Catholic Mothers Planner 2019 by catholicmothersuk

Catholic Mothers Publications www.catholicmothers.co.uk Catholic Mothers Planner 2019 (c) 2019 Catholic Mothers Publications ISBN: 978-1-78926-518-7 Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ÂŠ 1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Design and Layout by Victoria Delgado Gonzalvez

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Welcome!

“A Mother’s work is never done” the saying goes, and whether you’re the type of Mother for whom each day has enough troubles of its own or the type who plans everything down to the minutest detail, amongst all the busyness we need daily to be reminded of Jesus’s words to Martha: “you worry and fret over so many things, yet only one is important”! This planner tries to weave together the practicalities of our life bringing up a family without losing sight of that one important thing: our life in Christ. You’ll find plenty of space for appointments and lessons, clubs and sports but also ideas, suggestions and reminders to make the task of passing on the faith that little bit easier and that bit more enjoyable! In the book of Genesis (1:14) God created the lights in the heavens not simply to divide work time from rest but primarily to mark sacred times and days of festival. As Catholics we have times of feasting and times of fasting, of penance and celebration, of prayer and thanksgiving and days to remember saints and heroes of the faith. As the year progresses you’ll find information, prayers, activities and suggestions that will help you and your family live that cycle which the Church has enjoyed together with her children for centuries. It’s been a joy to prepare this text together with a team of dedicated Catholic Mothers and to share together so much beauty, wit and wisdom. As the year advances let us pray for each other and for our families and children, that as Catholic Mothers not one of those whom we have been given may be lost to Him who is our Father! Yours,

Chiara

My Catholic New Year’s Resolutions CHOOSE YOUR VERY OWN PATRON SAINT FOR 2019, ENTRUST THE FAMILY, PRAY TO THEM AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM THE PATRON SAINT THAT I HAVE CHOSEN IS

LEARN A NEW PRAYER CHOOSE A PILGRIMAGE SHRINE TO VISIT WITH THE FAMILY FIND A MOMENT TO LEARN TOBIT’S PRAYER (TOB 8:5-7) TOGETHER WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Sarah got up so that they could pray together and

They became the parents of the whole human race.

ask God for his protection. Then Tobias prayed:

You said, It is not good for man to live alone.

God of our ancestors, you are worthy of praise.

I will make a suitable helper for him.

May your name be honored forever and ever

Lord, I have chosen Sarah because it is right,

by all your creatures in heaven and on earth.

not because I lusted for her.

You created Adam and gave him his wife Eve

Please be merciful to us

to be his helper and support.

and grant that we may grow old together.

SPEND MORE TIME BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ATTEND CONFESSION REGULARLY PRAY AS A FAMILY SPECIAL INTENTIONS FOR THE YEAR:

Calendar

January M

W 02 09

February M

March

April

3115

2815

May M

June

July F

August

September M

October S

T 01

W 02

November

December

S 01

30 Lent

Easter

Pentecost

Bank holiday

Advent

Christimas

Birthdays January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

W 02 09

3115

January

- THE MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS -

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

ONE THING IS CERTAIN: WHEN THE TIME HAS COME, NOTHING WHICH IS MANMADE WILL SUBSIST. ONE DAY, ALL HUMAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL BE REDUCED TO A PILE OF ASHES. BUT EVERY SINGLE CHILD TO WHOM A MOTHER HAS GIVEN BIRTH WILL LIVE FOREVER, FOR HE HAS BEEN GIVEN AN IMMORTAL SOUL MADE TO GODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IMAGE AND LIKENESS. - ALICE VON HILDEBRAND

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Targets

TO DO LIST

T 01

W 02 09

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Monday

January

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

MARY MOTHER OF GOD, NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

A.M.

IF YOU EVER FEEL DISTRESSED DURING YOUR DAY -CALL UPON OUR LADY. JUST SAY THIS SIMPLE PRAYER: “MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, PLEASE BE A MOTHER TO ME NOW.” THIS PRAYER HAS NEVER FAILED ME. - MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

A.M.

