St. Kilian's Mindful Moment - T1W9

T1W9 - Harmony

Harmony, as celebrated during Harmony Day and Harmony Week, promotes inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for all, embracing the richness of cultural diversity. It connects to Lent through the themes of reflection, reconciliation, and love for others, reminding us to grow in compassion, forgiveness, and unity as we work towards fostering peace within our communities.

Acknowledgment of Country

This week, you might like to invite students to create or say their own Acknowledgement of Country.

Using the sentence starters below, students can reflect on what they are thankful for, the promise they wish to make, and what they value about Dja Dja Wurrung Country. This helps make the Acknowledgement personal, respectful, and meaningful.

St. Kilian's Acknowledgment of Country

We would like to acknowledge the Jaara people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today, we acknowledge ancestors and elders past, present and emerging and commit ourselves to work actively for reconciliation and justice.

Choose your own...

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we are on today, the Dja Dja Wurrung people.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future.

We thank them for ______________________________________.

Today, we promise to ____________________________________.

We are grateful to walk, learn, and play on this ______________________ land.

Here are some examples you might use:

Thanking them for: sharing their knowledge, caring for Country, welcoming us

Promise to: care for the land, learn about culture, treat nature with respect, invite all with open arms, help others who come to this country/land

Describe the land as: special, sacred, strong, beautiful, ancient, peaceful, friendly, open

Prayer

Centering

A quiet moment to pause, breathe, and bring our hearts and minds into God’s presence, preparing ourselves to pray with focus, gratitude, and openness.

You are invited to play the didgeridoo music while getting the students to centre...

Let us take a moment to pause… to breathe… to be still.

As the deep, ancient sound of the didgeridoo surrounds us, we are reminded of the land we stand on, the First Peoples who have cared for it, and God’s presence that has always been here.

Breathe in God’s love… (pause) and breathe out any worries.

Breathe in God’s peace… (pause) and breathe out any distractions.

As we quiet our hearts, we open ourselves to God—who walks with us, speaks to us, and loves us completely.

Loving God, be with us now. Guide our hearts, our thoughts, and our words as we come together in prayer.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Reflection

A quiet moment to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts, deepen our faith, and inspire us to live with love and kindness.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28

1. Set the Atmosphere (1 minute)

Invite everyone to sit comfortably and take a deep breath in… and out.
Encourage them to relax their shoulders and gently close their eyes if they feel comfortable.

2. Scripture Reading (1 minute)

Read Galatians 3:28 slowly and meaningfully:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Pause for a few seconds to let the words sink in.
This Bible verse reminds us that God loves everyone. It doesn’t matter where we come from, what we look like, or what we are good at — we are all special and important to God. When we follow Jesus, we belong to one big family, and everyone matters. Harmony means treating each other with kindness, respect, and fairness, so no one feels left out. When we do this, we show God’s love in our school and our world.

3. Reflection (2 minutes)

What does it mean to treat everyone kindly, even if they are different from us?
How can we show that everyone belongs in our class or school?
Why do you think God wants us to see everyone as equal and special?
What is one kind thing you can do to help create harmony today?

I am Australian - Sing Along

1. Introduction (30 seconds)

Share: “This song reminds us that while we all come from different places, we are connected as one human family. As we listen, let’s reflect on how we can live out unity and kindness in our daily lives.”

2. Listening & Reflection (2-3 minutes)

Play the video.
Encourage participants to focus on the lyrics and let the message of inclusion and togetherness settle in.
Optional: Ask them to close their eyes or place their hand on their heart as they listen.

3. Silent Moment & Closing Thought (30 seconds)

After the song, pause for a moment of silence and ask the folling questions:
1. What does the song help us understand about the many different people who live in Australia?
2. How does the song show that people can be different but still belong together?
3. Why is it important that everyone feels proud of who they are and where they come from?
4. How can we make sure everyone in our class or school feels like they belong?
5. What does harmony look like when we play, learn, or work together?
Say: “May we carry this spirit of unity and harmony with us today.”

Offering

A moment to open our hearts to God, whether in asking for guidance, strength, and help or in giving thanks for His blessings, love, and presence in our lives.

