JOYfilledfamily BLOG

Every Knee Shall Bow

January 3, 2011 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Most Holy Name of Jesus

Jesus Hominum Salvator "Jesus, Saviour of men"

The Adoration of the Name of Jesus by: El Greco 1578-79 (b. 1541, Candia, d. 1614, Toledo) Original Located: Chapter House, Monasterio de San Lorenzo, El Escorial, Madrid Spain

MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

Sunday after the Octave Day of the Nativity or January 2

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

Extraordinary Form: The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Ordinary Form: The Epiphany of the Lord)

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite this feast is celebrated on January 2. In the liturgical revisions of Vatican II, the feast was removed, though a votive Mass to the Holy Name of Jesus had been retained for devotional use. With the release of the revised Roman Missal in March 2002, the feast was restored as an optional memorial in the Ordinary Form on January 3. – Catholic Culture

INTROIT Philip. 2:10-11

In the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: and let every tongue confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father. (Psalm) O Lord our Lord: hoe admirable is Thu Name in the whole earth! Glory be to the Father. In the Name…

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father.

Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, Who didst constitute Thine only-begotten Son the Savior of mankind, and didst bid Him be called Jesus:mercifully grant, that we who venerate His Holy Name on earth, may fully enjoy also the vision of Him in heaven. Through the same our Lord.

Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum! "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"

RESOURCES:

The Power of the Holy Name of Jesus – Audio Sermon from AudioSancto.org
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – The Church has granted an indulgence of 7 years for the recital of the Litany of the Most Holy Name.
Prayers to the Holy Name
St. Bernadino’s Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
Story of the Holy Name of Jesus
IHS Stencil – used to stencil/place the monogram of His Name ("IHS") over our doors for protection, in the same way that the Israelites in Egypt used lamb’s blood during the first Passover. ~Fisheaters
Devotion to the Holy Name
I.H.S. Coloring Page – from the Latin "Jesus Hominum Salvator" meaning "Jesus, Saviour of men"
I.H.S. and Cross Coloring Page

“All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ……” Col 3:17

Ready To Begin Again

December 31, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Patron Saint, St. Faustina, St. Josemaria Escrivá

I’m sure it’s no surprise that my family has already adopted a patron saint…..Mother Teresa. Dad and I adopted Bl. Mother Teresa as our patron saint about 5 years ago. Her intercession for us is powerful and her charism is imprinted on our hearts. Each child still has their own namesake and patron saint(s).

In addition, we adopt a family patron saint for the year. We were introduced to this practice, a few years ago. We like to see it as having a saint select us for the year.

This custom was adopted by St. Faustina.

On the occasion of the New Year 1935 Saint Maria Faustina made this entry in her spiritual Diary:
"Jesus likes to intervene in the smallest details of our life. And He often fulfills secret wishes of mine that I sometimes hide from Him, although I know that from Him nothing can be hidden. There is a custom among us of drawing by lot on New Year’s Day, special patrons for ourselves for the whole year…” ~ Saint Maria Faustina

In the past we have selected a saint from a small list. We drew a name out of a hat.

Last year, I used this site to select our patron saint for 2010. Unfortunately, the site is not running at this time.

I found out about the Saint’s Name Generator from a friend. I decided to have Dad visit the Saint Generator to have a saint select us. Our 2011 Patron Saint is……

St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer

Josemaria Escriva was born in Spain on January 9, 1902 and died in Rome on June 26, 1975. On October 2, 1928, God gave him to see Opus Dei.