EPIPHANY

Mary, the first Catholic Mother Hail, holy Mother The Child to whom you gave birth is the King of heaven and earth for ever. If Jesus is Life, Mary is the Mother of Life. If Jesus is Hope, Mary is the Mother of Hope. If Jesus is Peace, Mary is the Mother of Peace, Mother of the Prince of Peace. Entering the New Year, let us ask this holy Mother to bless us. Let us ask Her to give us Jesus, our full Blessing, in whom the Father blessed all history once and for all, making it become the history of salvation.

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

Sunday Readings Is 60: 1-6/ Ps 72: 1-2. 7-8. 10-11. 12-13/ Eph 3: 2-3a. 5-6/ Mt 2: 1-12

Pg. 187

Pg. 208

(From the Homily of Pope St John Paul II, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 2002)

W 02 09

3115

January

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

AT BAPTISM, I RECEIVED GRACE - THAT QUALITY THAT MAKES ME SHARE IN THE VERY NATURE OF GOD. - MOTHER ANGELICA

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

A.M.

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Write own the Baptism date of each member of your family

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

In baptism every christian personally meets Christ: He is inserted into the mystery of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death and resurrection and receives a new life, which is the life of God.

Sunday Readings Is 40: 1-5. 9-11/ Ps 104: 1b-2. 3-4. 24-25. 27-28. 29-30 (1)/ Ti 2: 1114; 3: 4-7/ Lk 3: 15-16. 21-22

What a great gift and what a great responsability! POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II

W 02 09

3115

January

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

A.M.

ST ANTHONY, ABBOT A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

WHEN YOU LIE DOWN ON YOUR BED TO SLEEP, REMEMBER WITH THANKSGIVING THE BLESSINGS AND THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD. - SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

St. Anthony the Great

A.M.

P.M.

O God, who brought the Abbot Saint Anthony to serve you by a wondrous way of life in the desert, grant, through his intercession, that, denying ourselves, we may always love you above all things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

EVENING

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 62: 1-5/ Ps 96: 1-2. 2-3. 7-8. 9-10 (3)/ 1 Cor 12: 4-11/ Jn 2: 1-11

W 02 09

3115

January

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

ST. AGNES

A.M.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES A.M.

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

Pg. 187

HAVE PATIENCE WITH ALL THINGS - BUT FIRST OF ALL WITH YOURSELF. - ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL, APOSTLE

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

A.M.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Neh 8: 2-4a. 5-6. 8-10/ Ps 19: 8. 9. 10. 15/ 1 Cor 12: 12-30/ Lk 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21

Letters to a Wife and Mother - St. Francis de Sales Try to begin each day with a tranquil frame of mind, your soul at peace. Keep on coming back to it through the day; Keep on starting afresh. Don’t be upset if you happen to get annoyed. Don’t worry about it; calmly humbling yourself before God, try to recapture your peace of soul. ‘I have made a mistake’ tell yourself ‘I must be more careful now and act gently in future’. Always do this no matter how often you fall. When you are at peace inside, don’t miss the chance of being as calm and gentle as you can, however small the opportunities. Our Lord has told us that he who is faithful over little things will have great things committed to his charge. Above all, never lose heart. God, will take you by the hand. If He lets you stumble occasionally it is only to show you that you could never keep your feet at all without His support, and to make you grasp His hand more tightly.

W 02 09

3115

January

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

A.M.

ST. JOHN BOSCO A.M.

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

DO NOT PUT OFF TILL TOMORROW THE GOOD YOU CAN DO TODAY. YOU MAY NOT HAVE A TOMORROW. - ST. JOHN BOSCO

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

St. John Bosco Entrust all things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary help of Christians and you will see what miracles are.

Saint John Bosco dedicated his life to serve, love and care for orphans and difficult children. How many times have we found ourselves powerless and without patience before our own children? Let us pray that through the intercession of St John Bosco we may always be able to show our children true love and to touch the ‘sensitive cord of their heart’ so as to draw out the best in them.