Think about what you just learned about harmony How can we help others feel included, supported, and treated fairly? Use the prompts below to help shape your prayer.

Thanksgiving prompts

Thank You, God, for giving me…
Thank You, God, for helping me…
Thank You, God, for the people who…
Thank You, God, for the beauty of…
Thank You, God, for the lessons I learn when…
Thank You, God, for always…
Thank You, God, for the moments when…
Thank You, God, for the strength to…
Thank You, God, for Your love that…
Thank You, God, for the joy of…

Asking prompts

Please, God, help me to…
Please, God, give me the courage to…
Please, God, guide me when…
Please, God, help me to be more…
Please, God, show me how to…
Please, God, help me to forgive…
Please, God, remind me to…
Please, God, be with me when…
Please, God, give me the wisdom to…
Please, God, teach me to…

Regular prayers

God, please watch over and heal those who are sick, especially…
I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially…
Lord, help those who are feeling lonely or sad to know they are loved, including…
God, please give strength and courage to people who are facing difficult times, such as…
Thank you for the beauty of creation and the many blessings in my life, like…

Prayer

SIGN OF THE CROSS PRAYER | Learn to Make the Sign of the Cross!

Let's pray the SIGN OF THE CROSS with Tomkin the Catholic Cowboy.

A simple and beautiful way to bless ourselves reminding us of Christ's love.

Our Father Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Five Finger Prayer - a guided prayer, helping to think wider than themselves

Hail Mary

Hail Mary,

Full of Grace,

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

pray for us sinners now,

and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary for Children in Song

A fun way for kids to learn the Hail Mary with song.

Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us! | Let's Pray with Tomkin

Let's pray the HAIL MARY with Tomkin the Catholic Cowboy. A most beautiful prayer to honor Our Lady, the Mother of God! Mary, Our Heavenly Mother, Pray for Us!

St. Kilian's School Prayer

Father,

We believe that St Kilian’s School is a great place to learn and have fun.

We trust our school community will continue to welcome new members and will always help

and care for each other.

We thank you for the love and respect of our families, teachers and friends.

With Jesus as our model, may we grow to be the best people we can.

Amen.

Songs from Opening Mass

These Hands - St. Kilian's.mp4

These Hands - Andrew Chinn (St. Kilian's Version)

Open My Heart - Jesse Manibusan

Fill Us Up - Rob Galea

Go Now in Peace - Andrew Chinn

PBIS

St. Kilian's Routines

This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz at school is all about “Moving Safely.” We are learning the importance of being respectful, responsible, and safe in how we move in our school, inside and outside.

Moving safely means using our bodies, voices, and choices to make sure everyone stays happy, calm, and free from harm when we are walking to a new place — whether that’s inside the classroom, to another learning space, or out in the yard.

One of our most important safety rules is: No running in the junior area.
This includes the spaces outside the Paderborn buildings and near the junior playground. Walking in these areas keeps everyone safe, prevents trips and falls, and makes sure younger students feel comfortable and confident when moving around.

When we move safely, we are showing our school values:

Respectful – We give others space, move quietly, and don’t disturb learning or play.
Responsible – We follow the teacher’s directions, stay with our group, and look after our own safety and the safety of others.
Safe – We walk in the right areas (especially the junior area), keep our hands and feet to ourselves, and move in a way that prevents accidents.

When everyone moves safely, we can enjoy our learning and play without anyone getting hurt.

SKPS Student Movement (Inside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Inside)

This routine is used anytime students need to move around within the classroom (e.g., from mat to table, or into groups).

It keeps the classroom calm and safe, helps everyone know what to do, and stops confusion or rushing.

Movement Inside the Classroom (Short Version)

Ready in Five
Listen for when, what, and who will move
Move silently and safely when told
Stay focused and listen for the next instruction

SKPS Student Movement (Outside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Outside)

This routine is for times when students move out of the classroom (e.g., to specialists, Mass, assembly).

It shows respect to others, keeps everyone together and safe, and helps the class arrive at places calmly and on time.

Movement Outside the Classroom (Short Version)

Ready in Five
Line up in two quiet lines
Stay with the person in front of you
Walk quietly and respectfully
Stop when asked and listen carefully

SKPS Ready in Five.docx

Ready in Five

‘Ready in Five’ is a consistent teacher prompt used to gain students' full attention before giving instructions or starting a lesson.

