Holy Land Pilgrimage Summer '22

Hey Y’all! 

My name is James (or Captain) 

This is the first time I’ve ever written something here on the blog and, despite having over fifteen years of my life shared on here by my mom, I thought I would tell you a little bit about myself in my own words!

I’m 21 years old and am the oldest of nine in my family. I grew up in beautiful Southern Oregon for eighteen years but currently live (still with my family) in North Idaho. After attending school at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia for two years, I transferred over to University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where I just finished up my junior year of college. If everything works out, God willing, I will graduate next spring with a degree in Criminal Justice. I know I won’t be able to solve all of the world’s problems, but I can do my best to make right the injustices within the communities and populations that I will be working with in the future and in that way, I hope to strengthen our communities and leave a lasting positive impact for future generations. 

Now that you know a little bit about my background, I thought I’d share a little bit about what I enjoy doing. First off, I absolutely love the outdoors and spending time in nature. Whenever I can, I try to go swimming in the lakes or hiking in the mountains all while admiring God's beautiful artwork. If I’m not out spending time in nature, I like to stay active and spend my time with my family and friends playing all sorts of sports and board games. I think I would have to say that pickleball has become one of my favorite sports to play with family and friends and for board games it’s still Settlers of Catan. ;D

 

I also really love road trips and visiting unique sites! My favorite road trip this year was the bus ride with my friends from Bismarck to DC in January for the March for Life.  There were many things about that trip that I loved but one of my favorites was visiting the National Archives Museum for the first time and reading for myself the words of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution. That moment that I was able to experience was incredible! Not gonna lie, my vision became a little blurry when I was reading those monumental documents. It made everything that I believe and love about this country that much more meaningful. Sure, I have read books on the founding of America and have studied certain aspects of how this country has grown throughout history, but by observing first-hand the documents that formed America, it made everything, in a way, real.  It added a new perspective on my Constitutional Law class (that I took this last semester), American History, and the American government system.

    

This summer, I have been granted the wonderful opportunity to partake in an upcoming pilgrimage traveling to the Holy Land with my godfather, Father Dennis Gordon! During our travels, God willing, we’ll be blessed to visit where Christ was born, where He walked on water, where He prayed on the Mount of Olives, where He was crucified, and where He rose from the dead! These are just a few of the places we'll be visiting on my pilgrimage. Similar to how seeing the documents on which our country was founded created a more personal understanding of America, I believe that going on this pilgrimage and visiting the holy sites throughout Jerusalem will create a new, real, and reinvigorating understanding of the Faith that I believe in. Yes, I encounter Christ in a very real way every day in the people I interact with, in His beautiful nature that He created, and at Mass in the Holy Sacrament, but by going and literally walking the same streets He walked on will make the Faith that I live out that much more real and meaningful to me. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will make reading the bible that much more vivid, the consecration of the Eucharist that much more impactful, and create in me an even greater zealousness to live out the Christian Faith.

However, I can’t do this on my own. In addition to working (more than) full time this summer and working as an RA during the upcoming school year, I’m trying to fundraise to help offset the pilgrimage costs. Therefore, I humbly ask you (to find it in your heart) to help support me and my trip to the Holy City of Jerusalem. (Not gonna lie, I feel like I am a knight embarking on a crusade and begging for the support of the community to help him go on his holy mission! lol) But in all seriousness, your unselfish generosity would make something that I thought would never even be a possibility a REALITY. Again, I am humbled by and eternally grateful for ANY financial support you can provide. I understand, however, if you are unable to help financially, and I would appreciate the spiritual help in prayers for a safe and fruitful pilgrimage. If you have any intentions that you'd like me to pray for while in the Holy Land, don’t hesitate to send them to me, and I’ll remember them as I visit the holy sites. :) 

Anywhoooo, I hope you enjoyed hearing a little bit about me and what I like in my own words and if you are able to offer any help either spiritual or financial (or both!) I will be forever grateful! 

Take care and God Bless :D

  

(Donate at GoFundMe, my Venmo or Mom's Paypal) 

P.S. Here is the tentative itinerary for our trip: 

Departure Day

• Leave North America

Day 1

• Meet at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv
• Transfer to Nazareth for Mass and supper at the hotel

Day 2

• Basilica of the Annunciation
• Cana of Galilee
• Mount Tabor & Transfiguration

Day 3

• Mount of the Beatitudes
• Caesarea Philippi & Confession of Saint Peter
• Golan Heights
• Primacy of Saint Peter
• Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
• Capernaum
• Tabgha Priory & Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes

Day 4

• Zippori National Park: Sepphoris & the birthplace of Our Lady
• Tel Megiddo National Park: Armageddon
• Muhraqa & Carmelite Monastery: Holy Prophet Elias & the priests of Baal