2815

February

- THE MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY -

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

“PRAY, HOPE, AND DON’T WORRY. WORRY IS USELESS. GOD IS MERCIFUL AND WILL HEAR YOUR PRAYER.” - SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Targets

TO DO LIST

2815

February

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

BEHOLD, THIS CHILD IS SET FOR THE FALL AND RISING OF MANY IN ISRAEL, AND FOR A SIGN THAT IS SPOKEN AGAINST (AND A SWORD WILL PIERCE THROUGH YOUR OWN SOUL ALSO), THAT THOUGHTS OUT OF MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED. - LUKE 2:33-35

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Prayer to St. Blaise

02 01

02 03

03 04

A.M.

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

ST. BLAISE

A.M.

P.M.

O glorious St. Blaise, who by your martyrdom left to the Church a precious witness to the Faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend — without concern for human respect — both by word and example, the truth of that same Faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. You miraculously restored a little child who was at the point of death because of an affliction of the throat.

P.M.

EVENING

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 1: 4-5. 17-19/ Ps 71: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 15-17/ 1 Cor 12: 31 – 13: 13/ Lk 4: 21-30 NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Grant us your mighty protection in similar misfortunes. And, above all, obtain for us the grace of Christian mortification, together with faithful observance of the precepts of the Church, which keep us from offending almighty God. Amen.

2815

February

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

A.M.

ST. AGATHA

ST. PAUL MIKI

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

ASK CHRIST TO HELP YOU BECOME HAPPY. I OBEY CHRIST. AFTER CHRIST’S EXAMPLE, I FORGIVE MY PERSECUTORS. I DO NOT HATE THEM. I ASK GOD TO HAVE PITY ON ALL, AND I HOPE MY BLOOD WILL FALL ON MY FELLOW MEN AS FRUITFUL RAIN. - ST. PAUL MIKI

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

St. Josephine Bakhita

ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA

A.M.

”Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him.

A.M.

What a great grace it is to know God!”

P.M.

EVENING

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 6: 1-2a. 3-8/ Ps 138: 1-2. 2-3. 4-5. 7-8 (1c)/ 1 Cor 15: 1-11/ Lk 5: 1-11 NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

2815

February

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

A.M.

ST CYRIL, MONK & METHODIIUS

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

Pg. 188 NOVENA TO OUR L. LOURDES

I SHALL SPEND EVERY MOMENT LOVING. ONE WHO LOVES DOES NOT NOTICE HER TRIALS; OR PERHAPS MORE ACCURATELY, SHE IS ABLE TO LOVE THEM. O MY MOTHER, TO YOU I SACRIFICE ALL OTHER ATTACHMENTS SO THAT MY HEART MAY BELONG ENTIRELY TO YOU AND TO MY JESUS. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ST. BERNADETTE

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Prayer

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity.

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 17: 5-8/ Ps 1: 1-2. 3. 4. 6 (40: 5a)/ 1 Cor 15: 12. 16-20/ Lk 6: 17. 20-26

Amen.

2815

February

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN - MK 1:17

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Prayer for the Pope:

ST. PETERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHAIR

A.M.

P.M.

O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on your servant our Holy Father, the Pope, and direct him according to your clemency into the way of everlasting salvation; that he may desire by your grace those things that are agreeable to you, and perform them with all his strength. Through Christ our Lord.

A.M.

P.M.

Amen.

EVENING

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Sm 26: 2. 7-9. 12-13. 22-23/ Ps 103: 1-2. 3-4. 8. 10. 12-13 (8a)/ 1 Cor 15: 45-49/ Lk 6: 27-38

Pg. 187

2815

February

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

A.M.

P.M.

