Keeping Thanksgiving sane, simple, and holy!

You can listen to my chat with Teresa Tomeo on the radio last year about Thanksgiving. Go get yourself a cup of tea or coffee and pull up a chair. Click here for our segment: "Thanksgiving: Keeping it sane, simple, & holy"

I hope you will come away with some tips and ways to take that stress level down at least a few notches by DOING a little less and BEING a little more.

Enjoy your preparations and don't work too hard. It will all come together. Take a breath..say a prayer...enjoy your family - that's what is most important!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

A Prayer Table: A Place for Prayer in Our Domestic Churches

We can create a lovely prayerful place where we can pray to God and honor Mary as Jesus' Mother. We can make a prayer table and bring fresh flowers to our dear Mother or in honor of the saints.

The picture hanging on my dining room wall above my little prayer table once hung on my dear friend and spiritual director, Fr. Bill's dining room wall for many many years. The rosary on my prayer table was made for me by my dear brother-in-law, Luis. The photo is from earlier this year at springtime but re posted here today since I spoke about a prayer table with my dear friend, Teresa Tomeo on our show, "Mom's Corner" this morning. So, in this photo I have a few flowers that I picked from my yard; forsythias, daffodils, and bleeding hearts from a plant my son, Justin gave me years ago. I always bring my favorite flower, lilacs, to Mary as soon as they bloom in the spring.

You can also use a Blessed Mother statue to put on the table, however, I chose to have my table under beautiful picture I have of Mary. You can have the kids draw pictures of Jesus, Mary, and the saints and hang them above the table. A basket of rosary beads can be handy on the table and a basket of kid friendly spiritual books beneath the table in a bin for the children to look at.

As I mentioned on the air this morning, the prayer table grows with your family and is a place to come, reflect and to pray. Children can kneel or sit on pillows around the table as you read them Bible stories and teach them their prayers. I have a whole section in my new book, Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering about creating prayer tables and prayer corners.

Let's be mindful of the importance of prayer in our lives - in our domestic churches where we raise up our children to Heaven. Let's use sacred images to draw our attention to the holy rather than the secular. Turn off the TV and Internet for a while, at least, and bask in the quiet to hear Our Lord calling to us. We can't hear His whispers to our hearts if we allow too much noise to take over our domestic churches - our little chapels of prayer.

Let's not despair over the craziness of the past few weeks with the election frenzy and an outcome we may not have favored. Let's do something positive and PRAY! It's a parent's first and foremost responsibility to care for their children - body and soul.

Let's continue to put one foot in front of the other moving forward - staying positive and offer reparation and prayer for our nation and our world. We have to start in our homes! We have to teach our children the necessity of prayer and it will then become as natural as breathing to them. Our Lord is calling to us. Are we listening?

God bless you!

Hugs,

Donna-Marie

PS I am extending my book launch sale price to benefit all of the listeners of the two radio shows I am visiting today as well as all of the visitors of my blogs and website today and tomorrow. Check that out by ordering through Pay pal.

Also, anyone who places a book order from my blogs or website today or tomorrow will automatically be placed in a drawing for a SURPRISE prize. I will announce the winner later in the week and show a photo of the prize on this blog. So, what are you waiting for?

Family Night!

I found a really nice Family Night activity at Catholic Exchange. It is directed by Jeff and Emily Cavins "designed to help conduct weekly family time together. Each week focuses on a theme from the Sunday readings. Through activities and discussion you can help bring the word of God alive in your family. Below, you will find an Introduction to Family Night containing helpful hints on how to conduct a successful meeting. We have also provided a suggested list of traditional prayers to use. Family Night can be viewed here on the web or downloaded and printed out" and you can check it out here. There are instructions, themes and prayers. Go take a look!

Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls day

I was on the radio this morning with Teresa Tomeo on our "Mom's Corner" segment and as usual we had a nice time chatting about our faith. We discussed Halloween, All Saints day and All Souls day coming up.

Halloween is such a controversial holiday especially for Catholics and Christians. Christian and Catholic parents may fear that they are supporting pagan rituals or superstitions if they allow their children to celebrate Halloween since Halloween stems from pagan practices way back when.

Others see no harm in Jack O'lanterns, innocent costumes, trick or treating and Halloween parties. As a matter of fact, my parish does an annual haunted house with the youth group and adult helpers. Two nights of fun are provided for the public for a small fee and the youth group usually raises a couple of thousand dollars for retreats and to give to charity!

My daughter, Mary-Catherine just recently volunteered to help run a safe Halloween party for kids in the community. She dressed up as a princess and wore a gown and tiara. The kids all had a lot of safe fun!