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New Year: Beginning Again Each Day

The Christian Life is a Continuous Beginning Again Each Day
Since our first conscious decision really to follow the teaching of Christ, we have no doubt made good progress along the way of faithfulness to his word. And yet isn’t it true that there is still much to be done? Isn’t it true, particularly, that there is still so much pride in us? We need, most probably, to change again, to be more loyal and humble, so that we become less selfish and let Christ grow in us, for “He must become more and more, I must become less and less.” (St. John 3:30) … Conversion is the task of a moment; sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The divine seed of charity, which God has sown in our souls, wants to grow, to express itself in action, to yield results which continually coincide with what God wants. Therefore, we must be ready to begin again, to find again — in new situations — the light and the stimulus of our first conversion. And that is why we must prepare with a deep examination of conscience, asking our Lord for his help, so that we’ll know him and ourselves better. If we want to be converted again, there’s no other way. ~ St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, 58

The Extraordinary In One’s Ordinary Life

How many mothers have you known who have been the heroines of some epic or extraordinary event? Few, very few. Yet you and I know many mothers who are indeed heroic, truly heroic, who have never figured in anything spectacular, who will never hit the headlines, as they say. They lead lives of constant self-denial, happy to curtail their own likes and preferences, their time, their opportunities for self-expression or success, so that they can carpet their children’s lives with happiness. ~ St. Josemaria Escriva, Friends of God, 134

Have you seen how that imposing building was built? One brick upon another. Thousands. But, one by one. And bags of cement, one by one. And blocks of stone, each of them insignificant compared with the massive whole. And beams of steel. And men working, the same hours, day after day… Have you seen how that imposing building was built?… By dint of little things! ~ St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 823

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“When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that were in the home of the holy family.”

~ St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, 22

Year in Review 2010

December 30, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Blog, Catholic Blogs, Year in Review

I’ve pulled together a review of 2010. Here are some top posts and family favs per each month of 2010.

+AMDG+

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

For the Greater Glory of God

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JANUARY

It’s That Time Again – Organization

FEBUARY

Little Flowers 5th Meeting – Joy/Mirthfulness & St. Clare of Assisi

MARCH

Preparation for First Holy Communion & First Communion JOY

APRIL

Prayers & Activities for Pope Benedict XVI

MAY

He’s Here…

JUNE

A New Creation of God

JULY

Feast Day Celebration For Our Lady of Mount Carmel

AUGUST

High School Space

SEPTEMBER

The Little Flower

NOVEMEBER

Giving Thanks Craft

DECEMBER

Our Lady of Guadalupe

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We pray to continue to grow closer to Our Lord, to use our gifts for Him, to live each moment of our lives to glorify Him, to share our journey.

St. Francis de Sales

December 29, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: 01 January Saints, St. Francis de Sales

“Lord, I am yours, and I must belong to no one but you. My soul is yours, and must live only by you. My will is yours, and must love only for you. I must love you as my first cause, since I am from you. I must love you as my end and rest, since I am for you. I must love you more than my own being, since my being subsists by you. I must love you more than myself, since I am all yours and all in you. Amen”. ~ St. Francis de Sales, Treatise on the Love of God

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Traditional Calendar January 29 ~ New Calendar January 24

Born on the border of Switzerland, into an old aristocratic family of Savoy, Francis of Sales became one of the foremost missioners of the Catholic Restoration. He drew Calvinists to the Church by his Christlike kindness; but after the winning of the heretics, the saint was very exacting in the direction of his converts. His writings are Christian classics in which he emphasizes the importance of a staunch Catholic laity, holding that it is an error to believe that piety is incompatible with any state of life. Francis of Sales was appointed bishop of Geneva in 1603. Seven years later, together with St. Jane de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation. This holy and gentle apostle died in 1622.

He joyfully undertook this mission, and amid many dangers and struggles, is said to have recalled seventy-two thousand of these heretics to the Catholic Faith.

"Do you seek the higher things, such as prayer and meditation, the Sacraments leading souls to God and kindling good thoughts in them? Do all these good works according to your vocation; but meanwhile do not neglect your spindle and distaff. I mean, cultivate those little virtues which spring like flowers round the foot of the Cross, such as ministering to the poor and sick, family cares, and the duties arising therefrom, and practical diligence and activity; and amid all these things cultivate such spiritual thoughts. . . . Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily; and our Lord Himself has told us that ‘he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.’ If you do all in God’s Name, all you do will be well done." ~St. Francis de Sales

Patron: Authors; Diocese of Baker, Oregon; Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio; Catholic press; Diocese of Columbus, Ohio; confessors; deaf people; deafness; Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware; educators; journalists; teachers; writers.

