Ash Wednesday
Jul 11, 2026
Ash Wednesday
Today we receive ashes and hear the words: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. It's a jarring reminder in the middle of an ordinary Wednesday—but that's the point. Lent interrupts our routine to ask what really matters.
For homeschool families, Ash Wednesday is a chance to learn together. Explain to your children why we wear ashes, why we fast, why we give things up. Let them see you receive the cross on your forehead. Make the sign on theirs. This is the kind of formation that happens not in a classroom but in the living of it—parent and child, side by side, entering the desert together.
What will your family do differently these forty days?
Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. — Psalm 90:12
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27: TWO WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY
CSI: Forensic Anthropology Lab | 9:30–11:30am | Houston Museum of Natural Science | Grades 7–12 | $25
Get up close with bones and discover what secrets they can tell. This two-hour hands-on lab includes work with skeletal reproductions. Drop-off only; family museum entry included. Only 9 spots left!
Forming the Imagination with J.R.R. Tolkien | 2:00–3:30pm | University of St. Thomas, Malloy 12 | Ages 13–19 | $5
Sr. Maria Frassati Jakupcak, OP, leads a lecture and discussion on Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" as part of our Philosophy & Theology series. Parent session: "Ethical Use of AI" with UST Admissions, followed by an Honors House open house.
Community Spotlight
Lux Christi is a Catholic homeschool co-op serving families in the Alvin area. Registration for 2026–2027 is now open—current families may register through March 1, with new family applications accepted on a first-come basis after that. Elementary students follow Schola Rosa, Catechism of the Good Shepherd, and Into the Deep; middle and high schoolers use Traditio Nostra with IEW and Lost Tools of Writing. | Website
Looking for a co-op or community group? CHECH members can browse all listed groups at membership.chechtx.org/
Upcoming in Houston
Catholic Academy Virtual Open House | Tomorrow, February 19, 9:00 a.m. ET | Learn about home-based online Catholic school for 2026–27 | Free
Houston TEFA Info Session | Saturday, February 21 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Freed Community Center, Houston | Free | Learn how Texas Education Freedom Accounts can support your family—funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and other approved education expenses | Family-friendly, children welcome | Pre-registration required
Schola Rosa: Free Religion Lessons for Lent | Downloadable lessons on Lent, Holy Week, and the Stations of the Cross from the Our Holy Faith curriculum | Free
Quis Ut Deus Press: Free Printable Lenten Calendars | Free | Downloadable calendars to help your family track the days of Lent
Lent with the Saints | Free | Ages 5–8 | Daily audio adventures from The Merry Beggars bringing saints to life through professional actors and cinematic sound design | A faith-filled Lenten companion for young children
Shalom World Lenten Resources | Free | Streaming reflections and documentaries for adults, plus a downloadable activity kit for kids ages 6–12
Artlectio: Daily Lenten Art Study | Sacred art with daily reflection questions throughout Lent | Follow on Instagram or YouTube
Into the Deep
Looking to strengthen your family's religious education this Lent? Into the Deep offers Catholic religion materials to help children grow in knowledge and love of the faith. CHECH members receive 10% off through the Virtual Vendor Hall, and your purchase supports our scholarships and events.
