september
desserts
Save room for dessert! Let's have some fun with our meal... choose as many activities as you like to round out your household's faith adventure this month.
saint of the Month
our catholic traditions
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. To see a short video about this feast, click here. To read a short article about this feast, click here.
The cross is an important symbol for Christians because is reminds us of the love Jesus has for us, a love so great that He gave his life for us. Crosses come in many shapes and sizes, and are used in decorative ways. But it is important to remember that the cross is a symbol of sacrifice, and that we are called to sacrifice for others as Jesus did.
A crucifix is a cross with an image of Jesus on it. Sometimes that image is of Jesus' crucified body, and sometimes it is of Jesus resurrected body. A cross is just that -- the cross symbol alone, with out an image of Jesus.
This feast day is a good day to practice making the Sign of the Cross with young ones. Here is a simple cross craft to do together for fun.
September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. To see a short video about this feast, click here. To read a short article about this feast, click here.
The cross is an important symbol for Christians because is reminds us of the love Jesus has for us, a love so great that He gave his life for us. Crosses come in many shapes and sizes, and are used in decorative ways. But it is important to remember that the cross is a symbol of sacrifice, and that we are called to sacrifice for others as Jesus did.
A crucifix is a cross with an image of Jesus on it. Sometimes that image is of Jesus' crucified body, and sometimes it is of Jesus resurrected body. A cross is just that -- the cross symbol alone, with out an image of Jesus.
This feast day is a good day to practice making the Sign of the Cross with young ones. Here is a simple cross craft to do together for fun.
Michaelmas
September 29 is the Feast of the Archangels -- Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Before the liturgical calendar of the Church was revised in 1969, September 29 was simply the Feast of St. Michael. In Europe, many customs and traditions for celebrating the day, known as Michaelmas, developed. Perhaps your household can use some of these traditions to mark the feast day this year;
September 29 is the Feast of the Archangels -- Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Before the liturgical calendar of the Church was revised in 1969, September 29 was simply the Feast of St. Michael. In Europe, many customs and traditions for celebrating the day, known as Michaelmas, developed. Perhaps your household can use some of these traditions to mark the feast day this year;
- One custom is to roast a goose, with carrots, for the main meal of the day. Since goose is harder to come by in the United States, why not roast a chicken with onions and potatoes and carrots?
- Legend says that when Michael drove Satan out of Heaven, Satan fell into a thicket of blackberry bushes and cursed them. A custom arose that said all the blackberries had to be harvested by Michaelmas, before the devil could curse them. Have some blackberry preserves on your breakfast toast, or make a blackberry dessert to go with your evening meal.
- Place a St. Michael holy card or another image of St. Michael in your prayer space.
- St. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, doctors, grocers, and the police. Thank those people in your life who work in those professions, and wish them -- as well as the Michaels in your life -- a happy feast day!
liturgical year connections
September 29 marks the Feast of the Archangels -- Gabriel, Michael, and Rafael.
Adults and teens might want to hear a podcast about the three archangels here.
Below is a traditional prayer that parents might want to help their young children learn.
Adults and teens might want to hear a podcast about the three archangels here.
Below is a traditional prayer that parents might want to help their young children learn.
faith in action
Share School Supplies
As this unusual school year unfolds, children and youth will continue to need school supplies, whether they are learning at home, at school, or both. While you are out shopping, or ordering online, buy some extra pencils, pens, crayons, folders, markers, etc. for families who are struggling during the pandemic. Watch for an announcement later this month about where and when to drop them off, and we will get them to families in need. Thank for showing the love of Jesus to families in need by sharing your resources!
As this unusual school year unfolds, children and youth will continue to need school supplies, whether they are learning at home, at school, or both. While you are out shopping, or ordering online, buy some extra pencils, pens, crayons, folders, markers, etc. for families who are struggling during the pandemic. Watch for an announcement later this month about where and when to drop them off, and we will get them to families in need. Thank for showing the love of Jesus to families in need by sharing your resources!
for fun
Movie review
Septembers for fun is a movie review. The movie Soul Surfer is a wonderful family movie about strength, determination, faith, and family love. The movie is based on the autobiography by Bethany Hamilton. Bethany’s story is of determination and faith after she loses her arm in a shark attack and is determined to get back to being a competition surfer.
Septembers for fun is a movie review. The movie Soul Surfer is a wonderful family movie about strength, determination, faith, and family love. The movie is based on the autobiography by Bethany Hamilton. Bethany’s story is of determination and faith after she loses her arm in a shark attack and is determined to get back to being a competition surfer.