Sunday, March 24, 2013
Holy Week: Helping Our Children Walk with Jesus
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Homeschooling Methods 101
If you have been following our series, I first wrote about the 10 Steps to Start Catholic Homeschooling and then on Goal Setting in the Catholic Homeschool, now we are going to discuss
the different homeschooling methods available to you. So you’ve decided to Homeschool, you looked up the laws in your state, you contacted the local organization and even want to join a homeschool co-op. Now what? Well, now you need to decide what method you will use in your homeschool. First, I would like you to learn a little bit about yourself as a teacher and a former student.Sunday, February 24, 2013
Goal Setting in {Catholic} Homeschooling
Have you set goals for your homeschool before you began your journey?
Are you thinking about homeschooling your children but do not really know the reasons why?
Here is an easy way to set goals for your homeschool. Though a "dry topic," goal setting is very important for every family thinking about homeschooling or home educating already. Knowing them in your head just is not enough, you need to organize them and write them down.
I mean it's not a super exciting topic BUT a very important one because I truly believe that if you set your philosophy and goals ahead of time, you will not doubt nor will you feel intimidated by others when questioned about your family's decision to home educate, not that it really matters what others think BUT when you have well thought out reasons, it's a great feeling!
READ MORE....
Thursday, February 21, 2013
10 Steps to Start {Catholic} Homeschooling
“”If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it. I had MANY of those same doubts. I read lots of homeschool and Catholic homeschool books looking for those who had conquered the obstacles I perceived and that combined with prayer fortified me. Am I perfect at it? No, no one is…no education is perfect. Let God work on your fears, it sounds like He IS working on your heart.”
This got me thinking about my own homeschooling journey which is only four years young. How did I get here and what helped me stick with it? Then I wondered how many other moms out there on the fence about homeschooling and have not because of fear or lack of knowledge. Is this you?
RLS Joining forces with Catholic Sistas
Good news!
Raising {& Teaching} Little Saints
is joining forces with
and providing a new series entitled Catholic Homeschooling 101
by Raising Saints
Same great ideas, different blog address.
So find us now under their Domestic Church category as Homeschooling.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Keep LOVE in LENT
Are you feeling pressured to have your holiest, Sacrifice and prayer-filled Lenten Journey this year? Do you ever find that you start out on Ash Wednesday with your ashes on your forehead and so many Sacrifice and prayer resolutions, but get discouraged by the second week because you can't stick to them all?
How about focusing on one solid resolution or Lenten program or one different challenge each week: one that our families might be able to stick with, will draw all of us closer to Jesus, and one that we can carry out with love in our hearts instead of grumpy Lent faces.
Do you want to share what your family is doing for Lent this year?
Then join us, Tina of Truly Rich Mom, and Erika of Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, and Monica of Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013.
We're also going to incorporate a totally optional Follow Frenzy feature for those who want to be inspired by other people's posts, with the added benefit of getting meaningful comments and new followers to your own blog.
A blog link-up is where we each write a blog post on the same theme. Everyone will get links to other bloggers’ posts to multiply your reach, and to help spread the message of Keeping LOVE in LENT!
You will have the option to participate in the Follow Frenzy, committing to visit and leave meaningful comments at 20 different blog-posts participating in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up (and receiving 20 meaningful comments on your own blog-post!)
You don't have to participate in the Follow Frenzy, especially if reduced blog-time is part of your Lent!
The LInk-Up is open to all bloggers who agree with the its' goal, particularly Catholics and Christians of all denominations who observe LENT. You may write about anything that pertains to the blog theme, e.g. share tips on how you and your family keep LOVE in LENT: stories to encourage others to do so; books and activities (even recipes!) that help keep Lenten Observances of fasting, abstinence from meat on Fridays, extra prayer, cleaning and giving clothes away to the poor, special Catholic devotions and practices like extra weekday Masses or Stations of the Cross, etc.
