St. Matthew

Body, Mind, Spirit Moms Group

February 2018 Volume 1, Issue 5

Inside this issue: The Pretzel and Lent Pretzels come in many flavors, shapes, in Europe, and became an all year those who experience physical and and sizes — not unlike us. These treats round snack, in its original shape spiritual hunger. How to Live Lent 2 are great with cheese or other dips or only in the last (19th) century.” Pretzel twist as a Busy Mother just by themselves. But have you The suggestion of arms crossed in the When the monk first baked pretzels so stopped to consider they actually have form of prayer may have led to long ago, I don’t think he could have Creating a Lenten 2 an historical place in Lent? pretzels being given as a reward to imagined all of the different types and Prayer Space at If you take a moment to look at the young children when they could flavors that we have today. There are Home typical twist pretzel, you can see that it recite their prayers. Pretiola means roasted garlic, Italian herb, Parmesan, is a model of the common prayer and butter pretzels. Auntie Anne’s little reward, which could also be a 66 Things to Give 2 position from the early 600s of folding derivative of the term pretzel. The makes a seaweed-flavored pretzel in your arms over each other on your chest three holes in a pretzel are also said Singapore and a banana-flavored Up or Take Up for and putting your hands on your to represent the Holy Trinity. pretzel in the UK. Even a flavor of Lent shoulders. After their invention, pretzels became M&M’s includes pretzels inside their Pretzels were developed as an option to a symbol of good luck, long life, and candy-coated exteriors. Blaise 3 satisfy abstinence and fasting laws of the prosperity. They were commonly I had no idea that pretzels were a time. Eggs, fat, and milk were forbidden given to the poor and hungry. The Lenten food. Through the years, I’ve during Lent. So, the remaining legend of the hard pretzels that we spent time trying to understand the Saint Valentine 3 ingredients that one could use included snack on today tells of an apprentice importance of Lent and trying to water, flour, and salt. A young monk baker who fell asleep while preparing remember not to eat meat on Fridays. I baked the first pretzel — making a pretzels and let the fire begin to die admit, some years I’m more successful February Liturgical Lenten bread of water, flour, and salt, out. When he noticed, he restarted the than others. Yet I can see how pretzels forming the dough into the prayer fire, but the result was overcooked tie into Lent in a spiritual way. In the Year Highlights 4 position of the day, and baking it as soft pretzels. The surprise was a tasty treat life of a faithful person, there are many bread. These first pretzels would have that was less perishable than the soft times you may feel twisted up inside, Resources and been much like the soft pretzels we have pretzels and easy to have available to struggling with your beliefs or dealing Reads 4 today. give to those in need. with frustrations. But if you take a look Greg Dues, in his book Catholic Food has long played a role in our at a typical twist pretzel, remember its Customs and Traditions, explains more faith, especially during Lent. We origins in Lent, and move into a of the pretzel history: abstain from certain foods, such as position of prayer (spiritually or “These little breads were shaped in the meat, and spend time fasting. This physically), you are exactly in the form of arms crossed in prayer and were practice can provide us with a deeper position you need to be in when you called bracellae (, ‘little arms’). religious experience by joining us feel twisted up inside. Among the Germans the word became with people throughout the world ‘bretzel’. These pretzels were a common who struggle to survive. Fasting is an http://bustedhalo.com/life- Lenten food throughout the Middle Ages culture/pretzels-and-lent Reminders: opportunity to be in solidarity with  Childcare Family Prayer from Ash Wednesday to Saturday reservations are This prayer is designed to be said within the family before a Crucifix from Ash Wednesday to Saturday at the beginning of Lent. required for Moms meetings. Please Mother or a child: From the words of St. (14:1-6). call ahead 48hrs in Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many mansions. advance 704-543- Were it not so, I would have told you, because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am 7677. coming again, and I will take you to myself, that where I am, there you also may be. And where I go, you know, and the way you know.  We will be Father: We ought to glory in the Cross of our Lord Christ participating as a Family: in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection. group in the LIVE Father: Let us pray. Grant to your faithful, Lord, a spirit generous enough to begin these solemn fasts with proper fervor LENT! Program at and to pursue them with steadfast devotion. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. St. Matthew. We Family: Amen. Favor this dwelling, Lord, with your presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels— will meet EVERY let them live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us. This we ask of you through our Lord Thursday during Jesus Christ, your Son. Lent, starting 2/15. Father: Let us bless the Lord. Please bring $7.50 Family: Thanks be to God. to cover the cost of Father: May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us. the book. Family: Amen. 1 Prayer Source: Holy Lent by Eileen O'Callaghan, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1975

How to Live Lent as a Busy Mother

“Have patience with all We moms who want to nurture our and understanding. So I let myself mother. In this season of my life, relationship with God—but also stumble, and then I celebrate when I that is what I have to give. And I things, but first of all with lead busy lives with children—often pick myself up. think God, who cares for us all like yourself.” find ourselves caught between a Lent is a time for growth, for a loving parent, understands and ~Saint rock and hard place. discipline and self-reflection, and blesses that truth. Prayer practices seem to require 1) for deepening our relationship with 3. Get creative. Shake up everyday “The Lord measures out undivided chunks of time; 2) quiet God. It’s not a time to feel lousy habits in little ways. Change your perfection neither by the 3) a peaceful environment. I don’t about ourselves for not doing homepage from email to something know about you, but those three enough. more meaningful, like a website multitude nor the almost NEVER occur at our house. 2. Make short time for small with prayer and scripture for daily magnitude of our deeds, but And never at the same time. prayer. reflection. Stop yourself before by the manner in which we Over the years I’ve tried to live by My spiritual director always turning on the radio or TV first perform them.” these 3 simple ideas for busy moms- reminds me of two truths: your work thing in the morning, and simply sit ~Saint 1. Lower your expectations. as a mother is prayer and your in the silence. Make your cup of I want to do All The Things, and desire to pray is prayer. I try to let coffee at home instead of grabbing a then I set myself up for failure. go of the expectation that I can pray latte while running errands, and So for the past few years, I’ve like a monk in an abbey with all the donate the extra $3 instead. deliberately tried to be cautious time, space, and place set neatly Read more at - about my plans for Lent. I try to care before him. That’s not my life. Nor http://www.motheringspirit.com/201 for myself like I think God would: is it my call. 1/04/how-to-live-lent-as-a-busy- gently, lovingly, with forgiveness Instead, I can pray like a busy mother/

Creating a Lenten Prayer Space at Home

In a family with small children, how do children. They serve as a guide to other disciplines more time or energy to remember to talk to God you create the space to journey through Lent in you choose to take on as a family. As you explore during Lent. We are getting ready for the great a developmentally appropriate way? Our and explain the items, children wonder in ways mystery of Easter. Older children can be family has tried different practices and that also help you to journey through Lent encouraged to write down something they want readings through Lent, but one thing has been together. A variety of items, and giving room for to fast from and place the paper in the bowl. constant in our Lenten practices: creating a questions and conversation, allows for Scripture, poem, or prayer: This can be written collection of symbolic items in a central place differentiation in meeting everyone’s needs and on cards that can be read liturgically (we've in the home (i.e. on the family table or on a understandings. found every night at dinner works well for our stand in a main living area). Candle: Always a symbol of God’s presence with rhythm). The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 is a As my boys grow and our family changes, this us. I often say as I light the candle, “We light the wonderful image to meditate on with young sacred space changes. Items I always include candle to remind us that God is with us in this children. are a candle, a cross, an empty bowl to place, at this time.” Cross: Take time to look at the cross together represent fasting, a scripture passage and/or Purple cloth: For children who traveled through and talk about the crucifixion and the prayer, and a small Bible. All of these items advent, the purple of lent will be familiar as a resurrection. are placed on a purple cloth. We've also color for a time of waiting. Use a circle calendar of included a poem, art postcard or alms tin some the church year to show the children that we are in Read more from Emily Watkins at - years. Lent, waiting for the great feast of Easter. https://www.buildfaith.org/creating-lenten- These items are helpful as talking points with Empty bowl: Explain that we fast so that we have prayer-space-home/

Outside the Box: 66 Things to Give Up or Take Up for Lent In our house, we now view Lent as a 1. Don't take the best spot available 1. Don't leave dishes in the sink 3. Grow/raise all your own time to try adding or taking away in the parking lot overnight food things from our personal and family 2. Take the worst parking spot you 2. Do the cooking dishes before lives to see if we are improved. We can find dinner and the dinner dishes 1. Watch only specific, make it a time, not of suffering 3. Don't drive: walk or take public immediately after dinner preselected movies or TV (necessarily) but rather of increased transportation 3. Don't use the dishwasher shows, not just whatever is on focus on God and others and 2. Watch TV and movies only decreased focus on self and personal 1. Make the bed everyday 1. Don't use credit cards, spend as a planned family event, not comfort. I have found that I can take 2. Make the bed everyday before only cash spur of the moment, not alone up or give up just about anything, no you leave the bedroom 2. Keep a list of things to buy 3. Don't watch TV or movies matter how big or small, and use it 3. Put the throw pillows on and and only shop one day per as a reminder to pray more and everything week Continue reading Kendra’s more. With that in mind, here are 66 3. Don't buy anything (except other ideas by clicking here. ideas of things to consider giving up 1. Go to daily Mass once per week maybe food) or taking up, in beginning, in addition to Sunday Mass If you need more, here are intermediate, and advanced levels, 2. Go to daily Mass 2-3 times per 1. Don't eat out at restaurants Busted Halo’s 25 Great Things for beginning, intermediate, and week 2. Make all your food from You Can Do for Lent, Besides advanced Lents. 3. Go to daily Mass every day scratch give up Chocolate.

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Saint Blaise – February 3rd

Blaise lived so long ago that we Tradition tells us that the grateful doctors and medicines that can help O glorious St. Blaise, who by your know nothing about his early life. mother visited Blaise’s in prison to us to recover from illnesses. We martyrdom left to the Church a We do know that he was a both a bring him food and candles. During honor St. Blaise for his faith and precious witness to the Faith, doctor and a in the area that his time in prison, Blaise was care for his people. obtain for us the grace to preserve is today either Armenia or Turkey. sentenced to death. He was martyred within ourselves this divine gift, In the beginning of the fourth in the year 316. and to defend — without concern century, were being St. Blaise is the of for human respect — both by word persecuted by the Romans. The people with diseases of the throat. and example, the truth of that same Roman Emperor believed that On St. Blaise’s feast day, many Faith, which is so wickedly arresting and punishing important parishes bless the throats of their attacked and slandered in these leaders like Blaise would prevent parishioners in a special ceremony. our times. You miraculously other people from becoming Two unlit candles are held next to restored a little child who was at followers of Christ. each person’s throat as the or the point of death because of an Blaise’s prison was a dark cave. One deacon says, “Through the affliction of the throat. of the legends that is told about him intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop Grant us your mighty protection in is that wild animals came to the cave and , may God deliver you similar misfortunes. And, above so that he could treat their wounds. from every disease of the throat and all, obtain for us the grace of It is said that a mother brought her from every other illness: In the Christian mortification, together http://saintsresource.com/blaise young son to Blaise. The boy was name of the Father, and of the Son, with faithful observance of the choking on a fish bone. Blaise saved and of the Holy Spirit.” precepts of the Church, which keep *There will be a special blessing of the boy’s life by saying a prayer and St. Blaise reminds us of the us from offending almighty God. the throats after the 9am Mass on blessing him with candles crossed importance of taking care of our Amen. upon his throat. health and also to thank God for Saturday Feb. 3rd at St. Matthew.

th O Saint Valentine – February 14 Radiant, glorious Julia St. Blaise,screamed, who ", by your I February 14th, St. Valentine's Day, was a young girl, who had been canmartyrdom see! I can leftsee!" to the Church a is based on the life of St. Valentine, blind since her birth. During the precious"Praise be witness to God!" to the Valentinus Faith, obtain a Roman martyr who was beheaded lessons, St. Valentine would read to exclaimed,for us the grace and he to knelt preserve in prayer. within in c. 269-273 AD. Emperor her about the history of . And, Onourselves the eve ofthis his divine death gif Valentinust, and to Claudius II declared that unmarried he taught her about God. The wrotedefend a last — note without to Julia, concern urging for her to men were potential soldiers, so he following is an account of St. humanstay close respect to God. — bothHe signed by word it, "Fromand outlawed . However, St. Valentine: yourexample, Valentine." the truth His ofsentence that same was Valentine refused to accept this "Valentinus, does God really hear Faith,carried which out the is nextso wickedly day, February attacked 14, pernicious error and the saintly our prayers?" Julia asked one day. 270and A.D., slandered near a in gate these that our was times. later priest continued to marry young "Yes, my child, He hears each one." namedYou miraculously Porta Valentini restored in his a memory. little couples. "Do you know what I pray for every Hechild was who buried was at whatthe point is now of deaththe Claudius attempted to convert St. morning and every night? I pray that Churchbecause of Praxedes of an affliction in Rome. of theIt is said Valentine to paganism, but St. I might see. I want so much to see that Julia plantedthroat. a pink -blossomed Valentine resisted and attempted to everything you've told me about!" almondGrant us tree your near mighty his grave. protection Today, in the bring Claudius to the Church and "God does what is best for us if we similaralmond misfortunes.tree remains And,a symbol above of all, Jesus Christ. For this, the Emperor will only believe in Him," abidingobtain for love us andthe gracefriendship. of Christian On each had St. Valentine beheaded. Valentinus said. Februarymortification, 14, Saint together Valentine's with faithful Day, In prison he helped imprisoned, "Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!" messagesobservance of affection, of the precepts love, andof the https://acatholiclife.blogspot.com/ 2006/02/st-valentines-day.html soon-to-be . The jailer saw She knelt and grasped his hand. devotionChurch, are whichexchanged keep aroundus from the that Valentine was a man of They sat quietly together, each world."offending almighty God. Amen. learning, so he brought his daughter, praying. Suddenly there was a After her healing, the jailer too was Julia, to Valentine for lessons. Julia brilliant light in the prison cell. converted to .

Ash Wednesday

At the beginning of Lent, on Ash delegated to impart ashes, if the — Directory on Popular Piety and days, the went barefoot to Wednesday, ashes are blessed bishop judges that this is necessary. the Liturgy St. Sabina's in Rome "to begin during Mass, after the homily. The The ashes are made from the palms with holy fasts the exercises of blessed ashes are then "imposed" on used at the previous Passion Sunday From the very early times the Christian warfare, that as we do the faithful as a sign of conversion, ceremonies. of the approach of battle with the spirits of evil, penance, fasting and human — Ceremonies of the Liturgical Christ's passion and death was we may be protected by the mortality. The ashes are blessed at Year, Msgr. Peter J. Elliott observed by a period of self-denial. help of self-denial." least during the first Mass of the St. Athanasius in the year 339 — Daily Missal of the Mystical day, but they may also be imposed The act of putting on ashes enjoined upon the people of Body during all the Masses of the day, symbolizes fragility and mortality, Alexandria the 40 days' fast he saw after the homily, and even outside and the need to be redeemed by the practiced in Rome and elsewhere, The use of Sacrifice Beans may the time of Mass to meet the needs mercy of God. Far from being a "to the end that while all the world help children to keep track of of the faithful. or deacons merely external act, the Church has is fasting, we who are in Egypt their Lenten penances. normally impart this sacramental, retained the use of ashes to should not become a laughing stock but instituted acolytes, other symbolize that attitude of internal as the only people who do not fast http://www.catholicculture.org/ extraordinary ministers or penance to which all the baptized but take our pleasure in those days." culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/ designated lay people may be are called during Lent. On Ash Wednesday in the early day.cfm?date=2018-02-14

