Spreading the News About God

Today is the feast day of Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions.

Almost 200 years ago, most of the people of Korea had no idea about God. But some did, including Andrew's father. Andrew was baptized when he was 15. Later on, he felt God calling him to be a priest. In fact, he became the first Korean born priest.

(That is the country of Korea.)

Unfortunately, the government did not like the Christians and they were very, very mean to them. The Christians had to hide what they were doing. But many were caught by the government and even killed, including Andrew, Paul and dozens of their friends.

Today, Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, are growing very fast in South Korea.

Something to Think About
In a letter written to fellow Christians, Andrew stated, “We have received baptism, entrance into the Church, and the honour of being called Christians. Yet what good will this do us if we are Christians in name only and not in fact?”

How can you show people that you are a Christian?

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

The Prayer Ring

Hi Everybody!

What a beautiful sunny warm day it is today. This morning we were out in the bush walking with our master and it was so great being able to run wherever we wanted.

Here we are. Can you find us?

Today our master got a neat idea by email from our friend Lacy over at Catholic Icing.

It's a prayer ring and it's a great way to learn how to pray as well as to learn certain prayers. Click here to find out how to make this prayer ring. And you might even want to consider bringing it to Mass on Sundays. It will give you ideas about what to talk to God about when you are visiting with him before Mass starts.

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Finding the True Cross

Hi Everybody!

Our master just got a very interesting email that she wanted us to share with you! It's all about a new book that tells the story of St. Helen looking for Jesus' cross. Remember we just talked about this on Saturday!?! The book is called The Queen and the Cross.

In this fabulous and instructive blend of tale and history, children ages 5-8 will be inspired by the lore and legend of the faith. Boys and girls alike will be captivated by Helen, a heroic empress on a mission, and will be encouraged to treasure the Holy Cross in their own lives!

As children accompany Helen on her quest to find the true cross upon which Jesus died, they will relive her adventures. They will experience Helen's excitement when she thinks she has discovered the 'X' that marks the spot-sweet-smelling basil-since basil is the herb of kings and Jesus is the King of Life. But just as it seems that the site of the Holy Cross has been identified, not one, but three crosses are found while digging…   How will the one true cross be determined? Discover the legend of the Holy Cross and learn all about Helen's thrilling life!
To learn more about this book and how to order it go to Pauline Books & Media. They'll even let you look at the book first!

See ya soon! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

The Lost Sheep

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the Lost Sheep.

What's a parable again Cloë?

A parable is a type of story that Jesus would tell his followers to teach them a lesson, especially about how great God's love is.

Oh like the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Exactly. Today's parable is about a shepherd who goes looking for a stray sheep.

I would be very good at looking for lost sheep. Did you know Cloë that the Belgian Malinois, which is what I am, is often used for search and rescue. See I think I hear a lost squirrel (hee!hee!)

Tallulah are you sure you would not just chase the poor sheep if you saw it?!

O.K. maybe you are right, but then I'd go find him again.

Getting back to our parable, here is a very good video that tells the whole story of how the sheep was lost and then found.

(youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=094upaf4BME)

So Tallulah, what is the lesson today?

Well Cloë I think it is that Jesus loves each person so much that He will not stop hoping that everyone will accept Him as their friend. And that even if someone has made a mistake, Jesus just wants them to be sorry and to come and be His friend again.

Very good Tallulah, obviously you were listening at Mass today.

Thank you Cloë, that is why God gave me such big ears!! Notice how big they are!

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

P.S. All the great clipart comes from Phillip Martin. Be sure to check out his website.

Jesus' Cross

Today we celebrate what is called the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
 
That sounds pretty complicated Cloë!
 
It's really not Tallulah, although we do remember quite a few things today.
 
#1: Saint Helena finding the Cross that Jesus died on. This is a painting of St. Helena finding the Cross.
 

 
 

 
This is believed to be a piece of Jesus' cross. If you ever go to Vienna in Austria you can go to see it at the Imperial Treasury Museum.
 
That is amazing Cloë that this is really a piece of THAT cross.
 
It certainly is Tallulah.

#2  The second thing this feast remembers is the dedication of churches built by Constantine, St. Helena's son, on the site of the Holy Sepulchre and Mount Calvary in Israel.
 
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be built over the birthplace of Jesus. Click here to visit the church.
 

 
 
If you really want to know a lot more about these very special places, click here.
 
You know Cloë, I think the most important thing we celebrate today is that by Jesus dying on the cross, He saved us!
 
You are right Tallulah. God took something terrible, His son being nailed to a cross as if he was a criminal and made it beautiful because it is how we are all saved so that someday we will meet God in Heaven.
 
Here is an idea from Sandra Chakeres to celebrate this feast.
 
Decorate a cross. You could get a plain wooden cross and decorate it with ribbon, flowers, beads, and herbs such as basil. Prominently display your cross at your home, school, or parish church.

Hey Cloë I found pictures of the crosses I think we should decorate!!

You and your stomach!! It's amazing that you don't way 300 pounds.

Click here to see some of her other neat ideas.

Or why not send a card to someone special. Go to Catholic Greetings to find all kinds of nice ecards.

Well that's it for today! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah
 

Happy Birthday Mary!

Hey Everybody!

Are you glad to be back at school? We are certainly happy to see all the kids out walking to school in the morning, we love saying hi to everyone.

Well today is a most special of days! Any ideas Tallulah?

I sure do Cloë, it's Mary's birthday!

Here we are with Mary.

She sure is small Cloë, we look like giants beside her.

Don't be silly Tallulah, this is just a statue of Mary. The real Mary is in Heaven.

Why not make a birthday cake as a way to mark this important day. (Lacy at Catholic Icing has all kinds of good ideas.) Or if you don't have time, buy a cake at the store.

Yummy! I definitely like this idea Cloë.

You and your stomach! Don't forget to sing Mary Happy Birthday.

So how old is she Cloë? If she is Jesus' mom and he was born almost 2,000 years ago - that will take one big cake to hold all those candles.

Well Tallulah, Mary is in Heaven, where age really doesn't mean anything anymore since you are with God forever and ever. Hopefully everybody will some day be able to join her in Heaven.

Click here to download the story of Mary's Life. You can learn about the important events while colouring the pictures.

Finally, here is a video of a beautiful song about Mary. And you should know some of the words!

The last thing we want to talk about today is our friend Alex. We heard at Mass this morning that he is feeling kind of lonely since he is stuck up in Ottawa! If you are in Ottawa, maybe you could drop by Ronald McDonald House and say hi to him.

Well that's if for today - Woof! Woof! Mary!

Cloë and Tallulah

Back to School

Today on our way to Mass we saw something we have not seen in 2 months - kids going to school!

Wow! time sure flies Cloë.

We want to wish all the kids out there good luck at school and don't forget to study.

Here is a special saint just for students. Her name is St. Gemma.

Gemma started going to school when she was just 2 years old!

That is pretty young Cloë. I'm 3 and I still don't go to school.

If you are finding school a bit hard, pray to St. Gemma to ask her for help. If you want to know more about Gemma, click here.

If you are just learning to write or you want to learn to draw, Catholic Icing's Lacy has a neat tool. Click here to find it.

A few jokes to finish off today's blog.

Q. What did the glue say to the teacher?
A. "I'm stuck on you."

Q. Why did the jelly bean go to school?

 A. To become a smartie!

Woof!

Tallulah and Cloë