Did you know that Lent has its own music? I didn’t, at least not until I began paying closer attention to the rhythms of the liturgical calendar. Just as Advent carries its own sound and mood, Lent is marked by distinct themes: repentance, mercy, sacrifice, and a deep longing for redemption. But unlike Advent, which holds a quiet expectancy, Lenten music feels heavier. More restrained. These hymns slow us down. They invite reflection. They lead us carefully toward the cross. Why Lenten Music Matters The hymns of Lent sound very different from the triumphant joy of Easter morning. They guide us into the wilderness with Christ. They help us sit with our sin, acknowledge our frailty, and remember our desperate need for mercy. Lenten music teaches our hearts to linger, not rush, through this sacred season of self-examination and renewal.' These songs remind us that the road to resurrection first passes through suffering. One of the most beloved Lenten hymns is O Sacred Head, Now Wounded . Its haunting melody and poetic imagery draw us into Christ’s passion and fix our eyes on His sacrifice: O sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, Thine only crown; How pale Thou art with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn! How does that visage languish, Which once was bright as morn! This hymn carries us to the foot of the cross. It asks us not to look away. The sorrow of Lent is real, but so is the love that shines through it. Another powerful hymn for this season is When I Survey the Wondrous Cross . Where the first hymn draws us into Christ’s suffering, this one turns our gaze inward, calling us to humility and gratitude: When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Lent is not about remaining in sorrow. It is about being transformed by love. These hymns prepare us for Easter not by rushing to joy, but by deepening our understanding of what Christ has done. Resisting the Rush to Easter Just as the world often skips from Advent straight to Christmas, it is tempting to hurry past Lent and move quickly to Easter celebration. But something beautiful happens when we allow ourselves to dwell in Lenten music, to sit in the tension, to sing words of repentance, to meditate on Christ’s suffering. In our home, we are intentional about this. We save Jesus Christ Is Risen Today and Christ the Lord Is Risen Today for Easter morning. We resist singing them too early. And when Easter finally arrives, and those triumphant hymns fill the room, they feel fuller. Brighter. Hard-earned in the best possible way. Joy is always richer when it follows repentance. Lenten Playlists to Enrich Your Season If you would like to immerse your home in the sound of Lent, I’ve created a Lenten playlist to guide you. Whether you are praying, reading Scripture, preparing dinner, or driving your children to activities, these hymns can gently shape the atmosphere of your days. Traditional Lenten Playlist These hymns have carried the Church through centuries of Lenten observance. They center us on Christ’s sacrifice, our need for grace, and the mercy that meets us at the cross. Let the music of Lent slow you down. Let it prepare your heart. And when Easter morning comes, may your Alleluias ring all the sweeter because you have first walked through the wilderness.

Tomorrow, we move into the season of Lent. The celebration of Shrove Tuesday has passed. The beads are packed away, the last pancakes eaten, and now the mood shifts. The Church grows quiet. We begin a season of preparation. As Christians, we believe that the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the most important event in all of history. God, in His great love, sent His only Son to redeem us from our sins and restore us to Himself. Just as Advent prepares us for the birth of Christ, Lent prepares us for Easter. Lent is a pilgrimage. We walk with Christ through His forty days in the wilderness. We follow Him to the cross. We wait at the tomb. And finally, we rejoice in His glorious resurrection on Easter Day. This journey begins with a solemn and beautiful service: Ash Wednesday The Meaning of Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday, the Body of Christ gathers to enter Lent together. It is a corporate turning, a moment when we acknowledge our mortality and our need for mercy. Throughout Scripture, repentance is marked by sackcloth and ashes. In the Bible, ashes symbolize humility, grief over sin, and a return to God. During the Ash Wednesday service, ashes are placed on the forehead of each believer in the shape of a cross. As they are imposed, we hear the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) These are the words spoken to Adam and Eve after the Fall, a reminder that sin brought death into the world. They also remind us that we, too, have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And yet the ashes are placed in the shape of a cross. Even in repentance, there is hope. Why Ashes? Throughout Scripture, ashes are a sign of grief, humility, and repentance. Job repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). Daniel prayed in sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3). When Jonah preached to Nineveh, the people covered themselves in ashes as they turned back to God (Jonah 3:6). Ashes symbolize sorrow for sin, and hope in God’s mercy. In the early Church, ashes were placed on the heads of public penitents who were preparing to be restored to communion at Easter. Over time, the practice extended to the whole Church. The message became clear: we all stand in need of grace. No one enters Lent on their own merit. We come as sinners in need of mercy. A Day of Fasting & Repentance Ash Wednesday is one of the two primary fast days of the Church year, the other being Good Friday. It marks the beginning of our Lenten discipline. We fast not as a hollow ritual, but as a way of training our hearts. By denying ourselves, we learn to hunger for Christ. If you are observing a fast today, let it be accompanied by prayer. When you feel hunger, let it prompt you to turn your thoughts toward God. Offer your discomfort to Him. Allow it to remind you that He alone satisfies. How to Observe Ash Wednesday at Home Lent is both personal and communal. While we gather with the Church, we also carry its rhythms into our homes. Here are meaningful ways to mark this day with your family: 1. Attend an Ash Wednesday Service Gather with your church family. Receive the ashes. Enter Lent together. 2. Do a Family Devotion & Burn Your Sins After dinner or before bed, do the Ash Wednesday devotion. After the devotion, hand each family member a small slip of paper and a pen. Ask everyone, children included, to prayerfully consider an area of weakness in their lives where they need God’s help. Model this by sharing your own weakness and writing it down. Place the slips into an earthenware vessel and carefully burn them (or throw them into a fireplace or outdoor fire pit). As they burn, explain that just as the paper is reduced to ashes and no longer recognizable, so our sins are forgiven and remembered no more when we confess them to Christ. This is a powerful and tangible reminder of grace. 3. Make Pretzels The pretzel is considered one of the oldest Christian foods. Originating in Europe, it was created by monks to accommodate the Lenten fast. Made with only flour, water, and salt, it reflects the simplicity of the season. Its twisted shape resembles arms crossed in prayer, a fitting symbol for Lent. (The recipe is found at the end of the article.) 4. Begin Your Lenten Fast Traditionally, nothing is eaten on Ash Wednesday. However, this should not be required of children. If a total fast is not possible, consider smaller meals and abstaining from meat. Whatever form your fast takes, let it be intentional. 5. Visibly Mark the Season in Your Home Make your home reflect the Church calendar. Cover icons and crosses with purple cloth. Remove flowers and bright decorations. Take down signs of spring so that Easter will feel all the more glorious when it arrives. 6. Create a Lenten Door Display Have your children gather bare twigs and branches. Tie them together with purple fabric and hang them on your front door. This stark and beautiful arrangement is a dramatic reminder that we have entered a sacred time, a kairos moment, in the Church year. (Here’s the tutorial .) 7. Display “Vacare Deo” Create a simple sign with the Latin phrase Vacare Deo , meaning “to empty oneself for God.” Place it somewhere visible as a daily reminder of the purpose of this season. 8. Make an Alms Box Make an alms container and place it in a prominent location. A traditional phrase to attach is: “The fasts of the rich are the feasts of the poor.” Encourage everyone to contribute throughout Lent. Let your fasting become someone else’s blessing. Almsgiving: The Neglected Practice of Lent 9. Say Goodbye to the Alleluias Because we refrain from saying “Alleluia” during Lent, take time to say goodbye to it. Have your children write “Alleluia” on a board. Decorate it with flowers. Then place it in a drawer, chest, or closet until Easter morning. The absence will make its return all the sweeter. 10. Begin Spring Cleaning Let your physical cleaning mirror your spiritual work. As you declutter and scrub, pray that God would cleanse your heart as well. The Invitation of Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is not meant to weigh us down. It is an invitation. An invitation to humility. An invitation to repentance. An invitation to renewal. We begin with ashes. We end with resurrection. Today, we step into the wilderness with Jesus. May this Lent shape us, refine us, and draw us ever closer to Him. Blessed Lent, dear friends. Let us walk this pilgrimage together! the recipe - Quick and Easy Pretzels   Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey or sugar 1 1⁄2 cups lukewarm water (100-110 degrees) 1 envelope active dry yeast 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups flour Course or kosher salt 1 egg, beaten Add the honey to the water; sprinkle in the yeast and stir until dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Blend in the flour, and knead the dough until smooth. Cut the dough into pieces. Roll them into ropes and twist into pret- zel shapes. You can make small pretzels with thin ropes, or large ones with fat ropes, but remember that to cook at the same rate, your pretzels need to be the same size. Place the pretzels on lightly greased cookie sheets. Brush them with beaten egg. Sprinkle with course salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pretzels are golden brown.

It’s almost time for Shrove Tuesday, also called Pancake Day, Mardi Gras, and Carnival. And I’m excited, not only because we will eat pancakes and King Cake, but because it means we are only a day away from Lent, my favorite season of the year. This day always feels like standing in a doorway. One foot still in the light of Epiphanytide, the other preparing to step into the quiet of Lent. The End of Carnival If you are like me, when you think of this day, you might picture rich foods, elaborate parades, huge crowds, beads flying through the air, and excessive partying. And yes, Carnival is filled with celebration and merrymaking. But the word Carnival itself tells a deeper story. It comes from the Latin expression carne levare , meaning “remove meat.” It is a farewell to rich foods. A clearing of the larder. A last feast before the fast. Historically, Christians used this day to empty their homes of foods they would not consume during Lent: meat, butter, eggs, cream, and sugar. It was both practical and joyful. We feast because we are about to fast. Even in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras has become deeply secularized, the rhythm of the Church still quietly shapes the day. There are no parades after mid-afternoon, honoring the tradition that a more penitential time begins at sundown. And at midnight, the celebration ends. Police officers move through the streets announcing that the party is over, followed by street sweepers clearing away the remnants of the revelry. At the stroke of midnight, Mardi Gras is over. Lent has begun. It is a dramatic reminder: joy has its season. So does repentance. Shrove Tuesday and Other Names The name Shrove Tuesday points to the penitential character of the day. The word shrove comes from the Old English word “shrift,” meaning to confess one’s sins. Traditionally, church bells would ring to call the faithful to confession before the beginning of Lent. People would bring their palm crosses from the previous Palm Sunday to be burned into ashes for the Ash Wednesday service. The same branches that once shouted “Hosanna” would now mark foreheads with the sign of repentance. Mardi Gras and Pancake Day, by contrast, highlight the feasting traditions. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Pancake Day refers to simple bread made with eggs and milk, two ingredients traditionally given up during Lent. Across the world, Christians developed food traditions to use up their rich ingredients. In Mexico and Spain, families make what we call French toast. In France, King Cake fills bakery windows. In the United Kingdom, pancakes are flipped in kitchens and raced through village streets. In Germany and Poland, doughnuts filled with jam or cream are prepared. In Ukraine, thin pancakes called blini are served. Different foods. Same instinct. Feast well, because tomorrow we fast. Celebrate Shrove Tuesday at Home If you’d like to observe this day with your family, here is a simple guide. Let your children decorate the house with inexpensive Mardi Gras beads. Hang them from chandeliers, drape them across dining chairs, let color and joy fill the room. Allow them to dress up. Make simple masks. Lean into merriment. This is not excess for excess’s sake; it is a grand celebration before holy restraint. Prepare rich foods. Pancakes piled high with whipped cream and syrup. Sausage and bacon. King Cake or doughnuts. Use the butter. Pour the cream. Scatter the colored sugar. We are celebrating the goodness of the Lord before entering a season of austerity. If you’d like to add a bit of whimsy, hold a pancake race. In England, the church bells of Olney became known as the “pancake bell.” Legend tells of a woman so busy cooking pancakes that she ran to church, still flipping one in her pan. To this day, pancake races are held in her memory. Give your children cool pans with already-cooked pancakes and let them run a small course while flipping them. Feast. Laugh. Make a little noise. And then, when the plates are cleared and the children are ready for bed, gather together. Transition the tone gently. Light a candle. Explain that you are entering a new season called Lent, a time set aside to prepare your hearts for Easter. Tell them that your family will mark this season by making changes: eating more simply, praying