Christ is always pleased to see you, even if you arrive late and are a little frazzled.
Holy Week is now upon us. If you are still searching for something special you can do for Our Dear Lord, there is still time! Don't give up!
Of course, your home parish should be providing opportunities to you, such as Confession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. But if you're feeling a little down because your Lent was not as fruitful as you would have liked, then you and I have something in common! But fear not. There is still time.
Here are a few ideas to encourage you and get your creative and spiritual juices flowing:
*You might want to check out my page Links For The Family. It's loaded with lots of genuinely Catholic resources, from other blogs posted by Catholic moms to homilies from wonderful priests.
*Maybe you'd like to begin following the daily Mass readings. You can do this by clicking on the Daily Mass Readings box in this blog's right column. Sit quietly, then read or listen. Take notice at how these readings are inter-connected and think about their themes.
*Go for a walking Rosary. Take a nice walk in your neighborhood and take along a decade Rosary. Reflect on Mary and the life of her Son through her eyes while you feel the ground under your feet and notice your surroundings. This would be a good week to reflect on the Sorrowful Mysteries. Even just two decades of walking and praying will help you clear your mind and reflect on Our Lord's Passion. If you need a refresher in how to say the Rosary, click here.
*Time with scripture is always well spent, even if you have just a few minutes. Choose any gospel from the New Testament. (I've been reading John.) First, prayerfully ask the Lord to open your mind and heart. He will open your intellect, so you will be able understand the meaning of Our Lord's words and insert them into your life. Then read just a bit of the scripture and reflect. You might be interested in this short post, called It's a Jungle! Let The Little Bird Guide You. In fact, if you are able to attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, take your scripture reading with you and do this as you visit with Jesus.
*Believe it or not, it's not too late to begin a good spiritual book. Whatever book you begin now during Holy Week can follow and help you throughout the entire fifty days of the Easter Season, right into Pentecost...and then into the summer. If you'd like to begin by reading a book review, you can find some in the right column. Just scroll down to "labels" and click on "books." You'll get a whole list of reviews of Catholic books.
You needn't be afraid if you cannot make a big sacrifice this Holy Week. Even the smallest acts are pleasing to God and will be blessed, if they are done with a full heart in both love and earnest, with your eyes on Heaven. It is simply your heart Our Lord wants.
I hope these ideas help! Have a blessed Holy Week.
May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless you in your efforts to draw closer to Him. God bless.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lenten Meals From The Little Catholic Kitchen: Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
by Kathleen Blease
You might also be interested in:
A Pretty Cake for Easter
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup with muffins
Okay, this is not a recipe for a Lenten meal, but if you're following the Lenten exercise of using all the food that's in your house before buying anything new, then this just might be for you! Do you still have canned pumpkin from Thanksgiving and Christmas? Well, my freezer still hides several packages of mashed pumpkin and butternut squash down near the bottom. So the mixing bowls are coming out and the oven is preheating as we speak!
This recipe freezes very well, so make extra now. If you'd like to make them a little sweet for Easter breakfast, add a few handfuls of mini semisweet chocolate chips. Delicious!
I also like to serve them with soup, fruit salad, or quiche. In fact, you'll find a few soup recipes--such as Cream of Squash Soup and Ben's Clam Chowder (which is very easy)--by clicking on The Little Catholic Kitchen. Scroll wayyyyy down and you'll find them! You will also find my recipe for Crustless Quiche there.
As with any muffin recipe, the secret to a well-risen muffin is in the mixing. In separate bowls, mix all the dry ingredients and all the wet ingredients. Be sure the ingredients are well combined. I tell my kids that they should see only one color, no streaks of white or pumpkin. Then, form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Each extra stroke you make gives the muffins less lift.
You can be a little flexible with ingredients. This recipe works just as well with whole milk, low-fat milk, and even buttermilk. You can also try different flours. I prefer to make these with white whole wheat flour or with a combination of 1 c. all-purpose flour and 1 c. stone ground whole wheat flour. Use any combination you think is best for your family. However, it's been my experience that if I use more than 1 1/2 c. stone ground whole wheat flour, the muffins become dense; however, they are still delicious. Feel free to experiment. This recipe can handle it!
Enjoy!
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Yields: 12 muffins
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. each baking soda and baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. pumpkin puree
1/2 c. milk
1 extra-large egg
2 tbsp. canola oil
2-3 handfuls mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients until thoroughly combined. In another large bowl, mix all wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. This is a very thick batter; resist the temptation to add water. With mixing, the ingredients should incorporate and make a smooth but heavy batter. Do not over mix. Fill muffin pan almost full; the muffin pan should be greased or covered with muffin liners. Bake for about 20 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Then remove when cooled but a little warm. These freeze very well. Be sure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
God bless!
You might also be interested in:
A Pretty Cake for Easter
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup with muffins
Okay, this is not a recipe for a Lenten meal, but if you're following the Lenten exercise of using all the food that's in your house before buying anything new, then this just might be for you! Do you still have canned pumpkin from Thanksgiving and Christmas? Well, my freezer still hides several packages of mashed pumpkin and butternut squash down near the bottom. So the mixing bowls are coming out and the oven is preheating as we speak!
This recipe freezes very well, so make extra now. If you'd like to make them a little sweet for Easter breakfast, add a few handfuls of mini semisweet chocolate chips. Delicious!
I also like to serve them with soup, fruit salad, or quiche. In fact, you'll find a few soup recipes--such as Cream of Squash Soup and Ben's Clam Chowder (which is very easy)--by clicking on The Little Catholic Kitchen. Scroll wayyyyy down and you'll find them! You will also find my recipe for Crustless Quiche there.
As with any muffin recipe, the secret to a well-risen muffin is in the mixing. In separate bowls, mix all the dry ingredients and all the wet ingredients. Be sure the ingredients are well combined. I tell my kids that they should see only one color, no streaks of white or pumpkin. Then, form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Each extra stroke you make gives the muffins less lift.
You can be a little flexible with ingredients. This recipe works just as well with whole milk, low-fat milk, and even buttermilk. You can also try different flours. I prefer to make these with white whole wheat flour or with a combination of 1 c. all-purpose flour and 1 c. stone ground whole wheat flour. Use any combination you think is best for your family. However, it's been my experience that if I use more than 1 1/2 c. stone ground whole wheat flour, the muffins become dense; however, they are still delicious. Feel free to experiment. This recipe can handle it!
