Resources
Often we find (or get sent emails) on great resources and ideas we would like to share with our households. Here you can find some of those resources. We will add more as we find them. If you are looking for something in particular and would like a recommendation, let us know. We are happy to provide suggestions or share ideas.
Books
There are many wonderful children and youth books. Here are a few recommendations.
A number of years ago I was listening to an interview with Anthony DeStefano on an Iowa Catholic Radio show. He was highlighting the children's books he'd authored. My follow-up was a visit to Divine Treasures, our local Catholic book and gift store. There I purchased one of each of the DeStefano titles that they had in stock and soon began reading them to our grandchildren when they visited. Our grandchildren fell in love with the stories as they were read to them, and often requested their personal favorites. Emotions surfaced in all our hearts as the words and illustrations of each storybook came to life.
The Sheep That No One Could Find is one of those books I purchased. It is a perfect match to this month’s Learning with the Parables gathering. It is about a young sheep who chose to explore the world outside his Good Shepherd's pastures, convincing himself that he could follow his own will rather than the Shepherd's. While on this big adventure, the little sheep encounters a hungry wolf, an angry lion, and a deceitful snake that tries to convince him that the Good Shepherd is cruel and would never forgive the little sheep. The little sheep knew he made a bad decision; he was tired and scared, and didn't know what to do or where to turn. But just when the young one feels the weight of the decision to wander (I mean, explore) the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice brings hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation. How often do we find ourselves straying from the safety and freedom of the Good Shepherd to follow our own will? What do we do when we're lost, exhausted from trying to run from the snares of the world? How do we listen for the Good Shepherd's voice and remain within His gentle, loving care?
This book is great for young ones to hear, but I promise that young readers will enjoy it as well. It filled my heart as I would listen to our grandchildren read the book to me, inserting their own commentary at nearly every turn of the page. Years later there would be the occasional "hey, I know that story" or "we have that book" when the Word was proclaimed at Mass. It opened the door to continued sharing of life experiences and encounters of the greatest love story ever told: Jesus's never-ending love for each one of us. I hope you enjoy reading this book to your little ones and receiving their wisdom and experience as they read it to you.
~ Vivian Day McGee
The Sheep That No One Could Find is one of those books I purchased. It is a perfect match to this month’s Learning with the Parables gathering. It is about a young sheep who chose to explore the world outside his Good Shepherd's pastures, convincing himself that he could follow his own will rather than the Shepherd's. While on this big adventure, the little sheep encounters a hungry wolf, an angry lion, and a deceitful snake that tries to convince him that the Good Shepherd is cruel and would never forgive the little sheep. The little sheep knew he made a bad decision; he was tired and scared, and didn't know what to do or where to turn. But just when the young one feels the weight of the decision to wander (I mean, explore) the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice brings hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation. How often do we find ourselves straying from the safety and freedom of the Good Shepherd to follow our own will? What do we do when we're lost, exhausted from trying to run from the snares of the world? How do we listen for the Good Shepherd's voice and remain within His gentle, loving care?
This book is great for young ones to hear, but I promise that young readers will enjoy it as well. It filled my heart as I would listen to our grandchildren read the book to me, inserting their own commentary at nearly every turn of the page. Years later there would be the occasional "hey, I know that story" or "we have that book" when the Word was proclaimed at Mass. It opened the door to continued sharing of life experiences and encounters of the greatest love story ever told: Jesus's never-ending love for each one of us. I hope you enjoy reading this book to your little ones and receiving their wisdom and experience as they read it to you.
~ Vivian Day McGee
Bible Tabs
I have been on the hunt for good, fun colored bible tabs all year. One of my favorite companies came out with this wonderful set of Bible tabs. I am so excited to get a set for my own Bible.
These tabs are also a nice choice. I like that the sections of the Bible are in different colors. This helps to orient myself.
Shining Light Dolls
Shining Light Dolls has wonderful resources from books, puzzles, dolls and more. Check out their weekly saint podcasts as well. A great way to share a little faith with all those you know.
Rosary
There are SO MANY wonderful resources to aid in praying the rosary. Which one would engage your household?
Pop-It Rosary from Gather and Pray. Do you have a child that the rosary beads are too much? Keep getting lost on which bead you are on? Try a Rosary pop-it. Pop a bubble for each prayer and keep track of your place.
Saints
Catholic Sprouts has all around good resources. They have wonderful saint books. All content is written by a Catholic mom with kids.
Yep, you read that button right, religious socks. This company makes fun socks (and other apparel) with saints and religious feasts on them. They are a fun way to show someone you are thinking about them. The shirts are funny, don't miss them.
Catholic Website and Resources
Advent
Holy Heroes has lots of fun resources to engage all members of the family. Not so sure about lighting an Advent wreath each week? How about building a Lego Advent wreath instead?