1. Sunday, March 1, 2026 (2nd Sunday of Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 1st readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm

Jesus is transfigured on the mountain in the presence of Peter, James, and John.

 

Read together this Gospel, Matthew 17:1-9 and discuss the following questions together.

1. How well are you listening to God’s Son?

2. How do you find strength to persevere in your Lenten practices?

3. Imagine you are with Peter, James, and John when Jesus is transfigured. What would it be like to see what they saw on the mountain that day?

4. Why do you think Jesus wants Peter, James, and John to wait to tell others what they saw?

5. What does it mean to “fall prostrate”? Why is it fitting for the apostles to fall prostrate before Jesus?

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* Liturgy Link

During the season of Lent, what color do you see in the church? What does this color represent?

 

* Family Activity

Jesus’ transfiguration was a supernatural event. In the natural world, transfiguration is the science of turning one thing into another thing. In honor of today’s Gospel, take the whole family to a local science museum, science center, or technology-related exhibit. If you can’t go to a museum, search the Internet for some cool science experiments that you can do at home!

 

* Family Challenge

Fast from electronic screens for one evening this week, offering your sacrifice for the intentions in your Family Prayer.

 

End in Prayer

 

Jesus, open my eyes to see your glory, and give me strength to walk with you. Wake me to your goodness and comfort me when I face the things that frighten me. Amen.

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2. Carrying the Cross

 

At times, burdens are placed upon us that we do not ask for nor deserve. In this activity, learn about Simon of Cyrene and ponder how to know when to carry a cross and when to lay it down

 

1. Begin with Prayer: Holy God, at times we are asked to shoulder more than our fair share of burdens. Help us to know when it is our time to carry these burdens and when it is our time to lay them down. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

2. Read together Luke 23:26- 32. Comment on how the people in power “seized” Simon and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. Explain that Simon was from Cyrene, a city in northern Africa in what is now Libya. So Simon was likely a pilgrim to Jerusalem, a stranger in a strange land made to do a strange thing for Jesus, who may have been a stranger to him

3. Discuss: When are we asked to carry the burden for other people? What is it like to carry the burden for someone who is a friend or loved one? What is it like to carry the burden for a stranger in need of a helping hand? In what ways can carrying a burden for someone be an important part of living as Jesus’ disciple?

4. Together, ponder this story some more: Do you think Simon knew what was going to happen to Jesus? Why or why not? Do you think Simon stayed to witness Jesus’ crucifixion? If so, what do you think he thought about this event?

5. Consider how some crosses need to be carried and other crosses need to be laid down as they are not our own. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the crosses that are ours to bear, at least for a little while, and those that are meant for someone else to bear. Write down or draw about a burden you are bearing today - is it time to carry it or to lay it down?

6. Share with each other what you drew or wrote.

 

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3. Sunday, March 8, 2026 (3rd Sunday in Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

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Here’s a link to Sunday, March 8th readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm

Jesus reveals himself to the Samaritan woman at the well.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 4:5-42 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Jesus and the Samaritan woman had a lengthy discussion about water. When do we use water in the Church?

2.  What does the woman in the Gospel story do after encountering Jesus? What effect does this have on the town in which she lives?

3. The woman testifies to what Jesus does for her. What makes the woman’s message so effective?

4. Is there someone you know who needs to hear about Jesus? In what way can you share your story with him or her?

 

*  Liturgy Link

Find the eighth station of the cross in your church. What is happening in this station?

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*  Fun Facts

Samaritans were descendants of Jews from the northern part of Israel, who had intermarried with Gentiles and did not worship in Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus, Samaritans and Jews did not like each other or interact with each other. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman teaches us that the gift of eternal life is given to everyone!

 

*  Family Challenge

The Samaritan woman acknowledged her sins before Jesus in today’s Gospel story. Go to confession as a family this week. 

 

End in Prayer

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St. Patrick’s Breastplate

This is a famous prayer attributed to St. Patrick.

 

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

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4. Christ Dying on the Cross

How relevant is Good Friday to your life today? Integrate Christ’s crucifixion into your faith—and life.