Enjoy!
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Yields: 12 muffins
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. each baking soda and baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. pumpkin puree
1/2 c. milk
1 extra-large egg
2 tbsp. canola oil
2-3 handfuls mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients until thoroughly combined. In another large bowl, mix all wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. This is a very thick batter; resist the temptation to add water. With mixing, the ingredients should incorporate and make a smooth but heavy batter. Do not over mix. Fill muffin pan almost full; the muffin pan should be greased or covered with muffin liners. Bake for about 20 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Then remove when cooled but a little warm. These freeze very well. Be sure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
God bless!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Lenten Meals from The Little Catholic Kitchen: Savory Broccoli and Cavatelli with Parmesan
by Kathleen Blease
You might also be interested in :
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup with muffins
A Lenten Meal For Growing Teens
Do you have teenagers to feed? Me, too! And Lenten meals can be a challenge since their growing bodies are sending signals of "Feed me! Feeeeed me!" So here's a dish that's very simple by nature and satisfying for growing kids. The table is stark when I serve this, reflective of a Lenten Friday. Each child gets just a bowl, a fork, and a napkin... and a few heaps of Savory Broccoli and Cavatelli. Serve it with a little extra grated cheese, if you'd like. Use a good quality parmesan. I also like to sprinkle on some shredded pecorino romano, a tangy sheep cheese.
Savory Broccoli and Cavatelli with Parmesan
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
5 c. broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
3 large cloves garlic, diced
2 13-oz. packages frozen cavetelli OR 1 lb. package dry cavatelli
butter to taste (I use about 5 tbs.)
1 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
Yields: 6 servings
In large frying pan, add 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add broccoli and saute until fork tender, about 20 minutes--covered, stirring occasionally. (If you use fresh broccoli, chop the stalks into large chunks and saute with the florets.) Sometimes the broccoli absorbs the olive oil, so feel free to add a little more if necessary.
Meanwhile, cook cavatelli in a large pot of water. Cook to manufacturer's direction and strain in colander. Do not over cook and do not rinse.
To the broccoli, add garlic and saute for a few minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Take the broccoli mix off heat and add cooked cavatelli, butter, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper, and parmesan. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve hot. Enjoy!
You might also be interested in :
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup with muffins
A Lenten Meal For Growing Teens
Do you have teenagers to feed? Me, too! And Lenten meals can be a challenge since their growing bodies are sending signals of "Feed me! Feeeeed me!" So here's a dish that's very simple by nature and satisfying for growing kids. The table is stark when I serve this, reflective of a Lenten Friday. Each child gets just a bowl, a fork, and a napkin... and a few heaps of Savory Broccoli and Cavatelli. Serve it with a little extra grated cheese, if you'd like. Use a good quality parmesan. I also like to sprinkle on some shredded pecorino romano, a tangy sheep cheese.
Savory Broccoli and Cavatelli with Parmesan
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
5 c. broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
3 large cloves garlic, diced
2 13-oz. packages frozen cavetelli OR 1 lb. package dry cavatelli
butter to taste (I use about 5 tbs.)
1 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
Yields: 6 servings
In large frying pan, add 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add broccoli and saute until fork tender, about 20 minutes--covered, stirring occasionally. (If you use fresh broccoli, chop the stalks into large chunks and saute with the florets.) Sometimes the broccoli absorbs the olive oil, so feel free to add a little more if necessary.
Meanwhile, cook cavatelli in a large pot of water. Cook to manufacturer's direction and strain in colander. Do not over cook and do not rinse.
To the broccoli, add garlic and saute for a few minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Take the broccoli mix off heat and add cooked cavatelli, butter, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper, and parmesan. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve hot. Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Lenten Meals from The Little Catholic Kitchen: Soup's On! Hearty Stuff in a Bowl Served With Satisfying Muffins
by Kathleen Blease
You might also be interested in :
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Looks Like a Soup Day!
On this fine spring morning, we awoke to six inches of snow on the ground. Looks like a good day for soup! Here's a quick and healthy recipe from The Little Catholic Kitchen. Serve this hearty dish with my favorite bran muffins. There are two recipes below: one that uses whole wheat flour and bran, and one that's 100% bran. Both are delicious and just sweet enough to please everyone.
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup
I made this for Ash Wednesday. It requires no chicken or beef stock. Everyone gobbled it up! Be sure to rinse the canned beans before using them. If you use whole barley, it will require more time to cook, so add it to the vegetables at the start of the soup.
2 14-oz. cans your favorite beans (I like 1 can black beans and 1 can navy beans), drained and rinsed
1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes, including liquid
4 carrots, diced to size of beans
2 stalks celery, diced to size of beans
1 large onion, diced to size of beans
6 cups water
2 handfuls pearled (or whole) barley
1 c. frozen corn
3 bay leaves
tbs. rosemary leaves
fresh cracked pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
large handful of fresh parsley, chopped
shredded cheddar cheese for serving
Yields: 6 servings
In dutch oven or large sauce pan, bring water to a boil. Reduce and add carrots, celery, onions, bay leaves and rosemary. Simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, barley, corn, salt and pepper. Simmer until soup is thick, the vegetables are fork tender, and the barley is done, about 45 minutes. The longer the soup is simmered, the better, for a fuller flavor. Stir in parsley. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bran Muffins
Just sweet enough, this muffin is excellent with the raisins. If you're looking for a wheat-free recipe, check out the one that follows. You may use wheat or oat bran. These are most delicious served warm, but they keep and freeze well, too.
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. bran, wheat or oat
2 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. raisins
Yields: 12 standard muffins
Preheat the oven at 375. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, soda, and salt. Stir in the bran. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until almost combined. Add the raisins, and mix again until just combined. Do not mix any further, or else they will not rise. Bake in muffin tins until skewer inserted comes out dry, about 30 minutes.
100% Oat Bran Muffins
Here's a wheat-free version. Wonderful served warm!
