The Weekly Update #4

Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church—a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we journey toward Easter, prayer becomes an essential part of deepening our relationship with God and preparing our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection. Lent presents a unique opportunity to cultivate a strong prayer life together at home.

Prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent, alongside fasting and almsgiving. It strengthens our faith, helps us grow closer to God, and teaches children the importance of seeking His guidance in their daily lives. Through prayer, we acknowledge our need for God's mercy and open our hearts to His grace.

For children, Lent can be a meaningful time to understand the power of prayer beyond memorized words. It is a time to connect with God in personal ways, reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the Cross and His ultimate sacrifice for us. By praying together as a family, parents can instill a lifelong habit of faith and devotion in their children.

Ways to Engage in Prayer as a Family During Lent

1. Daily Family Prayer Time
   Set aside a few minutes each day for family prayer. This could be before meals, at bedtime, or another time that works best for your family’s schedule. Encourage your children to take turns leading prayers, helping them build confidence in speaking to God. Using the Hallow App together is a beautiful way to engage as a family. Students have been enjoying with their classmates and teachers. Reach out to your child's teacher is you are still needing access information. Communication sent last week is shared below.

2. Pray the Stations of the Cross
   The Stations of the Cross allow families to walk with Jesus on His path to Calvary. Many Catholic schools and parishes offer opportunities to pray the Stations together, or you can do so at home using a children-friendly version of the prayers.

3. Lenten Prayer Jar
   Write different prayer intentions on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Each day, have a family member draw one and pray for that intention together. This can include prayers for loved ones, the sick, those in need, and the world.

4. Scripture Reflection
   Choose a short Gospel passage each day or week and reflect on it as a family. Ask simple questions like:

   • What does this passage teach us about Jesus?
   • How can we live out this message in our daily lives?

5. Attend Mass and Confession Together
   While Sunday Mass is a given, consider attending an extra weekday Mass during Lent. Also, making time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family teaches children the value of seeking God’s forgiveness.

6. Pray the Rosary
   Even praying one decade of the Rosary together can be a powerful way to honor Mary and meditate on the life of Jesus during Lent.

7. Silent Prayer & Reflection
   Teach children that prayer doesn’t always require words. Encourage moments of silence where they can quietly talk to God in their hearts or simply listen for His presence.

8. Acts of Mercy as Prayer
   Teach your children that prayer isn’t just spoken—it can also be lived out. Serving others through small acts of kindness, charity, and forgiveness is a form of prayer that brings us closer to God.

By making prayer a meaningful part of your family’s Lenten journey, you help your children build a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime. Let this season be a time of drawing closer to Christ together, preparing your hearts for the joy and renewal of Easter.

As we journey together this Lenten season, be assured of my prayers for each of our families.

Always In Christ,

Mrs. Ana E. Gomez, M.Ed.

Principal

Walkathon 2025 is an event sponsored by the Catholic School Office of the Diocese of

Brownsville. Our school, along with all Catholic schools in the diocese, will be participating in this event. Our purpose is to draw attention to the treasure that our Catholic education system is to our

community. We want to let everyone know that we believe in our schools.

On Friday March 14, 2025, the student body will walk a pre-designated route under the watchful

eyes of the local police department and return to the school during the morning. We will begin our walk 10 a.m. This will be a noon dismissal as marked in our school calendar. A permission slip will be required for all students participating. Those who will not will remain on campus supervised and will join their teachers and classmates on the blacktop after the walk.

Parents and family members are welcome to join us for the walk. They may begin to gather at the school's black top at 9:30 a.m. Concession will be available and sold ( snacks and drinks) and recess-free play time will be allowed after our walk. This will be a great community time.

Students may wear a cap, walkathon t-shirt or spirit shirt with jeans, walking shorts or joggers/tights. We encourage all students apply sunscreen before the walk.

A donation on the school's behalf will be given to the diocese to support an endowment and scholarship fund held by the Catholic school office. Monies collected on t-shirt sales (optional) and concessions this day will support this initiative. Contributions may also be secured from family, friends, co-workers, or even company sponsors to support this effort. They may be delivered to the school business office in the name of the Walkathon.

We look forward to celebrating the treasure of Catholic schools in the Rio Grande Valley!

Our students are given many opportunities during the week to make connections and engage with one another to learn and grow!