Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thursday, Mar 19 2009

Litany of Saint Joseph

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, 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!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us!
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us!
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us!
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us!
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us!
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us!
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us!
Joseph most just, pray for us!
Joseph most chaste, pray for us!
Joseph most prudent, pray for us!
Joseph most strong, pray for us!
Joseph most obedient, pray for us!
Joseph most faithful, pray for us!
Mirror of patience, pray for us!
Lover of poverty, pray for us!
Model of artisans, pray for us!
Glory of home life, pray for us!
Guardian of virgins, pray for us!
Pillar of families, pray for us!
Solace of the wretched, pray for us!
Hope of the sick, pray for us!
Patron of the dying, pray for us!
Terror of demons, pray for us!
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us!

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. Jesus, have mercy on us.

He made him the lord of his household. And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. God, Who, in Thine ineffable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose
blessed Joseph to be the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in Heaven whom,
on earth, we venearate as our protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. (Amen.)

Prayer to St. Joseph

To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and while imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities, by thy powerful intercession.

Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most power protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity.

Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example and sported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.

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Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, Dec 28 2008

 

Celebrate this feast with great recipes from Catholic Cuisine

Prayer to the Holy Family

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness; preserve us from danger; give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven.

O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.

And do thou, O glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.

Consecration to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, Who having come to enlighten the world, with Your teaching and example, willed to pass the greater part of Your life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to You this day. Defend us, guard us and establish among us Your holy fear, true peace and concord in Christian love: in order that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Your Family we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by your kind intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by your prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that we may be able to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and you, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Gloria three times.

Blessing of Children

This blessing comes from the older Roman Ritual or Collectio Rituum from 1954.

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. Our God is full of mercy. R. The Lord has care for little ones.

V. O Lord hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with your spirit.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Who, begotten in eternity, yet didst will to he born in time; Who dost love the innocence of childhood, and didst lovingly embrace and bless the little children who were brought to Thee: anticipate the needs of this child (these children) with Thy tender blessings, and grant that no evil may corrupt his (her, their) mind, but that advancing in age, in wisdom, and in grace, he (she, they) may live so as to please Thee always. Thou Who dost live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

Then the priest sprinkles the child (children) with holy water, saying:

May the peace and the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son + and Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain forever.

R. Amen.

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Our Lady of Guadalupe fiesta Friday, Dec 12 2008

Today we had our 7th annual Our Lady of Guadalupe fiesta with a few friends and our dear priest. (Here is a post I wrote from our party in 2006.) We started the day with Mass and then we all came over for lunch after wards. We had lots of Mexican food, but since it's Friday everything was meatless. I planned on making pina coladas and Mexican hot cocoa, but we are all so busy talking and eating that I forgot to make the drinks. I made rice and cheese and bean enchiladas, soft tacos, and we had lots chips and salsa. Adrianna made miniature strawberry cupcakes and put powdered sugar on them to make them look like roses. I also planned on making some Flan for dessert before Mass this morning, but the day got away from me. Here are a few pictures from today's beautiful celebration.

These are the enchiladas I made last night. They were so good! I made up my own recipe since the recipe I had called for meat. Here is the recipe:

1 can enchilada sauce
20 flour tortillas
2 cans of red kidney beans
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
lots of garlic
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour

Make a white cheese sauce with the butter, flour, cream and cheese. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with some Enchilada sauce. Spoon rice, beand and cheese sauce on the tortillas. Roll them up and place seam side down. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce and cheese sauce over the tortillas and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

The cupcakes didn't last very long.

The kids played The Scrambled States of America game.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the America's, pray for us!

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The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Monday, Dec 8 2008

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception means that Mary herself was immaculately conceived without original sin.

The idea is central to the belief in her absolute perfection and purity as the vessel of Christ's incarnation. She is the second Eve who will undo the trouble caused by the first one. She is part of God's plan for the redemption of humanity, and she was there from the beginning.

   
Here are a few ideas for an all white menu symbolizing the purity and the stainlessness of Mary's immaculate soul.

Breakfast: hash brown potatoes, Egg white omelet, white toast or English muffins, Cottage cheese

Snack time: White Cheez-Its, mozzarella cheese cubes, white grapes, macadamia nuts

Main Course: White rice, chicken breast with Alfredo sauce, tilapia, halibut, New England clam chowder, white pizza, noodles

Side dishes: Potato salad, Macaroni salad

Dessert: Rice pudding, Baked Pears with Custard Sauce, White Chocolate and Almond Pound Cake

Drinks: White grape juice, white tea, milk, white wine

This was our dinner tonight.

