Tomorrow is the feast of St. Michael and All Angels which means that the feasting begins tonight! St. Michael’s and All Angels Day is also known as Michaelmas (pronounced mik-uhl-mus) which means the mass of St. Michael. It is the special day set aside by the church to celebrate St. Michael, the captain of the heavenly host as well as all other angels. So why, exactly, do we celebrate angels and why do we refer to Michael as a saint? All of this can be weird for some people but it need not be. A saint is simply someone who is in heaven with God and we celebrate St. Michael and all angels because we are thankful for everything that God has created, including angels. Angels are extremely important beings; they fight against the forces of evil, they protect us and they give us messages from God. Maybe the reason why celebrating the angels of the bible is weird to us is because they are some, of the most misunderstood and misrepresented beings from the bible. The secular world depicts them as chubby, nude children floating around, shooting arrows. But in the bible they are powerful, awe-inspiring creatures. They usually incite fear when humans see them! The descriptions of angels in the bible are completely different than what the secular world depicts. Angels can have the appearance of men, they often have swords, they can move without humans seeing them or they can look rather bizarre as in Ezekiel 10:12, where it says their entire bodies, including their backs, their hands, and their wings, were completely full of eyes, as were their four wheels. The angels of the bible don’t just float around, they are appointed messengers of God with the most important messages, they fight against the forces of darkness, they protect us, and they worship God in the heavenly places. They are super important! Okay, so why do we celebrate Michael? Well, Michael is considered to be the captain of the heavenly host. Not only is he an archangel who is an angel of the highest rank, he is also a chief messenger of God and the chief leader of God’s battles in the war against Satan. Michael is considered to be the most powerful of all of God’s angels. He cast Lucifer and all of the fallen angels out of heaven, he was one who stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, and he fought Satan for the body of Moses. Ways to Celebrate Read about the different angels in the bible. Revelation 12, Ezekiel 10, Revelation 8, Luke 2:13-15, Genesis 19:1, Psalm 91:11, Matthew 24:31 Make roast goose. In Ireland and Great Britain, the traditional dinner is one with roast goose and carrots. If it’s not easy to find a goose in your area, make a roast chicken instead. We are going to be making our family’s favorite, Lemon and Rosemary Roast Chicken . Make something with carrots or blackberries. Carrots and blackberries are in season in the British Isles during this time so they are traditional foods to be eaten on this day. According to an Irish legend, when Michael cast Lucifer out of Heaven, he fell on a blackberry bush and cursed and spat on the blackberries, making them sour after September 29 so all blackberries must be eaten up. In honor of this amazing legend, we are making blackberry hand pies for tonight’s dessert! Sharing the recipe below. Make bannocks . In Scotland, it is traditional to eat bannocks on St. Michael’s Day. Bannocks are kind of like pancakes only they are made of oat or barley flour. Make angel food cake ! Fight a dragon. In the book of Revelation, Michael and his angels fought the dragon (Satan), and the dragon was cast down to earth. Make a dragon pinata with your kids or make a devil’s food cake and allow your kids to “slay” the dragon cake with plastic knives. Blackberry Hand Pies Ingredients Dough 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch of salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and cold 3/4 cup sour cream Filling 3 cups of blackberries 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Topping Egg wash (1 egg and 1 teaspoon water) Granulated sugar Directions For the dough: Blend the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add sour cream and pulse until the dough starts to form a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a rectangle. Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. To make the filling: Combine the blackberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until they start to break down slightly. Cook until the blackberries are tender and have released their juices, about 5 minutes. Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl, then add to the blackberries. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken and turns translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool. To bake the hand pies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. When you are ready to prepare the hand pies, roll one of the chilled doughs out on a floured surface. As you are rolling, you can straighten out the edges with your hands to create a 10 x 15-inch rectangle. Using a pastry wheel, cut the dough into 12 equal squares by cutting 4 strips along the length and 3 strips along the short side. Put about 2 tablespoons filling in each center of half the squares. To prepare the topping: Lightly brush the edges of the filled squares with egg wash. Cover with the remaining squares. Press the dough together then use a fork to gently adhere the hand pies around the edges. Cut a cross on each top. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. If baking both baking sheets at once, rotate top to bottom after 15 minutes.

The Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels  on September 29th! We also know this feast as Michaelmas (pronounced mik-uhl-mus), a shortening of “Michael’s mass.” It is the special day set aside by the church to celebrate Michael, the captain of the heavenly host, and all other angels. Why do we sometimes refer to Michael as “Saint Michael”? This can be weird for some people, but it need not be. A saint is simply someone set apart for God’s purposes. That’s why, as Christians, we are all considered saints. Why Celebrate Angels? So why, exactly, do we celebrate angels? The Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels because we are thankful for everything that God has created, including angels. Angels are extremely important beings; they give us messages from God and provide guidance, they fight against the forces of evil, they protect us, they enact God’s judgments, and they continually worship God in the heavenly realm, joining in the eternal praise of God.  Angels in the Bible Maybe celebrating the angels of the Bible is weird to us because they are some of the most misunderstood and misrepresented beings from the Bible. The secular world depicts them as chubby, nude children floating around, shooting arrows. But in the Bible, they are powerful, awe-inspiring creatures. They usually incite fear when humans see them! The descriptions of angels in the Bible are entirely different than what the secular world depicts. Angels can have the appearance of men, they often have swords, they can move without humans seeing them, or they can look rather bizarre as in Ezekiel 10:12, where it says their entire bodies, including their backs, their hands, and their wings, are completely full of eyes, as are their four wheels. Types of Angels In the Bible, there are different types of angels: ARCHANGELS These are chief or principal angels. Michael is the only angel explicitly described as an archangel in the Bible (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Jude 1:9), although Gabriel is often assumed to be one due to his important roles. CHERUBIM Genesis tells of cherubim guarding the way to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). They also appear in Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 10:3-20). Cherubim are often associated with the presence and holiness of God. SERAPHIM Described in Isaiah’s vision, these angels have six wings and are involved in the worship of God (Isaiah 6:2,6). THE ANGEL OF THE LORD This is a unique angelic figure that appears in the Old Testament, sometimes understood to be a manifestation of God himself, while other times considered a separate angelic being (Genesis 16:7–11). UNNAMED OR COMMON ANGELS These are the angels most frequently mentioned in the Bible, usually appearing as messengers or agents carrying out God’s will. They are not specified as belonging to a particular category. FALLEN ANGELS The angels who rebelled against God. Why Celebrate Michael? Now that we’ve looked at the biblical role of angels, let’s look at why the Church celebrates the Archangel Michael. Michael is considered to be the captain of the heavenly host. Not only is he an archangel who is an angel of the highest rank, but he is also a chief messenger of God and the chief leader of God’s battles in the war against Satan. He cast Lucifer and all of the fallen angels out of heaven, he was the one who stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, and he fought Satan for the body of Moses. We know from the Book of Revelation that Michael leads the heavenly host against the dragon, identified as Satan and that the dragon was thrown down to earth as a result (Revelation 12:7–9). Ways to Celebrate: Perfect Roast Chicken Make perfect roast chicken (or goose!). In Ireland and Great Britain, the traditional dinner for Michaelmas is roast goose. If finding a goose in your area is difficult, make this Perfect Roast Chicken instead.  Blackberry Hand Pies Make something with carrots or blackberries. Carrots and blackberries are in season in the British Isles during this time so they are traditional foods to be eaten on this day. According to an Irish legend, when Michael cast Lucifer out of Heaven, he fell on a blackberry bush and cursed and spat on the blackberries, making them sour after September 29 so all blackberries must be eaten up. In honor of this fantastic legend, make these incredible Blackberry Hand Pies for dessert! Sharing the recipe below. Make bannocks. In Scotland, it is traditional to eat bannocks on Michaelmas. Bannocks are like pancakes but made of oat or barley flour. Angel Food Cake Make angel food cake. Since we are celebrating angels, this Heavenly Angel Food Cake is a fitting dessert for the day! Dragon Pinata Fight a dragon. In the book of Revelation, Michael and his angels fought the dragon (Satan) and cast the dragon down to earth. Make or buy a dragon pinata and “slay” it with a baseball bat. Here , here , and here for some dragon pinata options. Sing the hymn, “ Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones .” This hymn is a celebration of the angelic host, including archangels like Michael. The themes of divine protection, heavenly praise, and the role of angels as messengers and warriors are perfect for the day. Let's Get Ready Together! Celebrating the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the profound impact angels have played in the Bible. As you gather with your family to reflect on the history and engage in these simple yet rich traditions, you’ll create lasting memories and deepen your connection to our Christian faith. I’m excited to journey alongside you as we celebrate not only this special day but many more throughout the liturgical year. Be sure to follow along this week as I share all of the recipes and tutorials you’ll need to celebrate the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels in your home!