Day 5

• Leave Nazareth and drive south for Jerusalem
• Qumran National Park: Saint John the Baptist & the Essenes
• River Jordan & the Baptism of the Lord
• Jericho
• Dead Sea swimming

Day 6

• Bethlehem & Church of the Nativity
• Shepherds’ Fields
• ‘Ein Kerem & the Visitation of Our Lady

Day 7

• Mount of Olives, Pater noster & Church of Eleona
• Dominus flevit
• Gethsemane
• Mount Sion: Dormition Abbey, Cenaculum
• Saint Peter in Gallicantu

Day 8

• Via Dolorosa
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Bethany & the Tomb of Lazarus

Day 9

• Drive to Haifa to visit Mount Carmel for the Feast Day
• Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery
• Caesarea Maritima (extremely important early Christian centre connected with the Apostles and Church Fathers: Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Zacchaeus, Philip the Deacon, Cornelius the Centurion, Origen, Eusebius, and the Nicene Creed!)

Day 10

• Sunday Mass at a place to be determined (Notre Dame? Latin Patriarchate?)
• The Israel Museum
• The Shine of the Book
• Valley of Elah (where David slew Goliath)

Day 11

• Cross the Jordan River at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge
• Mount Nebo, where Moses looked out and saw the Promised Land
• Madaba & ancient Christian sites
• Wadi Musa (Spring of Moses)

Day 12

• Petra

Day 13

• Mount Hor & the Tomb of Aaron
• Kerak Castle Crusader Fortress

Day 14

• Queen Alia Airport for travel home

“Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the Gospel will save it.” ~ Mark 8: 34-35

Fix It! Grammar

We have been using Fix It! Grammar for many years and really love the program! It's been an excellent way for our children to learn grammar through editing.  

A few months ago Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) offered to send me samples of the brand new updated Fix It! Grammar course to try out with our students.  

Our 4th and 6th graders completed Level 1 The Nose Tree in 2020-2021 and had started working through the first ten weeks or so of the old Level 2 Robin Hood this school year. They had been struggling a bit and so we decided to have them restart at the beginning of February with the new Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse. After noticing a trend of the old Robin Hood being a bit difficult for students, even after completing The Nose Tree, they decided to create another level to fit in between the two. 

We are so pleased with the new level and all the other updates that have been made to Fix it! Grammar making it even better than ever. The fact that our students completed the whole book (30 weeks) in less than three months without any prompting from me shows just how much they have been enjoying these assignments! 

The new full-color Fix It! Grammar Cards are awesome too! I need to order a second pack so they each have their own set. 

I asked our 6th grader to share few of her favorite updates and this is what she had to say:

- "I love having one page for each day instead of having the sentences for the week all on one page!"

- "I really like knowing how many of each thing I'm supposed to look for each day to mark or correct."

- "It's so nice to be able to rewrite the sentence on the same page and not need a separate book."

- "I love the addition of Review It! pages. They are so fun!"

Our 4th grader added, "Honestly, I think these books are a lot easier to use than the first one! And a LOT more fun!"

They are both looking forward to moving on to the new Level 3 Robin Hood in the fall.  

Note: All links are affiliate links. You can also visit my IEW page listing all our favorites here! 

Divine Mercy Montessori Activities

My friend Rachele has been posting YouTube videos over at The Catholic Montessori Way featuring Montessori activities that you can do with your toddlers and preschoolers in your Catholic home! You can also find her over at Instagram as well. Her latest video includes our Divine Mercy Cinnamon Rolls! 

We've made these with both homemade and store bought cinnamon rolls in the past! 

Scroll through our past Divine Mercy posts here: Divine Mercy Sunday

"Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. 

Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God."

- St. Faustina

The Purgative Way {Review & Giveaway}

 

Our family loves board games! I'm always looking for games to add to our collection that are both fun and educational. I'm really excited about this remarkable new game called The Purgative Way! It will be a trustworthy resource for supplementing our children's religious instruction at home. The traditional artwork on the play cards also contributes to their appreciation of their Catholic heritage.

OVER 500 CATECHISM CARDS!
Play with questions from the St. Joseph's Catechism, the Baltimore Catechism, or the Summa Theologica!

GET TO KNOW THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT!
Draw closer to the Saints each time you draw a card!

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (1 THESSALONIANS 5:17)!
Learn foundational Catholic prayers in both English and Latin with 30 beautiful prayers cards!

NAVIGATE THE PITFALLS OF MORAL DILEMMAS!
We must not only know the Catholic Faith, but we must also know how to apply the truths of the Faith to our moral acts!

GROW THE FAITH! 

