Ethiopian Christmas aka Epiphany

This time last year, we were just welcoming home our newly arrived Ethiopian children when the full blown Americanized version of Christ's birth hit them square between the eyes. In an effort to minimize this secular holiday bombardment, we went about celebrating the season in our typical quiet (okay, friends, I use the term quiet loosely when referring to the Ark) family way. But knowing that in Ethiopia, Christmas was celebrated on the Epiphany we purposefully transitioned some of our traditional Christmas customs to January. It was one of those times when I thought I was doing something so great and wonderful for my children, but, in the end, the one who really benefited from this change was me. I had, if you'll pardon the pun, my own little epiphany about the whole season and the ebb and flow of the Christmas season at large in the Church.
So this year, we made certain to repeat some of our Epiphany activities from last year, and the favorite one (I'm thinking because fire was involved and the Boy, fresh off his altar serving tour, came match in hand ready to help).

Here below, you can see the pictures of our house blessing, whose tradition commemorates the visit of the Magi to the humble dwelling of the Lord. With the blessing, we show our desire for the protection and the presence of Jesus in our homes, and our intent to reflect God's openness and hospitality to others.

Gather the family at home to share this home blessing:

Let us pray: O Lord, almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity, self-control, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to your Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell here may your blessing remain forever, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here is the blessing that was read by B, at the main doorway of the house, while the Boy marked the slate:

Let us pray: O Lord, God, through the power of the priest you blessed this chalk to make it helpful for us your people. Grant that we who use it with faith and write with it the names of the saints--Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar--upon the entrance of our home, may through their merits and petitions enjoy physical health and spiritual protection, through Christ our Lord. Amen.



On the slate write the year and the initials of the names of the Magi, separated by crosses, in this manner:

20 + C + M + B + 08

Once all of that has happened, then comes everyone's favorite part. Together, we walk through the entire house, carrying the incense to bless each room. Usually the older kids take turns holding the incense (It gets VERY hot!), but we do help each of the little ones to bless their rooms. The smell of the incense is mild, but just strong enough to linger in the air for the rest of the evening, reminding each of us of the great gifts we have been given and the responsibility we have to share them with those around us.

Scheduling Crisis

"I just don't know about this half day kindergarten bit," I overheard a young mother lamenting to her friend. "He comes home from school and eats lunch, but then the afternoon just stretches out in front of us forever," as she feigned a dramatic collapse. Her friend smiled and nodded sympathetically, "I know what you mean. There are a few library programs or occasional swim lessons, but really, what are we supposed to do to keep our kids entertained for all that time between lunch and dinner?"

I looked around at my own three little ones wandering about my feet. One was busying himself with the contents of the diaper bag and the other two had created an impromptu game involving princesses and some derivation of ring-around-the-rosy. Was I, or more importantly, my children missing something in the afternoon hours spent at home with me, their pint-sized calendars full of white space?

As I gathered my brood to leave, I overheard the son of the distraught mother whining to her, "Mommy, what are we going to do now???" And my heart went out to her as I saw her shrug her weary shoulders and gesture to her friend, "See what I mean?"

When did it become our role as parents to also act as cruise directors for a ship ready to mutiny if our activity schedule doesn't entertain 24-7?

My older children recall not the time spent with me at some exotic location or trendy kidspot, but the memories born of a lazy afternoon where boredom provided inspiration. They remember walking through our yard, barren but for a dozen or so young saplings to check on their growth and discovering--much to our surprise--a family of birds nesting within. They remember their decision to hand wash the car on a hot summer's day that turned into a full-blown water fight. They remember the time we opted to take all of the recycling boxes in the house and turn them into makeshift doll (and in the case of the larger boxes-people) houses. There have been tea parties, picnics, story times and containers of play-doh that have wrought bonds stronger than any super-glue could ever hope to do. And there have been quiet times talking, sharing memories or poking around my old jewelry drawer as they tried on their great grandmother's engagement ring and pondered their connection to someone whom they only know from pictures.

Have my kids missed out? I don't think so. And when they get older, I hope they'll look back and say they agree.