EVENING

SORROW CAN BE ALLEVIATED BY GOOD SLEEP, A BATH AND A GLASS OF WINE. - ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thank you to every woman ”Thank you, women who are mothers! You have sheltered human beings within yourselves in a unique experience of joy and travail. This experience makes you become God’s own smile upon the newborn child, the one who guides your child’s first steps, who helps it to grow, and who is the anchor as the child makes its way along the journey of life. Thank you, women who are wives! You irrevocably join your future to that of your husbands, in a relationship of mutual giving, at the service of love and life. [.…] Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world’s understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.” Letter to Women (Pope St John Paul II)

Prayers Our Father

Glory be

Our Father,

Glory be to the Father,

Who art in heaven,

and to the Son,

hallowed be Thy name;

and to the Holy Spirit,

Thy kingdom come;

as it was in the beginning,

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

is now, and ever shall be,

Give us this day our daily bread;

world without end.

and forgive us our trespasses

Amen.

as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Hail Holy Queen Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,

Hail Mary

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve:

Hail Mary, full of grace.

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

The Lord is with thee.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate,

Blessed art thou amongst women,

thine eyes of mercy toward us,

Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. to thee do we send up our sighs,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

and after this our exile,

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

pray for us sinners,

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

160

The Apostlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Creed

Anima Christi

I believe in God,

Soul of Christ, make me holy

the Father Almighty,

Body of Christ, be my salvation

Creator of Heaven and earth;

Blood of Christ, let me drink your wine

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,

Water flowing from the side of Christ,

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

wash me clean

born of the Virgin Mary,

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Kind Jesus, hear my prayer

was crucified, died, and was buried.

Hide me within your wounds

He descended into hell.

And keep me close to you

On the third day He arose again from the dead;

Defend me from the evil enemy

He ascended into Heaven,

And call me at the hour of my death

and is seated at the right hand of God

To the fellowship of your saints

the Father Almighty;

That I might sing your praise with them

from there He will come to judge

for all eternity.

the living and the dead.

Amen.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

Guardian Angel Prayer

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom

Amen.

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

161

Prayers HailMichael Holy Queen Saint Prayer

Memorare

Saint Michael, the Archangel,

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

defend us in battle.

that never was it known

Be our protection against the wickedness

that any one who fled to thy protection,

and snares of the devil.

implored thy help

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

or sought thy intercession,

and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,

was left unaided.

by the power of God

Inspired by this confidence,

cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits

I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mo-

who prowl throughout the world seeking

ther;

the ruin of souls. Amen.

to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions,

Grace before Meals

but in thy mercy hear and answer them.

Amen.

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through

Act of Contrition

Christ our Lord. Amen.

O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins

Grace before Meals

because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because I have offended Thee my God, Who is all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy

Lord, give all people the food they need,

grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near

So that they may join us in giving you thanks.

Amen

occasion of sin. Amen. 162

Grace after Meals

Prayer to St. Joseph

We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits,

Prayer to St. Joseph

O Almighty God, who livest and reignest world

O, St. Joseph, whose protection

without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful

is so great, so strong, so

departed, through the mercy of God, rest in

prompt before the throne of

peace. Amen

God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession

The Angelus

and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary....)

blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to thy word. (Hail Mary....)

heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

V. And the Word was made Flesh. R. And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary....)

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O

in my name and kiss his fine

Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to

head for me, and ask him to

whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was

return the kiss when I draw

made known by the message of an Angel, may

my dying breath. St. Joseph,

by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the

patron of departing souls,

glory of His Resurrection through the same

pray for us. Amen.

Christ our Lord. Amen 163

Please

waste time just playing with your

kids

Pope Francis

COOL

activities

THAT I WANT TO DO <<< <<< WITH MY CHILDREN THIS YEAR

WHICH ACTIVITIES DO I WANT TO DO WITH MY FAMILY? · · · · · · · · · · · ·

· USEFUL WEBSITES ·

>> NOTES

· ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES FOR MY KIDS ·

Activities Epiphany of our Lord

St. Agnes

6TH JANUARY

21ST JANUARY

Sheep and lambs are often mentioned throughout the Bible, but they are well known as being the symbol of St Agnes, whose very name means ‘lamb’. Supplies: • Cardboard or cereal box or pom pom makers • Scissors • Black yarn and white yarn • Black or brown small craft pom poms • Glue gun

Chalking the Door

Cut 2 circles out of the cardboard slightly bigger than you want your pom poms to be - 4 inches in diameter is a good size. Cut a smaller circle in the centre of the two circles to make two cardboard doughnuts, and put the two doughnuts together.

