St. Ignatius Martyr Parish

PRAYING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY DURING LENT: Each Sunday evening this Lent, gather together as a family around the table. Light a candle and place it in the center of the table. Give each one a piece of paper or an index card. As each one to:

• Feb. 3 - name a behavior that they want to "fast" from during Lent and write a prayer to ask God's and the family's help.
• Feb. 10 - name one of their roles in the family, at work or in the community and write a brief prayer of thanks to God for giving them that role.
• Feb. 17 - name a gift or talent they have and write a prayer of thanks to God for giving them that role.
• Feb. 24 - name a problem or difficulty they are facing and formulate a prayer asking for God's help to face this challenge.
• March 9 - name a person who needs help and write a prayer asking for God's help.
• March 16 - name someone who has helped you this Lent and write a prayer of thanks. Then invite them to put the cards in a circle around the candle.

Remind them that God wants us to radiate love to one another, just as the candle radiates its light to us. Then have someone share something from the day's reading or psalm that conveys God's desire to relate to us. After time for silent reflection, invite everyone to respond in unison with the following: "In your love, we are family! Thank you, Lord." - Living With Christ

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Every Friday during Lent starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Church.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: Many families prepare for Sunday Eucharist by reflecting and talking about the readings before Mass. This is a way to connect what goes on at the family table and what happens at the table in Sunday Eucharist. These places are where God's Word is heard and God's presence is shared in a meal.

Each week choose a convenient time to gather as a family around the table, recalling that when we hear God's Word it is as if God were present at our table talking directly to us. After all are gathered, read the Gospel (or one or more of the other readings) for the coming Sunday. After some quiet reflection, invite each member of the household to share their answers to these questions.

• February 10: What can I do this Lent to make scripture more important in my daily life?
• February 17: With what about me and my behavior would God be most pleased?
• February 24: How can I best increase my time in prayer and conversation with Jesus?

End with a family blessing of all the gifts that nourish your bodies and the family and friends whose presence together nourishes your spirits. - Living With Christ

FROM ASHES TO EASTER: Each family is invited to pick up a special Lenten container, and keep it on or near the dining table in your home. Put in some coins each day during Lent and pray for the missions. Return your container to the parish on Easter. Money collected will help Missions Abroad, our Diocesan Home Missions and International Mission projects.