed to. This doesn’t mean invalidating one’s pessimistic feelings. Acknowledge their view of the world, and introduce them to a different one. Children who practice optimistic thinking are more resilient, they are less likely to give up in the face of challenge, and they tend to interpret experiences in a way that gives them a sense of control and confidence.

Prayer Treasure Chest. Materials: shoe box or other box with a lid, old magazines, scissors, glue, stickers, colorful paper. Students cut out pictures that remind them of hope and love, and glue them on the box. Have students write (or help little ones write) three prayers on separate slips of paper and place the prayers in the Treasure Chest. Before faith formation class begins, ask each person to draw out a prayer to read privately to themselves. Close the silent prayer time with a prayer for the group to hope in Christ. Make time for everyone to add more prayers and intentions in the coming weeks.

Rice Bowl of Hope. Materials: bowl, paper, and pen. Or use an Operation Rice Bowl box from Catholic Relief Services. One way of sharing hope with others is by giving alms. Plan to conserve one meal a week and use the money for the Rice Bowl. At the end of Lent, give the money to your local poor or to Catholic Relief Services.

Popcorn Reflection. Make some popcorn, and discuss how the kernels change and become transformed. (The good food was hidden within the hard shell.) Share ideas on how we can be compared to popcorn in our own lives. Can you think of another food metaphor for hidden blessings?

Sharing Our Optimism Stories. Invite students to work with a partner or a small group.

• Each share a story about a hope he or she had and how things worked out.
• Share a funny story about him or herself.
• Share a time you felt especially cared for by someone.