more intentionally, reading Scripture more regularly, and giving alms to the poor. Invite them to consider what they might give up or take up. Close by reading Isaiah 25:6–9 together, the promise of a greater feast to come. Shrove Tuesday is not just about pancakes. It is about movement. From fullness to fasting. From noise to quiet. From celebration to repentance. And in that movement, we remember that every fast is preparing us for a feast far greater than we can imagine. the recipe - King Cake Ingredients for the Brioche : 1 envelope of Active Dry Yeast 1/4 cup warm water (115 degrees) 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons orange zest 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 1 1/4 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces 1 egg beaten and 2 Tablespoons water for the egg wash 1 plastic baby trinket or dried bean Dissolve the yeast in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, and let stand until frothy. Dissolve the salt, sugar, orange zest, and milk in a small bowl. When dissolved combine the milk mixture with the yeast mixture. Mix the cinnamon with the flour. Add the eggs with the mixer on low speed, then gradually add the flour until all is incorporated. Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until a smooth elastic dough is formed. A little more flour may be necessary. With the motor running, incorporate the butter into the dough, a little at a time but rather quickly so that it doesn’t heat up and melt. Turn the dough into an oiled bowl, loosely cover it with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. When the dough has doubled in bulk punch it down, cover, and place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can skip this step if you are pressed for time. The following day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough out to a 6 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the pecan filling (recipe below) out in the middle of the rectangle along the whole length, leaving about 1 1/2 inches on each side. Place the baby trinket somewhere with the filling. Fold the length of the dough over the filling and roll up tightly, leaving the seam side down. Turn the roll into a circle, seam side down and put one end inside of the other to hide the seam, and seal the circle. Place the cake on a baking sheet and let rise, loosely covered with plastic wrap, for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Brush all over with the egg wash, then place the king cake into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. When the cake cools, brush with some of the glaze (recipe below) thinned out with more cold water. This will help the sugars adhere. Decorate the cake with the colored sugars and drizzle some of the thicker glaze onto the cake. Place on a large round serving plate and decorate with Mardi Gras beads, doubloons, and whatever else that you like. Ingredients for the filling : 1 cup pecan halves, broken up slightly and roasted until fragrant 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1 pinch of salt 4 tablespoons Steen’s Cane Syrup Combine all of the ingredients. For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 Tablespoon bourbon water Combine the sugar and bourbon, and whisk in enough water to make a glaze that can be drizzled. For the sugar topping: 3/4 cup granulated sugar Food coloring Place 1/4 cup of sugar in three sandwich baggies. In the first baggie, add drops of yellow food coloring. Close the bag, squeezing the air out and mash around until the yellow food coloring is evenly distributed. In the second baggie, do the same thing but add green food coloring. In the third add blue and red food coloring to get purple. Sprinkle the colored sugars over the glazed King Cake in strips of purple, yellow and green.

The King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert. It was created to use up all of the rich things (butter, sugar, alcohol) in our pantries before a season of fasting begins. This is a delicious traditional King Cake with a flaky, buttery brioche, a sweet filling of toasted pecans, cane syrup, cinnamon, and coated with a bourbon glaze. King Cake Ingredients for the Brioche : 1 envelope of Active Dry Yeast 1/4 cup warm water (115 degrees) 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons orange zest 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 1 1/4 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces 1 egg beaten and 2 Tablespoons water for the egg wash 1 plastic baby trinket or dried bean Dissolve the yeast in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, and let stand until frothy. Dissolve the salt, sugar, orange zest, and milk in a small bowl. When dissolved, combine the milk mixture with the yeast mixture. Mix the cinnamon with the flour. Add the eggs with the mixer on low speed, then gradually add the flour until all is incorporated. Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough is formed. A little more flour may be necessary. With the motor running, incorporate the butter into the dough, a little at a time but rather quickly so that it doesn’t heat up and melt. Turn the dough into an oiled bowl, loosely cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. When the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down, cover, and place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can skip this step if you are pressed for time. The following day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough out to a 6 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread the pecan filling (recipe below) out in the middle of the rectangle along the whole length, leaving about 1 1/2 inches on each side. Place the baby trinket somewhere with the filling. Fold the length of the dough over the filling and roll up tightly, leaving the seam side down. Turn the roll into a circle, seam side down, and put one end inside the other to hide the seam, and seal the circle. Place the cake on a baking sheet and let it rise, loosely covered with plastic wrap, for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Brush all over with the egg wash, then place the king cake into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. When the cake cools, brush with some of the glaze (recipe below), thinned out with more cold water. This will help the sugars adhere. Decorate the cake with the colored sugars and drizzle some of the thicker glaze onto the cake. Place on a large round serving plate and decorate with Mardi Gras beads, doubloons, and whatever else that you like. Ingredients for the filling : 1 cup pecan halves, broken up slightly and roasted until fragrant 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1 pinch of salt 4 tablespoons Steen’s Cane Syrup Combine all of the ingredients. For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 Tablespoon bourbon water Combine the sugar and bourbon, and whisk in enough water to make a glaze that can be drizzled. For the sugar topping: 3/4 cup granulated sugar Food coloring Place 1/4 cup of sugar in three sandwich baggies. In the first baggie, add drops of yellow food coloring. Close the bag, squeezing the air out and mash around until the yellow food coloring is evenly distributed. In the second baggie, do the same thing but add green food coloring. In the third, add blue and red food coloring to get purple. Sprinkle the colored sugars over the glazed King Cake in strips of purple, yellow, and green.

Lent is almost here! If you are looking for a meaningful way for your family to observe Lent in your home, I’ve got the perfect thing - create a Lenten Paper Chain Countdown. This hands-on project isn’t just a fun craft; it’s a visual and interactive tool that helps your children (and you!) count down the days until Easter while reflecting on the significance of this time of preparation, prayer, and introspection. The beauty of a Lenten paper chain is just how simple it is. Each little loop stands for one day of Lent, and every time you tear one off, your kids can actually see that you’re getting closer to Easter. It turns this long, sometimes abstract season into something tangible. And in that small daily moment, pulling off one link together, you’re gently reminding your family that we’re walking toward something incredible, not just giving things up. Lenten Paper Chain Countdown Materials : Construction paper: Purple White Black Red Pink Glue stick or glue Ruler Colored pencils Instructions : Rip strips of colored paper along the width of the paper using a ruler. Add decorative elements to the strips listed below. Interlock the strips in the order given below and glue the ends together. Hang it in a prominent place in your home. As you begin each new day, remove the appropriate link. You will need : 33 purple strips for the regular days of Lent. On the first purple link, color a black cross on it to represent Ash Wednesday. 9 white strips for the feast days of Lent, including Sundays and Easter (Sundays are always feast days since they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus). Decorate the Easter strip with a gold cross and flowers. Four of the white strips are for the Sundays of Lent. One of the white strips is for the Feast of St. Patrick on March 17th. One white strip is for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th. One white strip is for the Feast of the Anunciation on March 25th. One white strip is for the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter). Decorate the strip with flowers. 1 pink strip for the 4th Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday. 2 red strips. One is for the Feast of St. Matthias, since he was martyred, and one is for Palm Sunday. Draw a green palm on the one for Palm Sunday. 2 black strips for Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The order of the strips: 1 purple with a black cross for Ash Wednesday 3 purple 1 white for the First Sunday of Lent 1 purple 1 red for the Feast of St. Matthias 4 purple 1 white for the Second Sunday of Lent 6 purple 1 white for the Third Sunday of Lent 6 purple 1 pink for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday 1 purple 1 white for the Feast of St. Patrick 1 purple 1 white for the Feast of St. Joseph 2 purple 1 white for the Fifth Sunday of Lent 2 purple 1 white for the Feast of the Annunciation 3 purple 1 red for Palm Sunday. Draw a green palm on it. 3 purple 1 white for Maundy Thursday 2 black for Good Friday and Holy Saturday 1 white decorated with a gold cross and flowers for Easter Have a blessed Lent +

The first Sunday after Epiphany, Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. It is a significant day in the life of Jesus and the Church. On this day, we remember Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, a moment of profound revelation (an epiphany!) and the beginning of His public ministry. The Baptism and the Season of Epiphany The Church celebrates the baptism of Jesus during Epiphanytide because it aligns with other key moments of revelation, such as the visit of the Magi and the miracle at Cana. Each of these events reveals who Jesus is and deepens our understanding of His divine mission. The baptism of Jesus is not merely a historical moment; it is a profound theological event that reveals God’s nature, affirms Jesus’ identity, and manifests the beginning of His redemptive mission. This is why the Church holds it as a central Epiphany, a divine unveiling that calls believers to reflect on the mystery and majesty of Christ. The story of Jesus’ baptism is recounted in all four Gospels, emphasizing its significance. Jesus approached John the Baptist as he was baptizing in the Jordan River and asked to be baptized. Initially, John hesitated, saying it should be the other way around. But Jesus responded: “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill allrighteousness.” —Matthew 3:15 John consented and baptized Jesus. At that moment, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the voice of God declared: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:17 This was not just a moment for Jesus; it was an epiphany for all who were present. The Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, was revealed, working together in perfect unity. The Significance of Jesus’ Baptism The baptism of Jesus is a moment of profound significance in the Gospels, serving as a cornerstone of Christian theology and faith. First and foremost, it is a revelation of the Trinity. At His baptism, God the Father speaks from heaven, declaring, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” while the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove. This visible and audible manifestation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together marks the first clear revelation of the triune God, affirming Jesus’ divine identity and mission. This event also signifies the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. For thirty years, He had lived in relative obscurity, but His baptism inaugurates His role as the Messiah and Redeemer. From this moment, He embarks on His mission to preach the Kingdom of God, perform miracles, and ultimately offer His life for the salvation of humanity. His baptism serves as a public declaration of His purpose, setting the stage for everything that follows in His ministry. Even though Jesus was sinless and had no need of repentance, His baptism demonstrates His humility and obedience to God’s plan. By submitting to baptism, He identifies fully with humanity, embracing our need for redemption. It is an act that sanctifies the waters of baptism, making them a means of grace for all believers. Through His baptism, Jesus models the significance of this sacrament, inviting His followers to enter into a life of faith, repentance, and renewal. The baptism of Jesus also foreshadows His death and resurrection. Baptism, as a sacrament, symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life. When Jesus enters the waters of the Jordan, He points forward to the ultimate act of redemption He will accomplish through the cross and the empty tomb. In this way, His baptism is not only a moment of revelation but also a profound act of anticipation and promise. Finally, the baptism of Jesus calls believers to reflect on their own baptism. It reminds us of the grace we have received and the covenant we have entered into as followers of Christ. It is a moment to reaffirm our identity as God’s beloved children and to recommit ourselves to living out our faith. The baptism of Jesus is a powerful reminder of the unity between heaven and earth, the humility of Christ, and the call to share in His mission of redemption and love. Ways to Celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Read Matthew 3:13-17 . Reflect on what Jesus’ baptism means for us today. Consider these questions: Why did Jesus choose to be baptized by John? How does the revelation of the Trinity deepen your understanding of God? What does your baptism mean to you? Renew Your Baptismal Vows. In churches all over the world, Christians gather and renew their baptismal vows. After the renewal, the priest walks among the people and asperges them with holy water, reminding them of their baptism and the cleansing and renewal it wrought. If attending a church service is not possible, here is the renewal of baptismal vows. Get wet. Around the world, the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord is celebrated with water-centered traditions: In Eastern Europe, Christians jump into icy waters, symbolizing purification and renewal. In Greece, a priest throws a wooden cross into the sea, and young men dive to retrieve it, symbolizing the light of Christ being brought into the world. Take a swim in a body of water or fill a bowl with water and dip your fingers in it as a reminder of your baptism. Make the sign of the cross and say, “I am baptized in Christ.” Make Zalabee (Syrian doughnuts). In Syria, Christians make Zalabee for the feast. These doughnut-shaped cakes are fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sugar to signify sweet and everlasting life. Although the method for making these cakes has been simplified, at one time, the dough used for the cakes was the result of being ‘baptized.’ The ceremony for the baptism of the dough began with wrapping the dough in a white cloth. It was then carried to a fountain and immersed in the name of the Holy Trinity. The dough hung in the tree for three days and was taken to the house. Miraculously, the dough rose without yeast! This new leavened dough provided the yeast for the next year. From this dough, small crosses were made and placed wherever food was stored in the home, and Zalabee was made. the recipe - Zalabee (Syrian Doughnuts) ½ package dry yeast 1 ½ cup lukewarm water 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) Granulated sugar or powdered sugar Optional: cinnamon Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir.Sift the flour with the salt into a large bowl. Stir the yeast and the oil gradually into the flour. Knead briefly until the dough is well mixed and smooth. Let the dough sit, lightly covered, for 45 minutes to an hour—until the dough has risen. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch, and cut into strips about 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. Fry the strips in a frying pan in about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of hot oil until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle the Zalabee with sugar and (optional) cinnamon while they are hot. Recipe from The Art of Syrian Cookery . Carrying the Light Forward The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord invites us to reflect on the gift of baptism and its meaning in our lives. Just as Jesus began His public ministry after His baptism, we are called to live out our baptismal calling by sharing the Good News, serving others, and growing in our faith. Let this day be a reminder of the promises made at baptism, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and the mission we are called to fulfill as followers of Christ.

Saint Valentine’s Day is almost here! Get ready for the familiar onslaught of Cupids shooting arrows, red roses, and little pastel candy hearts bearing messages like “Be Mine” and “Love You.” It’s that time of year again when parents feel the pressure to make sure their child has Valentines for every kid in class, and when couples rush to secure their dinner reservations weeks in advance. But for many people, Valentine’s Day doesn’t feel romantic or celebratory at all. It can quietly exclude whole swathes of people, those who are single, widowed, divorced, grieving, or simply without a romantic partner. In a culture that so tightly equates love with romance, February 14 can feel less like a celebration and more like a reminder of what’s missing. Valentine’s Day has also become a highly commercialized holiday. This year, consumer spending on Valentine’s Day in the United States is expected to reach a record $29.1 billion , according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Shoppers are planning to spend nearly $200 on average on gifts, experiences, and treats for partners, family, friends, and even pets, higher than ever before. And yet, this wasn’t how the day began. The Story of Saint Valentine So, how did we start celebrating Valentine’s Day in the first place? The celebration began as Saint Valentine’s Day , a feast day in the church calendar honoring a man named Valentine. Like the saints we remember throughout the year, he felt called to serve the Lord and others, and he dedicated his life to faithful service in a time of intense persecution of Christians. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who was known as “Claudius the Cruel” due to his bloody military campaigns. Claudius noticed that men were reluctant to join his army because they didn’t want to leave their wives and families. To counter this, he banned all engagements and marriages throughout the empire. St. Valentine strongly disagreed and continued to perform marriages in secret , affirming the sacred union of couples despite the emperor’s decree. Word of his actions eventually reached Claudius, and Valentine was arrested. He was brought before the prefect of Rome, beaten, and eventually beheaded around the year 270 AD because of his unwavering faithfulness and defiance of what he believed to be an unjust command. Romantic Love & the Love of Christ Because St. Valentine was martyred for his stand and for marrying couples in defiance of imperial law, his feast became associated with romantic love . Legend also says that, while imprisoned, he befriended his jailer’s daughter and left her a farewell note signed “From Your Valentine.” This story, more tradition than verified history, is often cited as the origin of exchanging affectionate notes on February 14. Regardless of the historical specifics, the deeper Christian meaning of Valentine’s Day lies in self-sacrificial love . We remember St. Valentine first and foremost because of his love for Christ and his willingness to suffer and die for righteousness. In this way, Valentine points us to the love of Christ , a love that is patient, kind, and courageous even in the face of persecution. So, enjoy the traditions you like, flowers, candy, notes, dinner, but remember the real reason we celebrate : the faithful witness of a saint who lived and died out of love for Christ and others. Celebrate the Attributes of Godly Love If you and your family want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that’s both fun and deeply meaningful, here are some ideas: Read 1 Corinthians 13 together. This chapter beautifully describes what true, Godly love looks like. Discuss with your children how the love described here differs from Hollywood’s version: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never ends. — 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 Make your own “Valentines.” Create cards for loved ones that include one of the attributes of love from this passage. This can be a powerful way for your children to reflect on what love is , not just what it feels like. Widen your circle. Create cards not only for close friends or family members, but also for someone who might otherwise feel forgotten on Valentine’s Day, a neighbor who lives alone, a grandparent, a parishioner, a teacher, or a friend who is single or grieving. Bake heart-shaped cookies. Use frosting to write words like patient , kind , and hope on the cookies. As you decorate and eat, talk about how these qualities reflect the love Jesus shows us every day. Have fun celebrating those you love, but also take time to offer thanks to God for his faithful saint, Valentine, and for the perfect love we have in Jesus Christ. the recipe - Saint Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies Cookies 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Icing Confectioner’s sugar Red food coloring or beetroot powder Whole milk Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and extracts. Sift flour, soda, and cream of tartar together. Add to the butter mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight. Roll out and cut into heart shapes. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Divide the confectioner’s sugar into bowls, depending on how many shades of pink you want. Add varying amounts of coloring to the bowls. Add just enough milk to each bowl to make a thick, spreadable icing. Use the icing to write the attributes of love on the top of your cookies!

