JOYfilledfamily BLOG

Rogation Day

May 12, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Parish, Prayers, Rogation Day

May 11, 2010

"Rogation" comes from the Latin "rogare," which means "to ask," and these are days on which we seek to appease God’s anger, ask His mercy, avert His chastisements, and ask for His blessings, particularly with regard to farming, gardening, and other agricultural pursuits. ~FISHEATERS

Farmer & Field

The liturgy, during which the priest is vested in purple, begins with Psalm 43:26, which is followed by the Litany of the Saints. At the Litany’s "Sancta Maria," all stand and the procession begins, which in older times was usually around the border of the parish, giving to the procession the name of "beating the bounds."
The Litany is followed by Psalm 69, a series of petitions, and the Mass, with readings from James 5:16-20 and Luke 11:5-14.

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Eli’jah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. ~ James 5:16-20

~~~

And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled. ~ Luke 11:5-14

In places where the Rogation Days are not kept, all Catholics should pray that God blesses the earth and renders it fruitful for us.

ROGATION FUN

Social Time With Father

Animal Feeding

Cows Wanting to Join The Procession

New Life

Milking Cows

Animal Feeding II

Friends

Family In Shades

(following mom’s lead to fighting allergies)

Joyous Day

May 9, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: First Communion, First Communion JOY, Sacraments

First Communion JOY – Party

My Beloved Jesus,
On This Joyous Day,
I Have Been Given
The Opportunity To
Receive In Communion,
Your Body, Your Blood,
Your Spirit And
Your Supreme Divinity:
May I Prove Worthy And
Appreciative Of This Most
Scared Gift Bestowed.

~ Communion Invitation

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

PRE COMMUNION

Sparkles had an early visit form her Nina & Nino (Godparents). Her Nina presented her with a special glass rosary that she has treasured for Sparkles since she was born.

Sparkles also received other special First Communion items from her Godparents; Gold Rosary, Gold Chalice, Prayer Cards and a custom veil.

Sparkles was delighted!

She was also thankful for all the prayers that were to be offered for her on her special day by her Nina. She was not able to attend Sparkles First Communion because she departed for a pilgrimage (on May 7) to the Shroud of Turin and other Holy ground.

Sparkles decided at the last minute not to wear her sister’s First Communion dress as earlier discussed. Rose was honored for Sparkles to wear her dress but was adamant that it only be for her First Communion not for general Sunday attire. When Sparkles inquired if a spare dress that I purchased earlier in the year could be used for “other Sundays, ” I knew she had her heart set. The dress is hers to wear freely as she chooses in celebration of her blessed day.

Sparkles requested that she go to the Sacrament of Penance one more time before receiving Our Lord in First Communion. Dad made a special appointment since traveling was not an option.

She was also managed to get an early First Communion breakfast with Father D and Dad.

BEFORE MASS

We arrived at church with plenty of time to spare. Sparkles gave thanks. She was anxious the entire week. She initiated and led a rosary on the way to church which is an hour drive.

Praise and thanksgiving for child-like faith.

enjoying the anticipation of receiving JESUS

proud dad

time for girl talk

ready….

MASS

Sparkles was not the first which meant she is no longer the smallest. This in itself yielded a smile.

Sparkles desired to wear her new necklace of St. Bernadette. I agreed but suggested that the necklace be tucked inside her dress. I noticed early on that the necklace worked it’s way out.

St. Bernadette pray for Sparkles.

Father L recapped on what he instructed the First Communicants on during their lessons. He was able to reach the children in a way that we, their earthly parents can not.

Praise be to God for faithful Priests!

AFTER MASS

The children re-entered the church after Mass for their enrollment in the Brown Scapular.

O God, Who hast honored the Order of Carmel with the special title of Thy most Blessed Mother Mary, ever Virgin: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate her memory this day with solemn office, may be shielded by her protection and deserve to come to everlasting joys: Who livest and reignest.
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

CELEBRATION

JOYfilledfamily

This picture is the best we could do and I’m not complaining. No retakes needed for this 39 weeks pregnant mama.

mom (and baby G) ~ dad ~ papi ~ rose~ sweetie ~ sparkles

Rose & Sparkles

Papa & Nana

Papa and Nana were thrilled to have a personal invite from Sparkles. In fact, Sparkles gave personal invites to all her guests. Unfortunately, they and Father D were the only quests able to attend.

~~~

Dad and I later reflected on how Sparkles so graciously accepted this small cross, limited attendees to a glorious day. She is always putting others first and hardly every allows for a pity party. She focuses on the gifts before her and finds JOY in all things. This occasion was no different. Sure, she was saddened that her intimate guest list was dwindled down to 2 parties especially when one of them called in sick the morning of - but she did not get wrapped up in the details or focus on their absence. Instead she did what Sparkles usually does, offered a prayer for them and moved on JOYfully! Dad and I were touched by her example and continue to pray that this virtue flourish within her and spread through-out our family.

~~~

Papa & Nana do not attend our parish and are sometimes unsure of our willingness to travel so far for Mass and other parish functions. However, this day provided graces for everyone present.

They were exceptionally impressed with the reverence of all those in attendance, especially the new communicants. They couldn’t quite articulate all that they experienced but I got the jest of it.

We pray that Our Lord continues to work on their hearts along with all others who were present on this blessed day.

We were sure not to miss a photo opp with any one of our blessed priests. Thanks Evann for your reminder in your posting, More Traditions.

Father D ~ Father L ~ Father M

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had a nice intimate celebration with 22 First Communicants.

DEO GRATIAS

Communion Edition – Tile Necklaces

May 9, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Crafts, First Communion, First Communion JOY, Little Flowers

I wanted to do something special for my Little Flowers who were scheduled to receive their First Communion. Rose quickly prompted me to make tile necklaces. All of her friends loved the necklaces that they received for Christmas and wear them often.

I chose St. Therese to be the featured saint since she is the patron of our group.

I personalized the back with a First Communion picture and the date of their joyous day.

Lastly, Rose and I made simple rosary/necklace satchels for the gift and future use.

Sparkles had a more personalized necklace since I know her patron saint.

LINKED:

First Communion JOY – Party

Share the JOY of your First Communicant. This can be a First Communion Post from this year or recent years past. It’s just a simple way to share your JOY and lift one another up in prayer.

Craft Basket Wednesday

Have a BLESSED Day!

May 9, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Mother's Day, Music, Praise and Thanksgiving

I give thanks for my gift of motherhood and continue to pray to be worthy of such gift. I’m also focusing this year on embracing this season of my life and cherishing the ordinary time.

Ordinary Time ~ Marie Bellet

Join the Party & Share Your First Communion JOY

May 2, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: First Communion, First Communion JOY

“Without JOY there is no love, and love without JOY is not true love. And so, we need to bring that love and that JOY into the World today.” ~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

You’re invited!

I’m hosting a party

In honor of

Mary & all First Communicants

Well the closest I will get to a party for my dear Sparkles since I’m nine months pregnant and not willing to take on an additional celebration so close to the arrival of Baby “G.”

Share the JOY of your First Communicant. This can be a First Communion Post from this year or recent years past. It’s just a simple way to share your JOY and lift one another up in prayer.

My Sparkles will be receiving her First Communion on May 8.

You are welcome to join now!

The party starts on May 1, the Month of Mary. The party will end on June 8, the Traditional Feast Day of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. This should give sufficient time for all new First Communicants to receive and share their JOY.

~~~UPDATE Jan. 2011~~~

This has been changed to a “Perpetual Party” and currently

does not have an end date. Join at anytime!

ALL FOR!

How to Join: You will need to link up to this post with the designated Picture Linky from InLinkz. It should be self-explanatory, so I don’t think you’ll have any problem.