2 1/2 c. oat bran
2 tsp. aluminum free baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. honey or maple syrup (or 1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c. maple syrup)
2 tbsp. canola oil
1/4 raisins
Yields: 12 standard muffins
Preheat oven at 425. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together wet ingredients until they are completely incorporated. Add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix until almost combined. Add the raisins, and mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Fill muffin cups full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
You might also be interested in :
Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Alicia's Soda Bread (aka Scone)
To go with Fish: Mango Salsa and Summery Cous-Cous Salad
Looks Like a Soup Day!
On this fine spring morning, we awoke to six inches of snow on the ground. Looks like a good day for soup! Here's a quick and healthy recipe from The Little Catholic Kitchen. Serve this hearty dish with my favorite bran muffins. There are two recipes below: one that uses whole wheat flour and bran, and one that's 100% bran. Both are delicious and just sweet enough to please everyone.
Kathleen's Lenten Bean and Vegetable Soup
I made this for Ash Wednesday. It requires no chicken or beef stock. Everyone gobbled it up! Be sure to rinse the canned beans before using them. If you use whole barley, it will require more time to cook, so add it to the vegetables at the start of the soup.
2 14-oz. cans your favorite beans (I like 1 can black beans and 1 can navy beans), drained and rinsed
1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes, including liquid
4 carrots, diced to size of beans
2 stalks celery, diced to size of beans
1 large onion, diced to size of beans
6 cups water
2 handfuls pearled (or whole) barley
1 c. frozen corn
3 bay leaves
tbs. rosemary leaves
fresh cracked pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
large handful of fresh parsley, chopped
shredded cheddar cheese for serving
Yields: 6 servings
In dutch oven or large sauce pan, bring water to a boil. Reduce and add carrots, celery, onions, bay leaves and rosemary. Simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, barley, corn, salt and pepper. Simmer until soup is thick, the vegetables are fork tender, and the barley is done, about 45 minutes. The longer the soup is simmered, the better, for a fuller flavor. Stir in parsley. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bran Muffins
Just sweet enough, this muffin is excellent with the raisins. If you're looking for a wheat-free recipe, check out the one that follows. You may use wheat or oat bran. These are most delicious served warm, but they keep and freeze well, too.
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. bran, wheat or oat
2 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. raisins
Yields: 12 standard muffins
Preheat the oven at 375. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, soda, and salt. Stir in the bran. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until almost combined. Add the raisins, and mix again until just combined. Do not mix any further, or else they will not rise. Bake in muffin tins until skewer inserted comes out dry, about 30 minutes.
100% Oat Bran Muffins
Here's a wheat-free version. Wonderful served warm!
2 1/2 c. oat bran
2 tsp. aluminum free baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. honey or maple syrup (or 1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c. maple syrup)
2 tbsp. canola oil
1/4 raisins
Yields: 12 standard muffins
Preheat oven at 425. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together wet ingredients until they are completely incorporated. Add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix until almost combined. Add the raisins, and mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Fill muffin cups full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Lenten Meals from The Little Catholic Kitchen: Burgers on a Friday? Only These!
Salmon Burgers
These are delicious, satisfying, and remarkably healthy--high in calcium and omega-3s. You can cook these on the grill, but I like to saute them in a pan with a little olive oil. Serve on a burger bun with all the fixings, or just by themselves, along with a salad. If you don't have green onions (also called spring onions or scallions), finely diced yellow, white or red onions also work great.
Visit The Little Catholic Kitchen for more delicious recipes.
1 14-oz can canned pink salmon (such as Chicken of the Sea), drained.
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp. Dijon style mustard
3/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1/2 sliced green onions (include as much of the green as you'd like)
2 whole eggs (or 3 egg whites), beaten
salt and pepper to taste
Yields: 4 servings
Drain and flake salmon. (There's no need to remove the bones, as they are soft. They also contain a lot of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. The skin can also remain.) Add all other ingredients and gently mix. Try to keep a few salmon chunks in tact. Form into 4 large patties. Grill or saute in pan with olive oil until crispy on the outside. Serve alone, or as you would a hamburger.
These are delicious, satisfying, and remarkably healthy--high in calcium and omega-3s. You can cook these on the grill, but I like to saute them in a pan with a little olive oil. Serve on a burger bun with all the fixings, or just by themselves, along with a salad. If you don't have green onions (also called spring onions or scallions), finely diced yellow, white or red onions also work great.
Visit The Little Catholic Kitchen for more delicious recipes.
1 14-oz can canned pink salmon (such as Chicken of the Sea), drained.
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp. Dijon style mustard
3/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1/2 sliced green onions (include as much of the green as you'd like)
2 whole eggs (or 3 egg whites), beaten
salt and pepper to taste
Yields: 4 servings
Drain and flake salmon. (There's no need to remove the bones, as they are soft. They also contain a lot of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. The skin can also remain.) Add all other ingredients and gently mix. Try to keep a few salmon chunks in tact. Form into 4 large patties. Grill or saute in pan with olive oil until crispy on the outside. Serve alone, or as you would a hamburger.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Great Lenten Resources at Your Fingertips: Catholic Media Promotion Day
St. Maximilian Kolbe is in Heaven smiling upon us, enjoying the Catholic Media Promotion Day. In the saint's time, he was a master of communications technology and had millions of readers.
Lisa Hendey, founder of CatholicMom.com, is helping to promote this grassroots effort. At her website, you'll find dozens of links that can help you throughout your Lenten journey. Whatever you prefer--books, podcasts, blogs, TV shows, and so on--you'll find the best at Lisa's site. Click here to go there now.
Lisa writes:
"This grassroots effort is designed to help spread the word about all of the great work being done in Catholic Media.
"We’ve asked our CatholicMom.com family of contributors to share their favorites, and here are some wonderful suggestions for you to enjoy. In parentheses, you’ll see the names of the contributors who made these recommendations."The Catholic CyperCommunity is alive and well. You can also find links to Catholic websites, as listed at Kathleen's Catholic by clicking here. Check it out!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Lenten Meals from The Little Catholic Kitchen: Today, A Little Bit of God's Green Earth on Your Plate
Figuring out a simple Lenten meal can be pretty easy, no? Just cook up a little fish, and you're done. Hmm...
Wouldn't it be nice to make those fish meals a little more bright? When I make these two recipes, below, I think a lot about God's bounty...how it is fresh and various. There is plenty for us to explore and enjoy on this planet. (I'm also remembering just how much Christ loved his Father's creation, too.) A Lenten Friday is a great time to put aside the heavy comfort foods and get back to the basics...and revel in a few recipes that reflect something of God's green earth--wheat, mango, cherries, herbs. Can you taste it? Me, too!
