Children's Church Envelopes

Yesterday we went to Mass at 4:00 rather than this morning.  We rarely have a Sunday where none of us are obligated to a duty at Church.  Cross bearer, selling SCRIP, greeters, and Children's Liturgy of the Word usually keep us in attendance at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass.  Yesterday, Father passed out boxes of children's envelopes to be used by the preschool through elementary age.  He was very specific to say that he wasn't expecting only change or money in the envelopes, he wanted the children to help out the family and write down ways that they helped 'lighten the load' for the household.
It will be interesting to see what my three youngest decide to contribute.
I'll keep you posted.
:)

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Our Child's Note to Us... A Beautiful Gift from God

I was picking up the living room and found this note from our daughter.  It was folded and on the floor, partially hidden by the sofa.  On the other side of the note there are four hearts with "To Family" written on it.  The actual size of the note is small, three by five inches... it just looks large here because of the scan.
I picked it up and unfolded it in front of my husband.  All of the kids are in bed and the house is beautifully quiet.
An unexpected gift from our child.  A beautiful gift from God.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Litany of St. Joseph - Pray for our Priests

Today is the feast day of St. Joseph.  Let's ask St. Joseph to intercede for us with our prayers for all our Catholic Priests around the world.  We must pray without ceasing.  Fr. John Corapi and all other Priests who are faithfully fighting the fight to lead us to Jesus... we love you and thank you!  

It's a beautiful day for praying!  

Mary

Mom_of_Six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. 

Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line) 

Saint Joseph, 

Renowned offspring of David, 

Light of Patriarchs, 

Spouse of the Mother of God, 

Chaste guardian of the Virgin, 

Foster-father of the Son of God, 

Diligent protector of Christ, 

Head of the Holy Family, 

Joseph most just, 

Joseph most chaste, 

Joseph most prudent, 

Joseph most strong, 

Joseph most obedient, 

Joseph most faithful, 

Mirror of patience, 

Lover of poverty, 

Model of artisans, 

Glory of home life, 

Guardian of virgins, 

Pillar of families, 

Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, 

Patron of the dying, 

Terror of demons, 

Protector of Holy Church, 

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, 

Spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, 

Graciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, 

Have mercy on us. 

V. He made him the lord of His house: 

R. And ruler of all His substance. 

Let us pray. 

O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Lenten Cross Activity

I found it!! I am so happy!  This is a link to a Lenten Cross activity that I use with my children in class each year.  It is from Domestic-Church.com.  Click HERE.
I have two poster boards that I taped together to make this a very large cross.  I use 3x5 index cards for each of the lenten days.  I usually write the scripture verse on the card and the children take turns drawing the symbol.  Take the time to make this with your family.
Peace and blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

God's Gentleness

St. Anthony of Padua
Patron Saint of the Elderly


I was in deep thought for most of the night and for much of yesterday morning about Mr. R.  I was concerned that he fell.  I have to admit, I was concerned about a lot of things.  My mind was anxious and my only place of peace was in prayer.  
Well, let me share with you what happened yesterday morning...


I went down to the office to check my mailbox and underneath the mailboxes was a typed greeting card.  I picked it up and saw that it was from Mr. R!  I turned around and was about to ask the secretary about the card and she met my eyes with a smile and pointed to the counter on the other side of the room.  There on the counter were three white boxes tied with a ribbon around them.  They were filled with chocolates from the corner candy store across the street.  15 pounds!!
I was confused.  My first thoughts were... how did 15 pounds of chocolate get to the office and did Mr. R. carry those boxes by himself???


Well, the answer is yes, but I need to tell you what I have come to understand in the hours since yesterday morning. 
On Thursday evening, after I spoke to Mr. R. and told him we had been praying for him, he apparently continued his walk... right to the corner candy store!  He must have purchased the boxes of chocolates and walked back around the block to his home.  He woke up on Friday morning and before 8:00 a.m. walked to our school... carrying the boxes of chocolates!  
In his card he thanked us for our prayers.
He wrote, "THANK YOU     THANK YOU     THANK YOU."


I have to tell you, dear reader, that as I continue through this life of mine, I am amazed at the wonder and gentleness of our loving God.  In my anxiousness, I prayed that the angels surround Mr. R. and protect him if he ever should fall again.  I prayed for his peace and continued blessings for him.


In those boxes of chocolates are God's gifts of gentleness and peace to me.  


Mr. R. gave me the gift of peace when he delivered those 15 pounds to the school's door.  The strength and determination that it must have taken for him to walk (with a cane on icy morning sidewalks) carrying those boxes is amazing. Mr. R's day was blessed because someone was thinking about him enough to pray for him.  My day was blessed because through his gift I can see the strength, peace, and love in an 88 year old gentleman. 
And...  all of this through the love and care of the prayers of children.  


I am at peace through the gentleness and strength of our Lord.  I will admit to you, dear reader, that I still worry (just a bit) about my newly found friend.  But God has shown me that my worries are not needed.  He will take care of those who love Him.  


God's peace and blessings to you and your families,
Mary 
Jesus, I trust in You!

St. Anthony of Padua

      St. Anthony of Padua - Patron of the Elderly

My dear reader, I am again asking for prayers please.  This afternoon after school, I walked out the front door and saw that Mr. R. was across the street taking his daily walk.  Please take a moment and read about the very special gift that this beautiful 88 year old gentleman blessed me with this last Christmas.
Mr. R Christmas Story
I smiled and waved and got into my van.  (We were already late for our daughter's cello lessons)
As we drove away from the curb, I waved one last time and noticed that Mr. R didn't have on his glasses.  I mentioned this to my husband and he must have known from the look on my face that I was a bit concerned.  My husband turned the car around and I got out.  Mr. R. and I greeted each other with a smile and I came right out and asked, "Mr. R. did you lose your glasses?"
He smiled and said, "No."
I needed more information so I asked him why he didn't have his glasses on.
He told me that he was fearful of falling and if he fell there was a possibility that he could lose his glasses.  He must have seen the concern on my face because he quickly added,
"I don't like to walk with them on anymore, anyway."
Then he smiled at me.
I wasn't buying it.
I again pressed him for more information.   I asked him,"Have you fallen lately?"
This is what he said to me...
"Last week I got the snowblower out to clear the snow and didn't notice that it was in reverse.  I started it and it jumped backward into me and I fell backwards."
I asked him if he had anyone to help him with the snow and he said no.

My heart has been aching since I spoke with him.  I told him that the children in my class pray for him everyday and that they place his name in the prayer basket and his name is announced over the loudspeaker for the entire school to pray for him too.
He smiled and thanked me.

Please pray for Mr. R. tonight.  Pray for him to have peace, the gentleness of a smile, and someone to help him with his needs.  I will try to brainstorm tonight and try to come up with a solution for my dear Mr. R.

God's beautiful peace and blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!