Self-discipline is key to success in our endeavors and for our sanity. Particularly in the long haul of motherhood, self-discipline protects priority and peace.

Self-discipline is a habit. In fact, it is the foundation of habit formation. Whole books can and have been written on self-discipline. Here, I would like to look at self-discipline in the life of the homemaker in three areas:

1. the heart
2. the will
3. the life

The Heart

We can stay stuck in our emotions when it comes to self-discipline. Sometimes there’s a lot of shame around the idea.

The Holy Spirit can use our emotions to convict us. He pricks our conscience. But there is a big difference between:

"I notice that when I scroll on my phone right after I wake up instead of praying, I’m much less patient with the kids’ needs."

and 

"I’m always cranky with the kids in the morning, the worst mother, and I’m probably just screwing them up."

One thought is the conviction that spurs us to the right action; the other is condemnation that leads us to despair and low-level comfort-seeking.

When we spiral like this, we tend to focus more on the circumstances rather than our interior lives.

But the heart is precisely where we must begin.

Whatever your external circumstances, the Lord sees the heart. This is paramount in the life of the mother because our seasons shift often and dramatically. Self-discipline in one season will look different from self-discipline in another.

We must be more attached to Jesus than our schedules.

We must listen to His voice over self-condemnation.

We must ask Him to cast the vision for self-discipline in this season rather than the latest Reel promising to enhance our morning routine. Resources can help, but not more than the Holy Spirit.

If our goals for self-discipline are not a fruit of prayer we will likely end up defeated or self-reliant.

So before we address any other areas, we should ask the Lord for His wisdom and vision for this season of our lives.

And if we want to grow in self-discipline, let’s ask Him for help!

 

The Will

 

As we allow the Lord to transform our hearts and clarify our vision, He is going to give us opportunities to practice! After all, we grow in virtue by doing things consistently and intentionally.

Once the Holy Spirit has shown you how to grow in self-discipline this particular season, focus your energy there. We all-or-nothing types often hear the Holy Spirit’s marching order for one step forward, then go blazing into the full battlefield.

The exercise of the will is an interesting point of reflection for the stay-at-home or homeschooling mom. We have a lot of freedom. We set the schedule. We make the appointments. We discern levels of involvement. We are the CEO, the manager, the cook, and the janitor.

This freedom is so good. It is partly why homemakers have a particular duty to preserve leisure in our culture (but that’s another email for another time).

This freedom also presents unique considerations. After all, if we make the schedule and the rules, then we can say there is no schedule and there are no rules, right?

A piece of our self-discipline as homemakers is identifying the priorities of this season and being sure we steward our time and energy well.

How do we do that? Let’s look at some practical ideas.

 

The Life

Planning

 

I mentioned it above, but a significant step in self-discipline is getting very clear about your priorities.

The Lord has been teaching me about this a lot this summer. He has given me my assignment in this season. When I cease hemming and hawing about it, looking to my right and left, I have much more peace.

It is worth taking this to deep, extensive prayer. It is worth sitting down with our spouses and reviewing the priorities of the season. And it is worth structuring our lives around the assignment.

Boundaries

Boundaries look different for different people, personality types, needs, seasons, and vocations. But they are important!

Once we have identified our priorities, it might be necessary to put some boundaries in place to ensure those priorities are nurtured as needed.

For example, one boundary I have set this year is protecting our school time in ways I have not done in the past. Unless otherwise impossible, I am not scheduling kids’ appointments during our blocked school times. I’m not taking meetings. I place my phone on “Do Not Disturb" and put it away.

Notice that this is a boundary I’ve set for myself. No one is demanding that I have a dentist appointment at 9 a.m. or that I answer their text message immediately. But I know myself well enough to recognize this is a necessary boundary to protect the priority.

 

Flexibility + Fortitude

It requires self-discipline to make a plan and set boundaries, and it requires self-discipline when it all goes to pot.

As mothers, we must be flexible because there will be hiccups. Things will regularly not go according to plan. Ideals are often massacred by toddlers and teenagers.

