The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On Thursday, as I read to my children about Candlemas or the Purification from St. Catherine’s Academy Gazette, I could not help but comment to them about the virtues of Mary and the virtue of humility. A couple of weeks ago, our pastor spoke about Our Blessed Mother in his Sunday sermon. On the Friday…

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Baptism Anniversary Presents

Each year, we celebrate our children’s Baptism anniversaries by going to Mass if possible, having a Mass offered for them (not always on their anniversary), giving our son/daughter a religious gift, and having a special dessert after dinner. With our first child, we started by giving her a book each year; however, as our family…

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Laudamus Te

On Sunday, I was delighted to finally see a copy of Laudamus Te, a new magazine for those who assist at the Latin Mass. Our pastor surprised many of us when he announced that he had ordered a bulk subscription to the magazine for our parish. I had been toying with subscribing to the magazine,…

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October Roses

This year, before the children begin their lessons, we have been reading St. Catherine’s Academy Gazette. We all really liked October Roses which was included in this month’s gazette. I am sharing it below. October Roses by Marie St. S. Ellerker October is the month of the Rosary, and you would perhaps like to hear…

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All Saints Day Party Excitement

About a month ago, I toyed with the idea of hosting an All Saints Day party at my house, but decided against doing so due to space constraints. Still, I discussed possible saint costumes with my children and purchased a knight costume for Finnian. I told my husband how important I thought All Saints Day…

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Fall Daybook

Outside my window… It is dark and foggy, but I know that it is supposed to be a sunny day.  I am listening to… the sound of silence all around me. The children are all still sleeping. I am wearing… my pajamas. Later today, I will be wearing a skirt, a sweater, these shoes, and…

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The Angelus

Growing up, my parents used to pray the Angelus at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. Sadly, I have not shared this devotion with my children; however, I am trying to do so. In order to help the children learn this prayer, I printed the prayer for each of them and also printed a copy…

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Words for Parents to Remember

“The Heart of a child is as wax, capable of receiving any impression, good or bad; it is a plain white linen, upon which all colors may be stamped. It is to parents that God has entrusted the care of impressing on these young, pure hearts all true and virtuous feelings, those first impressions which…

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To An Altar Boy

As I was looking through some old files on my laptop, I came across this poem by St. John Berchmans (patron saint of altar boys). I will be sharing it with my sons and thought that other mothers might want to share it with their boys. St. John Berchmans, pray for our sons. To an…

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First Holy Communion

On Sunday, May 6, Patrick was delighted to receive his First Holy Communion. With Theresa’s and my help, he had been patiently preparing at home since September and in our parish’s First Communion class since January. As the day got closer, we used Preparing for My First Holy Communion and Patrick carefully contemplated what he would offer to…

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Baptism

On Mary’s day, the first Saturday in May, after Patrick’s First Confession, Mass, and his First Holy Communion practice, our pastor baptized Kieran. Much to my joy, Kieran’s baptism was followed by our pastor consecrating him to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May Our Blessed Mother always protect and watch over Kieran! Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that…

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