The teacher stands in a central position, counts down from five while scanning the room, and waits for 100% of students to respond and make eye contact. It teaches students to stop, look, and listen, creating a calm and focused transition into learning.

SKPS Classroom Entry.docx

Classroom Entry

The Classroom Entry Routine sets clear expectations for how students enter the room after breaks or transitions.

Students line up in pairs, enter quietly, stand or sit in their spot, and wait with eyes on the teacher before being greeted and seated. It promotes calm, safe, and respectful beginnings to lessons, helping students settle quickly for learning.

SKPS Clasroom Exit.docx

Classroom Exit

The Classroom Exit Routine guides students in leaving the room calmly and respectfully at the end of a lesson or day.

Students pack up quietly, stand behind their desks, respond to the teacher's farewell, and are dismissed row by row. It ensures a smooth and safe transition, reinforcing gratitude, order, and readiness for what comes next.

Problem Solving

Sometimes, problems at school—whether with friends, classmates, or learning—can feel tricky to solve on your own. That’s why your teachers are here! If something is making you upset, confused, or unsure, asking a teacher for help can make a big difference.

- Teachers can help you:
  🔹 Find fair and kind ways to solve conflicts.
  🔹 Give advice on making good choices.
  🔹 Support you when you feel worried or frustrated.
  🔹 Make sure everyone feels safe and respected.

Asking for help is a smart and strong thing to do. You don’t have to handle everything alone—your teacher is here to listen and support you!

When something is wrong poster.pdf

At St. Kilian's, we have a visual to help teach and remind us of what we can do when something is bothering us.

If something is bothering us we can;

Keep doing what I am doing.
- This means to stay focussed on what I am doing. If that doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can move away.
- This might mean moving away in another space in the room, or moving to a whole another new space.
- This could also mean moving to another group of people.
- If this doesn't work, then try the next step.
I can ask an adult for help.
- If the first two steps didn't work, then you can ask an adult to help you solve your problem.

Hands On

At St. Kilian’s, we keep our hands and feet to ourselves to make sure everyone feels safe and respected. If a hands-on incident happens (like pushing, hitting, or grabbing), here’s what will happen:

A teacher will step in to stop the situation and check that everyone is okay.
The incident will be reported to all staff and Mr. Teggelove and Mr. Podosky so they can follow up.
Parents will be informed about what happened.
A consequence will be given - 1 break off the yard
A restorative conversation will take place to help you understand what happened, why it wasn’t okay, and how to handle things better next time.

Our goal is to help everyone feel safe and supported while learning how to make positive choices and solve problems without using hands-on behaviour. If you ever feel unsafe, always talk to a teacher or trusted adult!

Special Events

Harmony Day

Harmony Day, observed annually on March 21 in Australia, is a celebration of the nation's cultural diversity, promoting inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Established in 1999, it coincides with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day encourages Australians to participate in various activities, such as cultural festivals, school events, and community gatherings, to appreciate and learn about different cultural backgrounds.

Harmony Week - Behind the News

What does Harmony Day celebrate?
Why do you think it is important to be kind and respectful to everyone?
How do different cultures make our community more special?
Can you think of a time when you made someone feel included? How did it make you feel?
What are some ways we can show kindness and welcome new people into our school or community?
What does ‘everyone belongs’ mean to you?
What is one thing you learned from the video about Harmony Day?

What is Harmony Day about?

Harmony Day is a special day when we celebrate how everyone is different and how everyone belongs. It reminds us to be kind, respectful, and welcoming to people from all cultures and backgrounds. Even though we may look, speak, or live differently, we can live together happily. Harmony Day helps us remember that our differences make our community stronger.

These video helps us learn about diversity, fairness, and why it’s important to treat everyone with kindness and respect. It also shows how unkind words or actions can hurt others. After watching, talk together about the questions and share your ideas about how we can make our school a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

Sesame Street: What is Racism? | #ComingTogether

In this clip, Chris from Sesame Street explains racism in simple terms, emphasizing that treating people unfairly because of their skin color is wrong and unfair.