These are further opportunities to exercise self-discipline. We get to discipline our minds. How will we respond? Will we throw up our hands in resentful surrender (I have no idea what that’s about. Never done that before.)? Or will we face pivots with fortitude, doing the best we can and giving the rest to God?

 

Longevity

The last point I’ll make on the topic of self-discipline for mothers is that we must accept the Lord’s grace and realize that we are in a marathon.

Sometimes self-discipline looks like true self-care. Maybe it’s going to bed earlier instead of watching one more episode so you’re better rested. Maybe it’s taking a walk outside or reading a book instead of checking Facebook. Maybe it’s making time for dedicated prayer. Maybe it’s eating an actual breakfast so you’re fueled for the day.

Remember, the motive of self-discipline must not be self-hatred. We can honor God by stewarding well the bodies, souls, and minds He gave us.

We want to be able to serve Him well for as long as He has us in this field.

 

The Font + Fruit

In our desire and effort to grow in self-discipline, our aim is to give glory to God and to allow Him to make us saints. This is simply not possible apart from grace and the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

So once again, I entreat us all to pray. It is the font and fruit of self-discipline.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. We are all always students at the feet of the Teacher! Comment below!

Continue reading

What is a Morning Basket?

The term "morning basket" has been tossed around in homeschool circles for a couple of decades now. It has spread like wildfire (for good reason) and is not only reserved for homeschooling families. 

Because of its increased popularity, it has become somewhat of an enigma.  Assembling a morning basket can feel overwhelming because what if I don't do it right?

I'm here to release you from that pressure... There is no singular "right" way.

When it comes to creating a morning basket for your children, the main goal is to spread a feast of truth, beauty, and goodness. 

If you're already implementing The Daily Feast, then your morning basket is already, like, 85% filled. 

Our morning basket usually consists of the elements of The Daily Feast plus some poetry and a few picture books. 

While you get to make the rules about your morning basket, it's helpful to have a few loose principles to build upon:

• A morning basket incorporates beauty. This may include prayer, Scripture, hymns, Saint bios, poetry, folk songs, fairy tales, and so on.
• You don't have to do it all every day. You can choose different books based on the needs of that day. 
• It doesn't have to be a literal basket. You don't have to store your stuff in a basket for it to be a morning basket. Simply compile your resources in a place that is easily accessible to you and where you most often gather together.
• It can be done at any time of the day. Don't be beholden by the term "morning"! A morning basket can be done at any time of the day. The best time to do it is when you actually do it.

What is a MOTHER'S Morning Basket?

Same idea, but for you. 

A mother's morning basket is meant to fill her soul and mind with truth, beauty, and goodness. 

For many years, my mother's morning basket has been an anchor in my day. It affords me a moment to tend to my own soul and interests so that I can be poured out for my family—not by my own power, but His.

The same loose principles of a morning basket for your kids apply to a morning basket for yourself. The focus is prayer and beauty, you don't have to "do it all" every single day, you don't have to use a literal basket, and you can do it at any time of the day*. 

Your mother's morning basket will likely shift according to seasons (both literal and metaphorical). You may be able to enjoy it before the kids wake each day or amongst their happy interruptions. 

*I prefer the morning because I desperately need communion with Him first thing. A few months ago, some friends and I discussed our desire to include a "mother's night basket" in addition to our morning baskets. I have been doing this, and it has been a peaceful way to end my days! My night basket is much more abbreviated and includes night prayer, an examen, poetry (sometimes), and a novel. Also, this is not yet as firm a habit as my morning basket because many nights I fall into bed face-down and expired.

 

The Elements of a Morning Basket 

So what should we include in our mother's morning baskets?! This is the fun part! Again, you make the rules. But I'm happy to offer some suggestions based on what has been particularly helpful to me over the years.

Remember, you can include any, all, or none of these. And you don't have to partake in what you include every day. This is meant to bless you, not burden you!

Prayer 

This isn't necessarily tangible, but it's the cornerstone of my morning basket.

Each morning, I sleepily crawl into the lap of the Father, ask the Son to "give me a drink", and voice my dependency upon the Holy Spirit. I wake up like a child.  

Additionally, many moms use this as a time to pray their rosary or other devotional prayers.