Supplies: • Chalk The Epiphany is the occasion of the Christian tradition of ‘Chalking the Doors’. The chalking can be done at any church, home or dwelling, and is traditionally done by a priest or the father of the family, and can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like: a short prayer and the writing of the inscription, or can include songs, prayers, processions, burning of incense and sprinkling of Holy Water.

The formula is simple: 20 + C + M + B + 19 The numbers represent the year, the crosses represent Christ, and the letters have two meanings – firstly they represent the initials of the Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar; and secondly, they are an acronym for the phrase Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless this house”.

Cut two pieces of white yarn about 6 feet long each. Using the cardboard circles or the pom pom maker, create your

186

Pom pom sheep

pom pom: Press one end of both pieces of yarn tightly against the circles and start winding the yarn around the doughnuts until you have a yarn doughnut. Holding the pom pom tightly (you could cut out another two 4 inch circles and hold the doughnut between the circles if you wanted), use scissors to cut the loops. Cut two pieces of black yarn (about 6 inches each) and tie the pom pom tightly inbetween the cardboard circles, and then carefully remove the cardboard circles. Fluff out the pom pom* Using a hot glue gun, stick a craft pom pom onto the sheep’s body as the head, and separate the strands of the black yarn to be the legs. You could make several of these and strand them together across a room or doorway.

Activities St. Valentine’s

St Matthias

14TH FEBRUARY

24TH FEBRUARY – FEAST DAY DINNERS

Super simple photo craft! Older children Supplies: • Red card • Patterned red card or foam • Scissors • Glue • Self adhesive magnet strip (optional) • Photograph • Pencil

Draw around your photograph onto red card. Draw an inch-wide border around your pencil lines and cut out both lines to create a red frame. Cut out another card rectangle the same size of the frame to go behind the photograph. Glue three sides of the frame onto the backing, and insert the photograph. Draw and cut out a heart template, or use a heart stamp, to create heart shapes out of the patterned card or foam. Glue the hearts around the frame, overlapping here and there, going in different directions*. If you want to you could put some adhesive magnetic strips onto the back, and put

Feast Day Dinners are not liturgical, but grow from a love of the Apostles and a desire to learn more about them. They are celebrated on the feast day of each apostle, and are so simple to put together. Dinner begins with ‘Happy Feast Day to you’, to the tune of Happy Birthday, and the main feature of this dinner is the dessert: 12 gingerbread apostles. Any gingerbread cookie dough will do, as will any gingerbread man cutter, or you can cut them freehand with a knife. The twist to these gingerbread men is in the decoration. Each gingerbread apostle is decorated with one, some or all of his symbols, and has a ribbon tied through a hole at the top (which is made before baking). They are served on a tray, covered, with only the ribbons showing. Each person at the table chooses a ribbon, and identifies the attached gingerbread Apostle. This

Valentines Photo frame the frame on the fridge. Alternatively, instead of using patterned card you could use several different colours and write ‘Love Heart’ type messages on them: Kiss me, I love you, Hug Me, Hot Stuff… For the younger ones, you can hand draw two heart shapes, one inside the other, onto a piece of paper. Hand your child some felt tips and let them do their thing. When they’ve finished, cut out the heart frame and trace the bigger one onto some cardboard, and cut that out also. Find a photograph to fit the frame and glue the paper heart and the cardboard heart together. Cut out the photograph and insert it into the frame. 187

is an excellent way to learn more about the apostles. NB – the easiest frosting to use is an icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar) recipe mixed with food colouring, if appropriate. Symbols for the apostles can be made with stiff frosting and a piping bag, or cut from foil, paper or any other material you can think of. St Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas after Christ’s Ascension. His symbols refer to his martyrdom – a sword, a scimitar, stones and a spear. You could also use a broom straw, as the apostles chose him by lots, as long as you wash it well beforehand. St Matthias is the patron of carpenters, tailors repentant drunkards, and is invoked against small pox.

Activities Ash Wednesday

Calla Lily Flowers

6TH MARCH

19TH MARCH – ST JOSEPH

The three pillars of Lent are fasting, praying and almsgiving. Children are not required to do this until the age of 14, and to ask them to give up something they like for 40 days can be very difficult for them if they don’t fully understand why they have to do it.

the pillars of Lent to young children in a wonderful way – it is a visual way for children to understand the three tasks* and the suggestions for each section can be tailored to individual children or ages. It could also be useful for reluctant older children!

‘Look To Him and Be Radiant’ is a wonderful blog written by a teacher. She has some wonderful Lenten craft idea and her ‘Pray, Fast, Give’ printable introduces

* Here is the link for the printable and instructions: http:// l o o k t o h i m a n d b e ra d i a n t . blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/lentpray-fast-give-printable.html

Supplies: • Yellow paint • Cotton buds • Cotton rounds • Green straws or green paper • Glue

Dip one end of the cotton buds in yellow paint and let them dry completely. Once dry, push the unpainted end into a straw. If using green paper roll it tightly to create a straw shape and glue it closed, and push in the cotton bud. If it does not get lodged in you may need to use some glue.

Cotton buds

Place a cotton round below the top of the straw. Add some glue to the bottom (a hot glue gun will work best) and fold one side of the cotton round towards the middle; pinch at the bottom for the glue to set. Add a little more glue and fold the other side towards the bottom and pinch again for the clue to set. You should have a calla lily shape.

Cotton rounds

Green straws or green paper

Lent craft 188

Activities Annunciation scene

Don’t forget...

25TH MARCH

Supplies: • Large paper doily • Card/paper in different colours – at least one blue and one cream • Yellow pipe cleaner • Scissors • Glue

Cut the cream card to make two small circles. To make the angel cut 3 isosceles triangles out of the paper doily – one bigger one and two smaller ones – making sure to cut the smaller edge out of the border.

of the rectangle. Glue one of the cream circles at the top of the triangle to create a face. Make a halo with the pipe cleaner – make it into a circle and twist the ends together. Glue this on top of the angel’s head.

Using the blue card cut another isosceles triangle the same size as the bigger doily one, and a small rectangle to use as an arm. This will be the Virgin Mary.

Place the Virgin Mary in position on the right-hand side of the rectangle – glue the arm and the head onto the body. Cut a cream hand and stick it to the end of the arm.

Cut a large rectangle out of the third piece of card. Glue the doily triangles to create a body and two wings towards the top left corner

You can print off a quote from the story of the Annunciation and glue it onto the card, or you can write directly onto the card.

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Activities Easter Eggs 21ST APRIL – EASTER SUNDAY

For Christians, the Easter Egg is symbolic of the resurrection of Christ, and the tradition of painting them is originally from the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, where eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. There are so many ways to decorate Easter Eggs; here are two different ways for children of different ages. For younger children: Tin foil eggs Tin foil eggs are vibrant and colourful, and oh so easy to make! Supplies: • Card stock • Scissors • Tin foil • Sharpie markers or felt tips Begin by cutting out a large egg shape from cardboard. Then tear off a large piece of foil, lay the cardboard egg over it, and fold the foil over the edges of the card egg so that the front is completely covered. You can use either the dull side or the shiny side of the foil – they both result

in a great finish! Leaving the lid on a sharpie marker, allow the children to draw lines and designs all over the foil egg (while this isn’t strictly necessary, it adds texture to the finished egg, as well as allowing children to practice hand-eye coordination and tracing skills). Next use the sharpie markers to trace over the designs and add any more details they want!.

hard boil the eggs by filling the saucepan with water, adding the eggs and placing it on the stove. Bring the water to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 10 minutes. Then remove from heat and add cold water. For the next steps make sure surfaces are covered with newspaper and that everyone is wearing old clothes or aprons, as it can get messy. To paint the eggs, draw designs on them with pencil. You can decorate them with symbols of Easter, or draw a pattern. Paint over the design with poster paints and then outline them with back paint or india ink..

