The Pious Sodality of Church Ladies

39th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

2012-01-22T15:18:00.002-06:00

Today marks the 39th Anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision.

Without the right to be born, all other rights are worthless.

Let us remember all those missing because of this horrible ruling and all the families touched, especially those who seek healing.

Eternal Father, You are the Creator and Source of all life. Bless and protect all children threatened by abortion. Open the hearts of their parents and those who would seek to destroy their lives.

Strengthen all fathers. Make them mirrors of Your boundless love and protection so that they may defend and provide for their children.

Comfort all mothers. Reveal Your unmeasurable goodness to them so that they may place their trust in You and nourish the lives which You have entrusted to them.

Enlighten all lawmakers, doctors, and healthcare providers so that they may come to a deeper understanding and reverence for all human life, from the very moment of conception until natural death.

We ask these things in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your beloved and only Son, Whom You sent to deliver us from the bonds of sin, and Who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

C.L. Hint of the Day: Organizing tea

2012-01-16T12:30:00.002-06:00

There's nothing like a hot cup of tea on a cold winter's day. But between the small samplers that came in a Christmas basket and a cavernous cupboard above my head, my tea shelf had become a mess. I couldn't tell what I had or how much of it. I was loath to give up the original boxes because some brands of tea were tag and bag less.

Solution:
One quart jars
Dry erase marker
snack size baggies
scissors

Group your tea into categories- mine were black, chai, caffeine free herbal, mint, and citrus. Trim an identifying portion of the box from tea bags that don't have tags or bags, and place it in snack size baggies with the loose bags. Put the tea in the appropriate jar and label with a dry erase marker.

CL Hint of the Day: Lasagne Noodles

2012-01-13T15:39:00.002-06:00

To parboil pasta without boiling, soak in cold water for 90 minutes. Four quarts of water + 1 tsp. salt per pound of pasta. No having to bring a huge kettle of water to boil, no waiting till they're cool enough to handle, and hopefully less handling means fewer broken noodles.

January 6 - The Solemnity of Epiphany

2012-01-05T01:46:00.000-06:00

From the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy:

118. Many traditions and genuine manifestations of popular piety have been developed in relation to the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany, which is of ancient origin and rich in spiritual content. Among such forms of popular piety, mention may be made of :
the solemn proclamation of Easter and the principal dominical feasts; its revival in many places would be opportune since it served to make the connection between the Epiphany and Easter, and orientate all feasts towards the greatest Christian solemnity;
the exchange of "Epiphany gifts", which derives from the gifts offered to Jesus by the three kings (cf. Mt 2,11) and more radically from the gift made to mankind by God in the birth of Emmanuel amongst us (cf. Is 7, 14; 9, 16; Mt 1, 23). It is important, however, to ensure that the exchange of gifts on the solemnity of the Epiphany retain a Christian character, indicating that its meaning is evangelical: hence the gifts offered should be a genuine expression of popular piety and free from extravagance, luxury, and waste, all of which are extraneous to the Christian origins of this practice;
the blessing of homes, on whose lentils are inscribed the Cross of salvation, together with the indication of the year and the initials of the three wise men (C+M+B), which can also be interpreted to mean Christus mansionem benedicat, written in blessed chalk; this custom, often accompanied by processions of children accompanied by their parents, expresses the blessing of Christ through the intercession of the three wise men and is an occasion for gathering offerings for charitable and missionary purposes;
initiatives in solidarity with those who come from afar; whether Christian or not, popular piety has encouraged a sense of solidarity and openness;
assistance to the work of evangelisation; the strong missionary character of the Epiphany has been well understood by popular piety and many initiatives in support of the missions flourish on 6 January, especially the "Missionary work of the Holy Child", promoted by the Apostolic See;
the assignation of Patrons; in many religious communities and confraternities, patron saints are assigned to the members for the coming year.

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for January, 2012

2012-01-02T11:58:00.000-06:00

General Intention: Victims of Natural Disasters.

That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.

Missionary Intention: Dedication to Peace.

That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father for this month. Amen.

Mary, Mother of God

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

In perils, in anxieties, in doubts,
think of Mary, call on Mary,
let not her name depart from thy lips
nor her thoughts from thy heart.
If she holds thee, thou shalt not fall;
if she protects thee, thou shalt not fail or fear;
if she leads thee, thou shalt not be weary.
[St Bernard]

Image: El Greco, The Virgin of Charity. 1603-1605

The Nativity of the Lord

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Let the just rejoice,
for their Justifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
for their Savior is born.

Let the captives rejoice,
for their Redeemer is born.

Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.

Let free men rejoice,
for their Liberator is born.

Let all Christians rejoice,
for Jesus Christ is born.
[St Augustine]

Image: El Greco, The Nativity. 1603

Collect for December 24

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming.

Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for December 23

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Almighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word, who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for December 22

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervor may merit his company as their Redeemer.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for December 21

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for December 20

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel and so became the dwelling-place of divinity, filled with the light of the Holy Spirit, grant, we pray, that by her example we may in humility hold fast to your will.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Collect

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world, grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation and always celebrate it with due reverence.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

CL Tip of the Day

2011-12-17T09:45:00.003-06:00

Today I am packing tins of Christmas cookies and hit upon an easy, inexpensive solution for separating layers of cookies- the humble and coffee filter. Best of all, no cutting is needed, as you would have to for waxed paper! I found the 8-12 cup size to be the best fit for my tins.

Image source

Collect from the Third Saturday of Advent

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature, who willed that your Word should take flesh in an ever-virgin womb, look with favor on our prayers, that your Only Begotten Son, having taken to himself our humanity, may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Christmas Cookie Recipe - New Translation!

2011-12-16T11:07:00.003-06:00

Fr. Z. just posted an ineffable cookie recipe!

I hope that all the Pious Church Ladies will enjoy:

A reader shared this new, corrected translation of an old cookie recipe. I believe it was developed by some seminarians.
By using this new version, your cookies will be more enjoyable and more fattening than ever:

Christmas Cookie Recipe
(New, Corrected Translation)

Serves: you and many.