I have spoken with several Moms - some celebrate and some do not. Most see no harm in it when it is done in fun and safety. Some families focus on the Saints and Saint costumes and vow to not have anything scary or sexy worn by their children. One Mom said, "The reason we can enjoy Halloween is that the kids understand the difference between fairy stories and real life. and between good and evil." She also said she teaches them that through Jesus there is nothing to fear.

For Halloween safety - I feel that parties are a good idea, either private parties in your own home, or through your parish, homeschooling group, school or town. This way you know where your children are - off the streets - and what they are doing. Plus, you can help at the party as well.

One year my family participated in a progressive dinner party for Halloween in our neighborhood. The kids all dressed up and visited one house where appetizers were served, the next one where dinner was waiting, followed by another house for dessert. There were games and activities planned in advance at each home ending up with a safe movie at the last house. This was a lot of fun and you can get really creative with recipes or keep it very simple.

You can check out Catholic Culture at this link for ideas about Halloween.


I found a pattern by Simplicity for nativity costumes which you can use for Halloween or your Christmas pageant! There is an Angel. shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the Kings. See all of the details here.

Check out the Catholic Mom.Com blog by Lisa Hendey who constantly brings great things to Catholic parents here and scroll down until you see the Simplicity pattern (picture that I have to the right) and read that post for more information.

Here is an article by Ann Ball about the Mexican celebration of Dia de Muertos (day of the Dead) which is very interesting.

Better Homes and Gardens has a very nice article about decorating pumpkins here.


The Food Network has some templates and pumpkin carving ideas here.

Also some tasty treat recipes and a family friendly Halloween party agenda here.




Costume ideas from Better Homes and Gardens are here.



Ultimately it is up to the parents to take control over their family's traditions and practices. Halloween can be celebrated with fun without paganism, but parents will guide their children in the way that best suits their conscience. Parents should naturally monitor their children and keep them safe at all times. If there is ever a question about safety - then use your best judgement and steer clear of things or parties that you are not sure of. And while enjoying your own good fun with your families, watch out for the mischief of others.

What are some of your ideas?


All Saints day

All Saints day is on Thursday, November 1st. It is a holy day of obligation so we must attend Mass. On All Saints day, the Church celebrates all Saints--canonized, beatified and also the multitude of those in heaven enjoying the Beatific vision (these Saints are only known to God).

During the early centuries the Saints venerated by the Church were all of the martyrs. The celebration was on May 13th. Later on the Popes set November 1st as the day of commemorating all of the Saints.

God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of your hands is manifest in your saints, the beauty of your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy be filled with the Spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth we may also know their peace in your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Some things to do:

1) Visit a cemetery and teach your children that this practice is not scary, gloomy, or morbid. It is a good thing. While there you may want to say some prayers, clean up a headstone of a relative and add flowers.

2) Pray for the deceased during the octave of All Saints - November 1st to November 8th. By doing this, you will receive a Plenary Indulgence to be used for the souls in purgatory (on other days this would gain a partial indulgence).

3) Pray the Litany of the Saints with your family (found in many prayer books and on Catholic websites, I will post it on All Saints day).

4) Participate with your parish Mass in which the children dress up as Saints.

5) Read some Saints stories to your children or have them read them to you!

Visit Catholic Culture.org for a wealth of information on the Solemnity of All Saints.

Rev. George A. Kelly in his book, "Catholic Family Handbook" (Random House, Inc., New York, 1959) said, "On the feast of All Saints we commemorate the countless martyrs and others who cannot be honored individually because there are not enough days in the year to do so. It is an excellent occasion to discuss the possibility that all of us may achieve sainthood. Some children believe that saints lived only in ancient times; you might point out that many thousands of persons are leading lives of sanctity at this present day."

***

Make a fun craft with the kids. Alice Gunther has a nice reflection about the Saints and directions for a Saints craft at Catholic Mom.

Alice begins her reflection with, "As the vibrant greens of summer give way to glints of gold, the Church has blessed us with a bounty of saints' day celebrations, each one flickering like a candle in a long procession marching ever onward toward the great feast of All Hallows on November 1."

All Souls day

All Souls day is November 2nd. This day is the designated date to pray for the departed souls in purgatory so they may soon join the other souls in Heaven. It's great that these two special days - All Saints and All Souls - are back to back. The reason for this is to express the Christian belief of the Communion of Saints or union of all of the faithful on earth - The Church Militant, the Saints in Heaven - The Church Triumphant, and the poor souls in purgatory - The Church Suffering with Christ as the Head. We are bound together by a supernatural bond and can and should help each other. We are called to pray for the poor souls on All Souls Day and EVERY day. We can ask the Saints to intercede for us on All Saints day.

On All Souls day, every priest is permitted to say three Masses on this day. The faithful are encouraged to attend three Masses if possible, offering all of the graces for the poor souls in purgatory.

