March On...!

Living Lent (and Loving Lent), with two children in college and one child in middle-school, has been a very interesting and a very self-revealing journey.

My motivation is stemming from another place, I am finding a different path to His grace.  I would not say that it is easier, in fact, it feels harder to keep to the traditions of the past.  Silence is always a good start.

"Speak, for your servant is listening."  1 Samuel 3:10

March is a month that is sometimes solemn, not in a grim or dour way, but in a ceremonious way.  March is a month of sincere preparation.  

I love decorating my home for all the seasons and for all the major feast days.  It is a cue to remind me and my family what we should be celebrating, and what we should be focusing on.

This coming Easter will be extra special.  We are celebrating two very important events.  Preparing for the big day is exciting and joyous.

But First...we enter into the Easter Triduum, with whole-hearted faith.

However you may prepare, always remember to Keep Love in Lent.

May your Holy Week be filled with His Love, Mercy and Grace.

~ Valerie

Re-Post of Give-Ups

Hi, there.  Lent, here.

Still searching for 'things' to give up for Lent?

Here is a quick list of some wonderful sacrifices...

LIVING LENT

LOVING LENT

I will pray for you...will you pray for me?

XO, 

Emotional Noise

Have you ever heard the saying...

CLUTTER IS LIKE EMOTIONAL NOISE

I have been chipping away at all my clutter.  I do not have an elaborate system, but I do have motivation...and that is key.

Repent,...

...and believe in the Gospel.

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Repent:  to turn back; to feel or express sincere regret; feeling remorseful about one's wrongdoing or sin. 

In Greek:  Metanoeo:  to change one's mind; to think again; think differently after; to change the inner man.

"O God, who are moved to acts of humility

and respond with forgiveness to works of penance,

lend your merciful ear to our prayers

and in your kindness pour out the grace

of your + blessing

on your servants who are marked with these ashes,

that, as they follow the Lenten observances,

they may be worthy to come with minds made pure

to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of your Son.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Considering what Jesus did for me...

~ Carnival ~

Carne Vale...or, Farewell to the flesh!

Shrove Tuesday 2015
(Special) Made to order chocolate chip pancakes

Shrove Tuesday 2015

Shrove Tuesday...or Shrovetide;  It's not a party but it can sure feel like one...a week or two earlier, we start going through our pantry, refrigerator & freezer to use up items that will help us to keep our Lenten Commitments or Promises - as it relates to fasting or abstinence.  ~ Hand-Maid With Love...Shrove Tuesday 2012

Taken from NEW ADVENT: CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA

Shrovetide is the English equivalent of what is known in the greater part of Southern Europe as the "Carnival", a word which, in spite of wild suggestions to the contrary, is undoubtedly to be derived from the "taking away of flesh" (carne levare) which marked the beginning of Lent. The English term "shrovetide" (from "to shrive", or hear confessions) is sufficiently explained by a sentence in the Anglo-Saxon "Ecclesiastical Institutes" translated from Theodulphus by Abbot Aelfric about A.D. 1000: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]". In this name shrovetide the religious idea is uppermost, and the same is true of the German Fastnacht (the eve of the fast). It is intelligible enough that before a long period of deprivations human nature should allow itself some exceptional licence in the way of frolic and good cheer. No appeal to vague and often inconsistent traces of earlier pagan customs seems needed to explain the general observance of a carnival celebration. The only clear fact which does not seem to be adequately accounted for is the widespread tendency to include the preceding Thursday (called in French Jeudi gras and in German fetter Donnerstag — just as Shrove Tuesday is respectively called Mardi gras and fetter Dienstag) with the Monday and Tuesday which follow Quinquagesima. The English custom of eating pancakes was undoubtedly suggested by the need of using up the eggs and fat which were, originally at least, prohibited articles of diet during the forty days of Lent.

Give Ups for LENT

~ The TAU ~

When my family and I (and 24 of our parish Altar Boys) visited Assisi, I had the opportunity to learn more about the TAU or Sign of Redemption.

