7 Ways We Might Be Politically Correct Like Pilate

Palm Sunday 2015

As Holy Week begins, we might ask ourselves a question: Are We Politically Correct Like Pilate? Saint Mark's Gospel tells us that he was certainly a biblical version of the ‘go along to get along’ crowd. When he asked the throng what to do with Jesus, he clearly demonstrated that he knew Jesus was blameless. We got further confirmation of culpability when Pilate cited the jealousy of the Chief Priests for the arrest of Jesus. In washing his hands of the entire affair, he showed his lack of conviction and profound failure to take a stand.

In this final period of heightened anticipation, will examining our consciences find us similarly weak-spined? By scrutinizing our actions in relation to prominent issues of the day, we might find an answer that does little to vindicate us. Here, then, is an opportunity to search our hearts and find His Truth.

1. Are We Politically Correct About Abortion?

Mouthing the prolife mantra among like-minded friends isn’t enough to make us genuinely prolife. What exactly are we willing to do for the innocent, voiceless victims of the Culture of Death? Can we be found praying for the unborn - either at Mass, in private prayer, or at abortion mills? Do we seek out conversations, even to the point of discomfort, in order to share the message of God’s unconditional love? How about the ‘exception’ children? Rape and incest are taboo subjects to many, yet the children whose conception traces back to a violent, unlawful attack on their mothers are certainly beloved children of God. 

2. Same Sex ‘Marriage’, a Leading Politically Correct Issue

It’s all over the news. If you don’t rise to defend the sinful actions of those who suffer from same sex attraction (SSA), you are somehow deemed judgmental and uncharitable. The justly charitable position fails to be mentioned – loving all people enough to witness to the Gospel. Standing silently by while the mainstream of society pretends that acting on SSA tendencies is moral and even something to be proudly proclaimed, is to witness to the twisted logic of the devil. That all people deserve to live with God-given dignity is a given. Yet to praise those who persist in sinful living is to scandalize others and to lull those searching for the truth into morally fatal complacency.

3. Leaving Religion at the Church Door

Whether it’s the leading moral issues of the day or subtle rebellious acts, leaving our faith at the church door after Sunday Mass is seen by some as an accepted politically correct way of life. Listening to scripture, partaking of the True Presence, and mouthing the words of prayer – all these are of no benefit if they aren’t the vehicle that sends us out into the week, nourished and armed with conviction. In order to reach for the goal of sainthood, desired for all of us by God, the Holy Sacrifice of Mass is the springboard toward living life by sharing His Word.

4. Ignoring the Promotion of Intrinsic Evils

Do we facilitate organizations, celebrities, or events that glorify evil? Once we know of these unholy alliances, we share a moral responsibility to live accordingly. The Girl Scouts and their collaboration with Planned Parenthood or the acceptance of embryonic stem cell research and abortion by the March of Dimes, begs for action from the faithful. Do we share this information with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we willing to contact the offending groups and charitably express our moral outrage? What’s more important in our lives – the cookies and the praise for donations, or the unvarnished truth?

5. Speaking Up For Those Falsely Accused

Have you ever been present when someone was maligned? It’s so easy to either slip into an uncomfortable silence or to share in the gossip. But is that what we are shown by the examples of Jesus and His saints? We’ve not been charged with having an easy life; we’ve been charged with walking the narrow path. With this comes the responsibility to refrain from gossip, idle talk, calumny, and other sins of the tongue. Who stood up for Jesus when He was being falsely accused? The politically correct crowd didn’t. They remained silent or worse, shouted “crucify him, crucify him”. Although they knew of no wrong with which to accuse Him, they gave in to the mob mentality. Surely this isn’t something to be emulated.

6. Ignoring the Poor and Struggling

They’re out there, waiting to be acknowledged, looking for a kind word or smile. How many times do we simply turn away, cast down our eyes, and forget them as soon as we walk away? Remembering the poor or struggling doesn’t involve just the obvious Lenten alms giving. It can entail going out of our way to smile at a weary stranger or the mother whose life is overflowing with beloved yet boisterous children. They may look frazzled but we can make a difference by a smile, a kind word, or an offer of help with some small task. There are those who are poor for lack of love in nursing homes or those who are poor in catechesis and struggling to find Truth. We have untold opportunities to make a difference in the lives of everyone we encounter.

