Catholic Daily Planners and the Church Calendar

by | Apr 29, 2013 | Calendars, Checklists, Church Calendar, Feast Day Plans, Home Education, Latin Mass, Saints | 56 comments

One of the frequent questions I am asked is how I keep track of the upcoming feast days, and whether or not I have a favorite planner.

Just the other day Annie left the following comment on my Keeping Track and Making Progress {Daily Checklists and Planners for the School Year} post from last year:

This post was very helpful to me! I switched to the checklists midyear, and it was so much easier. Thank you! I’m looking for a new calendar to keep track of feast day celebrations. Do you have a preference between the Tan one and The Catholic Daily Planner now that you’ve used both?

Since I actually just ordered a couple new planners for the next school year, I thought this would be a great time to revisit the topic and try to answer Annie’s question.

When I recommend a Catholic Planner I always suggest either the Saints Calendar & 16-Month Planner published by TAN (I’ve been using this calendar for many years) or the Catholic Daily Planner by Michele Quigley (I just purchased my 3rd annual planner).  

[UPDATE:  You can visit TAN Books / Neumann Press via my new Affiliate link here!  Thank you!] 

Last year I was also given a review copy of the Holy Simplicity Planner (I blogged about it here.) but after discovering that the publisher practices *Sedevacantism and the planner follows the General Roman Calendar of 1954 (which is currently used by the Sedevantists and is not the current calendar used by Traditional Catholics in good standing with the Holy See)  I removed the links from my blog and can no longer recommend the Holy Simplicity planner in good conscious.

*Sedevacantism (derived from the Latin words sedes or “seat”, and vacans or “vacant”) is the position, held by a minority of Traditionalist Catholics, that the present occupant of the papal see is not truly Pope and that, for lack of a valid Pope, the see has been vacant since the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958. A tiny number of these claim the vacancy actually goes back to the death of Pope Pius X in 1914.  Sedevacantists believe that Paul VI (1963–1978), John Paul I (1978), John Paul II (1978–2005), Benedict XVI (2005–2013), and Francis (2013–present) have been neither true Catholics nor true Popes, by virtue of allegedly having espoused the heresy of Modernism, or of having otherwise denied or contradicted solemnly defined Catholic dogmas. Some of them classify John XXIII (1958–1963) also as a Modernist antipope.  Source: Wikipedia

My family is Catholic. While I agree that there are problems to resolve within the Church, Vatican I reminds us that we won’t be left without successors to the throne of Peter. As much as I wish we had more frequent access to Traditional Latin Masses (approved by the Holy Father), I am very thankful that we still have all the sacraments, and trust that the Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Masses we have are valid. When choosing a Calendar to help my family follow and celebrate the liturgical year at home it is important for me to know that the one I am using does indeed follow the currently approved Church Calendar, whether it is the New (Novus Ordo) General Roman Calendar or the (Traditional/Extraordinary) General Calendar of 1962 (used, with permission, by the FSSP and other Traditionalists in good standing with the Holy See).

Now that I’ve become aware of some of the issues with other “Catholic” planners I very much appreciate that both the Tan Saints Calendar and Michele Quigley’s Catholic Daily Planner both very cleary state the current Church Calendars on which their planners are based, and do so throughout the planners.

Saints Calendar:  This Saints Calendar and Daily Planner – 2013 includes both the New or Novus Ordo Sundays and feast days, and the Traditional Sundays and feast days (as of 1962).  These latter are observed when the Traditional Latin Mass is offered.  The Novus Ordo Sundays and feast days, which date from 1970 or later whenever they differ from the Traditional ones, are designated: (New). The Traditional Sundays and feast days, most of which go back centuries, are designated: (Trad.). Also included here are any feast days which no longer appear on either the New or the Traditional calendar (as of 1962) – such as the feasts of St. Philomena, St. Dismas (the Good Thief), St. Tarcisius, St. Gemma Galgani and St. Dominic Savio; these Historical feasts are designated: (Hist.). It should be noted that there was some moving around of feast days even before the New Calendar was introduced in 1970.  For example, St. Catherine of Sweden is shown in March 22 in a 1931 edition of Butler’s Lives of the Saints but on March 24 in a 1956 edition of the same work. In this calendar, the date in parentheses after the name of a Saint is the year of the Saint’s death.