A basic truth we, as Catholics, should know is that God made us to know, love, and serve Him in this life so as to be happy with Him forever in the next. But, as St. Paul states, "Faith comes by hearing" and we rely upon our family and Holy Mother Church to tell us the Good News of our salvation in Jesus Christ. The Purgative Way builds upon the grace we receive in Baptism, to grow us and our children into faithful sons and daughters of God!

THE PURGATIVE WAY CAN BE PLAYED WITH 2-7 PLAYERS OR TEAMS!

Recommended for beginners to play in teams for a fast, fun game! More advanced players can increase the challenge by climbing the mountain only through their own knowledge of the Faith!

A CHALLENGE FOR EVERY AGE!

Through the use of different catechism decks for different ages, every player can be challenged with age appropriate questions, making for a fun, challenging way to grow deeper in the Catholic Faith whether you are 9 or 90!

FAITH SEEKS UNDERSTANDING!

The Purgative Way is a great compliment to anyone seeking to reinforce their knowledge of the Catechism and to better know the truths of God. Play it to prepare for 1st Communion, Confirmation, or as you're studying for Seminary!

You can find an instructional video over on their website.

We had one of our parish priests over a couple weekends ago and pulled out The Purgative Way to play together after dinner. It was our first time playing so we split up into two teams. Next time I want to be on Father's team... This game definitely points out which areas of the faith you may need to brush up on! 

There is a limited quantity available and right now you can purchase it at a discount! 

*Note: All links in this post are affiliate links. 

.: Giveaway :. 

If you'd like a chance to win The Purgative Way for your family please leave a comment on this post and enter using the Rafflecopter box below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

I'll leave the giveaways open until 4/23/22 at 11:59PM PST and draw the winner on 4/24/22. I hope you all have a very blessed Triduum and Happy Easter! 

Baskets of Books for Easter {and a Giveaway!}

(Books pictured above can be found in my 2021 Basket of Books for Easter post!) 

I didn't plan on disappearing for lent, but I fell down the stairs in our garage (actually it was my third fall due to dizziness over an eight day period in early March) and tore the cartilage in my wrist... My right hand has been in a cast like brace since and wasn't exactly something I had been planning on giving up for lent! ;) Thankfully I am slowly learning how to do more and more with just my left hand as I heal. 

Anyway, I can't believe that it's already the middle of April and Easter Sunday is this weekend! Our college kids won't be home for Easter (in fact they are dealing with a three day blizzard right now and Tues-Thurs in-person classes leading up to their Easter break were cancelled) but they'll be home by the end of the month! I am definitely ready for the Easter season and our summer break. How about you?!?

Once again our children's Easter baskets will be overflowing with books for them to enjoy. I always plan ahead and shop local bookstore and publisher sales year round and I am also frequently gifted with review copies of new releases from authors and publishers to consider as well. When that happens I ask for extra copies to gift to some of you too. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to enter for a chance to win a lovely collection of books! 

Here's a peek at 2020 Easter Baskets and our baby girl's first Easter!

Note: Before I share this year's book list, I do want to mention that I haven't read all of these books yet. I made my decisions based on recommendations, reviews, publishers, and the past work of some of the authors/illustrators. P.S. Please purchase directly from publishers when possible! 

Note:  Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

.: Twinkle Toes - Age 18 :.

Divine Intimacy

Meditations on the interior life for every day of the Liturgical year... This book of meditations is a classic and is seeped in Carmelite spirituality. It offers two daily meditations in liturgical arrangement which enable the soul to enter the conscious presence of God and to reflect on the theme of the day. These are followed by a “Colloquy” to assist the reader in starting a friendly conversation with God where acts of praise and love, petition and thanksgiving are made, together with good resolutions for the future. Here we are at the very heart of prayer, which is a heart-to-heart encounter in faith with the living God.  Also available from the FSSP bookstore. 

Cultivating Virtue: Self-Mastery With the Saints 

How to Master 12 Essential Virtues in 12 Months - On every page Cultivating Virtue imparts the true spirit of the Catholic Faith. This book takes 12 Christian virtues—one for each month, with a reading for each day of the year—and shows you how to master each one. Featuring episodes and sayings from the lives of the Saints, it covers Perfection, Humility, Mortification, Patience, Meekness, Confidence, Charity, among others. 

I've owned the former version/title of this excellent book - A Year with the Saints: A Virtue for Every Month of the Year - for many years and love the updates!  "The original text has been re-typeset as an attractive daily meditation. The new trim size is 5”x7”. It is bound in a Premium UltraSoft cover, with a ribbon marker and gold edges."