7. Failing to Speak Out Against Evil In Media

It isn’t necessary to name them. We all know of movies, television shows, and music that are so offensive to moral sensibilities that the heavens cry out for their denouncement. How do we react? Are we content to stand by and revel in the fact that we, ourselves, don’t participate? Or do we take a stand? We certainly have the opportunities. Yes, posting a truthful warning on your Facebook wall or speaking out at a gathering may garner some uncharitable comments toward you, but is that really enough reason to abstain from doing what is right? We will often find that, when one person has the courage to take a stand, others will join in – relieved that someone took the initiative.

So how do we score when we ask ourselves these seven questions? Is there a bit too much complacency or is there something more we could do? These are things we would do well to ponder as we enter into Holy Week. As our priest told us during his homily today, we can’t bypass the Cross on our way to the Resurrection. To be fully immersed in the season we must partake of the sacrificial giving before we claim the Easter Joy!

“We can't let Holy Week be just a kind of commemoration. It means contemplating the mystery of Jesus Christ as something which continues to work in our souls.” Saint Joemaria Escriva

It Couldn't Be Easier Potato Soup

I created a potato soup recipe a while back and, while it's delish, I found myself wanting to simplify this particular meal one Friday recently. As I rummaged through the pantry, I had an aha moment - why not just use a can of soup as a starter and then make it my own? So here's what I came up with. It's cheap, it's easy, and the boys say it's very tasty.

Couldn't Be Easier Potato Soup

1 can Nacho Cheese soup

3 cups almond milk

1 cup sour cream

6 small potatoes

4 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon of minced onion

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

Wash potatoes and cube, leaving the skins on. Place in steamer on stove-top and cook until tender. You can also boil them if you don't have a steamer. Combine soup, almond milk, and sour cream in crock pot (set on high) and whisk until smooth. Add spices to crock pot - either as listed or to taste. Drain potatoes and add them and butter to the crock pot. Using a potato masher or fork, smash potatoes until they are reduced to large lumps and/or desired consistency is achieved.

Voilà! That's it - ready to serve as soon as the potatoes are added. Serve with garlic toast or bread sticks for a quick, hearty meal. Great for Fridays or Lenten meals.

Reduce your setting to warm and you can feed your family in shifts, since the soup will be ready to serve all day. Great for snow days when a quick warm-up would be appreciated, with little effort or time required.

Note: Stores well and can be frozen. Use regular milk if you prefer.

Lenten Roundup for You and Your Family

With Lent only a couple of weeks away, there has been a flurry of activity on Catholic blogs and Facebook. As good Catholics we know that this penitential season, leading up to Easter joy, is long - especially for children. Our goal is to lovingly teach them the benefits of holy patience, self denial, and giving.

My goal here is to compile a list of various activities, meals, and devotions to assist families in making their Lenten experience a positive one for all members. I've also included some thoughts about social media.

I'd like to invite you to share your ideas here. As you comment on this blog, I'll add your ideas, posts, and links below.

Let's Get Started With Lenten Inspiration

For starters, you can read about Why I'm Not Leaving Facebook for Lent. As an electronic evangelization tool, there are few more powerful ways to share your faith!

Lenten Devotional Crafts

Stations of the Cross Craft - There are several different ways you can use this craft, once it's completed. It could even be taken to church as a devotional tool for littles.

Easter Egg Rosary - This simple, inexpensive and effective craft combines reciting a nightly decade of the Rosary with some good actions and creativity thrown in for good measure.

My Lenten Journey - Here I used various links to coloring pages, Stations of the Cross carousels, and other ideas to create a Lenten Journey Book for Kids.

Lenten Friday Meals

Garlic Alfredo Shrimp - An easy, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a tasty addition to seafood and broccoli. Bonus - this dish is also low carb!

Hearty Crock Pot Potato Soup - This crock pot recipe can be prepared ahead of time, yet accommodates busy families with varied schedules and eating times. Comfort food at its finest!

Quick 3 Ingredient Pasta Meal - Hmmmm...it's Friday and the troops are hungry, but I've simply been too busy to worry about cooking...that is until the rumbling bellies begin to sound! Here's a quick solution, using only three ingredients.

Tantalizingly Tasty Tuna Salad - an easy, rich tuna salad that lends itself well to sandwiches or scooped onto a bed of lettuce. Packed full of veggies and other good things, this is kid friendly and healthy. It's also low carb, if served without bread.

Meatless Pierogies Stroganoff -  This recipe can be served over pasta, potatoes, or rice as well. Another tasty comfort food recipe sure to be a family favorite!

It Couldn't Be Easier Potato Soup - Starts with a can of Nacho Cheese Soup and tastes delish. So quick and easy, they'll come back for more.