On September 21st, Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew , a day dedicated to honoring one of Jesus' twelve apostles who underwent a remarkable transformation from despised tax collector to cherished disciple. The story of St. Matthew is a powerful reminder of Jesus' call to anyone, regardless of their past, into a new life of purpose and faith. To mark this special day, I’m excited to share a fun and meaningful recipe that your family will love— Coin Pancakes ! Why Coin Pancakes? Before St. Matthew became a disciple, he worked as a tax collector in Roman Judea. During that time, tax collectors were often despised for their association with Roman authorities and for profiting off their fellow Jews. Yet Jesus, in His great mercy, called Matthew to follow Him, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption. To remember St. Matthew’s unique role as a tax collector, we’ll be making coin-shaped pancakes to symbolize the coins he once collected—but with a sweet twist! This simple recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch at the Feast of St. Matthew. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and shaped like little coins, making them a fun and symbolic way to celebrate. Drizzle them with honey or syrup for a sweet, golden touch, and enjoy with your family as you reflect on St. Matthew’s story of transformation. How to Make Coin Pancakes This recipe is incredibly easy and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen—flour, buttermilk, butter, and a few pantry staples. The pancakes come together in just a few minutes, and the small, coin-like shapes make them perfect for little hands. Kids will love helping with this recipe and learning about St. Matthew’s life as you cook together. These Coin Pancakes for the Feast of St. Matthew are a fun way to incorporate St. Matthew’s story into your family’s celebration. They’re not only delicious but also provide a great opportunity to talk about themes of repentance, redemption, and the way Christ called Matthew to follow Him. More Ways to Celebrate St. Matthew’s Day: In addition to making these Coin Pancakes, there are other simple ways to commemorate St. Matthew’s feast day with your family: Read Matthew 9:9-13 : Reflect on the moment Jesus called Matthew to follow Him. Play Monopoly : Get into the spirit of Matthew’s former tax collector life with a game of Monopoly! Enjoy grapes : St. Matthew’s Day coincides with grape harvests in parts of Spain, so enjoy some fresh grapes or grape juice to honor the day. Let’s Get Ready Together! Celebrating the Feast of St. Matthew is a great way to connect with the life of this apostle and reflect on the transforming power of Christ’s call. As you gather around the table to enjoy these fun and symbolic Coin Pancakes, may it be a reminder of the grace and mercy that Jesus extends to all of us. I’m excited to celebrate with you as we continue to journey through the liturgical year! Make sure to follow along for more recipes, activities, and ideas to celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew and other holy days in your home!

On September 21st, Christians worldwide will celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable life and enduring legacy of one of the beloved apostles. Known both as Matthew and Levi in the Bible, this apostle underwent a profound transformation through his encounter with Jesus, going from a despised tax collector to a cherished disciple and a prominent figure in the early church. As we delve into the story of St. Matthew’s life, we uncover not only the profound meaning behind his transformation but also his enduring legacy. Matthew or Levi? In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we are presented with the compelling story of Matthew’s divine calling. As you read these accounts, you might notice that Matthew is referred to as both Matthew and Levi, son of Alphaeus. While you might wonder why we referred to him by both, some scholars suggest that the tax collector simply had two names, one for each language in the region. “Matthew” might have been his Greek name, while “Levi” was his Hebrew name. This practice of having both a Hebrew and a Greek or Roman name was not uncommon in Jewish society during that era, as exemplified by Saul, also known as Paul. It doesn’t necessarily signify a name change but the existence of two names in two different languages. Other scholars believe that the two names indicate a name change. The Bible offers many instances of name changes following significant religious experiences. It is plausible that Matthew adopted or was bestowed the name “Matthew” after his calling by Jesus, as it translates to “gift of Yahweh” in Hebrew, symbolizing his new identity and calling as a disciple of Jesus. Whichever theory is correct, the early Christian community called him Matthew until his death. The Call of St. Matthew Tax Collection in Roman Judea To fully appreciate the call of St. Matthew, his background is a remarkable part of his story. Before embracing the path of discipleship, he served as a tax collector under Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Tax collectors, also known as “publicans,” were held in low regard within Jewish society during Jesus’ time. They were often seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors who occupied the land of Judea. The tax collection system, fraught with potential abuse, allowed collectors to gather more than the prescribed amount, pocketing the surplus for themselves. This encouraged extortion and corruption, leading to the accumulation of wealth through dishonest means. As devout Jews, association with Gentiles, like the Romans, rendered individuals ritually unclean, and tax collectors’ constant interaction with Roman officials further tainted their reputation. Consequently, their income was considered impure, rendering it unfit for religious dues or temple offerings. These factors combined to socially ostracize tax collectors, categorizing them among the “sinners” in many New Testament passages, reflecting their low moral and social standing. The  Scandalous Call of Jesus Understanding this context makes the call of St. Matthew remarkable. When Jesus encounters St. Matthew sitting at the customs house collecting taxes, he issues a simple yet profound call: “Follow me.” Matthew immediately arose, leaving everything behind to follow Jesus. Jesus dined at Matthew’s house with more tax collectors and sinners that night. This incident drew the ire of the religious leaders, prompting Jesus to declare that He came not for the righteous but for sinners, emphasizing the importance of mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 9:12-13). Jesus’ choice to openly associate and dine with tax collectors and sinners, including Matthew, stirred controversy among religious leaders of His time. However, this association embodied Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost, demonstrating God’s boundless love and grace, even for society’s most sinful and marginalized. The Ministry of St. Matthew Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Matthew remained in Jerusalem with his fellow disciples, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. As an apostle of the Lord, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and leading the early church. Matthew’s profound teachings and insights into the life of Jesus culminated in the writing of the Gospel According to Matthew, the first gospel account in the New Testament. Matthew designed his Gospel to establish Jesus as the Messiah, particularly for his Jewish readers. Beyond his written legacy, Matthew’s apostolic journey is steeped in rich history and tradition. Early Church fathers like Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria suggest that Matthew initially preached the Gospel in Judea before embarking on missions to other lands, with Ethiopia often cited as one of his destinations. One notable tradition associated with Matthew involves his encounter with King Hirtacus in Ethiopia. Matthew’s steadfast devotion to his faith led him to confront the king for lusting after Ephigenia, a nun consecrated to God. Matthew’s rebuke, delivered at a Mass, ultimately led to his martyrdom, solidifying his commitment to his faith. Like the other Gospel writers (called the Evangelists), artists often depict St. Matthew as one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7. St. Matthew appears as a winged man. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew: Read the story of the call of Matthew in Matthew 9:9-13 or Mark 2:13-17. Eat grapes or drink wine or grape juice. In Logrono, Spain, the Feast of St. Matthew celebration coincides with the grape harvest, so the week-long Las Fiestas de San Mateo features grape-themed festivities. As a nod to St. Matthew’s role as a tax collector: Play Monopoly: Enjoy some family fun with a game of Monopoly. Have a Pay Day: Treat your family to a Pay Day candy bar or a bag of chocolate coins! Pancake Stacks: Make stacks of little pancakes that resemble coins. Click here for the recipe. Let’s Get Ready Together! Celebrating the Feast of St. Matthew is a wonderful way to remember his remarkable transformation and legacy as an apostle of Christ. As you gather with your family to reflect on his story and enjoy these fun and meaningful activities, you’ll create lasting memories and deepen your connection to the Gospel. I’m excited to journey with you as we celebrate not only this special day but many more throughout the liturgical year. Be sure to follow along this week as I share all the recipes and ideas you’ll need to celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew in your home!

Holy Cross Day is almost here! It's the special day when we recognize the significance of the Cross of Christ. Celebrate this special day in your home by making this incredible Holy Cross Icebox Cake. Holy Cross Icebox Cake An icebox cake is a no-bake dessert made by layering crisp cookies or wafers with whipped cream. As it chills in the refrigerator (or "icebox"), the cookies absorb moisture from the cream, becoming soft and cake-like. The dessert sets into a deliciously creamy and tender cake without the need for baking. It’s often made with simple ingredients and can be customized with various flavors, fruits, or chocolate. My Holy Cross Icebox Cake is made from homemade crisp chocolate cookies and whipped cream. It is the simplest, most decadent dessert! And it is so much fun to make! You simply layer the chocolate cookies with whipped cream, stack them in the shape of a cross, chill until set, and voila…total heaven!

The Feast of Mary Magdalene is almost here! She was a faithful disciple who supported Jesus’ ministry and was there for his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Since she was one of the women faithfully waiting to anoint the body of Jesus with myrrh and spices, she is known as one of the “Myrrh Bearers.” That’s why you’ll often see her depicted with a jar of myrrh and spices. To celebrate her day, make something with lots of spices like this homemade chai tea! My family loves this chai tea recipe. It is so good and so easy to make. Simply add equal parts chai and milk and then sweeten to taste. Your family will love it! Homemade Chai 12 cardamom pods, gently crushed 8 whole black peppercorns 8 whole cloves 4-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced 4 cups water 4 cinnamon sticks 3 whole allspice (optional) 2 Tbsp. brown sugar (more or less to taste) 2 star anise 1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 4 black tea bags Bring all ingredients except tea bags together to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes. Pour mixture through a strainer and reserve the liquid for concentrate, and let cool to room temperature. Mix equal parts concentrate with water or milk to make chai tea. Or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. HELPFUL LINKS: How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene With Books Make Spiced Cupcakes

As the liturgical year draws to a close, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of Advent, ready to begin the journey toward Christmas. But before we turn the page, the Church invites us to pause and celebrate the Feast of Christ the King , a solemn yet joyful reminder that Christ reigns over all creation. This feast calls us to reflect on His kingship, and His authority over our hearts and homes, and to prepare for His coming again in glory. To read more about the Feast of Christ the King, click here . In the spirit of this celebration, I’ve created a recipe that is both simple and symbolic: Christ the King Pound Cake . This recipe will blow you away if you’ve never tasted pound cake! It is rich, buttery, moist, and easy to make!Celebrate the Feast of Christ the King with Christ the King Pound Cake! This recipe will blow you away if you’ve never tasted pound cake! It is rich, buttery, moist, and easy to make! It’s perfect for the day with its golden color, and because it’s made in a Bundt pan, it’s shaped like a crown! Perfect! We made it even more “kingly” by topping it with a little gold crown and surrounding it with gold Mardi Gras beads. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family or friends as you reflect on the readings and celebrate Christ the King! It’s the perfect dessert to share with family or friends as you reflect on the readings and celebrate Christ the King! the recipe -

In my hometown, St. Patrick’s Day was a really big deal! We all wore green to school unless you forgot in which case I have not-so-great memories of being pinched ALL DAY LONG! That night, our local Irish pub hosted a huge beer festival and parade. Everyone would gather downtown to watch the great processions of men in kilts playing bagpipes. It was so much fun! But in all of those years celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I had no idea that he was a real person and that his history was quite touching. St. Patrick grew up in the 400s in Britain. He was born into a family of devout Christians; his father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. When he was only sixteen years old, his village was raided by Irish marauders and he was kidnapped. He was taken by ship to Ireland where he became a slave for six years. During this time, Patrick was forced to herd sheep for a local chieftain which meant that he lived in isolation with very little food or clothing. Even though Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, he said in his Confessions that he didn’t really know God but that through his sufferings in Ireland, he began to think about God and then speak to God until he was praying hundreds of prayers day and night. Patrick turned to the Christian faith that he had been brought up in and he says that it was the only thing that kept him going through those brutal years. After six long years of slavery, while he was sleeping one night, Patrick heard a voice telling him that he was about to depart for his homeland and that a ship was ready for him. Patrick knew that God was directing him so he escaped from his slave master and fled two hundred miles until he found the ship. Patrick convinced the ship’s captain to give him passage and three days later, he was back on the shores of his homeland. He was eventually reunited with his family and there was much rejoicing. Patrick continued his life of prayer and began to study scripture and learn more about his Christian faith. Patrick went to France, where he studied and entered the priesthood under the guidance of the missionary Saint Germain. He was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre around 418 AD. During this time, Patrick had a vision from God in which he heard the voice of the Irish say to him, “We beg you, holy servant boy, to come and walk again among us.” Patrick knew that he was being called by God to return to Ireland. He left Ireland as a slave but would return as a missionary to spread the love of Christ to the lost. In 432 AD, he was ordained as a bishop and was sent by Pope Celestine I to Ireland to spread the gospel to non-believers while also providing support to the small community of Christians already living there. He did return to Ireland and immediately began sharing the gospel of Jesus with the chiefs and their clans. Patrick already knew the Irish language and their customs which helped him greatly in communicating with the people. For the rest of his life, Patrick traveled throughout Ireland, spreading the good news and converting thousands to the Christian faith. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let us give thanks to God that He is always with us, even amid tremendous hardship. St. Patrick is a powerful example of how God can take our sufferings and use them to help others and to bring them out of darkness into His glorious light! If you and your family would like a meaningful way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, here are some easy ideas: Read Genesis 50:20 with your family. Discuss with your children how similar Joseph and St. Patrick were. Talk about how each one suffered and how God used them both to save those around them. Read the words or listen to the hymn “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” You can Google the words and go over them with your kids or print the words out while you listen to the hymn on Spotify . This is a beautiful prayer of protection believed to have been written by St. Patrick. It was later set to music and is now a beloved Anglican hymn. Make Irish Soda Bread . This recipe is so good! It requires no rising and can easily be made quickly with the help of your kids! Read a good book on St. Patrick. Here's a list of my favorite children's books on St. Patrick .

It's the second Friday of Lent and you know what that means…no meat all day! Throughout the season of Lent, Christians abstain from meat on Fridays. This is done out of reverence for Good Friday, the day that Jesus died on the cross. If having a meatless Friday strikes fear into your heart, take courage! Making your Friday meatless doesn’t have to be difficult. Today, I thought I’d share one of our favorite (and super easy!) meatless meals…my nana’s amazing Shrimp Creole! Plump shrimp in a tomato creole sauce over steamed rice…you won’t believe how easy and delicious it is! Serv e it with some crusty French bread and enjoy!

This Monday is St. Patrick's Day! St. Patrick was a real person with a beautiful conversion story. He was abducted from his home as a young boy and forced into slavery. God gave him a vision that helped him escape slavery and return to his home. He committed his life to serve the Lord and felt a powerful call to return to the people who enslaved him and share the gospel with them. His story of redemption and forgiveness is so powerful. I loved sharing it with my children. And one of my favorite ways to share his story with them was to read books about him. There are so many Books on St. Patrick, but many avoid the powerful story of his how God moved in his life. Here are some of my favorites that do such a good job of telling the real story of St. Patrick. St. Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland's Bishop by Ned Bustard I love Ned Bustard's books! First of all, his linocut illustrations are so unique and beautiful. Secondly, I love how the book tells all about who St. Patrick really was and emphasizes his remarkable story of love and forgiveness. Your kids will love this book! Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola If you have seen any of my other book recommendations, then you know that I love anything that Tomie dePaola writes. Like Bustard, his illustrations are so unique and whimsical and he always gives a faithful Christian account of the saint. In this book, dePaola recounts the life of St. Patrick from his noble birth in Britain to his captivity in Ireland, to the visions which led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland. It's a perfect introduction to St. Patrick and his conversion. Patrick and the Fire: A Legend About Saint Patrick by Cornelia Bilinsky This is an unusual telling of St. Patrick told from the perspective of a young goatherd named Bevan. Bevan is excited about the annual festival bonfire celebrating the god of light. But when a stranger named Patrick appears, Bevan learns about one God in three persons instead. It's a great book emphasizing the work that Patrick did in spreading the gospel to the Irish. The Story of St. Patrick's Day by Patricia Pingry This cute little board book presents the story of Saint Patrick's Day in a way that is simple enough for a toddler to understand. Vibrant illustrations are paired with the text and help create the connection between the story of the life of Saint Patrick and the way the holiday is celebrated today. Patrick of Ireland by Simonetta Carr The name St. Patrick is associated with three-leaf clovers and leprechauns, but what was his life really like? Simonetta Carr tells the inspiring story of how Patrick's suffering as a slave opened his eyes to the mercy of God and prepared him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Get to know the real Patrick of Ireland as young readers learn that the joy of the Lord will sustain them through difficult times and strengthen them to share the gospel. Paddy and the Wolves: A Story about St. Patrick as a Boy by Steve Nagel Young Paddy can't sit still during morning prayers, but he's more than happy to help the shepherd, Barra, watch sheep for the day! But who will watch Paddy when he wanders into the woods? As he explores the wilderness of coastal Britain, Paddy encounters many delights and dangers--and ultimately, the One who watches over him through it all.

During Lent, we often focus on simple meals and mindful fasting, but did you know that one of the oldest Lenten foods is something you might already love, pretzels? This unpretentious, twisted bread has deep Christian roots, dating back to the early Church, when they served as a staple for fasting Christians. A Symbol of Prayer and Simplicity Pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe as early as the 6th or 7th century in a monastery. The story goes that a monk created a simple bread using just water, flour, and salt, ingredients that fit the fasting rules of the time, which forbade dairy, eggs, and meat. He shaped the dough into the distinctive twisted form to resemble arms crossed in prayer, a common posture in early Christian devotion. The three holes in the pretzel were also seen as a reminder of the Holy Trinity. As the tradition spread, pretzels became a common Lenten food, especially in monasteries and Christian homes. They were a visual and edible reminder of the season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Original Easter Egg Hunt With the abundance of pretzels leading up to Easter Sunday, someone had the bright idea of hiding them for children to find on Easter morning, making pretzels the original Easter eggs! Though we now associate egg hunts with Easter, it was once delighted children searching for hidden pretzels that marked the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. At some point, the tradition shifted from pretzels to colorful eggs, but the original idea remains the same: a joyful search for a special treat after the penitential season of Lent. A Sign of Generosity and Good Fortune Because pretzels are simple and inexpensive to make in large quantities, they became a common food given to the poor during the Middle Ages. Monasteries often baked and distributed them as an act of charity. The Pretzel That Saved a City One of the most fascinating pretzel stories comes from Vienna in the 17th century, when the city was under siege by the Ottoman Empire. Bakers were working late into the night in the basement of a monastery, preparing pretzels to feed the city’s defenders. As they worked, they heard strange noises, digging and whispered voices near the underground walls. Realizing that enemy soldiers were tunneling beneath the city, they quickly alerted the authorities. Thanks to the pretzel bakers, Vienna’s defenses were ready, and the city was saved from invasion! In gratitude, the Austrian Emperor awarded the bakers a coat of arms: two fierce lions holding a pretzel between them. To this day, that emblem can still be seen outside certain bakeries in Austria and Germany. A Lenten Tradition to Revive Though many of us think of pretzels as a snack food today, they remain a meaningful way to incorporate history and faith into our Lenten observance. Making them at home can be a hands-on way to engage with the season, whether as a quiet moment of reflection while kneading the dough or as a fun activity with children. As you enjoy your homemade pretzels, take a moment to reflect on their history, a simple yet profound symbol of prayer and devotion that has endured for centuries.

It’s Ash Wednesday and that means it’s time to make pretzels. The pretzel is the oldest Christian food that we know of. It was created to be eaten during the Lenten fast so it has nothing rich like butter, milk or sugar. To emphasize prayer as a theme of Lent, the shape of the pretzel is of arms folded in prayer. These pretzels are so good and they are super easy and quick to make. About twenty minutes to proof the yeast and mix up and another fifteen minutes to bake. Serve them with salt flakes or stone ground mustard but not with butter! :) Quick and Easy Pretzels From A Continual Feast 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.