Family brings special meaning to Lent

The children of John and Brittany Mahoney of Denham Springs go to the whiteboard in their family’s dining room and proudly dab a rubber stamp engraved with a flower design in ink and press it to a drawing of a crown of thorns, consoling the heart of Jesus. 

Far from expecting an additional reward for their self-denial, at the dinner table they are the ones who are likely to remind their parents about the sacrifices they decided to make as a family during Lent. This is one of many signs of a family which embraces Lent as a special time and who flows along with the rhythm of the liturgical seasons of the church.

“That’s our team,” announced Brittany about her children, twins Michael and Agnes, 7; Isaac, 5; Dominic, 4; Louisa, 2; and Vincent, five months. Far from being somber, shy or reserved, they were joyful and playful. Vincent had sparkling eyes and bounced with infant gleefulness.

The Lenten pillars of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving are spread throughout the day. Instead of reading traditional story books at breakfast, Brittany will read spiritual-based books such as “My Path to Heaven” by Father Geoffery Bliss SJ. The book is based on a St. Ignatius retreat and covers such essentials of the faith as God’s will, angels, heaven and hell, the fall of man, the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, the Nativity, the passion, salvation, the sacraments, faith, hope, love and contrition and of these truths in their lives and in the decisions they make. Brittany noted that the book is interesting for children while challenging to adults.

“Their attention is good, they ask good questions,” said Brittany.

For almsgiving the family collects canned goods and cleans out their closets to help a family in need they know.

At bath time or when they brush their teeth, instead of listening to their traditional song list, the children listen to spiritual songs such as “Do Not Fear” and “Wood and Nails.”

Fish sticks are staples in the Mahoney’s freezer, because the family abstains from meat every Friday throughout the year. On Friday nights during Lent it’s time to pile up in the family car, sing the Divine Praises and “go see Jesus” at the outdoor Stations of the Cross at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs.

“We know Jesus is waiting to see us,” said Brittany.

They also take time to visit Jesus during eucharistic adoration in the church.

And when St. Agnes Church in Baton Rouge had a Lenten evening of reflection with Msgr. Robert Berggreen, the Mahoneys were there. 

A daily examination of consciousness is also another way in which the family “checks in” to see what they did well, where they did not do well and how they can do better.

According to Brittany, the best way to “keep Lent” is to keep it simple, family-oriented and centered on Jesus.

 “It flows together and it feels all natural. This makes it a family event,” she said.

Both John’s and Brittany’s families grew up making sacrifices. John attended the Latin Mass at St. Agnes, so it’s natural to raise the children attending the same liturgy.

This special preparation helps boosts the children’s excitement about the upcoming Easter celebration. They normally attend the Easter Vigil, except last year because of COVID-19. 

“We made a bonfire outside and read pieces of the liturgy,” said Brittany.

This year’s celebration will be even more joyous, because in May, Michael and Agnes will receive their first Communion at St. Agnes.

“I can’t wait,” said Agnes with a gleam in her eye.