Book Review – Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church

Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church: Activities to Celebrate the Catholic Liturgical Seasons is written by Catherine and Peter Fournier and published by Ignatius Press.  I was looking to take Lent a little more seriously last year and wanted to try and find ways to start getting my 2-year old involved so I purchased a copy of this book.

This book had several gems in it.

First, were activities I had not seen in any other liturgical year activity book — The Lenten Cross with illustrations (similar to a Jesse Tree), which we may try this year and information on the Seder Meal, both what it’s history is and how to have one.   I also liked the depth of information on basic items in language easy to adapt for children, including it’s Family Stations of the Cross.

The book also included a very in-depth explanation of making bread from scratch, the purpose of fasting, alms, and virtues/good works, and Confession.  I also liked the directions on things that are no longer common in Catholic homes such as family altars and Mary gardens.

Like many other books of this type, recipes were included for major church holidays and feast days of the saints.   There were also several craft projects that would be good for older children, maybe 8 and up, as they have some “real” craft projects like banners and cross-stitch projects.   For smaller children, there are 20+ pages of reproducible coloring pages in the back for smaller children and they tell you how to find them on their website.

Overall, I would say that this book has some great original information in it and they do an excellent job on the basics.   Anyone who is looking to involve their family more in Lent and Easter would find some things they could use to help improve their spiritual journey and there is more activities than could be done in one season, making it a resource that can be used year after year.  I look forward to getting their book for Advent & Christmas, as well!

You can purchase this book here.