Throw back! Why the trip down memory lane? I wanted to reflect back today on my time as a younger mom, overwhelmed by young children at Mass, and offer some support to other moms who feel like this will be them for the rest of their lives. Believe it or not, you don’t need to…
This post is dedicated to anyone and everyone who has even remotely considered attending the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Yes, the Latin Mass. The Roman Catholic Church still allows for those and whether it’s a strong desire pulling you towards all things traditional or just a faint curiosity about what the heck it actually…
I have mentioned on ye olde blog here Father Benedict Groeschel’s book “Arise From Darkness” a couple of times; and I’m quick to recommend it in comboxes through out the world wide web. I was reminded of it the other day after my niece emailed me to answer some questions for her religion assignment. I…
As a Catholic blogger I’m pretty sure it’s a mortal sin to not write about the election of a new pope….. but there’s no canon law that says it can’t be in Quick Takes form, however random, or long-winded, that form may be. If you’re tired of reading such reflections, just skip right back to…
Is everyday life not providing enough excitement between conclave votes? Does EWTN’s live coverage still leave you wanting something more? Just because the cardinals haven’t elected a new pope doesn’t mean Catholics can’t enjoy the papacy! Introducing Papalopoly! Part Monopoly rip off, part reality show, it’s the game that makes you feel like you’re in the…
To veil or not to veil; that is the question…..that I am not touching with a 10 foot pole. I’ll let you decide for yourself whether you feel compelled to veil, a.k.a wear a head covering at Mass, or not. Maybe you’re considering doing so for Lent and are uncertain of how to proceed. Maybe…
February 11, 2013 will probably be the first “where were you when…” day to leave a mark on my three older children. As I explained to them the historical significance of the pope’s resignation, I reflected back and shared where I was eight years ago when he was elected, and the sharp contrast in my…
We’ve created a lot of great Advent traditions in our family. Now that we’ve gotten the hang of the wreaths and recipes, we’re working on remembering to make charitable giving a part of the season, too. Advent is a wonderful time to make the extra effort to give, but for someone like me, who grew…
It’s been a week of feasts here at the Mantoan crib. From stuffed shoes, to waking up extra early to make baked goods, to the yearly conversation I have with my husband on how we’re not using real candles in the St. Lucy crown. And crafts, oh so many crafts. So many wonderful traditions I’ve locked myself…
We received wonderful news this week that a dear friend gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Wednesday morning. His arrival is especially joyful to Tony and I, as we were recently asked to be the child’s godparents. It is such an honor to be asked to be a godparent, and yet I don’t…
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” Mark 10:15 I hate to admit it, but I’m enjoying my time in the hospital with Fulton. His feeding tube surgery went off without a hitch, and he’s recovering nicely with no complaints…
I’d really envisioned just writing a quick post about how ridiculous our family prayer time has become lately, but it got me thinking on other things… so forgive my long-windedness. Growing up Methodist, somewhere along the line I got the impression that church and religion were Sunday things, but only when extremely convenient, and that prayer…
I really struggle with Lent. This is one of those unfortunate years that I can’t use the ‘I’m nursing/pregnant’ excuse to skip out. The previous Lents in which I’ve attempted to go ‘hard core’ and give up something like soda or snacking between meals or sweets have usually ended with me devouring at least half…