Free Printable Lenten Lessons and Activities

Lent begins each year with the Imposition of the Ashes on Ash Wednesday, which in the western calendar for 2008 will begin very early on February 6. Lent begins a 40 day journey of fasting, acts of mercy and spiritual pilgrimage. We try to live, in our poor humble human way, in solidarity with Our Lord as he fasted in the desert for 40 days and made his final pilgrimage to Jerusalem. A Roman cross, torture and crucifixion awaited Him. But so did the glory of Easter, the Resurrection. Lent is a season for intense and deep personal and spiritual reflection.
Here are several well researched websites in line with the Magisterium (the teachings of the Holy Roman Church), the Holy See (seat of Peter) and the catechism. I try to make sure that all Catholic materials have the Nil Obstat and Imprimatur (these are seals of approval from the bishops and of the church that this material does not deviate in any way from Catholic doctrine). Here are lessons to explore Lent:  Free Printable Lenten Lessons and Activities 

Free Printable Passover lesson plans and activities for families

Passover, or Pesach, is a seven-day Jewish holiday observance. It generally falls in April in the western calendar. In 2012, Passover will be celebrated beginning at sundown Saturday, April 6 and lasting through Friday, April 14. On the Hebrew lunisolar calendar (which is based on both moon phases and solar cycles), Passover is celebrated on Nissan 15-22. Here are resources for Jewish kids and parents to explore and celebrate Passover more fully. These activities can help non-Jewish families understand and experience Hebrew traditions, too. Read more at Jewish Passover lessons and activities for families

Free Printable Jewish Purim Activities

The Hebrew celebration of Purim begins at sundown sometime around March or April. Each year Jewish observances fall on different days, because our Hebrew brother and sisters do not follow our western Gregorian calendar. Purim celebrates the bravery and wisdom of a simple Jewish girl, Esther who became queen to Ahasuerus, King of Persia. King Ahasuerus's first wife Queen Vashti was very beautiful. One night the King demanded that Vashti parade naked in front of all his guests. She refused and was executed. Here are activities, lessons and crafts for this sacred Jewish holiday. Read more at Free Printable Jewish Purim Activities