Reflection Questions:

What does racism mean, and why is it unfair?
How can we stand up for someone who is treated unfairly because of their race?
What are some ways we can make sure everyone feels included and respected in our school?

What is Diversity?

This educational video explains the concept of diversity in simple terms, helping children understand why it's important to accept and appreciate differences among people.

Reflection Questions:

Why is it important to have people from different backgrounds in our community?
How can we celebrate and learn from our differences?
What is one thing you can do to make someone from a different background feel welcome?

Amy's Diary (a study of racism)

This short film presents a narrative exploring the impact of racism on individuals, serving as a discussion starter for understanding the personal effects of discriminatory behavior and the importance of empathy and inclusion.

Reflection Questions:

How did racism affect Amy in the video, and how do you think she felt?
What can we do if we see someone being treated unfairly because of their race?
How would you explain to a friend why racism is wrong?

The School That Tried to End Racism

This Australian documentary series follows a school program aimed at addressing racial bias among students. It provides valuable insights into understanding and combating racism.

Reflection Questions:

What did the students in the video learn about racism and bias?
How can we challenge our own biases and treat everyone fairly?
What is one action you can take to make your school a more inclusive place?

Harmony Day Dress-Up Day

On Friday 20th March, our school will celebrate Harmony Day, a day that recognises and celebrates the many cultures that make up our community. Students are invited to wear something orange or traditional clothing from their country of origin as a way of celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion. Harmony Day reminds us that everyone belongs, and together we can build a community based on respect, kindness, and understanding.

Prayers of the Faithful – Harmony Day

Leader:
Today we join together to pray for harmony, kindness, and respect in our world.

Response:
Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our world, that people of all cultures and backgrounds will be treated with respect and fairness.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our school community, that everyone will feel welcome, safe, and included.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for people who feel left out or hurt by unkind words or actions, especially those who experience racism or discrimination.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our families and friends, that we will learn to listen, care, and show kindness to one another.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves, that we will help create harmony by being friendly, fair, and respectful every day.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
Loving God, help us remember that we all belong and are one family. May we share your love with everyone we meet.
All: Amen.

Many Cultures, One Community

This week we are encouraged to learn about different cultures from around the world. Each culture is special and has its own traditions, stories, and ways of living. By trying these activities, we can learn to respect and celebrate our differences and remember that everyone belongs. As we move through each activity, think about how learning from one another helps us create harmony in our school and community.

Indigenous Australia

Indigenous Australians are the First Peoples of this land and have lived here for thousands of years. They have strong connections to the land, animals, stories, and community. One special way Indigenous people share their stories is through art, including dot painting. Dot paintings use patterns and symbols to tell stories about nature, journeys, and important places. When we create dot art, we are learning to respect Indigenous culture and the many ways stories can be shared without words.

Indigenous Symbols

Aboriginal people have used symbols for thousands of years to tell stories, give messages, and share knowledge about people, places, and Country. Today, we’re going to explore some of these symbols and use them to create our own message or artwork.

Instructions:

Look at the symbol sheets and flashcards to learn what each symbol means.
Think about a message or story you’d like to tell using the symbols.
Use the symbols to create your own artwork or message on paper.

Ireland

Ireland has a long history of stories, art, and music. One special type of Irish art is Celtic patterns, which use lines that twist and loop without an end. These patterns often show ideas like friendship, connection, and togetherness. When we colour or create Celtic designs, we are learning how art can show unity and how people are connected to one another.

Celtic Pattern Art

Students colour or design simple Celtic knot patterns. Explain that these patterns often go on forever, showing connection, friendship, and togetherness.

Instructions:

Print off the colourings and students can colour the colourings.

Irish Dancing

Irish dance is a fun and energetic way people in Ireland share their culture. It uses quick footwork, strong rhythms, and lots of joy. Join in and have a go at Irish dancing, as we move together, have fun, and celebrate harmony through dance!

India

India is a country rich in colour, culture, and celebrations. A traditional art form called rangoli is often made on the ground using bright colours and patterns. Rangoli designs are created to welcome guests and bring happiness and good feelings. When we make our own rangoli designs, we are learning how art can help people feel welcome and included.

Rangoli

Students are invited to create a rangoli pattern using coloured pencils, chalk, or paper shapes. Explain that rangoli designs are often made to welcome guests and bring happiness.

