October is here so is my free October printable ! There are so many fun things the church celebrates this month. Follow along as I share the history, traditions and recipes that go along with these special days. I intentionally made a list of the special days rather than a calendar with the dates already on it because I think there’s something special about adding the dates ourselves. Adding the dates ourselves creates a sense of agency and builds a sense of anticipation within your family. Either print up the list and hang it by your calendar or gather as a family and add the dates yourselves. I hope this helps you and your family in the celebration of the seasons of the church within your home! For the free printable, click the link in bio.

Happy first day of September! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year; we are still moving through the season of Ordinary Time, the longest season of the Church Year but is anything but "ordinary!" September 14th - The Feast of the Holy Cross The first feast of the month is the Feast of the Holy Cross, where we celebrate the cross of Christ and what it means to us as Christians. September 21st - The Feast of St. Matthew  On this day we celebrate St. Matthew, faithful disciple of Jesus and writer of the Gospel of Matthew. September 30th (transferred) - The Feast of Michael and All Angels On this day we celebrate the Archangel Michael and all of the angels that God created and uses as warriors, messengers, and worshippers in the heavenly realms. Note: Usually this feast day falls on September 29th but since it falls on a Sunday this year, it is transferred to the following day so as not to compete with Sunday which is a feast day in and of itself. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Helpful Links: The Liturgical Calendar for 202 4-25   Current Season: Ordinary Time Flourishing With the Holy Spirit: Embracing the Season of Ordinary Time   The Season of Ordinary Time   Holy Cross Day Holy Cross Day   Basil Pesto for Holy Cross Day   The Feast of St. Matthew, the Evangelist The Feast of St. Matthew, the Evangelist   Holy Michael and All Angels Day How to Celebrate St. Michael and All Angels Day   Happy Feast of St. Michael and All Angels   Lemon and Rosemary Chicken for St. Michael and All Angels

One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How do you get your children to sit for daily prayer?" And my answer is always simple: candles. There’s something almost magical about the soft glow of a candle’s flame. It has a way of captivating children, creating a sense of wonder and awe. When we light a candle, we aren’t just setting the room aglow—we’re marking the moment as something different, something sacred. Candles signal to our children that they’ve entered holy time, a time set apart. The flicker of the flame instantly transforms the space, drawing them into a reverence that words alone can’t achieve. Even the youngest of children instinctively sense the shift. They grow quiet as the candles are lit, the usual noise of the day seems to fade away, and in that silence, they settle into the presence of God. In our home, lighting candles has become a cherished part of our daily prayers. I often let my children help light them—it’s a simple act, but one that invites them into the moment in a tangible way. They love the responsibility of it, and it makes them feel like active participants in this sacred time. There’s something profoundly beautiful about watching their little hands carefully light the wick, knowing that they are helping to usher in this time of prayer. And yes, it really works. It’s almost like magic. Candles bring a sense of ritual, and children, despite their wiggly ways, respond to ritual. They crave the rhythm and structure it brings to the day. When we light the candle, it becomes a physical reminder that we are now doing something special. We are stepping into prayer, into communion with God. So, if you’ve been struggling to create a peaceful prayer time with your children, try adding a candle. Let them experience the wonder of it. Allow them to feel the holiness of the moment as the flame flickers. You might just find that the glow of the candle becomes the very thing that helps your family find stillness, together, in the presence of God. And if you'd like to take it a step further and make your own candle with your kids: Making Your Own Spiral Candles

I haven't done a giveaway in a while so I figured I would today! I am giving away one of my favorite children's books on the liturgical year - Through the Year With Tomie de Paola . Tomi de Paola is one of my favorite Christian children's authors and illustrators. Ignatius Press came out with a book using all his illustrations to walk the reader through the Liturgical Year and I LOVE it! This lovely book brings together the best of Tomie dePaola's Art Mail—the charming illustrations of feast days and holidays he sent to family and friends. Each piece is accompanied by short passages about the saint or the occasion it represents. Various liturgical customs practiced throughout the world are also described. This engaging book is sure to inspire the whole family to celebrate with the Church her special days and seasons throughout the year. Enter to win by liking this post, following me @ashleytumlinwallace on Instagram , and commenting below on your favorite feast day and why you love it. I’ll pick a winner on Wednesday, August 21st.