Cream these ingredients, that by their comingling you may begin to make the dough:
1 chalice butter, 2/3 chalice sugar

In a similar way, when the butter is consubstantial with the sugar, beat in:
1 egg

Gather these dry ingredients to yourself and combine them, so that you may add them to the dough which you have already begun to make:
2 1/2 chalices sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the precious dough with your venerable hands.

Into the refrigerator graciously place the dough so that it may be chilled, for the duration of 3 or 4 hours, before the rolling and cutting of the cookies.

When, in the fullness of time, you are ready to bake these spotless cookies, these delicious cookies, these Christmas cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Roll out the dough and, taking up a cookie cutter or stencil of your choosing, fashion the cookies into pleasing forms.

Sprinkle colorful adornments over cookies like the dewfall.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have just begun to manifest the brownness that is vouchsafed to them by the oven’s heat.

May these cookies be found acceptable in your sight, and be borne to a place of refreshment at your table, there to be served with milk or hot chocolate, or with your spirits.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cookie Recipe (New, Corrected Translation)

Today's Collect

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

May your grace, almighty God, always go before us and follow after, so that we, who await with heartfelt desire the coming of your Only Begotten Son, may receive your help both now and in the life to come.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Third Thursday of Advent

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Unworthy servants that we are, O lord, grieved by the guilt of our deeds, we pray that you may gladden us by the saving advent of your Only Begotten Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Feast of Saint John of the Cross

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Feast of Saint Lucy

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us new heart, we pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection of your Son's most holy Mother, grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and peace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Collect

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

May the splendor of your glory dawn in our hearts, we pray, almighty God, that all shadows of the night may be scattered and we may be shown to be children of light by the advent of your Only Begotten Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Second Friday of Advent

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Grant that your people, we pray, almighty God, may be ever watchful for the coming of your Only Begotten Son, that, as the author of our salvation himself has taught us, we may hasten, alert and with lighted lamps, to meet him when he comes.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Feastday dinner for Immaculate Conception?

2011-12-08T18:59:00.003-06:00

White Chili.

Yeah, it's a groaner, but it still doesn't beat Annunciation waffles.

Collect for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the feast of Saint Ambrose

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Ambrose a teacher of the Catholic faith and a model of apostolic courage, raise up in your Church men after your own heart to govern her with courage and wisdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Christmas baking

2011-12-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

This will be my first year contributing my husband's family's Christmas cookie bonanza, and I am really looking forward to it.

Apartment Therapy and Epicurious have some great tips for holiday baking, including tips for cutting out, freezing, and decorating cookies.

To compliment my mother and sister in law's offerings, I am planning to make gingerbread and sugar cookies. What are your family's Christmas favorites?

Image source

Collects for Advent

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who have shown forth your salvation to all the ends of the earth, grant, we pray, that we may look forward in joy to the glorious Nativity of Christ.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Public Service Announcement

2011-12-05T21:29:00.001-06:00

Don't forget to put out your shoes for St Nicholas!

Image source

Today's Collect

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

May our prayer of petition rise before you, we pray, O Lord, that, with purity unblemished, we, your servants, may come, as we desire, to celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation of your Only Begotten Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Collect for Saturday

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won may peoples to yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in an abundance of offspring.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Chestnuts roasting...

2011-12-02T13:47:00.003-06:00

Source: flickr user GimmeFood :)

It's a classic almost to the point of cliché, but one of my favorite winter activites is to sit by the fire with family and a nutcracker. The extra effort turns snacking into a truly social activity, and it's a wonderful opportunity to catch up at the end of a blustery day.

Nuts take center stage in baking this time of year as well, and with that in mind, Epicurious has put together a visual guide to different nut varieties. Have a look you might find something new to try.

Friday's Collect

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

Stir up your power, we pray, O Lord, and come, that with you to protect us, we may find rescue from the pressing dangers of our sins, and with you to set us free, we may be found worthy of salvation.

Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Advent Collects

2011-12-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come to our help with mighty strength, that what our sins impede the grace of your mercy may hasten.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for December, 2011

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

General Intention: That the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect, may grow in harmony and peace.

Missionary Intention: That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that their dignity may always be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

throughout the world,

in reparation for my sins,

for the intentions of all our associates,

and in particular for the intentions

of the Holy Father for this month.

Amen.

Collect for the Feast of Saint Andrew

2011-11-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

We humbly implore your majesty, O Lord, that, just as the blessed Apostle Andrew was for your Church a preacher and pastor, so he may be for us a constant intercessor before you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Collect

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

Look with favor, Lord God, on our petitions, and in our trials grant us your compassionate help, that, consoled by the presence of your Son, whose coming we now await, we may be tainted no longer by the corruption of former ways.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Collect

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

2011-11-27T20:07:00.003-06:00

While on the theme ...

One of my favorite Church Ladies found this craft while searching for a way to make an Advent Wreath. Aren't they pretty? (and simple too!)

Secrets of the Habit

2011-11-27T07:50:00.004-06:00

Msgr. Charles Pope posted an interesting article this week about the basics of a nun's religious habit: it's purpose and meaning, why there are so many different versions, and why we so seldom see them anymore. Of special interest is a link to photos from many different orders and a short video of someone explaining all the different pieces and their meanings.

Advent Prayers From the New Roman Missal

2011-11-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

From today's collect:

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Collect (KAH-lehkt)

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

Also known (in the English-language liturgical books) as the "Opening Prayer," a formal prayer, usually addressed to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit, by which the introductory rites are brought to a close and the assembly is prepared for the Liturgy of the Word.

-Catholic Dictionary, Stravinskas

This Sunday we'll all likely be so busy concentrating on "and with your spirit," and not embarrassing ourselves during the Creed, that it may be easy to miss the beautifully reworded prayers. The Collects are wonderful examples, and to help you prepare for Mass we'll be posting the Collect for each day of Advent.