Okay! Here Are Lenten Posts From Others

What are you waiting for? Share your links with me in the ComBox and I'll add them here!

Emily from Our Home...Under Mary's Mantle is certainly not lacking ideas on how to fully immerse your family in Lenten devotions. Click over to For The Love of Lent…  for some great inspiration!

Tracy from A Slice of Smith Life shares a ton of ideas in her post, Christmas is Over, Feast Days and Lots of Lent Posts! Take a look and be inspired!

Chris from Campfires and Cleats has a mega post, 

7 DIY Lenten Crafts & Books ~ Wreaths, Crown of Thorns, Mercy Crosses, Crucifixion Art, Books, just chock full of ideas. You won't leave her blog without some great ideas!

If you're looking for something that's all neatly planned out and ready to use, you have to check out Monica's Family Rosary for Lent this year? New Mysteries of the Rosary Craft Kit! over on Equipping Catholic Families.

Are you looking to begin the good habit of saying a family Rosary? Then Jennifer's Lacing Rosary Set - Get a Good Habit Started! will offer you a great project. Check out Catholic Inspired for other, equally great ideas. Jennifer posts often.

12 Favorite Posts for 2014 - A Year In Review

Well here we are, another year in the books! In keeping with the premise of remembering the past while ringing in the new, I've compiled a list of my 12 favorite blog posts from 2014. They may not have been the best - or the most popular - but for varying reasons they were favorites of mine.

Please join me in this brief walk down memory lane. Maybe some of my favorites were your favorites too. Or maybe you've missed one or two that you would have liked - and here's your second chance.

December: 

All Dogs Do Not Go to Heaven: What the Pope Really Said

I have to admit, I've been looking for a reason to use this photo I took of our Dachshund and Beagle for years now. When the claim that Pope Francis said animals go to Heaven was broadcast, it was the perfect fit.

November: 

Necktie Onesie for Baby Boy

After 4 years without a baby over whom to drool, we were finally blessed with Jacob. As much as I love to frufru up the little girls, boys present a unique challenge. That's why I was so happy to find this darling project on Pinterest.

October: 

Don't Be Spooked by Hallowe'en

We've all known people who used to 'do' Halloween, only to be frightened away by misunderstanding the Catholic roots of this holiday (holy day) honoring our beloved dead. Here I presented some solid history and facts about this joyful time.

September: 

Marriage: God First, Spouse Second, Children Third

We're often confronted with differing priorities. Who comes first? Is it the worldly view of 'looking out for #1' or is there a more godly perspective?

August: 

Cancer While Pregnant? Both Mother and Baby Can (and Should) Live!
There are so many stories out there about heroic mothers who forfeit their treatment and very lives in order to protect their unborn children. Yet, cancer treatment and a healthy baby are not mutually exclusive. I offer an inside track of the facts - up close and personal.

July: 

5 Ways Facebook Can Bless Your Life
We've all done it. Wondering if Facebook is a virtuous tool or a source of devilish temptation. Here I outline my thoughts on the subject.

June: 

Mom's Mistakes Strengthened Our Faith
Not all choices made by our parents are perfect. Families aren't perfect. Yet what one takes away from living in the messiness of family life can be the perfect guidebook for a virtuous life.

May: 

Veiling and You: 5 Things Catholic Boys and Girls Should Know
The devotion of veiling is gaining ground all over the world. Yet it's still very misunderstood. In this post I address the younger members of the Body of Christ and explain some sound reasons why veiling should at least be considered as a beautiful form of outward expression of our faith.

April: 

I am One of the Faces of Abortion - My Face Looks Just Like Yours
In my work for the pro-life cause, I've made many friends who have experienced an abortion and wish to witness for life. My friend, Emily, shares an intimate look at the face of abortion and how she has blessed others with her witness.

March: 

5 Fabulous Meatless Meals for Lent
Even is you don't abstain from meat all year long, you will need to find creative, meatless ways to feed your family during Lent. Here I share five of my favorite recipes.

February: 

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project for Lent
With Lent approaching, I was looking for a way to encourage children and families to pray a daily Rosary. This little project is both easy and fun for everyone.

January: 

Cancer, the St. Peregrine Novena, and a Miracle
Being a part of a 'cancer family' I have petitioned Saint Peregrine on more than one occasion. I've also been blessed to have witnessed a miracle resulting from prayer!








Well, there you have it - the year in review.  Thank you for spending 2014 with me! I look forward to seeing you in 2015!