To participate, please follow these steps:
1. Register by filling up the form at the end of this post or clicking here ON OR BEFORE Pancake Tuesday, February 12, 2012.
2. Write your blog post on the theme, "Keeping LOVE in LENT" in the first part of LENT and publish the blog post on February 19-20, 2013, filling out the form we send you with the direct address to your blog-post no later than February 20, 2013 at 9AM (EST). You will receive the complete list of Blog-post links by noon on February 20, 2013 (EST) for you to add at the bottom of your post.
At the beginning of your blog carnival post,
write the following as your introduction and include the Love in LENT button!
"I’m participating in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013, hosted by Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and carrying them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of link-up entries.”
The deadline for registration for the carnival is February 12, 2013 (Pancake Tuesday).
Posting instructions and Link-Up rules will be e-mailed to all participants on February 14, 2013 and the link-up will go live on February 20, 2013. PLEASE PUBLISH YOUR BLOG-POSTS no later than 9am EST on February 20, 2013.
PLEASE NOTE:
Kindly write about the theme provided. We do not moderate or screen posts but we do reserve the right to exclude your entry from the list of link-up participants should your post be offensive, irrelevant to the theme, contain personal attacks, off-topic articles, articles that are anti-Christ or are articles aimed to market products or services.
Important Dates:
1. REGISTER HERE your blog by February 12, 2013.
2. Publish your blog-post on February 19 or 20, 2013. (No Later than February 20 at 9am EST).
3. Send in your direct blog-post address (by filling out the form we send you)
as soon as you publish your blog-post, no later than February 20 at 9am EST.
4. Add the list of link-up participants to the end of your blog post by February 20, 2013 at noon. EST.
You will receive a list of link-up participants as I receive them on February 19, 2013 with the final list compiled for you to edit at the end of your blogpost by noon on February 20, 2013.
OPTIONAL FOLLOW FRENZY:
5. Specify in the registration form that you intend to participate in the FOLLOW FRENZY.
6. Receive your list of blogs to visit on February 20 by noon EST.
7. Visit, leave meaningful comments and hopefully subscribe or follow 20 newly discovered Blogs by February 24, 2013.
Thank you very much!
We're excited to read your entries and help spread the word on how to keep LOVE in LENT!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Jesus our King, the Son of the Virgin Mary
From where the sun rises, to the furthest west, let us all sing to Jesus our King, the Son of the Virgin Mary.
The blessed Creator of the universe assumed the Body of a servant: that he might thus by Flesh deliver flesh, and save from perdition the creatures of his hands.
The heavenly grace enters into the womb of the Virgin- Mother: the young Maiden carries within her a Secret, which she knows not.
This chastest living Dwelling becomes, in that instant, God's own Temple: the purest of Virgins conceives the Son of God
She gives him birth: Him, whom Gabriel had foretold, and whom the Baptist, exulting in his mother's womb, perceived when yet unborn.
He suffered himself to be laid on the straw: he disdains not the Crib: and He who feeds the hungry birds, is fed himself on a few drops of milk!
The heavenly citizens keep glad choir, singing their angel-hymns to God: and the Shepherd, the Creator of the world, is looked at by shepherds.
Glory be to thee, O Jesus, that wast born of the Virgin! and to the Father, and to the Spirit of Love, for everlasting ages.
Amen.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival
"I’m co-hosting in the Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival, along with Tina from Truly Rich Mom and Monica from Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Jesus as the Reason for the Christmas season. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”
Before even thinking about Christmas, as a Catholic we must first take the time to properly prepare for this wonderful Feast Day, the birth of our Savior. Understanding Advent and it's purpose within the liturgical year and our domestic church (our homes) is vital in truly living out and preparing for His holy birth and properly keeping Christ in Christmas. It's interesting that we only think of these things during Lent, while this to the human mind is understandable as one is the birth, a joyous occasion, and the other is the death, synonymous with sadness. Nevertheless Advent should be practiced much like Lent in many ways. This is another excellent opportunity for us to grow in holiness. So by keeping a Christ-centered focus this Advent, we must reflect on three things when seeking sanctification:
1. voluntary amendment of life,
2. acts of penance, and
3. works of charity.