As Lent approaches, many of us feel that tug, that desire to go deeper. We want to do more than give something up. We want to understand the season, to walk through it with our families in a way that feels rooted, rich, and meaningful. Years ago, as a young mom trying to shape our home around the rhythms of the Church calendar, I remember feeling overwhelmed. I could find little pieces here and there, books that touched on Holy Week or offered a few craft ideas, but what I longed for was something whole . I wanted one book that gave me the big picture and the small details.Something that told me: Why we fast from meat on Fridays Why we bury the Alleluias Why purple, why ashes, why 40 days I wanted the history , the meaning , the traditions .I wanted traditional recipes, beautiful prayers, global customs, and gentle devotions that could walk with us, not just on Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, but every step in between. And since I couldn’t find it…I wrote it. The Liturgical Home: Lent is now available! This book is for you if you’ve ever wondered: How do I bring Lent into our home? How can I help my children understand and live this season? What do these beautiful traditions actually mean, and where did they come from? Inside, you’ll find: An introduction to Lent —its history, purpose, and place in the Church year Ways to observe Lent at home —from simple traditions to full family activities Explanations of symbols and customs —including fasting, colors, and feast days Family devotions —a beautiful family liturgy based on the Serivce of Light Traditional recipes from around the world —because food is part of how we remember This isn’t just a book of ideas, it’s a companion for the season. It’s a guide for homes just like yours, hungry for more than just surface-level observance. It’s meant to help you live the fullness of Lent, in all its solemnity, beauty, and hope. For the longtime observer and the liturgical beginner alike Whether this is your first year leaning into Lent or your fortieth, I wrote this book with you in mind. You don’t need a theology degree. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a heart that’s open to walking with Christ through these sacred days. So if you’re looking for a way to slow down, to dig in, and to walk through Lent with intention, this book was made for you. Let’s journey through this season together. 📖 Grab your copy of The Liturgical Home: Lent HERE

As we move towards the end of the season of Epiphany and the world around us begins its slow awakening from winter’s grip, the Church gently leads us into a new and necessary season— Lent . This sacred time is not just a prelude to Easter. It is a journey of the soul, a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation. Just as Christ was led into the wilderness for forty days, so too are we invited to follow, to walk the road of self-examination, humility, and transformation. In a world that constantly calls us to consume, achieve, and distract ourselves, Lent offers something far richer: a call to pause , to strip away the noise, and to reorient our hearts toward the cross and the hope of resurrection. What Is Lent? Lent is the 40-day season of preparation before Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at sundown on Holy Saturday . (If you count the days and find 46, that’s because Sundays are always “little Easters,”resurrection days not included in the fast.) The number 40 is no accident. It echoes deeply throughout Scripture: Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Law (Exodus 24:18). The Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33–34). Elijah journeyed 40 days to Mount Horeb to encounter God (1 Kings 19:8). And Jesus , before beginning His public ministry, fasted for 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11), confronting temptation and fully submitting himself to the Father’s will. Lent mirrors this scriptural pattern. It’s not just about giving things up, it’s about stepping into the spiritual wilderness, confronting our distractions and desires, and making space for renewal. Lent’s Three Pillars: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving Since the early centuries of the Church, three key disciplines have guided our Lenten journey. These practices are not arbitrary rules, they are deeply biblical invitations into communion with God and love of neighbor. 1. Prayer: Turning Our Hearts Toward God Lent is an ideal time to rekindle our prayer lives. Prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a relationship. It invites us to speak honestly with God, to listen attentively, and to rest in His presence. Ways to pray more deeply this season: Add morning or evening prayer to your daily rhythm. Use a Lenten devotional, Scripture journal, or daily examen. Attend extra services, many churches offer Stations of the Cross , Lenten Vespers , or Compline . Keep a list of people to pray for. Let Lent be a time of intercession for the weary, the lost, and the hurting. As Jesus withdrew to commune with the Father, so too are we called to step away from the busyness and sit quietly with God. 2. Fasting: Making Room for What Matters Fasting is the most visible of the Lenten disciplines, but it’s often misunderstood. Fasting isn’t about punishing ourselves or proving our holiness, it’s about clearing space so that we can more clearly hear God’s voice. Traditional fasting ideas include: Abstaining from meat on Fridays. Giving up a particular food or drink, sweets, coffee, alcohol. Fasting from habits that distract or enslave, social media, noise, unnecessary spending. In the end, fasting reveals what we turn to for comfort or distraction. It shows us how weak our flesh is and it reminds us of how much we desperately need God. 3. Almsgiving: Love That Takes Action Lent’s third pillar is almsgiving , a practice that moves us from inward reflection to outward compassion. As we draw closer to God in prayer and make room for Him through fasting, we are also invited to pour ourselves out in love for others. This can take many forms: Donating to charitable organizations or local ministries. Volunteering your time or skills to help the vulnerable. Practicing daily acts of generosity, whether financial, emotional, or practical. True religion, Scripture tells us, is to “care for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). Almsgiving embodies the Gospel in flesh-and-blood ways. Lent Is a Journey—Not a Checklist It’s easy to reduce Lent to a series of do’s and don’ts: No meat, no treats, more prayer. But Lent is not about religious perfection. It’s a journey of transformation. Some years we may enter it with enthusiasm and discipline. Other years, we may feel dry, distracted, or overwhelmed. And yet, God meets us where we are . You don’t have to do Lent perfectly . You’re not being graded. The invitation is simply to turn, to return, to Christ. Again and again. That’s the heart of repentance: not guilt, but reorientation. So whether your Lenten rule is carefully crafted or simply an honest prayer each day, know that grace covers the journey . Ashes and the Invitation to Return Lent begins with Ash Wednesday , when the Church gently places ashes on our foreheads with the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It’s a sobering reminder, but also a freeing one. We are dust. We are not in control. And yet, we are loved . Loved by the One who formed us from the earth and breathes life into our lungs. The ashes are not the end. They mark the beginning of a journey, a journey that leads us through repentance, through suffering, through the cross, and ultimately into resurrection . Embracing Lent as a Gift What if we chose to see Lent not as an obligation, but as a gift? What if these forty days are an opportunity, to be quiet, to be honest, to be healed? What if, instead of bracing ourselves for hardship, we entered Lent with openness and expectancy? Yes, Lent will ask something of us. It will ask us to surrender, to examine, to let go. But it will also give something far greater in return: renewed hope , deeper peace , and the joy of Easter morning that can only come after the long night. So, how will you keep Lent this year? What might God be asking you to release? Where might He be inviting you to return? Let’s walk through this season together, with simplicity, with intention, and with hearts wide open. The tomb will not remain sealed. The stone will be rolled away. Resurrection is coming. Let us prepare to meet it. —Ashley Looking for a helpful guide to Lent? My book, The Liturgical Home: Lent , was written exactly for this season. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the Church calendar or looking for a fresh way to engage Lent at home, this guide offers the meaning behind Lent and all of it’s rich traditions, family devotions, recipes, and all of the feast days and fast days and how to celebrate them in your home. Grab your copy HERE and walk through Lent with intention this year.

