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Start Your {Christmas} Novena

by Filed Under: 11 November, 11 November Saints, Advent, Christmas, Novena, St. Andrew 1 Comment

This is a repost from last year to serve as a reminder.
Starts on November 30 (St. Andrew’s Feast Day) ~ Ends on December 24 (Christmas Eve)
I created a printable novena card. You may print and share, freely.
An updated printable novena card can be found here.  
Christmas Novena Front and BackChristmas Novena Front and Back v2
The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas.
~~~

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)
Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897
~~~
May this meditative prayer help us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.
***UPDATE***

Christmas Novena Chaplet

Thirty-five

by Filed Under: Birthday, Dad

Dad celebrated his thirty-fifth birthday during the week of Nov. 18.  That’s right, in addition to declaring Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 a first class feast day, he claimed the entire week. 

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His birthday meal (which never changes) consisted of tiramisu cake, baked chicken parmesan, and salad with homemade dressing.

We have all fallen in love with a new version of the traditional parmesan chicken.  I plan to share, soon.

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He was showered in gifts.  The cutest gift was that which was initiated by Papi.  Papi thought long and hard about what to get Dad.  He was convinced that Dad wanted a new movie.  But it wasn’t just any movie, it was…..VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables. 

We were unable to get away as we did last year for his birthday.  We made the best of it and created a weekend in.  My sis invited the kids to spend the night so Dad and I could go out and relax as we chose.  It was a carefree weekend with only the two of us to focus on. 

We tackled our love envelope and reviewed our previous answers – covering our past, present and future in prayer. 

Mom & Dad 11.2012 PB201126 bob83v4

Thank you Lord for Dad and another year to grow closer to You, with him.

Jesee Tree Ornament ~ Ruth

by Filed Under: Crafts, Jesse Tree 5 Comments

A symbol of God’s providence.

I created this ornament for the Jesse Tree Swap hosted by Jessica at Housewifespice.

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inspired from here

Ruth and Boaz (Symbol: sheaf of wheat)
Ruth 1:16; 2:2, 8, 10-12; 4:13-14 – RSV

But Ruth said [to Naomi], “Entreat me not to leave you or to return
from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you
lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God
my God.”

And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field,
and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall
find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” … Then Boaz
said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in
another field or leave this one, but keep close to my maidens.”

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him,
“Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice
of me, when I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that
you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your
husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and
mother and your native land and came to a people that you did
not know before. The Lord recompense you for what you have
done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of
Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife … and the Lord gave
her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to
Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without
next of kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel!”

~~~

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Supplies:

  • Dried Wheat (JoAnn – $4.99/15)
  • Scissors
  • Hot Glue gun
  • Raffia

Directions:IMG_5129

  • Soak the wheat stems in water (do not get the wheat head wet)
  • Remove the stems from the water, pat dry
  • Collect three like-sized wheat stalks to braid
  • Wrap the end of the braid to meet the start of the braid
  • Glue the braided stem into place (I also used a clear rubber band to secure the stem)
  • Trim and embellish as desired

~~~

Additional Meditation for this Reflection

found at Presentation Ministries

“Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” —Ruth 1:16

Ruth the Moabite committed social suicide when she insisted on returning with her mother-in-law to Jerusalem after both of their husbands died. Being a foreigner, there was little chance for Ruth to be married and have a livelihood.

Prayer: Father, make me faithful in serving my brothers and sisters in Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances.

~~~

“May the Lord reward what you have done! May you receive a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come for refuge.” —Ruth 2:12

The Lord rewarded Ruth’s faithfulness by giving her protection and provision in leading her to glean in the fields of Boaz.

Prayer: Father, by my faithfulness to You, may I give You an opportunity to reward me.

~~~

“The neighbor women gave him his name, at the news that a grandson had been born to Naomi. They called him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” —Ruth 4:17

Ruth not only married Boaz; she also became the great-grandmother of David, from whose house came Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. True victory, success, prosperity, and happiness are not attained by worldly means but by faithfulness to God and His people.