  TAU is the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet.  St. Francis of Assisi had an especially great love for this Hebrew mark.  

The First Christians used the Tau mark, as it was a prophecy of the Last Day, as in the Greek letter Omega.  Omega stands for the Risen Lord.

"I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."  ~ Revelation 22:13

And Christians adopted the TAU because its form evokes the cross upon which Christ sacrificed himself...for our salvation.  Our Redemption.

The TAU is a sign of redemption.

"Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes ye were healed."  ~ 1 Peter 2:24

With Lent fast approaching, I decided to begin wearing my TAU to remind me of God's plan for my own redemption.  I hope, in some little way, it will help remind me to turn away from evil and sin.

"Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."  ~ Acts 3:19

I happened to be cleaning out my closet and found my TAU hidden away with a holy card and bookmark.  These material treasures were among the pictures of the pilgrimage I took to Assisi and The Porziuncola at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.  The visit to this holy place was the real treasure.

There is a Chapel...a National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, here in San Francisco, which I plan to make a pilgrimage to as part of my Lenten Journey.  For my visitors that live afar, you can take a virtual tour here.

I learned that St. Francis used to sign all his writings with the TAU sign.  It was his "seal", if you will.  St. Francis' great conviction of "the salvation of the world lies only in the cross of Christ" is apparent in how he lived his life.  

I like to think that I belong to this great Franciscan family...about thirty-six years ago I chose St. Francis of Assisi as my Confirmation saint and namesake.

It made me so happy when I heard that our current Pope (Francis) chose St. Francis of Assisi's name, too.  His reasons were more well formed than my 15 year old mind, but I related to his reasons totally:
"the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation".  That is the person that I wanted most to emulate.

May we all 'die to ourselves' this Lent.  May we all find peace and show peace to others from now on...may we continue to be good stewards, serving and sharing the love of Christ in all that we do.  

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, unity.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is error, truth.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is sadness, joy.

Where there is darkness, light.

O Divine Master, grant that I many not so much seek 

To be consoled, as to console.

To be understood, as to understand.

To be loved, as to love.

For 

It is in giving, that we receive.

It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.

It is in dying, that we are born to eternal life."

~ Saint Francis of Assisi

~ Preparing for Lent ~

Making way for the Purple...

It seems like I just put away my Christmas decorations...hey, wait, I did just put away my Christmas decorations...

Now it is time to start thinking about Lent, which is only 15 days away!

Since my oldest two are now in high school, I have been searching for some "age appropriate" ideas for LIVING LENT.  

We will certainly turn to our Lenten Traditions of Fasting, Alms-giving and Prayer, however, I would like to find something that my oldest two will find meaningful...something that will "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." ~ Psalm 51:10.  

Station of the Cross 2013 project

We are a very close family, and we have always actively lived the liturgical seasons as a family.  Taking time out of our day to live and pray the season together, even for a moment, is a tradition that I would like to keep alive in my home.
We shouldn't outgrow traditions, not even if my children have grown taller than me!  lol.  Traditions give us a certain closeness or unity, they also create memories for us.
Traditions teach us our Faith.  As a family, we should live our Faith together.  
I believe that God's grace and peace resides in a home that keeps true to his Traditions.
"For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you..." ~ 1Cor 11:23

So, I was thinking...maybe some Lenten Fireside Chats or BookClub style discussions or maybe viewing a DVD series (and engaging in a study program together) like Catholicism, which we have owned for several years.  Maybe it is time to revisit this beautiful work...

Sharing our Faith.  Growing in Faith.  

Living our Faith. 

Family style, if you will.

Last year's Shrove Tuesday King Cake

Shrove Tuesday

I know one tradition that my children still look forward to...

This year we will be using the King Arthur Gluten-Free version...it is my absolute favorite!

~ LENT MEME ~

I was tagged to follow this Lenten Meme...Do someone a good deed, Join!

This LENT MEME is very easy to follow. 

