I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: November 2017
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: November 2016
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Hallowmas with Harry: What Harry Potter Taught Me About Death and the Communion of Saints
“ And in many ways, all of my characters are defined by their attitude to death and the possibility of death.”- J.K. Rowling Hallowtide, the three days of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints Day (or Hallowmas), and All Souls Day, is an ancient part of the Christian Year. Before becoming Catholic I thought of Halloween as morbid and I couldn’t understand how to celebrate All Souls, or the Day of the … [Read more...]
How Hogwarts Prepared Me for the Liturgical Year
From middle school through college I eagerly anticipated each new HP book release but I don’t think I could have even articulated what drew me in. Looking back, it was more than compelling plots and endearing characters. What I found alluring was the magical world Rowling created. A world full of traditions that brought people together into a strong community where you belonged. I recently saw … [Read more...]
Simple Soul Cake Recipe for All Souls Day (Gluten-Free)
Making Soul Cakes during Hallowtide (All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day) has become a little tradition at our house. I wanted to share my recipe with you in time for All Souls on Sunday! The History of Soul Cakes As a kind of early version of Trick-or-Treating, folks would go door-to-door and ask for Soul Cakes in exchange for saying prayers for the dead. I really love the way … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 30 (All Souls Edition)
First things first! So happy to announce that dear friend and occasional Carrots contributor Katherine and her wonderful husband John welcomed a precious baby boy (their first) into the world on Halloween! He is just perfect and I'm itching to get to Boston to snuggle him. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. In the Liturgical Year: We have had the best time celebrating Hallowtide! We've … [Read more...]
Soul Cakes for All Souls!
Yesterday on All Saints Day we started out the day at Mass to celebrate and then went out for a special family breakfast at our favorite Midtown cafe. After Daddy had to go to work, Benjamin and I made Soul Cakes during one of Lucy's naps. We used a recipe from Catholic Cuisine. Unfortunately, the recipe wasn't as good as the one Daniel used last year but, oh well, they were still tasty! I … [Read more...]
Soul Cakes for All Saints’
November 1st is All Saints' Day when we honor and remember the faithful saints and martyrs through out the centuries, known and unknown. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, "Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ" (957). Also known as Hallowmas, All Saints' Day marks the middle of … [Read more...]
