Just as different seasons of the weather bring back different memories and experiences for each of us, the seasons of the Liturgical calendar can also instill memories and experiences that add meaning to our faith. Visual symbolism and spiritual ritualism can help us create robust rhythms of prayer and deepen not only our understanding of the Catholic faith, but also deep our relationship with God.
Here are some keys to celebrating the liturgical seasons at home as a family:
Use the liturgical colors around the house or specifically in a special space within your house dedicated to family time and/or prayer time
E.g. Ordinary Time = Green, Lent = Purple, Pentecost = Red, Marian Feasts = Blue, etc.
Pick one familiar or new devotion or ritual to do as a family for the season
E.g. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent, Jesse Tree during Advent, reading the upcoming Sunday's Gospel reading ahead of time each week during Ordinary Time, etc.
Have some special celebration or meal as a family to mark the beginning of each new season
E.g. Fish or Vegetarian dinner on Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent), a "New Year's" celebration at the start of Advent (the new liturgical calendar year), a Birthday "party" for Jesus at Christmas or for the Church at Pentecost, etc.
By immersing in the liturgical seasons, we create experiences which lead to dialogue, discovery, and growth in the spiritual lives of our family members. What are some ways you'll celebrate the upcoming season of Lent?