Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts

Monday, April 7, 2014

Free Printable Religious Easter Banner




I had update the banner in Latim from 2011. This banner matches with our 2013 Easter Lamb printable kit

Get it HERE
Happy Feast Day!
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Thursday, April 3, 2014

Free Printable Paschal Candle 2014!






The picture is from 2013 but the file is 2014!

Get the pdf HERE


I hope you are having a fruitful lent and have a blessed Easter!









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Sunday, May 19, 2013

When does Easter end?

 
 
Pentecost Sunday
 
156. Eastertide concludes with Pentecost Sunday, the fiftieth day, and its commemoration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (cf. Acts 2, 1-4), the Church's foundation, and the beginning of its mission to all nations and peoples. The protracted celebration of the vigil Mass has a particular importance in cathedrals and some parishes, since it reflects the intense persevering prayer of the Christian community in imitation of the Apostles united in prayer with Mother of Jesus(160).
 
The mystery of Pentecost exhorts us to prayer and commitment to mission and enlightens popular piety which is a "continued sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church. He arouses faith, hope and charity, in the hearts [of the faithful] and those ecclesial virtues which make popular piety valuable. The same Spirit ennobles the numerous and varied ways of transmitting the Christian message according to the culture and customs of all times and places"(161).
 
The faithful are well used to invoking the Holy Spirit especially when initiating new undertakings or works or in times of particular difficulties. Often they use formulas taken from the celebration of Pentecost (Veni Creator Spiritus, Veni Sancte Spiritus)(162) or short prayers of supplication (Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur). The third glorious mystery of the Rosary invites the faithful to meditate on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation they are conscious of receiving the Spirit of wisdom and counsel to guide and assist them; the Spirit of strength and light to help them make important decisions and to sustain the trials of life. The faithful are also aware that through Baptism their bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit to be respected and honoured, even in death, and they know that the body will be raised up on the last day through the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
While the Holy Spirit gives access to communion with God in prayer, he also prompts us towards service of our neighbour by encountering him, by reconciliation, by witness, by a desire for justice and peace, by renewal of outlook, by social progress and missionary commitment(163). In some Christian communities, Pentecost is celebrated as a "day of intercession for the missions"(164).
 
 
 
 
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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Eastertide

 
 
 
The Annual Blessing of Family Homes
 
152. The annual blessing of families takes places in their homes during Eastertide - or at other times of the year. This pastoral practice is highly recommended to parish priests and to their assistant priests since it is greatly appreciated by the faithful and affords a precious occasion to recollect God's constant presence among Christian families. It is also an opportunity to invite the faithful to live according to the Gospel, and to exhort parents and children to preserve and promote the mystery of being "a domestic church"(156).
 
The Via Lucis
 
153. A pious exercise called the Via Lucis has developed and spread to many regions in recent years. Following the model of the Via Crucis, the faithful process while meditating on the various appearances of Jesus - from his Resurrection to his Ascension - in which he showed his glory to the disciples who awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14, 26; 16, 13-15; Lk 24, 49), strengthened their faith, brought to completion his teaching on the Kingdom and more closely defined the sacramental and hierarchical structure of the Church.
Through the Via Lucis, the faithful recall the central event of the faith - the resurrection of Christ - and their discipleship in virtue of Baptism, the paschal sacrament by which they have passed from the darkness of sin to the bright radiance of the light of grace (cf. Col 1, 13; Ef 5, 8).
For centuries the Via Crucis involved the faithful in the first moment of the Easter event, namely the Passion, and helped to fixed its most important aspects in their consciousness. Analogously, the Via Lucis, when celebrated in fidelity to the Gospel text, can effectively convey a living understanding to the faithful of the second moment of the Pascal event, namely the Lord's Resurrection.
The Via Lucis is potentially an excellent pedagogy of the faith, since "per crucem ad lucem". Using the metaphor of a journey, the Via Lucis moves from the experience of suffering, which in God's plan is part of life, to the hope of arriving at man's true end: liberation, joy and peace which are essentially paschal values.
The Via Lucis is a potential stimulus for the restoration of a "culture of life" which is open to the hope and certitude offered by faith, in a society often characterized by a "culture of death", despair and nihilism.
 
Devotion to the Divine Mercy
 
154. In connection with the octave of Easter, recent years have witnessed the development and diffusion of a special devotion to the Divine Mercy based on the writings of Sr. Faustina Kowalska who was canonized 30 April 2000. It concentrates on the mercy poured forth in Christ's death and resurrection, fount of the Holy Spirit who forgives sins and restores joy at having been redeemed. Since the liturgy of the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday - as it is now called(157) - is the natural locus in which to express man's acceptance of the Redeemer's mercy, the faithful should be taught to understand this devotion in the light of the liturgical celebrations of these Easter days. Indeed, "the paschal Christ is the definitive incarnation of mercy, his living sign which is both historico-salvific and eschatological. At the same time, the Easter liturgy places the words of the psalm on our lips: "I shall sing forever of the Lord's mercy" (Ps 89[88] 2)"(158).
 
The Pentecost Novena
 
155. The New Testament tells us that during the period between the Ascension and Pentecost "all...joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers" (Acts 1, 14) while they awaited being "clothed with the power from on high" (Lk 24, 49). The pious exercise of the Pentecost novena, widely practised among the faithful, emerged from prayerful reflection on this salvific event.
Indeed, this novena is already present in the Missal and in the Liturgy of the Hours, especially in the second vespers of Pentecost: the biblical and eucological texts, in different ways, recall the disciples' expectation of the Paraclete. Where possible, the Pentecost novena should consist of the solemn celebration of vespers. Where such is not possible, the novena should try to reflect the liturgical themes of the days from Ascension to the Vigil of Pentecost.
In some places, the week of prayer for the unity Christians is celebrated at this time(159).
 
 
 
 
 
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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter! Christus Resurrexit!

 
 
 
 
Easter Sunday
148. Easter Sunday, the greatest solemnity in the liturgical year, is often associated with many displays of popular piety: these are all cultic expressions which proclaim the new and glorious condition of the risen Christ, and the divine power released from his triumph over sin and death.
 
The Risen Christ meets his Mother
149. Popular piety intuits a constancy in the relationship between Christ and his mother: in suffering and death and in the joy of the resurrection.
The liturgical affirmation that God replenished the Blessed Virgin Mary with joy in the resurrection of her Son(153), has been translated and represented, so as to speak, in the pious exercise of the meeting of the Risen Christ with His Mother: on Easter morning two processions, one bearing the image of Our Lady of Dolours, the other that of the Risen Christ, meet each other so as to show that Our Lady was the first, and full participant in the mystery of the Lord's resurrection.
What has already been said in relation to the processions of "the dead Christ" also applies to this pious exercise: the observance of the pious exercise should not acquire greater importance than the liturgical celebration of Easter Sunday nor occasion inappropriate mixing of liturgical expressions with those of popular piety(154).
 
Blessing of the Family Table
150. The Easter liturgy is permeated by a sense of newness: nature has been renewed, since Easter coincides with Spring in the Northern hemisphere; fire and water have been renewed; Christian hearts have been renewed through the Sacrament of Penance, and, where possible, through administration of the Sacraments of Christian initiation; the Eucharist is renewed, so as to speak: these are signs and sign-realities of the new life begun by Christ in the resurrection.
Among the pious exercises connected with Easter Sunday, mention must be made of the traditional blessing of eggs, the symbol of life, and the blessing of the family table; this latter, which is a daily habit in many Christian families that should be encouraged(155), is particularly important on Easter Sunday: the head of the household or some other member of the household, blesses the festive meal with Easter water which is brought by the faithful from the Easter Vigil.
 
Visit to the Mother of the Risen Christ
151. At the conclusion of the Easter Vigil, or following the Second Vespers of Easter, a short pious exercise is kept in many places: flowers are blessed and distributed to the faithful as a sign of Easter joy. Some are brought to the image of Our Lady of Dolours, which is then crowned, as the Regina Coeli is sung. The faithful, having associated themselves with the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin in the Lord's Passion and Death, now rejoice with her in His resurrection.
While this pious exercise should not be incorporated into the liturgical action, it is completely in harmony with the content of the Paschal Mystery and is a further example of the manner in which popular piety grasps the Blessed Virgin Mary's association with the saving work of her Son.
 
 
 

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Free Printable Paschal Candle 2013!

 
 
 
Every year we wait until last minute for the beautiful Paschal candle art from Hermano Leon. With little ones it is much easier to get things done ahead of time. So, last year I have created my own Paschal candle printable art and I'm posting for the busy moms have enough time to get done before Easter arrives!

The colors match our printable Easter 2012 package. Spring - new life!







You can print  HERE
 
It will not be available for too long!
 
 

















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Sunday, March 3, 2013

Lamb cake ideas 2013

 
 
 
 
 
Pinned Image
Cake-pops
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
cupcakes
 
 
 
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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Christus Resurrexit!


Our Easter was spetacular! I put together some of our Easter decoration.



The kids really enjoyed the decorations; my four-year-old put together (with my husband:) our Resurrection set and the butter Lamb made without a mold was really easy and fast to make. It took me less than 10 minutes to make it and it was so adorable! I do suggest using a new garlic press because even thought my garlic was clean the butter's taste bore a hint of garlic. 


Our Crown of thorns wreath became the crown of glory and the Paschal candle turned out to be a nice centerpiece.



The chocolate crosses and the chocolate lambs went fast but the hit was the nest made of macaroons with chocolate egss on them.



The Ressurrection Icon and the Ressurrection set together with all the printables from our shop lent to a peaceful and holy Easter celebration!

Christus Resurrexit!




I was unable to add the catholicicing First Friday Linky button but, make sure to go there and check out how others are giving the real meaning to Easter!









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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Free Printable Paschal candle 2012!





This is a very simple Paschal Candle for your home. You will need a tall white candle and the  picture. Print the picture and simple wrap it around the candle and secure with a tape or glue.

Get the picture  HERE



Have a blessed Easter!










Credits: Hermano Leon
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Sunday, April 1, 2012

How to make a butter lamb for Easter without mold

Butter Lamb Photo


You will need:

2 sticks cold butter (1/2 pound)
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 whole cloves
Fresh parsley sprigs and edible pansies (optional)

Directions:
Cut a third from the end of one stick of butter. Place larger piece on a serving dish for lamb's body. Spread some of the softened butter on cut side of smaller piece; position vertically on left side of larger piece for neck and head. Trim edges.

Cut a 1/4-in. slice from the second stick of butter; cut diagonally in half. Spread softened butter on cut edge of one triangle; secure to front of head/neck piece for nose. Set remaining triangle aside.
 
Cut a diagonal slice from each end of the second butter stick. Spread softened butter on cut long side; secure to back of head for ears.
 
Cut remaining butter and reserved triangle to fit into a garlic press. Squeeze butter through press in batches. Use toothpicks to curl pieces. Beginning at the top and working down, place curls on body. (If butter softens while assembling, place in refrigerator for 10 minutes or until firm.)
Insert cloves for eyes; add two dots of cinnamon on nose for nostrils. Refrigerate until serving. Garnish plate with parsley and pansies if desired.

butter diagram

Source:Tasteofhome
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Easter decoration idea!

  The decorations replaced the crown of thorns on the wall...












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Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter story cookies!



To be made the evening before Easter.

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggy
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1-tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1-c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read ISA.1: 18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!


Source: Catholicmom
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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Easter basket ideas


 The butter lamb:
an essential for traditional Easter baskets in the Eastern Church.

   You can find the mold kit for a great price at St Joseph school for boys



Small chocolate lamb - I got the mold on Ebay


Look how cute and simple these lamb treats are!
Get instructions here: Ruth stamps 


Chocolate crosses - you can get a mold for such on Ebay


For religious toys (if you do not like to walk from one store to the next), I have found Oriental Trading to be the best option.You can subscribe to their email list and receive free shipping coupons.
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Monday, April 4, 2011

Lamb cake ideas for Easter


DIY decorations for cupcakes! Just add our printable cupcake topper and cupcake wrapper to a cupcake.

Isn't that SIMPLE?



Here is our well-known 3-D Lamb cake (this is from Family feast and feria ).  I like to buy cake decorations at Country Kitchen SweetArt. They have a lot of cute and cheap decorations. (And, they do not work on Good Friday!!). If you do not feel like trying this adventurous 3-D cake, you could buy the lamb face and feet and just add it onto a regular cake. It comes with instructions.



And here are the cake pops that I just found, and I will definitely try to make them myself this Easter. You can get the directions for them at: Bakerella


Here we have mini cakes. Directions at : Dr. Oetker



Here you may find more easily made lamb cakes: coolest-birthday-cakes

Lamb Cake Photo
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Saturday, April 2, 2011

How to make a Easter religious banner




Materials:
-  Christus Resurrexit banner from our free printable page;
- Cardstock;
- Scissors
- ribbon
- Hole Punch
~Pencil

1. Go to our free printable page and print the Easter banner (pdf );
2. Cut the squares;

3. Punch two holes on the top; (After I made the first one, I used it as a template to punch the holes in the other squares).
4. Thread a ribbon through.

HAPPY EASTER!!



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