Celebrating the Saints

Today is a very important feast day in the Church year. It is the day that we remember all the saints, those whose name we know and those who are unknown to us!

(Happy Saints' Victor's poster of Jesus and all the Saints that he designed for the Year of Faith.)

Unfortunately Tallulah, this date often gets lost in all the hoopla of Halloween.

Cloë, didn't we talk about Halloween really being All Hallows Eve, as in the night before All Saints day?

That's right Tallulah, but unfortunately most people forget that.

But we are here to remind them, right Cloë!

That's right Tallulah. And here are two easy and fun activities to help celebrate this day.

The first idea is Saint paper bag puppets! Click here to learn how to make these puppets and for the patterns.

The other idea is the one I like the best! Saint Cupcakes - yummy!

This is Lacy's idea, but she gets her pictures from Vic over at HappySaints. You can either bake your own cupcakes or go to the store to buy them.

Tell us who your special saint is?

Happy Saints Day! - Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Happy Halloween

Here is something neat that someone sent us.

A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

 

The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin."

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine

for all the world to see.

Our master made us put on these costumes. These are our scary faces!

No Cloë, these are the faces we use to look pathetic so people will give us more candy!

Be a pumpkin! Be safe and don't eat too much candy. Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us another parable. This one is called the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Watch the video to refresh your memory of this parable.

(If you can't see the video follow this link: http://youtu.be/GPS7ECnNSuk)

Cloë, what is a Pharisee?

There were a number of different groups of Jews and the Pharisees were one of those groups. Another group of Jews that we often read about in the Bible are the Sadducees.

So Tallulah, did you understand the lesson that Jesus was trying to teach?

Well I think maybe He was trying to tell everybody not to judge others?!

Very good Tallulah. He was also trying to tell people that it is important to be humble and not to think you are better than everyone else.

Hey Cloë I found this video that tells the story in another way and might help people better understand things.

 

 

 

(If you can't see the video follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JnkGyw2sFY)

 

Click here to download a story puzzle. This gives you another way to help you to remember what you learned this week at Mass. 

 

 

 We hope you all had a good weekend. Our cousin Ripley came to visit us so we had lots of fun! This is a picture of Ripley.

 

 

And this picture is the three of us on our walk before church.

 

 

Bye for now - woof!

 

Cloe and Tallulah

Halloween

Halloween is just 8 days away - have you got your costume? We are still thinking about ours.

Well you might be Cloë, but I was thinking of dressing up like a police dog! I don't think it will take much work.

 

See, I certainly have the jumping up part down pat!

Good one Tallulah! Did you know that Halloween was influenced by Christianity and that the proper way to say Halloween is actually All Hallows' Eve. The reason is because it is the night before All Saints Day and two days before All Souls' Day.

That is interesting Cloë, but enough learning for today. We wanted to share some costume ideas for those who still have not decided.

That's right Tallulah. The saints are an endless source for ideas. Lacy at Catholic Icing has turned these ideas into actual costumes for boys and girls. Click here to see them.

Jennifer Marie at Catholic Inspired also has lots of neat ideas. Click here!

I wonder if there is some kind of saint dog?! I know maybe I could dress up as a Saint Bernard - hee! hee!

What happened to the police dog idea?!

Hey I wan't to keep my options open.

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Persistence Pays Off

Hi Everybody!

Well we have spent a lot of time over the last few weeks talking about PERSISTENCE and today we are at it again.

Let's start by making certain that everyone understands what we mean by persistence. Watch this short video of David Beckham and Elmo.

(If you don't see the video click on this link to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq4wrPL1o4s)

Now I get it Cloë! Persistence is when I keep begging at the table and our master tells me to go away, which I do. But then I come back just like Elmo and eventually she gives me something!

That's right Tallulah, that is definitely persistence. This is exactly the lesson that Jesus is trying to teach his apostles in today's Gospel (Luke 18.1-8).

The parable Jesus tells is about a poor old lady who is trying to get justice from the mean judge. But he keeps telling her to go away! Which she does, but just like you Tallulah and just like Elmo, she keeps coming back. The judge eventually realizes she is never going to leave him alone so he gives her what she wants.

 

(Click here to download this picture to colour: http://www.advir.com/historiasbiblicas/vida%20de%20jesus/parabolasdejesus/a%20viuva%20e%20o%20juiz%20p%20colorir.jpg)

What Jesus is trying to teach the people is that sometimes we have to be persistent when we ask God for something. He also wants us to remember how much God loves us and that God will always answer our prayers - even if not the way we had hoped.

Here is a craft to help you remember to never stop praying, to be persistent.

