Archive for July 2012
ANZAC Biscuits
This traditional Australian cookie was sent overseas to ANZAC troops as it has excellent keeping properties. Ingredients 1 cup plain flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup coconut 125 g butter 2 tabs golden syrup (3 for a crunchier cookie) 1 tabs water ½ teasp bicarb of soda Method Preheat oven…
Read MorePaper Chain of Peace
The origami paper crane is a traditional symbol of peace. Instructions on how to make them can be found with an internet search, or try some of these links: Origami Fun Origami Instructions.com For this activity, each family member can make a crane and transfer the words of one line from the Peace Prayer of…
Read MorePeace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
St Francis is well known for his commitment to poverty, simplicity and peace. During the fifth crusade, he travelled to the holy lands spending considerable time in dialogue with the Sultan of Egypt. This famous prayer first appeared during the First World War however, scholars do not believe that St Francis wrote it. It was…
Read MoreWar & Peace
People in the armed forces are called in a special way to be servants of peace. We can all do something to contribute to building up peace, by working to increase love and justice in our daily lives and wherever we find ourselves. Each country has its special days set aside for the commemoration of its…
Read MoreAnnunciation Candle
This neat little activity was adapted from Women for Faith and Family Materials: Large Pillar Candle, white (purity) or blue (for Mary) Small image of the baby Jesus. Small square of white cloth or ribbon Pins Knife Method: Take the pillar candle and carve a niche into it with the knife (or any other carving…
Read MoreThe Angelus
Why not pray the Angelus? Set your mobile phone to chime at each day one or more of the three set hours? The Traditional hours are 6 am 12 noon and 6 pm. You might like to synchronise your Angelus prayer with a friend or family member. Prayer V. The Angel of the Lord declared…
Read MoreThe Announcement!
Celebrate the world’s biggest announcement with Mary this Lent. What if Mary had said ‘no’? Would the Archangel Gabriel have tried the maiden next door? Did God have a plan B for saving the world? I remember the excitement and nervous anticipation with which my husband and I went to tell our parents that we…
Read MoreThe Mini Litany of Saints
The Litany of Saints is an ancient and complex prayer. It has a beautiful rhythm swinging gracefully between the leader and respondents (bold text). It can prayed at any time of the year, but is especially relevant on All Saints Day. The full version is quite lengthy and used old English in parts. This adaptation…
Read MoreGratitude: The Heart-Beat of Love
A little gratitude goes a long way when it comes to happy marriages. New research validates age-old wisdom: the simple habit of gratitude can transform a jaded marriage into a joyous encounter. | By Marilyn Rodrigues A University of North Carolina study highlighted the association of gratitude with a happy marriage. Cameron Gordon, the study’s…
Read MoreSt Nicholas Candy Cane Blessing
This little family prayer ritual is a perfect way to celebrate St Nicholas’ feast day on the 6th of December. For more information on St Nicholas and the many traditions of his feast day, see this article. This prayer compliments the CathFamily St Nic Candy Cane Holder Activity. Materials: St Nic’s Candy Cane Holder(Click Here)…
Read MoreSt Nic Candy Cane Holder
St Nicolas is usually depicted in crimson or deep purple bishop robes (not the bright red of commercial Santas). The European tradition of hanging stockings by the fire and serving oranges comes from the story of the three sisters which is sometimes told with gold balls (represented as oranges) instead of bags of gold. Common…
Read MoreThe Jesse Tree Prayer
Preparation: Jesse Tree branches or banner. One (or more) Jesse Tree symbols ready. Scripture story ready. Download Scripture Stories Jesse Tree Prayer Lord God, Our hearts long for your coming. We wait to joyfully welcome you. Amen. Response: Lord Hear our Prayer Father in Heaven, soon the glory of your son, Jesus will make the…
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