The Meaning of Ashes
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Benedict the XVI is a wonderful teacher and I love it when he preaches on the significance of the symbols of the liturgy.
He did that this morning in his homily for Ash Wednesday.
He starts with the basics: the significance of ashes for the people of Israel, and then their role in our liturgy.
The ashes are not a sacramental sign, but they are linked with prayer and the sanctification of the Christian... READ MORE
How the Church Influenced Hanukkah
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
This past December 8th, a class of eighth graders from a local Jewish temple came to visit the retreat center where I work.
As part of their religious ed program, they learn a little about other faiths, and—in what has become an annual event I really look forward to—I get to host the Catholic part of the program.
I give a short factual explanation of the basics of Catholicism, and then offer a tour... READ MORE
Good With His Hands
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Tuesday, December 06, 2011
We can’t let the day go by without a tribute to St. Nicholas!
Here’s something a little different: a poem I stumbled upon a year or two ago to remind us that St. Nick was not all moneybags and food for the poor.
He was also a zealous defender of the True Faith against heresy and persecution.
If the word “plagologist” is new to you (as it should be), click over to the original post for an explanation.... READ MORE
Elf on the Shelf
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
New to my radar this year: Elf on the Shelf—a fun game that involves a cute little elf who hides each evening for the children to seek the next day.
I’ve never heard of it before and this year I’m seeing it everywhere. Do you have an elf on your shelf?
What other fun traditions are out there to celebrate? Do you celebrate St. Nicolas day, or Santa Lucia, or Our Lady of Guadalupe? Or perhaps all three—and more! Please share what Advent traditions you and your family enjoy.
Friendly Reminder
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Homemaking on Monday, November 14, 2011
Taper candles—including purple ones—were on sale at my grocery store this morning.
Thank goodness, or I’d definitely have forgotten to buy Advent candles until about two weeks into Advent.
Last year I was smugly certain I was prepared….
but when I opened the box of “Advent” candles I’d seen in my cabinet, they were, alas, white tapers I’d stored in an old box.
(Recycling in my home is often self-sabotage).
To save you such troubles, I remind you that Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King, last Sunday of the liturgical year, and you’ll need your candles by the following Sunday if you’re doing an Advent wreath this year.
Happy Feast Day! What Did You Hear?
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Best wishes for a happy feast day, Everyone!
How are you celebrating and what did you hear at Mass?
Our celebrant cracked us up by remembering some poll he read shortly after Mother Teresa passed away.
“Do you think Mother Teresa is in heaven?” the pollster asked. 65% thought she was.
There were various other questions, including the final one: “Are you going to heaven?”
93% of people were sure they were going to heaven!
Respondents were more certain of their own sanctity than Mother Teresa’s!
His reflections flowed from there.
What did you hear?
Have A Plan for the All Souls Octave
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Friday, October 28, 2011
Just a quick reminder—since Saturday is the typical parish Confession day—that not only Halloween & All Saints Day are upon us, but also All Souls’ Day, and an entire octave of days to release souls from Purgatory.
You’ll find a quick reminder of the hows, whys and wherefores at the link.
I was grateful for the advanced notice!
P.S. Fr. Z. indicates there that we’re to pray for the Holy Father’s “monthly intentions.” This is the first time I’ve run into that qualifier—I’ve always understood “Holy Father’s intentions,” generally—whatever they might be. From the point of view of intent and fulfillment of the indulgence, I’m certain it’s fine, since the latter includes the former. Just curious if that’s a new one on anyone else.
Tell Us About World Youth Day
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Monday, August 22, 2011
My facebook feed over the weekend has been filled with great moments:
The fervor and joy of more than a million young people gathered to stand for the Faith and with the Holy Father;
The sudden hush when the noisy crowds entered into silent adoration;
Moments of confrontation with angry protesters that became opportunities to exercise courage, patience, charity and faith;
The beautiful wisdom of the Pope’s various addresses.
Were you or your kids at World Youth Day in Madrid? Or maybe following proceedings on tv?
If so, I hope you’ll share your impressions while they’re still fresh.
Don't Know Much About The Assumption
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Monday, August 15, 2011
Happy feast day, everyone! Here’s an amusing video review of what we’re celebrating.
Christ's Sacred Heart
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Friday, July 01, 2011
It’s a solemnity today, so pray for priests and make your acts of loving reparation as the Church asks…
but then have a delicious Friday meat meal or do something fun, in celebration of being so loved!
“In the Heart of Jesus, the center of Christianity is set before us. It expresses everything, all that is genuinely new and revolutionary in the New Covenant. This Heart calls to our heart. It invites us to step forth out of the futile attempt of self-preservation and, by joining in the task of love, by handing ourselves over to him and with him, to discover the fullness of love which alone is eternity and which alone sustains the world.”
—Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, in “Behold the Pierced One.”
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