Without giving too much away here, just listen on Sunday as your priest asks God that we "run forth" to meet Christ. (What a great image!) We hope you enjoy these posts and we are praying that all our readers have a very blessed Advent season.

And please remember to pray for your priest! We have a few changes, but he has quite a few more.

2011-11-25T16:30:00.002-06:00

The Liturgy derives its greatness from what it is, not from what we make of it. Our participation is, of course, necessary, but as a means of asserting ourselves humbly into the spirit of the Liturgy and of serving him who is the true subject of the Liturgy: Jesus Christ.

-Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, July 2001

2011-11-24T06:33:00.002-06:00

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought;

and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

-G. K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Thrifty Gifts: In a Jar

2011-11-22T14:21:00.006-06:00

I've been smitten with mason jars lately. I think it started with this, and then continued on through the summer when cherries were a good price and then my garden produce started ripening. Now it's gift making time, and I'm still finding all sorts of inspiration based on the simple and inexpensive canning jar.

They come in different shapes and sizes from a tiny 4 ounces up to a quart. (And if you ever see a 2 quart size, grab it - they're a rare find in this age of smaller families.) They're simple and classic and reusable. They're practical and have an air of elegance at the same time. A shelf of canning jars reminds me of the wife of noble character in Proverbs 31.

The jar in the photo is a sewing kit from Anthropologie, not thrifty by my definition, but inspirational, don't you agree? (Going in their stores is like spending time in an art gallery!) I think you'll find the links below may better earn the "thrifty" label. Also, be sure to do some design review with Lucy's post on making your jars more beautiful.

Journal prompts in a jar for children and adults. (Free printable)
Sugar scrub
Bath salts
Lots of food gifts in a jar
Suggestions from Martha Stewart
And a little visual inspiration here.

The Value of Handmade

2011-11-19T05:32:00.000-06:00

This week, TechKnitter blogs about overcoming our throwaway mentality when it comes to clothing. Our era of mass production has made it seem almost ridiculous, but it wasn't that long ago that people would specifically mention items of clothing in their wills.

When asked why she kept old clothes which no longer fit, my grandmother (born in Austria in 1902) used to reply with a German proverb that "clothes outlive their people."

Today, clothes don't have that resonance. Clothes are not really considered valuable. That, too, is something I think about when knitting: after all, it takes a certain thickness of skin to be a confirmed hand-knitter in the day of cheap ready-made sweaters and expensive yarn. However difficult life was for the old-time knitters, the usefulness of their craft was never at issue. So, while we think about knitting's value while we knit, that's one thing the old-time knitters did never concern themselves with: they and everyone around them knew it was valuable.

Read the rest, including the story of two old sweaters staging a jail break. It's a cozy reflection in these chilly days.

As further proof that a well-made item can long outlast its wearer, I submit this news story, about a 150-year-old Fair Isle cap that was just recovered.

Fr. Barron on the New Translation

2011-11-18T01:01:00.000-06:00

In case you still have questions about the "how and why" of the new translation of the Roman Missal, take a look at this short video by Fr. Barron. Among other things, he gives some great side-by-side examples of the old and new versions of some of the prayers, that will help you see the beautiful poetry we'll be hearing beginning this Advent!

Sins and Housework

2011-11-17T01:36:00.001-06:00

It's true, in general our sins are always the same, but we clean our house, our room, at least every week, although the dirt is always the same. Confession is necessary only in the case of grave sin. But it is very useful to go to confession regularly to cultivate cleanliness and beauty of soul, and to mature little by little in life.

Pope Benedict XVI

Cloche tip to Julie, the Happy Catholic

(Recipe) Hint of the Day: Stable Whipped Cream

2011-11-16T13:00:00.003-06:00

Pie season is upon us, and the last thing you want to do is resort to the spray can, but if you're like me, no amount of chilling or coaxing seems to yield whipped cream that will hold peaks long enough to actually get it to the dessert table. That is, until now.

Last night I tried Nancy Silverton's recipe (atop Miette's Hot Milk Cake), and it still looks as perky as can be this afternoon. The secret? Just add 1 part crème fraîche or sour cream for every 4 parts cream, just before it gets to the stage where it can hold soft peaks. Not only does the secret ingredient do wonders for the texture, it adds a lovely, very subtle flavor note, especially if, like me, you leave your cream unsweetened.

Note: I skipped the hand-whisking and did it all in my stand mixer, which is ancient enough as to not even have a whisk attachment. It was still perfect, in my estimation.

The Church Bazaar

2011-11-12T15:13:00.003-06:00

This morning marked the opening of the holiday bazaar at The Parish. While The Parish can't be accused of being in the 60s theologically or liturgically, the prices at the bazaar certainly are of that era.

For $16, I came home with:

- 2 vintage Pyrex mixing bowls

-vintage shelf paper, for use in my jar project

-some pretty napkins, for use in my new project, a rag rug (more about that in a few days)

-this door knocker

-an icon of the Resurrection

-a German glass ornament of Noah's Ark

-a pair of handknit child's mittens

-a handknit child's sweater

Not bad! Here are some things about the bazaar I think my parish does well:

-Organize items (tables include: Christmas, New Gifts & Gift Baskets, Silent Auction, Raffle, Religious, Hand Knits, Books, Kids, Grandma's Attic, Canned/Baked Goods)

-One pays by table, rather than a centralized checkout.

-Putting the most high traffic areas in the most logical spot

-Have a kids' craft table.

-Have good food options available

-Have an area with tables and chairs for taking a break

-Update inventory, so people come on Saturday morning and stop by again after Sunday Mass

Some improvements could be:

-Not stacking items, especially those that require a lot of browsing) directly in front of tables (I was almost impaled by a brass chandelier!)

-Displaying items in one layer, rather than precarious stacks

-Taking items out of boxes

Does your parish have a bazaar? What does it do well?