Clean Love in Courtship 
This booklet contains practical advice on the subjects of dating and choosing a spouse from the Catholic theological viewpoint. Father Lovasik points out clearly what one's moral obligations are in this area, providing an invaluable aid to youthful readers. Additionally, he demonstrates that Catholic marriage is different from secular marriage and why it is important to choose a partner who is of the Catholic Faith if one would insure his or her personal happiness in marriage. With the rampant dangers to impurity today, with the lax moral standards of a large segment of our society, with divorce at epidemic levels, Clean Love in Courtship will be a welcome source of light and guidance to Catholics serious about their faith.

Wives and Daughters

When seventeen-year-old Molly Gibson's widowed father remarries, her life is turned upside down by the arrival of her vain, manipulative stepfather. She also acquires an intriguing new stepsister, Cynthia, glamorous, sophisticated and irresistible to every man she meets. The two girls begin to confide in one another and Molly soon finds herself a go-between in Cynthia's love affairs - but in doing so risks losing both her own reputation and the man she secretly loves. Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Elizabeth Gaskell's last novel - considered to be her finest - demonstrates an intelligent and compassionate understanding of human relationships, and offers a witty, ironic critique of mid-Victorian society.

The Hidden Power of Kindness

Kindness counts. If you have trouble acting with the consistent kindness our Lord expects, your relationships with God and those you love may be suffering. Probably you just can't find the time and can't ever seem to develop the patience that you need in order to be consistently kind amid the irritations that afflict you daily. That's why this book is such a godsend. There's nothing complicated or magical about learning to be kinder; it just takes greater attention to the things that you do and how you do them. The Hidden Power of Kindness shows you how to become more aware of even your most offhand daily actions. You'll find simple, step-by-step, and spiritually crucial directions for how to overcome the habitual unkindnesses that creep undetected into the behavior of even the most careful souls. If you want to make progress in the spiritual life, you can't afford to miss the bracing insights in this handbook for souls who yearn to be kinder. They'll give you years of solid help in overcoming sin so that you'll live more fully with others and truly transform your corner of the world!

Know Yourself
Why do we do the things we do?Much of it depends on our temperament or blend of temperaments.Fr. Hock helps you to know yourself, and tells you what you can do to make yourself a better person.Includes a 50-question quiz in the back of the book to learn which temperament you or others are.

.: Chiquita - Age 16 :.

Divine Intimacy

Meditations on the interior life for every day of the Liturgical year... This book of meditations is a classic and is seeped in Carmelite spirituality. It offers two daily meditations in liturgical arrangement which enable the soul to enter the conscious presence of God and to reflect on the theme of the day. These are followed by a “Colloquy” to assist the reader in starting a friendly conversation with God where acts of praise and love, petition and thanksgiving are made, together with good resolutions for the future. Here we are at the very heart of prayer, which is a heart-to-heart encounter in faith with the living God.  Also available from the FSSP bookstore. 

The Woman in the Trees
Set within the expanses of the American frontier, this story follows Slainie, an inquisitive pioneer girl, whose life is forever transformed when a mysterious seer shows up at her door. Amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, family tragedy, and the nation's most destructive wildfire, Slainie must navigate her rugged pioneer life as she encounters love and loss, and comes face to face with the story of America's first approved Marian apparition.

All Creatures Great and Small
For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot's marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every patient that came his way from smallest to largest, and observing animals and humans alike with his keen, loving eye.

Till We Have Faces
C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—brilliantly reimagines the story of Cupid and Psyche. Told from the viewpoint of Psyche’s sister, Orual, Till We Have Faces is a brilliant examination of envy, betrayal, loss, blame, grief, guilt, and conversion. In this, his final—and most mature and masterful—novel, Lewis reminds us of our own fallibility and the role of a higher power in our lives.

Lamp & Lily: The Letters & Writing of Venerable Antonietta Meo
Antonietta was diagnosed with bone cancer in her leg at the age of five, which resulted in the leg’s amputation. The evidence of her holiness began shortly after the surgery when her father asked her if she was in pain and she told him, “Pain is like cloth: The stronger it is, the more it is worth.” When she returned home, she began writing letters to Jesus, Mary, God the Father, and many others, all dictated to her mother, since Antonietta was still learning to write. Her letters describe her enthusiasm for the sacraments, her love for the Church and her family, and her hope for the salvation of souls. Her letters have been a source of inspiration for many. 
My mom actually sent her this book for her upcoming birthday! Sounds excellent.

Benedictus

A monthly booklet for daily use, Benedictus includes: Daily Mass Companion (1962 Missale Romanum), Morning and Evening Devotions, Daily Meditations, Informative Commentary, Classic Prayer Collection, Beautiful Artwork, and Catholic Culture.  

She has been getting Benedictus monthly since Epiphany and loves it! 

.: Scout - Age 14 :.

The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version (Leather Bound)

A completely new typeset and designed edition of the popular Ignatius Revised Standard Version Bible, with minor revisions to some of the archaic language used int he first edition. This revised version is a contemporary English translation without dumbing-down the text. This second edition of the RSV doesn't put the biblical text through a filter to make it acceptable to current tastes and prejudices, and it retains the beauty of the RSV language that has made it such a joy to read and reflect on the Word of God. Now the only Catholic Bible in standard English is even more beautiful in world and design!

The Silent Knight: A History of St. Joseph as Depicted in Art

This richly illustrated book will guide readers through a spectacular gallery of images by Raphael, Michelangelo, Murillo, Giotto, Caravaggio, El Greco, and more, illustrating how each one of these creative geniuses chose to highlight the increasing number of attributes ascribed to this silent saint. Written to celebrate the Year of St Joseph declared by Pope Francis, Saint Joseph in Art aims to deepen the faithful’s knowledge, appreciation, and devotion to this eminent Patron of the Universal Church through the extraordinary beauty that he has inspired.

Shakespeare Insult Generator: Mix and Match More than 150,000 Insults in the Bard's Own Words (and this mug!) 

Put dullards and miscreants in their place with more than 150,000 handy mix-and-match insults in the bard's own words. This entertaining insult generator and flip book collects hundreds of words from Shakespeare's most pointed barbs and allows readers to combine them in creative and hilariously stinging ways. Featuring an informative introduction on Shakespearean wit, and notes on which terms were coined or only used once by the author in his work, this delightful book will sharpen the tongue of Shakespeare fans and insult aficionados without much further ado..

He's been taking a Shakespeare Literature course this year so I thought this might be fun!

Shadow in the Dark (The Harwood Mysteries) (Volume 1)

An attack by bandits in the middle of the night leaves a young boy with no memory of who he is or where he is from. Nursed back to health by the devoted monks in a Benedictine abbey, he takes the name Alexander, or Xan for short. Aided by the kindly Brother Andrew, Xan commits himself to finding out who he really is. Does he have a family? Are they still alive? And who--or what--is the shadowy figure creeping around the abbey in the dead of night?

The Haunted Cathedral (Volume 2) (The Harwood Mysteries)

An ill-fated journey, a long-lost uncle, and a mysterious cathedral mark the next chapter in the life of Xan, an orphan in search of his destiny. For a year, he has lived in the care of Benedictine monks at Harwood Abbey. Now he learns that he has an uncle, said to live in the far-off city of Lincoln. Will Xan survive the trip alongside the prisoner Carlo and his cruel guards? Will he find Uncle William? And why is Xan drawn to the spirit that haunts Lincoln Cathedral--could a ghost reconnect Xan with his dead parents? 

The Fire of Eden (Volume 3) (The Harwood Mysteries)
Xan and John are orphans at Harwood Abbey. They are also enemies, but now John, blinded by an accident, struggles with bitterness. In his latest adventure, Xan of Harwood Abbey joins forces with this most unlikely of allies to uncover the mystery of the loss of the Fire of Eden, a priceless ruby coveted by many . . . Who took the ruby—a dishonest monk, a traitorous member of Her Lady’s guard, or the frightening magician who dwells in the woods?  Will Xan and John permanently mend their ways? Or will the quest for the ruby destroy any hopes of lasting friendship? 

Our older boys had the original version of this series on their bookshelf and enjoyed reading them.  When the publisher offered to send me the new editions they mentioned that: "Originally these books were self-published, but they have been redesigned, reedited and in much of the story, rewritten." I think both of our younger boys - who have been working their way through their older brother's Ranger's Apprentice series at the moment - will love them! 

.: Rose - Age 12 :.

Maria von Trapp and Her Musical Family

In this New Vision Book, the dramatic history of Maria von Trapp and her musical family comes to life for young readers. Based on her best-selling autobiographies and a memoir by one of her daughters, this novel is part epic adventure and part spiritual testimony to God's faithfulness. Beginning with her birth on a train and the loss of her parents, and ending with her vital role at the family-run lodge in Vermont, this story shows how Maria learned to trust God at every difficult step in her life and to see his guiding and protecting presence at every turn.  

I'm excited to see this brand new addition to the Vision Books series! 

Jane Austen's Persuasion (Awesomely Austen)

A fresh, funny and accessible retelling of Jane Austen's classic story, with witty black and white illustrations throughout. When she was just nineteen, Anne Elliot followed the wishes of her father and turned down the proposal of the man she loved - a naval officer called Frederick Wentworth. Years later, Captain Wentworth returns from his time at sea, and Anne dares to hope that their paths might cross once more. But the course of true love is bumpy at best - will Anne and Frederick ever be reunited?

