There’s a well-known blogger who puts her Christmas decorations up the first week in October and takes them down in March. She says that every time of the year is appropriate for rejoicing in the birth of Jesus.
I say … Read the rest
10 Things Every Catholic Should Know about the O Antiphons
When Mr. Pete and I reconverted to our Catholic faith, we took baby steps in reclaiming our Catholic heritage and culture. During the Advent/Christmas season, we started by having an Advent Wreath and progressed to a Jesse Tree, and then … Read the rest
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Why Celebrate?
Mary is the patron saint of the United States. We ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for our protection against all threats of violence and division that threaten our nation.
Mary is the supreme example of holiness, which … Read the rest
The Festive Feast of the Miraculous Saint Ambrose, Patron of Beekeepers
I like to practice my debate skills on X (formerly Twitter) although most of the time it’s like tiptoeing through a field of landmines. It’s not as bad as it used to be, … Read the rest
The Special Meaning Behind the Advent Wreath
One of the most recognized symbols of Advent is the Advent Wreath. The circle of three purple candles and one rose-colored candle helps us mark the weeks until Christmas and prepare our homes and hearts for the coming of Jesus.… Read the rest
Head Boldly Towards Christmas – Pray The Powerful St. Andrew Novena
Today starts the St. Andrew Christmas Novena
Father Lawrence Lew, OP via Flickr, licensed cc
I remember sitting in my living room amongst the torn paper, open boxes and piles of presents after the kids had opened their presents. … Read the rest
10 Ways to Survive Grief, Loss and Change through the Holidays
The family gathered around my sister’s dining room table. Her centerpiece was stunning and the table setting was flawless. The smells of the turkey with all of the fixings wafted through the air and mixed with the sounds of … Read the rest
Making a Unique Homeschool Schedule
Get Free Easy 16-page planner – link at the end of this post.
Lots of new homeschooling moms ask this very basic question –
How much time will this take and how can I get it all done?
The answer … Read the rest
How to Write a Meaningful Letter to Your Confirmation Candidate They’ll Treasure
It seems that one of the biggest events in confirmation preparation in this country is the letters of support to be given to the confirmation candidates during their mandatory retreats.
I have three such letters saved on this blog:
- Confirmation
The Blessed Holy Innocents – The Somber Fourth Day of Christmas
When my son got married … Read the rest
For the Love of St. John – Third Day of Christmas
Happy Third Day of Christmas
Before Christmas, the church spent a lot of time talking about Christ’s family tree, relatives, and the Holy Family. So it makes some sense that on this day we would remember one of his best … Read the rest
On the Feast of Stephen – The First Christmas Martyr, The Second Day of Christmas
Father Lawrence Lew, OP via Flickr, licensed cc.
… Read the restActs 6: 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and [h]signs among the people. 9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen,
O Emmanuel – The O Antiphons
Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and the salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!
… Read the restO Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus
O Rex Gentium – O King of all nations! O Antiphons day 5
O Rex Gentium,et desideratus earum,lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem,quem de limo formasti.
… Read the restO King of the Gentiles or Nations (O Rex Gentium): O King of the Gentiles, Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that
Music for your Holiday Season
I had the opportunity to play in several concerts this season with the Peace Together Choir. Here is one of my favorites every year. .
… Read the restO Oriens – O Radiant Dawn
O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in … Read the rest
O Clavis David – O Key of David – The O Antiphons Day 4
O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the … Read the rest
o Root of Jesse – the O Antiphons continue!
Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry.
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super … Read the rest
O Adonai – O Sacred Lord , O Antiphons Day 2
Today, Day two of the O Antiphons, we remember God as the ruler of Israel, the leader who got His people out of Israel and gave them freedom through His holy commandments.
… Read the restO sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed