Preparing for Lent

[dandy777]

Hey I need some of your ideas....

This year, our church is trying to prepare something special yet simple for teenagers and young adults for Lent in preparations to Good Friday and Easter. Our priest asked a group of people (me included) to help him out with some innovative ideas. Maybe we could do some brainstorming to come up with different ideas. Would do you think?

Some thought that we could say the vespers prayers. Yet I think they wouldn't be that motivating for our teens as they are not much into prayers themselves and this is something that is going to be orgainised on a daily basis during all Lent. Can anyone help me out with some idea?

Thanks.

[dandy777]

Is anyone thinking about Lent?

[Myles Domini]

Yes but not til after the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in early February :

[dandy777]

Dsh! You really need a spanking for that comment!

But when you have to prepare stuff, you need time! :

[OLAM Dad]

How about giving something us as a group? Cokes or sweets would be a real challange. Or maybe you could give up meat multiple days a week or even for the entire 6 weeks?

[photosynthesis]

giving something up is usually a kind of personal thing... for a diabetic, giving up sweets or soda isn't as big of a deal because they aren't allowed to have much of it to begin with.... for vegetarians, giving up meat isn't much of a sacrifice.

[Krostandt]

I know prayers were hesitant, but perhaps you might want to consider the Angelus. Even if it's not at the 6-12-6 times, doing it once a day at a certain time is good. It's a short beautiful prayer, and it teaches you to structure your life around God.

[Myles Domini]

Pray the stations of the Cross and get the youths to write and lead the meditations.

[Extra ecclesiam nulla salus]

is it a good idea to fast for all of lent?

isn't that how it was during the middle ages?

[Krostandt]

[quote name='Extra ecclesiam nulla salus' date='Jan 14 2006, 05:27 PM']is it a good idea to fast for all of lent?

isn't that how it was during the middle ages?
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It depends on what you define as fasting I guess. As an Orthodox Christian, I fast from all meat and dairy and other animal products except for fish during lent. I think before Vatican II, Catholics used to fast from meat every day, but do not quote me on that. To answer your question, yes I think it's okay to fast during lent, but check with your spiritual father first. Also remember to never let the fast be overtaken with pride, or as my roomate jokingly (but wisly) says, "Don't put yourself back under the law" during a fast. That said, interestingly enough Oreos have no animal products in them

Edited January 14, 2006 by Krostandt

[Extra ecclesiam nulla salus]

in the west we have fasting and abstaning. abstaining is not eating meat. fasting is eating one meal a day (usally lunch).

I think i will eat meat but only during my one meal a day.

[Krostandt]

That sounds like a good plan especially to begin. I know the Antiochians that follow the Western Rite, have meat and only one meal a day (following the normal western fasting patern) and then on Wednesdays and Fridays, fast from all meat and dairy. Anyways, may the Holy Spirt strengthen you in that time. Also, from my experience, fasting is the easy part. It's becoming a better Christian that is difficult.

[Extra ecclesiam nulla salus]

Thanks for the advice. May the Holy Ghost Bless you as well.


Sam

[dandy777]

[quote name='Myles' date='Jan 14 2006, 11:25 PM']Pray the stations of the Cross and get the youths to write and lead the meditations. 
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Thanks to everyone for your comments. I really loved your comment Myles. I will certainly forward it to our priest. If any one else has any other suggestion it is most welcome.

[Theoketos]

Some of the earliest Western Traditions of Lent come from St. Benedict.

CHAPTER XLIX
On the Keeping of Lent

The life of a monk ought always to be a Lenten observance. However, since such virtue is that of few, we advise that during these days of Lent he guard his life with all purity and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the shortcomings of other times. This will then be worthily done, if we restrain ourselves from all vices. Let us devote ourselves to tearful prayers, to reading and compunction of heart, and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore, let us add something to the usual amount of our service, special prayers, abstinence from food and drink, that each one offer to God "with the joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thes 1:6), of his own accord, something above his prescribed measure; namely, let him withdraw from his body somewhat of food, drink, sleep, speech, merriment, and with the gladness of spiritual desire await holy Easter.

Let each one, however, make known to his Abbot what he offereth and let it be done with his approval and blessing; because what is done without permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vain glory, and not to merit. Therefore, let all be done with the approval of the Abbot.

[dandy777]

very interesting.... did you get that info from a particular book?

[kaidoh]

[quote name='Myles' date='Jan 14 2006, 04:25 PM']Pray the stations of the Cross and get the youths to write and lead the meditations. 
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[quote name='dandy777' date='Jan 15 2006, 05:31 AM']Thanks to everyone for your comments. I really loved your comment Myles. I will certainly forward it to our priest. If any one else has any other suggestion it is most welcome.
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me too, my church does one every month (i am unable to come, no time). Well we have 3 high schools about 2 miles apart from the schools and the church. There are 3 crosses about 60-80 lbs each and we walk down the road. I did one at a treat once it was really nice.

[dandy777]

[quote name='kaidoh' date='Jan 15 2006, 04:55 PM']me too, my church does one every month (i am unable to come, no time). Well we have 3 high schools about 2 miles apart from the schools and the church. There are 3 crosses about 60-80 lbs each and we walk down the road. I did one at a treat once it was really nice.
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Can you explain yourself better please?

[Sojourner]

The parish I was confirmed in has small study groups that meet weekly during Lent to discuss faith-related questions. You could do the same type of thing with a Lenten study or a small meditative book that everyone reads and then discusses or something along those lines.

Our group actually expanded into a year-long Bible study. We're now closing in on the last chapters of Romans.

[Theoketos]

[quote name='dandy777' date='Jan 15 2006, 08:42 AM']very interesting.... did you get that info from a particular book?
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"The Rule of St. Benedict."

My favorite part is the part where the monk is supposed to go to the abbot to present the pennance for lent. When I started doing this it made my lent much more ordered.