Mass during Wartime

2011-11-11T13:48:00.004-06:00

While we're taking some time today to remember the sacrifices of all our veterans, let's also remember the priests who bring comfort, counsel, and especially the Sacraments during wartime. New Liturgical Movement is featuring a moving group of photos with this theme.

Manly Lace, Indeed.

2011-11-07T22:23:00.002-06:00

We Church Ladies have seen many examples of exquisite lace on vestments, but to my recollection, this is the first time I have encountered lace that was actually made by the priest who would be wearing it!

You can read more over on Needle 'n' Thread about the priest who decided two years before ordination that he wanted to make the lace for his alb, and then taught himself the necessary skills and finished the (rather massive) project on time.

An Ode to the Apron

2011-11-04T07:03:00.001-05:00

Related to Lucy's post of yesterday, I've been thinking of adding another apron or two to my collection. My current ones fall a few inches shorter than most of my skirts, leaving an exposed edge at exactly the height of a young toddler's face. I'm thinking of something color-blocked like the adorable Anthropologie apron above. I may widen or ruffle the straps a bit, too, to give me some coverage there, though I like an adjustable length there, so I'm still working out the details.

Meanwhile, have a look at Jennifer Fulwiler's article on the positive effect, both practical and symbolic, that an apron can have, especially for mothers of young children.

Donning an apron is a simple act that sends a surprisingly powerful message, especially if you’re a mother. It’s a symbolic gesture that indicates that you’re seeking to thrive now, here in the midst of the toil that comes with nurturing new souls; that you see the work of serving others not as a temporary phase, but as a key aspect of a well lived life. Taking the time to fasten the strings of an apron around your waist sends a message (to yourself, as much as to anyone else) that it’s worth the effort to protect your clothes so that you can look nice at the end of the day—that self-care has not been shoved to the backburner just because you have children.

(Read it all.)

Warm, Washable, Winter Skirts

2011-11-02T14:16:00.001-05:00

As my first winter with a small child approaches, I have been on the lookout for that ever elusive item: a washable, lined skirt for winter. As much as I love my wool skirts, they have been restricted to office wear as they simply can't stand up to little hands who love to rub bananas on everything.

If you're willing to be flexible about lining, jean or corduroy skirts are fairly easy to find at thrift stores. I've also found the washable suit separates that some department stores sell to be perfect- they come in prints and solids and are sold separately, so I can only purchase the skirts. What are your favorite places to look for winter skirts?

Image source

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for November, 2011

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

General Intention: For the eastern Churches, that their venerable tradition may be known and appreciated as a spiritual treasure for the entire Church.

Missionary Intention: That the African continent may find in Christ the strength to fulfill the path of reconciliation and justice, indicated in the second Synod of Bishops for Africa.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

throughout the world,

in reparation for my sins,

for the intentions of all our associates,

and in particular for the intentions

of the Holy Father for this month.

Amen.

Of soup and love...

2011-10-31T13:06:00.000-05:00

This fall, I've been adapting the recipes from Twelve Months of Monastery Soup to the slow cooker- it's been so nice to come in from a cold walk home from the train station to a pot of steaming soup. Paired with a green salad and bread rolls (and an omlette, if you are serving hearty eaters) this makes for a quick, nutritious, and economic meal- all pluses in my book. This endeavor has also boosted my confidence about cooking with dried beans/lentils.

Apartment Therapy has some really helpful ideas for improving slow cooker soups. I've been surprised to learn how little liquid I need- the perfect amount of liquid for 6 servings of soup in my 5.5 quart oval slow cooker is 7 cups. If soup isn't your style, check out their list of top ten slow cooker winter dinners.

Sunday suppers

2011-10-30T12:36:00.005-05:00

Celebrating Sundays has slowed down a lot in the last year and I'm sorry- 9 months of not cooking plus summer will do that. Here in New England we've had our first snowfall of the season, and my crockpot has been busy on Sunday evenings.

The latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens featured an article about a beautiful website, Sunday Suppers, "class-cooking-dining experiences, pairing friends and food." Check out the recipes here.

Reflection
One of the silent promises I made myself on having children was to provide a home that mad a reassuring, all-comers-welcome tradition of Sunday lunch... I love the solidity of it all: I don't mean by that the robust nature of food alone so much as the weighty texture of hospitality, of plain food warmly given. (Nigella Lawson, How to Eat)

Recipe
Octoberfest Pork Stew
1 onion, minced
1 t caraway seeds
1 t vegetable oil
1 1/2 lb pork shoulder, cubed
1/4 c flour
1 t kosher salt
1 t pepper
1 bottle beer
4 cups chicken broth
1 turnip, peeled and diced
2 apples, peeled and diced

Sautee onion and caraway seeds in oil in a large frying pan. Dredge pork in flour, salt, and pepper. Add to onion mixture and brown, adding more oil if needed. Transfer meat to crock and deglaze pan with beer; pour into crock. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Cook on low 6 hours. Serves 6.

About Celebrating Sunday

In Pictures: Dried Herbs in a flash

2011-10-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

All Saints' Day Theme party

2011-10-26T19:02:00.002-05:00

Hop over to kindred spirit Lacy's site to get the quickest, easiest, already-made-for-you plan for an All Saints' Day party EVER! She has tons of kid-friendly food suggestions and printable downloads for all the Saint tie-ins; everything but the shopping list.

If the menu weren't already set for my parish's All Saints' party, I'd definitely be using some of these ideas in our version of Saint Martha's kitchen.

Thanks again to Catholic Icing for their great ideas for making passing on the Faith memorable and tasty!

Quick Tips to Get Well Quick

2011-10-22T16:30:00.004-05:00

Just in time for flu season, Apartment Therapy has a great list of item s to keep on hand for when you're taken sick. After all, schlepping to the drugstore or the supermarket is the the last thing you want to do when you or a family member is ill. I always keep chicken soup and herbal tea in my pantry- what are your must haves?

