Lent Made Easy (with kid-friendly printables!)

This post is probably one of my most-pinned of all time.

I guess we are a people searching for ways to show Christ to our kids.

But, because people were asking for more Lent cards, with more options (and yes, I’ve included blank ones in there, too!) I’ve decided to whip up a new batch.This is a fun, easy way to celebrate Lent with your kids. These free printables are a simple, but meaningful activity to do during the 40 day season, in preparation for Easter.

Ask and you shall receive. Click on this link to open the PDF, save and then print: Lent sacrifices for kids

So, how do they work? We printed our cards, laminated them (because, Type A) and placed them in a basket. Each evening, the kids draw a card from the basket and that’s our family sacrifice for the following day. Now, once our kids enter fourth or fifth grade, we expect them to have at least one Lenten practice they can sustain for 40 days. The basket is just bonus for them. Last year, our oldest gave up his pillow for 40 days. He said Easter Sunday’s night of rest never felt better! This year, there’s talk of Daily Mass at 0630. We shall see. Final wagers are still being placed.

If you’re a catechist, religious education teacher, Catholic school teacher, homeschooling parent or the like, you’re welcome to share, print and use as much as you’d like. Just don’t sell them and pass them off as your own!

Whatever you and your children choose to do this Lenten season, I pray your prayer life, fasting and alms giving does one important thing: brings you closer to Christ.

Happy Lent!

18 Comments

  1. Karen on February 10, 2016 at 1:18 am

    This is great! Thank you! I’ve been meaning to get a laminator for a while and I think this will push me over the edge.

  2. Karen on February 10, 2016 at 1:19 am

    Um, any suggestions for an at-home laminator that isn’t too huge?

    • Nadyn on February 10, 2016 at 7:47 am

      Swingline™ GBC® Fusion™ 1000L 9″ Laminator (1703072)
      No. 1703072
      $68.99
      $44.99
      SALE
      Color : Black

      • Karen on February 10, 2016 at 10:45 am

        Perfect thank you so much!

    • Kathryn on February 10, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      Looks like Nadyn gave you a good one!

  3. NEll on February 11, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    These are so awesome! Thank you, sister!

  4. […] did, however, see me select a Lenten sacrifice card with “Fast from whingeing”.  We have a deal that we pick a different card each day, […]

  5. Sr. Jeanne Marie on February 27, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Dear Mrs. Kathryn Whitaker,
    If you only knew how happy my fourth grade students were in completing the project. But the greatest gift in receiving this Lenten Project was that they are enthusiastic about the practices of Prayer, fasting, & almsgiving. I never seen kids so excited about actually bringing this spirit of Lent home to their families.They choose their own each day with such joy. Thanks ever so much.
    My other concern was about the Saints Book, I’m willing to pay. Then the final concern was the auction in April …the first week. As a class we have to create something as a class for the Parents to bid on.I was hoping I could find something of a religious theme that everyone would be excited about. If possible, maybe the Holy Spirit could enlighten you for me. Two heads are better then one. If not, I’ll understand. I can’t put you on the spot either. By the way, you have such a beautiful family. I can’t thank you enough for using the graces that Our Lord has blessed you with. You are a gift for all.
    Thanks for responding so quickly.
    In Mary’s Immaculate Heart & Prayer,
    Sr. Jeanne Marie

  6. Lent Ideas for 2017 – Catholic Mama Bear on February 22, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    […] Lent made easy […]

  7. Erica on February 28, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    This is so great. Thank you for sharing.

  8. Rachel on March 3, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    The link isn’t working for me, could you please help me?

  9. Lent, and what it's NOT - Team Whitaker on March 4, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    […] written a lot about Lent here on the blog over the last decade. I’ve chatted about how to make it meaningful for your kids, why we keep missing the point and why I want the world to know what it means (a la sassy […]

  10. […] when I had lots of littles, I’m not gonna lie. I slayed Lent. Like it was PINNABLE. I mean, that’s still a great Lent hack, but when you start to hang your hat on that crown of […]

  11. Sherri Morrall on February 5, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    Would not open to print!

    • Kathryn on February 11, 2021 at 7:08 am

      I apologize for the delay in updating the link. We had a death in our immediate family. https://kathrynwhitaker.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lent-sacrifices-for-kids.pdf

      • Donna-Maria on February 18, 2023 at 4:39 pm

        I’m sorry for your loss and offer my prayers and deep condolences. I hope your family has found comfort these past years.
        Thank you for this wonderful resource for Lent. I will be using it in my preschool class, by picking cards and leading discussions. And I’ve shared it with a 2nd grade teacher friend, also.

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