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Each year on November 30, Christians around the world honor the life and legacy of a devoted disciple and father of the early church, St. Andrew. Known as the “Protocletus” or “First-Called,” his feast day offers a unique moment of reflection, often falling at a transition in the liturgical calendar—sometimes at the close of Ordinary Time and other times at the beginning of Advent. This timing highlights St. Andrew’s unique role in salvation history, standing at the threshold of Jesus’ public ministry and His calling of others to follow Him. His Biblical Roots Our first encounter with Andrew is in the Gospel of John, where he is introduced as a disciple of John the Baptist. One day, as John the Baptist was walking with two of his followers, including Andrew, he saw Jesus passing by and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Upon hearing this, Andrew and the other disciple left John the Baptist and began following Jesus. Noticing them, Jesus turned and asked, “What are you seeking?” They responded by calling Him “Rabbi” (which means Teacher) and asking where He was staying. Jesus invited them, saying, “Come, and you will see.” They went with Him, saw where He was staying, and spent the day in His presence. Andrew’s response to this life-changing encounter is one of the most beautiful moments in the Gospels. He immediately sought out his brother Simon Peter and proclaimed, “We have found the Messiah.” Then, true to his character, Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. This simple yet profound act of introducing others to Christ became a hallmark of Andrew’s ministry and earned him the title Protocletus, a Greek term meaning “First-Called.” In Matthew 4, we read that after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus moved to Galilee and began preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” While walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Andrew and Simon Peter casting their nets into the lake. He called to them, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed Him, demonstrating the same readiness and faith that had defined Andrew’s earlier decision to follow Jesus. Andrew’s Role in Jesus’ Ministry Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Andrew’s thoughtful and practical nature is revealed in the Gospels. In John 6, during the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus saw a great crowd approaching and asked Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” At this moment, Andrew stepped forward and said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Despite the apparent impossibility, Andrew brought what little was available to Jesus, who gave thanks, multiplied the loaves and fish, and provided more than enough for everyone. Andrew’s actions in this moment reveal his faith and his willingness to offer whatever was at hand, trusting that Jesus would provide. Later, in John 12, Andrew is once again seen as a bridge between others and Christ. During a festival, some Greeks approached Philip, expressing their desire to see Jesus. Philip turned to Andrew for help, and together they brought the request to Jesus. This moment highlights Andrew’s role as someone who consistently brought others to Christ, whether it was his own brother, a young boy with loaves and fish, or seekers from distant lands. In Mark 13, Andrew’s closeness to Jesus is underscored. As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples marveled at its grandeur, saying, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Jesus responded, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Later, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew approached Him privately to ask, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?” This moment shows Andrew as part of the close inner circle of disciples who sought a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings and His plans for the future. Andrew’s Life After Jesus’ Resurrection Following Jesus’ death and resurrection, Andrew, along with the other disciples, was taught by the risen Christ, witnessed His ascension to the Father, and awaited the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Andrew embraced his mission to preach the Gospel and became one of the great missionary apostles of the early Church. According to tradition, Andrew’s ministry took him to far-reaching regions, including Scythia (modern-day Ukraine and western Russia), Greece—particularly the cities of Patras and Achaia—Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and Thrace (modern-day Bulgaria and parts of Greece). His tireless efforts to spread the faith earned him the titles “Apostle to the Greeks” and “Apostle to the Scythians,” and he is venerated as a patron saint in many of these regions. Legends tell of the many miracles Andrew performed during his missionary journeys, including healings, exorcisms, and even raising the dead. In Patras, Greece, it is said that Andrew converted the wife of the Roman governor, a bold act that ultimately led to his martyrdom. Andrew was martyred in Patras around AD 60 during the reign of Emperor Nero. Tradition holds that Andrew, out of humility, requested not to be crucified on a standard cross like Jesus, as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Instead, he was tied to an X-shaped cross, prolonging his suffering but allowing him to continue preaching to onlookers. This distinctive diagonal cross, later known as the "St. Andrew’s Cross," became a powerful symbol of his faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to Christ. After his martyrdom, Andrew’s body was venerated by local Christians. His remains were initially kept in Patras, where a church was built to honor him. The Church of Saint Andrew in Patras continues to be a significant pilgrimage site and houses relics, including his skull and a portion of the cross on which he was martyred. In AD 357, Emperor Constantius II ordered the transfer of many relics of the apostles and early saints to Constantinople to establish the city as a spiritual center of the Roman Empire. St. Andrew’s relics, including his bones, were moved to the Church of the Holy Apostles, where they were enshrined alongside relics of other apostles, such as St. Luke and St. Timothy. In 1208, during the time of the Crusades, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought a significant portion of Andrew's relics from Constantinople to Amalfi, Italy. The relics were placed in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where they remain to this day. Some relics of St. Andrew also made their way to Rome. The Vatican possesses a portion of his remains, which are housed in St. Peter's Basilica. In a symbolic gesture of unity, Pope Paul VI returned a portion of these relics to the Greek Orthodox Church in 1964. They were sent back to Patras, Greece, where they are venerated in the Church of Saint Andrew. Scotland Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, where his relics were reportedly brought in the 4th century by Saint Regulus (or Rule), a monk who carried them to the area now known as St. Andrews. The town became a significant center of devotion, and Andrew’s saltire cross (an X-shaped cross) was later adopted as Scotland’s national emblem. According to legend, Andrew appeared in a vision to King Óengus II during a battle in AD 832. A white saltire cross is said to have appeared in the sky, inspiring the Scottish army to victory. This event solidified Andrew’s role as the nation’s patron saint and led to the adoption of the saltire as Scotland’s flag. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew Read the Gospel passages that mention St. Andrew: John 1:35–42 (Andrew meets Jesus), Matthew 4:18–22 (The calling of Andrew and Peter), John 6:8–9 (The feeding of the 5,000) As a family, reflect on Andrew’s role in introducing others to Jesus. Who in your life needs that same invitation? Bring Others to Jesus. Take inspiration from St. Andrew and consider how your family can introduce others to Christ. This could mean inviting a friend to church, sharing a meal, or even offering a small act of kindness to someone in need. Make a St. Andrew’s Cross. Create a simple X-shaped cross with your children using sticks or craft supplies. Use it as a centerpiece for your table or a reminder of St. Andrew’s humility and faithfulness. Make Cranachan. As the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew is honored with traditional Scottish dishes on his feast day. One of these is Cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert made with toasted oats, raspberries, cream and whisky. Cranachan ⅓ cup steel-cut oats ⅓ cup Scotch whisky ¼ cup steel-cut oats 2 cups fresh raspberries 3 Tbsp Scotch whisky 3 Tbsp honey 2 tsp sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream The night before you want to make the dessert, toast 1/3 cup of the oats in a cast-iron or very heavy pan until very lightly browned- this won't take long, so keep a close eye, as you don't want burnt oats. Put the oats in a bowl and cover with 1/3 cup (3 oz) of whisky. Cover and let stand overnight to soak. When you are ready to make the Cranachan, toast the second batch of oats the same as you did the first ones. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Choose a few choice raspberries to decorate the tops and set them aside. Crush the rest of the raspberries in a bowl, with a spatula or fork (just a bit, we're not making jam). Sprinkle the raspberries with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of whisky. Mix well and set aside. Whip the cream until it starts to thicken, then add the other 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of whisky. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form, then fold in the whisky-soaked oats. At this point, we are ready to assemble the dessert. I would recommend doing this relatively close to serving time, as the dessert will taste better fresh (if possible, don't make it in the morning to serve for dinner). Place a spoonful or two, to cover the bottom of the glass, of the raspberries, then add some of the cream mixture. Sprinkle the cream with some of the toasted oats, then repeat the layers. Finish with the sprinkled oats and top with a raspberry or three. Refrigerate until ready to eat, but take them out about 20 minutes before serving, for better flavor. Recipe from www.christinascucina.com

One of my favorite ways to celebrate Advent is with The Advent Wreath. An Advent Wreath is such a wonderful visual symbol to help us mark the passage of time through Advent. On the very first Sunday of Advent, my family collects greenery from our yard, assembles the wreath, and puts it in the middle of our kitchen table. The wreath is such a powerful sign to our family that we are joyfully waiting for the coming of our Savior as we light a new candle every Sunday night. Everything about the wreath is symbolic and is an excellent teaching tool. The shape of the circle and the evergreens represent eternity. Candles represent a time of preparation and purification as well as the light or presence of Christ. The color of the candles is also symbolic. Violet represents penitence as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior. Blue can also be used instead of violet to symbolize a sense of expectancy. The rose or pink candle represents Mary, the willing servant of God and the mother of our Lord. The white candle represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve. Every Sunday night, we gather as a family, have our Advent devotion, sing, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and light the next Advent candle. It builds such anticipation to watch as every candle burns a little more. I love gathering in the evening, lighting the candles, breathing in the smell of evergreens, and reading through the story of our salvation with my family. Today I am sharing the supplies you would need to make your own Advent Wreath. I have supplies listed for a standard size wreath and for a large Advent Wreath like the one that I make every year. Once you have assembled your wreath, place it on the kitchen or dining room table, gather your family every Sunday night for Evening Prayer, light the appropriate number of candles and pray through your family devotions. And stay tuned because tomorrow I am sharing how to assemble the Advent Wreath! Standard Size Advent Wreath Supplies 1. Greenery from your yard 2. An Advent Wreath Ring Silver Advent Wreath Ring $18.99 Advent Wreath Ring by Vermont Christmas Company $15.95 3. Advent Candles Advent Candle Set $12.99 with a $2 off coupon Beeswax Advent Candles $29.99 4. A white pillar candle to represent the Christ Child. White Pillar Candle $13.99 5. A wire form to attach your greenery to. Metal Wreath Frame 12 inch $6.99 Large Advent Wreath Supplies 1.Greenery from your yard 2. A wire form to attach your greenery to. Metal Wreath Frame 16 inch $17.99 3. Advent Candles Advent Candles 1/2" x 12" $34.00 (Brass stands not included) Advent Pillar Candles 3"x8" $39.99 4. A white pillar candle to represent the Christ Child. White Pillar Candle $13.99

Advent is one of my favorite liturgical seasons, a time of expectant waiting, preparation, and hope as we move toward Christmas. One of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to mark the passage of Advent in your home is with an Advent wreath. This beautiful tradition holds so much meaning, inviting us to wait and pray for the light of Christ to break into the darkness of our world. If you’ve never used an Advent wreath before or want to deepen your understanding of this beautiful custom, let’s explore its history, symbolism, and how to incorporate it into your Advent celebrations. The History of the Advent Wreath The origins of the Advent Wreath can be traced to German Lutherans in the 16th century who would light candles in anticipation of Christ's birth. However, what we know as the Advent Wreath was created by a Lutheran pastor named Johann Wichern, who worked with the urban poor in the 19th century. During Advent, children at his mission school in Hamburg, Germany, drove him crazy, asking him every day if Christmas had arrived. He decorated a large wooden ring with 24 small red and four large white candles. One red candle was lit successively every day during Advent, and a large white candle was lit each Sunday. The custom became popular in Germany and was eventually adopted by other denominations and became a wreath with four purple or blue candles (more on that later), representing the four Sundays of Advent and a central white candle representing Christ. The Meaning of the Advent Wreath The wreath is a powerful reminder that we, along with Christians around the world are expectantly waiting for the coming of our Savior, as every Sunday in Advent a new candle is lit and the increasing light of Christ approaches, reflecting John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Each component of the wreath has a rich meaning: The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity. The evergreens that dress the wreath represent the eternal nature of God. Candles represent a time of preparation and purification as well as the light or presence of Christ. The color of the candles is also symbolic. Violet represents penitence as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior. Blue may also be used instead of violet to symbolize a sense of expectancy. The rose or pink candle represents a lightening of the penitential mood since Christmas is almost here. The white candle represents Christ. If you'd like to know what each candle means and the devotions that go along with the lighting of each candle, it's all in my book The Liturgical Home: Advent How to Use an Advent Wreath in Your Home Place the Advent Wreath on your kitchen table. Gather each night around the Advent Wreath or every Sunday. This could be before or after dinner or before bed. Light the appropriate candle or candles and do the devotion for the day. Closing Thoughts The Advent wreath is one of my favorite Advent traditions. During Advent, our wreath is dressed in evergreen boughs that my children brought in from the woods. We place it on our dining room table, and every night we sit down in the darkness, light the Advent candles, and learn anew the story of our salvation. As I look around, the light of the candles casts a soft glow and every face is filled with a sense of wonder. This is what celebrating Advent does, it takes the chaos and the frantic rush of our lives and it forces us to slow down. We are given, as a family, time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ so that when Christmas finally arrives, we greet the day with true joy.  As we journey through Advent, may this beautiful tradition draw you and your family closer to Him. How do you use the Advent wreath in your home? Do you use purple or blue? Do you use it daily or weekly? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about your traditions!

What if we decided to do things differently this year? What if we chose not to buy into the rush? To say “no” to the noise, the frantic pace, the manic buying that the world seems to tell us is part and parcel of the season? What if this Advent, we let go of that pressure to do and have more? Imagine what would happen if we slowed down. If, instead of getting swept up in the race to December 25th, we embraced the slower rhythm of the season and opened our hearts to the waiting, the hoping, the preparing. What if we turned our focus inward and upward? What if we spent these weeks of Advent not just counting down but leaning in —to prayer, to stillness, to moments that fill us rather than exhaust us? This Year, Let’s Choose… To Wait Advent invites us to sit with the longing. Instead of rushing ahead, what if we waited with purpose? Every week, every candle, every moment is an invitation to embrace that holy anticipation, knowing that what we’re waiting for— Who we’re waiting for—is worth every moment. To Pray It doesn’t have to be complicated. Prayer can be as simple as sitting quietly with the words, “Come, Lord Jesus.” These small pauses throughout the day, between the busyness, help us to recenter our hearts and invite the peace we’re all craving this season. To Prepare Not our gift lists or our schedules, but our hearts. What do we need to lay down? What do we need to embrace? Advent is the season for preparing our hearts for the miracle of Christmas. To Wonder In the midst of everyday life, Advent is a call to wonder—to reflect on the mystery of Emmanuel, God With Us. What if we let that sense of awe shape the way we see and approach each day? To Serve and Give This season calls us to look beyond ourselves. Small acts of kindness, a listening ear , a meal shared—these simple acts can be gifts that mirror the heart of Jesus. To Hope The beauty of Advent is that it’s full of hope. Every candle lit, every prayer whispered, and every small act of waiting builds that hope in us, reminding us that no darkness is too deep to be overcome by the Light. This Advent, let’s allow ourselves to live out this season intentionally. To savor the waiting, to seek the peace, to bring the hope of Advent into our homes and our hearts. This is what my heart yearns for, and it’s the heart of my Advent guide— The Liturgical Home: Advent —which releases tomorrow. My hope is that it will be a gentle guide for you, filled with devotions, reflections, and practices to walk you through this sacred season. What if we decided to do things differently this year?

If you’ve enjoyed this blog or my Instagram account, then you’ll love my guidebook on Advent! The Liturgical Home - Advent Guidebook , was written to give you everything you need to celebrate the beautiful season of Advent in your home. As a young mom, I wanted to celebrate Advent but I didn’t know where to start. I wanted to know everything about Advent, I wanted the history, I wanted recipes, I wanted traditions and I wanted devotions for every day! I wanted a single book that guided my family through this beautiful season! That’s why I created this book ! In it you will find: 🕯️What are the seasons of the Church? 🕯️What is Advent and why do we celebrate it? 🕯️All of the beautiful traditions from around the world that help us celebrate the season of Advent. From Advent Wreaths to Christmas Stockings, you’ll learn the reason why we celebrate these traditions and how to celebrate them. 🕯️All of the special days throughout Advent. From St. Nicholas’ Day to Las Posadas, you’ll learn why we celebrate these special days along with all of their history, traditions and foods. 🕯️Family devotions for every day in Advent, including the special prayers for the Advent Wreath. 🕯️Traditional recipes from around the world to celebrate these special events. I hope this book will be a huge blessing to you and your family!

Happy first day of October! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we continue to move through the season of Ordinary Time. October 4th - The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi The first feast of the month is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, where we celebrate a rich young man whose life was radically changed through the power of Christ. October  18th - The Feast of St. Luke  On this day we celebrate St. Luke, faithful disciple of Jesus and writer of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. October  23rd - The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem On this day, we celebrate a remarkable early church leader and the author of the Epistle James. October  28th - The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude On this day, we celebrate two faithful disciples of Jesus who collaborated in spreading the Gospel and shared martyrdom in distant Persia. October  31st - All Hallows Eve or Halloween The eve of All Saints Day, a beautiful day where we lovingly remember the martyrs and saints who faithfully served the Lord and who have died. 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   The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi The Best Children's Books on St. Francis of Assisi The Feast of St. Luke How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Luke Pumpkin Muffins for the Feast of St. Luke The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem How to Celebrate the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude All Hallows Eve The Christian Origins of All Hallows Eve (Halloween) Soul Cakes for All Hallows Eve Bones of the Dead Cookies for All Hallows Eve

Christians all around the world have a special bread or treat that they make for All Hallows' Eve and All Saints’ Day. In Portugal they make Pão-por-Deus (Bread for God), in Mexico they make Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead), in France they call it Pain des Morts (Bread of the Dead). This bread is often shaped like a coffin or a cross. They make a sweet called Huesos de Santo (Saint's Bones) in Spain. In Austria, they make Allerheiligenstriezel , a sweet braided bread often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Make Ossa dei Morti or Bones of the Dead. These almond-flavored, bone-shaped cookies are made to honor the deceased and are often enjoyed with a glass of wine. the recipe - Ossa dei Morti or Bones of the Dead 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 egg 2 1/2 ounces ground almonds 1/2 cup (4 ounces) all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder Pinch of salt Powdered sugar Instructions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together the sugar, extract, and egg in a medium-sized bowl until blended. Stir in the almonds, baking powder, flour, and salt, and stir just until combined. Dump the mixture onto a lightly floured hard surface and gently knead for a minute or two with your hands until smooth. (Dough will be sticky) Divide the dough into three pieces, and roll each into a 1-inch log. Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch pieces, then use your fingers to roll each piece into ropes about 4 inches long. Place the cookies 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies begin to brown and the tops feel set when touched with your fingertips. Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy! https://www.italianfoodforever.com/2019/11/all-saints-day-cookies-ossa-dei-morti/

The day is finally here! The Liturgical Home 2024-25 Calendar has launched! This calendar has been such a labor of love and I am so excited to share it with you! It’s going to make celebrating the liturgical year so much easier! Bring the beauty and rhythm of the Church year into your home with this stunning 2024-2025 Circular Liturgical Calendar . Designed to visually guide your family through the Christian year's seasons, this calendar showcases the key feast days, liturgical colors, and holy seasons in a simple, elegant layout. Perfect for families, churches, and schools, this calendar helps you stay connected to the sacred cycle of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. Use it as a daily reminder of the liturgical seasons and a tool to teach children about the flow of the Christian year. The calendar is made from premium matte poster paper and measures 18" X 24" You can also add a magnetic bamboo hanger for easy display and a gold Sharpie to mark off the days after you celebrate them.

It's about time for another giveaway! There are so many good Christian children's books out lately! One that I am particularly excited about is Gathered at the Table: Celebrating Communion by Glenys Nellist. Gathered at the Table is such a sweet book that helps children understand the meaning of communion. It begins with the example set by Jesus at the Last Supper in Jerusalem. It shows readers that even though there are many ways to take communion, the meaning is the same: In communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Ever since Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, Christians all around the world gather to celebrate Communion so they can remember this sacrifice, too. There are not many children's books on communion, and I'm excited to have Gathered at the Table to add to my Children's Church collection.   To enter the giveaway, share your favorite thing about communion in the comments. This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Zonderkidz, and is open to entrants living in the USA. No PO boxes.

“For everything there is a season” ( Ecclesiastes 3:10 )—I am sure you know the verse well. We are all familiar with it, and yet it is so often misused. People will often quote the verse in response to a bad thing that has happened or a hard time that you are going through. But if you look back at the verses in Ecclesiastes 3 , a world is depicted that involves not only the bad but the good, “a time to mourn” AND “a time to dance” ( Eccl. 3:4 ). The passage goes on to say (and I love this!), that God has made “everything beautiful in its time” and that “He has set eternity in our hearts” ( Eccl. 3:11 ). There is so much more going on here than the mere passage of time with all its joys and sorrows. Here, in Ecclesiastes, we find a call to something more, a call to rise above the everyday passage of time and to embrace God’s time. For Christians, time is much more than just what the Greeks called Chronos – the passing of time as a measurable quantity of days, weeks, and years. Through Liturgical Living; the reading of Scripture, prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the observance of the feast days and fast days, the Chronos is sanctified and becomes Kairos. Kairos is time that is not measured by its duration, but instead by its quality and significance. Liturgical Living reminds us daily that we have been chosen by God to be his people and that it is our relationship with him, and nothing else, that gives our lives significance. When I realized the Church had already created a way for me to enter into God’s time (what the writer of Ecclesiastes was talking about), I got excited. By reordering my family’s life to follow the Liturgical Year and all of its rhythms, everything became full of intention and meaning. Now, when I make a meal for the people in my life, it is no ordinary meal! It is a foretaste of the banquet table that God has prepared for us in heaven. Now, when I decorate my home for the season, it’s not in response to the latest fad, it’s a celebration of the life of Christ. Now, the everyday moments of my life aren’t just everyday moments anymore! They are shaped by the seasons of the Church. And so they are holy. And God is making everything beautiful in its time.

I'm so excited about a new book that just came out! It's called Bake and Pray by Kendall Vanderslice. Here is the description of the book: From God’s provision of manna in the wilderness to Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of loaves, bread functions throughout Scripture as a sign of God’s presence and provision. Professional baker and practical theologian Kendall Vanderslice has spent a lot of time reflecting on the connection between the dough that clung to her hands at work and the bread blessed and pressed into her palm at church, ultimately seeing that they both were tangible reminders that God was with her and that God cared. Weaving baking science and technique together with theological reflections drawn from a wide range of Christian traditions, Kendall will: teach you how to incorporate bread-making into the rhythms of your busy life reveal the ins and outs of bread baking while unlocking the spiritual parallels woven into each loaf provide breadmaking liturgies and historical recipes to bake through a variety of liturgical holidays and seasons show how to incorporate baking as a form of prayer in our lives. As you follow the steps to bake bread―whether you are a lifelong baker or intimidated by the thought of yeast―you will learn something about the character of God and the life of faith. In Bake & Pray , you will get not only a practical understanding of how to bake bread but also receive a deeper appreciation for the ways God can shape you in the process. a look inside the book -

On October 4th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved and well-known saints in Christian history. His profound love for God, creation, and all living beings continues to inspire millions around the world. Known as the founder of the Franciscan Order and a model of humility and devotion, St. Francis embraced a radical way of life that sought to imitate Christ's simplicity, poverty, and care for the marginalized. On his feast day, we honor his deep connection to God, his love of nature, and his call to serve the poor and vulnerable. The Early Life of St. Francis St. Francis was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy family. His father was a prosperous silk merchant, and his mother was a French noblewoman. From a young age, Francis was indulged by his family and enjoyed the luxuries of a wealthy lifestyle. He was charming, witty, and captivated by the cultural trends of his time, including the poetry of the troubadours and the chivalric ideals of knighthood. Francis spent his youth in carefree revelry, known for his fine clothes and lavish spending. However, despite his outward appearance of happiness, Francis began to experience disillusionment with the material world. A turning point came when he encountered a beggar while selling goods in the marketplace. Moved with compassion, Francis abandoned his wares to chase after the beggar, giving him all the money he had. His friends mocked him for this act of charity, and his father scolded him angrily. This moment planted the seeds of a transformation in Francis’s life, though it would take several years for him to fully embrace a new path. In 1202, Francis joined a military expedition against the nearby city of Perugia, but he was captured and spent a year as a prisoner. During his time in captivity, Francis became seriously ill, which led him to reflect on his life’s direction. After his release, he briefly returned to his former lifestyle, but soon began to feel restless and spiritually unsatisfied. In 1205, while preparing to join the army again, he had a vision that caused him to abandon his plans and return home. From that moment, he gradually distanced himself from the pleasures and ambitions of his past life, seeking instead to devote himself fully to God. Francis’s Call to a Life of Poverty One of the most significant turning points in Francis's life came when he visited the dilapidated church of San Damiano, just outside of Assisi. While praying before an ancient crucifix, Francis heard Christ speaking to him, saying, "Francis, go and repair My church, which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." Taking these words literally, Francis sold some of his father’s goods to raise money to repair the church. When the local priest refused to accept the money because it was obtained dishonestly, Francis threw it on the ground and renounced his father’s wealth. Francis’s decision to embrace poverty caused a rift between him and his father, who was furious over his son’s actions. In a dramatic public scene, Francis appeared before the bishop of Assisi and his father, stripped off his fine clothes, and declared that he was no longer his father’s son but a servant of God. From that moment on, Francis lived as a beggar, embracing a life of extreme poverty and humility. For the next two years, Francis devoted himself to repairing the ruined chapels around Assisi. During this time, he also began caring for lepers, an act of compassion that further deepened his commitment to serving the most marginalized and outcast members of society. Founding the Franciscan Order and the Poor Clares As Francis’s reputation for holiness and humility grew, others began to join him in his simple way of life. In 1209, Francis and a small group of followers traveled to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III to establish a new religious order. The pope initially hesitated but was later convinced by a dream in which he saw Francis holding up the Church. With the pope's blessing, Francis officially founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans. The order was characterized by its commitment to poverty, simplicity, and preaching the Gospel through both words and actions. The Franciscans quickly grew in number, attracting men who sought to live out the radical teachings of Christ. They traveled from town to town, preaching, serving the poor, and relying entirely on the generosity of others for their sustenance. Francis himself refused to own any property or accept money, instead focusing on the spiritual riches found in serving God and His creation. In 1212, Francis’s spiritual influence extended to women as well, when a noblewoman named Clare of Assisi left her wealthy family to follow his example of poverty and devotion. With Francis's guidance, Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, a community of women who dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, poverty, and service. Together, the Franciscans and Poor Clares embodied the ideals of simplicity, humility, and radical dependence on God. Francis’s Love for Creation One of the most well-known aspects of St. Francis’s legacy is his deep love for all of God’s creation. He saw every element of the natural world as a reflection of God's glory and praised the Creator for the beauty of nature. This love is beautifully expressed in his famous Canticle of the Sun . The Canticle of the Sun , also known as the Canticle of the Creatures , is one of St. Francis of Assisi's most famous prayers, composed toward the end of his life. Written in the Umbrian dialect of Italian, this poetic hymn expresses Francis’s deep love for God and creation. In the Canticle , Francis praises God for the sun, moon, stars, wind, water, fire, and earth, referring to them as his "brothers" and "sisters." The prayer beautifully reflects his belief that all of creation is a reflection of God's goodness and glory, and it calls believers to recognize the sacredness of the natural world. The Canticle of the Sun  is not only a celebration of creation but also a profound expression of Francis’s joyful, humble spirit and his understanding of the interconnectedness of all life under God's care. The Anglican priest William Henry Draper famously adapted into the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Francis’s love for animals has inspired many stories and legends. One popular tale tells of how Francis tamed a fierce wolf that was terrorizing a village, convincing it to live in peace with the people. Another account describes how Francis preached to a flock of birds, who listened attentively to his words about God’s love. He saw all creatures as fellow servants of God, reflecting His goodness and glory. The Creation of the Nativity Scene Another lasting contribution of St. Francis is the creation of the first nativity scene, a tradition that continues in Christian homes and churches around the world. In 1223, Francis wanted to make the celebration of Christmas more meaningful, so he set up a live nativity scene with animals in a cave near Greccio, Italy. This simple yet powerful display was meant to help people experience the humility and poverty of Christ's birth in a new and tangible way. The tradition of the nativity scene has since become a beloved part of Christmas celebrations worldwide. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Attend the Blessing of the Animals : One of the most popular traditions associated with St. Francis is the Blessing of the Animals. Many churches hold special services where people can bring their pets to receive a blessing in honor of St. Francis’s love for all creatures. This joyful event serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for God’s creation. Prayer and Reflection : On his feast day, consider reading parts of St. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun . These prayers reflect St. Francis’s deep love of God and can inspire us to live with greater humility, compassion, and gratitude for the world around us. If you have children, here's a list of my favorite children's books on St. Francis. Acts of Service : In keeping with St. Francis’s commitment to the poor, consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating to a charity, or offering help to someone in need. Serving others, especially the marginalized, is one of the most meaningful ways to honor his legacy. Enjoying Nature : Spend time outside, whether on a nature walk or simply in your garden, appreciating the beauty of creation. As you do, reflect on how you can better care for the environment, following Francis’s example of stewardship and love for all living things. Eat Almond Cookies : When St. Francis was on his deathbed, he asked a dear friend to bring him his favorite treat, her almond cookies!