So what are some examples of these three things?
By voluntary amendment of life I mean giving up those things that block you from sanctifying grace, namely the bad habits that surround us all the time and we have a hard time breaking. The goal is to get rid of this habit for good. I would begin by going to doing an thorough examination of conscience and then heading to Confession regarding this and if you are able to, to Communion. The graces you receive from these beautiful Sacraments will help us in our goal to amend our lives. Here are Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession o{]:¬) Dare I say to also replace these things with good things like participation in the rich traditions of our faith like:
Next is acts of penance. By this I mean to perform some kind of penance, the little things that will help strengthen your will in saying NO to some small items, like lets say giving up chocolate, or soda. Minor acts that help you with bigger temptations. You may or may not resume these acts after Advent but this little exercise of giving this little thing up helps you in the long run to avoid temptations.
Lastly, is works of charity. This is really important in our Catholic faith as we must do good and holy actions for others to strengthen our relationship with the Christ Child and Holy Mother Church. Christ gave us a prime example of the need for works by His actions while here on earth. These are great ways to start actions that might become good habits in the future (beyond Advent and Christmas). In our home we reinstated the daily family Rosary, going to Mass as often as possibly, spending more time focused on our children and less socializing, reading and celebrating the feasts of the saints (Advent is particularly a good time to start this in your homes as there seems to be a slew of popular saints during this time). On a personal level, I began reading a book about deeper spirituality which will definitely carry over after this liturgical season but will help my spiritual life in the long run. Part of this could also be to give others that are lonely during this time more of your time, and also sending Christmas cards to those that might not get as many cards as others. (don't forget your priests at Christmas either). Also, donating to charity, your Church or offering Mass intentions for others is a great way to do acts of charity.
The biggest focus or work of charity that our family is going to focus on as a whole is towards the priests involved in the situation in Newton, CT. Many of the wakes, funerals and burials for both the children and adults of Newtown, CT are being held this week. While many of us are looking for ways to reach out to the this community, prayer is the most powerful way we can help to sustain the victims’ families, the Priests, and the so many loved ones involved in this very difficult time. Our family is offering different prayers for that community specifically for Saint Rose of Lima which is the Catholic Church in Newtown, Conneticut. So I'm participating this activity as well:
Today, I caught a post going around on Facebook that was written by Father Suarez's (the pastor there) sister.:
My friends,
All of you, I am sure, have heard so much about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Many of you have received emails from me about my younger brother, Father Luke Suarez, who is a priest at St. Rose of Lima parish, a Catholic church just down the road from Sandy Hook Elementary. He, and his pastor, Monsignor Weiss, arrived at the school within moments of the shooting, and have been caring for the community ever since. The picture I have included was taken at the school.
Father Suarez has an impossible task before him. His diocese is without a bishop right now, and there is very little leadership and assistance from above. Monsignor is older, went through a serious surgery recently, and is personally devastated by the losses. The parish is very large, and parishioners tend to be wealthy and somewhat ill-catechized. The rectory has received serious threats, and as my brother gave the homily Sunday at the noon mass, the church had to be evacuated by SWAT teams. After experiencing identity theft and online hacking incidents, he had to erase all of his internet accounts. After a weekend of endless media requests, notifications and vigils with heartbroken families, and little sleep, he now has two wakes and two funerals every day, until the fourth Sunday of Advent. Father Suarez has not even been ordained two years.
My large family has been trying to send Father Suarez our love and support from afar, and one of my brothers was able to visit with him briefly a couple times. All he asks for is prayer.