Click on the blue “Add your link” button with the froggy face that you’ll find at the bottom of this post.
Please be sure to add your Permalink, not your general blog address.
To get your permalink:
- click on your post name.
- copy the address that shows up in the address bar at the top,
- paste the copied address into the “url” box for the picture linky.
You’ll also need to enter your email address, It will not be visible to anyone.
Copy and paste the desired First Communion JOY logo button to your computer or save it in a file. Then you can upload it to your side bar and use it in your First Communion JOY post so your visitors will know you are participating.
Please link back to the host blog, JOYfilledfamily. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, share the JOY and offer prayers for other participants.

Please do not add your link below, until your First Communion JOY post is actually published to your blog.

You may contact me via email if you are having difficulties and I will do my best to help you troubleshoot.

This InLinkz account has expired. You can still view the linkup here

Our Plans Are NOT His

May 2, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Faith, Praise and Thanksgiving

We are far from perfect. This day served as a reminder for us all. It definitely did not go as planned. Dad arrived home at 7am from his 2pm-9m clinical and his 10pm – 6:30 am evening shift.

Rose was on the ball as usual, dressed and starting to get the littles prepped. I on the other had was not. I had a surprise visitor the night before. Papi joined me in bed around 3am and I didn’t get back to sleep until 5:45am. Needless to say, I was in no way ready to face what we had planned for the day, May Procession & Mass.

We had 30 min. to get to our destination, the Cathedral which is 60min. away. Dad and I were optimistic that it would work……we were wrong!

My body was barley able to role out of bed. I could see the exhaustion in dad’s eyes and could hear the unraveling from our GFG begin.

This was my queue for an ejaculation, “Jesus, answer my door.” He did so promptly, giving me the strength to set my pious plans aside and attend to those in need before me – including myself and precious load. (This is not an easy act for me and has been an area that I’ve been trying to grow in. I’ll leave that for another time and post.) This decision did not sit well with the girls who had their hearts set on walking for Mary.

Thus, the morning served as an opportunity for training hearts and family devotion. Yes, restrictions were also implemented after apologies were made.

He continues to refine us toward His will. His mercy is endless and His blessings are plentiful.

Father, ruin any plans of ours that are not Yours.

Some of the blessings that were bestowed upon us today:

opportunity to train hearts

meditated on our Family’s Yearly Spiritual Focus – to become servants to one another

patience!!!!

cooked meal for breakfast v.s. the bagel and juice on-the-go

GFG had some great quality dad time

completed some of the baby prep

rested!

dad finished baking home made bread with our GFG

GFG found two puppies that they cared for until their owners were found. This was a big treat since they do not have warm-blooded pets and may never again while in our home due to allergies and other circumstances.

celebrated the Feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker

baked a cake

visited with Nana

had car cleaned and serviced

Lastly, were are all blessed with faithful priest and a parish that offers the Sacrament of Penance* before Mass. Sparkles is especially thankful for this blessing which is new to her.

DEO GRATIAS

* "SPURRING THE FAITHFUL" The sacrament of Penance contains in itself, precisely because it imparts or increases supernatural grace, the power of spurring the faithful to practice fervent charity, to perform the resulting good works and to accept devoutly the sorrows of life which also merit the remission of temporal punishment. ~ Pope John Paul II

A Good Shepherd

April 28, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Easter, Photos, Prayers, Priest

Easter Celebration

April 18, 2010

Prayer for Priests
To be said by members
of the Confraternity of St. Peter

Following a decade of the Rosary:

V. Remember, O Lord, Thy congregation.
R. Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning.

Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus, born to give testimony to the Truth,
Thou who lovest unto the end those whom Thou hadst
chosen, kindly hear our prayers for our pastors.
Thou who knowest all things, knowest that they love
Thee and can do all things in Thee who strengthen
them.
Sanctify them in Truth. Pour into them, we beseech
Thee, the Spirit whom Thou didst give to Thy apostles,
who would make them, in all things, like unto Thee.
Receive the homage of love which they offer up to
Thee, who hast graciously received the threefold confession
of Peter.
And so that a pure oblation may everywhere be offered
without ceasing unto the Most Holy Trinity, graciously
enrich their number and keep them in Thy
love, who art one with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
to whom be glory and honour forever.
Amen.