For older children: Supplies: • Saucepan • Water • Eggs – preferably white • Food colouring • Tongs or a slotted spoon • Empty egg carton • Pencil • Poster paints • Cups or bowls – one for each colour you want to use • Options: white wax crayon, stickers, tape or rubber bands

To dye the eggs fill cups halfway with hot water, then add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of food colouring. Simply place the egg in the colour you want, leave it for 5 minutes, and then lift it out with tongs or a slotted spoon.

There are so many ways to decorate Easter Eggs, but the first step is always the same:

To create different patterns with the eggs, here are a few ideas you could try: • Using a white crayon, write

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a message or draw a design before dyeing. The wax will remain white, highlighting the design. • Create stripey designs by placing rubber bands or tape around the egg before dyeing. These will leave white stripes after they are removed. • Put stickers on the egg before dipping, and remove them after the eggs come out. The shape of the sticker will remain white – try using recognisable shapes: a star, a fruit, a heart... Once you’ve finished, gently place the eggs in an empty egg carton to dry. Once they’re dry use them for a hunt or place them in a decorative basket. Or eat them if you’re really hungry!.

Activities I am always in your heart

Don’t forget...

29TH APRIL – SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA

Prayer was a very important element in the lift of Catherine of Siena. So much so, that despite being the youngest of 23 children living in a very overcrowded house, she insisted on having her own room for prayer. She would often go into a trance and have conversations with Jesus after receiving communion. When she was tempted to believe that Christ had abandoned her, she would hear him say,

“I am always with you in your heart, strengthening you.” Write this quote on a post-it note and leave it inside a kitchen cupboard door, on a bathroom mirror, or on the inside of your bedroom door. Send a card with this quote to someone who might be going through a difficult time. We all benefit from being reminded that Jesus is in our hearts, that even when we feel alone, he is always with us.

Add a picture here of the final result or while you were doing it!

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Have you learnt a new recipe Don t forget to note it • NAME OF THE RECIPE

• INGREDIENTS

• HOW TO PREPARE IT?

• HOW WAS THE RESULT?

- R EC I PES How to prepare

· · · · · · · · · · · · · A DELICIOUS · · · · · · · · · · · · · STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

Super easy

SUGAR 1 or 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries (big handful)

1/4 cup milK or cream

ICE

Directions 1

• Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

• Depending on how many strawberries you used, their size, your blender, and your desired smoothie thickness and consistency, you may need more than 1/4 cup cream (I used about 1/2 cup), or add a splash of water, to reach desired consistency.

• Serve immediately. Leftover portion may be stored in the freezer for later consumption for up to 2 months. The smoothie does not change consistency and taste is not affected upon thawing.

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January GALETTE DES ROIS

GLUTEN FREE GALETTE DES ROIS

Ingredients - Serves 6 • 2 circles puff pastry • 7 tbsp. apple puree • 6 tbsp. ground almonds • 1 tbsp. orange flower water • 1 egg yolk for glazing • 1 dried bean

Ingredients For the pastry: • 250g gluten free flour • 125g butter, softened • 2 heaped tbsps. Crème fraiche • 1 egg • pinch of salt • ½ sachet of baking powder

Method Preheat oven to 220°C

For the frangipane: • 100g brown caster sugar • 25g melted butter • 1 heaped tbsp. crème fraiche • 100g ground almonds • 1 whole egg • 1 egg white (keep the yolk for glazing)

1. Lightly brown the ground almonds in a frying pan 2. In a large bowl mix the ground almonds, apple puree and orange flower water, personally I don’t ad any sugar but you can do so now. 3. Place the pastry circles on a sheet of greaseproof paper 4. Mix the egg yolk with a little water in a cup and brush the edges of one circle with egg yolk to a width of 2cms and repeat with the other circle.