Things to do:

1) Attend at least one Mass if possible (not obligatory) and three if you are able to without neglecting your family or responsibilities.

2)Remember family and friends who have died and especially for all of the souls in purgatory.

3) Visit the cemetery with parish or your family and pray for the faithfully departed.

4) Pray the Lord's Prayer and the Creed at the cemetery and you may gain a plenary indulgance (under the usual conditions--Sacramental Confession eight days prior or after plus Eucharistic Communion on that day - AND pray for the Holy Father's intentions by offering an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Again - November 1st through November 8th is the special octave of prayer- pray for the poor souls, make sacrifices, teach our children that the souls in purgatory will also pray for us when they get to Heaven.

Check out Catholic Culture for tips and information on All Souls day.

Summing Up

Teach your children why you visit the cemetery on this day.

Teach then why we pray for the souls (they NEED our prayers).

Teach them about the Communion of Saints (I mentioned the three branches above) - we are all in this together!

When our kids understand these things they will be able to carry them on throughout their lives and pass them down to their own children.

Keep those precious children safe on Halloween! Make sure you know what they will be doing and where they will be. It's so important to be sure that if your children are not with you, that they are with trustworthy individuals. You can never be too careful...watch out for the mischief of others, stay safe and have fun!

Adoption

Heidi Hess Saxton of "Mommy Monsters" has a very nice post about the Forty Reasons that she'd "Do it Again: Thoughts on Adoption.". Go check it out.

Tune in to "Mom's Corner" on Monday!

What do you

think we

are going to

talk about?

Can you help me?

Hi Everyone,

A Mom wrote to me who has an autistic child. She wants to know of any information on Autism from a Catholic perspective or about other Catholics who have dealings with Autism. I remember coming across a very nice blog or two of parents with Autistic children. Would you please leave a comment for me on this? It will be great to direct this Mom. Thanks so much in advance for your help.

I once wrote an article about Autism that can be found here if anyone is interested. Keep in mind that I wrote it a few years back and I'm sure there is more current research information available.

Thanks for your help!
God bless!

Hey Catholic Moms!

Hey Catholic Moms! Do you want to peek in on the Catholic Dads to see what they're doing? I like what this guy said, "This is a site to help build community among Catholic Dads. Catholic moms rock when it comes to building community. We men...not so good. That is what Catholic Dads is all about. Here we can hang. Share stories. Debate the issues of the day. Give advice. Talk politics. Discuss sports. Share our faith. You know, guy stuff. So join the fun. Submit your blog and join in."

Check CATHOLIC DADS out here! And if you know a Catholic Dad that may feel inclined to do get involved, encourage him to join in with them. :)

Here I am, Lord...

"Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will," (Psalm 40) we read and prayed in yesterday's Mass readings.

Yes, here I am, Lord, I'm tired and my arms are sore from carrying around a fussy baby. But, here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Lord, here I am, I'm feeling unaccomplished as I run around the household trying to catch up with my tasks here. But, here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Yes, it's me, Lord, I'm happy and content within my vocation as a mother; I thank you for your many blessings and I come to do your will.

Lord, my child has gone astray and I am worn out and worried, however, here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Here I am, Lord looking at overflowing clothes hampers, a sink full of dishes and children fussing, but I am here to do your will.

Here I am, Lord, feeling unappreciated and invisible, but here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Lord, it's me feeling battered by outside criticisms from a society that puts down a mother's dedication and work in the home, but here I am, Lord; I've come to do your will.

Here I am, Lord; spending far more time in my vehicle than I would like. But, here I am, Lord; I've come to do your will.

Here I am, Lord, humbled and blessed in this marvelous vocation of motherhood, I come to do your will--knowing that you know all and have everything under control for all eternity! Yes, Lord! I've come to do your will - always and forever!

Please, dear Lord grant me the grace to recognize You everywhere and always in my life. Help me to see that as I care for my family, I am doing Your will. Each day is yet another opportunity to turn to You and ask for Your blessings and strength to carry out my mothering with grace. Amen

Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom.Com spotlighted...

Our friend, Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom.Com was recently spotlighted on The Catholic Company. Take a few minutes and listen in to find out about how Lisa got Catholic Mom started and Lisa's goals and other endeavors. Thank you, Lisa for bringing so much goodness to Catholic and Christian families! We appreciate it. God bless you!

Speaking with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" radio show

I want to remind you all that I will be on "Catholic Connection" tomorrow morning with Teresa Tomeo at 9:30 AM Eastern time discussing Mother Teresa and the current comments and criticisms of her in the media regarding her interior struggles which were just brought to light by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk the Postulator and Author of the new book about Mother Teresa’s hidden interior spiritual life, Come be My Light published by Doubleday. Tune in here at 9:30 AM EASTERN time. In case you miss the program, I will be posting a link to the segment on this blog afterwards.