Submitted by
S. Daly

Age Group
8-11

Aim
To mark the beginning of Lent

Faith Group
Christian

Resources
Ashes made from last year's burnt palms, from Palm Sunday
A large sheet of paper showing the prayer response

Time of Year
Ash Wednesday

Other Details
This can take place in the school hall, or at the local church or chapel
A priest can be asked to take part
Taped music or reflective silence can replace a hymn

Script
PRIEST
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is the time before Easter, when we think about and try to improve our behaviour.
We especially think about how much we love God - and how much he loves us.
A long time ago, people wore sackcloth and ashes, to show that they were sorry for their sins. Today, we will wear Ashes, to show that we too are sorry for the times when we do wrong.
During Lent, we will try extra hard to do what is right. We will try hard to make the right choices.

CHILD
It isn't always easy to do what is right though.
Often, we are tempted to do what is wrong.
Even Jesus was "tempted", but he did not give in.
Once, Jesus spent forty days in the desert. He ate nothing and so felt very weak. Then the Devil came to him. He said he would give Jesus food, kingdoms and power - if Jesus worshipped him.
But Jesus, with God's help, found the strength to say no.
He made the right choice.

PRIEST
God the Father helped Jesus to be strong. He will help us as well.
Let us ask him to do so.
The response after each line is "Father make us strong."

When we are tempted to do what is wrong...
When we do not get what we want...
When we are afraid of doing new things...
When we want to do what is right...
When we want to be kind and thoughtful...
When we want to make friends with someone...
When we want to say sorry to someone...
When we want to make the right choices...

When Jesus was tempted in the desert, he had to make the right choice.
Now, as we receive the Ashes, let us decide that we will try very hard to make the right choices during Lent.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
This can be performed by a priest or by someone supported by the priest.
A cross is drawn on each person's forehead, with the ashes.
The wording varies, but can be,
"Remember that from dust you come, to dust you will return."
This is not a sacrament, so can be received by all.

PRIEST
Jesus, when you were tempted, you had to choose between right and wrong.
Help us when we have to choose.
If the best choice is difficult or unpleasant, give us the courage to make it.
If the choice is confusing - and we do not know what to do, give us the wisdom to decide.
Help us always to do what is best. Amen.

Let us now say the Lord's Prayer...

ALL
Our Father...