The Mary candle:

An especially appealing project for this Solemnity of Mary is to make a special candle. This candle can be made by attaching a picture or figure of the Infant Jesus to the base of a large pillar-type candle. You might carve a little niche for a tiny figure in the wax. The figure is then veiled (a piece of cloth fastened with pins) until Christmas Eve, when the veil is removed to reveal the Holy Child. On the Immaculate Conception, and every evening until Christmas Eve, have the children light "Mary's candle" when they say their prayers, and say the Hail Mary, or read with them her prayer, called the Magnificat (above).

Roses for Our Lady:

It would also be appropriate to have children place a rose before a picture or image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day.

Special Prayers to be prayed today:

The Angelus

Litany of Loreto

Ave Maria Stella

The Memorare

Salve Regina

Thou Art All Fair, O Mary

O Pure and Immaculate

O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception

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Happy feast of St. Nicholas Saturday, Dec 6 2008

 

The kids got chocolate coins, Glory Stories, goldfish crackers, beef jerky, bottles of hot sauce, razors for the older girls, tape measurers for the boys, socks, hot cocoa, and apple sauce. It's so much fun to see their faces 🙂

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St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr Tuesday, Nov 25 2008

 

Artist: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
Title: St Catherine of Alexandria

Today is a very special feast day in our family. St Catherine of Alexandria, one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers," is the patron saint of many things, most importantly educators, schoolchildren, students, teachers and apologists. We have been formally homeschooling for 12 years, although we as parents start educating our children from birth. I will be invoking the help of this most powerful saint, especially during the most difficult days of homeschooling.

Prayer to St. Catherine of Alexandria:

Glorious St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, help me to imitate your love of purity.  Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires.  Help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully.

O St. Catherine, through your glorious martyrdom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live.  Amen

Here is a great idea for dinner tonight. 

Mini Wheels Pasta Salad.

1 (16-ounce) box Barilla Piccolini Mini Wheels

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use

2 cups frozen green peas

1 pound chicken breast, diced (optional)

5 to 6 slices (about 1 cup) of bacon, cut into strips

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed (may substitute shredded)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt to taste

1. Cook pasta for 6 minutes; drain and drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and spread on a cookie sheet to cool.
2. Boil green peas in salted water for five minutes, drain and cool.
3. In a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken in remaining olive oil for 4 to 5 minutes or until cooked through, season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.
4. Cook bacon until crispy, drain fat.
5. Combine all ingredients, let sit 30 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 to 6.

Recipe provided courtesy of Barilla.

 

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Solemnity of Christ the King Sunday, Nov 23 2008

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The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friday, Nov 21 2008

Read about The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from EWTN.

"Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor"

(Adapted from a homily by St. Germanus on the Presentation of the Mother of God)

Collect:

O God, Who didst will that this day the ever blessed Virgin Mary, dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech Thee, that through her intercession, we may be worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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Traditional feast of St.Margaret Mary Friday, Oct 17 2008

In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

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Feast of St. Teresa of Avila Wednesday, Oct 15 2008

Let nothing affright thee,
Nothing dismay thee.
All is passing,
God ever remains.
Patience obtains all.
Whoever possesses God
Cannot lack anything
God alone suffices.-St. Teresa of Avila

In honor of the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, we are going to make and St.Teresa’s Bread for breakfast and Paella for dinner.

St. Teresa’s Bread– from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz

This dish, which makes a tasty breakfast or branch, is a first cousin to French toast, but with a flavor and texture all its own.

Ingredients

2 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 good piece of lemon peel
12 slices Italian/French bread 1/2-3/4 inch thick
3 eggs
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon-sugar for sprinkling on the toast
Olive oil for frying

Directions

Combine the milk with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon peel. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until the milk has become well flavored. Place the bread in a large flat dish or pan, and strain the milk over it.

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl with a pinch of salt. With a spatula, lay the slices of bread in the egg, turning them to coat both sides. Beat additional eggs and salt together if necessary to finish coating bread slices. Fry the bread in the olive oil until it is browned and crusty on both sides.

Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Paella

Ingredients

8 oz. Italian sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
15 raw chicken tenders or strips
1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 large stalk celery, with leaves, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
2 cups uncooked long grain rice
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, juice reserved
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions

Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Fry Italian sausage pieces in the pan until brown on all sides. Remove sausage, and fry the chicken strips in the sausage drippings until browned. Remove chicken and saute onions, green pepper, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes, or until tender.
Stir in the uncooked rice, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, oregano and turmeric. Cook and stir for 1 minute, then mix in the reserved tomato juice and chicken broth. Add chicken pieces, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add sausage to the mixture, and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in the shrimp; cover and cook for 5 to 10 more minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through.

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