Catholic Daily Planner:  It is built on the standard guidelines of both the Roman Missal promulgated by Paul VI in 1970 used in the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite and the Roman Missal promulgated by St. Pius V and reissued by Bl. John XXIII in 1962 used in the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite, as well as the particular calendar for the United States of America.  It does not represent all possible variants.

Anyways, back to Annie’s question… Do I have a preference between the Tan and the Catholic Daily Planner now that I’ve used both?  
This is really a tough question for me to answer since I do (and plan to continue) use both planners each year!  My husband’s mother always gives us each a copy of the Saints Calendar for Christmas, and I use it for the Calendar Year (Jan-Dec).   I also purchase a copy of The Catholic Daily Planner to go along with our school year (July-August) though I do believe Michele also sells a Calendar Year version as well.  
Since I’ve been using the Saints Calendar from Tan for so long, it is still my preference for planning our Saint Day Celebrations.   I love that it includes the New, Traditional, and Historical Feast Days for every day of the year.  I love that it highlights a saint each week.  It also includes lists of all the Saints’ Days & Non Moveable Feasts, Patron Saints, and so much more.  This planner sits on my desk year round and is the calendar I reference when I am working on organizing the archives at Catholic Cuisine, writing my submissions for the Quiet Moments & Celebrate section at Catholic Digest, or planning our own family feast day celebrations.    (You can see some sample photos in this post. The Saints Calendar is currently sold out for 2013.)

There are also some things that I really love about the Catholic Daily Planner!  There are pages to include Personal Information, Friends & Contacts, and even a Web Log to easily remember all your favorite websites and blogs (like Shower of Roses, right? lol)! Since it does not include a featured saint for each week, there is more room for recording our daily plans and activities.  There is a 5 page section with Daily Prayers and inspiring quotes included throughout the planner.  I also love that it includes the Papal Prayer Intentions for each month!  

You can also customize the Catholic Daily Planner with your choice from a number of lovely cover options. You can also choose between a Full-Size or Half-Size Planner,  and you can add optional Lesson and/or Menu Planners to the back!  In the past I have always chosen the cover option 3LI (Bouguereau’s L’Innocence), which is definitely my favorite, but this year I went with 5AG for a change. They are all beautiful!  I also prefer the Half-Sized Planner, which can easily fit inside my purse, since I do use it to keep track of all our appointments and extra-curricular activities.  And even though I have added the Menu-Planner in the past, I think the new separate Full-Size Menu Planner will be perfect for me. 
In summary, here is what works for me:

I really don’t think you can go wrong with either the Saints Calendar or the Catholic Daily Planner.  They are both excellent planners which I highly recommend!   Hopefully the above descriptions will help you decide which is the best fit for you and your family.  

56 Comments

  1. Erin

    I am just blown away that anyone could call, say, Pope Benedict XVI a "modernist." LOL!

    Theses planners look great!!

    Reply
  2. Ashley Sue

    Oh man, I really liked that planner too! I didn't know that such a group existed; I just ordered a planner awhile back. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Eileen

    Thank you, Jessica. I count on you for so much information that I am not able to research myself. You tireless work is appreciated friend. You and your family are in my prayers!
    Eileen

    Reply
  4. Cheryl

    Wow, did not know that about the Holy Simplicity planner, though I did wonder why the saints days were different than some of my other resources. Thank you for that insight

    Reply
  5. Erin

    Jessica
    Thank you for your clarity, greatly appreciated! Oh and I would so love to have access to either calendar here in Australia, postage alas is often so prohibitive.

    Reply
  6. Christine M.