Bible/Daily Readings 

God's Word has proven to be a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. I am a beggar before the Lord, and He continuously feeds me with His Word and His Body in the Eucharist.

Reading Sacred Scripture—most often via the daily readings for Holy Mass—is the top priority of my morning basket.

When it comes to Bibles, I recommend the NRSVCE translation. I use this one. If you prefer a journaling Bible, I like this one.

Journal 

I like to keep some sort of paper journal in my morning basket to jot down prayers or verses. 

Prayer Books 

Do you have a prayer book you love? Keep it tucked in your morning basket and refer to it as needed or prompted. 

For example, the Pieta prayer book is magnificent.

Devotional 

Is there a devotional you're praying through, particularly during Advent or Lent? Are you in the middle of a consecration? These are great additions to the morning basket! 

Spiritual Reading 

My morning basket also includes whatever spiritual book I'm currently reading. You can see some of my favorites here.

Poetry 

Poetry is not currently a part of my morning basket, but what a lovely way to rouse to the day! I have this collection of nature poems that I read with my kids, but my girlfriends love the daily version and the night version for themselves!

Inspiration 

Under this category falls anything lovely but not necessarily religious.

Think food or design magazines, coffee table books, cookbooks, art collections, nature journals, homemaking resources, etc.

What lifts your heart and inspires you for the tasks you are about to undertake? What inspires you to live a life worthy of the call you have received?

Tuck these in your morning basket and take delight!

Non-Fiction Reading 

Finally, I include any non-fiction (but not spiritual) reading I'm tending to at the time. Books about homeschooling, homemaking, homesteading, health, historical figures, parenting, marriage, work, relationships, etc. fall into this category.

It bears repeating: not all of this is to be done every single day! We would likely be neglecting the duties of our vocation if we spent three hours in prayer and reading every single morning. Don't be afraid to just start! Nothing is a failure when offered to the Lord in humility, trust, and love!

Setting Time + Space 

Once you have determined when would be a great and realistic time for your morning basket, put it on your actual schedule in your actual planner. It makes a difference! 

Then, set the space. Choose where the contents of your morning basket will reside. Choose where you will sit. 

How can you make this space more conducive to prayer?

Can you drape a blanket across the chair to invite you into rest with Christ? Can you hang a crucifix, icon, or other holy image nearby so you can contemplate it during your prayer? 

Consider obtaining a candle that is just reserved for your morning basket time. I like these clean ones and these Catholic ones (use code ITD15 for 15% off).

The night before, set out a favorite mug (perhaps one from Into the Deep... perhaps this is a hint?) to fill with rejuvenating coffee or steeping tea before you begin. 

I keep these highlighters and a good pen on hand for emphasizing and taking notes.

My Current Mother's Morning Basket 

Curious about what's in my mother's morning basket right now? Here's my lineup:

• My Bible (my wellspring)
• A Future with Hope (my journal)
• Divine Intimacy (my devotional)
• Mother Love (my prayer book)
• I Believe in Love (my spiritual read)
• The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady (my inspiration read)
• Tending the Heart of Virtue (my non-fiction read)

You can see them all here, too.

The Final Thought 

The demands of our vocation are blessed and many, and the Lord does not ask us to do them apart from His grace. It is worthwhile to dwell with Him in the mornings. He is waiting to meet us in prayer. He longs to fill us with His love and delight, even in seasons of dryness. 

Let us, then, make a point to come to Him. Let us not rely on our own limited strength but on His endless power. 

Let us give our families the gift of a mother filled with beauty, wonder, and the Holy Spirit. 

Let us make time for what fills us up so we can be poured out another day. 

 I'm so eager to know what you think about a mother's morning basket. Totally lame? Overwhelming? Thrilling? And if you already have some version of a Mother's morning basket, I'd love to know what's included in yours! 

 

 

Continue reading

August is upon us, which means it is nearly time to begin another school year in our home. I have been in planning prep for a couple of months (I take it slow!) and I'm happy to share our booklists with you here!