I have been wracking my brain, trying to think of a way that our beautiful, loving community could tangibly reach out to Father Suarez, Monsignor Weiss, and the St. Rose parish, to support them in this most awful of times. I have sent many prayer requests, and I am asking for more prayers again. But I also want to ask everyone to search their hearts, and if the Holy Spirit moves you, please consider sending one of your family's Christmas cards to the rectory, with a few words of love and encouragement.
My brother has said over and over again that without the prayer support he is receiving, he could not keep going. And this week is only the beginning. Everyone there is still in shock. Their peaceful home has been desecrated by violence. They will need to live with this sorrow forever.
But in our weakness is His strength. Grace abounds. Can you help me carry him through this time of trial?
On a hopeful note, Father Suarez did say that no media coverage has even touched the deep, beautiful awakening of faith that has occurred there. Their tiny church, where my children have received sacraments and where Father Suarez was ordained, has been full of people in prayer without ceasing since this tragedy happened. Love is stronger than death.
Please feel free to share the address with your family, friends, and community. An outpouring of love will sustain these good priests through their impossible ministry--impossible on their own, but possible with God.
I am so grateful to live in this community. We are all so blessed with one another. Every day, I see you all loving one another as Christ loved. Thank you for letting me reach out to you now
With humble appreciation,
{name deleted on purpose by me}
If you can make a monetary donation you can go to the Church's website to do so already.
As members of the Body of Christ, we join our hearts and prayers to remember our brothers and sisters in Newtown, CT. In addition, my children will be making snow flakes for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary, the PTSA there will be collecting them until the 12th of January, they want to surprise the children when they get back to school with them.
Please join us in keeping Christ in Christmas by taking the next five days and the week ahead in keeping this focus, remember Christmas ends on January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany, so there is still time to put these ideas to practice. God bless you and keep you in this Advent season.
Blessings,
Erika
Here are the links to the other blog carnival participants. I hope you'll take the time to visit them and leave a comment on their posts! :) The list will be updated throughout the day, so please do come back and check on them. God bless us all!
Here are the links to the other blog carnival participants. I hope you'll take the time to visit them and leave a comment on their posts! :) The list will be updated throughout the day, so please do come back and check on them. God bless us all!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Join the Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival!
Are you feeling stressed over the "busy-ness" and "to-do lists" of our modern-day, mainstream Christmas? Do you feel like there's a need to reconnect to the true Reason for the season? Do you want to share about how you and your family are preparing for the birthday of Someone very special? Then join us, Tina of Truly Rich Mom, Erika of Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, and Monica of Equipping Catholic Families in the "Keeping Christ in Christmas" Carnival for 2012!
This is a blog carnival that aims to share that — beyond the decor, the parties and the gifts — Christmas is a time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A blog carnival is where we each write a blog post on the same theme. Everyone will get links to other bloggers’ posts to multiply your reach, and to help spread the message of keeping Christ in Christmas!
The carnival is open to all bloggers who agree with the carnival's goal, particularly Catholics and Christians of all denominations. You may write about anything that pertains to the blog theme, e.g. share tips on how you and your family keep Christ in Christmas; stories to encourage others to do so; books and activities (even recipes!) that help keep Christ in Christmas, etc.
To participate, please follow these steps:
1. Register by filling up the form at the end of this post or clicking here. (ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 13)
2. Write your blog post on the theme, "Keeping Christ in Christmas." (ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 18, i.e. the post should be LIVE by December 18)
3. At the beginning of your blog carnival post, write the following as your introduction.
"I’m participating in the Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival, hosted by Arma Dei/Equipping Catholic Families, Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom. We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Jesus as the Reason for the Christmas season. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”
The deadline for registration for the carnival is on December 13, 2012 (Thurs). Posting instructions and carnival rules will be e-mailed to all participants on December 14 (Fri) and the carnival will go live on December 18, 2012 (Tues). PLEASE POST YOUR CARNIVAL ENTRIES ON December 18, 2012, beginning 12MN (IMPORTANT: Please note that all dates/times are based on PHT or Philippine Time, i.e. UTC/GMT +8 hours).