Don't miss this! Many of you have probably seen or already subscribe to this gem of a magazine. For those of you who haven't, here's an opportunity to page through the new January/February issue and see what you're missing. Here's a recent advertisement, including the link to preview the new issue... As a new year unfolds, many of us have our good resolutions to honor for the coming year. For Catholic parents, and especially for mothers, some of those resolutions undoubtedly have to do with the challenging task of raising happy, wholesome, and holy children and fostering a happy marriage. What better resource than Faith & Family magazine for a year-round source of inspiration and guidance? This beautifully presented magazine has won the 1st place General Excellence Award from the Catholic Press Association for the past 6 years in a row for its content and layout. Just click here to preview a few pages of the current Jan/Feb 2008 issue.

Each issue has specific sections designed to help couples with tips on marriage and parenting, resources and guidance for the spiritual life, tips on how to live Catholic traditions in the home, positive testimonials about real people who share their triumphs and struggles, entertainment guides for all ages, delicious recipes, practical household tips, and much more. In collaboration with Catholic Radio International, Faith & Family Magazine has also sponsored a series of Christmastide reflections on the family, available for instant listening here. For subscription information click here.

What's in a Name?

Apparently quite a bit if you ask Maryanna Korwitts, who is a self-proclaimed nameologist. An article ran in our local paper about her work yesterday. Besides reading about the anatomy--or history--of your name, or trying name *therapy* for a name that has just never quite suited you well, you can plug in your name to find out what personality traits are associated with your name. And if that wasn't enough, she even offers psychic intuitive readings.

How did I ever survive this long without knowing that instead of Jane I might make for a better Janie or Janel or Joan? Better still, how could my parents in all decency give me a name that might sway my personality one way or another before I even had a chance to offer my name suggestions. And what about that kid who changed his name to "Trout Fishing in America"? Where do you think he falls on the nameagories scale?

Stay tuned, dear friends, these and other questions along with the announcement of my new--and improved--name, still to come.

Tongue inserted firmly in cheek here. I mean you can't really believe I'd do a psychic intervention, could you? Now a chocolate intervention, that's a whole different story...

Please pray...

for the repose of the soul of David Eversole, who together with his wife owned and operated the amazing Catholic Christian store On A Wing And A Prayer. Their store has blessed many families in our community and the outreach that Dave's Daniel's Den provided was second to none. His family and friends and the Catholic Christian community at large will miss him greatly.

Also pray that their store's ministry and evangelization continues. Dave will be smiling from heaven to see that even in death, the work he began continues to bring others closer to Christ.

At Home Date Nights

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful time together in Chicago last weekend. It was so great, in fact, that we're walking around the house now saying things like, "Gee. That was really fun." "Yeah, we should do that more often." But the reality is a big weekend like that isn't in the cards (or the Ark's budget) for a weekly date night. It left us thinking about when we were newly married, stationed in Germany, with a newborn in tow. Wanting desperately to have occasional date nights, we resorted to taking turns planning "at home" date nights once the Boy was asleep. Themed dates like Poker Night, Home Brewed Coffee Shop and Movie night-in were created--and enjoyed--very much. We've decided to try and resurrect this ancient Ark tradition, but I thought I'd ask for a little assistance.

So, friends, any great date night ideas out there? I know that Laura has been doing a series on frugality and I think the "at home" date night idea scores big points in that category. Perhaps there are some frugal, yet fun, and still romantical (as Paula Deen says) ideas out there? Suggestions, please---Date night is less than a week away!

Back-to-school

6:45am Wake early and congratulate self on crawling out of bed before kids leave for school.

7:00am Plan to change out of pajamas and into *grown-up* clothes. Wonder why we decided against homeschooling.

7:30am Thank God for husband, who is driving the early morning altar serving Boy and his sisters to school on this first day back.

8:00am Get online to respond to email and update blog just as three little voices called, "Good Morning."

8:30am Fix breakfast and vow to change out of pajamas right away at least by noon. Notice that laundry has not folded itself overnight and prioritize folding it-AFTER suitably dressed for the day.