Jane Austen's Mansfield Park (Awesomely Austen)
Fanny Price is one of nine children, and her family are very poor. So when a distant relative offers to take her in - giving her the opportunity to grow up wealthy and comfortable - her parents jump at the chance. But money doesn't always bring happiness, and Fanny struggles to settle into her new home, where the family are very cold towards her. Her only friend amongst them is Edmund, who tries his best to help her be happy. As she grows up, Fanny realises that Edmund is the most important person in her life. But will he ever see her as more than the timid little girl who arrived at his home so many years before?

A Place to Hang the Moon
A heartwarming story about three siblings, evacuated from London to live in the countryside, looking for a permanent home--and a new meaning for family.

The Watcher
After Wendy is kidnapped, the only way she can survive World War II Germany is with the help of a special dog and the family she never knew she had in this historically accurate, standalone companion to Shadows on the Sea that Kirkus Reviews calls “a stimulating blend of suspense and history.”

Thérèse of Lisieux: Loving Is Giving Everything Away
In this colorful and vibrant graphic novel, St. Thérèse of Lisieux reveals to children the story of her soul and her secret to holiness: "To love is to give everything and to give yourself." Children will come to understand that the "Little Way" of St. Thérèse consists of trust, love, and generosity, and they will learn how to abandon themselves in the arms of Jesus like the Little Flower. Never before has the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux been presented in such a beautiful and engaging way for young readers. With this book, children will come to know St. Thérèse, her goodness, her peace in times of trial, her devotion to Our Lady, and her intense love for the Holy Eucharist.

.: Bud - Age 10 :.

The Mysterious Goblet
Book three of the In the Shadows of Rome series Being a Christian in ancient Rome was very dangerous. To spread the faith and stay alive, you had to live in the shadows… Once back in the safety of the shady wood where he had earlier kept a lookout, Delitilis breathed a sigh of relief and satisfaction. All he had to do now was destroy the box, and it would be mission accomplished. Delitilis sat the small wooden box on a flat rock and raised his heavy club. He was about to smash it to smithereens when he recalled the words his clients had whispered to one another as they were taking leave of him: "Have you ever seen what's inside the box?" Almost despite himself, Delitilis stopped, club in mid-air. It lasted only a few seconds, but, for the first time in his life, he felt a whole new sensation: curiosity....  Read more over at Amazon.

The Candymakers

Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country. Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew? Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone? Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink? Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather? Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook? This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations.

Donner Dinner Party (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales)

Discover the shocking and true story of the ill-fated Donner Party expedition with the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series! In the spring of 1846, a group of families left Illinois and began the long journey to California. To save time, they took an ill-advised shortcut—with disastrous consequences. Bad weather, bad choices, and just plain bad luck forced the pioneers to spend a long, cold winter in the mountains, slowly starving. What they did to stay alive and the lengths that others went to in order to rescue them make this one of the most tragic and infamous stories of the American frontier. 

Saint John the Baptist: A Voice Crying Out in the Desert

In the exciting days of chivalrous knights and wandering troubadours, a young orphaned poet and musician named Loupio travels throughout Italy experiencing many daring adventures. Befriended by Francis of Assisi and accompanied by the wolf tamed by this saintly guide, Loupio's often dangerous encounters help him and young readers learn lessons of faith, hope, and charity. In The Quest, volume 6 of this best-selling series, Loupio goes in search of a bell for his friend Saint Francis. Along the way, he is put to the test by dishonesty, hunger, cold, and discouragement. Trusting in God's providence, Loupio discovers his own resourcefulness and the kindness of strangers.

A Storybook of Saints

Written for children five to eight years old - but a delight for all readers - A Storybook of Saints tells about the world s greatest heroes: the saints. Focusing not so much on historical details about the saints but on a few memorable events in the lives of each, it is not so much a collection of biographies as a storybook. As such, the 40+ brief tales in it are not written to catechize children or inform them of the many details we know about the saints; rather, they are intended to awaken in children a deep admiration for those good souls - the kind of admiration children have for King Peter of Narnia or Frodo or Robin Hood; the kind of admiration that sends young children off in a flurry to find a costume; the kind that begins a relationship today that extends into tomorrow, the next day, the day after that, and ever on into heaven, with the saints in eternity. Here are delightful stories that will spark the imagination of children, move their hearts, and inspire their souls - in a word, lead them to fall in love with the saints.