PLEASE NOTE:
Kindly write about the theme provided. We do not moderate or screen posts but we do reserve the right to exclude your entry from the list of carnival participants should your post be offensive, irrelevant to the carnival theme, contain personal attacks, off-topic articles, articles that are anti-Christ or are articles aimed to market products or services.
Kindly note the deadlines and post your entries (i.e. make sure they are live online) on December 18. Please do not forget the deadline for registration, which is December 13.
Thank you very much! We're excited to read your entries and help spread the word on how to keep Christ in Christmas!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A Colossal Set of Resources for Advent
Advent is the (roughly) 4 week season before Christmas when Catholic and other Christians commemorate the first coming of Christ and anticipate his second coming. The first Sunday of Advent can fall on any date between (and including) November 27 and December 3 of each year. This year Advent begins on December 2nd. These are the start dates for the next four years:
2013: December 1; 2014: November 30; 2015: November 29; and 2016: November 27
2013: December 1; 2014: November 30; 2015: November 29; and 2016: November 27
Liturgical Color(s): Violet (optional: Rose for 3rd Advent)
Type of Holiday: Season; Fast
Time of Year: Roughly 4 weeks before Christmas
Duration: 4 Sundays and their weeks ending at Christmas Eve
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Jesus' first and second comings
Alternate Names: None
Scriptural References: Isaiah 2:1-5,7:10-14, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Zephaniah 3:14-18, Micah 5:2-5a, Matthew 24:37-44, Romans 13:11-14
Catholic Encyclopedia: Advent
Awesome Ideas Around the Web for Advent
Jesse Trees & Ornaments:
- O Jesse Tree, O Jesse Tree… How Crafty are Your Branches! at Catholic Icing
- Jesse Tree Readings and Coloring Pages at Shower of Roses
- Jesse Tree ornaments at Paper Dali
- Jesse Tree Treasures for Advent at Shower of Roses
- Homemade Advent Calendars: Links of Lightbulbs (6) at Arma Dei
- Faith Activities for an Advent Calendar at Tercets
- Our Favorite Advent Calendar at Shower of Roses
- Advent Calendar Countdown with Activities (and Printable!) at the Three Sided Wheel
Wreaths:
Recipes:
- Advent - a Time of Waiting Craft by Designs by Birgit
- Easy Advent Wreath at Catholic Inspired
- ADVENTuresome Family Fun at Catholic Sistas (Advent wreath instructions)
- Make Pink and Purple Advent Candles at Catholic Icing
- The Advent Wreath at Shower of Roses
- Felt Advent Wreath at Happier than a Bird's Quilts (tutorial)
- Advent Wreath Craft for Kids at Catholic Icing
- Advent Log from at Sun and Candlelight
- Advent Wreath Craft for Catholic Kids at Catholic Icing
- Printable Advent Chain at The Catholic Toolbox
- Printable Nativity Advent Chain at Catholic Icing
Nativities:
- DIY Printable Nativity for Kids at Catholic Icing (hide Baby Jesus)
- Bible Paper Toys :: Free Printable Paper Nativity Set at Shower of Roses
- A Manger for Baby Jesus at Shower of Roses
- Crèche Mania at Paper Model Kiosk
- Putting Jesus in the Creche – A Family Tradition at Catholic Icing
- Homemade Nativities: Links of Light Bulbs (7) + linky! at Arma Dei
Educational:
Books & Book Baskets:- Celebrating the Liturgical Year with Children: Advent at RLS (printable)
- Advent Adventure by Holy Heroes (sign up)
- Happy New Church Year! at the Three Sided Wheel
- Advent is Coming Lapbook at That Resource Site
- Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K): Advent at The Catholic Toolbox
- Planning a Simple, Yet Complete Advent at Training Happy Hearts
- Nativity Sensory Bin for Christmas at Catholic Icing
- O Antiphons at Catholic Cuisine
- Advent Wreath- (file folder game) at The Catholic Toolbox
- Advent: A Season of Joy and Preparation Faith Folder at Faith Folders for Catholics
- Books: Advent, Christmas and Beyond at the Careless Catholic
- {Preparing for Advent} Book Basket for Parents at Three Sided Wheel
- Advent and Christmas with Tomie de Paola and Others at In the Heart of My Home
- {Preparing for Advent} Book Basket for Children at Three Sided Wheel
- Advent/Christmas Books at Catholic Baby Steps
- Favorite Advent and Christmas Books Link-Up at Shower of Roses
- Toward Living Advent and Christmas at Wildflower and Marbles
- The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
Movies:
(THANK YOU FRIENDS: I want to thank all of you on our Facebook page that contributed to this list of Advent/Christmas movies): (shout outs for those who suggested these)
- The Nativity Story (Jennifer D.)
- Little Drummer Boy (Katie M.)
- Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (Lindsey B.)
- Veggietales: Saint Nicholas - A Story of Joyful Giving! (Erika D.)
- Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa (Elizabeth B.)
- Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe
- The Crippled Lamb (Martianne S.)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Mark Z.)
- It's a Wonderful Life (Melissa G.)
- White Christmas (Melissa G.)
- Christmas Carol (Melissa G.)
- Holiday Inn (Melissa G.)
- Charlie Brown Christmas (Melissa G.)
- Christmas Box (Melissa G.)
- Garfield's Christmas (Elisabeth A.)
- I want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown (Erika D.)
- California Raisin Christmas Special (Elisabeth A.)
- Miracle on 34th Street (Elisabeth A.)
- Elf (Sarah G.)
- The Very First Noel (Cristina O.)
- Bells of St. Marys (Renee R.)
- Going My Way (Renee R.)
- One Magic Christmas (Erika D.)
General Posts:
- Advent at Saint Augustine Classical Academy
- Advent: Ideas, Celebrations, & Links at Paper Dali
- Veni Emmanuel - Happy New Year! at Raising Little Saints
- 6 Ways to Kick Off Advent With a Religious Bang! And a Linky :-) at Catholic Icing
- Celebrating the Birth of Christ at Hubbards Cupboard
- Keeping Advent, Our family traditions at The Rosary Chick
- On the Way to Bethlehem at My Little Flower
- Preparing for Advent at Forever and For Always
- Preparing for Preparing at Work and Play Day by Day
Prayers:
- Christmas Novena to St. Andrew at Raising Little Saints
- Epiphany House Blessing at Catholic Icing
- Blessing Of An Advent Wreath at the USCCB
- Christmas Novena to St. Andrew (Printable) at the Three Sided Wheel
- St. Andrew Christmas Novena at Joy Filled Family
- Christmas Novena at A Catholic Domestic Engineer
- Christmas Anticipation Prayer at Joy Filled Family
Music:
- The Advent of Our King
- Creator of the Stars of Night
- Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- Holy is His Name
- O Come, Divine Messiah
- Come, O Long Expected Jesus
- Comfort, Comfort O My People
- On Jordan’s Bank
- The Coming of Our God
- The King Shall Come
- Lift Up Your Heads, Almighty Gates
- People, Look East
- Of the Father's Heart Begotten
- Rejoice, Rejoice Believers
- O Come, Divine Messiah
- On Jordan's Bank
- Rorate, caeli desuper
- Wake, O Wake & Sleep No Longer
- When The King Shall Come Again
- The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
- Gabriel's Song
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
- Emmanuel
Recipes:
- Happy Birthday Jesus Cake with Nativity Cookies! at Catholic Icing
- Starlight Cookies for the last week of Advent at Catholic Cuisine
- How to Make Saffron Buns for St. Lucia Day at Catholic Icing
- O Antiphons :: Incorporating an Old Monastic Tradition in the Home at Catholic Cuisine
- Food Ideas for O Antiphons at Catholic Icing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)