9:00am Talk to Mom on phone, discuss important current events--primary in NH, unseasonably warm weather, and the "Look at the purty, tall buildings" look on my face that evoked smirks from the two young ladies (who would never believe that I spent much of my senior year in college running around NYC) followed by a mournful "When did I get old?"

10:00am Call for the big girls to help dress the little kids. Wait in silence for response. Curse the end of Christmas vacation.

11:00am Finish cleaning up kitchen from breakfast and wonder why the little kids are already asking for lunch. Look at clock and sigh.

11:30am Finish household administrative tasks, phone calls and paperwork. Worry that tomorrow is not looking promising for any major accomplishments.

11:31am Decide that getting dressed qualifies for major accomplishment.

12:30pm Throw hands up in air and laugh. Attempt to document this first morning back to school--because when I'm having a TRULY bad day--this is one that will make me smile.

Happy Back to School!

Get Away!

For his Christmas gift this year, I opted to schedule a get-away mini-weekend for my husband and I. (Yes, I know, this ranks right up there with giving him a copy of my favorite book or movie as we both enjoyed it tremendously--but hopefully, he was enjoying himself too much to notice...) Regardless, we spent a lovely evening in the city at a historic Chicago hotel and dined at one of our fair city's famous steakhouses, where we were thrilled to realize that the "smoke-free" restaurants rule was now in effect. (There really is nothing like eating a meal that has NOT been sauteed in someone's second hand smoke!)

Much to my surprise, when we arrived a bottle of champagne was chilling in our room and a complimentary breakfast for two delivered via room service was scheduled to arrive the next morning. Honestly, I don't know how that happened, but I must admit I was quite happy it did!
Needless to say, having an unlimited amount of time in which to shower, dress and get pretty (minus the standard interruptions of "Can you wipe me?", "Can you sign my homework?", "I neeeeeeed more fill in the food/drink favorite of the day," or my favorite, at 7 in the morning, "I have to ask you something important---what's for dinner tonight?") left me feeling refreshed and ready to head back to the troops waiting at home. It also reminded me that it is possible that my husband manages to see the leisurely showered hotel woman through the pony tails and sweat pants that usually greet him at the end of his day, but for good measure, I suggested he snap a mental picture--just in case.


But the best part of leaving, as always, was coming home. Remembering that the little ones who waited there for us were the actual, physical examples of all that was good about being away.

(A few of the photos of the hotel lobby--I couldn't get a good picture of me with my jeans and well-worn shoes from Target clutching my enormous Mom-purse and looking like the suburban mom I am spending a night in the big city)

Thanks and Praise

for another precious soul welcomed by the Elm City family. If you have a chance, stop by and wish them all well.

Thumbs Up!

Found all over the little corner of the blogosphere I haunt is the announcement of the new Catholic Media Review blog. A group of bloggers, including Julie D., from Happy Catholic, will provide their take on current releases with an eye toward Church teaching. Looking for a place to see if a movie would be a good fit for your family? Look no further, here it is. Don't forget to bookmark it!

Much success, ladies. And a great big thanks for taking on this endeavor!

Online Bible Study

Beginning Monday, Catholic Exchange starts "Renewing Your Christian Self" a ten-week, online study designed for women, who may be unable to attend a regularly scheduled study.

From their site:

From the website: "Are you interested in participating in a bible study but don't always have the time to attend a regularly scheduled meeting?

Would you like to connect with women around the world and share insights, support, encouragement, and opinions?..." For more details go here.

On Looking Good Enough To Eat

Have you ever made those cute little chocolates that you can form into a million different shapes? Craft stores everywhere sell molds for every occasion and every holiday (and I think we may own them all).
And then there are the chocolates--dark chocolates, milk, light, and white chocolates in every shade of the rainbow. All so delicious that it is an effort to keep them in the cupboard long enough for their intended use.
Well, my kids know their homemade, multi-colored, thematically shaped chocolates--and so do I. Or so I thought. When these beauties (featured right) appeared in festive bags as Christmas gifts. I encouraged them (You can start cringing now, Dawn) to grab one out and take a big bite of the new treats. I stepped out of the room for one second--and suddenly a panic was ensuing behind me. Children were running amok everywhere I looked. Screaming and yelling that they had soap in their mouths. Guzzling water straight out of the water cooler as bubbles flowed down their chins. Soap? I was dumbfounded. Where on earth could they have gotten into, let alone eaten soap in the mini-moment I turned my back. Then it hit me. (I'm a little slow on the uptake in some of these situations.) Our beautiful, sea-shell shaped chocolates were--you guessed it--beautiful, sea-shell shaped SOAPS.
So, minus the bite-marked ones, these lovely gifts will be located in our girls bathroom. Just so you know. In case you ever visit. And were thinking about tasting one of our conveniently located bathroom chocolates.

New Year's Eve Countdown In Word and Pictures

At 6pm, our small crowd of guests arrived for dinner. But before we ate, each of us wrote one thing we want to improve or change or a bad habit to stop from 2007 on a small slip of paper and sent it into a roaring fire. Then, we each lit a candle, off a tray of votives, as we said a silent prayer for the coming year.

At 7pm, for the fourth time in as many years, we wrote our Ten Year Predictions with sometimes humorous (the invention of Baby T's new line of hair products--Fro and Go) and sometimes sweet (CB's prediction that in ten years, Mom and Dad will still be loving us just like today.) Then, despite the blowing snow coming down, everyone traipsed out onto the front porch to blow bubbles in the dark.

At 8pm, mini bags of M & Ms revealed our Sweet Fortunes and we began the first of several rounds of card games (Spoons, Go Fish and Scr*w Your Neighbor--which I'm sure must have a nicer name) provided lots of laughs.

At 9pm, the Boy cranked up the ITunes CD he made for our "Blast from the Past" Dance Party. Everyone tried their hand at guessing which decade the songs came from, while the youngest revelers cut some serious rug. By special request, the last song was The Chicken Dance, which provided background music for many rounds of musical chairs.

At 10pm, we lit the sparklers on our Confetti Cake and enjoyed our final dessert of 2007. We also watched Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest (along with Hannah Montana and co.) at the ball drop in NYC.

At 11pm, we chose from a list of games and played until just before midnight. Santa's gift of the popular dice-rolling game, Yahtzee, was chosen hands down over "Memorable Events Charades" (charades of defining moments of 2007).

At 11:50, we donned party hats and scrambled for noisemakers and party poppers. As the Boy dropped balloons (decorated with fortunes for the New Year) from the balcony, we raised our glasses and toasted one another---even the little ones stayed awake!



From all of us on the Ark,
May God fill your 2008 with abundant grace and blessings!

Remember us, 0 God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years.

Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ.

You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing for the New Year from Catholic Culture

Betcha Didn't Know

Ordinary, everyday rubbing alcohol will remove the contents of an exploded red ink pen from neutrally-colored berber carpeting.

Don't ask me how I know, just trust me when I say it works!

The Ocean Called...

it's out of---

Don't say the people at the SHRIMP Company, who packaged this bag of cooked SHRIMP, didn't warn you that there might be--you know--SHRIMP in the bag, which could be dangerous if you were allergic to SHRIMP and unaware.

Fa-la-la-ha-ha (Updated with Answers in the Post Below)

Are you looking for something fun before the Christmas season ends? Well, look no further. Thanks to Katie, here is a clever little riddle testing your knowledge of traditional Christmas carols.

How many can you identify? I'll post the answers tomorrow! Good Luck! And, of course, cyber-bragging rights to the person who can identify the most!

Name the carols described in each riddle

1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas

2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres

3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling

4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors

5. The apartment of two psychiatrists

6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist

7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis

8. Decorate the entryways

9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element

10. Oh small Israel urban center

11. Far off in a haybin

12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole

13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season

14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation

15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season

16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully

17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in
the dark hours

18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction

19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe

20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense
organ?

21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which
vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck

22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster

23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans

24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation,
darling

And the answers are...



1. Oh, member of the round table with missing areas = Oh Holy Night

2. Boulder of the tinkling metal spheres = Jingle Bell Rock

3. Vehicular homicide was committed on Dad's mom by a precipitous darling =
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

4. Wanted in December: top forward incisors = All I Want For Christmas Is My
Two Front Teeth

5. The apartment of two psychiatrists = The Nutcracker Suite

6. The lad is a diminutive percussionist = Little Drummer Boy

7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis = Silent Night

8. Decorate the entryways = Deck the Halls

9. Cup-shaped instruments fashioned of a whitish metallic element = Silver
Bells

10. Oh small Israel urban center = Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

11. Far off in a haybin = Away in a Manger

12. We are Kong, Lear, and Nat Cole = We Three Kings

13. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the yuletide season = The Twelve
Days of Christmas

14. Leave and broadcast from an elevation = Go Tell It on the Mountain

15. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season =
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

16. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully = Hark
the Herald Angels Sing

17. As the guardians of the woolly animals protected their charges in the
dark hours = Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

18. I beheld a trio of nautical vessels moving in this direction = I Saw
Three Ships

19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe = Joy to the World

20. Do you perceive the same vibrations which stimulate my auditory sense
organ? = Do You Hear What I Hear?

21. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which
vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck = Carol of the Bells

22. Parent was observed osculating a red-coated unshaven teamster = I Saw
Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

23. May the Deity bestow an absence of fatigue to mild male humans = God Rest
Ye Merry Gentlemen

24. Rose-colored uncouth dolf is aware of the nature of precipitation, darling =
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

So, how'd you do? (I mean BEFORE you googled the quiz) I was only able to identify about half of them. Anybody else?

Introducing...

Ducky and his proud new owner, little N, age 3

Asleep at the wheel

Swallowing one's pride is the first step in becoming a 3-year-old girl's kitten.

A wiser, more experienced cat, like Big Dan (seen above) knows when to head for the safety of the sweater closet.

And he also knows when it's time to find a new hiding spot.

You know me too well

So, here's the scoop. Our TWO newest family members arrived home on December 13th and December 27th. The oldest is named Dan. He is about 4 years old. The baby is named Ducky. He is about 4 months old. They are not siblings by birth. And, yes, as CC guessed---they are BOTH of the feline variety.

Sorry about the teaser. I didn't think about the propensity for adoption confusion until I started reading the comments! I promise when we get news of a referral (of the genus and species homo sapiens) there will be no mistaking it.

I do have pictures and funny stories about how these two marmalade cats captured our hearts, but I also have a new digital camera (from the Captain for Christmas); from which I don't yet know how to upload photos onto the computer. In the meanwhile, you can come up with the witty retorts I am used to from you all regarding the need for the Ark to add not one but TWO cats at a time...

And for CC, who clearly knows me better than I know myself, for your insightfulness pertaining to my cryptic announcement, I'm sending you a bag of those Holiday Swirled morsels so you can bake up some St. Jude's cookies at your house!

An Ethiopian Christmas Celebration

The EACSA is again sponsoring an Ethiopian Christmas meal. The details are below. Please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!

Early Ethiopian Christmas greetings and Happy New Year!

We wanted to invite anyone who will be in the Chicago area to meet for an Ethiopian meal at the Ras Dashen restaurant on Sunday afternoon, January 6th, at 2:00 pm. We will have the "party room" in the back again. The costs below include a variety of Ethiopian dishes, a can of soda, tax, and tip. Everyone will simply pay the restaurant that day. Here is the age and estimated pricing per person.

Ages 13+/Adult: Approx $17-18

Age 8-12: Approx $9-10

Age 4-7: Approx $7

Age 0-3: Free

Please let Tim Lenning know ASAP via email( tlenning at csgdelivers dot com) if you can join us. Also, please provide the number of adults and kids for each of the age ranges above.

The restaurant is located at (and there is parking available on the street):

Ras Dashen

5846 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660

(773) 506-9601

Similar to last year, we thought it would be fun to celebrate Ethiopian culture by having story time - older kids could share a favorite memory or experience from Ethiopian Christmas, adults could read a story related to Ethiopian culture (for example, Jane Kurtz has some great children's books) or share an experience from when they traveled to Ethiopia, etc. Please give this some thought and encourage your kids to consider sharing a story.