This Lent, I'll bring you some of my recipes from The Little Catholic Kitchen. Click the link to see all the recipes, both meat and meatless, that I've posted throughout the year. Happy Lenten Friday!
Kathleen's Mango Salsa
This is one of my own creations. Try this with any fish. I think it's particularly good with salmon that's been pan sauteed. It's also delicious mixed with cous-cous. To make a healthy salad out of leftovers, flake the salmon and add to the salsa/mango mix. Add a little olive oil, if you'd like. This makes a great lunch the next day.
1 mango, peeled and finely diced
1 small zucchini, peeled and finely diced
1 14-oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1/2 14-oz. can black olives, sliced
1 14-oz. can peach slices or halves, finely diced
1/8 c. finely diced fresh cilantro (optional)
lime juice to taste
kosher salt to taste
Yields: 6 large servings
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients well. Let sit for one hour to blend flavors.
Kathleen's Cous-Cous Summery Salad
Are you hankering for the taste of summer? Okay, this recipe calls for a chicken bullion cube, which disqualifies it for Lenten Fridays. So, for Fridays, take the bullion cube out and add a little salt and pepper to taste. (A bullion cube is mostly salt anyway.) By the way, if you need to know: cous-cous is made of wheat. Check your grocery store for fresh herbs and tart cherries. If you need to use canned tart cherries, rinse them thoroughly before dicing.
1/2 c. uncooked instant cous-cous
1 c. water
1 chicken bullion cube
1 navel orange, peeled and diced
1/2 mango, peeled and diced
1/2 c. tart cherries, pitted and diced
1/4 c. fresh mint, julienned
generous squirt lime juice
Yields: 4 servings
Cook cous-cous in water and chicken bullion cube, until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Set aside. In a large bowl, gently mix the cous-cous and all other ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve. If the mixture is a little too dry, add more lime juice.
Wouldn't it be nice to make those fish meals a little more bright? When I make these two recipes, below, I think a lot about God's bounty...how it is fresh and various. There is plenty for us to explore and enjoy on this planet. (I'm also remembering just how much Christ loved his Father's creation, too.) A Lenten Friday is a great time to put aside the heavy comfort foods and get back to the basics...and revel in a few recipes that reflect something of God's green earth--wheat, mango, cherries, herbs. Can you taste it? Me, too!
This Lent, I'll bring you some of my recipes from The Little Catholic Kitchen. Click the link to see all the recipes, both meat and meatless, that I've posted throughout the year. Happy Lenten Friday!
Kathleen's Mango Salsa
This is one of my own creations. Try this with any fish. I think it's particularly good with salmon that's been pan sauteed. It's also delicious mixed with cous-cous. To make a healthy salad out of leftovers, flake the salmon and add to the salsa/mango mix. Add a little olive oil, if you'd like. This makes a great lunch the next day.
1 mango, peeled and finely diced
1 small zucchini, peeled and finely diced
1 14-oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1/2 14-oz. can black olives, sliced
1 14-oz. can peach slices or halves, finely diced
1/8 c. finely diced fresh cilantro (optional)
lime juice to taste
kosher salt to taste
Yields: 6 large servings
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients well. Let sit for one hour to blend flavors.
Kathleen's Cous-Cous Summery Salad
Are you hankering for the taste of summer? Okay, this recipe calls for a chicken bullion cube, which disqualifies it for Lenten Fridays. So, for Fridays, take the bullion cube out and add a little salt and pepper to taste. (A bullion cube is mostly salt anyway.) By the way, if you need to know: cous-cous is made of wheat. Check your grocery store for fresh herbs and tart cherries. If you need to use canned tart cherries, rinse them thoroughly before dicing.
1/2 c. uncooked instant cous-cous
1 c. water
1 chicken bullion cube
1 navel orange, peeled and diced
1/2 mango, peeled and diced
1/2 c. tart cherries, pitted and diced
1/4 c. fresh mint, julienned
generous squirt lime juice
Yields: 4 servings
Cook cous-cous in water and chicken bullion cube, until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Set aside. In a large bowl, gently mix the cous-cous and all other ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve. If the mixture is a little too dry, add more lime juice.
My First Mortification This Lent
Besides, this parish has noon Mass, while many don't. I like to get our ashes early, so we can wear them throughout the day, even if we're just staying home.
After the ashes were distributed and just before the offering, the lady tapped me on the shoulder. "There are ashes all over the floor. People will step on them during Communion and grind them into the rug."
I nodded. Yes, I thought, that would be a shame. And I casually concluded, but what can you do?
She continued. "I can't kneel down to clean them up. Would you do it?"
I turned around and looked at her. Now?
Anyone who knows me will confirm that I am the ultimate introvert. In fact, I'm terrified to get up in front of people. The thought of going to the front of the church, kneeling down, and cleaning the floor was not on my mental plate. But, I was asked and it seemed the job had to be done.
Reluctantly, I left the sanctuary to go to the ladies' room and grab some paper towels. Then I returned and knelt down in front the altar and began sweeping the ashes. But it didn't work. I was making a mess. Do I stay and try harder?
Sensing that Father was ready to begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and being very much aware that I was kneeling down in front of the altar in front of a packed church, I quickly gave up, left to discard the paper towels, and returned to my seat in the front pew. I was glad that was over. The lady behind me quickly thanked me for trying.
Once Mass was finished, I was enjoying the recessional hymn and was singing at full volume, soaking in the remarkable acoustics of the place. In this sanctuary, one doesn't really need a microphone, although the priest is still wired in.
At the last beat of the song, just as I was finishing my final note and closing the hymnal, someone was poking my shoulder. I don't know why, but I thought someone--surely someone, says my ego-- noticed my nice voice and wanted to send a compliment or two my way.
Poke. Poke. Poke. Ooo, get ready to say, "Oh, thank you. That's nice of you to say."
Instead, it was the lady who sat behind me. She looked crossed.
"I didn't mean for you to use water! Or paper towels! I meant that you should just..." Her fingers were making little jerking actions. "...just. pick. them. up. with. your. fingers." And she promptly went up to the altar and began picking. them. up. with. her. fingers.