How I Plan a New Homeschool Year

My planning process typically follows three movements:

1. Pray (you can learn more about that here)
2. Make booklists (jot down all my ideas and resources, then heavily edit)
3. Put it all together in a rhythm

First, I'll share our booklists. Then, I'll share a loose idea of our rhythm!

The Groundwork...

My oldest kids are entering the 4th and 1st grades, and my youngest two are 3 years and ten months old.

While each child does their own level of phonics, math, copywork, and logic, most of our subjects are done family style in a loop rotation (more on that later). This fits our family best in this season and we all really enjoy this setup.

My three-year-old will not do any formal preschool work; however, he likes feeling "big" and has asked for his own school work this year. I've picked up A is for Art to go through with him as interest dictates.

My main priority each morning is to snuggle him and read picture books to fill his cup before our school day begins.

Our Homeschool "Curriculum" | The Booklists

***Unless otherwise linked, all books can be found on this Amazon list!***

Like I mentioned, we have family subjects and individual subjects. Only the older two have individual work. These children have different learning styles, so we use different resources for each.

Family Subjects

Morning Basket

Our Morning Time will consist of The Daily Feast + any memory work (like poetry, Mass parts, and longer dictations for my oldest).

P.S. already using my Daily Feast notepad and it's a game changer for organization!

We will also do our fun read alouds during this time. I don't have a final list yet, but I've shared some definites in the Amazon shop!

Catechesis

We will be using Into the Deep Level Two this year, taking pauses to do the picture studies on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary during Advent, the Luminous + Sorrowful during Lent, and the Glorious during Easter.

History

We used The Story of the World last year and it was a family favorite all around! We are moving to Volume 2 this year. I use the student guide for extra reading, map work, and projects.

Additionally, I'll be reading one story each week from American Tall Tales so they have a touch point with their national history.

Geography

We use the geography prompts in the SOTW above.

I'll also pepper in Charlotte Mason's Elementary Geography.

Nature Study/Science

It's a water year for us! I'll be using Among the Pond People in the fall semester and Ocean Anatomy and Watercolor with Me in the spring.

I picked up The Good and the Beautiful's Wind + Waves. We used their Little Hearts and Hands last year and it was a great resource to have on hand for days when I needed extra support (like when a kid was sick or the baby didn't sleep). Excited to have that in my back pocket again this year.

Literature

My fave! Well, alongside catechesis and history.

We will ease into the first semester by revisiting A.A. Milne's When We Were Very Young. Aligned with our history studies, we will also read some Norse Myths!

In the second semester, we will read a couple of Shakespeare plays (the kids have loved these—not yet sure if we will revisit old favorites, read new, or a combination of both).

Our main focus this spring semester will be fairy tales. I've snagged some fairy tale picture books from Will Moses, and I have a couple of collections here at home I will pull from. (A note on finding books on fairy tales: be sure they are the original text, not adaptations!)

Character Building

I have some perfectionistic students (no idea where they got that 😬), so we are working on growth mindset with Mistakes that Worked.

We will also be reading through A Book of Golden Deeds.

In the spring semester, we will revisit Connoisseur Kids. We used it this year and it was a roaring success, so the kids want to go through it again!

Artist

Each year, we study two artists. In the fall we will study Van Eyck and use the picture studies from Simply Charlotte Mason.

In the spring, we will deep dive Michelangelo. I'm pumped. We will use SCM's picture studies, along with The Stone Giant, Michelangelo for Kids, Mike Venezia's Michelangelo, and a giant coffee table book of his complete works.

Composer

As with the artists, I select two composers to study each year. In the fall, we will study Handel and, in the spring, Paganini.

I'm an Opal Wheeler fan girl, so I just use her books. Mike Venezia has a book on Handel, too, so we will use that as well.

Language

I don't stress about this much yet. My energy is focused more on reading fluency at this stage and, with a toddler and baby, I don't have much overflow to devote to foreign language.

I have Prima Latina and we will use those DVDs each week in "car school" when we drive a small distance to pick up our farm food and dairy.

On Rhythms...

Our family functions best with a rhythm rather than a strict schedule. But we typically begin around 9 a.m. (this gives us time for personal prayer, breakfast, morning chores, and getting ready).

