Lent is on the Horizon

I realized that Ash Wednesday is only a week and a half away. When we began homeschooling, I began incorporating the Liturgical Year into our life. We did specific Bible study and prayer. It is the one reason I love homeschooling. More time to devote to God. Teaching the boys about our faith and seeing their faith grow was tremendous. Now, however, Nolan is at school. Our time together is so much more limited. I have been struggling with how to continue our faith journey together. I have to admit, it has fallen by the wayside these past few months. I must set this as a priority. I am setting it as a priority.

One other problem we have encountered in the last year is a lack of time together as a family. My husband works several jobs right now and isn't home too often. Sunday is the one day we are usually all together. Mike actually works on Sundays too because he is our church organist but once Mass is finished and all rehearsals are over, he is home. I am thinking that we will plan a Sunday lunch, prayer and teaching together as a family. I'm not sure what the focus will be yet but I'm thinking we'll perhaps pray the rosary and study the Mass. I have several books on the Mass that I've been saving for an opportunity to get into with the kids but just haven't found the time yet.

I've also been checking out the Mater Amabilis site for ideas. I may look at the Prove It! series or the retreat book for children called My Path to Heaven. A book I picked up several months ago is called St. Patrick's Summer, A Children's Adventure Catechism. I began looking through it the other day and it seemed to talk more about Bible stories that my kids are already very familiar with. I'm not sure that is the focus I'm supposed to take right now. I will read the book this week to help me decide.

I've also been thinking about virtues, works of mercy and character development. maybe pick one think per week to work on? Hmmm.....so many options. I guess that is one reason I love the liturgical year, something new to work on each year as we work our way through the seasons.

I would love to know what ideas everyone else has, that is if anyone actually reads this blog! I guess I will go take a look at some other sites and spend some time in prayer before making any decisions. I'll keep you posted!