My first mortification this Lent. I had to smile. Thank you, Lord, for keeping my ego in check.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Clearing Away the Angst and the Dust
This is a whole new thing for me, to have two teenage boys. They were at each other's throats again yesterday, as they have been for months. This is the part of homeschooling I wish I could simply erase. Can't we go back to the elementary years when the biggest tempratantrum was over a little spelling assignment and the two of them wrestled on the living room rug?
I've been chalking up the tension to the typical wintry cabin fever, and I've been told that this is normal for teenage boys. But my motherly instincts are telling me otherwise, that this is not normal for brothers who are otherwise very close.
What gives?
I have to admit that I haven't been the cheeriest family member among us, either. I wonder if my own interior angst is directly affecting the boys.
My impatience.
My selfishness.
My eyes not on Heaven.
My days have a decisive lack of prayer, contemplation, petitions, and thanksgiving.
I feel like I am alone, struggling to educate and raise the boys, struggling to care for the house, struggling to help my husband in his own struggles.
In many ways, things have been looking up. All the things we have prayed for are happening. Roger is gaining some strength back, and his blood tests prove that his health is slowly improving. (He looks so much better! Just a few weeks ago, he called the boys outside to have a snowball battle. I loved watching him from the kitchen, running through the snow while carving a softball in his hands, sneaking around the garage, looking for his next victim. He hadn't been able to do that in ages.) His business has new and bigger opportunities, offered to him through just one timely phone call. I have two writing projects on the table. And the boys are healthy, doing well in their schoolwork, and enjoying their activities in the parish's youth group as well as Boy Scouts.
And yet you could cut the tension in this house with a knife! Why?
Well, all I can think of now is thank goodness Lent is here. Talk about needing to get back on track!
A chance to pray and contemplate again.
A chance to fast and give a little gift each day to Our Lord, starting with my morning cup of coffee. The operative word is starting.
A chance to put my eyes back on Heaven.
A chance to go from my desolation to consolation--that is, the consolation I can offer to Jesus.
A chance to clear away the sins that have been piling up.
A chance to turn to Our Blessed Mother and observe the operations of her soul.
Of course, I could have done these things--and had the proper mindset--throughout the year, avoiding all this angst that has accumulated. But I am human, a mom human, and I have a human habit of losing track of these imperative devotions when the world knocks on my door with homeschool research papers and fair projects, with knitting projects, with writing projects...house cleaning, shuttling kids, groceries...yadda, yadda, yadda. The noise of busyness!
I ignored our quiet and gentle Lord, who has been waiting for me all along.
Have a wonderful Ash Wednesday.
I've been chalking up the tension to the typical wintry cabin fever, and I've been told that this is normal for teenage boys. But my motherly instincts are telling me otherwise, that this is not normal for brothers who are otherwise very close.
What gives?
I have to admit that I haven't been the cheeriest family member among us, either. I wonder if my own interior angst is directly affecting the boys.
My impatience.
My selfishness.
My eyes not on Heaven.
My days have a decisive lack of prayer, contemplation, petitions, and thanksgiving.
I feel like I am alone, struggling to educate and raise the boys, struggling to care for the house, struggling to help my husband in his own struggles.
In many ways, things have been looking up. All the things we have prayed for are happening. Roger is gaining some strength back, and his blood tests prove that his health is slowly improving. (He looks so much better! Just a few weeks ago, he called the boys outside to have a snowball battle. I loved watching him from the kitchen, running through the snow while carving a softball in his hands, sneaking around the garage, looking for his next victim. He hadn't been able to do that in ages.) His business has new and bigger opportunities, offered to him through just one timely phone call. I have two writing projects on the table. And the boys are healthy, doing well in their schoolwork, and enjoying their activities in the parish's youth group as well as Boy Scouts.
And yet you could cut the tension in this house with a knife! Why?
Well, all I can think of now is thank goodness Lent is here. Talk about needing to get back on track!
A chance to pray and contemplate again.
A chance to fast and give a little gift each day to Our Lord, starting with my morning cup of coffee. The operative word is starting.
A chance to put my eyes back on Heaven.
A chance to go from my desolation to consolation--that is, the consolation I can offer to Jesus.
A chance to clear away the sins that have been piling up.
A chance to turn to Our Blessed Mother and observe the operations of her soul.
Of course, I could have done these things--and had the proper mindset--throughout the year, avoiding all this angst that has accumulated. But I am human, a mom human, and I have a human habit of losing track of these imperative devotions when the world knocks on my door with homeschool research papers and fair projects, with knitting projects, with writing projects...house cleaning, shuttling kids, groceries...yadda, yadda, yadda. The noise of busyness!
I ignored our quiet and gentle Lord, who has been waiting for me all along.
Have a wonderful Ash Wednesday.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
My Newest Writing Projects--Exciting!
My-oh-my, this has been one crazy year. Between my husband being sick, my son being couch-ridden for two months, and homeschooling, it seems that my writing projects have had nothing but little fits and starts. It's no secret, really, that even this blog hasn't been very focused, and I'm grateful that I have a handful of readers who are willing to stick with me. Thank you!
But what I'd like to tell you today is that despite my crazy life, Our Dear Lord has placed a few projects right in my hands, and I'm so excited about them!
I can't give you the exact details yet, but let me tell you about them in less than exact terms.
First, The Catholic Writers Guild, whose conference I visited over the summer, has asked me to serve them in a very special and honorable way. It's a role I cannot tell you about as of yet, in this public forum. To say the least, I am very humble that they invited me to take on this role. Of course, I accepted right away! Well, maybe after saying a few prayers, because (to be honest) I didn't think I was up to the task. But the Lord said, "I am giving this to you because I KNOW you can do it." So how could I refuse? I am indeed looking forward to it! And I will surely tell you more when I can.
Second, a well-known Catholic publisher contacted me about writing a book about observing Lent at home. It will feature prayers, crafts, recipes, devotions, and essays of encouragement from one Catholic mom (that's me!) to another. I'm truly looking forward to starting the project this Spring. Again, this is also in its infancy, and a contract has not be drafted yet, so I'm not able to divulge the details (publisher, price, etc.) as of today. But as soon as I can tell you more, you can count on lots of info forthcoming.