 

1. Begin with Prayer: God, open our hearts to learn more about how Christ’s crucifixion affects our lives today. Amen.

2. Read together Mark 15:25-39. 

3. Discuss the story: 

• Why did people who were watching the crucifixion insult Jesus?

• Why do you think the two people who were being crucified along with Jesus insulted him?

• What do you think would have happened if someone had stood up for Jesus when others were insulting him? Why?

• How relevant is Jesus' death to our lives today? Why?

4. Together, watch the YouTube video: Palm Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Vor55BoE0 . What’s your reaction to this video? Discuss together what it means to integrate the crucifixion into your lives and how you might do this.

5. Close with prayer, thanking God for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for each one of you.

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5. Sunday, March 15, 2026 (4th Sunday in Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 15th readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031526.cfm

Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 9:1-41  and discuss the following questions together.

1. What did people think about the healing? 

2. What did Jesus say to the man born blind when he meets him again? 

3. In today’s Gospel, blindness symbolizes lack of faith. Why do you think that some people did not believe that he was the Son of God and long-awaited Messiah even though they witnessed his miracles?

4. In what way do you see Jesus working in your life?

5. Why do you think some people today don’t believe in Jesus? What can be done to help people believe in him?

 

*  Liturgy Link

How many images of Jesus do you see in the church?

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*  Fun Facts

Samaritans were descendants of Jews from the northern part of Israel, who had intermarried with Gentiles and did not worship in Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus, Samaritans and Jews did not like each other or interact with each other. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman teaches us that the gift of eternal life is given to everyone!

 

*  Family Challenge

Research an organization that helps the blind or visually impaired. Find a way to donate your time, talent, or treasure to this organization.

 

End in Prayer

 

The Angelus

 

The Angelus is a way for lay people to sanctify the hours of the day. Historically, the practice has been associated with ringing a bell at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., where whole villages and towns would stop to pray. Laborers in the fields, workers in shops, and families at home set aside what they were doing and prayed the Angelus together. Today, many churches and monasteries and several radio and television stations ring the Angelus bell at these same times, inviting the faithful to pause what they are doing and pray. Today, pray the Angelus at the noon or 6 p.m. hour.

 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

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6. Prepared for Purpose

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Spring can be a time of preparation. Perhaps you are preparing for graduation or confirmation. Perhaps you are preparing a garden. Perhaps you are preparing for summer camps or jobs or vacation. Perhaps you are preparing for all the tests and projects that are due before the end of the school year. Pause to remember the way of life God has already prepared for you!

 

1. Read aloud Ephesians 2:4-10

2.  Invite each family member to answer the following questions, allowing plenty of time for each person to speak:

• What is one thing that will happen in the next six months that you are nervous about? 

• Name something you want to succeed at, but are worried you may not.

• What is the next big decision to be made in your life?

3. Say the following 3 phrases after each person answers the questions above.

• God’s great love gives you new life in Christ.

• You are made by God for good works.

• God has prepared this purpose for you.

4. End in Prayer: God, you have created us for your loving purpose. Strengthen us to trust in your faithfulness as we make decisions. Send your Spirit to help us know your will and follow your wisdom. Amen.

 

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7. Sunday, March 22, 2026 (5th Sunday in Lent)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 22nd readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 11:1-45 and discuss the following questions together.

1. What would it have been like to witness Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead?

2. Jesus was friends with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. What do you think they talked about?

3. Jesus loves you just as he loved Lazarus, and he wants to be your friend. Do you want to be friends with Jesus? Explain your answer.

 

*  Liturgy Link

Which of the following gestures do we do when the Gospel is proclaimed by the priest or deacon – sit, stand, or kneel? Why do we do that?

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*  Family Activity

Weather permitting, go to a local park, feed the ducks, or fly a kite.

Go bowling as a family.

 

*  Family Challenge

Each evening, think about all the ways you saw God’s mercy throughout the day, whether by receiving it or by sharing it with others. Keep a list of each moment to reflect on at week’s end.