The Praying Hands

1.  Trace each of your hands on a piece of construction paper.
2. Cut them both out.
3. Tape or glue them to another piece of paper.
4. Write this on one hand: DON'T GIVE UP
5. Write this on the other hand: KEEP ON PRAYING!
6. Decorate the paper with stickers, glitter, drawings.
7. Hang by your bed.
8. Pray!

God Bless - Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

The First Canadian Born Saint

Hi Everybody!

Today (October 16th) we are very excited to present to you the first saint that was born in Canada. Although there are a number of Canadian Saints, Ste Marguerite d'Youville was the first who was actually born in Canada.

Marguerite was born in 1701 in Varennes, Quebec, which is not too far from Montreal. Marguerite married and had 6 children. Sadly by the time she was just 30 years old, her father, her husband and four of her six children had died.

Wow that is terrible Cloë. It must be hard to believe in God when all these bad things happen.

Well Tallulah, for some people it is. But for others, including Marguerite, their belief in God's presence in their lives and of His tender love for every human person grows. Not only did Marguerite's faith increase, but God did some amazing things, through her.

Marguerite and three other women founded a religious association to provide a home for the poor in Montreal. Ten years later, they were allowed to take over the operation of the General Hospital of Montreal. When they took it over, it was in ruins and owed a LOT of money.

Marguerite and her friends were able to bring it back to life so that it was financially secure.

Sadly, a few years later the hospital was destroyed by a fire.

Did she finally give up Cloë?

Not at all Tallulah. She and her friends rebuilt the hospital again! And she and her friends became known as the Grey Nuns of Montreal. They then started to build other hospitals all over Canada.

That is an amazing story Cloë. It also sounds like a great example of PERSEVERANCE!

It certainly is Tallulah, that is why Ste Marguerite d'Youville is one of my favourite saints! She did so much for so many and all with complete trust in God, who she loved as a Father. Now she is a great role model!

Plan a visit with your family to visit the Mother House and Museum of the Grey Nuns.

(It was in this room that Marguerite d’Youville served soup to the poor people of the city.)

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We certainly did. Here are a few pictures.

 

Playing in the fall leaves!

 

Helping to carve the turkey!

Pooped out after a long weekend!

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Happy Thanksgiving!

 
So did you come up with your list of things to thank God for?
 
This is my list!
 Cloë's List of Things to be Thankful to God for
1. Our Master
2. Our Granny
3. My mommy, Princess Lucky
4. My sister, Fifi Schwarz
5. My friend Tallulah
6. My soft, warm bed
7. That I always have enough food
8. Dog treats
9. Walks
10. And most importantly that God loved me enough to create me!

My sister Fifi Schwarz

 
And here is my list!
Tallulah's Thanks List
1. That our master chose me when she went to the OSPCA
2. Our Granny
3. My friend Cloë
4. My friend Ripley
5. Soup bones
6. My master's soft, warm bed
7. My master's couch
8. Walks in Guindon Park
9. Chew toys
10. And most importantly that God loves me and brought me to my master.
 

My and my granny!

 
Write and tell us some of the things you are thankful for. Here is a neat craft from Catholic Icing to help you. Wait until you see how you make the turkey's body!

 
Don't eat too much turkey! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Did you remember to thank the good Lord

In today's Gospel we hear the story of the 10 Lepers. (Luke 17:11-19)

What is a leper Cloë?

Well Tallulah, a leper is someone who has leprosy. Leprosy is a terribly disease that was quite common during Jesus' time. It caused sores on the skin that were so bad that the skin became permanently damaged. Sometimes the toes and fingers became so disfigured that people thought they had fallen off. Unfortunately leprosy still exists today in places where people are very, very poor.

That sounds terrible Cloë. But now I better understand why those 10 people so badly wanted to see Jesus. They really hoped he could help them.

(If you can't view this video here is the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVBZHz8oRp0)

Wow, that is an amazing miracle Cloë! But why did only one of the lepers go back to thank Jesus, didn't He cure them all?

Yes Tallulah all 10 were healed. Sometimes though, when things are suddenly going really well, in our excitement we forget to thank God. I think that is today's lesson, to never forget to always be thankful to God for everything that He gives us and for all the times He helps us.

Click here to download the Gospel Story and try to fill in the missing words.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, what do you thank God for?

We will tell you our list tomorrow. Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

P.S. Parents to learn more about leprosy and what you can do about it click here.

Persistence!

We just saw this cute video we had to share with you!

For those of you who were at the Cat.Chat Concert a few weeks ago, you will enjoy this great example of persistence!

(Here is the link to the video if you cannot open the video: http://www.pawbonito.com/pitbull-puppy-is-determined-to-use-a-treadmill/)

Our master has tried to get me on our granny's treadmill. I was having none of it! Why would I want to go for a walk to nowhere?!

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

How to Make a Rosary

Monday was the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Today in our master's inbox we received what we think is a neat way to make a rosary. It is especially good for younger kids.