3 February 2018 – Liturgical Year Overview for the Month Feasts for  The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. This year the first thirteen days of February February fall during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green, the symbol of hope, is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses The feasts on the General in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious Roman Calendar celebrated resurrection. The remaining days of February are the beginning of Lent. The liturgical color during the month of February changes to purple — a symbol of penance, mortification and the sorrow of a contrite heart. are:  The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of February 2018: 2. Presentation of the Lord, That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption. (See Feast also Apostleship of Prayer) 3. Blaise; Ansgar, Opt. Mem. 4. Fifth Sunday in Ordinary  Highlights: Time, Sunday 5. Agatha, Memorial o February 2 – Presentation of the Lord This feast is a festival of light. The 6. Paul Miki and procession, in which the blessed candles are carried by clergy and faithful, recalls by Companions, Memorial its symbolism the manifestation of Christ, the Light of the world, received in the 8. Emiliani; temple. "A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." Josephine Bakhita, Opt. Mem. o Recipe of the Month: Heart Cakes, St. Valentine's Day is a joyful feast, and there's 10. Scholastica, Memorial no better way to observe it than by exchanging sweet, heart-shaped confections. 11. Sixth Sunday in Ordinary o Activity of the Month: Candlemas Ceremony The family, who with lighted candles Time, Sunday goes in spirit to the Temple with our Lady, will learn a wonderful lesson of her 17. Seven Founders of the humility. Orders of Servites, Opt. Mem. 18. First Sunday of Lent, Resources and Reads – Click for link Sunday 21. , Opt. Mem.  12 February Activities for Catholic Families 22. Chair of St. Peter, Feast  Meal idea: CRS Rice Bowl Lenten Recipes 23. of Smyrna,  FREE Printable Religious Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids Memorial  Busted Halo’s Ash Wednesday and Lent in Two Minutes 25. Second Sunday of Lent,  Strong Catholic Family Faith – Lent This website has a WEALTH of links for Lenten ideas for your Sunday families, take some time to check it out!  40 Ideas to Get the Most out of Lent This, of course, is not an exhaustive list of Lenten ideas. But it’s a start!  Lenten Activities for Children Lent is a wonderful season during our liturgical year to share the concepts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving with our children.  Fasting, Giving, Praying: 25+ Ideas for What Kids & Teens Can Do for Lent Here are some strategies for helping your kids get involved in these traditional penitential practices.  Reads: o Forty Days, Forty Ways: A New Look at Lent by Marcellino D'Ambrosio Ph.D. o A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot o The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity by Meg Meeker

St. Matthew Upcoming Events St. Matthew Moms Group Mission: St. Matthew Mom's Group supports the 2/1. Divine Mercy Holy Hour, 7:30pm vocation of motherhood by strengthening faith 2/2. First Friday Ministry 10:30am through various readings including Scripture, the 2/3. St. Blaise Throat Blessing after 9am Mass Catechism and various books applicable to Christian SMMG Meeting 2/4. Boy Scout Sunday Mass, 12:30pm family life. Many moms find the open discussion Dates 2/8. VBS Sneak Peak, 6:30pm format to be encouraging and inspiring in developing 2/11. Knights of Columbus Breakfast, 8:00am loving parenting tools and creating a solid Catholic Thursday Mornings: 2/14. Ash Wednesday domestic church. February 8, 15*, 22* 2/22. St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service, 7:30pm St. Matthew Mom's Group meets every other March 1*, 8*, 15*, 22*, 29* Thursday throughout the school year. April 12, 26 You can drop in for a session at your convenience or May 10, 24 Please see bulletin or church website for more attend them all. All mothers are welcome! June 7 information. All meeting times are 10am – Contact Info: 12pm in NLC 239/240/241 Check out the St. Matthew REACH website for Co-Leaders: service opportunities for your family! Catherine Sforza *Lenten meetings, we will be [email protected] participating in the LIVE Roy Holmes LENT! Program with the [email protected] parish. Communications: 4 Becky Lennard [email protected]