    Thank you for the information about the Holy Simplicity planner. I was unaware of it. I am so glad I read it here since I was thinking of ordering one. Also I wanted to let you know about a new coloring book I stumbled upon, although I do not have one yet. It seems your children enjoy coloring, as do mine, so I thought you may be interested. If you go to amazon.com and type in sense of the sacred coloring book, it should show up as the first option. The company is working on a second one also, and can be found at http://www.colormyparish.com. God bless! You and your family are in our prayers.

    Reply
  7. Laura-Lan

    Thanks for this informative post! It was so helpful in making my decision about next year's planner.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous

    Hello Jessica,
    Very interesting about the Holy Simplicity Planner. How did you discover that she practices Sedevacantism? Is it possible that she unknowingly used a calendar that is Sedevacantisic? I don't mean to doubt your words, but in good christian charity I need to know a little more before I boycott her products. I just ordered the new young men's planner from her- I love it.
    God bless you and your family.
    Heather S in MN

    Reply
  9. Inang

    The Transalpine Redemptorists of Papa Stronsay produce an excellent traditional calendar each year. You can ordinarily buy it from here http://www.papastronsay.com/bookshop/index.php but it isn't listed at the moment so they must be out of them. It's easy to order, even to Australia Erin, which is where I am too. And they are in union with Rome.
    What I love about this calendar is that it shows the liturgical colour for every day plus lists the saint for every day except where there is a more important feast. I find it a must have for following the liturgical year in our home.

    I was sad to miss out on Michelle's daily planner Jan-Dec. That was my fault, I was too slow. I will not make that mistake again. Thanks for recommending them!

    I look forward to reading your husband's post on Altar Serving too. I wish there was an easily available pattern for Cassock's and Surplices for altar boys. Perhaps someone will get around to this soon as it seems there is a growing interest.

    Reply
  10. Stephanie in Germany

    Thank you Jessica for all you do, to share the Faith with all of us. How did you discover that the creator of the Holy Simplicity planner is sedevacantist? How does one know if it is not written literally on their site? That this group even exists saddens me.

    Reply
  11. Jessica Gordon

    Hello Stephanie, thanks for the comment!

    I discovered that the family behind the Holy Simipilcity Planner is Sedevacantist through an email conversation I had in regards to some reviews they had asked me to do this May, along with wanting me to promote their new bookstore. Due to the fact that I've had multiple comments and emails asking the same question, I will share some of the details of my correspondence while arranging the reviews, which I left out of my post. Since they live in the same state as my own family, and I am well aware of the challenges with liberal parishes here, I asked her if she was excited about our new Archbishop. She didn't answer my question, so I asked again (I have asked in the past) where they attend Mass. This was when I was told that they haven't had access to a "valid" Mass in 12 years and that at least they still have the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage.

    Before responding I contacted a priest for counsel. I forwarded some documents from the priest that explain the issues of heretical popes and validity of the new rite of ordination. I also told her that I was reluctant to promote a bookstore which doesn't believe in and support the validity of the Pope, Bishops, and Priests in my Church. I asked her to please correct me if I was mistaken. I went on to say that I was still willing to review the books, but that I would have to include a caveat.

    Sadly, I was not mistaken. The reviews were also cancelled. She also told me that the documents I sent were written by "heretics" and sent me some links to of her own that "explain very well why the Mass is incorrect and also why Holy Orders are invalid when they deviate from the Churches laws."

    I feel that it is very deceptive of them to not share their position with the Church clearly on their websites. It was also deceptive of her to not respond to my questions, until I asked repeatedly. The planner in itself may be fine to use (I use many books published years ago, and love them all) but personally I have decided that I will not use it again since it is a Catholic calendar "created by a layperson" who doesn't believe our Pope is really the Pope.

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  12. Jessica Gordon

    Hello Heather, thank you for your comment! No, I don't believe that is the case. I just shared bits of my email conversation with the creator of the planner in the comment above. I am not saying that all my readers need to boycott her products, even though I've decided not to use them again – as beautiful as they are. However I do suggest using them with caution. Since I have promoted them in the past, and would not have done so had I known that they are Sedevacantist, I felt obligated to update and correct my past review. God bless you and your family too!

    Reply
  13. Jessica Gordon

    Thanks for sharing the link to that calendar! I actually opted for another Page-a-Day calendar this year, over a wall calendar, but will have to keep that one in mind for next year. In the past we have used the Tan wall calendars and the gorgeous calendar from Saints Galore. (I posted about it in 2010.)

    Your comment also reminded me that I forgot to mention that Michele's planner also includes the liturgical color for each day. I love that!!

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  14. Anonymous

    Thank you Jessica for your follow-up. I understand now. I pray for her and for unity of the church.
    Heather S in MN

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  15. Mary S.

    Jessica – you handled that communication (mentioned above) beautifully! Seeking counsel and even giving the benefit of the doubt… no regrets!

    This is totally on to another topic, but I was wondering if you knew of or own any board or card game for children that helps teach the faith? My nephew is being baptized (5 years old!) and his mom is ready to teach him the faith. I'd love an interactive way of teaching the catechism, if something exists. Thanks for your help!

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  16. Becky

    First off, many traditional Catholics (who are in full communion with the Catholic Church) follow along with a 1954 Missal. I myself love the Fr Lasance Missal. A close friend of mine loves her 1954 missal, because it was her grandmother's. The changes from 1954 to 1962 are slight and there is nothing wrong in and of itself with a lay person using a 1954 missal or even following the calendar. For example St Philomena was taken off the Liturgical calendar in 1961 does that mean it's wrong to celebrate her feast day at home? Of course not.
    The problem lies in rejecting the 1962. right? Could the use of the Holy Simplicity calander cause someone to reject the 1962. Unlikely. In fact nobody here would have known they were sedevacantist if you hadn't shared her personal letters addressed to you. It seems to me that you felt the need to publicly bash Holy Simplicity's store because the owner is sedevacantist, not because the material itself promotes sedevacantistism.

    Wow Jessica, it appears that you hold quite a double standard.

    It is ok for you to promote amazon links when the CEO of Amazon publicly donates more money to homosexual marriage than any other individual on record. Are we to change our standards when the money goes into our own pocket?

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  17. Jessica Gordon

    I'm sorry if you misunderstood my post and comments. In no way did I say there was anything wrong in following along with the Historical calendars of the Catholic Church, or in celebrating the feast days of the saints that are no longer included in our current calendars. My family celebrates saints that are no longer on the calendar, and my husband also prays using his Fr. Lasance Missal every day.

    And, no, I did not “feel the need to publicly bash” them since they are sedevancantist. Whether or not the Holy Simplicity planner would cause someone to reject the 1962 or Novus Ordo Calender? I don’t know – I haven’t read the planner from cover to cover. The planner is filled with much more than just calendar squares and feast days. I have not said that it isn’t okay to use the planners. I do feel, however, that this company has used me to promote their products, without being honest with me and that customers have a right to know where this company stands. Since I have recommended some of their products in the past, I felt obligated to clarify that recommendation. I would not have blogged about it otherwise.

    Yes, I do purchase from Amazon and share links to their website from which I receive commissions. I am also an affiliate for All About Reading and a number of other companies. This allows me to remain a stay-at-home mom and avoid looking for a part time job to help make ends meet. The big difference is that when I buy goods and services in the market place, I don't have an expectation of Catholic values. When it comes to items that are supposed to increase and deepen my Faith, I want to be careful when choosing those things. In this case, the sedevacantists are sharing something, not because it's something that is beautiful and holy, but because it supports their separation from the Church over matters that they deem important. I am simply sharing with my visitors here that there are other liturgical calendars out there that are not tied to a group that is willing to separate itself from the Church.

    I continue to pray for unity, and for all those who have left the Church. God bless you and your family!

    Reply
  18. Anonymous

    Jessica–I am a long-time reader, but I believe this is my first time commenting. I do want to thank you for bringing the information regarding Sanctus Simplicitus to our attention. I have been lightly using the Holy Simplicitus planner for this school year which was our first. (I write 'lightly' because I never really read the writing between the months. I only used the calendar part.) When I first printed it out last summer I noticed there were some feast days that weren't mentioned on the calendar we get from our parish, but I didn't think much of it. Your post has connected the dots for me, so to speak. Like you, I feel deceived that this information is not readily available on their website, and I feel absolutely disgusted that I have recommended their website and products to many other Catholic moms in online homeschooling groups that I am a part of. This morning I notified the ladies that I had previously recommended the site to of your findings. I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be using their products (which is sad because they are quite lovely) and I already placed my order for a Michele Quigley planner, menu planner and lesson planner to use next year. Thank you for all you do and all you share with us. Many blessings to you and your family. +JMJ+
    –Brandi T. in Texas

    Reply
  19. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Mary!

    Hmmm…. Catholic Board Games for children… I wish Merit was still available. My children all really enjoy it. It is worth watching for used. (You can see a picture of it in this post.) Church Windows is a card game that my children enjoy, though it doesn't teach the faith, it's just uses Stained Glass Windows of Saints. (You can see my children playing it in this post.) And Journey's of Paul is another game that my boys enjoy. However, they all may be a too advanced for a 5 year old. The Baptismal Set from Our Father's House (or the Mass Set) would make a really special baptismal gift for a little boy. I'll keep thinking and let you know if I can remember any others… And congratulations! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Ashley Sue

    Brandi, you said it well! I was disappointed in the company; I really liked their products. However, I felt used especially when I contacted them myself.

    Reply
  21. T

    I am so sadden to hear that 🙁 I ordered one of the planners last month when they started taking pre-orders not knowing any of this. (As a convert I didn't even know such groups existed till I read about it here on your site.) I wish I could return the planner and get my money back but their return policy doesn't allow that.

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  22. Jamie Jo

    Jessica, you've handled this with Grace and Love. As is the only way you could possibly, we know you & love you. I am glad you shared this with us, your readers. By supporting this company, we would be supporting a group of people against the Seat of Peter. Where Peter is, I will be also.

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  23. Ashley Sue

    They returned my money. I told them they misrepresented their product. PayPal has policies around that.

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  24. T

    Thank you for that information Ashley. If you don't mind me asking how did you contact them and what did you tell them?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  25. melody

    Jessica- You have done the right thing. It is tricky and I feel for the family if they lose business… but I do not wish to support a company that presents itself as Catholic when it is, in fact, not. There is far more danger in a Catholic leaving the flock by buying faith-based products from a schismatic resource than from buying a candy bar at Walmart. If they say "Roman Catholic" and are not, it is a lie. But it is heartbreaking and I'm sorry for the sadness it must be causing both parties.

    Reply
  26. Tiffany

    Oh my goodness…Thank you, Jessica! I had no idea and I've visited their website several times. I picked up on a few things that didn't "seem right" when I printed out one of their calendars but didn't pursue figuring things out. This is an education for many so thank you again. God bless you for your courage and grace. You are a true warrior for our faith who I continue to admire!

    Reply
  27. Ashley Sue

    I contacted them at the email address provided on the PayPal receipt. I asked for a refund; they declined. I simply wrote back that I was contacting PayPal about the matter of mistepresentation of their product as a "Catholic" planner when they are not. I got a return email stating that they refunded my money and then Paypal sent a receipt.

    Reply
  28. T

    Ashley,

    Thank you for getting back to me. I contacted them via the email that was listed on my order and asked several pointed questions which they refused to answer. After a few emails back and forth they refunded my money. I am now on a hunt for a new planner.

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  29. Anonymous

    This issue has been on my heart all day. It breaks my heart. I'd like to just share a few thoughts I've had today.
    In Christian charity:
    1. This is a family whose livelihood depends on income from this business.
    2. They are deceived. It can happen to any of us. Pray for humility and protection. Satan is prowling like a lion.
    3. Pray for unity among His church. This breaks God's heart.
    4. They believe they are following God's will for the Church. Their heart is to live in truth. Who of us do not believe we have the truth. Pray that God will use their trial for His glory and their conversion.
    Heather S in MN

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  30. Heather Anne

    Jessica, I cannot thank you enough for your willingness to stick your neck out for the Faith and tell the truth. I was about to become a customer of theirs after loving the samples I had downloaded. My heart and prayers go out to this family to see the truth and return to the true Church Christ established on earth.

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  31. Julie

    Jessica, you have certainly handled a difficult issue with grace and humility. This information is important when buying Catholic products from a Catholic seller. Thank you.

    Reply
  32. Just One Handful

    Dear Jessica, Last year when the TAN calendar sold out, I too picked up a Holy Simplicity calendar. Like Tiffany, I noticed that a couple of things seemed off and put it away deciding not to use it after all. I'm so glad that you posted your experience and gave us your thoughts. I wondered why I saw these things– and so glad you took the time to find out more and ask questions ( as opposed to my toss it aside!)
    For years I've relied heavily on all that you share with us. And will happily continue to do so. I appreciate your research. I love our Faith you share with such charity and clarity! I'm a cradle Catholic constantly learning from you. I cherish the ideas you share with us so freely. Your recipes make my children smile. I will continue to use your links at any opportunity I can. Thank you for everything, Kara
    I love what Jamie Jo said, "Where Peter is I will be also."

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  33. Christine

    Thank you for taking the time to let everyone know. I will be joining Heather and others in praying that this family returns to the Catholic Church.

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  34. Jodi Reel

    Thank you so much for your insight. I have been on their website a few times, and noticed that something was "off". I tried printing their liturgical bulletin board and wondered why the Luminous Mysteries were missing. (I didn't use the printable). I chose to just stop reading their blog, but this puts all the pieces together, finally. Thanks for being so knowledgeable and through! God's blessings!

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  35. Maxine

    Jessica, thank you for sharing this information. I thought they were traditional Catholics and I feel very sad that they weren't upfront about their beliefs. I think you handled it very charitably.
    The TAN calendar sounds awesome! I'll put it on my list for next year. I also use Michele Quigley's planner and really like it. Last year to save money I bought a cheap planner at Walmart and missed the Catholic Daily Planner so much. Can't wait 'til July to start using it again!

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  36. Jessica Gordon

    I agree with everything you have said here, and it breaks my heart to have this family separated from the Church! They have been in my prayers for the past few weeks, and I also prayed for guidance on how to address this issue here on my blog. However, the damage that they could do to other traditional Catholics who could be deceived by them (especially converts who have no idea that such groups of sedevacantists exist) is real. After seeking counsel from a trusted priest I felt it necessary to make amends for the damage I might have done in promoting their business (at their request) while being deceived about their real beliefs. While this family might lose business by having their true beliefs revealed, there are many Catholic families whose hard earned money went in the support of something contrary to their beliefs, without their knowledge. The people who purchased their products under false pretenses should also be considered.

    Let us all pray for their conversion, unity in the Church, and for all souls!

    O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.

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  37. Ashley Sue

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. Anonymous

    Thank you Jessica, for sharing this information. God bless your good work. – Genevieve

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  39. Stephanie in Germany

    Dear Jessica, I am so thankful for this clarification. I believe that the owners of the SS website have been deceptive in not expressively stating where they are coming from. I, too, will keep this family in my prayers. May God bless you and your family.

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  40. Anonymous

    Jessica,
    I believe you handled it beautifully. You are speaking truth and I applaud you. I, myself, cancelled my order for a planner with them after explaining why. My concern is that we, as Christian community, don't just cast them aside, that we recognize how painful this is for them and lift them up in prayer.

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  41. Michelle

    Thank you, Jessica. I have to echo Eileen's comment, "I count on you for so much information that I am not able to research myself. You tireless work is appreciated friend. You and your family are in my prayers!~Eileen" I do rely on your recommendations, schooling ideas, cooking ideas, book selections, and so much more. I trust you and your decision to share the truth with us has made me trust you even more. You have been a blessing to our family. Your charitable response has been another good example of how God calls us to be. Thank you and I too will continue to pray for you and the unity of all Christians. I had recently posted a recommendation to use the Holy Simplicity Planners to all my traditional friends on facebook…I just deleted the post! Thank you for taking the time to research this. Peace, Michelle

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  42. Stacy

    I appreciate Becky's comment. Jessica, I LOVE your blog and can't tell you how heavily our homeschooling family uses it to teach and celebrate The Faith. However, this particular review did give me the impression that to use the 1954 calendar was wrong, in particular because it was out of step with what Traditional Orders in Good Standing (And the SSPX for that matter) use. Certainly it can't be said that there is anything wrong with the books themselves (in their bookstore), which are simply pre-conciliar Catholic books with the imprimatur etc. If they were good for the faithful then they are good for the faithful now.

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  43. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you, Stacy. I apologize for my poor choice of words that gave you the impression that I believe personally using the 1954 calendar is wrong. I love all the history in our Church, including the old calendars. And there is nothing wrong with pre-conciliar Catholic books with the imprimatur – we have many of them in our home and read them frequently. The reason I said that I could not "recommend the Holy Simplicity planner in good conscious" is because the publisher had not been honest with me, and led me to believe that they are Traditional Catholics. When I was speaking to a priest on this topic, he did tell me that the reprinted books in their store would still be okay to purchase, if they are not available elsewhere. Had Sanctus Simplicitus been upfront with their beliefs, I may have still decided to use/read some of their products/books containing an imprimatur. (I have purchased a few books from Angelus Press in the past, and appreciate that they are honest and post clearly on their website that they are SSPX. I have also purchased a few Orthodox picture books on saints.) However, that was not the case in this situation. They did not tell me that they think the Masses I attend are invalid, and that they think our Holy Father is a "heretic" and not truly the Pope. I was not given the option to discern whether I still wanted to support their business (after seeing if I could first find something similar elsewhere), and only found out after they had asked me to promote them on my blog for a 3rd time that they held these beliefs. And from some of the comments I've been seeing, both here and over in the post on Charlotte's blog, I see that even when asked directly, they are still not being honest with their customers. It is for these reasons that I can not recommend them in good conscious. I am not telling anyone not to purchase or use their books, but I am saying to be careful.

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  44. Anonymous

    To everyone that has commented on this post- I hope that you don't rely on Jessica to keep you in the faith. We are all responsible for our own souls and those of our children. Making sure you know where you stand when it comes to the laws of the Church is your own responsibility and one that you will be judged for by Almighty God.

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  45. onlybyhisgracejs

    Jessica, did you create those magnets for the saints feast days?

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  46. Jessica Gordon

    Yes, I did. In addition to the image I linked to in this post, I also posted about it back in 2007. I've been meaning to take some new pictures and post about it again, but haven't gotten around to it yet. You can find my original post here: In Honor of the Saints

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  47. onlybyhisgracejs

    thank you so much!! For ALL you do. You are so gracious and I truly appreciate all you do!
    Jen

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  48. Eileen

    First, I will not forget to pray for this company and families associated with it. May God's will be done.

    Secondly, the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to use my voice and not keep quiet lately. I have fallen into the traps of relativism, for a long time ignorantly, and have prayed about it.

    The company needs to be open and not omit, with their brethren that ask, if they view our precious Pope Francis as not a valid pope or an anti-pope:(
    I have protestant friends that may believe this, I have not asked them, but from someone who claims to be Catholic I hold them at a higher regard.

