Resources to Help Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis de Sales

This Month, Celebrate the Feast Day of One of the Most Beloved Doctors of the Catholic Church. 

Perhaps one of my favorite saints is St. Francis de Sales.  Born in 1567 of French decent, he became Bishop of Geneva and was raised to the status of Doctor of the Catholic Church.  He was given the distinction of Doctor Caritatis (Doctor of Charity) and once you learn more about his life, you will easily see why this man was so well received, loved and admired for his contribution to the advancement of our wonderful and rich Faith.

This saint holds a special place in my heart not because he was a Doctor of the Catholic Church, nor because he is the patron of writers or journalists, developed a sign-language to communicate with, evangelize to and instruct the deaf or even because he made extensive use of flyers and books in his teaching of the Catholic Faith to others. I love him simply because he is, in my opinion, one of the best and most eloquent authors of works on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation.  (St. Alphonsus Liguori is also a beautiful heartfelt writer too.)  Perhaps St. Francis' most famous work, received so very well by many Christians and Catholics, was Philothea also called Introduction to the Devout Life.  Written in 1608 by the talented saint, it is a must read for every Christian. 

Help introduce your kiddos to this wonderful saint with some of our faith resources.

St. Francis de Sales copywork features a quote from the saint in a simple copywork format that even the littlest learners can use.

St. Francis de Sales Printable Saint Trading cards come four to a sheet and give a bit of info of this saint and one of his famous quotes.  It is a nice simple card for new readers and collectors.

St. Francis de Sales Mini-Book is a small eight page booklet that kiddos can easily make.  It is a prompted book which asks writers to list some basic biographical info about this saint.  Younger learners can draw many of the answers.  This is always a fun activity for children whether they are new or veteran writers.

Blessings,
Kalei

It's Here!! Advent and Christmas People and Their Stories Pt.III - Fun learning for this week and beyond

Get it NOW!  Shell from Thinking Love, No Twaddle blog has finished the last portion of her Little Lesson: Advent and Christmas People and their stories Part III!

Father reminded us in his homily yesterday about doing our duty as Catholics - and it wasn't what I thought he was going to say.  I thought he was going to talk about going to church or confession, but he didn't.  He explained that many do not understand what the word "duty" means, especially in today's world, which gives the word a negative connotation.  He easily explained that means doing what needs to be done, in the right spirit, for the glory of God and that duties should directly correspond to our vocation. 

At this time of year many are overwhelmed in things that they think need to be done - what they sometimes consider "duties."  Keeping God at the forefront of every hour of the day can get lost among shopping, wrapping, standing in line, cooking. and entertaining.  Let us help by suggesting you take a bit of time out this week to teach a Little Lesson on Advent and Christmas to your family (or even just sit down by yourself and go through the lesson on your own.)

This third installment of Advent and Christmas People and Their Stories focuses on St. Nicholas, St. Stephen, the angels, St. Wenceslas, St. John the Baptist, the Baptism of our Lord, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the use of chiaroscuro.  You can expect an engaging text and many opportunities for discussion with the kiddos or quiet independent pondering.  Shell has thoughtfully left spaces throughout the text to keep notes or jot down points of interest.  Carefully chosen artwork images really bring this lesson to life as well.

As always the little extras make this lesson even sweeter including the prayer to our Guardian Angel, English and Latin version of the lyrics of Good King Wenceslas and three sets of quick quiz cards for review and narration opportunities.  Download this part of the lesson or all three of them now.

Little Lesson of Advent and Christmas Part III
Little Lesson of Advent and Christmas Part II
Little Lesson of Advent and Christmas Part I

So while many people are busily bustling around preparing for Christmas, we are taking things slow this week and trying to keep God at the forefront of every hour of the day.  We are having our final choir practices for Christmas Eve Mass, listening to real carols as we relax in front of the Christmas tree playing board games, watching classic Christmas specials on DVD, and participating in our church cleaning and decorating for Christmas. (Oh! It is such a wonderful time of fellowship and activity for the family.  Many families from our parish get together to clean all of the nooks and crannies and put up all of the beautiful decorations for Christmas.  Then we pile into the hall for a wonderful lunch altogether.)
May you have a wonderful week of relaxing preparation for Jesus Birthday - however your family chooses to get ready for it!  :)
Blessings,
Kalei

Little Lesson of Advent Stories Part II

If you enjoyed the first part of the Little Lesson of Advent Stories by Shell of Thinking Love, No Twaddle blog, then you won't want to miss the second part of the lesson. 

This additional forty page section continues where the last lesson left off.  The stories include:

Jesus is presented in the Temple.

The purification of Mary and the prophecy of Simeon.

The Magi and the star

Herod

Flight into Egypt and St. Dismas

Immaculate Conception and the Ark of the Covenant

It includes a wonderful and inviting text that allows for much discussion and notes to be written as well.  There are notebooking sheets and the present for Jesus is my favourite little piece!

Thanks Shell for you energy and we pray for you in thanksgiving!

Download Little Lesson of Advent Stories Part II now.

Blessings,
Kalei

Great Little Lesson of Advent Stories

Advent is upon us and what a better way to celebrate it than with a little lesson perfect for family learning.  Advent and Christmas, People and their stories is a great little lesson written by Shell of   Thinking Love, No Twaddle blog. 

In her lesson Shell reminds us that Advent is a time of waiting and preparation but it is also a time for reflection.  In this unique lesson she examines the people who have been a part of the original story of Christmas from Scripture, tradition or even myths.  The people she highlights include:  St. Anne, St. Joachim, Anna the Prophetess, St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zachariah, St. John the Baptist and others including the shepherds in the field,   The events highlighted include the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity and Circumcision of Jesus, the Nativity and Circumcision of St. John the Baptist and more.

This file is 49 pages in length and is designed for double sided printing so that you can cuddle up on the couch and read this like a book to the kiddos.  You could very easily print this single sided as well.  Some great features of this double sided printable lesson include:

-A wonderfully engaging text,
-Scripture references with a space to make notes on the page,
-Notebooking sheets,
-Lapbook pieces,
-Art lesson and picture study prompts,
-Discussion questions,
-Greek references for fun factual learning and more.

I must say that my favorite piece in this lesson is the Family Tree of Jesus!  (You can't see me, but I'm clapping.)  Oh! This will be great for the kiddos to see simply the comparison of Mother Mary's side of the Holy Family and St. Joseph's side as well.

My family and I are so excited to have received this in the inbox to share with you all today.  In a gesture of thanksgiving, please keep Shell and her family in your prayers. 

Download this Little Lesson: Advent and Christmas, People and their stories now.
See other Little Lessons and Resources from Shell.

Please feel free to share this post with others who may find it useful!

Blessings,
Kalei