RULES

1   Copy paste this post on your Blog.

2   Contact as many other Bloggers as you like and leave them this comment: "You have been tagged for the LENT MEME on my Blog".

3   And now the difficult bit: Do someone a good deed. Anyone. Relative, friend or stranger. Any good deed. Saying a prayer for someone in need. Helping an old person with shopping, transport, gardening. Visiting a sick person. Giving some money to charity.

Just use your imagination and do any good deed.

If you are greedy you can do more than one good deed. To more than one person. You can do a good deed every day of Lent if you wish. The minimum is just one good deed.

4   That's it. I can't think of any other rules.

5   Thanx. God bless.

~ LIVING LENT, LOVING LENT: 2014 Link-Up ~

This is a re-post for quick ideas to Keep some Love in Lent

Living Lent, Loving Lent
That is what I say...


“I’m participating in the Keep LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2014, hosted by the Catholic Bloggers Network,

Equipping Catholic Families,  Campfires and Cleats, Truly Rich Mom,

A Slice of Smith Life   and  Home to 4 Kiddos

We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on  Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds

 and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE.

  Please visit any of these 6 hosts, to link your own Keep LOVE in LENT blog post!

I love our Lenten traditions and I am always looking for new ideas that keep our spiritual life moving towards sanctity.
My last years post can be found HERE, which covers:
+ LENTEN FASTING
+ LENTEN ALMSGIVING
+ LENTEN PRAYER & READING
and a + LIST OF GIVE UPS FOR LENT

I felt as if I did not have much time to savor the Ordinary Time season, although many wonderful activities were lived and enjoyed.  And while praying and searching for those few NEW ideas, I saw Lena's post over at Joy{filled Family}.  The Lent Calendar that she shares can be printed in three colors; but it was the Lenten Program Printable that really made me excited to try...the checklist format appeals to me in our particular 'family phase'.

PRAYER + FASTING + ALMS GIVING

 ~ LENTEN FASTING ~

There are certain things that I hope to do during this Lent:


Keep things Simple.   This includes (or excludes as appropriate):
+ prayers
+ devotions
+ meals
+ environment
+ activities
+ projects
+ goals
Spend more time Reading with my family.
Attend my Parish Lenten Retreat
Attend some part of my parish's 40 Hour Devotion
Participate in the LENT MEME over at Time For Reflections

I will personally be reading:
+ The Sacred Passion.  Luis De La Palma (Scepter)
+ Imitation of Christ - Thomas Kempis (H.M. Caldwell Co., Publishers. New York & Boston)

This year, I have asked my children to pick between 2 - 4 books to read during Lent. 

Little Lamb (Fourth Grade) chose the following:
+ The Re-Found Veronica - Story of the Holy Face - Friar Carmine Cucinelli (Rector of the Basilica of the Holy Face of Manoppello {This was a Christmas gift from to our daughter, from which we brought home from our Rome pilgrimage in June 2013).  I will have to share some of the illustrations as the pencils & Colours are magnificent and beautifully done!
+ The Purples are Coming! - Ilow & Sheri Roque (Rock House Press)
+ A Book of Gratitude  5-2 (Seton Press)
+ This Is Our Family 1-2 (Seton Press)
+ The Story Tree 3-3 (Seton Press)
+ A Book of Friendliness - A Collection of the Prose & Poetry Which Has Helped to Better the World - Sister Mary Charlotte, R.S.M.; Sister Mary Brendan, R.S.M; Mary Synon 8-2 (Ginn & Co)

Butterfly (Ninth Grade) chose:
+ The Sacred Passion  Luis De La Palma (Scepter)
+ Divine Mercy in My Soul - St. Maria Faustina Kowalska Diary  (Marian Press)
+ Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit - Minute Meditations for Every Day Containing a Scripture Reading, A Reflection, and a Prayer - Rev. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.  (Catholic Book Publishing)
+ Holy Bible - RSV - Catholic Edition (Ignatius)

