Family Corner: 3rd Sunday of Lent

Giving Alms

“Alms” are the material gifts of food, clothing, or money we give to those who have little. Did you know that the word comes from an old Greek word meaning compassion? When we give to those who have little, we care for themmaterially, but also by recognizing their human need. 

Here in the middle of Lent, it can be renewing to turn away from our own hardships and turn toward others. We can pray, eat, and act with the concerns of others in our minds and hearts.
 

Pray

Here are three very short prayers. Choose one that that is appropriate for your family to include at meal time or bedtime.

• “God, may our sacrifices of today of remind us of our dependence on You for all the blessings we enjoy. Amen.”
• “We stand in solidarity today with all our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. May we be united in your love, and may we work to build your kingdom here on earth.”
• “God, we lift up (name of the person or people you’d like to pray for) today. We ask that you bless them abundantly today and throughout Lent. Amen.”
  

Eat

Discuss as a family what special food or drink you might do without this week and perhaps for the rest of Lent.  Offer your sacrifice for the blessings of those who don't have enough food and drink, both here at home and throughout the world.

Do

Give food: 

Invite each member of the family to think about a favorite non-perishable food item, purchase extra, then collect these items in a grocery bag to bring to church for the Keystone Food Shelf. 

Or, make a monetary contribution to help feed others. Children could share or earn a few coins. Put the money in an envelope labeled with Keystone Food Shelf in the weekly collection at Sunday Mass.
 

Give stuff: 

Most of us have more material things than we need. In Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter, Laura Alary depicts another way that families can give alms and make room in their hearts for Easter joy: collect usable things from our homes and donate them.  

We encourage you to collect unused books, toys, household items, and clothes. Donating good things can help other children and families live more comfortably. Alary’s clear text and detailed illustrations are perfect for children grades 2 and up.

The St. Vincent de Paul store here in St. Paul is a great place to donate. People who contact our Nativity SVdP conference for assistance can choose items from the store to help outfit a home or apartment after a change or during a crisis. A monetary collection for our SVdP Conference is being taken up this week, too! You can put an envelope in the collection at Mass. The people will benefit from children's generosity and compassion!

When our Lenten practices become difficult and Lent feels long, we can look outside of ourselves to look forward to the new life of Easter. Brightening and warming days also remind us of the promise!