Lent for Children, Teens and Young Adults

Updated March 7, 2024

Lent is the primary penitential season of the liturgical year. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Easter Triduum, which celebrates the ultimate act of love: Jesus' passion, death and resurrection — the foundation of the Christian faith. We offer the following resources, that incorporate prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to help youth deepen their experience of Lent.

For Children

25 Ideas for What Kids and Teens Can do for Lent

Most of these ideas are appropriate for kids ages six and older. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing them; use their natural curiosity and desire to be “grown up” as a springboard for talking about what you’re doing and why.

CRS Rice Bowl Activities for Grades 1-8

This includes prayers, lesson plans and activities specifically for children to help them take part in this traditional Lenten program incorporating prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Lenten Retreat for Kids

This resource offers a list of easy activities for kids to do during a Lenten retreat.

Lenten Activities for Children

This resource from Catholic Icing may be just what you are looking for. It offers lots of practical activities to teach children about Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Stations of the Cross and more.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching for Grades 1-8

This resource from Catholic Relief Services can be used to teach young people about Church teaching while helping them learn about some of the realities facing our brothers and sisters in different countries around the world.

Stations of the Cross Coloring Book

Download this PDF from Catholic Mom or the Catholic Kid to help your children participate in this meditation for Lent.

Teaching Catholic Kids

This resource from Our Sunday Visitor offers reflections, activities and stewardship ideas.

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Teens and Young Adults

Pray for the People of Ukraine and the Holy Land

Pope Francis has repeatedly asked everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land. During Lent, "consider lifting the people of Ukraine up in prayer to the Lord in the context of the stations of the cross," said Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. Pray "for an end to the conflict, for peace and justice, for all who have died and for all who are in harm’s way." Consider using the prayer the bishop used when he led the stations in March 2022. Other options include praying for the intercession of Mary through the rosary or praying a novena. Or offer up a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land.

2024 Fast‧Pray‧Give Calendar

Busted Halo's digital Lent calendar shows every day of Lent and Holy Week but doesn’t let you open each day until that day. Each link will lead to a special new Lent-themed Daily Jolt and Microchallenge.

25 Ways to Do Works of Mercy in Arkansas

This list offers practical suggestions on how to perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

25 Great Things You Can Do for Lent

Busted Halo offers this new, practical list that cover a variety of suggestions.

Pray at 40 Days for Life

The Lenten campaign of 40 Days for Life begins on Ash Wednesday and continues through March 24 in Little Rock and Rogers. Sign up to pray for an hour to pray for an end to abortion.

102 Things You Should Really Give Up for Lent

This list offers a wide range of options from the comical to the considerate to the deeply challenging, which serve to transform by the end of the season.

Beginner’s Guide to Adoration

This article from Life Teen International offers advice for anyone unfamiliar with the praying before the Blessed Sacrament. See Eucharistic Adoration in Arkansas or learn about the nationwide Eucharistic Revival going on through 2025.  If your parish is hosting the "Jesus and the Eucharist" Study this spring, join in to deepen your understanding of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor Homily Library

Through his homilies, our bishop breaks open the Word and offers tangible ways to apply the Bible to our lives in today's world. 

CRS Rice Bowl Activities for Grades 9-12

This includes prayers, lesson plans and activities specifically for teens to help them take part in this traditional Lenten program incorporating prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

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Follow the Holy Father on Twitter

If your time is limited, follow Pope Francis to get challenging meditations in 140 characters or less.

How to Pray: 6 Tips for a Better Prayer Life

In this article from Life Teen International, prayer is explained in a tangible, practical way offering tips like: "Say Hello" and "Be Yourself."

InstaLent Photo Challenge

If you love taking photos, why not combine this hobby with your expression of prayer? This activity from Busted Halo invites you to take a photo each day during Lent that reflects different themes of Lent and meditate on how these bring your closer to God.

Into the Desert: How to Live Your Lent with Purpose

This blog from Life Teen International discusses prayer, fasting and almsgiving in the context of the directive: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

A Meaningful Mess: Lent in the Season of Little Ones

This blog post from Busted Halo address the challenges and beauty of observing Lent for parents of young children.

Prayer Book of Intentions Online

In addition to posting prayer requests, we invite you pray for the intentions posted on our website at your parish, school or with your youth or young adult ministry group.

Reconcile with God through Confession

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart ..." (Joel 2:12). See regular Arkansas Confession Times or take part in a special communal reconciliation service held during Lent at a parish near you.

Stations of the Cross

If unable to take part in this Lenten meditation at your parish or campus, we invite you to reflect on Jesus' passion and death online through this resource offering reflections from Catholics in Arkansas.

What Should I Do For Lent? Pope Francis' 10 Tips

This reflection from FOCUS college ministry looks at advice from Pope Francis and applies it in practical ways for Lent.

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