Method

5. Put the apple filling in the centre of one circle, don’t forget to hide the bean!

1. For the pastry - mix the softened butter with the egg, add the crème fraiche, flour, baking powder and salt and mix until it forms a ball. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

6. Cover with the second circle, yolked edges together, and pinch the edges together.

2. For the frangipane – mix together all the ingredients except the egg yolk

7. Make whatever design you want on the top of the Galette with a knife or fork then brush with the remaining egg yolk mixture. A little trick – add a little icing sugar to the egg yolk mixture – it makes for a shinier glaze.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C 4. Roll out half of the pastry between 2 sheets of baking paper. Cut out a circle using a round baking tin or plate. Place on a baking tray.

8. All that’s left is to put in the oven for 30 mins at 220°C

5. Place the frangipane in the middle, leaving a 1cm border. 6. Hide a dried bean in the frangipane. 7. Make a second circle with the other half of the pastry and cover the frangipane. Pinch the edges of the two circles together. 8. Make a design on top with a knife and brush with egg yolk. 9. Cook for 25mins at 180°C. preferably serve warm. 208

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February PANCAKES

GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES

Ingredients • 150g plain flour • 3 eggs • 450ml semi-skimmed milk • 1 tbsp. sunflower or vegetable oil plus extra for frying • pinch salt

Ingredients • 125g gluten-free plain flour (we used Doves Farm) • 1 egg • 250ml milk • butter or oil for frying Method

Method

1. Put the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack the egg in the middle and pour in a quarter of the milk. Whisk until well combined. Once you have a paste, mix in another quarter and once smooth, mix in the rest of the milk. Leave to rest for 20 mins and then stir before each pancake.

1. Put the flour and salt into a mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Break the eggs into the well, then pour in about 50ml milk and 1 tbsp. oil. Start whisking from the centre, and slowly move outward. Once all the flour is incorporated, beat until you have a smooth, thick paste. Add a little more milk if it is too stiff to beat.

2. Heat a pan on a medium heat and then add a small amount of butter or oil. Ladle the mixture into the pan and swirl to coat the pan thinly. Cook for a one minute or until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook until golden on the other side.

2. Constantly whisk the batter while pouring in the rest of the milk. 3. Heat the pan over a moderate heat, then add in a little oil and tilt it around the pan. Ladle some batter into the pan, tilting the pan to move the mixture around for a thin and even layer. leave to cook, avoiding the temptation to touch it, for about 30 seconds. If the pan is the right temperature, the pancake should turn golden underneath after about 30 seconds and will be ready for the flip.

Have a look at flipping tips and preparing for lent at the end of the previous recipe. Pancake toppings Shrove Tuesday, as a traditional day for ‘eating up’ before the fasting of lent, is a great opportunity to use up leftovers and pancakes are perfect for this, they can form the basis of any, or even every, part of every meal, here are some topping ideas to get you started.

4. Flip with as much panache as you dare, or else ease a spatula under and flip that way. In my experience the first one is not very good, but don’t be disheartened, when the pan gets just right you can usually manage a fantastic flip! In our house everyone gets a go, my 2 year old even gets a turn with a cold pan and a rather solidly made pancake, so it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to join in and also provides a moment to talk about lent being different from other times and what the members of the family want to give up, do and pray for before the start of lent.

Savoury Ham and cheese, you can even top a pancake with these and pop it under the grill for a melted treat / Fried peppers and chicken breast strips / Parma ham and asparagus Sweet As well as the classics, like sugar and lemon, jam, or nutella, you may not have thought of… Whipped cream, glace cherries and grated dark chocolate / Ice cream and maple syrup / Banana and blueberries. 209

- Acknowledgements My heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful Catholic Mothers planner team: Editors Chiara and Pierpaolo Finaldi Our designer Victoria Delgado Gonzalvez Special thanks to Jessica Marie of sweetlittleonesblog.com for providing some illustrations Activities coordinator Marta Tabinski Prayer compilers Rebecca Finaldi and Roberta Lala Recipe collector Rebecca Finaldi

REMEMBER THE PAST WITH GRATITUDE LIVE THE PRESENT WITH ENTHUSIASM LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE. - POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II