Nihil obstat: Vic. Gen. FSSP, 05.II.2007
Imprimatur: Vic. Gen. Dioec. Laus. Gen. Frib., 28.II.2007

my LIST

April 26, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Happy Birthday, my List

I decided to take one last break in my pregnancy prep. My birth plan and bags are put on hold for now.

I’m almost a month overdue with my LIST. I was inspired to create my LIST from here.

The idea is to list 1 item per year old you are. So, I have listed 32 items since I recently turned 32 years old.

These items are all things that I hope to work on and/or accomplish by my 33rd birthday next year.

I’m a a visual person and enjoy lists. I plan to print my LIST and post it in my prayer corner and maybe on the fridge. I like the accountability that the fridge posting might offer.

My LIST was created with prayer and some insight from my husband. It in no way covers all that has been placed on my heart. It is merely a starting point for myself.

my LIST

32 things to do before i turn 33

Easter Celebration – Week 3

April 25, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Easter, Garden of the Good Shepherd, Pope

“The Heaven’s Tell God’s Glory”

JOY…This was a reward for Dad just as much as it was for the kids. He managed to run an errand for me in the morning, take Sparkles to her Communion lessons, make confession, do yard work at our Church and come home to spend more time with the rest of us – all on 1.5 hours of sleep (+ a few minutes here and there).

I was beyond tired but had help, everyone chipped in. Rose helped with the baking the day before. Papi and Sweetie worked on the rainbows. Sparkles was entertaining her impromptu guest and watching Papi as I continued to prepare dinner.

Dad took all the kids to the park for fresh air. They each had a popsicle, “lightning.”

Dinner was ready when they returned. First, we honored the Anniversary of the Coronation of Supreme Pontiff, Benedict XVI. Then everyone was given clear instructions not to eat until each item was identified and discussed. It was most difficult for us the parents and Rose. Nonetheless, we followed along.

The children enjoyed the simple evening of recollection. Sparkles friend was thrilled with the festivities. She more than willingly took on some of the responsibility to place the stickers on the board.

I threw together what we had and the kids found the correlation between the items. They love identifying the significance of their food and sharing their faith. Most of the time, they find significance where I didn’t plan. It’s awesome to see how their minds and hearts are constantly being directed to Our Heavenly Father. I pray that they continue to be pleasing to Jesus Christ and seek His will, all the days of their lives.

⁹ That is why, ever since the day he told us, we have never failed to remember you in our prayers and ask that through perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding you should reach the fullest knowledge of his will ¹⁰ and so be able to lead a life worthy of the Lord, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects, bearing fruit in every kind of good work and growing in knowledge of God, ¹¹ fortified, in accordance with his glorious strength, with all power always to persevere and endure, ¹² giving thanks with joy to the Father who has made you able to share the lot of God’s holy people and with them to inherit the light. ~ Col 1:9-12

“The Heaven’s Tell God’s Glory”

15. The Sun

Lemon Cupcakes

Slightly deviated form the recipe found here. They are “yumm-o!”

Corn & Broccoli Cheese Soup

¹ [For the choirmaster Psalm Of David] The heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his handiwork, ² day discourses of it to day, night to night hands on the knowledge. ³ No utterance at all, no speech, not a sound to be heard, ⁴ but from the entire earth the design stands out, this message reaches the whole world. High above, he pitched a tent for the sun, ⁵ who comes forth from his pavilion like a bridegroom, delights like a champion in the course to be run. ⁶ Rising on the one horizon he runs his circuit to the other, and nothing can escape his heat. ~ Psalm 19:1-6