Phew. Suddenly, the year ahead looks very exciting. Will you give thanks with me? Just as I was thinking that my aspirations were too high for this time in my life, Jesus gave me a few opportunities to encourage and edify me. Praise the Lord!!
God bless!
P.S. I just might be asking you in the near future, dear Readers, to help me with my Lenten book project. Put on your thinking caps and brainstorm: Do you have any special traditions or devotions you would like to share? They can be prayers, crafts, recipes, or any other form of Lenten devotions. I would be delighted to offer you credit in the book's text. Or...perhaps you might have some questions about Lent, which I can answer in an essay. Feel free to contact me at krblease@hotmail.com. Put "Lenten book" in the message line so I don't delete it by accident.
But what I'd like to tell you today is that despite my crazy life, Our Dear Lord has placed a few projects right in my hands, and I'm so excited about them!
I can't give you the exact details yet, but let me tell you about them in less than exact terms.
First, The Catholic Writers Guild, whose conference I visited over the summer, has asked me to serve them in a very special and honorable way. It's a role I cannot tell you about as of yet, in this public forum. To say the least, I am very humble that they invited me to take on this role. Of course, I accepted right away! Well, maybe after saying a few prayers, because (to be honest) I didn't think I was up to the task. But the Lord said, "I am giving this to you because I KNOW you can do it." So how could I refuse? I am indeed looking forward to it! And I will surely tell you more when I can.
Second, a well-known Catholic publisher contacted me about writing a book about observing Lent at home. It will feature prayers, crafts, recipes, devotions, and essays of encouragement from one Catholic mom (that's me!) to another. I'm truly looking forward to starting the project this Spring. Again, this is also in its infancy, and a contract has not be drafted yet, so I'm not able to divulge the details (publisher, price, etc.) as of today. But as soon as I can tell you more, you can count on lots of info forthcoming.
Phew. Suddenly, the year ahead looks very exciting. Will you give thanks with me? Just as I was thinking that my aspirations were too high for this time in my life, Jesus gave me a few opportunities to encourage and edify me. Praise the Lord!!
God bless!
P.S. I just might be asking you in the near future, dear Readers, to help me with my Lenten book project. Put on your thinking caps and brainstorm: Do you have any special traditions or devotions you would like to share? They can be prayers, crafts, recipes, or any other form of Lenten devotions. I would be delighted to offer you credit in the book's text. Or...perhaps you might have some questions about Lent, which I can answer in an essay. Feel free to contact me at krblease@hotmail.com. Put "Lenten book" in the message line so I don't delete it by accident.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Mary, Mother of God
Our Christ's Passion through the eyes of Mother Mary.
Christ's first temple and Mother of God, Mary of Nazareth never left her beloved Son. She was devoted to God and His plan and intimately knew the Son of God. Truly, here is why Catholics honor Mary and are devoted to her. She is the beginning of the Church--Christ's first tabernacle and first disciple--from the moment she conceived Our Lord.
This video will give you a good idea of Mary's witness of The Stations of the Cross. Pray to Mary this Holy Week, and keep these images in your heart and mind! "O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
Christ's first temple and Mother of God, Mary of Nazareth never left her beloved Son. She was devoted to God and His plan and intimately knew the Son of God. Truly, here is why Catholics honor Mary and are devoted to her. She is the beginning of the Church--Christ's first tabernacle and first disciple--from the moment she conceived Our Lord.
This video will give you a good idea of Mary's witness of The Stations of the Cross. Pray to Mary this Holy Week, and keep these images in your heart and mind! "O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Living Stations
by Kathleen Blease
You might have heard of the Passion Play. The Catholic Church calls it The Stations of the Cross, the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is a beautiful devotion and observance that follows Jesus's steps through His final days, and it is more than 1,000 years old. At many parishes, youth groups throughout the country act out the Stations, called the Living Stations.
There are fourteen stations, as well as a closing one, making fifteeen in all. Below are photos from our local parish, depicting a few of them. May God be with these youths and help them contemplate what a remarkable story The Stations of the Cross is.
Jesus falls for the first time.
Simon of Cyrene is chosen from the crowd to help Jesus carry His cross.
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
Jesus is nailed to the cross, as Mary watches.
(notice the painting above the altar, depicting the same.)
Jesus is taken down from the cross.
You might have heard of the Passion Play. The Catholic Church calls it The Stations of the Cross, the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is a beautiful devotion and observance that follows Jesus's steps through His final days, and it is more than 1,000 years old. At many parishes, youth groups throughout the country act out the Stations, called the Living Stations.
There are fourteen stations, as well as a closing one, making fifteeen in all. Below are photos from our local parish, depicting a few of them. May God be with these youths and help them contemplate what a remarkable story The Stations of the Cross is.
The Living Stations
enacted by The Easton Area
Catholic Youth Group
Catholic Youth Group
at St. Bernard's Oratory
Simon of Cyrene is chosen from the crowd to help Jesus carry His cross.
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
(notice the painting above the altar, depicting the same.)
Jesus is taken down from the cross.Of course, the story does not end here. It is only the beginning--with His Resurrection, the conquering of death. The closing station takes place in front of the tabernacle, the dwelling of our Living Lord, who resides there by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Many thanks to the Easton Area Catholic Youth Group and to Mrs. Loretta Susen for providing these terrific photos!
God bless!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Come, Let Us Adore Him!
During this Lenten season, Catholic parishes throughout the world are encouraged to make available Eucharistic Adoration. In fact, I just attended an Adoration last night. But this was an unusual one. Usually, Adoration is done in complete silence. But this day, the bishop joined the teenagers in the diocese for a special Adoration that included song, reflections, and talks meant to encourage the youngsters to live out their appointed vocation.
I couldn't have imagined sitting before the Blessed Sacrament while singing along with a rock band; that is, until last night. Very new indeed. Yet, somehow it was also very appropriate. The band, called Catholic FX, made music that was sweetly prayerful and moving. I wish I could convey to you the beauty of the bishop's procession--his vestments, miter, and staff; the altar boys, the other priests in Lenten vestments, and the crucifix. The moravian tile under foot. The brass chandeliers overhead. The stainglass windows sparkling in the evening sun. The three hundred teens singing out their hearts, gently raising their voices. And all of us facing the altar; at center, the tabernacle, from which the Blessed Sacrament would emerge for our adoration.
