INFORMATION
Heart of Mary House invites schools and families of the Diocese to enter more deeply into the season of Lent by walking intentionally through the Church’s three traditional pillars: Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. On an even deeper level, we invite you to encounter Christ in the suffering through the works of mercy.
This program is designed to be:
- Theologically Catholic
- Pastoral and age-appropriate
- Simple to implement
- Deeply formative
At its heart, this journey is about encounter—encountering Christ present in the dying poor, and allowing that encounter to shape hearts, habits, and faith.
Program Title: Three Pillars, One Heart
Audience:
- Catholic elementary, middle, and high schools
- Families
Duration: Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and completed on Divine Mercy Sunday
Core Goal: To lead participants into a lived experience of mercy through prayerful accompaniment, sacrificial giving, and concrete service in support of the mission of Heart of Mary House.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, present in the suffering and the dying, we entrust to You the residents of Heart of Mary House. May they know Your peace, Your mercy, and Your loving presence. Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, accompany them home to the Father. Amen.
PILLARS
Encountering Christ in the Dying
Prayer grounds this journey. Participants are invited to pray with and for the residents, families, and caregivers of Heart of Mary House.
Weekly Lenten Prayer Intentions
Week 1: For the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death
Week 2: For those who are lonely, forgotten, or afraid at the end of life
Week 3: For caregivers, nurses, volunteers, and all who serve the dying
Week 4: For peaceful deaths and holy deaths
Week 5: For families grieving loss and those preparing to say goodbye
Holy Week: In thanksgiving for the gift of merciful love revealed on the Cross
Spiritual Adoption
Each classroom and family is invited to spiritually adopt an anonymous resident of Heart of Mary House for the duration of Lent.
Participants commit to:
- One short prayer per week (Rosary decade, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or provided prayer)
- Offering one small sacrifice weekly for their adopted resident
Giving Sacrificially
Almsgiving invites participants to unite sacrifice with generosity, recognizing that what we give up can become a gift of love for another.
Giving Models
1. “Give Something Up → Give Something Away”
- Participants are encouraged to give up a comfort (snacks, soda, coffee, treats) and donate the money saved throughout Lent.
2. Alms Box Collection
- Classrooms or families place a visible alms box labeled: “Supporting the Dying Poor at Heart of Mary House.”
3. Simple Meal Day
- Schools or families host a soup-and-bread meal
- Soup Sundays- bring soup to a neighbor or friend
Impact of Giving
- $25 helps provide meals for residents
- $50 supports nursing and personal care supplies
- $100 assists with utilities and household needs
Offering Sacrifice in Union with Christ
Fasting invites participants to enter more deeply into Christ’s self-emptying love by intentionally denying themselves comforts and uniting those sacrifices to prayer and charity.
Core Invitation
Participants are encouraged to fast in ways that are age-appropriate, meaningful, and connected to solidarity with the poor and the dying.
Age-Appropriate Fasting Practices
Elementary School
- Give up a small treat or privilege one day each week
- Practice silence or patience as a form of fasting
- Connect fasting to a simple prayer for the residents of Heart of Mary House
Middle & High School
- Fast from snacks, soda, social media, or entertainment on chosen days
- Participate in a simple meal day (soup and bread)
- Reflect on how fasting creates space for prayer and generosity
Family Groups
- Observe traditional Friday abstinence and additional fasting days
- Host communal simple meals
- Encourage fasting offered for the intentions of the dying poor
Fasting is not about punishment, but about making room for love.
Practicing Mercy Through Presence
Service teaches that love is shown not only through action, but through presence and compassion.
Age-Appropriate Service Opportunities
Elementary School
- Handmade cards and artwork for residents
- Prayer chains or spiritual bouquets
Middle & High School
All of the above, plus:
- Reflection letters on dignity, suffering, and mercy
- Donation drives (approved items only)
- On-site volunteer service for eligible ages
Family Groups
All of the above, plus:
- Meal preparation
- Laundry and housekeeping support
- Grounds beautification projects
- Ongoing volunteer discernment