Prayer: Father, may I lose my life so I can gain it (Lk 9:24).

~~~

Be like Ruth. Stay with your Redeemer. Abandon your life into the hands of Jesus.

Putting Our Faith into Action

by Filed Under: 11 November, Faith, Pro-Life

Alicia Van Hecke has created a wonderful list to remind us that we must put our faith into action, 100 Things You Can Do to the Make the Country More Pro-Life (and Catholic) No Matter Who is President.  You can read her list and suggest updates at her blog, Living Differently.

~~~

100 Things You Can Do to the Make the Country More Pro-Life (and Catholic) No Matter Who is President

Not trying to get into a political discussion here, just an opportunity to remind ourselves what we are capable of regardless of the political situation. A list in progress (in no particular order), please share your own Pray for Americasuggestions in the comments box…


1. Respond with Love.
2. In particular, keep the post-election conversations charitable.
3. Have children (and read about "The Roe Effect").
4. Support cool pro-life organizations like Save the Storks.
5. Talk to people. Keep it simple. Don’t try to fix everything at once.
6. Work on your prayer life and your relationship with God.
7. Watch how you talk about other people – especially people you don’t like.
8. Support the disabled.
9. Recognize what is good in others (and in our country and in our culture) and thank God.
10. Cut back on expenditures to share with others.
11. Donate to a pregnancy help center (a car seat or even a baby blanket can save a life).
12. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, food pantry or other outlet for the needy.
13. Live your life as a reaction to Christ’s love for you, not a reaction to the culture or the current political situation.
14. Live what you believe.
15. Pray for our politicians and for our country.
16. Remember that it’s not all up to you – you just need to do your part with love and leave the rest up to God.
17. Make friends with people outside your political or religious circles.
18. Cultivate joy in your family and in your community.
19. Adopt a baby or become a foster parent.
20. Help your parish become more life friendly.
21. Encourage each other!
22. Be Not Afraid!
23. Sponsor a needy child overseas (through organizations such as Caritas for Children).
24. Challenge yourself to be a better Christian.
25. Forgive someone who has hurt you.
26. Be a good witness to the Faith.
27. Love those who are suffering.
28. Donate your used belongings to organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Society.
29. Don’t just vote pro-life: think pro-life and act pro-life (to every person you encounter!).
30. Don’t despair at what is going wrong with our world – find what you can make better (and do it!).
31. Empower others with hope.
32. Stock your car with "Blessing Bags" to give to the needy.
33. "Replace Them".
34. Love Your Neighbor.
35. Share your gifts with others.
36. Be understanding, loving and helpful to those who have gotten themselves in desperate situations.
37. Cultivate hope in your own life.
38. Donate uplifting books about children with Down Syndrome (or other disabilities) to your public library.
39. Visit the lonely, the sick, and the elderly.
40. Tutor a disadvantaged or special needs child.
41…

~~~

Consecration of America
Immaculate Mary, most Holy Mother of God and of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we the people of the United States of America at this historic moment stand before you in a humbled condition of love, loyalty,
affection, and thankfulness. To your Immaculate Heart we recommit and dedicate ourselves throughout the entire American nation. To your Son Jesus Christ we pledge to serve His teaching, His church, and to work for His kingdom on earth. O Mary, to you do we flee for protection. Surround the American family with your maternal care; enfold us in your arms. Give to this American land, built on the blood and tears of so many faithful forebears, a peaceful and praiseworthy existence in truth, love, justice, and freedom. O Mary, we submit to you as the Patroness of our beloved country. O Mary, Help of Christians, enfold the Holy Father and the Catholic Church within your protective cloak; be our shield in the days ahead. Give to the Church true holiness and freedom. Obtain for our leaders holy zeal, the ability to face the truth, and the courage to correct all abuses. Stop the flood of atheism, greed, heresy, impurity, lukewarmness, materialism, and selfishness that threaten our nation. Show to those who have strayed from the Church the way to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Mother of God, accept our personal consecration to you and, through you, bind us forever to the Holy Trinity. Gather us all into your Immaculate Heart and unite us forever with Jesus. O Mary, we love you. Amen.
God Bless America!

Felt Name Tags

by Filed Under: Crafts, Embroidery, RMGS 2012-13

name tag

The felt name tag is a simple embroidery project that I used for my RMGS girls.  I ended up using felt that I had stashed away in the craft room.  I believe it was felt that Rose used for her Christmas gifts from two years ago – felt posies. 

The members of Rosa Mystica Girls’ Society will use the name tags for meetings, social events, and service projects.

9.1.12 girls working on their embroidered name tags

~~~

FELT NAME TAG

Supplies:

  • felt
  • safety pins
  • embroidery floss
  • embroidery needle
  • scissors (pinking shears)
  • hot glue gun
  • paint chip cards or cardstock or recycled plastic credit card/gift card

 

Steps:name tag felt pieces

  1. cut felt to desired shape and size (felt 1)
    • trim out with pinking shears
  2. write name on felt with sharpie
  3. embroider name onto felt with a split stitch
    • more threads in the floss will yield a bolder name
  4. cut another piece of felt (felt 2), slightly bigger than the felt with the embroidered name (felt 1)
    • trim out with pinking shears
  5. (optional) stich the embroidered Felt 1 to the backing – Felt 2, using a running stitch around the parameter
  6. double up the paint chip or cardstock by gluing two pieces together
    • trim the glued pieces to a size slightly smaller than the largest piece of felt (felt 2)

name tag backname tag backing 

     7.   hot glue Felt 2 to the cardstock backing

     8.  (to be done if step 5 was not completed) hot glue Felt 1 to Felt 2 name tag back with pin

     9.  adhere a safety pin to the pack of the assembled felt pieces, using hot glue

     10.  embellish as desired

embroidered name tag - leader

~~~

Embroidery Links

All Saints’ Day Party

by Filed Under: 10 October, 11 November, 11 November Saints, All Saints Day, GFG 1 Comment

we were blessed to be able to attend this year’s parish festivities. 

only the littles dressed up this year but all were excited.

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sparkles was ruth.

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sweetie was martha.

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dragonfly was st. george.  here he is waiting for the parade of saints.

St. Michael IMG_4684

papi was st. michael.  there was no convincing him that angel wings are for boys, too. 

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also, it turns out that dressing at home beats dressing up elsewhere.

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both papi and dragon barely made it through the litany of saints with costumes on.  here they are, ten minutes into the parade of saints, sans costumes.  we did manage to keep their pants on.

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rose passed on dressing up this year but she did wear a fleur de lis shirt in honor of our blessed mother.

Mary and Martha PA310837

parade of saints is held after the litany of saints in the church.  i missed the photo opp for sparkles.

Ruth and Naomi PA310866

here she is with her mother-in-law friend.

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the communion of saints gathered out back for the games and treats.

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PA310941PA310857PA310913PA310907PA310898PA310890Dad having fun with Fr. B

fun was had by all ages.  fr. b declared a water war on dad.  it ended with a botched attempt to dunk dad in the water trough. 

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fr. m told saintly ghost stories.

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saints inspected their loot before departing.

the night ended with wet littles scurrying to put on their pjs in the car for the hour drive home. 

~~~

Omnes sanctæ Virgines et Viduæ ~ Orate pro nobis

All ye holy men and women, Saints of God, Make intercession for us.

All Saints Day

by Filed Under: 11 November Saints, All Saints Day Leave a Comment

   We can pay no greater honor to the Saints than by offering up to God in their name the Blood of Jesus. The efficacy of their past merits and present prayers is greatly increased when offered to God in close association with the merits and prayers of Our Lord. Therefore the Church commemorates on this day all the Saints in heaven without exception, and thus honors also those who are unknown and who have no public recognition in the liturgy.

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FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

November 1

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
This is the great family feast of the Mystical Body in its final triumph. The unnumbered and nameless multitude of saints, "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues," are our brothers and sisters in Christ at home with our Redeemer-Brother. Their sainthood is the fulfillment of living the eight Beatitudes. They are the great Christian heroes. "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Cor. 2:9).

~~~

Resources:

  • Latin Mass Propers Online – Full Latin – DivinumOfficium.Com – 11-1-2012
  • Instruction On The Feast Of All Saints – Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine’s The Church’s Year
  • All Saints Day for Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive for Kids
  • Reflections on Vigil of All Saints & All Saints Day – Sanctus Simplicitus
  • All Saints Day – St. Gregory Thamaturgus
  • Feast of All Saints – Sermons of the Cure d’Ars – Sanctus Simplicitus
  • Litany of Saints – EWTN
  • Holy Card – Queen of All Saints – Holy Card Heaven
  • Litany of Saints Prayer Card – Printable – Holy Reflections

    • Audio/Video

  • Gregorian Chant Propers in Latin – MP3 – Omnium Sanctorum
  • All Saints Day Song Audio & Lyrics – Coffee and Canticles
  • All Saints Day Homilies – Audio Sancto
  • Homily for All Saints Day – "You can stand among them," homily for the Solemnity of All Saints
  • Solemnity of All Saints – American Catholic
  • Litany of Saints – Matt Maher
  • A Respond for All Saints’ Day – Chant Blog

    • Activities:

  • Printable Saint Pages – Arma Dei Equipping Catholic Family
  • Guess Who Saint Template – Arma Dei
  • All Saints’ Day Meal & Food Creations – Catholic Cuisine
  • All Saints Scavenger Hunt – Shower of Roses
  • Communion of Saints Coloring Page
  • Holy Trinity & Communion of Saints Coloring Page

    • ~~~

    "The glorious company of the apostles praise Thee.
    The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise Thee.
    The white-robed army of martyrs praise Thee.
    All Thy saints and elect with one voice do acknowledge Thee,
    O Blessed Trinity, one God!"

    ~ Feast of All Saints (November 1), Antiphon at Lauds. from the Te Deum

    NO Tricks or Treats

    by Filed Under: 10 October, All Saints Day 1 Comment

    All Hallows' Eve Sign for front porch

    My family is blessed to be able to spend All Hallows Eve celebrating the Saints with friends and Priests in our parish community.

    I usually make a cute sign out of scrapbook materials to let let all would be trick-or-treaters aware that we do not have goodies. Here is the sign that I will be posting this year.

    HAPPY ALL HALLOWS’ EVE!

    All Hallows’ Eve

    by Filed Under: 10 October, 10 October Saints, 11 November, 11 November Saints, All Saints Day, Costumes Leave a Comment

    All Saints' Day Costumes JOYfilledfamily kids

    ~~~

    Vigil of All Saints
    The Liturgical Year Vol.14 ~ Dom Gueranger Imprimatur 1927
    Let us prepare our souls for the graces heaven is about to shower upon the earth in return for its homage. Tomorrow the Church will be so overflowing with joy, that she will seem to be already in possession of eternal happiness;but to-day she appears in the garb of penance, confessing that she is still an exile. Let us fast and pray with her; for are not we too pilgrims and strangers in this world, where all things are fleeting and hurry on to death? Year by year, as the great solemnity  comes round, it has gathered from among our former companions new saints, who bless our tears and smile upon our songs of hope. Year by year the appointed time draws nearer, when we ourselves, seated at the heavenly banquet, shall receive the homage of those who succeed us, and hold out a helping hand to draw them after us to the home of everlasting happiness. Let us learn, from this very hour, to emancipate our souls; let us keep our hearts free, in the midst of the vain solicitudes and false pleasures of a strange land: the exile has no care but his banishment, no joy but that which gives him a foretaste of his fatherland.

    ~~~

    Resources:

    ~~~

    …Orate pro nobis!

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