The Blessing of Children

On Saturday, October 28, we had the privilege of witnessing our tenth godchild’s baptism. I was surprised and honored when our godson’s mother called and asked if we would be godparents to their soon to be adopted baby boy. Little did she know that Mikhael would be born one month early and shortly after calling me, she and her husband would be holding their first son, Mikhael Pierre, in their arms. Little did any of us know that Mikhael would be baptized three days after his original due date.

Before the baptism, I was thankful to hear the priest speak about the gift of children. He shared with everyone that parents do their best to contain their children during Mass and to keep them quiet. He commented that we shouldn’t complain about the noise of young children in the church. He said that rather we should be thankful for the noise because the noise of young children means that the church has a future. The priest’s comments reminded me of the holy priest who baptized our oldest daughter telling me that when Joan cried, she was praising God in the only way she knew how.

I pray for purity, holiness, (eternal) happiness for Mikhael and all my children and godchildren each day. I pray that they all become great saints and bring greater glory to God. May God watch over and protect our children that they may one day sing His praises in Heaven.

Encouraging Confession

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me how we encourage our children to go to confession. I shared the following with her. I am sharing it here just in case it helps any other mothers. 

In my family, we make it a habit to go to confession on the First Friday/First Saturday of each month. If any of the children want to go before then, they can do so. Having your child review his conscience each night before bed is a good habit. We can help our children by focusing on the 10 Commandments with prompting questions (Did I always listen to my mommy and daddy?) and letting the child reflect on each one quietly in his head. We have been known to go over the 10 Commandments with questions on our way to Mass. Don't ever tell your child that he has sinned. Do gently help him see that he has done so by encouraging him to examine his conscience at the end of each day. 

Aidan's Baptism

“When a child is given to his parents, a crown is made for that child in Heaven, and woe to the parents who raise a child without consciousness of that eternal crown!”

~ Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Life is Worth Living ~

On June 19, our little boy was baptized after Sunday Mass by our pastor. 

Priest: Aidan, quid petis ab Ecclesia Dei?

Godparents: Fidem.

Priest: Exi ab eo, immunde spiritus, et da locum Spiritui Sancto Paraclito.

Priest: Oremus: Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi, respice dignare super hunc famulum tuum, Aidan, quem ad rudimenta fidei vocare dignatus es: omnem caecitatem cordi ab eo expelle: disrumpe omnes laqueos Satanae, quibus fuerat colligatus; aperi ei, Domine ianuam pietatis tuae imbutus, omnium cupiditatum foetoribus careat, et ad suavem odorem praeceptorum tuorum laetus tibi in Ecclesia tua deserviat, et proficiat de die in diem Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Priest: Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum.

Godparents: Amen.

Priest: Aidan, ingredere in templum Dei, ut habeas partem cum Christo in vitam aeternam.

Godparents: Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo, et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

Priest: Exorcizo te, omnis spiritus immunde, in nomine Dei + Patris omnipotentis, et in nomine Iesu + Christi Filii eius, Domini et Iudicis nostri, et in virtute Spiritus + Sancti, ut discedas ab hoc plasmate Dei N, quod Dominus noster ad templum sanctum suum vocare dignatus est, ut fiat templum Dei vivi, et Spiritus Sanctus habitet in eo. Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum, qui venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos, et saeculum per ignem.

Priest: Ephpheta, quod est, Adaperire. In odorem suavitatis. Tu autem effugare, diabole; appropinquabit enim iudicium Dei.

Priest: Aidan, vis baptizari?

Godparents: Volo.

Priest: Aidan, ego te baptizo in nomine + Patris, et Filii +, et Spiritus + Sancti.

Priest: Accipe lampadem ardentem, et irreprehensibilis custodi Baptismum tuum: serva Dei mandata ut cum Dominus venerit ad nuptias, possis occurrere ei una cum omnibus Sanctis in aula caelesti, habeasque vitam aeternam, et vivas in saecula saeculorum.

Priest: Aidan, vade in pace et Dominus sit tecum. Amen.

Churching and Consecration to Our Blessed Mother

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

I think that it is the first time that we have ever had a priest call us to find out when we wanted our baby baptized. Our pastor had a reason for calling. Thanks to his prayers and the intercession of St. Joseph, our baby boy experienced a miracle while I was pregnant with him (that's a story for another day).

We chose our second oldest daughter and a family friend to be the godparents of our baby. We have been impressed by the faith of both Aidan's godmother and godfather over the years and were happy that both of them graciously agreed to be our baby boy's godparents.

We are so thankful to our family for their prayers on our youngest son's Baptism day and to all of our friends who witnessed and celebrated our youngest's baptism with us.

First Confession and First Holy Communion

"The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host."
~ Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ~

"Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His Holy and venerable hands, and having lifted up His eyes to heaven, to Thee, God, His Almighty Father, giving thanks to Thee, blessed it +, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat ye all of this."