Portrait of the Son: A Tale of Love

Here is a Christian allegorical story that treats of superlatives. The richest man in the world, with the most varied and treasured art collection in existence, begets the most wonderful son who, like himself, loves and appreciates every creation they possess. They relish entering the very worlds of their seascapes, landscapes, cityscapes and even abstract forms, but, most of al, they cherish their portraits, sharing in the very lives of their subjects. Under the father’s solicitous eye, and with their motherly estate keeper’s assistance, the exceptional son grows in wisdom and stature, extending his wealth to whomever wants it. What becomes of this son? And what later becomes of the treasures when the father decides to offer his immensely vast collection at auction? What superlative will be the most superlative of all? The man who wins the auction for the Portrait of the Son is in for the surprise of his life, and the would-be bidders witness a miracle of conversion. This is the long-awaited third volume in a trilogy of The Theological Virtues--faith, hope, and love--which began with THE WEIGHT OF A MASS, A Tale of Faith, and TAKE IT TO THE QUEEN, A Tale of Hope. Printed on the front and back underflaps are theological insights into the text and art of this story for all ages, for the true protagonists are the Persons of the Holy Trinity, the seen and unseen world of Creation, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

.: Grace - Age 4 :.

Robin Hood the Just
Few fairy tales mention faith, let alone religion. But kids need to see characters who are grounded in faith. Robin Hood the Just is based on a song from the Middle Ages that tells how Robin Hood went to Mass and prayed the rosary. Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization, this story is designed to entertain children while teaching them important basics of the Catholic faith.

I Believe: The Apostles Creed in Sacred Art for Young Children

Matching classic works of sacred art with the Apostles' Creed, I Believe impresses the beauty of the faith upon the hearts, minds, and souls of children. If you loved A is for Angel, this is a perfect pairing! Through beautiful Sacred Art, this picture book will help Catholic children learn the Creed while seeing magnificent artwork. On each page, there is a phrase of the Creed with a short explanation of what it means at the bottom. Children can lean about the meaning of the words paired with incredible sacred art images!

The Easter Chick
Back in print, this off-beat Easter story is bound to bring a smile. Hilda the Hen’s beautiful egg doesn’t hatch. Instead the talking egg asks: “Mother when is Easter?” Hilda can’t believe her ears. But when is Easter? Sometimes it’s in March, sometimes it’s in April. The date changes every year. Why? Hilda needs to find out because her baby chick is determined to be born on Easter Sunday. So she sets out to discover the secret and—with some advice from a wise owl—create an Easter dream come true in this delightful holiday story. Adding to the fun is a bunny seek-and-find, with rabbits hidden in many of the pictures for youngsters to find.

The Adventures of Sophie Mouse
Join Sophie Mouse in Silverlake Forest as she makes a new friend, looks for special emerald berries, learns to swim at Forget-Me-Not Lake, builds a fort at Butterfly Brook with her forest friends, and more!

The Seed Who Was Afraid To Be Planted
This children's rhyming book tells the story of a seed who lives in fear of being removed from the drawer where he lives happily with other seeds. One fateful day his worst fears come true and he is buried in the ground outside. To his amazement he soon realizes that he is destined to grow into a magnificent tree overlooking a beautiful sunlit shore. This inspiring story is one that any child can relate to, since it deals with being afraid of new experiences and change. This book will help young readers to cultivate the courage to face all their fears and to understand that good can come of any frightening situation " as long as they have faith. Most importantly, these pages also contain a profoundly biblical message about the transformative power of God's grace. Christ told several famous parables involving seeds and grains that have to "fall to the ground and die" in order to "bear fruit."

Saint Joseph: Watch Over My Family
With this delightful, inspiring and beautifully illustrated book, children will learn about and grow closer to Saint Joseph. They will also learn to ask for the powerful intercession and protection of this discreet and humble man, who always put Jesus and Mary first while placing himself at their service.

.: Joy - Age 2 :.

The Handsome Little Cygnet

A swan must waddle before a swan can fly! Manhattan’s Central Park seems an unlikely place for a family of swans to raise their baby cygnet, but family life is full of surprises, happy mistakes, and mysterious joys. Join Father and Mother Swan and their Handsome Little Cygnet as they paddle through four beautifully illustrated seasons in Central Park. Smile a lot—and cry just a little—as you follow the journey of a baby swan who grows up to learn what and who he really is. 

Hidden World: Forest

Learn all about the forest with Hidden World! Readers learn about a variety of plants, animals, insects, and other creatures that call the forest their home. Lift-the-flap features on each page engage young readers as they explore different habitats, such as burrows, nests, webs, and more.

One, Two, Three, Oops!

A rabbit dad decides to count his children, but they won't keep still, and despite his many attempts he always gets confused. Children in a silly mood will laugh. With the many active bunnies and the distraught father, the watercolor illustrations fun.

Suggested by a friend! I think our little girls will love it. 

A Tale of Tails
Long tails, fluffy tails, swishy tails, stubby tails—this witty poem about all the types of tails in the animal kingdom is perfect for curious preschoolers. With gorgeous paintings of friendly critters by Garth Williams, this book is a perfect blend of whimsy and fact.