16. The Cloud

Baked Italian Chicken

Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

Whipped Cream Topping for the Lemon Cupcakes

² All the men of Israel assembled round King Solomon in the month of Ethanim, at the time of the feast (that is, the seventh month). ³ When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark ⁴ and the Tent of Meeting and all the sacred utensils which were in the Tent. ⁵ King Solomon and all Israel, present with him before the ark, sacrificed countless, innumerable sheep and oxen. ⁶ The priests brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, in the Debir of the Temple, that is, in the Holy of Holies, under the wings of the winged creatures ⁷ for the winged creatures spread their wings over the place where the ark stood, forming a canopy over the ark and its shafts. ⁸ These were so long, however, that the ends of the shafts could be seen from the Holy Place in front of the Debir, though they could not be seen from outside. They are still there today. ⁹ There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets which Moses had placed in it at Horeb, the tablets of the covenant which Yahweh made with the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. ¹⁰ Now when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Temple of Yahweh, ¹¹ and because of the cloud the priests could not stay and perform their duties. For the glory of Yahweh filled the Temple of Yahweh. ~ 1 Kings 8:2-11

17. The Rain

Water

I warned you that I was low on energy and threw this celebration together with what I had on hand.

⁴³ ‘You have heard how it was said, You will love your neighbour and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; ⁴⁵ so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and sends down rain to fall on the upright and the wicked alike. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even the tax collectors do as much? ⁴⁷ And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? ⁴⁸ Do not even the gentiles do as much? You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ ~ Matthew 5:43-48

18. The Lightning

Popsicles

²⁰ But where does Wisdom come from? Where is Intelligence to be found? ²¹ She cannot be seen by any living creature, she is hidden from the birds of the sky. ²² Perdition and Death both say, ‘We have heard only rumours of her.’ ²³ God alone understands her path and knows where she is to be found. ²⁴ (For he sees to the remotest parts of the earth, and observes all that lies under heaven.) ²⁵ When he willed to give weight to the wind and measured out the waters with a gauge, ²⁶ when he imposed a law on the rain and mapped a route for thunderclaps to follow, ~ Job 28:20-26

19. The Hail

Sonic Cubed Ice

²⁸ Has the rain a father? Who begets the dewdrops? ²⁹ What womb brings forth the ice, who gives birth to the frost of heaven, ³⁰ when the waters grow hard as stone and the surface of the deep congeals? ~ Job 38:28-30

20. The Wind

Whipped Cream in the can

⁷ I prophesied as I had been ordered. While I was prophesying, there was a noise, a clattering sound; it was the bones coming together. ⁸ And as I looked, they were covered with sinews; flesh was growing on them and skin was covering them, yet there was no breath in them. ⁹ He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man. Say to the breath, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Come from the four winds, breath; breathe on these dead, so that they come to life!” ‘ ¹⁰ I prophesied as he had ordered me, and the breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet, a great, an immense army. ~ Ezekiel 37:7-10

21. The Rainbow

Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Store bought sugar cookie dough, divided and dyed with gel food coloring.

¹² ‘And this’, God said, ‘is the sign of the covenant which I now make between myself and you and every living creature with you for all ages to come: ¹³ I now set my bow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴ When I gather the clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I shall recall the covenant between myself and you and every living creature, in a word all living things, and never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all living things. ~ Genesis 9:12-15

Catholic Cuisine – Week 3

Current State…..JOY…JOY…JOY

April 25, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Confession, Confirmation, Sacraments

I’m definitely slowing down!!! We have been busy busy the past couple of days and I feel like I’m barely holding on.

Rose and I attended a Confirmation on Friday, April 23. She was scheduled to sing with the Choristers and I was a Sponsor. There were approximately 70 Confirmandi. It was a blessed evening.

Enjoy! This will probably be the only pict. that I’ll ever post of myself beyond 5 months preg.

The littles stood home with my parents. They had a blast. Dad had a clinical and did not get home until after dinner and the partying. He scurried to get the littles to bed (especially Sparkles) between his clinical and night shift. Lord, please continue to shower your graces on my dear husband as he follows Your call for his second vocation.

Sparkles had her First Penance on Saturday, April 24. Dad took her but forgot the camera. He was bummed. He has gotten the hang of this blogging thing and really enjoys documenting our family’s journey.

We decided to have our Celebration for the Third Week of Easter on Saturday as a dinner party…..read more about it here.

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