Articles

Advent Wreath Banner

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

 This Advent Wreath is an innovative and space saving adaptation of an old tradition.  The pattern below makes a banner finished size 60 x 75…

Advent Prayer II

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

Leader: Lord God, you are the light of the world, the source of all life.  Be our light. Be our life. Leader: Lord God, your…

Advent Water Wreath

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

The Advent Wreath is rich in symbolism: The circular shape, with no beginning or end symbolises the eternity of God. Purple candles symbolize penance. The…

Advent Prayer I

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

Leader: Lord God, you are the light of the world, the source of all life.  Be our light. Be our life. Leader: Lord God, your…

Natural Advent Wreath

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

Advent is a time of eager anticipation of the coming of Jesus.  The lighting of Advent candles is old tradition that many families and churches…

Daddy Magic

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

As a mother of five children ranging in ages from 17 to 6 it is fascinating to watch my husband in action with our children.…

Smart Learning

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

A major part of successful learning at school and beyond can be attributed to simple organisation. Having intelligence and academic skill is important too, but these gifts…

Children & Media

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

“Training in the proper use of the media is essential for the cultural, moral and spiritual development of children.” Pope Benedict XVI Raising children in…

Your Home: A Living Church

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

The Domestic Church The home is the place where we learn to love. It is in our homes that our children are first introduced to love; in…

Family Vocations

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York recently noted the link between marriage and vocations to the priesthood and religious life: “We have a vocation crisis to life-long, life-giving,…

Cyber Rascals

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Digital communications have revolutionised our social relationships. Text messaging, email and social network communities mean that today’s young person has instant access to friends and acquaintances across…

Grandparent Power

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Almost every grandparent thinks their grandchildren are pretty special. Grandparents are allowed to be biased – after all, every kid deserves a doting grandparent to counter…