Which were your favorite posts? Were you able to catch up on something you liked and missed? Did I leave any of your favorites out?

Happy New Year!

Homosexual Madness - Is It Affecting the Church?

Campaigns supporting the homosexual lifestyle and 'rights' seem to be all the rage these days. In a world gone mad, this biologically and morally repugnant type of 'relationship' is being touted as just another type of loving union. Yet we, of the Catholic faith, have always had an unbroken line of teachings that prompt us to love the sinner but hate the sin. We are encouraged to make judgments, every day, about actions - all the while not judging the souls of others. So what's going on with some prominent figures in the Catholic landscape?

It has just been announced that the LGBT crowd will be allowed to march under a banner, for the first time in the 250 year history of the St. Patrick's Day parade in NYC. Although these groups have never been prevented from marching, the fact that they are now able to further, and ever more obviously, flaunt their deviant lifestyle is abhorrent. It's small comfort that pro-life groups will also be allowed to march under a banner as well. Yet Catholic League's Bill Donohue seems blasé.

"Never in the history of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade have homosexuals been barred from marching, anymore than pro-life Catholics have, but in both cases they were not permitted to have their own unit. I have been assured that the rules have been formally changed to allow both of these groups, as well as others, to march under their own banner. That being the case, there should be no controversy. One would hope that all the new entries will conduct themselves in a manner that honors St. Patrick, lest another round of controversy emerges."

Since when are the LGBT advocates and pro-life champions of equal moral heft?

Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York appears to be unconcerned as well. He will carry out his plans to act as Grand Marshall of the parade.

I found encouragement, however, from the reaction of Monsignor Charles Pope of the Archdiocese of Washington. He penned quite the post on the diocesan website, concerning both the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Al Smith Dinner. Sadly, and rather discouraging, his piece was promptly taken down. It was fortunate that he had given LifeSiteNews permission to share his piece as well. Along with a screenshot of the original entry, BuzzFeed also shared his words. And faithful words they were!

Concerning the Al Smith Dinner he lamented, “...we are being asked to raise toasts and to enjoy a night of frivolity with those who think it is acceptable to abort children by the millions each year, with those who think anal sex is to be celebrated as an expression of love …”

He added, ‘...the St. Patrick’s Parade is becoming of parade of disorder, chaos, and fake unity. Let’s be honest: St. Patrick’s Day nationally has become a disgraceful display of drunkenness and foolishness in the middle of Lent that more often embarrasses the memory of Patrick than honors it.’

His admonition to 'cancel the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Al Smith Dinner and all the other “Catholic” traditions that have been hijacked by the world’ is sound on the face of what they have become.

Catholics, faithful to the teachings of Holy Mother Church gain sound advice as he added, "Enough now, back to Church! Wear the purple of Lent and if there is going to be a procession, let it be Eucharistic and penitential for the sins of this age."

What we appear to have here, is a failure to communicate Christ's true teachings, on the part of some, and the silencing of those who seek to uphold it. Perhaps I'll wear purple this Lent - especially on Saint Patrick's day. It's only right to offer reparation for the sins of this mad, hypersexualized world.

As Msgr. Pope ended his thoughts, "For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!"

UPDATE: Msgr. Charles Pope addresses the question,  What happened to the St. Patricks Parade Post?

Screenshot and quotes from Msgr. Pope's article.

Leading by Example - Pope Francis Goes to Confession

In an amazing of act of leading by action, Pope Francis recently stunned parishioners and clergy by an unexpected act. After giving a sermon about the vital importance of the sacrament of confession, the Holy Father deviated from protocol and went to confession to an ordinary priest before taking his post as confessor. I can only imagine how the humble priest-confessor must have felt to come face to face with the Vicar of Christ at such an unexpected time. From the photos published about the event, we can see the confession was public and not the private confession customary for popes.  In his sermon before this act of humility, Pope Francis had said,

"Who can say he is not a sinner? Nobody. We all are.” 

His action showed that he is more than willing to lead by word and example. Now, who among us should not run, not walk, to the confessional? Lent is the perfect time to take on new, positive habits. Wouldn't we all be better off if we habitually examined our consciences and frequently confessed our sins? That is what I took away from this action on the part of our Holy Father. He is saying, by his actions, that we should do as he says and as he does.

For more on the story click here. To share the meme below on Facebook, click here.