    Reply
  49. Cheryl

    I just felt betrayed by them. I've corresponded with the publisher several times, and she seems very nice. Nothing personal against her, but I really think she should put a disclaimer somewhere on her site, briefly stating their beliefs but also mentioning that their items are approved by the Magisterium for use (if they are). Then let people decide whether or not they want to support their family ministry. Just be open about it, which is what Jesus would ask us to do. Deception — even if inadvertently — can be the work of the evil one, even if we don't intend to deceive.

    Reply
  50. Krista

    They believe THEY are the TRUE CHURCH – full stop. For them, there is no need for a disclaimer. That being said, they also know that there is the Catholic Church of Rome – the Church for which Catholics are members and the same Church for which their old reprinted books are in good standing – as your priest confirmed. These books can and do enrich the faithful and give us a glimpse of our own history. Personally, as a convert, I love to learn about our Church's history and to further understand Her liturgical calendars. The Mass, while it has continuity, has also undergone much "revision" over the centuries. To question its validity is where things get "dicey". This is to question GOD and Christ, quite frankly. Christ said that He will always be with us and He gave us Peter. The popes throughout the centuries may not have always been "holy", but they were given the Holy Spirit by virtue if their election as Pontiff. It is not for US to question this – is this not true? This is where our FAITH comes into play. Our "opinions" are not above God's directive.

    Jessica, your dilemma was great and I applaud your courage and grace by which you honestly and with pain of loosing the faith of your own followers and possible "hate comments" gave your disclaimer in good conscience. I have read and followed your blog for a couple of years now and I know you to be honest and prayerful and upfront. Thank you for these and for your humility to go forth in courage and openness.

    I do agree with your priest – many materials from the "SS blog" are perfectly fine to use and to follow. It is up to each one of us to decide if it is something we wish to support or not to support. I do wish that they would provide their position, however. It IS necessary. While I do not "damn them" for the position they hold (and I pray for them and their conversion), I do think that they should be open about it. I can understand their "frustration" relating to "valid sacraments" – perhaps that's because, being a convert, I "get it", albeit, in a "backwards" kind of way. But, they are truly in no less union with Rome than a protestant or other schismatic group, as we all understand – all the while ALL these groups "claim TRUTH". And unfortunately, Modernism HAS done some pretty "grave things" within our Church…

    On a brighter note, my daughter and I LOVED LOVED LOVED your papal lapbook!!!!!!! VIVA IL PAPA!!!!

    Reply
  51. Ashley Sue

    Part of that responsibility you speak about is finding good solid resources like Shower of Roses.

    Reply
  52. Anonymous

    Thank you Jessica for all you do! I am glad you found out about their thoughts about our lovely Catholic faith! I am sad, as thier products and stories for children seemed traditional. We shall no longer do business with them. I have ordered from Michele Q instead.:)
    Blessings to you and your family….you have our prayers and support!
    From a family in the Pacific Northwest

    Reply
  53. Anonymous

    Quite certain Jessica would shut this blog down if we all relied on her to impart the fundamentals of the Catholic Faith. Thankfully she generously shares traditions that her family practices and provides us with resources so that we might further develop our domestic churches. – Genevieve

    Reply
  54. Anonymous

    So as a convert I was not aware of this at all and would not have known what to look for. From the discussion here I gather that most likely these materials will not lead anyone astray? Some of the saints feasts do not appear but at this point I am trying to discern whether or not it would be misleading to use the materials.

    I do think you handled this well. I am trying to decide on whether to attempt to cancel my order which I placed. I believe it may have already shipped. I bought in good faith and if not in fear of being led to believe something not true of our traditional faith, I may just let it be for the year.

    I gather your biggest issue was they were not honest. Not the content necessarily?

    Reply

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Prayer of Mothers

Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.


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Sean & Jessica, Captain-23, Ranger-21, Twinkle Toes-20, Chiquita-18, Snuggles-16, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-6 and Joy-4 (blog nicknames)

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Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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