Candlemas, celebrated each year on February 2nd , holds a beloved place in the Church calendar. Also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it marks the moment when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after His birth. There, a devout man named Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, took Jesus into his arms, lifted Him to the Lord, and spoke these prophetic words: “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:32 It is this image, Jesus, revealed as the Light of the World , that gives Candlemas its name and its luminous heart. The Tradition of Blessed Candles Because of this revelation, candles have long played a central role in how Christians have celebrated this feast. Historically, on Candlemas, churches would bless all the candles they planned to use throughout the year. Families would also bring candles from home to be blessed during a special liturgy, Candlemas , or Candle Mass . These blessed candles would then be used throughout the year during prayer, storms, illness, or moments of need, a visible reminder that Christ’s light is always with us. A Simple Practice to Bring Home One beautiful way to mark Candlemas in your own home is by making your own beeswax candles . It’s a hands-on, joyful activity that connects you to centuries of Christian tradition, to the wider Church across the world, and to the deep truth that Jesus is our light in the darkness. Even more, it’s a lovely project for families to do together. The steps are simple and the result is something you can use in your home all year long. How to Ma https://amzn.to/47X1jFM ke Beeswax Candles for Candlemas Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own candles using beeswax pellets and silicone molds , a user-friendly method that’s great even if you’re brand new to candle making. Materials Needed: Beeswax Pellets These are my favorite. They melt so easily and dry quickly. Silicone Candle Molds Come with two spiral silicone molds, wicks, and clips. Wax Melting Handled Pot I love this pot because the wax melts quickly and it has a handle and a spout which makes it so much less messy than a saucepan. Saucepan ( Make sure it's larger than your wax pot) Stirring Spoon ( I used a metal spoon which made clean-up easy) Scissors Masking Tape Instructions: 1. Preparing the Molds: Cut a length of wick that is 2 inches longer than the mold. Place the wick inside the silicone mold, leaving an inch of wick coming out of the top and the bottom. Place strips of masking tape around the bottom, middle, and top of the mold to keep it closed. 2. Melting the Beeswax: Fill a saucepan with around 3 inches of water and place it on the stove. Turn the eye to medium-high or high. Put beeswax pellets in the handled pot or double boiler and place them on top of the larger saucepan. Stir occasionally until the beeswax completely melts. 3. Pouring the Wax: Once melted, carefully pour the beeswax into your prepared molds. Fill them up to the desired level. Center the wick and secure it at the top with the hairpin that is provided in the kit. 4. Cooling: At first, I placed my candles in a tall cup so they were upright. When the tops were solid-looking, I laid them on their sides in the fridge. Avoid moving the molds during this time to ensure a smooth finish. Candles should be ready in 2-4 hours. 5. Unmolding: Once the wax is completely set, gently peel away the masking tape strips and open the silicone mold. If you face resistance, placing the mold in the fridge for a few minutes can help. 6. Finishing Touches: Trim any excess wick length at the bottom of the candle. Trim the top wick to about ¼ inch above the wax. Your candle is now ready for Candlemas! When Candlemas comes, place the candles you made on your dining or kitchen table. Before dinner or during your evening devotion, use my favorite Liturgy for the Blessing of Candles from Catechesis Books. Every time we light these candles, whether during prayer, dinner, or a moment of stillness, we join in this ancient proclamation: the Light has come, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

The final feast day in the season of Epiphany is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. You may also hear it referred to as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary or, more commonly, Candlemas . Celebrated on February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, this day brings to a close the full arc of the infancy narratives, beginning at Christ’s birth and culminating in His presentation at the temple. It is the final epiphany, the last great revelation of Christ’s identity in the season that bears that name, as He is proclaimed “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and the Savior of the world. A Feast with Ancient Roots The Feast of the Presentation is one of the most ancient in the Christian calendar, with evidence of its observance going back to at least the fourth century. The pilgrim Egeria, writing in the 380s, described its celebration in Jerusalem: “But certainly, the Feast of the Purification is celebrated here with the greatest honour. On this day there is a procession to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; all go in procession, and all things are done in order with great joy, just as at Easter. All the priests preach, and also the bishop, always treating of that passage of the Gospel where, on the fortieth day, Joseph and Mary brought the Lord into the Temple, and Simeon and Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Famuhel, saw Him, and of the words which they said when they saw the Lord, and of the offerings which the parents presented.” The Presentation in Scripture On this day, we remember Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, in accordance with Jewish law. As described in Luke’s Gospel, this practice was deeply rooted in the Law of Moses. A woman was considered ritually unclean for 40 days following the birth of a son. At the end of that period, she was to go to the temple for purification and present her firstborn son to the Lord (see Exodus 13:12–15 and Leviticus 12). We are told that Mary and Joseph offered a pair of young pigeons, an offering allowed for those who could not afford a lamb. This detail points to their humility and poverty. Simeon and Anna Luke also introduces us to Simeon, a devout man in Jerusalem to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Led by the Spirit into the temple that day, Simeon recognized the infant Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. He took the child into his arms, praised God, and offered a prophecy that has echoed through centuries of Christian worship: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,According to Your word;For my eyes have seen Your salvationWhich You have prepared before the face of all peoples,A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,And the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29–32) This beautiful proclamation is known as the Song of Simeon or the Nunc Dimittis , from its Latin opening words meaning “Now you let depart.” It has been used in evening prayers such as Vespers and Compline since the 4th century and still holds a cherished place in liturgical traditions today. We are also introduced to Anna , a prophetess and a widow who worshiped continually in the temple through fasting and prayer. Upon encountering the Holy Family, she praised God and spoke of the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Global Traditions and Celebrations Candlemas is the final feast of the Christmas cycle. In some traditions, people take down and burn their Christmas greenery on Twelfth Night (January 5th). In others, including parts of Europe and Latin America, the decorations are left up until Candlemas, and then a final joyful farewell to the season takes place. Since Christ is proclaimed the “light of the world” on this day, candles play a central role in its celebration. Churches bless the candles to be used throughout the coming year, and in earlier centuries, families would also bring their own household candles to be blessed during a special liturgy, hence the name Candlemas (“Candle Mass”). Here are just a few glimpses of how this feast is celebrated around the world: Germany In German households, a feast is held, and each family member lights a new candle before the nativity scene. After prayer, the father cuts a branch from the Christmas tree and gives one to each child. The tree is decorated with candies and nuts, and the children are allowed to enjoy the sweets at this time. Scotland Children traditionally brought candles to school and contributed