Lifting the Veil...

onto my head

Note: I'm sharing this post of veiling discernment for Wear the Veil Day 2014 - in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

I have been contemplating wearing a chapel veil to Mass for a while now. At 54, I am just old enough to remember going to Catholic school and being instructed to cover my head by the religious sisters who taught us. My mother, sister and I also wore veils on Sundays. As with other traditions of our beautiful Catholic faith, this sign of reverence and humility was cast aside, however, when Vatican II was introduced to the people in the pew. While there were quite a number of good things that came from properly implementing this Church council, there were also some abuses from those who were attracted to the novelty of making changes for the sake of change. Some practices were mistakenly altered or eliminated while others were mistakenly (or blatantly) introduced. Examples of the former: some religious sisters stopped wearing their habits (and women their chapel veils) although there had been no official instruction to do so. Another was the total abandonment of abstaining from meat, without the substitution of another act of piety, on Fridays outside of the Lenten Season. The latter could be illustrated by 'feel good' homilies instead of firmly instructional ones and the introduction of holding hands during the Our Father - which is not in the Rubrics...ah, a topic for another time!

Similar to the calling I received from God before making the decision to homeschool, this latest whisper has been persistent even as it has been subtle. Little nudges in the form of blog posts, such as this one over at Catholic Sistas, brought that little niggling thought back to my consciousness time and time again. My adult daughter and I had casual conversations about veiling but still, I never felt strongly enough to commit. The final pull came from a very dear friend of mine with whom I had lost touch. We spent years together in the pro-life trenches. Poor health on her part forced a sort of 'retirement' from active duty. Her carefully researched and thought-out articles for newspapers and pro-life publications were treasure troves of information. Before Mary Lou says anything, she studiously pauses and makes sure only well thought out words come from her lips. I have tremendous respect for both her opinion and her research. When we ran into her at the 65th anniversary Mass of one of our priests, I commented about the chapel veil she was wearing. Her reply, simply stated, gave me the courage to strengthen my resolve.

Mary, the mother of God, covered her head as did many pious women throughout history. We are warned time and again by scripture about 1) prideful actions 2) blurring of lines between the genders 3) immodest attire and actions 4) submission to the Will of God. Armed with this re-enlightenment and after careful consideration, I gratefully accepted her offer of borrowing a veil from her and giving it a try. She told me that, once I began to veil, I would feel bare without it. My creative side won out, though, and so I found myself at the fabric store one day, purchasing lace and thread to make my own. On the ride home, my husband and I discussed the idea and challenged my reasoning. In the end, the decision was made. Along with my daughter and her two year old, I would begin to explore this tradition on Mother's Day.

Although I am still getting used to the practice, I find it unexpectedly calming. I feel more 'in tune' with what is happening at Mass. His presence is more vivid with this outward demonstration of my intent to 'let go and let God'. It will take a few more weeks for veiling to become a deeply entrenched habit but I am seeing the benefits. As for my little two-year old granddaughter, she is a natural. Quite an energetic and precocious little girl, it is surprising how she eagerly keeps her little veil in place. One Sunday, she actually resisted removing it after we left church. All in all, I am confident that the correct decision (for me) was made. I find veiling both humbling and comforting, each of which are welcome feelings. So from now on, I will lift the veil onto my head before I enter His house!

5 Fabulous Meatless Meals for Lent

As Lent begins, I'm reaching back into past Meatless Friday Posts, to share 5 of the my popular recipes. Follow the links below to get the details. Happy Lent, happy eating!

Garlic Alfredo Shrimp - An easy, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a tasty addition to seafood and broccoli. Bonus - this dish is also low carb!

Hearty Crock Pot Potato Soup - This crock pot recipe can be prepared ahead of time, yet accommodate busy families with varied schedules and eating times. Comfort food at its finest!

Quick 3 Ingredient Pasta Meal - Hmmmm...it's Friday and the troops are hungry, but I've simply been too busy to worry about cooking...that is until the rumbling bellies begin to sound! Here's a quick solution, using only have three ingredients.

Tantalizingly Tasty Tuna Salad - an easy, rich tuna salad that lends itself well to sandwiches or scooped onto a bed of lettuce. Packed full of veggies and other good things, this is kid friendly and healthy. It's also low carb, if served without bread.

Meatless Pierogies Stroganoff -  This recipe can be served over pasta, potatoes, or rice as well. Another tasty comfort food recipe sure to be a family favorite!

Check out another post about Lenten Devotion Projects for you and your kids.

Lent: Word of the Day - Distance

Our Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes was presided over by our bishop. Standing room only, it was a strong statement of commitment made by the people of our town. The customarily 30 minute noon/lunch Mass took almost an hour and a half, yet I didn't notice.

