Catholic Activity: Pre-Lent, or Carnival in the Home

The days before Lent, also known as Carnival or Mardi Gras are days of festivity. Here are some short admonitions to remember for these days.

DIRECTIONS

In Catholic communities (e.g., New Orleans, La.) the three days prior to Ash Wednesday are considered carnival days, days of plenty of food, fun, and pleasure. It is a good idea to keep this practice, moderately at least, in our homes during this period. As Therese Mueller says, "It is good psychology to experience and enjoy what we intend to 'give up' and helps much in a right start for Lent." It might be noted also that, in the mind of the Church, the Sundays of Lent are to be used as "pauses" to help us prepare for the next week's labors.

Activity Source: How to Make Your House a Home by Rev. Bernard Stokes, O.F.M., Family Life Bureau, Washington D.C., 1955