But as I said, Eucharistic Adoration is usually attended in complete silence, without such splendor. Its peace and the presence of Christ is what is magnificent. George Sipe, from Convert Journal, wrote an excellent post explaining the basics of Adoration. Click here to read his entire post. It would be worthwhile for all us Catholics (perhaps especially cradle Catholics) to give it a read.
But I'd like to share with you George's personal experience at Adoration, beginning with his getting out of bed in the middle of the night to take his post. Please note his phrases, such as: prayer felt deeper, and more personal than usual, as well as express myself and discern guidance.
His experience in his words:
The guys at my Mens Fellowship table have signed up for Thursday mornings from 3:00am to 4:00am. Some have the honor regularly while others may offer as needed. Since one of the Lenten suggestions is increased prayer, I signed up for yesterday morning (my first time).
I went to bed early but it was still a small struggle to wake up at 2:20am! There was a very light rain, but virtually no traffic so the trip took little time. Outside the adoration chapel is a large sign reminding passers-by of adoration and asking for silence. A table holds a log book for guardians which I signed.
Inside the door are holy water fonts and sufficient space to genuflect before taking a seat (the chapel seats up to 35). There were 3 other people there when I arrived. Two, including Trish whom I know, were covering the prior hour and left after a while. The chapel itself is small, very quiet, beautifully designed and appointed.
For a few minutes I just took it all in, rested and focused. It is very peaceful and easy to pray. Without rush or distractions, and in the close presence of our Lord, prayer felt deeper and more personal than usual. It was easier to both express myself and to discern guidance.
After praying, I read a short article on the Luminous Mysteries (The "Mysteries of Light" introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002). Then, surprisingly, it was 4:00am. It is always amazing to me how fast time passes when praying and studying.
Tony had arrived for an hour he was covering by then, so I left and returned home. The clock read 4:30am when I turned the light off – about two hours after waking up. As I again laid in bed, in the darkness, I suddenly sensed a taste in my mouth. I recognized it as the faint taste of communion wine. Non-believers have all manner of ways to dismiss such, but I believe God speaks to, and encourages us, in many ways.
Of course, I was moved to discuss Adoration with George via email, and I asked him if he wouldn't mind sharing his emails with us. George, thank you. Here, below is our quick discussion, starting with the comment I left on George's post.
Kathleen wrote:
When my nonCatholic husband and I visited Rome, my husband was struck by the beautiful devotion of the Adoration, which is readily observed and made available there. It was the first time I could see the beauty through someone else's eyes. I didn't take Adoration for granted, but I had become accustomed to the fact that our Lord was waiting for us and longing for our presence. However, I was deeply moved by how much it deeply moved my husband. A man who wasn't raised in a faith, he saw immediately the intimacy and grace of the Adoration. Beautiful and powerful. Thank you for this terrific post.
George replied:
Thank you Kathleen, that is a wonderful and humbling story. We are so fortunate.
I know some parishes do not have adoration. I suppose it has something to do with size or perhaps having an appropriate chapel. I sense in some cases there may be a feeling of adoration being (bizarrely) "too Catholic".
One thing that struck me was a thread in the Catholic Answers Forum discussing significant issues someone had in their local parish. The parish was taking certain liberties in Mass they should not have to apparently further a certain agenda. A suggestion offered by many was to find another parish. Specifically any parish that offered adoration would be probably be a safe bet in that area. I am not certain what to make of that but it is interesting.
Thinking about it, adoration is an opportunity to more fully live and experience our faith.
Kathleen wrote:
It's been my experience that many parishes don't have adoration simply because the parishioners are reluctant to sign up for sitting with our Lord during the night. Even if the pastor and the parish council are willing and enthusiastic, they still need help, which often doesn't come. I encourage people to visit the tabernacle as often as they can. While many churches need to remain locked, others have figured out ways to let parishioners into the sanctuary so they can spend time with the Lord. At my parish, for instance, the parish center has a security entry (you have to buzz to get in) which is also connected to the sanctuary. Secretaries will let you in anytime between 8:00-4:30.
Even though visiting the tabernacle is not the same, since we cannot gaze upon the invisible Lord, we are still in our Lord's presence. I don't think people take advantage of this enough. Even after Mass, people leave DURING the recessional hymn, making a B-line for the door so they can be the first one out of the parking lot. If they only knew that our precious Lord is right there waiting for them to notice Him. They need only look to the tabernacle.
George, I can't tell you how moving those moments in front of the tabernacle have been for me. One day, I sat in silence when I felt this profound presence. I looked up at the tabernacle, and there was my Lord right in front of me. I was astounded. It's hard to explain, but something tells me you would understand. You see, I didn't see him with my eyes. I saw him in detail with my heart. Beautiful and overwhelming. I couldn't move. I didn't know what to do. I only felt this profound joy. Eventually, though, I had to leave, and it felt so odd to walk out into the sunlight and the traffic and my schedule again. But then I remembered that that is what we are called to do. When I met with my husband later that day, he said, "I can tell you went to Mass today." I didn't make it to Mass, but he could tell something moved me--again. It was a special moment that remains unique to me. It will probably remain a singular moment, but I am thankful for it!
Many times, I've taken all my worries, frustrations, and anxieties to the tabernacle and offered to leave them with the Lord. And He gave me a temporary emotional relief, all the while He was also preparing to deliver the physical relief, too. We need only ask and seek.
Let's keep encouraging all our readers to spend time with our Lord at the tabernacle. Before Mass. After Mass. During the week. Let's tell them: Don't be in such a rush!!
Thanks for all you're doing, George. I love your blog. It's reminding me all the beauty that fills our hearts when we first gaze upon our Lord and embrace His Holy Church. Even us cradle Catholics have those moments of first realizations of the Truth (a true conversion that takes place in the heart), and they are good to revisit! Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
If you have the opportunity to attend Adoration, please make every effort. If not, the tabernacle can reveal our Lord to you, too. You need only take a few moments to see His guidance and enjoy the discernment that awaits you there! God bless.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Lenten Bouquet and Lenten Link-Up 2010
It's time for the Lenten Link-Up at Catholic Icing again! Visit Lacy's blog for a bucket load of ideas for observing Lent and making this season-in-waiting meaningful for your entire family--you'll find everything from crafts for the kids, to books, prayers, and observances, to Lenten recipes.
Let me add one more idea right now: I call it my Lenten bouquet, and it's a great way to "mark" your Domestic Church during its observation of this unique season. This bouquet is a symbol of waiting and the promise of new life. It is simply a collection of twigs placed in a large glass vase that is surrounded by a plain violet or purple cloth. Spring-flowering twigs brought in from the cold will gradually open their buds and bloom. Choose twigs from shrubs or fruit trees, such as lilac, dogwood, cherry, peach, or apple. Cut the ends of the twigs at a sharp angle, or slice them up the center, to allow water in. At first, the display seems very stark--it's beautiful simplicity is perfect for Lent! If you keep the water plentiful, the twigs will gradually open their buds as Lent proceeds and as we get closer to the Resurrection. The progress is very slow, so I have had many visitors ask why I have "those twigs" on my dining room table. The perfect conversation piece! It gives me a great excuse to explain Lent.
By the Easter season, the blooms are open and they are beautiful. On Easter Vigil, I change the violet cloth to a white cloth our children decorated with glitter pens. They painted on Easter eggs, crosses, and the word "Allelulia." Give this a try. And feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you "mark" your Domestic Church.
And please don't forget to visit Catholic Icing for lots and lots of great ideas!
Let me add one more idea right now: I call it my Lenten bouquet, and it's a great way to "mark" your Domestic Church during its observation of this unique season. This bouquet is a symbol of waiting and the promise of new life. It is simply a collection of twigs placed in a large glass vase that is surrounded by a plain violet or purple cloth. Spring-flowering twigs brought in from the cold will gradually open their buds and bloom. Choose twigs from shrubs or fruit trees, such as lilac, dogwood, cherry, peach, or apple. Cut the ends of the twigs at a sharp angle, or slice them up the center, to allow water in. At first, the display seems very stark--it's beautiful simplicity is perfect for Lent! If you keep the water plentiful, the twigs will gradually open their buds as Lent proceeds and as we get closer to the Resurrection. The progress is very slow, so I have had many visitors ask why I have "those twigs" on my dining room table. The perfect conversation piece! It gives me a great excuse to explain Lent.
By the Easter season, the blooms are open and they are beautiful. On Easter Vigil, I change the violet cloth to a white cloth our children decorated with glitter pens. They painted on Easter eggs, crosses, and the word "Allelulia." Give this a try. And feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you "mark" your Domestic Church.
And please don't forget to visit Catholic Icing for lots and lots of great ideas!
If You Arrive Late and Are a Little Frazzled
Check out my new pages, Edifying Catholic Books and Catholic Links for Catholic Moms. As the names imply, they list books and on-line resources of all kinds that are true to the Catholic faith. Pages are located at the top of the blog. I hope you enjoy them, especially during this Lenten season.
If you are still searching for a Lenten promise you can fulfill for our dear Lord, there is still time to begin! Perhaps these resources can help you. Don't give up or put it off! Christ is always pleased to see you, even if you arrive late and are a little frazzled.
There are many ways to add to your Catholic contemplation and prayer. You needn't be afraid if you cannot make a big sacrifice this Lent. Even the smallest acts are pleasing to God and will be blessed, if they are done with a full heart in both love and earnest, with your eyes on Heaven.
May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless you in your efforts to draw closer to Him. God bless.
If you are still searching for a Lenten promise you can fulfill for our dear Lord, there is still time to begin! Perhaps these resources can help you. Don't give up or put it off! Christ is always pleased to see you, even if you arrive late and are a little frazzled.
There are many ways to add to your Catholic contemplation and prayer. You needn't be afraid if you cannot make a big sacrifice this Lent. Even the smallest acts are pleasing to God and will be blessed, if they are done with a full heart in both love and earnest, with your eyes on Heaven.
May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless you in your efforts to draw closer to Him. God bless.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Food for Fridays
by Kathleen Blease
The Lenten season is always a challenge for us moms with growing teenagers and hungry husbands! New recipes make it into my recipe box.
At Mass on Ash Wedsnesday, Father explained that Lent means "to lengthen." The days are getting longer, and more light is entering our world. Spring is just around the corner! New life is about to spring up! Even with a foot of snow on the ground, my husband and I are perusing seed catalogs and planning our garden. I'm dreaming of cooking with my own homegrown fresh herbs and vegetables again. There's nothing like going out to the garden to fetch dinner!
Lent is a great time to make the transition from heavy winter roasts and casseroles, like pork roasts and lasagna, to lighter and healthier meals. What a wonderful season is Lent! We make sacrifices to Christ, through our Lenten promises, grow closer to Him, and become healthier all at the same time. Our Lord certainly does know what's best for us.
Check out the new feature to Kathleen's Catholic--my new Lenten recipes in the link above. A delicious soda bread. A bright bean soup. And a scrumptous egg croquette. (My teenage son just said, "Oh, yea, I like your croquettes!") They're very satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for Fridays. Enjoy!
The Lenten season is always a challenge for us moms with growing teenagers and hungry husbands! New recipes make it into my recipe box.
At Mass on Ash Wedsnesday, Father explained that Lent means "to lengthen." The days are getting longer, and more light is entering our world. Spring is just around the corner! New life is about to spring up! Even with a foot of snow on the ground, my husband and I are perusing seed catalogs and planning our garden. I'm dreaming of cooking with my own homegrown fresh herbs and vegetables again. There's nothing like going out to the garden to fetch dinner!
Lent is a great time to make the transition from heavy winter roasts and casseroles, like pork roasts and lasagna, to lighter and healthier meals. What a wonderful season is Lent! We make sacrifices to Christ, through our Lenten promises, grow closer to Him, and become healthier all at the same time. Our Lord certainly does know what's best for us.
Check out the new feature to Kathleen's Catholic--my new Lenten recipes in the link above. A delicious soda bread. A bright bean soup. And a scrumptous egg croquette. (My teenage son just said, "Oh, yea, I like your croquettes!") They're very satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for Fridays. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Be Marked!
Be marked as people of God!
Man, remember from ashes you came, and to ashes you will return.
Repent and return to the Gospel.
Hear the good news.
I just read an excellent post about repenting. Give it a read at A Book of Everything. May the Lord bless you and lead you to His salvation this Lenten season! God bless.
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