Conductor (Tenth Grade) chose:
+ The Young Man's Guide - Counsels, Reflections and Prayers for Catholic Young Men - Rev. F.X. Lasance (Benziger Brothers, Inc.)
+ TBD

Here are two videos that would be appropriate for Lent (the 'I Was There' dvd is geared towards middle school and up; 'The Miracle Maker' is appropriate for younger children...although there is a short part in the very beginning where a demon is cast out of a women, which is kinda creepy for littles).
+ The Miracle Maker (Family Home Entertainment)
+ I Was There (EWTN series)

On the Menu for Friday:

French Lentil Soup

~ Triduum Sacrum ~ Part Two: Good Friday

~ Linking up to Catholic Bloggers Network ~

Following Holy Thursday is, of course, Good Friday.  This day commemorates the day Jesus was executed on the Cross.

We began our day with an hour of Adoration at our Cathedral.

Contemplating the Passion of Our Lord...

 

While, at our parish, Lauds and Stations of the Cross were prayed.
We began the commemoration of Christ's death on the Cross with the Liturgy of the Hours. 

"O God, come to my assistance."

+  "O Lord, make haste to help me."

"Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen."

 

The altar is stripped bare.  Jesus in not here. 

There is no Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Good Friday...not anywhere!

"O Sacred Head Surrounded

By crown of piercing thorn!

O bleeding head, so wounded,

Reviled and put to scorn!

Death's pallid hue comes o'er thee,

The glow of life decays,

Yet angel hosts adore thee,

And tremble as they gaze..."

                                                                    ~ O Sacred Head Surrounded (Hymn)

Then, we sing the beautiful and soul piercing Lenten Lamentations.  My favorite.

+++

 

BITTER LAMENTATIONS ~ LENTEN LAMENTATIONS

(my personal favorite...this devotion was introduced to us by our pastor)

*Foreword, by John Cardinal Krol, about Bitter Lamentations below. 

(Borrowed from my parish's booklet)

Ancient chants retracing the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ; The devotion incorporates prose and verse, chant and reading, prayer and meditation, inviting participants to reflect on the mystery of Christian redemption, the Passion and death of the Christ.

The Lamentations take the shape of a three-part cycle; one part is sung each Sunday afternoon service. Each of the three parts has a parallel form and structure, with repeated musical motifs.

The Lamentations highlight the very emotional nature of Christian spirituality, inviting a personal identification with the Suffering Lord and His Mother.

 

+++ 

Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord &

Veneration of the Cross

Shoes removed.  Our priests humbly approach the Cross.
The Faithful, follow...

 

 

 

Holy Communion followed by The Chaplet of Divine Mercy - Novena

 

Ending with Adoration of Jesus in the Tomb...

 

 

 

It was a very beautiful Good Friday.

 

*Throughout the season of Lent, the Church invites us to meditate upon the mystery of our redemption - the Passion and death of Our Lord.
 

     The ancient poets of Poland, drawing upon the Sacred Scriptures and the religious traditions of the people, used the medium of literary art to unfold, beautifully and devoutly, the heart-rending story of Our Saviour's Passion and our salutary reaction to it.  This literary medium, under the title Bitter Lamentations, became a very popular lenten devotion, incorporating prose and verse, chant and reading, prayer and meditation.  It served as an excellent medium for reflection and a deepening appreciation of the mystery of Redemption.

 

     The Second Vatican Council called for renewal and for a more active participation in the Liturgy of the Word and of the Eucharist.  It also encouraged the continuation and promotion of non-liturgical devotions as a means of advancing piety.  For this reason, it is a pleasure to recommend the use of the "Lamentations" as a devotion which, for centuries, has been attractive and advantageous in promoting a proper observance of the Lenten Season and in preparing Christians for a worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery."

~  John Cardinal Krol

Archbishop of Philadelphia

 

And now, we wait...

 

 

 

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Don't forget to Check out the Big Clicks Catholic Bloggers for March 2013!