Visit Catholic Inspired for instructions on how to make this Rosary.

In a random twist, here is one of our favourite websites. Be sure to check it out, it's called Zooborns.

What the heck are those Cloë?!

They are called meerkats and they are the newest Zooborns! Meerkats live underground in the deserts of Southern Africa. If you have ever seen the movie The Lion King then you will remember Pumbaa and Timon. Well Timon is a meerkat.

(Youtube link for Hakuna Matata: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5ceAruYrI)

Here they are singing Hakuna Matata! I love that song, it's got me dancing!
 
Have a great day! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Faith: God's Gift to All!

Hi on this rainy afternoon. Thankfully the rain did not start until this afternoon after Mass.

So Talluah - what did you learn at Mass today.

Well I was listening to Fr. George very carefully because it was a good homily today. He talked about the great gift that God gave to all humans - FAITH!

That's right Tallulah. He also said that it was not something that you could see or touch the way you can a toy.

The other thing he said Cloë is that the seed of faith is planted at baptism but that it has to be grown through a friendship with God for your whole life!

Pope Francis said that prayer is the breath of faith! And of course it is through prayer that we develop this friendship with God.

Cloë can we tell everybody where we went this afternoon?!

Sure Tallulah!

Well Fr. Claude had a short service to bless the animals. And we got to go. There were other dogs there and even some cats. It was hard, but I was good!

 

This is a picture of Fr. Claude during the service. See how well I'm listening!

 

This is Fr. Claude blessing the animals.

 

 

This is Cloë and me waiting for our turn.

You certainly were good Tallulah. Finally, here is a video of the story that Father told us about St. Francis and the Wolf.

Bye for now - Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

St. Faustina & the Divine Mercy

Yup it is another saint's feast day! Today (October 5) we remember St. Maria Faustina in a special way.

St. Faustina actually lived not so long ago. She was very close to Jesus and she recorded the conversations they had in her diary.

 

 

She was most famous for telling the world about the great love and mercy Jesus has for all of us. This picture was painted from St. Faustina's description of how she saw Jesus in her visions. The painting is called the Divine Mercy. Most Catholic churches have this picture somewhere in the church.

I have an idea Cloë, why not have the kids look for their picture of the Divine Mercy this Sunday when they are at Mass!

Good idea Tallulah. St. Faustina also introduced us to the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which is a sort of very short rosary.

If you get EWTN on your TV you can watch St. Faustina as she teaches her young friends Kristin, Enrique and others about the Divine Mercy Devotion and how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It is on Fridays at 4:30 pm.

Or they can order the DVD Cloë.

Before we close, we want to say hi to the 3 young ladies we met on our walk this afternoon.

They were very nice and they really liked us right Cloë?! It was almost like having our own fans!

Bye for now - woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

St Francis of Assisi: Friend of the Animals

Today, we want to tell you about a very special person named Francis of Assisi. He is a saint and today (October 4th) is his feast day!

In fact, he is our favourite saint, right Tallulah. We love St Francis because he had a special love for animals and birds.

Did you say birds?!? You know I love to chase birds, though I've never been able to catch one. I've even tried to climb the trees but they are too fast for me.

Oh yes, we love St. Francis. Here we are posing with a statute of him at our granny's.

(youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtSvwOOOTBI)

Did you know that we have St. Francis to thank for the crèches we display at Christmas! In order to excite the people of his town to commemorate the birth of Jesus he set up the first crèche. 

(The crèche at the Co-Cathedral of the Nativity)

And don't forget Cloë, our new pope took the name Francis in honour of St. Francis of Assisi.

Our master went to Assisi last year. I remember her telling us that she was lucky enough to attend a Mass at the church where St. Francis is buried. Click here to go on your own virtual tour of Assisi.

As you know, saints are our special friends in Heaven. When we want to ask God for something, we often ask a saint to ask God on our behalf. Sometimes we are not too sure what we should be asking God, so here is a prayer that St. Francis himself wrote.

Lord,
I join Saint Francis in prayer -
Please, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hate, let me show love;
Where there is hurt, forgiveness;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is unhappiness, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
Amen

To celebrate his feast day why not make some bird see cookies.

Oh I love cookies!

 Birdseed Cookies
Mix 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of corn syrup and 4 cups of birdseed in a bowl. Pat the mixture onto wax paper. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Using a spatula, transfer the cookie cutter and birdseed shape together onto a cookie sheet. Poke a hole in the top. Let dry overnight. Use a string to hang on a tree.

Birdseed! I thought these were cookies we could eat, where is the meat?

Talk to our master Tallulah, maybe she'll make dog cookies for us.

Good idea! That is exactly what I'm going to do.

Well that's it for today - woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

P.S. Parents here is a great website where you can buy books and prayer cards of saints as well as other things about our faith.