money toward buying sweets for the class. The child who raised the most was crowned “Candlemas King or Queen” for the day. Mexico In Mexico, Candlemas is the joyful conclusion of a tradition that begins with the Rosca de Reyes , the Epiphany bread. Whoever found the hidden bean in their slice becomes the godparent of the baby Jesus doll ( niño dios ) and is tasked with dressing the figure in elaborate clothes for Candlemas. That person also prepares a tamale feast for family and friends after the doll is brought to church to be blessed. France Known as La Chandeleur , the day is celebrated with crêpes, whose round, golden appearance symbolizes the sun and the return of light. There’s even a tradition of flipping a crêpe while holding a coin in your other hand; if the crêpe lands back in the pan, it’s said your family will enjoy good fortune in the year ahead. England Candlemas was associated with weather prediction. Farmers believed the weather on Candlemas foretold the length of the remaining winter: If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come winter, have another flight; If Candlemas bring clouds and rain, Go winter, and come not again. This bit of lore eventually found its way into Groundhog Day , which shares the same date and is still observed in the U.S. and Canada today. Ways to Celebrate Candlemas at Home Read Luke 2:22–40 as a family and reflect on the themes of light, revelation, and devotion. Since Jesus is the Light of the World, do something with candles: make them, bless them, light all the candles in your home, or gather them on the dining table and have a simple, celebratory meal by candlelight. If you baked a Rosca de Reyes for Epiphany, let whoever found the bean dress the baby Jesus from your nativity set. Host a tamale feast! Make and enjoy crêpes. the recipe - Candlemas Crêpes FOR THE CRÊPES 2 eggs 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 1/2 tbsp sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup milk 1/8 cup water 1/2 tsp vanilla dash of salt FOR THE FILLING 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2-4 tbsp powdered sugar (to taste) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract fresh strawberry slices Instructions: FOR THE CRÊPES Whisk all the ingredients, except the flour, together. Add in the flour, a little bit at a time, whisking just until the flour has been mixed in. Let the crêpe batter rest for 10 minutes. Then, give the batter a quick whisk again before using. Grease a non-stick, 6” skillet with unsalted butter and heat over medium heat. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons worth of batter into the pan and tip the pan from side to side to get the batter to spread out throughout the pan. Cook each side of the crêpe for 30 seconds before gently loosening up the edges with a large spatula. If it lifts, then the crêpe is ready to be flipped. If it doesn’t lift up very well, give it 10 to 15 more seconds and try again. Gently lift the crêpe out of the pan, then flip it over into the pan and cook the other side for another 10 to 15 seconds; remove to cool. FOR THE FILLING Simply beat the heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until stiff peaks form. Spread a layer of cream onto each crêpe, add sliced strawberries, and then roll the crêpe like you would a wrap.

The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul , observed on January 25th, commemorates one of the most extraordinary transformations in Christian history. Saul of Tarsus, once a relentless persecutor of the early Church, became St. Paul, a passionate defender of the faith, a tireless missionary, and one of Christianity’s most influential theologians. His story offers a striking testimony to the power of divine grace and the profound truth that no one is beyond the reach of redemption. Walking Through the Story: Saul’s Conversion The story of Saul begins even earlier in Acts, during the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian to die for his faith. In Acts 7:58, we learn that Saul was present, and the witnesses who stoned Stephen placed their cloaks at Saul’s feet, a gesture that signified both his approval and authority. While Stephen prayed for his executioners with his final breath, Saul remained resolute in his opposition to the followers of Jesus, growing ever more determined to stamp out the Christian movement. Then, one day on the road to Damascus, everything changed. As Saul was traveling, a radiant light from heaven suddenly enveloped him, and he fell to the ground, hearing a voice call out: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) When Saul asked who was speaking, he received the reply: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:5–6) Struck blind by this divine encounter, Saul was led by the hand into Damascus. For three days, he neither ate nor drank, but remained in prayer. During this time, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to visit Saul. Understandably, Ananias hesitated; Saul’s reputation for persecuting believers had spread far and wide. But Ananias obeyed. When he laid hands on Saul, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. His sight was restored, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he was baptized. From that moment forward, Saul was transformed into Paul, one of the Church’s greatest evangelists. He went on to establish Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe, wrote thirteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, and became a foundational figure in the proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Significance of St. Paul’s Conversion The story of St. Paul’s conversion stands as a profound witness to God’s transformative power. It reminds us that no one is too far gone for grace. Saul, once a fearsome adversary of the Church, became a devoted instrument of God’s mission, bringing the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. His journey offers hope to anyone who feels unworthy of God’s love or unsure of their capacity to serve Him. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus also speaks to the deeply personal nature of faith. Jesus did not merely rebuke Saul’s actions; He identified personally with the suffering of His followers: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” This reveals the intimate connection between Christ and His Church, and it invites us to consider how we relate both to Jesus and to one another as members of His body. In addition, the writings of St. Paul continue to shape Christian thought in profound ways. From his rich reflections on grace and justification in Romans to his poetic meditation on love in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul’s epistles remain central to the Church’s life, worship, and theology. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul In the book of Acts (9:1–22), we find the powerful account of Saul’s journey to Damascus. Saul was a devout Jew, deeply committed to his religious tradition, but his zeal led him to persecute the early followers of Jesus. He sought to arrest and imprison all who followed “the Way,” the earliest name for the Christian faith. You might observe this feast day in a few intentional ways: Read and Reflect on Acts 9:1–22 Gather as a family or spend time in quiet meditation, reading the story of Saul’s conversion. Reflect on the themes of divine grace, personal transformation, and faithful obedience. Consider how God might be calling each of you to serve Him in your own unique ways. Add the Collect to Your Daily Prayers You can incorporate this beautiful prayer into your devotional time as a way to honor St. Paul and ask for the strength to follow his example: O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Celebrate with a Sweet Reminder of God’s Grace Try a fun and meaningful family activity that brings this story to life. Bake cookies, and give each child two cookies to hold over their eyes while you read the conversion story aloud. When you reach the moment where the scales fall from Saul’s eyes, have them take the cookies away and enjoy them as a tangible (and tasty!) reminder of the sweetness of God’s grace in their lives. the recipe - Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats Sugar for coating cookies Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Add egg through cinnamon and mix well. Add flour and oats and mix well. Form dough into 2-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Important Last Step! Flatten each ball with the bottom of a small glass that has been buttered and dipped into sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes.