During Advent we prepare to celebrate Christmas-Jesus' birth. We welcome him into our hearts and into our lives. Share this short novena with your children, a nine-day preparation for Christmas. The novena should begin on December 16. There is a short reading, song, and prayer for each day until December 25th. (The short song for each day can be sung to the melody of "On Jordan's Bank.") First Day December 16 We want to prepare the stable of our hearts. To read: Jesus came to e...

In 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego in Mexico. She asked simply that a Church be built in her honor on the hill where she had appeared. Juan was supposed to ask the bishop to build the church. Now the bishop was not about to go and build a church till he really was sure that it was the Blessed Virgin asking this. So he asked her to give him a sign.Juan Diego went back to Mary and asked for a sign. She told him to pick the beautiful roses growing on the...

Advent calendars are a great way to intentionally participate in the anticipation of the Advent season one day at a time. Most commercial Advent calendars give you two options when you open the doors: Scripture verses or chocolate. You’re probably not crazy about the chocolate and your kids may get weary of just the Bible verses. But what if you made your own living calendar in classroom and home—half scavenger hunt and half "calendar." Behind every “door&rd...

The cross used to be a symbol of shame and death, but the redeeming death of Jesus made the cross a symbol of glory and redemption. Following one of the most cherished Christian traditions, on September 14 the Church celebrates the splendid Triumph of the Cross of our Lord and Savior.