For many Catholics, Lent is synonymous with giving up candy, alcohol, or other treats. We change our ways for six weeks but when Easter arrives, we revert to our former habits. The self-discipline involved in abstaining from something pleasurable is admirable. Still, discipline is not an end in itself. Rather, discipline is the means to an end.

Lent, Easter, and Pentecost form one season. The length and character of Lent has evolved and changed over the centuries but it is rooted in the ancient practice of preparing catechumens to celebrate the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. For those of us who are already baptized, Lent becomes a time of preparation for renewing our baptismal promises. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy notes that “Lent is marked by two themes, the baptismal and the penitential” (109).

The Solemnity of Easter is the oldest and most important celebration of the church year. It is not a mere commemoration of the Resurrection. Rather, it is a living symbol of the passage from death to new life. The celebration of Easter continues for 50 days until Pentecost.

The Solemnity of Pentecost celebrates the decent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ apostles. Empowered by God’s spirit, the apostles began to preach the Good News. They proclaimed the message of Jesus by word and example.

When we look at Lent, Easter, and Pentecost as a single season, Lent becomes a time of conversion. It is a time to turn aside from whatever distracts us from living our baptismal call. The discipline of Lent becomes the means to reject sin and to achieve union with God. When we have passed from the death of our former habits to new life with God, we become witnesses of God’s kingdom.

Here is an activity to help you prepare your class for Lent. You may wish to adapt it depending upon the age of the children you teach and their circumstances.

Make a poster about the day you were baptized. Write your baptismal name at the top of the page. Then write the date you were baptized.

If you were named after a saint, look up the life of your saint in the library. On your poster, list one quality of your saint that you would like to imitate.

Ask your parents for a photograph that was taken when you were baptized. Paste it on your poster.

What does it mean to be baptized? It means that you say “No” to sin and “Yes” to God. Baptized Catholics live as God desires. But sometimes we say “Yes” to sin. Maybe you talk back to your parents or fight with your brother and sister.

Choose one bad habit to change. Then write on your poster, “I will say ‘No’ to (fill in with back talk, fighting, or whatever habit you want to change).” Next, write, “I will say ‘Yes’ to God by (fill in with a good habit such as talking respectfully to my parents or being kind to my brother and sister).”

Hang your poster where you will see it every day. It will remind you that Lent is a time to prepare for renewing your baptismal promises on Easter.