Spring in the Forest (Lift-a-flap Surprise)

Explore SPRING in the forest with this lively, interactive Lift-a-Flap Surprise board book! Little ones will love learning all about springtime fun in the forest while following a mama deer and her sweet little fawn as they trek around the woods soaking in all the sights and sounds and meeting new woodland friends. The birds are singing, wildflowers are blooming, raindrops plip-plop in puddles, and the rainbow is bright in the sky. What a wonderful day to be a little fawn in the forest! A perfect way to celebrate the season with your toddler!

Saint Francis and the Animals (Board Book)
This St. Francis and the Animals Children's Board Book is for toddlers and young children. Saint Francis is renowned for his fervent love of God and His creatures, and they loved Francis too! Children will learn to praise God in nature, just as Saint Francis did 800 years ago. It is hardcover and 12 pages and measures 6 inches wide by 7 inches tall. It is illustrated by Randy Wollenmann.

.: For Dad & Mom :.

Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father (Commemorative Edition) 

An expanded edition of one of the most popular and best-selling Catholic books in recent years, this premium hardcover edition of Consecration to St. Joseph includes a new foreword from Fr. Calloway, 3 ribbons for marking pages, papal additions to the Litany of St. Joseph, more quotes from saints and blesseds about St. Joseph, Fr. Calloway's letter to the pope requesting a Year of St. Joseph, full-color artwork, and lots of other special new material. This will definitely be a keepsake to treasure!

Holy Hour of Consolation & Reparation to Jesus Christ in Agony: For Every Day of the Week

This is a Catholic devotional prayer book in reparation for the sufferings and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The prayers contained in this devotion cover each day of the week, from Sunday through Saturday. This devotion is drawn from the realization that our Lord Jesus Christ stills suffers from the effects of the sins we commit repeatedly against Himself, His Church, the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and against our own selves. Thus, the spirituality of the devotion is based on the theology of the Mystical Body of Christ, whereby He is the Head of His Church and we are the body. Therefore, any sin committed by or against any member of the Church renews His Sufferings which are indicated in His Sorrowful mysteries. So, the proper disposition for this devotion is that of penance and reparation.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love

Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most popular modern saints in the world, but the details of her life and spirituality are still not widely known and are somewhat of a mystery even to her devoted followers.
With over 150 stunning photographs, in-depth text, and plentiful sidebars on history, geography, and themes, this gorgeous work helps us enter into the universe of "the greatest saint of modern times" to discover the simplicity, yet depth of her daily life and of her relationships, both human and spiritual.

The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life
The Summa Domestica comprises three volumes: Home Culture, which delves into establishing a home and a vision for raising children; Education, which offers a philosophy for the primary vocation of parents to form their children and give them the means to learn on their own; and Housekeeping, which offers practical details for meals, laundry, and a reasonably clean and organized busy and thriving household.

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.: Giveaway :.

I also have the following six books to send to one of you! 

The Thief Who Stole Heaven

Saved by the Lamb: Moses and Jesus

The Catholic Treasury of Prayers & Verses

Lucy & Patrick Pray the Rosary

Interior Castle, A Boy's Journey Into the Riches of Prayer

A Little Catholic's First Rosary Book: The Joyful Mysteries

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:

(The winner will be announced on 4/24/22!) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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You can find links to all my other book lists here and our past Easter posts in the archives including our 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Baskets of Books for Easter. 

 

One of these years I'll make an updated gift guide... In the meantime:

100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas

Easter Symbols Gift Ideas :: More Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas

Easter Baskets on Easter Sunday (2018)

Scroll through some past Easter Baskets here...

The Annunciation Puzzle

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word."

With the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary coming up in a couple weeks, I pulled out this beautiful new puzzle Friday afternoon for our family to start working on assembling. I thought it might take a week or two to finish but they had it completed by dinner! 

We've assembled many puzzles in the past and this was such a fun one with lots of vibrant color variations making it possible for everyone to help. I would love to add more of the Joyful Mysteries puzzles to our collection. 

The puzzles in this series also include a beautiful sacred art poster in each box along with an insert explaining the meaning and significance of these timeless works of art.  Our children found joy exploring this First Joyful Mystery depicted by Blessed Fra Angelico, who Pope John Paul II declared patron of Catholic artists.

.: Giveaway :. 

If you'd like a chance to win this puzzle for your family please leave a comment on this post and enter using the Rafflecopter box below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm also giving away a second one over on Instagram. I'll leave the giveaways open until 3/18/22 at 11:59PM PST and draw the winner on 3/19/22, the feast of St. Joseph.

O God, Who in Thy love didst send an Angel to the Blessed Virgin, to tell her that she would be the Mothers of the little Jesus, we ask Thee to hear the prayers which she makes for us in heaven. - A Young Catholic's Daily Missal