 

End in Prayer

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Springtime Prayer

 

Heavenly Father,
Spring is a time of change. Some changes we eagerly await and some we fear. Some changes we plan, and others arrive uninvited. To all these changes, we ask the gift of your Holy Spirit to help us meet these changes with expectation, hope, and rebirth. May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that you are at work renewing the earth. As a God of renewal, you are ever at work in our lives, too. Open our eyes to the needed changes in our lives this spring. For this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

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8. Holy Week Ups & Downs

 

A lot happens within a short amount of time during Holy Week. From the crowds cheering as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to the crowds jeering at Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, Holy Week is a case study in how quickly public opinion can change and influence events.

 

1. Begin with Prayer: God, open our hearts and minds to learning more about the events of Holy Week. Amen

2. Read aloud Luke 19:28-40

3. As a family, talk about Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey:

• What do we learn about Jesus from this story?

• Why do you think Jesus rode a donkey and not something else?

• What was the mood of the crowd in this passage? Why? 

4. Read aloud Luke 23:13-25 

5. As a family, discuss Jesus’ trial

• Why was Jesus brought to Pilate?

• Why did Pilate want to free Jesus?

• What was the mood of the crowd in this passage? 

• Why do you think the crowd’s mood changed so dramatically between Palm Sunday the following Friday (this passage)?

6. Luke 23:44-49 

7. As a family, talk about Jesus’ crucifixion:

• What did the army officer say after Jesus died? Why?

• What did the people who had gathered at the site of the crucifixion do after Jesus died? Why?

• What was the mood of people present at the crucifixion?

• Do you think anybody had any regrets after Jesus died? If so, whom? Why?

8. As a family, talk about current events in the news, your community, or your teen’s school:

• When have you seen the mood in a group of people change quickly?

• What happened when the group’s mood changed?

• Why do you think people’s moods affect what happens?

• How do you know when it’s wise to have the same mood as others in a group and when it’s wise not to?

9. Review that Holy Week is the term used for the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Plan to worship together at one or more of the special Holy Week observances in your church or another church in your community, such as: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday), Good Friday, Easter Vigil.

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9. Sunday, March 29, 2026 (Palm Sunday)

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Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, March 29th readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032926.cfm

Jesus is crucified, and his body is placed in the tomb.

 

Read together this Gospel, Matthew 26:14—27:66 and discuss the following questions together.

1. Which character of this Gospel sticks out to you?

2. Jesus died on the cross for you. How does that make you feel about Jesus?

 

*  Liturgy Link

At Mass today, what phrase did people sing when they waved their palm branches? What does this phrase mean?

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* Fun Facts

The Triduum, which is the summit of the Liturgical Year, starts the evening of Holy Thursday and goes to the evening of Easter Sunday. It is the shortest but most important liturgical season. To learn more about Holy Week, check out the video at: https://bustedhalo.com/videos/watch-holy-week-in-three-minutes/

 

*  Family Activity

Random Acts of Kindness

Today can be a heavy day as we hear about Jesus dying on the cross, but Pope Francis reminded us that we need to remember this essential message: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”  (Joy of the Gospel, 164)

Today, take some time to share that love with others by doing acts of kindness!  Do something for someone else to make them smile or brighten their day. Do them at home or in your neighborhood. Get as creative as you want!  Here are some ideas to consider:

• Let someone go before you in line.

• Pick up litter.

• Offer to carry people’s groceries or return their cart for them when grocery shopping.

• Leave money at a vending machine for someone to buy a treat.

• Do a chore or task for someone in your family (even if it is one you don’t like).

• Pay for someone else’s order at a restaurant/coffee shop or leave a generous tip.

• Help a neighbor with their yard work.

• Give compliments when you’re talking to someone.

• Write a note of affirmation to a friend or family member and mail it to them.

• Take some treats to the nurses at the hospital.

• Make a thank you note (and maybe some treats) for your mail carrier.

 

*  Family Challenge

Do one random act of kindness each day this week.

 

End in Prayer

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Anima Christi

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This prayer in Latin means “Soul of Christ.”  You can pray this prayer together, have one family member read it, or take turns each reading a line.

 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from Christ’s side, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come unto Thee,
That with all Thy saints,
I may praise thee
Forever and ever.
Amen.