Typically, we school Monday-Thursday, as Fridays are set aside for errands, Mass, and cleaning.

Weekly Loops

With that, here are the family subjects we will loop throughout the week:

• Mondays || catechesis, character building, history, nature study, and composer
• Wednesdays || catechesis, character building, history, literature, and nature study
• Thursdays || catechesis, history, literature, and artist/drawing

Like I mentioned, all of this will be tested by actually living it, and we will adjust as needed!

I always enjoy reading other people's homeschool plans, so I hope this has brought you some entertainment and solidarity! God bless your new school year!

Continue reading

Memorization in catechesis can be a surprisingly divisive topic. I can understand why.

Some people have childhood scars from being required to recite long prayers in Latin in front of a class, perhaps being physically reprimanded upon a mistake.

Others grew up post-pendulum swing, and were hardly required to memorize anything about the Faith beyond the Hail Mary (and whatever else they needed to pass the multiple choice tests).

The former tend to shun memorization and a question/answer format for learning the Faith because they don’t want their children to suffer the same empty talk and humiliation.

The latter tend to crave the unrelenting presence of Truth that fills one’s brain when memorizing and place highest priority on knowing the details of the doctrine, period.

So what are we to do?

What the Church Teaches about Memorization

The Church, per usual, offers a both/and approach.

"The blossoms—if we may call them that—of faith and piety do not grow in the desert places of a memoryless catechesis" (Catechesi Tredendae 55).

We must memorize. We were made to memorize—even brain science reveals that.

But we aren’t meant to memorize for its own sake.

The Purpose of Memorization 

Memorization is meant to lead to transformation.

What we commit to memory about the Faith should compel us to commit our lives to it.

That’s why, here at Into the Deep, we emphasize meaningful memorization.

We want our kids to memorize Scripture so that, when they face giants throughout their lives, they’ll have an arsenal of the Living Word at the ready for spiritual battle.

We want our kids to memorize doctrine so that their consciences are well-formed and they’re trained to choose the good.

We want our kids to memorize prayers so that, when words fail them, they fall back on the words that were whispered over them as children.

We wants our kids to memorize truths about the Faith so that their brain and heart pathways lead them to the One Who created them.

"What is essential is that texts that are memorized must at the same time be taken in and gradually understood in depth, in order to become a source of Christian life on the personal level and on the community level" (Catechesi Tredendae 55).

Memorization is key and, when done with depth and intention, waters the blooms of devotion.

What has been your experience with memorization in catechesis? How has that colored your approach to memorizing the Faith with your own kids?

 

Continue reading

“The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children.”

- Charlotte Mason 

Order is something we all strive to have in our lives. It makes the world go ‘round and helps create a sense of security throughout childhood and adulthood.

Maintaining a smooth, rhythmic schedule aids your child in more ways than you can count. Having a rhythmic home life is good for the body, but having a rhythmic liturgical life is good for the soul. 

The Faith isn't simply meant to be learned; it's meant to be lived. Things such as reading about the lives of Saints and understanding the seasons of the Church can be done during any time of day, not only during religion class. Leaning on the liturgical year provides a structure in your children's lives that can accompany them into adulthood.

How Living the Liturgical Year Now Impacts their Future as Catholics

An impactful way to help children as the next generation of Catholics is having structure built within their spiritual life. Helping your child increase attentiveness to their faith will aid them in growing long-lasting habits in their love for the Church and the Lord. 

Reading the Bible as a family, attending Mass every Sunday, and praying the rosary are great ways to have a lasting impact. A good liturgical option is to keep up with Saints’ feast days. There is a feast every day and there are multiple ways to celebrate. Reading a summary and then praying to the Saints daily is a fun and mindful way to keep up with the liturgical year.

Another great option is considering a liturgical planner for your child. A planner is used to organize the day to day events. Your child can not only keep track of the upcoming week, but also see different religious feast days and holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. 

A Structure for Worship

The Catholic liturgical year organizes the Church's celebrations and events, providing a structure for worship and reflection. Having a religious structure encourages orderliness in the soul. Order is physical as well as mental. Following the ebb and flow of fasting and feasting within the liturgical year is a physical reminder of the liturgical year. 

For example, let's say that, at the beginning of the week, you fill out your planner. You include things like events, birthdays, work schedule, weekend plans, etc. A liturgical planner works the same way as a normal planner, but it has Catholicism filtered into its pages. What a fun way to help your child grow in their faith! 

Continuous Contemplation

Living the liturgical year allows us to remember the life and teachings of Jesus and to deepen faith through various liturgical seasons and feasts. Remembering the Saints that have lived out the faith serves as an inspiration for Catholics. Contemplating the faith daily helps with spiritual growth. 

Catholic Connection

The liturgical year helps to create a sense of unity and community among Catholics worldwide. Community is something we as humans need. We usually look for people that we can relate to, sympathize with, similar beliefs, etc. Connecting with other Catholics over your love of the Faith is amazing! 

Check Out our Student Planner! 

What’s a fun, immersive way to help your child grow in the faith? Consider purchasing our newest product, the Student Liturgical Planner! This is a great option to encourage orderliness and structure in your child's school and home life.

Keeping track of events such as sports practices, play-dates, to-do list on chore day can all be done in this planner. Throw in the liturgical year filtered into the calendar and you have the perfectly-curated Catholic Student Planner. 

What are some of your favorite ways to build your child's life on the liturgical year? Give us some ideas in the comments below!

Continue reading

Every mom out there is familiar with occasional chaos. It is inevitable in life, and you can’t just stop life from happening. You can, however, make small but life-altering changes that will have a positive impact on you and your children.

The Virtue of Order

Order is a virtue that we can practice and help our kids practice now, both for the benefit of our homes and for their benefit as adults. 

"When you keep your life in order, your time will multiply, and therefore you will be able to give greater glory to God, working more eagerly in his service.” -Saint Josemaria Escriva 

Ordering our external environments aids in ordering the internal environment of our souls and minds. An underlying virtue in the exercise of order is discipline. Establishing order is one thing, but maintaining order requires self-discipline so that order remains once the motivation wanes. If you have a prayer life, then you understand well the importance of discipline!

How to Help Children Cultivate the Virtue of Order 

1. Establish a routine and stick to it (morning routines, school routines, bedtime routines, etc). Having a routine mapped out for the week makes everything run smoother, from naps to snacks to school. Having a structured life will aid your child in basically everything. Weekends can be a bit looser, of course, but children thrive on dependable structure. 
2. Provide a designated area for clothes, toys, etc. This can be encouraged from a young age. Make sure to always have these areas tidy and clean and once your child is old enough, make sure they keep it clean as well. 
3. Use visual aids such as charts and planners. Most children are visual learners; this is an easy and fun way to inspire cleanliness and organization in your child. These are habits they will need forever!
4. Encourage the child to clean up and put away items after use. This lifelong skill can be taught from a young age. When they are little, help them clean and make a game out of it. They can even learn the “clean up song”, which is a fun and easy reminder to clean up after yourself. 
5. Model good organizational habits yourself. The best way to encourage good habits in your children is to practice those same habits yourself. Practicing all of the cleanliness habits you want your child to have is a great way to encourage them, they will see you do it and naturally, they will follow suit. 

Order is something that we all wish to achieve, but we can view it as more of a dream than a reality. By practicing simple cleanliness as a family, you are nurturing a lifelong habit they they will continue to utilize in adulthood and in the workplace, as well as their personal life.

Just as you take your child to Mass for a well-ordered soul, they must learn to keep their space clean for a well-ordered existence. 

Continue reading

Being initiated into the life of Christ through the sacraments is the great gift we can give our children. It is our charge to model a sacramental life for them, witnessing to the grace, peace, and joy found in this kind of union with Christ and His Church. 

Wonderfully, we also have a building treasure trove of Catholic picture and chapter books to help form their understanding and love of the Seven Sacraments! 

Books about the Sacraments for Kids

Sacraments in General

Seven Clues: A Catholic Treasure Hunt by Scott Hahn and Maura Roan McKeegan

Baptism

Jesus Speaks to Me about My Baptism by Angela Burrin

Chosen by Jenna Guizar

Confirmation 

The Soldier of Christ by Mother Mary Loyola (chapter book)

Home for Good by Mother Mary Loyola (chapter book)

Eucharist

Jesus Speaks to Me on My First Holy Communion by Angela M. Burrin

Jesus Speaks to Me about the Mass by Angela M. Burrin

Jesus and the Miracle of the Mass by Gracie Jagla

The Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso

Receiving Jesus for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries

First Communion by Mother Mary Loyola (chapter book)

The King of the Golden City by Mother Mary Loyola (chapter book)

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart (chapter book)

Confession

Jesus Speaks to Me about Confession by Angela M. Burrin

First Confession by Mother Mary Loyola (chapter book)

Matrimony

One Holy Marriage by Katie Warner

Holy Orders

Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass by Katie Warner

Jack Giorgio: Future Priest by Katie Warner

 

What books would you add to the list?!

 

Continue reading

The Virgin Mary is loved by all, young and old alike! Each of these picture books is all about our Lady; it will delight your children. Check out below for our Picture Books about Mary!

 

Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

This book contains fifteen stories featuring our Lady, from childhood to her glorious Assumption into Heaven.

Take It to the Queen: A Tale of Hope by Josephine Nobisso 

Take It to the Queen is a beautiful picture book, rich in allegorical references; we truly can take anything to our Mother in Heaven.

Mary by Brian Wildsmith

Written by Brian Wildsmith, this book chronicles the life of Our Lady from her Immaculate Conception to her glorious Assumption.

The Life of Mary by Inos Biffi

In The Life of Mary, Biffi walks us through the life of Mary accompanied by gorgeous illustrations that bring each event to life.

A Garden for Mary by Neena Gaynor

Both adults and children will delight in this discovery of various botanicals that represent the mysteries of Mary's life and how she points us to Jesus.

Our Lady's Wardrobe by Anthony DeStefano

To help us learn about Our Lady, DeStefano walks us through her different "outfits" as she has lived and appeared throughout the centuries. This book is perfect for the month in which we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima!

The Lady in the Blue Cloak by Eric A. Kimmel

A collection of stories set in Texas, this book follows the mysterious 'blue lady'.

Our Lady of Guadalupe by Francisco Serrano

Our Lady of Guadalupe follows the beloved story of Juan Diego and details his deep love for our Heavenly Mother.

Mary, Mother of Jesus by Marlyn Monge

This is a great option if you want a good Marian board book for your little ones!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading

The Saints are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They paved the way for our faith and their lives inspire us to pursue virtue and to be at home in the Heart of Christ. 

The stories of the Saints—in all their variety—engage our children's imaginations and call them to their own adventure with Christ. Blessedly, there are many picture books about the Saints for children. 

Picture Books about the Saints for Children

Note: There are many stunning Catholic treasuries about the Saints. The books we recommend here are about individual Saints. 

Female Saints

Lucia: Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde

The Life of Saint Brigid: Abbess of Kildare by Jane G. Meyer 

Joan of Arc by Josephine Poole

Joan of Arc by Demi

Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley

The Secret World of Hildegard by Jonah Winter

Hildegard's Gift by Megan Hoyt 

Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary by Dessi Jackson

Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes by Sophie Maraval-Hutin

Saint Bernadette and the Miracles of Lourdes by Demi

Mother Teresa by Demi

Male Saints

Saint Jude: A Friend in Hard Times by Michael Aquilina

Saint Anthony the Great by John Chryssavgis and Marilyn Rouvelas

Saint Valentine by Ann Tompert

Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda 

The Legend of Saint Christopher by Margaret Hodges

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shepard

The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer

The Saint and His Bees by Dessi Jackson

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Francis Woke Up Early by Josephine Nobisso