Happy third day of August! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year Celebrations as we continue along in the season of Ordinary Time (which is anything but "ordinary"!). August 6th - The Feast of the Transfiguration The first feast of the month is the Feast of the Transfiguration, where we celebrate the moment Jesus was transfigured before John, James, and Peter. August 15th - The Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin  On this day we celebrate St. Mary, the holy mother of Jesus. August 24th - The Feast of St. Bartholomew On this day we celebrate one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Helpful Links: Current Season: Ordinary Time Flourishing With the Holy Spirit: Embracing the Season of Ordinary Time   The Season of Ordinary Time   The Feast of the Transfiguration How to Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration With French Silk Pie Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration With Three Chocolate Graham Cracker Tents The Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary, the Virgin With A Blueberry Lemon Tart The Feast of St. Bartholomew How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Bartholomew

I love making Chocolate Silk Pie for The Feast of The Transfiguration because it's such a fun (and delicious!) representation of the earthly and the heavenly meeting together! When you place a slice of the pie on your plate, you clearly see the earthly (the chocolate custard) meeting together with the heavenly (the whipped cream)! French Silk Pie Crust: 12 graham crackers (the 4-section large pieces) 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar Filling: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 8-ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chocolate, finely chopped 4 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Topping: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar Instructions: For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Crush the crackers in a food processor or resealable bag. Pour them into a bowl and stir in the melted butter and sugar. Press into a pie pan and bake until golden and set, 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. For the filling: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Set whipped cream in the refrigerator until step 8. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate. You can melt it in a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave: place the chopped chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stopping and stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Set aside until the end of the next step. Whisk eggs and sugar together in a heatproof bowl or the top piece of a double boiler. Place over a pot of simmering water (or the bottom part of your double boiler) on medium heat. Do not let the surface of the simmering water touch the bottom of the heatproof bowl. Whisking constantly, cook the egg mixture until it reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10–11 minutes. Do not stop whisking or the eggs may solidify. Carefully remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. After cooling, slowly stir in the melted chocolate. Cool for another 10 minutes. Using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1–2 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl. With the mixer running on low speed, pour in the chocolate/egg mixture and then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 3 minutes. With a silicone spatula, fold in the whipped cream until combined. Spread filling into pie crust. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight, until chilled and thickened. Pie may be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3–4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled pie. Helpful Links: How to Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration on a Mountain With Three Tents

Now at daybreak because it is the Lord's Day everyone proceeds to the greater church, built by Constantine, which is situated in Golgotha behind the Cross, where all things are done which are customary. From The Pilgrimage of Egeria We’ve discussed what a pilgrim/pilgrimage is. The next thing I wanted to talk about was the history of the Christian pilgrimage. Pilgrimages hold a special place in the tapestry of Christian history. For centuries, believers have embarked on these sacred journeys to experience holy sites, express their devotion, deepen their faith, and seek spiritual enlightenment. Pilgrimages are typically made to places that have particular spiritual significance, such as sites associated with the life of Jesus, the apostles, saints, or important events in the history of the Church. Christian pilgrimages find their roots in the ancient Israelite tradition, where faithful Jews also embarked on journeys to holy sites. One of the most significant pilgrimage events was the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem during religious festivals, like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These gatherings provided opportunities for communal worship, sacrifices at the Temple, and spiritual renewal for the pilgrims. Through the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch), God mandates the observance of three pilgrimage festivals, known in Hebrew as the Shalosh Regalim: Pesach (Passover): This commemorates the Israelites' Exodus from slavery in Egypt. Shavuot (Weeks, or Pentecost): This celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Sukkot (Tabernacles or Booths): This festival commemorates the 40-year period during which the Israelites were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. During these festivals, all able-bodied men were expected to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem to participate in worship and make sacrifices. The Gospels bear witness to the significance of these pilgrimages in the life of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus and his disciples, being devout Jews, would have observed these festivals as prescribed in the Torah, and there are multiple instances in the New Testament that mention Jesus participating in these festivals: Passover: Perhaps the most notable instance is the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal (Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–39, and John 13:1–17:26). Furthermore, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus went to Jerusalem during Passover on more than one occasion (John 2:13, 6:4). Shavuot: While there's no direct mention of Jesus observing Shavuot, this festival occurred fifty days after Passover, during the period between the crucifixion and the events of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together (Acts 2:1). Sukkot: The Gospel of John mentions Jesus going up to Jerusalem for "the feast" (John 7:1-13), and it is later clarified that this feast was the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot (John 7:14). Given these accounts, it's clear that Jesus, along with his disciples, observed the pilgrimages in accordance with Jewish tradition. The early Christians continued this tradition of pilgrimage, transforming it with new meaning. They journeyed to sites associated with the life of Jesus, apostles, and martyrs, turning these places into sacred spaces of veneration. The early Christians believed the physical pilgrimage mirrored the spiritual journey of faith and offered a profound sense of connection to Jesus. The tradition of Christian pilgrimage begins to be clearly documented in the 4th century AD. Prior to that, due to the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, it was difficult for Christian communities to openly practice their faith, let alone embark on pilgrimages. One of the earliest recorded Christian pilgrimages was made by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, around 326-328 AD. She traveled to the Holy Land (modern-day Israel and Palestine) where she was believed to have discovered several key sites in the life of Jesus and built churches on them. This pilgrimage by St. Helena and the building of the sites were significant factors that led to the development of organized Christian pilgrimage. Another major impetus behind Christian pilgrimages was the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which declared religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire and also played a significant role in making such pilgrimages more feasible by making it safer for Christians to travel. Perhaps the most notable early account is that of the pilgrimage of Egeria (or Etheria), a woman from Spain, who journeyed to the Holy Land in the late 4th century AD. Her detailed travelogue, which covers her visit to various Christian sites in Jerusalem, Sinai, and elsewhere, provides a fascinating insight into the practice and significance of pilgrimage in the early Church. Pilgrimage continued to be an important part of Christian practice in the Middle Ages, with many Christians embarking on journeys to holy sites. Some of the most famous of these include the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) in Spain, the pilgrimage to Canterbury in England (made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales"), and, of course, continuing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Christianity has a long and diverse history of pilgrimages to holy sites around the world. These journeys are not merely physical voyages but profound spiritual experiences. Pilgrims set forth, guided by humble faith and love for Jesus, to follow in the footsteps of saints, apostles, and martyrs. Modern Christian pilgrims journey to the sacred lands where Jesus walked, preached, and performed miracles. These hallowed sites, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, hold immense spiritual significance. Christian pilgrimages encapsulate a timeless tradition of faith, devotion, and spiritual growth. From the ancient Israelites' sacred wanderings to the hallowed pilgrimage sites in the Christian traditions, these journeys continue to draw believers seeking profound encounters with their faith. As we walk in the footsteps of countless pilgrims before us, may these sacred journeys inspire us to embark on our own blessed journey of spiritual enlightenment and transformation.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5 We just celebrated the Feast of St. James and one of the main ways to celebrate the special day is to go on a pilgrimage to the cathedral where his remains are buried. The pilgrimage, known as The Camino, is famous throughout the world and is known to be a transformative experience for those who walk it. Reading about The Camino made me realize that I really didn’t know much about pilgrimages and why they are important. I’ve read about people who go on them like in The Canterbury Tales or seen movies where people go on one but they are just something that I’ve never thought about or learned anything about. However, after learning more about pilgrimages, I discovered that embarking on pilgrimages is a cherished tradition in Christian history. As Christians, we have a long and diverse history of pilgrimages to holy sites around the world. These journeys are not merely physical but profound spiritual experiences. Pilgrims set forth, guided by humble faith and love for Jesus, to follow in the footsteps of saints, apostles, and martyrs. They hold a special place in the heart of our Christian heritage. Reflecting on this rich tradition of pilgrimage, I realized that the concept holds much deeper spiritual and historical significance than I had ever imagined. What's a pilgrim? A pilgrim is a believer who embarks on a journey, usually to a place of particular spiritual significance, as a form of religious devotion. This journey, or pilgrimage, is undertaken with the aim of deepening one's faith, seeking spiritual enlightenment, carrying out an act of penance, or seeking healing, among other possible reasons. However, the term "pilgrim" has a broader metaphorical meaning within Christianity as well. In a more general spiritual sense, all Christians are considered "pilgrims" because they are seen as travelers or sojourners in the world, journeying towards the heavenly city, the ultimate destination. This notion is deeply rooted in Christian theology, drawing from passages in the New Testament, like Hebrews 11:13, where the faithful are described as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth." So while "pilgrim" can refer specifically to someone who is on a religious journey or pilgrimage, in a broader sense it represents the Christian's spiritual journey through life towards God. This journey involves a continual process of spiritual growth and transformation, guided by faith in Jesus Christ. What's a pilgrimage? A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken by a believer to a place that has special significance in their faith. This can be a physical journey to a location associated with the life of Jesus, the apostles, saints, or other significant figures in Christianity, or it can be a spiritual journey toward a deeper understanding or experience of faith. Pilgrimages serve a variety of purposes for Christians. They are often seen as an act of devotion, a way to grow closer to God, deepen one's faith, seek spiritual healing, express penitence, or seek answers to spiritual questions. The journey itself is a significant part of the pilgrimage, often involving prayer, reflection, and sacrifice, which helps the pilgrim to focus on their spiritual goals. A pilgrimage offers Christians a way to engage with their faith in a physical, tangible manner. The physicality of the journey, the act of walking day after day, often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and the challenges faced in one's faith life. The journey provides time and space for prayer, reflection, and deeper engagement with one's faith. On a broader level, a pilgrimage also allows Christians to connect with a wider community of believers from around the world, fostering a sense of fellowship and shared faith. This sense of community can provide spiritual encouragement and support. It's a way to physically and metaphorically walk in the footsteps of countless others who have made the same journey over many centuries, which can provide a deep sense of connection to the history and traditions of the Church. The concept of pilgrimage also has a metaphorical significance in Christianity. Life itself is often depicted as a pilgrimage, a journey toward God. In this sense, every Christian is a pilgrim, traveling through the world toward their heavenly home. The pilgrimage itself - leaving behind the familiar, undertaking the physical journey, and facing the challenges along the way - is seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. The experiences along the way can lead to personal transformation and spiritual growth. Next up - The History of the Pilgrimage in the Old Testament, New Testament and Early Church

The Church will celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene on July 22nd. Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” holds a special place in Christian history. Her humble faith and love for Jesus have made her an enduring symbol of devotion. All four Gospels mention her, and she plays a significant role in Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. On her feast day, we remember her profound roles as the first witness to the resurrection. We also acknowledge her crucial part in spreading the Good News of the Risen Christ. About Mary Magdalene As her name suggests, Mary Magdalene likely hailed from Magdala, a fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. We first encounter her in the opening verses of Luke 8. Jesus, accompanied by his twelve disciples and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases, traveled to nearby towns and villages. They preached and proclaimed the Good News about the Kingdom of God. Among the women listed was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons. Luke notes that all these women, including Mary Magdalene, supported Jesus and his disciples with their own resources (Luke 8:1-3). Later, Mary Magdalene was among the small group of women at the foot of the cross (Matt. 27:55-56, Mark 15:40, John 19:25). She was present as Jesus died. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb. He rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. As all this happened, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat across from the tomb, watching (Matt. 27:61). Mary and the Resurrection Early Sunday morning, as the Sabbath ends and the new day dawns, Mary Magdalene and the other women go to the tomb with spices they had prepared to anoint Jesus’ body (Matt. 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12). Upon finding the tomb empty, angels inform them about Jesus’ resurrection. The angels instruct them to share the good news with the disciples. In Matthew, while the women are on their way to inform the disciples, they encounter the risen Lord. He reassures them not to be afraid and instructs them to go to Galilee, where they will find him. In John’s account, only Mary Magdalene is mentioned at the empty tomb that morning (John 20:11-18). As Mary prepares to leave, she has an incredible interaction with the risen Christ, whom she thinks is the gardener. But when Jesus calls her name, she immediately recognizes him and realizes he’s alive! Jesus instructs her to go and deliver a message to his “brothers.” Mary Magdalene finds the disciples and exclaims, “I have seen the Lord!” before passing on his message. Finally, in Acts 1:14, after Jesus ascends to the Father, the apostles return to the upper room in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. Luke mentions that they, along with the women, Mary (the mother of Jesus), and his brothers, were constantly praying. Mary Magdalene was among those present when the Holy Spirit descended. Confusion Around Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene’s significance in Christian tradition goes beyond her historical role. Various interpretations and legends have sprung up about Mary Magdalene over the centuries. Many of these are not supported by biblical evidence. These imaginings have contributed to much controversy, affecting her presence in Christian art, literature, and devotion. What Happened to Mary? There is disagreement about Mary’s life after the Church began. The Eastern tradition says she retired to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus, where they lived their lives. In Western Europe, conflicting legends developed about her burial. Legends claimed she traveled to the south of France with different people and lived as a penitent ascetic in a cave in Provence. During the Middle Ages, various churches arose, each with a unique legend and claiming to possess relics or tombs associated with Mary Magdalene. Mary and the Sinful Woman In 591 AD, Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) preached a controversial sermon about Mary Magdalene. In his address, he merged Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and the “sinful woman” who washed Jesus’ feet. Despite the Bible never specifying the sin of the “sinful woman,” Pope Gregory asserted it to be prostitution. This influential sermon established a link between Mary Magdalene, prostitution, sinfulness, and penitence, which the Western Christian tradition widely embraced. Despite this, no biblical evidence or early tradition associates Mary Magdalene with prostitution. The Gospel accounts only mention Jesus delivering her from seven demons, without specifying her occupation or any sinful behavior. In contrast, the Eastern Church never merged Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany or the “sinful woman.” Instead, it continued to honor her as a virtuous woman. Thankfully, a growing movement to restore Mary Magdalene’s image as a faithful disciple in the Western Church has arisen. It emphasizes her significance within early Christian communities. Even Pope John Paul II issued a corrective statement on Mary Magdalene to right the wrongs done to her reputation. In his apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem (“On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”), dated August 15th, 1988, he said, The Gospel of John emphasizes the special role of Mary Magdalene. She is the first to meet the Risen Christ, hence she came to be called “the apostle of the Apostles”. Mary Magdalene was the first eyewitness of the Risen Christ, and for this reason, she was also the first to bear witness to him before the Apostles. This event, in a sense, crowns all that has been said previously about Christ entrusting divine truths to women as well as men. Traditions of Mary Magdalene Over time, both the Eastern and Western churches have developed practices around Mary Magdalene. While some of these practices are rooted in scripture, others are based on later legends. Nonetheless, each has significantly shaped how Christian practice remembers her. The Myrrh Bearers or the Three Marys The Church has always revered Mary Magdalene as one of the faithful women present at the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Consequently, Christian art has depicted and commemorated these women since the 3rd century. The Eastern Church refers to them as “The Myrrh-Bearers” because they carried myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body on the morning of the resurrection. Their celebration occurs on the third Sunday of Pascha (Easter), known as the “Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.” Hymns and readings focus on their encounters with the risen Christ and their role in spreading the Good News of the resurrection. Icons of the myrrh-bearing women at the empty tomb are prominently displayed in Eastern churches. The Western Church refers to them as “The Three Marys.” In several Catholic countries, especially Spain, the Philippines, and Latin America, processions on Good Friday include images of the three Marys (in Spanish, Tres Marías). Some regions in France and Italy also celebrate the Feast of the Three Marys. The Miracle of the Red Egg The Eastern Orthodox Church associates dyeing eggs red for Easter with Mary Magdalene. According to legend, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene traveled to Rome to share the Gospel with Emperor Tiberius. She gave the emperor an egg and explained to him that the egg was a perfect symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. The emperor was skeptical, responding that it was impossible for someone to rise from the dead, just as it was impossible for the egg in Mary Magdalene’s hand to turn red. The egg miraculously turned red at that moment, shocking everyone who witnessed it. This miraculous event is said to have convinced the emperor of the truth of Mary Magdalene’s message, and he allowed her to continue her missionary work. How to Celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene Firstly, read the Gospel passages about Mary Magdalene, particularly John 20:1-18, where she encounters the resurrected Jesus. Additionally, explore other books about St. Mary Magdalene’s life. After reading these, take a moment to thank God for this devoted, faithful woman who first shared the Good News with others. In connection with Mary’s association with the miracle of the red egg, consider making red-boiled eggs using the recipe for naturally dyed eggs found here. Additionally, you may also choose to light a myrrh-scented candle or myrrh incense. In keeping with Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ body with spices, create something spiced, such as spice cupcakes or chai tea. HELPFUL LINKS: Spiced Cupcakes Chai Tea Children's Books About Mary Magdalene How to Dye Eggs Red UsingOnion Skins

There’s a common misconception that celebrating the liturgical year is primarily for families with young children, a practice filled with crafts, songs, and activities meant to teach little ones about faith. While it’s true that involving children in liturgical traditions can be deeply enriching, the beauty and depth of liturgical living extend far beyond this narrow view. Liturgical living is for everyone – whether you're single, a widow or widower, grandparents, empty nesters, or unable to have children. The liturgical year is a rhythm of life meant to be embraced by all. A Community Celebration Liturgical living is not a solitary journey. It’s designed to be celebrated in community with our local church and the church universal. When we participate in the liturgical year, we connect ourselves to the greater body of Christ, uniting our personal spiritual practices with those of Christians around the world. This communal aspect is vital – it reminds us that we are part of a larger story, a story that transcends our individual circumstances and connects us to the life of the church across time and space. Beyond the Family Unit Whether you are single, a grandparent, or an empty nester, the liturgical year offers a rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations that can enrich your spiritual life. Each season of the church year – from Advent and Christmas to Lent and Easter, and beyond – invites us to enter more deeply into the mysteries of our faith. Here’s how liturgical living can resonate with different life stages: Singles: For those who are single, the liturgical year provides a structured way to grow in faith and devotion. It offers opportunities for personal reflection, prayer, and service, aligning your life more closely with the rhythms of the church. Widows and Widowers: For those who have lost a spouse, the liturgical calendar can be a source of comfort and hope. It reminds us of the promise of resurrection and eternal life, and provides a way to honor the memory of loved ones through prayers and liturgical observances. Grandparents: Grandparents can play a crucial role in passing down the faith to the next generation. Celebrating the liturgical year can be a wonderful way to share stories, traditions, and prayers with grandchildren, fostering a deeper connection to faith and family. Empty Nesters: For those whose children have grown and left home, the liturgical year offers a way to continue nurturing your faith and finding purpose. Engaging in seasonal traditions can fill your home with a sense of sacredness and continuity. Those Unable to Have Children: For couples who cannot have children, liturgical living provides a meaningful way to build a spiritual legacy. It offers opportunities to mentor younger members of the community, participate in church activities, and create a home filled with spiritual richness. No matter the life stage we are in, we should all be celebrating with our church and the church universal. It's also a great opportunity to invite people into your home to celebrate together. Families, invite singles, widowers, and empty nesters to join your celebrations. Singles, volunteer to create church festivities or invite a group of friends and fellow parishioners to your home. Widows and widowers, embrace the chance to share in these traditions with others. Empty nesters, open your home to singles and families alike. By bringing diverse groups together, we enrich our celebrations, foster deeper connections, and strengthen our shared faith community. The Liturgical Home That’s why I call myself The Liturgical Home. Everyone has a home, so everyone should be celebrating the liturgical year in it! Your home, no matter what it looks like or who lives there, can be a place where the sacred rhythms of the church year are lived out. The liturgical calendar is a gift to all of us, inviting us to sanctify time, to remember God’s mighty acts, and to live more fully into our identity as the people of God. So, let’s dispel the misconception that liturgical living is only for families with young children. It is a vibrant, communal, and inclusive practice meant for all of God’s people. Whether you are lighting Advent candles, fasting during Lent, or rejoicing in the resurrection at Easter, you are participating in a beautiful tradition that unites us all. Embrace the liturgical year in your home, and discover the richness it brings to your spiritual journey.

The Feast of Mary Magdalene is coming up on July 22nd. Mary Magdalene, known as the "Apostle to the Apostles," holds a special place in Christian history. Her unwavering faith and love for Jesus have made her an enduring symbol of devotion. On her feast day, we are reminded of her profound role as the first witness to the resurrection and her crucial role in spreading the Good News. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene is with really good children's books. Reading books about the saints is such an easy and fun way to help our children learn about our faith's heroes. They are a powerful teaching tool to help children understand who the saints were and why they are important. Today I am sharing some of my favorite books about Mary Magdalene. I hope they are a blessing! The Miracle of the Red Egg by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson and Daria Fisher In the Orthodox Christian tradition, Easter eggs are dyed red. The red symbolizes the blood of Christ and the egg symbolizes the resurrection. Dyeing eggs red for Easter is also associated with the story of Mary Magdalene and her encounter with the Roman Emperor Tiberius. According to the legend, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene traveled to Rome to share the Gospel with Emperor Tiberius. During the meeting, she gave the emperor an egg and explained to him that the egg was a perfect symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. However, the emperor was skeptical and responded that it was impossible for someone to rise from the dead, just as it was impossible for the egg in Mary Magdalene's hand to turn red. The egg miraculously turned red at that moment, shocking everyone who witnessed it. This miraculous event is said to have convinced the emperor of the truth of Mary Magdalene's message, and he allowed her to continue her missionary work. The Story of Saint Mary Magdalene and the First Easter Egg by Laura Wagner. Another beautiful book on Mary Magdalene and the tradition of the red egg. Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist. This book is part of a longer series called the "Twas" series that walks you through the liturgical year. I am so excited about this series! It is so difficult to find children's books that walk you through the seasons of the church year. These are keepsake books that I will be using every year along with their activity packs. Twas the Morning of Easter is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of the women, including Mary Magdalene, who discovered the resurrection of Jesus. It is beautifully illustrated and follows the familiar rhyme of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The Ballad of Magdala: The Hometown of Mary Magdalene (History Comes Alive in Israel) by Sarit Gani This book tells the story of Magdala, the Hometown of Mary Magdalene, with captivating rhymes and illuminating and delightful illustrations. Although Magdala is mentioned several times in the scriptures, it came lately as a huge surprise, when remains of this ancient fishery town were revealed on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee in the Holy Land. Most exciting was the discovery of a stone block, on which a Menorah shape was engraved. It tells that the artist must have seen the original Menorah in the Temple before 70 AD (the year of the Temple's destruction). In short years Magdala has already become a very special place of history and culture, as it provides an authentic location to walk and pray where Jesus taught, and to connect with the first-century life of Jesus’ followers. OTHER HELPFUL LINKS ABOUT THE FEAST OF MARY MAGDALENE: How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene With Chai Tea Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene With Spiced Cupcakes

I am so glad that there are 50 days to celebrate Easter because it gives me the chance to discover new Easter books! I love this new to me book called “Twas the Morning of Easter” by @glenysnellist. It is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of the resurrection of Jesus, following the familiar rhyme of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” I hope it's a blessing to you and your family! Happy Easter!