The beginning of Lent is usually like that for me - I get lost in the moment, inspired to take up this span of time in better service of Our Lord and His people. Some years, however, it begins to wear thin - sometimes quickly, sometimes half way in or toward the end. I pray for the grace to complete the race this year - it's a marathon, not a sprint. In realizing this, I hope to have the endurance to finish well.

During his homily, Bishop Medley reflected on two prominent words our Holy Father, Pope Francis seems to be bringing up most often. One of them is poverty. It's not just the material poverty of others, to whom we owe alms, it's the poverty we must take up when following Christ. Putting distance between ourselves and things of the world can be a very difficult thing to do. It may even seem impossible. Yet to strive for this distance, this poverty, is to live according to the teaching of Holy Mother Church.

We are often reminded we are in this world, not of this world. In order to find the motivation and longevity to endure through the Lenten Season, this will be a valuable theme. If we are able to distance ourselves from our wants, needs, temptations - we will find the poverty needed to die to self. This will be highly instrumental in our efforts to serve Our Lord and others on His behalf. In keeping with this purpose then, our ability to go the distance in our Lenten efforts relies on the distance we are able to put between ourselves and things of this world.

Happy 2nd day of Lent! May our journeys be fruitful!






Here are some useful links for your Lent:

Study the Gospel of Mark with Fr. Longnecker

Why I'm Not Leaving Facebook for Lent

Meatless Friday - 3 Ingredient Meal Your Family Will Love






I'd also like to share these Lenten devotional crafts for you and your family:


Stations of the Cross Craft

Easter Egg Rosary

My Lenten Journey

Stations of the Cross Craft and Devotional Tools for Kids

With Lent fast approaching, I've resurrected a couple of past Lenten crafts for kids from previous years. The EGG-straordinary Rosary Craft and Lenten Journey for Kids can be found in my most recent posts. This year I decided to create an easy to do (and use) Stations of the Cross craft for kids. There are several different ways you can use this craft, once it's completed. It could even be taken to church as a devotional tool for littles.

Stations of the Cross Craft Materials

• Stations of the Cross Stickers (mine came from Autum and were purchased from my local Catholic Goods Store). If you can't find them, you can print out the prayer sheet and cut from there.

• Mod Podge or other adhesive

• Rounded, flat bottomed glass 'jewels'

• Pen or pencil 

• Scissors

• Paint brush

• Prayer sheet - can be downloaded here.

Stations of the Cross Construction

• Trace outline of glass jewel onto each sticker and cut out.

• Using Mod Podge or spray adhesive and stick picture for each station onto bottom of a jewel.

• After they are dry, coat the bottom of each jewel with Mod Podge for a protective coating.

• Optional: use a hot glue gun to affix a magnet to the bottom of each Station.

• Print out the prayer sheet.

Using the Stations of the Cross Craft

• Give a brief explanation of the Stations of the Cross to your child(ren). 

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. 

• As each Station is announced, say "Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee. All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world". Genuflect when saying this prayer, if possible.

• Read the description next to each station as you come to it. 

• Instruct your child to place the corresponding jewel onto the appropriate square. In this way, the child will have a way to participate in 'traveling' the Way of the Cross with Jesus. 

• You might want to add a personalized comment to help your child(ren) understand how the trials of Jesus are relevant to your family and all people. You could come up with dialog for each one or some general ideas. E.g. See how mean they were to Jesus? How do you think He felt? How do you think we should treat others? If someone is mean to us, what should we do?

• Optional - laminate the prayer sheet.

• Optional - using Mod Podge or other adhesive, stick prayer sheet onto a metal cookie sheet and add magnets to the underside of the Stations of the Cross jewels. This would  allow this prayer tool to be a travel activity.

• Optional - adhere magnets to the underside of the jewels and place the prayer sheet on the refrigerator for an alternate magnetic version.

+   +   +

Useful Links:


Some interesting history about the Stations of the Cross can be found here: http://credidimus.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/stations-of-the-cross/

A devotional aid for praying the Rosary with young children: http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2014/02/egg-straordinary-rosary-project-for-lent.html

A booklet for your child - to encourage good Lenten practices: http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-lenten-journey-for-kids.html

Print out the Stations of the Cross Craft Prayer Sheet 
http://tiny.cc/t9hybx

Designs by Birgit is a proud participant in the Keep Love in Lent linkup hosted by the following blogs. Please visit them for some awesome posts and an opportunity to link your own blog post.

Monica at Equipping Catholic Families

Equipping Catholic Families on Facebook

Chris at Campfires and Cleats

Campfires and Cleats on Facebook

Tina at Truly Rich Mom

Truly Rich Mom on Facebook

Tracy at A Slice of Smith Life  

A Slice of Smith Life on Facebook

Lisa at Home to 4 Kiddos

Home to 4 Kiddos on Facebook

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project for Lent

It's that time again - with Lent on the horizon - to reflect on how to observe this time of penance, alms giving, and prayer. As parents, grandparents, or godparents the little souls with whom we are entrusted come to mind. When I created this idea (a couple years ago), my babies were young (2 – 6). Now they are older but the ‘doing’ and ‘praying’ categories are still very relevant.

The resulting EGG-straordinary Rosary Project reinforces/teaches all of the prayers of the Rosary. Since most will know the basics (Sign of the Cross, Our Father and Hail Mary), even the very young will have a way to participate. Yet older children will be able to relate as well. Using the EGG-straordinary Rosary can be a transitional addition to their customary nighttime prayers – reciting a decade of the Rosary, while concentrating on a particular mystery each night.

This simple, inexpensive and effective craft combines reciting a nightly decade of the Rosary with some good actions and creativity thrown in for good measure:

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project Materials

• 
  
• 
  
• Colorful curling ribbon or pipe cleaners

• Paper and markers/crayons

• Tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks

• Glitter glue, puff paint, stickers or other embellishments

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project  Construction

• Plastic Easter Eggs (1 larger egg for the Our Father and 10 smaller eggs for the Hail Mary) 

• Thread pre-cut sections of pipe cleaner or small strips of ribbon through the holes on both ends of the small plastic Easter eggs, until you have a chain of 10. Tie a knot in the ribbon or bend a ‘knot’ into the pipe cleaner and hot glue inside each egg to secure.

• Add one larger Easter egg to your chain for the Our Father to complete the decade.

• For the cross, shorten one of the tongue depressors and then form into a cross shape. Secure with hot glue and embellish with a sticker, if desired.

EGG-straordinary Rosary Project Use

Say one decade of the Rosary each evening using your Easter Egg Rosary and add your offerings (good deeds, petitions, or coins) for that day. This is a good time to discuss behavior, sharing and giving.

• Chose a petition, good dead, or prayer for each member of the family and write/draw on a piece of paper.

• You could also have your little ones earn pennies to share with the poor.

• Place these papers or coins inside a plastic Easter egg.

• On the weekend you may choose to draw or color pictures depicting the mysteries you have prayed during the week and make a booklet to go along with your newly completed Rosary.

At the end of a 5 day week you will have said all five of the respective mysteries and by the end of 4 full weeks you will have said all 4 sets of mysteries…and the COMPLETE Rosary. You should now have corresponding booklets with pictures of the all 20 mysteries.

You may now move on to coloring pages of the Stations of the Cross as your activity. Continue to use the Rosary you have made for praying a decade every evening as a family, as is now your practice. Last year, 3-year old Simon and 1-year old Rachel learned all of their rosary prayers this way. The family developed a nightly rosary ‘habit’.

On the evening before Easter Sunday, parents may wish to fill each egg with a treat or surprise and then hide the eggs for the traditional Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Or you could keep them intact and still fill with treats. Your kids will have had a chance to count down the 40 days and reap a reward for their patience and efforts, seeing a tangible result! Hopefully you will also have enhanced your family prayer habits. God bless you…and may we all have a fruitful Lent.

Let us all pray for one another!

Here are some links to coloring pages for use with your EGG-straordinary Rosary Project for Lent:


Stations of the Cross coloring pages for all of the stations.


Catholic Rosary coloring pages to print. Includes Luminous Mysteries and much more!

Catholic Rosary Diagram page to color.
.
Sign of the Cross diagram and coloring page.
.
Our Father – prayer coloring sheet.
.
Hail Mary – prayer coloring page.

You may also like My Lenten Journey project pictured here -->.

.

*Note: you could also do the above project using a paper chain much like those that are made during Advent to adorn your Christmas tree. Each ‘link’ in the chain could be a Hail Mary and a larger ‘link’ could be added for the Our Father. You could write on the slips of paper before creating the links.

5 Reasons I'm Not Leaving Facebook

There's much justified outrage about Facebook's new gender definitions - all 56 of them. For this social network to consult the LBGT community to help create these imaginary, sordid compartments for people - and to pretend it's all normal - is a disgusting new facet of an already far left (to the point of falling over the proverbial cliff) leaning company. The reactions have been swift and decisive. Many good, Christian people are once again discerning whether or not to stay with Facebook.