Again, please let me know how many by age range so we can let the restaurant know how much food to plan for.

Amesege’nallo (Thanks)!

"Before" Christmas

is over...but my darling husband took tomorrow off. Look for me to return sometime tomorrow night or Thursday morning (for all two of you who care to know that detail) with pictures and details about our newest family member!

Wishing you and yours a very joyful, most blessed Christmas Day!


Your friends on the Ark!

O-ver and Out

Not to be o-ver come by the distractions of these last few days before Christmas. The Ark is going offline. Here are the last three days of Antiphons:

Today:

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

We ask this "Sun of Justice" to come and shine on those who are dwelling "in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Lk 1:79). These dwellers in darkness are both those who do not know Christ and those who do-for even in the latter there is much darkness.

Tomorrow:

O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart, O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust.

We ask Christ the Keystone to come and save the creatures that he fashioned (Gen 2:7). Without Christ, there is no hope for salvation. May his coming now in mystery lead to the salvation of all that yearn for him, whether they know it or not.

Final:

O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of all nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

We ask Emmanuel to come and set us free from sin and death, for he is our Lord and our God. (Jn 20: 28)

St. Jude's Cookies

Last year, I found these very festive Nestle Holiday Swirled Morsels at our local grocery store. Having been a total impulse buy, (the marketing experts at Nestle will be happy to know at least one consumer totally fell for the scheme of Christmas colored white chocolate morsels) I was uncertain what I would make with them and they sat on my baking shelf for a few weeks.

As Christmas neared, enchanted with their merry colors, I pulled them down again and noticed that on the back of the package there was a recipe for traditional Snowball cookies with one special addition-the Holiday Morsels. I was game. The cookies were easy to make and with the coating of powdered sugar over the warm cookie filled with melted white chocolate bits, they were a hit with everyone-but especially my husband.

So this year, purposefully looking for these seasonal treats, with intent to bake, I couldn't find them anywhere. No grocery, no corner store, not even the granddaddy of them all--W*l-Mart had them. I was growing discouraged. Not to mention the children, who were growing weary and somewhat resentful of my quest. I was almost ready to give up the fight when we passed by one last mega-mart. As I cajoled the children to offer up their blistering feet once more for the sweet cookie mission, they scowled at me and hobbled into the store.

Right inside, on the Christmas baking display, I spotted an entire section of boxes covered with the familiar yellow Nestle logo. Hopefully, I walked toward it and scanned the selection: semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate---even butterscotch, but NO Holiday swirls. Discouraged (and not wanting to turn and face the angry mob that had accompanied me in for another round of defeat), I stood up, as something caught my eye on the top of the display. Right on top of the display was a small holy card. (I have no idea where it came from as this secular big-box doesn't carry such things.) Standing a little taller, I stretched out my hand to read the card.

"St. Jude: Patron saint of hopeless cases"

was written across the top and a simple medal was attached below. I was re-energized. "Okay, St. Jude," I thought to myself, "If those morsels are here. You're going to have to show me." As I set the card back down on the display, just off in the distance, on an end of aisle display I caught sight of the same Nestle-logo laden boxes. I turned to the children and said, "You don't even have to follow me. I'll be right back," and quickly made my way through the oncoming shoppers. I looked back only once to see my children hurriedly racing to catch up with me and shooting each other looks like, "Has she finally lost it?" Just as they arrived, out-of-breath next to me, with a smile on my face and a quick "thanks" to St. Jude, I held up several bags of the Holiday morsels and made my way to the check-out.

Nestle may call them Swirled Holiday Snowball cookies, but from now on in my house, they'll be known as St. Jude's Cookies.

O Key of David

O Key of David, O royal power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.

In this extended petition, we ask that Christ may use his key to unlock the prison of sin ("darkness and death") to which all human beings are subject. More specifically, we ask that he may free us from the prison of selfish attachments to which all of us are prone.

O Flower of Jesse's Stem

O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples, kings stand silent in your presence, the nations bow down before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

However, we know that Christ is not yet fully ruler of all hearts-beginning with our own. We ask that he come to be the sign, not only for the world but for our own souls.