Lent for Little People

Cerritos and Artesia have a large population of Christian residents, many of which are gearing up for the upcoming season of Lent, which begins on Mar. 9 with Ash Wednesday. 

Traditionally, Lent is a observed by fasting from food or festivities in addition to other acts of penance during the 40-day season. Many Christians opt to fast by giving up their vices, such as gambling, coffee, or meat. Through fasting and penance, Christians remember and reflect on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and miraculous resurrection. 

Lent for Little People

Each year, the Religious Education Program at in Artesia discusses the significance of Lent. Mrs. Mary Sanchez's first grade Religous Education students shared what they plan to give up for this year's Lent:

• One zealous first grade student wants to give up eating donuts, listening to his iPod, and eating candy for the entire forty days. He stated that, "I'm going to refuse anyone that offers me chocolate!"
• Another student chose to sacrifice  playing video games. When asked if he was truly prepared for such a serious sacrifice, his classmate assured us, "No, he is really smart. He can do thirds grade multiplications." 

Other popular things to give up for Lent were playing with favorite toys (specifically a yo-yo  and a Winnie the Pooh Doll), watching TV, and eating some of their favorite foods. However, one young student did not appear to yet have a full grasp of the Lent season. When asked what he wanted to give up for the forty days, he simply said, "My sisters...?" 

Lent for Parents

We asked the same group of students what they thought their parents should give up for the Lenten season and the class collectively came up with an overwhelming response: "Give up watching TV!"

The first graders ranted and raved about how much time their parents  spend watching TV. One  young religious ed student was very adamant that her mom should give up her favorite TV show, Two and a Half Men.

But even more  so than watching TV, students  felt that their  parents should  sacrifice spending so much time on the computer, particularly on Facebook.

One student said, "My mom has an iPad and she is on Facebook all the time!" Another student confessed that, " My dad was on Facebook this morning!"

More on Lent

Whatever you decide to give up for Lent, the season begins this Wednesday. Holy Family is offering Mass and Ash Distribution at 8am, 10am, 12:15 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30p.m., and 7 p.m. for Ash Wednesday. 

For more information on the parish's Lent and the Easter Schedule or its Religious Education Program, please visit their official website.