On the surface, the  decision seems rather obvious. After all, Facebook is not a necessity. Unlike utilities, corporations, food suppliers, and a myriad of other necessary businesses, Facebook is optional entertainment. Right? It may be an entertaining method of networking and socializing, but it's not vital to our lives. I find myself in a quandary, however, about leaving. After much discussion - on Facebook, of course - I've come to conclusion that I will remain. Here's why:

1). The way I see it, sometimes when on Facebook or in the comboxes, we're in the gutter with the poor, hopeless sinners. We minister to them by sharing the Gospel. If we don't go where they are, how would we ever encounter them IRL (in real life)? I see Facebook, if used properly, as a powerful tool for evangelization.

2). I won't leave, because by remaining I may have the opportunity to sustain others, who have similar missions. The Gospel message is validated, in the minds of others, the more it is shared. The Word of God becomes more widespread the more of us who continue to share it. There's too much work to be done and electronic media has been encouraged by the Holy Father. 

3.) I've personally seen much good come out of dabbling in Facebook ministry - both in strengthening faith and in promoting a Culture of Life. With our help, people are getting braver about posting things they were formerly unwilling to share. I've seen the fruit of this with people I know in real life, just this week. We are the tide and it's turning.

4.) Sometimes it's difficult to be out in the evangelizing trenches - even in cyberspace. Sharing the burden with like-minded souls, eases the strain a bit. When I begin to feel alone in a world run amok, I find my compatriots to be a soothing balm of faith. It helps me to realize that I am a part of the Church Militant, battling for the glory of God.

5.) We have the option of using Facebook to our own purposes. With a fully formed conscience and purity of objective, we are able to discard the objectionable and use the good to the advantage of Faith. One thing I plan to do is to cut down on the entertainment aspect of Facebook - especially for Lent. 

I realize this is a very personal decision and certainly don't begrudge those who have come to a different conclusion. These five points simply represent my own decision-making process - discerning and praying to make the right decision for me. We all have different callings and differing talents to share. If some of my friends make a different decision, I will wish them well, pray for them, and miss our collaboration. Onward Christian Soldiers, whatever path you choose!

Case in point regarding #4. Just as some discussions over this post were heating up, one of my friends posted this: 

"I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him."-- St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Interior Disposition: Why Fix Your Hair, If You're Wearing a Veil?

As someone who is relatively new to veiling, I ravenously researched the practice before I made my decision. The whispered call was there, but so was the fear of others' opinions - the fear of the outward. But that wasn't the inspiration at all. The decision to veil had much more to do with the interior than the exterior. With the decision now made, I'm still in tune with posts and memes on the topic. One good-natured pun in veiling circles is that, when you veil, bad hair days don't matter. Inside jokes aside, those little hidden things to which all of us succumb are called to mind.

So, yes, I spend time on my hair before attending Mass - but it's not because my nice 'do' will impress my fellow parishioners. My purpose is to do my best for Jesus, whose house I will be visiting - He Who I will consume in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Whether or not it's seen by others, I know, and so does He - so I want to present my best to Him.

These musings also present us with an opportunity to ponder the interior state of our souls. Are there little, hidden things not apparent to others? Should they matter? Who will know? The obvious answer is a resounding, yes - they matter! If we are truly living out our purpose in this life - gaining Eternal Life with God - then we must sweep away those interior cobwebs. Outward appearances are, as they say, only skin deep. What matters most is that which can't be seen by the world - our innermost heart and soul. Regular interior housekeeping - confession - becomes another necessary accessory to our Mass attendance.

Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.

 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 28

Don't Be Glum

All of this awareness shouldn't be a source of despair, however. St. Matthew says it nicely: Don't go for the show; have the proper disposition. 

And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.

~Matthew 6:16

The next penitential season on the Liturgical Calendar, Advent, is just five Sundays away. Although Advent isn't as somber as Lent, it is still a time of solemn preparation - not just of the household, but of our souls. We will prepare rich foods, gifts, and celebratory decor, yet we will also deny ourselves a bit of our customary luxuries. It's a time of making our souls ready as well. Will we afford ourselves of the vast offerings of Penitential Services and confession opportunities? We await to receive Him as an infant - God become man to shed His Blood for our salvation. Preparations will be made with great joy and anticipation - a happy time for families to share. Yet we must also prepare our inner disposition for His coming. We also know, some day will be the day of His final coming. Are you ready?