Image source

Bringing little ones to Mass

2011-10-20T15:11:00.003-05:00

Faith and Family has an article today with some really sound advice, and as always whenever parenting is the topic there's lots of discussion in the comment box.

Necktie First-Aid

2011-10-20T07:31:00.000-05:00

I have no particular plans to make a tie, but I certainly found this necktie tutorial from the Purl Bee useful when I needed to repair one of my husband's. The back stitching had formed an odd pucker, and it was very useful to see just how that seam is made, in order to redo the trouble section.

Danger Ahead!

2011-10-19T15:41:00.003-05:00

Dieters, turn back now!

I have just successfully attempted a recipe for carmels that takes six minutes and uses ingredients that I always have on hand. You can't control the texture quite as finely as you can with stovetop caramels, but still, I'm quite impressed with the result. For a tasty flavor contrast, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top after you pour into the dish.

For an extra treat, save the rest of the condensed milk, and stir a spoonful into your coffee.

¼ cup butter
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Combine all ingredients. Microwave six minutes, stirring every two. Stir once more and pour into lightly greased 8x8 dish. Let cool. Slice into small squares and wrap in wax paper.

(source)

Jam-spiration

2011-10-18T12:49:00.003-05:00

Margaret at Ten Thousand Places has just opened her jam shop for the season, and her flavors sound so wonderfully adventurous (Plum and Crabapple with Lavender, anyone?) I'm especially intrigued by the savory offerings, including a Pinot Noir jelly (for cheese tastings, of course!).

This post describes her stock, as well as promising details in future posts. Or, you can just head straight over to her shop to peruse.

Hint of the Day: Waste bowl

2011-10-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

Because washing a dish is easier than cleaning a counter!

A recent cookbook suggested using a bowl to collect all the discarded bits while doing meal prep. If you are clumsy like me, there is nothing more frustrating than dropping a carefully peeled garlic clove or carrot into the trash can. It's also helpful when you have multiple cooks in the kitchen.

Hint of the Day: Brooches

2011-10-10T07:04:00.000-05:00

Save small scraps of interfacing or heavy fabric from sewing projects in your jewelry box. Use them behind brooches to prevent sagging or damage to delicate garments.

Hint of the Day: Freezer Paper

2011-10-07T13:21:00.006-05:00

With a small family, repackaging and freezing meat is a necessity if we want to get a good price and still have some variety in our diets. Recently, I've made the switch to freezer paper to save money (6¢/ft vs. 7.4¢ per quart Ziploc), but I've found a few other advantages, as well. The freezer paper lays flat on my scale, making it easier to weigh out the amount I want; I don't have to worry about getting raw meat on the outside or the zipper, and I don't have to go hunting for a Sharpie in order to label them.

I admit, I also like the look of those little white packets all lined up in my freezer. Sort of a "brown paper packages tied up with string" feeling.

Related: How to Wrap Meat like a Pro

Perfect Popcorn

2011-10-06T09:08:00.003-05:00

(photo source)

It's officially popcorn-and-cider season here at Chez Thérèse, so in honor of the occasion, I thought I'd share my method for popcorn with almost no old maids.

Cover the bottom of a large saucepan with cooking oil; add a couple of popcorn kernels, cover, and place over medium-high heat.
When your test kernels have popped, add enough popcorn to just cover the bottom of your pan in a single layer.
Immediately cover the pan, remove from heat, and shake vigorously for a full 30 seconds.
Return to heat until popping slows down, shaking frequently to prevent burning and sift the unpopped kernels to the bottom.

Step three is the key here. By shaking the kernels in the hot oil, you bring them all close to popping temperature, so that they are all evenly heated and pop closer to the same time when you return them to the stove. You can also make kettle corn by adding 1/4 c. sugar along with the popcorn, but keep a close eye on it, as it burns easily.

Plain old butter (3–4 T.) and sea salt is the topping of choice around here, but you might also try:

Seasoned salt
Garlic salt
Cinnamon sugar
Apple/pumpkin pie spice
Ranch dressing mix
Parmesan cheese
Taco seasoning

If you're looking for less work than the stovetop, you can make your own microwave popcorn simply by putting ½c. of popcorn in a brown paper bag, folding over the top a couple of times, and microwaving for about 3 minutes on high. Way cheaper than buying it, and no hydrogenated faux butter-like stuff.

If you don't want to do dishes, coffee filters make good disposable snack bowls.

The Franciscan Habit

2011-10-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

"He designed for himself a tunic that bore a likeness to the cross ... a very poor and mean tunic, one that would not excite the covetousness of the world. St. Francis wanted the garment to cost as little as possible and that it be mended with odd scraps of cloth when necessary rather than replacing the entire garment when it became worn. Art historian Cordelia Warr believes that the Franciscan habit was intended to make a very distinctive visual statement, and the tattered tunic, with its varied-colored patches, served as an unmistakable expression of extreme poverty. Francis's own garment has survived to this day and is on display in the Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Italy, a ragged and patched example of the poorest possible clothing a man might chose to wear.

St. Francis was concerned that the habit should reflect both the interior disposition of the friar and give a powerful exterior testimony of the monk's purpose. One popular Franciscan legend tells of the saint taking his companions into a town to preach. After they entered the village, they then turned around and left in silence. One of the brothers asked when the preaching was going to commence. Francis pointed to his habit and said that it already was complete."

Source: The Habit: A History of the Clothing of Catholic Nuns

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for October, 2011

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

General Intention: For the terminally ill, that in their sufferings they may be sustained by faith in God and by the love of others.

Missionary Intention: That the celebration of World Mission Sunday may increase in the People of God the passion for evangelization and the support of missionary activity through prayer and economic aid for the poorest Churches.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

throughout the world,

in reparation for my sins,

for the intentions of all our associates,

and in particular for the intentions

of the Holy Father for this month.

Amen.

