2015 Personal Reading

Dressing with Dignity
by Colleen Hammond


Footprints in a Darkened Forest
by Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen


The Liberty Threat: The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today
by James Tonkowich


Reading Rescue 1-2-3: Raise Your Child's Reading Level 2 Grades with This Easy 3-Step Program
by Peggy M. Wilber


The School of Jesus Crucified: The Lessons of Calvary in Daily Catholic Life
by Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist


The Singing Tree
by Kate Seredy


Uniformity with God's Will
by St. Alphonsus Liguori

2015 Read Alouds

Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls (Volume One)
by Catholic Nuns


First Communion Days
by A Sister of Notre Dame


New Catholic Picture Bible

He's Still a Boy at Heart

I have mentioned before that the best Christmas gift is going to Midnight Mass. My second best Christmas present this year was hearing the inspiring sermons that our pastor gave during the last week of Advent and on the Feast of St. Stephen (the second day of Christmas). I am so thankful to have such a holy pastor and to be able to go to daily Mass.

This year, I also received another favorite and unexpected gift, watching my teenage son flying his drone and building his Millennium Falcon Metal Earth 3D Metal Model. Seeing the joy that he is getting from flying the drone, making it flip, and taking video reminds me of when he was younger and used to spend hours flying his remote control helicopters. I was also happy to catch occasional glimpses of him building his Millenium Falcon. Even though he is growing older, I know that he will always be my little boy.

Merry Christmas!

Adoration of the Shepherds by Charles Brun

Gaudete, Christus est natus!

Due June 16

12 Weeks 5 Days

Baby currently measures about 6.5 centimeters. I can't wait to hold this little bundle of joy.

Autumn Violin Recital

For the fall violin recital, Bernadette played "Hungarian Dance No. 2" by Johannes Brahms.

Theresa played "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar.

All of their violin teacher's students joined each other in playing "Ballad of Green Mountain", a traditional piece that their teacher arranged. I think that they did a great job, especially considering that this was the first time that they played the piece together.

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas!

For Parents of Boys

I am planning on possibly sharing these lectures with my teenage son too. I was happy to hear Fr. Ripperger mention (among other things) boys, homeschooling, and moms.

I think that this list of "23 Behaviors of a Gentleman that Every Man Should Adopt" goes hand in hand with Fr. Ripperger's advice.

Tomorrow is First Friday

Will you be going to Mass?

Christ told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:

"I promise you, in the excessive mercy of My Heart, that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their Sacraments, My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will give 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 death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings. 
6. Sinners shall find in my heart the source and 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 in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored. 

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts. 

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in my heart, and it shall never 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 the sacraments; my heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.