LENT 2021

LENT 2021
Marriage and Family Life
 

1.  Family Activity
At mealtime, each family member, regardless of age, shares what good deed or sacrifice he/she has done that day, writes it on a slip of paper and places it in a basket.  The basket is placed at the foot of a cross in the family home.  On Good Friday the family takes time to share with one another how this daily exercise has impacted them, individually and/or as a family.  It could also be an opportunity for family members to ask forgiveness from one another if appropriate.  A prayer of thanksgiving for each other follows.
This simple exercise helps the family focus on the true meaning of Lent and Easter rather than chocolate and the Easter Bunny.


2. Family Prayer
Lord God, we thank you for the gift of family. 
We believe that within our family lies a home-made holiness.  We affirm that it is in this household of faith that we experience Your presence, Your forgiveness and Your love.
We give thanks to You for the many joys and blessings that have come to us through our family.
As family, we sometimes feel pain.  And so we offer to You our disappointments, frustrations and hurts.  Help us to forgive those members of our family who have caused pain.
We pray to be a light within our family.  May we open our hearts, our eyes and ears and carry our light to those in need.
God, creator of the earth and all its people, help us to be mindful that, as members of one global family, we are equal in Your eyes.  Help us to continue to appreciate the diversity of persons in our homes and in our world.  As equal members may we build a better world and proclaim our willingness to be the holy people You call us to be.  Amen.
  3. Tools for Marriage     https://adw.org/event

A virtual workshop for Engaged and Newly Married Couples, 6 Wednesdays, 8-9pm, Feb 24 – Mar 1, $10 per couple.  Contact:   visiblesign@adw.org or 301-853-4546

4. Parenting workshop    https://workshopforparents.eventsbrite.com

A virtual workshop for Parents, will be offered on Thursdays, 7-8pm, March 4-25. $10 per family.  Contact:  visiblesign@adw.org or 301-853-4546

5. A Healing Retreat for Survivors of Abuse (Women), March 26-28, Free.  Contact mcdonald@adw.org and 301-853-4466.  (Retreat for Men: April 30-May 2)