Hint of the Day: Bread Season

2011-09-30T12:19:00.003-05:00

While it's cool enough to run the oven, but not too cold, make double batches of bread and freeze half. That way, on a winter's day you can enjoy a fresh loaf of bread without worrying about whether you can coax it to rise.

Pictured above are loaves that are shaped and frozen before the final rise (make sure they'll be small enough to fit in the pan!), but you can also freeze parbaked loaves (a.k.a. "brown and serve"). To do this, bake the bread for about 75% of the baking time, until it is cooked through but not browned (185° internal temperature). Cool completely, wrap and freeze.

Reason #3986 why I love being Catholic:

2011-09-29T10:31:00.005-05:00

My first thought at seeing this idea was that I need to buy a hand-shaped cookie cutter. (Okay, my second thought was that it's a little weird to be eating stigmata cookies, but then my next thought was that it's great to be Catholic and not be grossed out by the whole thing.)

Among others, these cookies would be a great dessert on the feasts of St. Padre Pio (September 23) and St. Francis (October 4).

You can find a (presumably) complete list of stigmatics here and more information on what that's all about on the ever-helpful Wikipedia.

CL Hint of the Day: Yarn Stash

2011-09-23T16:52:00.004-05:00

When your yarn stash begins to exceed its storage space, call it home decor.

Apothecary jars would work well for this, too.

Facebook Adds “Expected Child” to Celebrate Baby’s Coming Birth

2011-09-16T18:25:00.002-05:00

Facebook’s 750 million users now have the option of adding family members still in the womb to their list of “Friends and Family” on their profiles — with “Expected: Child.” They also have the option of adding a photo of their unborn baby, the baby’s name and a due date.

In a clear display of humanity, the unborn child is listed right alongside born family members, emphasizing that each member of the family is equally important and valuable. Once added, a notification is posted to the newsfeeds of all of the user’s friends, giving everyone a chance to witness and celebrate the new human life.

Thanks to LifeNews!

Today's Word

2011-09-14T06:35:00.000-05:00

On September 14, we celebrate the Exaltation of the Cross, sometimes called the Triumph of the Cross.

Women for Faith and Family have some excellent ideas on how to celebrate the the Exaltation of the Cross in the domestic church.

The Lady Chapel at Our Lady's University has a beautiful ceiling mural of the Exaltation of the Cross.

"Only real men can wear lace"

2011-09-04T20:58:00.003-05:00

She's at it again! Follow the link to Father Longenecker's site to read the latest post from his alter-ego, Mantilla the Hon, on lace.

The lace in the alb is something precious and beautiful. Real lace takes women who I buy it from many, many hours to make. At my company, Veritas Vestments, we put it in the albs and surplices not to adorn the priest, but to adorn the priesthood. Padre is doing something at the altar which is precious and rare and beautiful and good. The lace reminds us of this.

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for September, 2011

2011-09-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

General Intention: For all teachers, that they may convey love in truth and educate in authentic moral and spiritual values.

Missionary Intention: That the Christian communities spread throughout the Asian continent may proclaim the Gospel with fervor, bearing witness to beauty with the joy of the faith.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

throughout the world,

in reparation for my sins,

for the intentions of all our associates,

and in particular for the intentions

of the Holy Father for this month.

Amen.

Around the world in 48 hours

2011-08-30T10:50:00.001-05:00

I followed this decoupage tutorial to give new life to an old wooden folding table that my husband bought his first year of graduate school, and had been loved with ink stains etc since. If I lived in a house and tended to keep things in between craft projects, the only thing I would have bought was the polyacrylic. I painted the table legs blue, and used my old Eurail map as the top (I skipped building a second top, as the piece was unfinished). It’s a great way to give new life to old treasures and a facelift to old furniture.

If I was doing it again, I would:

-trim out the corner squares. My hospital corners didn't look as neat after the polyacrylic.

-dip the whole map in the medium (as one would for wall paper). I ended up with a few wrinkles, despite my best efforts.

Helpful Culinary Hints

2011-08-30T09:42:00.002-05:00

Dr. Boli shares some of his best kitchen tips, including:

If you have boiling water left over after making tea, it may be frozen and stored indefinitely, and then reheated when you need it to make tea again.

Aren't you glad we're here to pass along such useful information?

Find the rest here.

Tea Tasting

2011-08-29T09:57:00.005-05:00

(image source)

During these hot months, my tea drinking is restricted to strong sun tea made from the cheapest tea bags I can procure. It is nearly to the point, though, where I can start thinking of hot beverages again without breaking a sweat, so this idea from Kinfolk magazine's blog has me intrigued.

A tea tasting party would be a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon with friends, but it would also be rather practical, I think, as I have a tendency to end up with several half boxes of tea that I only sort of like. One could choose a variety of flavors, or pick one flavor and compare across vendors (A friend and I have been on an ongoing quest for the Holy Grail of Earl Grey Cremes for quite some time now.)

What other kinds of would you think of hosting? Exotic fruit comes to mind as one of those things that often intrigues me, but I probably wouldn't buy for just myself.

He has spoken through the prophets

2011-08-28T06:50:00.000-05:00

How is Vacation Bible School done at your parish? When I was growing up in the Deep South, we had a wonderful set up/curriculum. The structure of the day was meant to imitate that of a temple education, like that of Samuel. Grades K-5 were divided into two classes a grade, and each given the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The children learned Scripture in the morning. Several of the parish dads got together and built a marketplace that was set up in the parish hall, and during the afternoon, they were apprentices to a trade, such as weaving, coppersmithing, basketweaving, etc. Each trade had a weeklong project the kids engaged in, as well as a day craft that could be done in free time. Other successful components for immersion into the era where: costumes (old t-shirts and optional sashes, etc and biblical snacks, including making flat bread every morning.

But as important as knowing the roots of our faith are, in recent years I can see the value of a more Catholic catechesis summer program, especially as religious education programs are being asked to do more and more with less time. Our friends at Faith and Family recently posted about two interesting programs (albeit ones that I have no personal experience with).