Instructions:

Print off the colourings and students can colour the colourings.

Philippines

The Philippines is made up of many islands and strong communities. One well‑known part of Filipino culture is the jeepney, a colourful vehicle used by many people to travel together. Jeepneys are often brightly decorated and show creativity and pride. When we design a jeepney, we learn about sharing, community, and working together.

The History of Jeepneys

Students colour or design a “jeepney,” a brightly decorated vehicle used in the Philippines. Talk about how jeepneys are shared by many people and are part of everyday life.

Instructions:

Print off the colourings and students can colour the colourings.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is about helping people who don’t have what they need to live a happy and healthy life. It’s a special project that raises money to give food, water, shelter, and education to people in different parts of the world. When we take part in Project Compassion, we are showing kindness and care for others, just like Jesus teaches us to do.

Sisilia from Tanzania

This year through Project Compassion, we meet Sisilia, a 13-year-old girl from Tanzania whose life has changed through access to clean water. Previously, Sisilia spent hours each day collecting unsafe water, often missing school and feeling exhausted. Through the support of Caritas Australia, clean water is now available close to her home and school.

This simple but powerful change means Sisilia can attend school regularly, stay healthy, and focus on her dream of becoming a pilot. Her story reminds us that even small acts of generosity can create life-changing opportunities for others.

Class Discussion

What made life hard for Sisilia and her family?
How did the A+ Successor Project and Caritas Australia help?
Why did Sisilia find it hard to complete her schoolwork?
What has Sisilia learnt through the SWASH Club?
What does Sisilia dream of becoming, and why?
How will you share Sisilia’s story with others?

Monoranjon from Bangladesh

Monoranjon lives in a village in Bangladesh close to the sea, where floods and storms often damage his crops and his home. With support from Project Compassion, he learnt climate-resilient farming techniques and new ways to diversify his income, helping his family survive and build a safer, more sustainable future.

Class Discussion

What is Monoranjon’s job?
What is making farming difficult for Monoranjon?
How did Caritas Australia and Caritas Bangladesh help?
Why did Monoranjon learn to farm fish, prawns and crabs?
What new skills did Monoranjon learn?
How will you share Monoranjon’s story with others?

Manaini from Fiji

Life was hard for Manaini and her children living in rural Fiji. With the support from Caritas Australia’s partner, FRIEND, she learnt food processing and gardening skills, improving nutrition and creating new income opportunities to support her children’s education.

The family lived from what they grew, but meals were plain and often lacked nutrition. Store food was too expensive. At night, the village was in darkness, leaving children and the elderly unsafe.

Almost one quarter of Fiji’s population live in poverty, and rates are higher in rural villages. Any extra income can mean the difference between children completing school, being able to buy medicine, or simply managing daily costs. This is what poverty looks like in rural Fiji – every dollar counts.

Class Discussion

How did Manaini earn money for her family before joining the FRIEND program?
How did Caritas Australia and the FRIEND program help her?
What new skills did Manaini learn?
Why is it important for people to learn new skills?
What has earning more money meant for Manaini and her family?
How could you share Manaini’s story with others?

Prayer

As we learn about Manaini’s life and the work of Caritas, we are reminded that our faith calls us to care for others around the world. In this activity, students will write Prayers of the Faithful for Manaini, her family, her community, and others who may need support.

Instructions

Explain that Prayers of the Faithful are prayers where we ask God to help people in need.
Students write one or more prayers for:
- - Manaini and her family
  - Her community
  - People who need opportunities or support
Gather the class together for a short time of prayer.Invite students to read their prayers aloud.

Reflection Questions

Why is it important to pray for people in other parts of the world?
How can prayer help us care for others?
Besides praying, what are other ways we can help people like Manaini?

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching helps us learn how to live like Jesus. It teaches us to love others, be kind, share what we have, and stand up for what is right. It reminds us that every person is important and deserves to be treated with respect.