Symbols: Bald man with a long beard wearing a bishop’s robes holding a book; heart pierced with thorns or picture of the Virgin.

RESOURCES

St. Francis de Sales Bio for Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive
St. Francis De Sales Bio – EWTN
Introduction to the Devote Life – Audio & Online Book
Treatise on the Love of God – Online Book
Daily With De Sales – An online retreat based on the book Every Day with St. Francis de Sales

“O love eternal, my soul needs and chooses you eternally! Ah, come Holy Spirit, and inflame our hearts with your love! To love — or to die! To die — and to love! To die to all other love in order to live in Jesus’ love, so that we may not die eternally. But that we may live in your eternal love, O Savior of our souls, we eternally sing, "Live, Jesus! Jesus, I love! Live, Jesus, whom I love! Jesus, I love, Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever." Amen. ~ Treatise on the Love of God by Saint Francis de Sales

“Holy detachment is one of the virtues which Our Lord Jesus Christ spread abroad with a delightful scent. It was a lovely flower in His most holy passion. It is the most excellent of virtues because it shares in the firmness of charity, in the perfume of humiliy, in the merit of patience and in the fruit of perseverance. Great is this virtue, worthy of being practiced by all the children of God.” (Sermons 29; O. IX, p. 283)

"As soon as worldly people see that you wish to follow a devout life they aim a thousand darts of mockery and even detraction at you. The most malicious of them will slander your conversion as hypocrisy, bigotry, and trickery. . . .” ~St. Francis de Sales

“Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same Everlasting Father, who takes care of you today, will take care of you tomorrow. He will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.” ~St. Francis de Sales

originall posted – 1/29/2011 02:07:00 AM

The Holy Innocents

December 28, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Christmas, Holy Innocents

HOLY INNOCENTS
Martyrs

Within the Octave of Christmas

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / PURPLE
There is mixed joy and sorrow in the feast of the innocent victims of the first persecution. The Church rejoices at the spiritual victory of the young witnesses to Christ. The purple vestments of the Mass denote the Church’s common grief with the mothers of Bethlehem, who saw their babies massacred by the jealousy of Herod.

While it is easy to get lost in the nightmare of what happened to the Innocents, it’s to be remembered that they ultimately triumphed! They are Saints of God, as this painting by William Holman Hunt shows. The Innocents are seen with the Holy Family, in spirit, during the Family’s Flight to Egypt. ~ Fisheaters

RESOURCES:

Holy Innocents Story – For Kids

Holy Innocents – EWTN

Shrine of the Holy Innocents – Video Prayer for ALL

A new tradition has been born in our home. The youngest child will “rule for the day.” I read about this custom here and here. I thought it would be a nice plan for the day. Papi (my 3 year old) had the same idea. He woke up early and went downstairs to help himself to some left over candy pretxels and a movie. He is always one step ahead of us.

Printable Prayer Card to End Abortion – Holy Reflections

Start a Novena to the Magi in anticipation of the Epiphany. – This Novena is especially prayed beginning on 28 December (the Feast of the Holy Innocents) and ending on 5 January (the Vigil of the Epiphany).

Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, once You embraced and placed Your hands upon the little children who came to You, and said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and their angels always see the face of my Father!" Look now with fatherly eyes on the innocence of these children and their parents’ devotion, and bless them this day through our ministry. (The father signs the forehead of each child with the sign of the cross.) In Your grace and goodness let them advance continually, longing for You, loving You, fearing You, keeping Your commandments. Then they will surely come to their destined home, through You, Savior of the world. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. ~ Blessing of Children on Holy Innocents

May God bless you, and may He be the Guardian of your heart and mind — In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Christmas, Christmas Card

dragonfly is keeping his eyes on papi to be sure that he doesn’t try any funny stuff.