Vatican VBS:

Tour the Vatican Treasures! All about the Holy Father, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, Sistine Chapel, Swiss Guard, Michelangelo, Children’s Eucharistic Adoration & more …Campers… DON’T MISS THE BUS! Climb aboard The Vatican Express! Meet your tour guide, a member of the Swiss Guard and uncover the Vatican treasures. First stop…St. Peter’s Square!
* Explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

* Meet and greet our Pope.

* Get to know St. Peter and find out how the Church started.

* Read about Saint Jerome (who translated the Bible), and his friend, Lion.
FUN is just around the corner. Step into sensational skits, exciting Bible stories, creative crafts and amazing music!

Fasten your seatbelts for the ride of your life! All Aboard the Vatican Express.

Totus Tuus:

Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. Our week-long Parish Summer Catechetical Program and Summer Camps assist parents and parishes in the evangelizing and catechizing of their youth by supplementing the work they are already doing.

The methodology, structure, content, and enthusiasm of Totus Tuus is concerned not only with teaching the faith, but also igniting the hearts of the team members and young people. The result has been the formation of young adults who continue to dedicate themselves to the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Image source

In pictures: Waterlily Napkin fold

2011-08-27T07:39:00.000-05:00

Use a large napkin to create a placemat/charger of sorts, a medium napkin in the center of plates, or a small paper cocktail napkin under glasses at a party for an elegant coaster.

Very true.

2011-08-26T12:33:00.002-05:00

via bemerrykate on Pinterest

The woman dressed Grace Kelly, so she knows of what she speaks.

Saint Rose of Lima, pray for us!

2011-08-23T16:24:00.006-05:00

It that wonderful linking way of blogs I recently stumbled on this article describing lay involvement with various religious orders.

All of the great Catholic religious orders have their associated laypeople. Franciscans have their Secular Order, Carmelites their Third Order, Dominicans have their Tertiaries, Benedictines have their Oblates, Passionists have their Associates, and so forth; and the differences are very slight. Third (or Secular) Orders are literally “third” parts of the Dominican, Franciscan and Carmelite families and those laypeople who join them try to adapt the charisms and characteristics of each order into their daily routines, which in turn tends to shape their lives in ways reflective of the lives of their vowed brothers and sisters.

I'm posting it for a few reasons: I learned new things, I think our dear readers would be interested, and I know Francesca would be interested. (So here you go, dear!)

On a related note, happy feast day to all you Roses. It's easy to think Saint Rose of Lima was a professed nun since she's typically pictured in full religious garb, but out of obedience to her parents she instead became a Dominican tertiary.

Thank you to the Anchoress, herself a Benedictine Oblate.

Image credit: SQPN

More Knitted Gifts- Part 2

2011-08-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

Knitting Daily editor Kathleen Cubley shares some cute knitted gift ideas. I'm particularly intrigued by the bottle sleeve- maybe at last I can reconcile my preferential option for pinot noir with light colored tablecloths.

Queenship of Mary

2011-08-22T06:05:00.001-05:00

"Because the virgin Mary was raised to such a lofty dignity as to be
the mother of the King of kings, it is deservedly and by every right
that the Church has honored her with the title of 'Queen'."
(St Alphonsus Liguori)

Check out Pope Pius XII's encyclical "Ad Caeli Reginam"

Image Source:
Raphael, The Crowning of the Virgin (Oddi Altarpiece)
1502-03
Oil on canvas

Sunny side up Sundays

2011-08-21T03:07:00.001-05:00

How do your weekend mornings go? My family isn't much for hot breakfasts during the week, but after Sunday Mass, everyone is starving. My crockpot is usually on deck or in use for the Sunday roast, so what's a Church Lady to do? So many easy hot breakfasts can get slowed down by only being able to fit so much in a frying pan. If you don't have a stove with a griddle, an electric griddle or skillet makes it a snap to serve breakfast to a crowd.

Electric pans come in two varieties, griddles or skillets. Griddles tend to have more real estate, but I'm partial to the skillet version. Because of the sides, it's more versatile. In addition to hot breakfasts, it can be used to cook dishes when entertaining or during the holidays, such as paella. The pan portion of my skillet is removeable for easy cleaning, and can also be used in the oven. With an impending move, cooking in the skillet helps me keep the stove clean.

I often find myself stumped for what to make for breakfast, so here are some ideas: scrambled eggs, pancakes, fried bread, birds in a nest, potato pancakes, or hash and eggs. What are your family's hot breakfast favorites?

Uplifting the mundane

2011-08-20T14:36:00.009-05:00

This take on a dry erase board has been making the rounds of various ladies' magazines and blogs and it really is a nice addition to my kitchen.

Supplies:
large picture frame with glass
light colored fabric 1" larger than the back w(edges serged or treated with Fray check)
stapler
masking tape (optional)

Remove carboard backing. Wrap fabric around it, smoothing away any wrinkles. Open stapler, and staple fabric in place on reverse side. Place inside frame, fabric side forward, and seal back (either with masking tape, or replacing the original staples etc).

The whole process took 5 minutes, start to finish, and cost next to nothing. It would make a lovely hostess gift or dorm-warming present.

N.B. If you have little ones or a tile floor, I would recommend making sure the frame is hung with wire rather than relying on the backing loop for support, in case the frame gets knocked.

Making it beautiful

2011-08-12T14:47:00.005-05:00

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

(Keats)

I have been occupied lately with an impending move, that has required packing up my beloved scullery.

In the process, I've come across a number of jars carefully saved. The jars themselves are quite lovely. (I haven't decided whether I buy Inglehoffer mustard for the mustard or the jar- I love their little potbelly shape, and they are the sweetest bud vase for a casual table.) Glass jars are so handy and timelessly beautiful for coralling sundries- but I didn't feel the need to annonce for eternity that this jar once contained creamy horseradish.

That's where my good friend contact paper comes in (and this was nothing fancy in the way of contact paper- my husband picked it up at the hardware store). I traced circles as large as the bottom diameter, then cut rectangular strips the same length as the circumference, and smoothed it all together.

