Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving
Jul 11, 2026
The Ashes Have Washed Off
We're one week into Lent. The ashes have washed off, but the work continues. This is the season of the three pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These aren't just personal disciplines—they're meant to be practiced together, as a family.
For homeschoolers, Lent offers a built-in curriculum. Teach your children to pray by praying with them. Let them see you fast, and talk about why. Give alms together—let them choose what to donate, count the coins, deliver the goods. The goal isn't perfection; it's formation. We're not just teaching our children about the faith. We're showing them how to live it.
How is your family's Lenten rule holding up? If you've already stumbled, begin again. That's what this season is for.
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." — Joel 2:12
Showcase Magazine: We Need Your Submissions!
The 2026 issue of our annual magazine goes to print in just a few weeks—and we need to hear from you. This publication celebrates the hard work, faith, and joy of Catholic homeschool families across the Houston area, and it's only as good as what you send in. You don't have to be a CHECH member to submit—all Catholic homeschoolers are welcome.
Please submit:
- Awards & achievements – Academic honors, athletic milestones, scout rankings, camp acceptances, and accomplishments worth celebrating
- Service & faith – Mission work, scouting projects, parish service
- Art, poetry & essays – Sketches, poems, photographs, reflections (500 words or less)
Class of 2026 seniors: Don't miss your chance to be featured! Email a photograph, your accomplishments, and future plans to [email protected].
Advertisers: Reach Houston's Catholic homeschool community with a print ad.
Deadline: March 15 | Submit online | [email protected]
Community Spotlight
Holy House Academy is a Catholic homeschool enrichment program at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Spring Branch, serving Pre-K through 12th grade. With courses in art, music, Greek, Latin, science, math, literature, history, nature, and philosophy, Holy House offers rigorous academics grounded in a balance of faith and reason. Students wear uniforms and attend Mass together. Sliding-scale tuition and financial aid available. | Holy House Academy
Looking for a co-op or community group? CHECH members can browse all listed groups here.
Upcoming in Houston
Forming the Imagination with J.R.R. Tolkien | Friday, February 27 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. | Ages 13–19 | $5 | Sr. Maria Frassati Jakupcak, OP | Part of CHECH Philosophy & Theology Lecture Series | Parent session: "Ethical Use of AI" with UST Admissions + Honors House open house
Lenten Lecture: Penance in the Middle Ages | Thursday, March 5 | 1:00 p.m. | Welder 108 | Sr. Albert Marie Surmanski explores penance as virtue, sacrament, and Lenten practice | Part of the UST Theology Department Lenten Lecture Series
First Saturday Mass for Homeschool Families | Saturday, March 7 | Shrine of the True Cross, Dickinson | Latin Novus Ordo (ad orientem) with English & Spanish homily | 8:30 a.m. Confessions, 9:00 a.m. Mass, 10:15 a.m. Rosary procession to outdoor Marian grotto | Commemoration of Sts. Perpetua & Felicity | Flyer
Thomas Aquinas College: High School Great Books Summer Programs | One- and two-week programs in California or New England | Rising seniors | Early bird: $200–$400 off for first 30 registrants
Cluny Media
Lent is a good time to pick up a spiritual classic. Cluny Media publishes beautiful, affordable editions of Catholic literature—works by saints, theologians, and writers that have shaped the faith for centuries. Whether you're looking for Lenten reading for yourself or introducing your children to the great Catholic literary tradition, Cluny is a wonderful place to start. CHECH members receive a discount through our discounts page.