Faithfilled Gifts

December 24, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, FREE, Gifts, Prayer, Saint Cards

I am praying for you during this Holy season and throughout the New Year. I also wanted to share my latest FREE online find.

I love creating things and always try to make my crafts faithfilled. I usually make my gifts and my gift tags. However, this year I’ve spent more time giving the gift of myself, being present for my family and less time focusing on presents. Needless to say, there has not been much time for handmade gifts this year. I did keep it simple but the gifts lacked the faithfilled touch that (I believe) should always be present. That led me on a search for Holy gift tags.

I found the most charming faithfilled CATHOLIC gift tags. They are free and printable. Did I mention that they are FREE!!!

The site is Holy Reflections. It is a creation of Mildred Lee Bozeman.

I received my love of God from my Mother, my love of collecting from my Father, and my love for antiques from his two sisters, so it seems only natural that one day I would begin a collection of antique holy cards. These old holy card images enhance your meditation during prayers and they assist you in expressing the deepest feelings of your heart and soul to God. My holy card collection has enriched my faith, renewed my spirit, and increased my joy. That is why it is so important to me to be able to share it with you. I add prayers to the back of the scanned images, laminate them and give them away to people as gifts. I have given them to strangers, the homeless, family, and friends. It is my small way of giving back what God has given to me. Remaining always grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ whom without I can do nothing. ~ Mildred

The collection at Holy Reflections is endless!

Here are some items that I used for Christmas gift giving and wrapping…..

FREE Printable Religious Gift Tags Prayer For Peace Card Advent Stationary Prayer to the Most Loving Infant Jesus The Joys of a Divine Advent

Here are a few more items that I have used or will be using in the very near future.

First Communion Prayer Card The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Consecration Prayer Cards Ava Maria Prayer Cards Our Lady of Perpetual Help Adoration Holy Souls Reflections and Prayer Cards Images from a 1870 French Catholic Prayer Book FREE Printable Stationary Antique Holy Card Slide Show

ENJOY AND SHARE IN THE BLESSINGS!

Check out Holy Reflections FaceBook Page for site updates.

Mildred also provided a link to her friend’s site. Julie Brown offers an additional array of antique holy cards for a fee at Holy Cards.

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

December 23, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Cookies, Recipe 4 Comments

A friend hosted a Cookie Exchange during the first week of December for moms and daughters. It was a great outing and jump start for Christmas baking.

Rose and I decided to try a new recipe. We were in a chocolatey mood and liked the look of Chocolate Crinkles. We used Bakers Royal recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies.

Rose found this to be a simple and fun recipe. She noted that she would use less powdered sugar. Also, we tried the Crinkles with and without peppermint. Peppermint is the way to go!

I printed the recipe on the JOY cards for all to take home.

A tall glass of milk is definitely needed. This is one rich cookie, just the way my kids like them!

check out more cookie ideas at Catholic Cuisine’s Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange and our last year’s Christmas cookie post.

Thanksgiving and Prayers

December 23, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Dragonfly Leave a Comment

We have sought simpler times. This year a Christmas Topiary is part of the plan. We decided to decorate our tree early this year in honor of our gift from above, Dragonfly.

He turned 7 months on Dec. 17.

He is a precious baby with a sweet disposition. He is easy and always happy. Dragonfly…sits up on his own. has 6 teeth. wears 9-12 months clothes. pulls himself to a standing position, on his own. eats avocados. loves to fight with dad and brother. enjoys his adventures with sweetie. prefers men to women. is ready for a hair cut. crawls everywhere.……brings us much JOY!

prayers for a

JOYfilled CHRISTmas

We pray that we continue to be filled with the JOY that only Christ can provide. We extend this prayer to all our blog friends and their loved ones.

Waiting For Jesus Christ

December 23, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Nativity 1 Comment

We are anxiously awaiting the birth of Christ. On Christmas Day, the children will add Baby Jesus to the Nativity Scenes in our home, that do not have Him present. He is the true gift of Christmas!

mantle – Fontanini Nativity