Catholic Homeschool Support

Of course as Catholics, we understand that Christmas begins on December 25th. We have 12 days of celebration to enjoy. Here are a list of ideas of what to do with this special time:

• Lessons on the Epiphany – The article may make it seem as though it’s geared to CCD teachers, the ideas are applicable for all Catholic families.
• King’s Cake Recipe – from one of my favorite Catholic sites on the internet – Domestic Church
• Activities and Customs from Catholic Culture – this is a not to be missed site (check out the King’s Party ideas)
• Key to the Twelve Days of Christmas from CatholicMom
• Gospel Activities for Epiphany Sunday – coloring pages, worksheets and a game, “Gift for the Baby Jesus”

Enjoy!

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expected of the nations and their Savior.  Come and save us, O Lord our God.

O King of the Gentiles and the Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one.  Come, and save man whom you fashioned out of clay.

O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Light eternal and Sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Key of David and Scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no man closes; you close and no man opens.  Come, and deliver from the chains of prison those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the peoples; before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse.  Come, save us, and do not delay.

O Adonai and Ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and on Mount Sinai gave him your law.  Come, and with outstretched arm redeem us.

For more information on the tradition of the O Antiphon – Catholic Encyclopedia

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and, reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly.  Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

My oldest two are in 8th grade and part of their religious study is discussing what the term “separated brethren” means. As we discussed the term and what we share in common and what we do not, I was struck by the fact that during this season, our separted brethern finally have a period of time where they can acknowledge the mother of our savior, Mary.

So, perhaps we can take some time during this Advent to pray for our separated brethern that they might grow closer to Mary; that they might see what a wonderful role model she is for all of us.

I know Catholic mothers especially identify with her in her motherhood, but all of us would benefit from contemplating how she modeled obedience and trust in God. All of us spend time reading the nativity story and the angel and Annunciation during Advent – say an extra prayer for all those who only consider Mary during this time of the year.

Just a quick post to remind you that Saint Nicholas’ Feast Day is coming up December 6th. For all things about the man, saint and legend, visit the site, Saint Nicholas Center.

And, the way we celebrate is to give each child a special ornament. Someday (sooner than I want to contemplate), they will move out, have their first tree and a box full of childhood treasures for it. I know I will cry when these ornaments are no longer on our family tree. As an organizational note, I write their name and the year on each ornament and each child has a plastic box with all their ornaments. It makes for a lovely conversation looking at their first year or favorite ornament.

It is not too late for you to add this to your family tradition.