Last week, I heard a countdown each day. My little girl would announce each morning, "Mommy, there are only ___ more days until my First Confession, and ___ days until my First Holy Communion." On Saturday, May 16, our youngest daughter went to confession for the first time. The next day, Sunday, May 17, our little girl was so excited to receive Our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Prior to the Mass, the First Communicants participated in our parish's May Crowning. After Mass, they knelt to pray with our pastor and their First Holy Communion teacher.

Elizabeth received her First Holy Communion from the holy priest who baptized her, Fr. Saguto, FSSP. 

"When Our Lord sees pure souls coming to visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament He smiles on them. They come with the simplicity that pleases Him so much." 

~ St. John Vianney ~

My friend, Thea, designed and had this beautiful cake made for the First Holy Communion reception.

May God bless all of the First Communicants!

Finnian's First Holy Communion

Ready to leave for Mass

During the weeks leading up to Finnian's First Holy Communion, he was bubbling over with excitement. On Mother's Day, he came to me and said, "Happy Mother's Day to you, Mommy, and happy quizzing day to me." Fr. S. and Fr. V. were going to be quizzing the First Commumion children that morning. Fr. S. told me later that Finnian had done a good job and I shared how excited Finnian was to receive both his First Confession and his First Holy Communion.

Finnian and his Godparents

On Saturday, May 17, Finnian woke up early and anxiously waited to leave for the church so that he could have his soul made pure and clean like it was on the day of his Baptism. As we drove to the church, he expressed concern that he might forget some of his sins. We reassured him that as long as he didn't intentionally forget any of his sins it was okay. After he had gone to confession, he told us that he liked going and stated, "Confession isn't bad at all.". I think that he is looking forward to going again. Fr. V. gave a beautiful sermon in which he spoke about St. Paschal and his love for the Eucharist.

Finnian with his Godparents and their Daughters

On Sunday, May 18, Finnian received his First Holy Communion. The Mass began with our parish's May crowning and the singing of the Salve Regina. Fr. S. gave an incredible sermon on the Eucharist that brought tears to my eyes. Shortly thereafter, Finnian went up and knelt to receive his First Holy Communion. I was thankful to see him do so. Finnian studied joyfully, prayerfully, and well to prepare for this special day. I hope that he always has a great love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Our Family

May our Blessed Mother watch over my little boy and may God bless and keep him close to

His Heart!

2013 A Year in Review

Last year, I posted a year in review a couple of days early. This year, it's better late than never... 

In January, we celebrated some birthdays and Baptism anniversaries with family and friends.

I also continued to take a lot of photos of our little boy.

February saw our little boy crawling and pulling himself to a stand. It also saw us making crafts and cupcakes.

Naps, painting, and Legos kept us busy too.

In March, the children and I watched as our new pope was elected.  Brendan went skim boarding for the first time. We made Easter cookies.

Best of all, we celebrated Easter. It is hard to believe that this year Lent only begins in March.

The children were happy to take care of Mr. B.'s (my husband's college friend and best man) dog in April while Mr. B. and his family went on vacation. The children really miss our dog. The boys got as much playtime as they could in with their friends who are living in Monterey for the year. We can't wait for our friends to move back up here.

In May, we celebrated a birthday and built a new playset.

The recipient of the playset is still terrified of using the baby swing.

June was a busy month. It began with Kieran receiving his first haircut. Popsicles are invaluable when it comes to giving little boys haircuts.

We went to the beach with some friends.

We also went to the park with friends and said "goodbye" to our assistant pastor.

Birthdays were celebrated with family and friends in July. 

Two of our children participated in our local community center's swim team. While they swam, Bernadette helped out at home meets, and I played outside with our youngest. Kieran also started to walk in July.

In August, our four oldest children went to wonderful Catholic camps. My two youngest and I were happy to visit one of my sisters and her family. This sister was my best friend growing up. We share many memories.

In September, we continued with our studies.

We enjoyed our annual parish picnic.

I had my third or fourth ultrasound.

I finally felt well enough in October to invite our new assistant pastor over for dinner. The children enjoyed playing badminton and checkers with him. Our two oldest boys went hiking with the Knights of the Sacred Heart. 

Brendan carved a Celtic knot pumpkin.

November saw our pastor coming over for dinner and playing Stratego with Patrick. We celebrated birthdays with family and friends again. Somehow, I failed to take any photos on Thanksgiving.

I had a 30-week (one day shy of 31 weeks) ultrasound in December which included this 3D picture of our baby. I can't wait to hold him/her in my arms. 

Theresa received the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

We celebrated Christ's birth by going to Midnight Mass which Brendan and Patrick had the privilege of serving. Our two oldest girls sang in the choir. Our youngest son remained awake until the very end of Mass when he finally drifted off to sleep in my arms. Elizabeth was happy to visit Baby Jesus after Mass with her daddy.

My husband's father and brother visited and our assistant pastor came for dinner which was made by my brother-in-law and Catherine.

We are truly blessed to have wonderful priests, family, and friends.

I hope that everyone's 2014 is filled with

love and joy.