1. Lent Brainstorm !

2. Lent: Lesson Aims K how and why Catholics celebrate Lent U why Lent is important

3. Lent = lengthening of days from the latin short days of winter giving way to the brighter days of spring. How is this symbolic of something spiritual ? To hunger for God, & grow closer to Him. recover space & freedom from the many desires & activities that usually run our lives: so perceive the desire for God & be given the grace of deeper union with Him. Purpose of lent ?

4. Ash Wednesday The first day of Lent Catholics attend a special Penitential Mass signed with a cross of ashes on their forehead. The priest says: ‘ Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.’ Sometimes the priest will say ‘remember you are dust and into dust you will return’. What are the ashes are a reminder of? Since we will die, we must live ever ready to meet God. This life is a preparation for death. DEATH

5. What are some ways which can help you to grow closer to God ? (what do people do in Lent?) Fast: How? Almsgiving: How? Give to charity Look out for the poor and needy more Pray: How? _+_+ Almsgiving: How? Join Bible study groups Sacrament of Reconciliation More personal prayer less satisfaction to bodily pleasure, more on spiritual goods eg Give something up or do something positive eg help someone

6. “I don’t celebrate Lent. Catholics invented it, there is no mention of it in the bible, so it is not required.”

7. After his baptism, Jesus did not start his mission immediately. He went off into the desert for 40 days. Why did he do that? How shall I use my abilities? Is there anything in me that prefers my own comfort and glory to God’s ? That would make me a bad example to follow ?

8. What did the Temptations mean? L k 4:1-13 What the devil suggested (& what it meant) Jesus replied… Jesus’ reply meant… Man shall not live by bread alone Living only to satisfy your bodily needs does not give you dignity or humanity You shall not tempt the Lord your God ! Accept life as it is, even injury & suffering. Don’t show off! You shall worship and obey only God! Follow God’s way, even if that means being a “failure” as the world sees it! Don’t seek your own success. Turn these stones Into bread ! Satisfy physical needs! Throw yourself from the temple! Amaze people! You are precious! Be powerful in the world’s eyes! As the powerful are! Worship me!

9. Exam Practice (choose two) Explain why Catholics believe that Lent brings them closer to God. (8) How does what Christians do in Lent reflect Jesus’ experience ? (4 marks) Describe how Catholics celebrate Lent (6)