Commemorating the Canonization of Junípero Serra
It’s another historic day in the Catholic Church as our Holy Father visits the United States of America and Father Junípero Serra becomes the very first saint to be canonized on U.S. soil!
Junípero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco, which at the time were in Alta California in the Province of Las Californias in New Spain. (source: stjunipero.org)
Here are seven ways to commemorate this special day with children:
1 – Picture Books
There are some great picture books available about the Papacy, Pope Francis and the soon-to-be canonized Saint Junipero Serra. Snuggles received a new book about our Holy Father (“his Pope“) in his Easter basket last year. Many of these books are available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, Catholic Child, and through my affiliate links below. Here is the list of the books we’ll be reading:
Jorge from Argentina: The Story of Pope Francis for Children by Marlyn Monge
Our Holy Father the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present – An excellent book for teaching children about the Papacy.
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| “Only the Pope may declare men and women to be saints.” – Our Holy Father the Pope |
The Mission Bell (OOP) – The story of Father Junipero Serra’s travels in the California wilderness, of his interest in the Indians and of his building of the missions.
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| The Mission Bell |
Song of the Swallows – First published in 1948, was written and illustrated by Leo Politi about Mission San Juan Capistrano, the 7th of 9 missions established by Father Serra.
The First Californian: The Story of Fray Junípero Serra (OOP) – Chapter book by Donald DeMarest and originally published in 1963.
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| The First Californian |
I’m still waiting for our copies of the following two books to arrive:
Serra: American Founding Father
Junípero Serra: Founder of the California Missions (Pre-Order! I’ll probably save this for one of the children’s Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning or for next year’s Easter Baskets since it hasn’t been released yet.)
2 – Coloring Pages & Worksheets
Free Online Resources:
Pope Francis printables from Tiny Saints
Pope Francis in the United States from Paper Dali
Blessed Junipero Serra’s Canonization Day from Paper Dali
Pope Francis coloring pages from St. John the Baptist Religious Education
Blessed Junipero Serra from Catholic Playground
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| From Catholic Playground, Saints of the Americas, and Paper Dali |
Coloring Books to Purchase:
Bl. Junipero Serra from Saints of the Americas Coloring & Activity Book
Pope Francis Coloring & Activity Book
Popes Coloring Book (Dover)
California Missions Coloring Book (Dover)
3 – Lap Book
If you never downloaded the Papal Lap Book and Unit Study I created during the Election of Pope Francis, now is another great time for a Unit Study on the Papacy. Here is a list of my published posts on the Lap Book. (I never did get back to completing the posts for the last couple units.)
Scroll through all my Papal Unit Study posts here
(Note: A number of my posts include suggestions for reading from My Catholic Faith. This was a childhood favorite of my husband’s and we have been using it with our children ever since our teenagers were toddlers. This beautiful book has just been released in Audio format!!! Today we will be listening to the following sections: 74. One Body in Christ: Communion of Saints, 93. The Veneration of Saints, and 94. Relics and Images.)
4 – Crafts
California Missions to Cut Out (Book 1) and California Mission to Cut Out (Book 2)
Summer with the Saints: Blessed Junipero Serra (homemade holy cards)
Mission Drawings on Brown Paper and Drawing Guides
5 – Catholic Cuisine
Celebrating Bl. Junipero Serra with California Mission Foods over at Catholic Cuisine
Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding over at Catholic Cuisine
Flan — A Spanish Delight over at Catholic Cuisine
Italian Cream Cupcakes with Vatican Flag and Pope Francis’ Papal Coat of Arms Cupcake Toppers
Keys of Heaven Candies for my children using this Key Mold and Yellow Candy Melts
Chicken Paella from CatholicMom.com
More ideas can be found over at Catholic Culture
Fig Newtons – The Black Mission Fig was named after the mission fathers who planted the fruit as they made their way north along the California coast!
6 – Gift Ideas
Hand-painted Bl. Junipero Serra Doll from {JOY}filled Family
St. Junipero Serra from Naturally Catholic
Pope Francis and Saint Junipero Serra from Tiny Saints
Blessed Junipero Serra print form Portraits of Saints
Monk Rag Doll from Jacob’s Toy Box
7 – Watch the Live Coverage
The Official Schedule for Pope Francis’ Visit to the U.S.
Live Streaming and Archived Videos from the Vatican YouTube Channel (English)
Yesterday we pulled out the iPad and started watching the World Meeting of Families using the EWTN app and AirPlay! Our older boys set their alarms to wake up extra early this morning to watch the welcoming ceremony at the White House before meeting with their math tutor! EWTN will also be streaming the canonization. You can view their schedule here.
5 Ways to Celebrate Michaelmas
The feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels, traditionally known as Michaelmas, is coming up on September 29th. Today I’m sharing 5 Ways to Celebrate Michaelmas over at TAN Homeschool!
UPDATE: You can now find my original article here on the blog.
On the Feast of Saint Matthew
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| Saint Matthew from Catholic Folk Toys |
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| Matthew from The Twelve Apostles by Marianna Mayer |
Life Is Precious :: Miracle of Life Picture Books
Note: Links to American Life League (ALL) are not affiliate links, but ALL is currently a sponsor here at Shower of Roses. I was given a complimentary copy of Life Is Precious in exchange for my honest review. It is such an excellent program and I am really enjoying using it with my children this year!
- Angel in the Waters
- Miracle of Life Coloring Pages from Companion CD-ROM
- Crayons, Colored Pencils and/or Markers
- Pregnancy and Baby Pictures (I just printed some digital photos on cardstock)
- Blank Books, 14 sheets, 28 pages, 6″w x 8″h (I purchase these from Rainbow Resource. You can also find a single book or 6 pack over at Amazon.)
- Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets (one 9×12 sheet cut in half is enough for the front covers of two small blank books)
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| “MOM! Why you so FAT?!” |
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| His FACE when his older brother told him HE was inside my tummy. |
Next the children worked on coloring the provided coloring pages with images of the baby at different stages of development.
So… This happened today!
Bargain Priced Toys :: Shining Light Dolls
{this moment}
Life Is Precious {Sponsored Review & Giveaway}
Earlier this year I was sent a review copy of the brand new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students from American Life League!
“Life Is Precious is a resource for parents and their children and illustrates the basic facts of human development in the womb using scientifically accurate yet kid-friendly coloring pages and traditionally published picture books. In consultation with a former biologist, as well as veteran homeschool parents, we created this 4-week unit study to provide students with accurate information to enhance learning. Designed to complement any existing homeschool curriculum in grades K-2, Life Is Precious instructs children about the truth of human development while still respecting their innocence. It is perfect for the homeschool or co-op setting where parents are involved, and is a fun, easy way to learn about human development and the value of life. A version appropriate for classroom use in production and will be available in early Fall.”
I am so excited about this program and have included it in my elementary students curriculum for our new school year.
The Life Is Precious unit study is broken into four lessons featuring the following picture books which all explore age-appropriate culture of life themes while teaching the value of human life:
- Angel in the Waters or purchase the 10th Anniversary Hardcover! (studies human development from creation until birth)
- On the Night You Were Born (studies the beauty and wonder of each and every single person God has created)
- Horton Hears a Who (studies the need to defend and protect all persons, no matter how small)
- One (studies the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s not easy to do)
Each lesson is broken into four days (or classes). Realistically, I will most likely spend a month completing each lesson (one day per week) with my younger children since our schedule is so full at the moment. We will continue studying Angel in the Waters this month as we prepare for “Respect Life” month in October!
In the back of the comprehensive teacher guide you will find a companion CD-ROM which contains all of the printable appendices and coloring pages! The package also includes a 12-week fetal model and the Baby Steps DVD with live 4D ultrasound imagery of preborn babies in the womb.
Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother!
Today, in addition to beginning our new school year, we also celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!
Pray for my children, dear Mother. Keep them from all danger, especially from spiritual danger. Help them to become virtuous citizens of their own country, but let them not forget the Kingdom of God.
End-of-Summer Daybook
Outside my window…
Sean and our oldest two boys were able to go and watch David (my youngest brother and Godson) compete in the Men’s Semifinals (top 4!) at the 86th Annual Southern Oregon Golf Championships this weekend! One of my other brothers, Kevin, has played in the finals the past four years, but wasn’t able to make it this year. Here is the link to an article in the local paper: OIT influence alive and well at SOGC
I am thankful…
that Sean made it back home safely from his last fire assignment. Between the extra long night shifts, steep/hazardous terrain, and cougars, it was one of the more dangerous assignments he has had over the years. Thank you for the extra prayers!
I happened to spot our oldest son listening to an audio book while coloring in one of his old World War II coloring books the other day while I was washing dishes. He sure loves the headphones he won during the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week Contest this year!
Celebrating the liturgical year…
Birthdays are always joyous occasions in families. On September 8th, the Church, the Family of God celebrates the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will be celebrating with another cake!
From the kitchen…
lots of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast for the little ones and I’ve been drinking lots of broth. I especially like Pacific Natural Foods little individual servings for convenience when I haven’t had time or energy to make more of my own. The Chicken with Ginger is my favorite followed by the Chicken with Lemongrass.
I am working…
While my husband was off fighting wildfires, I was also working overtime here at home… I was even able to sell our motorhome and purchase a new vehicle – the first car we have purchased since buying our Toyota Sienna over 10 years ago when our fourth baby was on the way!
My Dad helped us wash and detail the motorhome before selling it and I started to have second thoughts! Even though it was small for our family we made so many wonderful memories in it this past year and a half… I miss it already!
We do think it was the right decision though and our hope is that we will eventually be able to purchase a trailer for traveling and camping trips. In the meantime it is soooo nice to have a vehicle that fits our whole family again!
This picture was taken just before Sean left on his last fire assignment. We had met in town (it was taking two cars to get us all anywhere) and the kids and I had a little time to kill while he picked up some of his fire gear, so we went to the car lot across the street to look at and test drive the vehicle we had been looking at online. I had to snap a picture of all the children waiting patiently while I talked to one of the salesmen. A couple weeks later, I was back at the same car lot (I was there a lot this past month trying to get them to come down on the price!), without any of the children, and one of the other employees came up to me and said “You were here a couple weeks ago, with a whole bunch of kids, right?” I replied “yes…” while bracing myself for whatever comment might follow next out here in our ultra-liberal anti-life state… He went on to say “I just want to tell you I have never seen such well behaved kids in my WHOLE LIFE! Good job, Mom!”
I am creating…
the updated and revised Little Flowers Girls’ Club Crafting Pages are all completed. You can now download them directly from Behold Publications!
I am going…
I took my boys to watch their good friend’s very first high school football game last week. (His team won 0 to 48!!!) It’s starting to sink in that I actually have teens starting high school this year…
I am hoping…
that we are finally starting to recover from the stomach bug that is making it’s way through our home. It hit me and the three youngest really bad and my husband is wondering if it was perhaps food poisoning of some sort. After many sleepless nights, and way too many loads of laundry, we are looking forward to everyone being healthy again.
I am praying…
for the Snodgrass family. Here is an update from Renee about their precious new little saint in heaven:
“Many of you already know, but I just wanted to personally make sure you all knew that our precious 25-day old miracle made it to Heaven. Patrick Gabriel Snodgrass took his last breath Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015 at about 6:25am safe and comfortable at home in the arms of his daddy, with mommy and Nana Anna holding onto a hand. We are so blessed and grateful to have had him with us, even if it was for a short time. As you all know, he wasn’t even expected to survive in utero, let alone go term and survive labor, delivery and almost 3 weeks at home!!!!! He was a fighter and he put up a good fight, so we could be touched and moved by such a precious gift from God. Thank you all for your support and prayers and best wishes. We certainly have felt them all and are so grateful.”
August 16, 2015: Our children got to meet beautiful little Patrick Gabriel after Mass this morning! He is still here and was anointed with chrism oil during Mass. (He was baptized by his dad immediately after birth due to his health issues/trisomy 13.) I loved kissing his sweet head and smelling the chrism. My eight year old thought his extra digit was especially cool! Please keep the prayers coming for the Snodgrass family!
I am reading…
Teachers Manuals, Table of Contents lists, and Lesson Plans. Our new school year is about to begin!
Pondering these words…
about “Gratitude for the Grace of God” from Imitation of Christ. My husband sent me pictures of Chapter 10, which he had opened up his book to, shortly after hanging up the phone one day during his fire assignment while struggling to fall asleep. We had just been talking about needing to work on our patience and gratitude, after over a year of unsuccessfully trying to move. God seems to want to keep us here for now.
I walked into the living room and my heart melted… Our eight year old was reading The Princess and the Pea aloud to his little sister while she rests her head on his shoulder and his little brother plays with his hair.
Around the house…
While I was busy creating the final sample pages for the Little Flowers Crafting Pages, the children were also squeezing in all sorts of last minute summer fun (despite the smoke filled skies outside, which have thankfully cleared for now after some much needed rain!) building bridges, painting pictures, assembling puzzles, and dressing up.
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| “Good Mornin’ Mama!” |
listening to my dad play his guitar. Definitely one of the reasons I’m glad we are staying where we are for now. I would sure miss living near my parents.
This week’s plans…
- Monday: Labor Day Observed, Back-to-School Preparations
- Tuesday: Back-to-School Celebration and Photos, First Official Day of Our New School Year, High School Robotics (two oldest)
- Wednesday: Math Tutor (for our two oldest)
- Thursday: Tutor at our home (7am-1pm), High School Physical Science Lab (two oldest)
- Friday: Rosary Vigil Service celebrating the life of Patrick Gabriel Snodgrass
- Saturday: Catholic Funeral Mass for Patrick Gabriel Snodgrass+
- Sunday: Latin Mass (once every two months), older boys serve, Sean leads choir
A little peek at my day…
#dearLordpleasesendextragraces #ithinkimightneedthemthisyear
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