The Archangels

Today we celebrate the archangels, especially St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. All 3 are talked about by name in the Bible.
 

 

 
Gabriel is the Archangel that appeared to Mary and told her that she would become Jesus' mother.
 

 
This is Raphael with Tobit. He told Tobit that "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord."
 
Jenn over at Catholic Inspired has created this neat craft to help remember each of these angels. Click here for the directions.
 

 

Make them today and maybe you can hang them on your Christmas tree!

 

Woof!

 

Cloë and Tallulah

 

The Martyrs: God's Witnesses

Today, September 26th, is the feast of the Canadian Martyrs.

Hey Cloë I remember those guys from last year. They were the Jesuit missionaries who came to North America and who were killed because some of the people did not like that they talked about God.

(click here to download this picture)

 

That's exactly right Tallulah. Click here to see last year's blog entry about them.

Unfortunately there are still many Christians today who are being persecuted and even killed just because they believe in God. This is happening in countries like Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Nigeria.

 

(click here to learn more)

We sure are lucky Cloë. As Fr. Kevin said this morning many of us forget that.

We do indeed Cloë. Be sure to say a prayer for these Christian brothers and sisters of yours and don't forget a prayer of thanksgiving for how fortunate you are.

Last year we talked about the Canadian Martyrs Shrine in Midland, Ontario. This year we wanted to tell you about the shrine in New York state, where three of the missionaries were killed. Click here to visit it virtually, or maybe you can plan an actual visit.

Well that's it for today - Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

God Loves You more than you can imagine!

Cloë I know it's been a few days since we were at Mass on Sunday, but I am still having trouble understanding the Gospel we heard.

Before we discuss what you don't get, let's recap the Gospel.

(youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgmZy9sXtV0)

So what are you having problems with Tallulah?

I just don't get why the master paid the exact same amount of money to the guys who worked for only an hour as the guys who worked all day! That is really not fair. Like when you get a treat, I definitely should get one too!

First of all, do you remember what a parable is?

Yes I do. It is a story that Jesus would tell the people to teach them some kind of lesson.

Exactly. So what lesson do you think He was trying to teach with this parable.

That if you work for that master, be smart enough to show up at the end of the day because you'll get paid the same but not have to do much work.

Who do you think the master in the story represents?
 God?!

Now you are starting to understand. And who do the labourers represent?

All the people?!

Yup. What about the money that the master paid?

I have no idea!

It represents God's mercy and love for everyone. Jesus is telling us that God loves everyone. 

And whether you know God from the time you are little or you only meet Him at the end of your life, He will love you and welcome you into Heaven.

That's pretty amazing, but it still does not seem fair.

You are right Tallulah, if you think about it using your dog (or human brain) it isn't fair. But luckily God is about love and forgiveness and second chances, otherwise Heaven might be quite empty!

Yeah that makes sense. People sure are lucky!

You got that right!

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Welcome Baby Mary

Hi Everybody!

We have some wonderful news. Our friends the Nussbaumers welcomed a new baby girl on Mary's Birthday!! (September 8th)

That is sooo exciting Cloë. Hey is that a cupcake?! That looks delicious, I would like one.

Tallulah quit thinking about your stomach and let's get back to the new baby.

Oh right, sorry. I wonder what they named her? I bet it is Mary.

You are very smart Tallulah, that is exactly the name they gave the baby. We have not been out to see her yet, but as soon as we do we'll post the baby's picture.

Today, we discovered a new blog that has tons of great holy pictures that you can download and colour. Here is just one example: the Exultation of the Holy Cross.

Hey Cloë we celebrated that feast on Sunday.

You got it Tallulah! We did indeed.

Be sure to check out all of Mary MacArthur's drawings.

Bye for now! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

Happy Birthday Mary!

Today, September 8th, is Mary's birthday! Why not sing her Happy Birthday before you eat dessert tonight. I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Happy Birthday Mary! Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah

What is your cross?

Cloë it has been 4 days since we heard the Sunday Gospel and I'm still not sure what the heck Jesus was talking about when He said "...take up his cross and follow me." Since then I have been looking for the crosses but I can't find them!

Tallulah, Tallulah, Tallulah! Jesus was not talking about a cross made of wood or another material. He was talking about a figurative cross.

There you go with the big words again. What does figurative mean?!

It means that Jesus used this saying as a symbol. For example, when you have to do chores around the house 

but you would rather be out playing with  your friends, you are taking up your cross.

You may have to suffer a bit but it is to help out your mom and dad.

So is it kind of like when our master puts us outside while she and her guests are trying to eat supper?! I'd rather be begging at the table

but to help her out I'm prepared to take up my cross and wait outside!

Now you are getting it Tallulah.

Some crosses, like our two examples, are not so big. But some crosses, even for little kids, are huge!

The best example I can think of is our friend Alex. As you know, he was very sick with cancer and had to have lots of treatments, some that really hurt. But he did it without complaining because that was his cross and he was prepared to accept it.

That must have been so hard Cloë.

I think it was Talllulah. But Jesus never asks us to carry our crosses alone.

He is always there to help, sometimes through prayer, sometimes through the moms and dads or our friends. The important thing to remember is to ask your friend Jesus to help you carry your cross! It may still be tough, but it will be a little lighter.

 

By the way, Alex is doing very well. He still has to go for treatments but he had a great time at camp this summer and he is back at school!

Here is a good prayer that you can pray when your cross is getting heavy.

Let's always trust that everything that happens in our lives
be it good or bad has a purpose.
Let us allow God to use the circumstances in our lives and
mould us into the best persons we can be.
Remember that He is just beside us... watching and caring.
Amen

Woof!

Cloë and Tallulah