Voila- pretty little jars for pennies. My next project will be to re-cover the lids of my spice jars, which are almost all re-purposed condiment jars, since I buy spices in bulk.

Also check out my new bud vase for larger blossoms (originally a bottle of Redemption bourbon). I like its lines.

More Last Minute Knitted gifts

2011-08-11T18:16:00.003-05:00

It isn't often that one likes a sequel more than the original book. That is certainly the case with Joelle Hoverson's More Last Minute Knitted Gifts (see projects here- Ravelry login required). I checked out a copy from the library recently, and am smitten with it. There are so many beautifully simple, yet stunning projects. I currently have the Kid's Vest in progress for my son (it's perfect subway knitting), and have Leah's Lovely cardigan queued for myself. Alson on the horizon Baby Bonnet and Baby Cardigan on the horizon for a couple co-workers who are expecting. If one was an afghan knitter, Joelle has three amazing designs: Nesting Squares, Entrelac Baby Blanket, and Bright Stripes- cheerful for a new baby, but perfect for anyone in need of a little comfort. I'm also planning on knitting several Soft Baskets to in which to place small Christmas gifts. If you are looking for inspiration for knitting for your gift stash, look no further!

St Clare

2011-08-11T06:19:00.001-05:00

O wondrous blessed clarity of Clare!
In life she shone to a few;
after death she shines on the whole world!
On earth she was a clear light;
Now in heaven she is a brilliant sun.
O how great the vehemence of the
brilliance of this clarity!
On earth this light was indeed kept
within cloistered walls,
yet shed abroad its shining rays;
It was confined within a convent cell,
yet spread itself through the wide world.
- Pope Innocent IV

Fire up the grill!

2011-08-10T06:03:00.001-05:00

It's time for a barbecue, in honor of St Lawrence!

St Lawrence was a 3rd century deacon who was martyred for his Christian faith, exemplified by his protection of the treasures of the Church- her poor and her material wealth, including her intellectual tradition.

St Augustine wrote "[Lawrence] ministered the sacred blood of Christ; there for the sake of Christ’s name he poured out his own blood. Saint John the apostle was evidently teaching us about the mystery of the Lord’s supper when he wrote: “Just as Christ laid down his life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” My brethren, Lawrence understood this and, understanding, he acted on it. In his life he loved Christ; in his death he followed in his footsteps."

Follow St Lawrence's advice in your grilling-during his martyrdom, he cried out "Turn me over; I'm done on this side."

I'm not sure what St Lawrence would have thought of this apron, though.

Image source

Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

2011-08-09T17:43:00.007-05:00

Whatever did not fit in with my plan did lie within the plan of God. I have an ever deeper and firmer belief that nothing is merely an accident when seen in the light of God, that my whole life down to the smallest details has been marked out for me in the plan of Divine Providence
and has a completely coherent meaning in God’s all-seeing eyes.
And so I am beginning to rejoice in the light of glory
wherein this meaning will be unveiled to me.
(St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a martyr and brilliant scholar, is a wonderful example of feminine genius and an inspiration to the Church Ladies. Read more about her life here.

Going to be at Our Lady's University this winter? Here's a sneak peek at the 6th annual Edith Stein Project Conference, an annual conference that addresses various issues of gender, sexuality, and human dignity by exploring what it means to be authentic women and men. The 2012 conference theme is "Encountering Vulnerability: Courage, Hope and Trust in the 21st Century."

Image source

Reclaiming the Rag Bag

2011-08-06T17:31:00.004-05:00

An impending move has me mercilessly weeding through my posessions, and I came across two bundles of potentiality that had been lingering in the ragbag for many years. T-shirts and other knits get claimed as rags rather quickly, but old garments unfit for donation might have a long stint, as I am not much of a sewer. The menfolk of my kin are hard on dress shirts, and that compromised a large portion of the ragbag's contents.

The shorts (right) are nothing to write home about- I traced a pair of my infant's shorts for the pattern, then sewed an elastic casing to the top. It's nice to see an old shirt of my brothers' passed on to a new generation.

But I am rather proud of the pants. Since I do most of my sewing by hand, I try to keep the original seams in a garment intact. I cut the arms off an old dress shirt, and again used an existing infant garment as a pattern, leaving an extra few inches in height at the waist to make the elastic casing. All it took was two seams- one between the legs and one around the waist. The inseams of the arms are the inseams of the pants, and the cuffs are a darling detail that allow the pants to grow with the child. If someone in your family has an outgrown plaid shirt, those could be turned into darling preppy pair of pants for your little one.

Sew Homegrown

2011-08-04T13:08:00.004-05:00

A coworker of mine just introduced me to Sew Homegrown, a blog that has all kinds of Anthropologie-inspired home-making ideas to pique a Church Lady's interest. From having a cleaner house in less than an hour a day, to recipes, gift ideas, home decorating and much more, it's definitely worth a look.

For all the Jane of Lantern Hill fans- do you think Aunt Irene's chocolate peppermint cake was anything like this?

2011-08-03T18:45:00.001-05:00

The land will yield its fruit,

and you will eat your fill, and dwell in it securely.

(Lev 25, 19)

While Therese was whipping up her blueberry treats, my greengrocer had peaches at jam prices (5 for $1). I winged the recipe, but I do advocate the general principle of crockpot preserve making (I've made marmalade and apple butter that way). It saves you from standing over the stove during the summer- a win in my book. Most of my crockpot jam endeavors have been based on Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker.

2011-08-02T18:27:00.003-05:00

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mk 1, 17)

Among the books that I have re-discovered due to an impending move were Helen McLoughlin's My Nameday- Come for Dessert and Mary Reed Newland's The Year and Our Children. In early July, we celebrated my son Thomas' nameday with a fish-shaped mango ice cream cake (as Thomas was the Apostle to India) and a string of knitted fish for him to look at from his carseat.