We learn this through these key ideas:

Human Dignity – Every person is special and important
The Common Good – We work together so everyone is cared for
Participation – Everyone belongs and has a voice
Preferential Option for the Poor – We care for people who need help the most
Solidarity – We are one big family and stand together
Subsidiarity – We make fair choices close to where people are affected
Stewardship (Care for Creation) – We look after our world

Catholic Social Teaching

In this video, we learn something really special: God made the whole world, and every single person in it — including you! That means we are all part of one big family, no matter where we live or what we look like.

The video teaches us that Jesus wants us to look after one another. Some people don’t have as much food, clean water, or a safe place to live, and Jesus asks us to care for them first. When we help others, we are showing God’s love.

We also learn that the world is our home — our common home — and we have to take good care of it. That means looking after plants, animals, the oceans, and the land, so everyone can enjoy God’s creation.

The video reminds us to be fair, to share what we have, to stand up for people who are being treated badly, and to work together to make the world a better place.

When we do these things — when we are kind, caring, fair, and brave — we are living just like Jesus taught us. And even small actions from kids like you can make a big difference in the world.

Reflection Questions

1. We Are All One Family

Who are some people you think of when you hear the word family?
How can we show kindness to people who are far away or different from us?

2. Helping People in Need

What is one small thing you could do today to help someone who might be having a hard time?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to look after people who are struggling?

3. Fairness and Justice

Have you ever seen something that wasn’t fair? What happened?
What could you do if you see someone being treated unfairly at school?

4. Caring for God’s Creation

What is one way you can take care of the earth this week?
Why do you think God wants us to protect the world?

5. Sharing and Working Together

What is something you are good at sharing?
How does working together make life better for everyone?

Lent

During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer. Below are some different ways you might explore these practices during Lent. You might like to use these practices in your daily routines.

What is Lent?

Lent: A Time of Renewal

On Ash Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days, reminding us of Jesus’ time in the desert, where He fasted and prayed. During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.

Fasting: More than just giving up food, fasting is about making space for God. This could mean reducing screen time, cutting back on unnecessary spending, or letting go of habits that distract from faith.

Almsgiving: Lent is a time to be generous and serve others. You might donate to a charity, support a parish initiative, or simply offer time to someone in need. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Prayer: Deepen your connection with Jesus by setting aside time for prayer each day. This could include reading Scripture, attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or keeping a gratitude journal focused on God’s blessings.

Almsgiving (Charity) - Sharing with Others

Donate clothes, toys, or books to someone in need.
Give money or food to a local charity, food bank, or mission.
Offer to help a neighbour or family member without being asked.
Share your time by visiting someone who is lonely or writing a kind note to a friend.
Participate in school or parish fundraising efforts for those in need.
Do extra chores at home and donate your allowance to a good cause.
Be generous with kind words and encouragement to others.
Offer to sit with someone new at lunch or include them in a game.
Pray for people who are struggling, especially those without food or shelter.

Fasting – Sacrificing to Grow in Self-Discipline

Give up sweets, snacks, or soft drinks and offer that sacrifice to God.
Avoid video games or TV for a day and spend time helping others instead.
Skip complaining and choose gratitude instead.
Fast from unnecessary screen time and use the time for family or prayer.
Give up negative thoughts or gossip and focus on kind words.
Eat simpler meals and remember those who don’t have enough food.
Walk or bike instead of taking the car, appreciating God’s creation.
Avoid wasting food or water and be mindful of how you use resources.
Take a break from buying new things and appreciate what you already have.

Prayer – Talking and Listening to God

Begin and end the day with a short prayer of thanks.
Say a prayer before meals, even silently.
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or meditation each day.
Pray for family, friends, and those in need, including people you struggle with.
Read a Bible verse and think about how it applies to your life.
Write a list of things you are grateful for and thank God for them.
Create a prayer jar, writing down intentions and offering them to God.
Attend Mass or a prayer service with family or school.
Pray a decade of the Rosary or another simple prayer form.
Try journaling your prayers or drawing a picture to express your thoughts to God.

Lenten Prayer

This Lent Prayer is a reflection on the season of Lent, focusing on growing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It begins with centering oneself in God’s presence and encourages self-discipline, kindness, and spiritual growth. The prayer includes Prayers of the Faithful, asking for strength, forgiveness, and gratitude, reminding us to be our best selves and to prepare our hearts for Easter.

Click on the picture to the left, or the link above to access the prayer.

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