Saint Francis of Assisi by Demi

The Good Man of Assisi by Mary Joslin

Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy by Robert F. Kennedy 

Saint Francis and the Proud Cow by Bernadette Watts

The Wolf of Gubbio by Michael Bedard and Murray Kimber

Canticle of the Sun by Fiona French

Saint Felix and the Spider by Dessi Jackson

Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges

Good King Wenceslas by John M. Neale

Good King Wenceslas by Jane Seymour 

Saint Ciaran: The Tale of a Saint of Ireland by Gary D. Schmidt

The Ravens of Farne: A Tale of Saint Cuthbert by Donna Farley

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

The Blackbird's Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland by Jenny Schroedel 

Snow on Martinmas by Heather Sleightholm

The Wonderful Life of Saint Sergius of Radonezh by Alvin Alexsi Currier 

The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Kathleen Norris

The Life of Saint Benedict by John McKenzie 

St. Jerome and the Lion by Margaret Hodges

A Saint and His Lion: The Story of Tekla of Ethiopia by Elaine Murray Stone

Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert by Gary D. Schmidt 

Pied Piper of Peru by Ann Tompert

Saint Brendan and the Voyage before Columbus by Michael McGrew (Author), Marnie Litz 

Peter Claver, Patron Saint of Slaves by Julia Durango

John Mary Vianney: The Holy Cure of Ars by Sophie De Mullenheim

The Little Friar Who Flew by Patricia Lee Gauch 

Lolek: The Boy Who Became Pope John Paul II by Mary Hramiec Hoffman 

The Story of Saint John Paul II: A Boy Who Became Pope by Fabiola Garza

 

What are we missing?! Add to our list in the comments below!

 

Continue reading

Telling our children the Story of Salvation History helps them understand God’s movement in the world since the beginning. Hearing the stories of God’s faithfulness from long ago reminds them that He is faithful to them now. Learning about the men and women God raised up to serve Him points to their call to be saints.

 

Blessedly, many people have completed the task of making these stories accessible for kids of all ages. There is a variety of Catholic children’s Bibles on the market today, so how do we know which one(s) to choose?

 

Should We Even Use a Catholic Children’s Bible?

 

A preliminary consideration is whether or not we should even use a Children’s Bible.

 

In short, yes… if it’s worthy.

 

However, the actual Bible holds primacy always. Sacred Scripture is the actual Word of God, and our kids need to hear it. It is this Word that is living and effective, it is this Word that does not return to the Father void. Reading Sacred Scripture to our children plants the seeds deeply in their hearts. (This is why we always encourage reading from the actual Bible throughout our resources).

 

Of course, our children hear the actual words of Sacred Scripture at every Mass, and they’ll hear them if your family plays the Liturgy of the Hours or a scriptural Rosary.

 

I like to read from the actual Bible for our formal catechesis, and a Catholic Bible for children on our “off” days when we’re not doing Into the Deep. And of course, these are the Bibles that are pulled up on laps alongside toddlers, and the ones that get brought to Mass.

 

Criteria I Use When Selecting a Catholic Bible for Children

 

When combing through the options for Catholic children’s Bibles, I have a few criteria:

1. It must be authentically Catholic.
2. It must be beautifully-illustrated.
3. It must engage the imagination.

 

My Favorite Catholic Children’s Bibles

 

My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories

 

This ranks as our favorite Catholic children’s Bible. Although its title implies that it is a collection of Bible stories, I find this to be a much more thorough and complete presentation of Scripture than other smaller collections of Bible stories (see more on those below).

What we love:

• It includes the actual text of Scripture.
• It uses the NRSV-CE translation.
• Each story begins with a small blurb providing context of the story before the actual biblical text begins.
• The illustrations are beautiful.
• There are closing prayers, Catechism references, and fun facts.

 

When I found this Bible, I thought it was a perfect companion to our full-year resources!

 

The Catholic Bible for Children

 

I am continually impressed with what Magnificat is putting out for children. This Bible is another thorough presentation of the Old and New Testaments.

What we love:

• It is divided into chapters, which helps give some context and framework.
• The illustrations are engaging.
• It is written in a more narrative format rather than the exact Bible verses.
• The quality of the pages is high.

 

With the Bible Through the Church Year

 

I found this while thrifting one day and I hit the jackpot. I absolutely love this children’s Bible written by Father Richard Beron, OSB in 1953. We will begin using this one in the Fall.

 

What we love:

• It is tied to the liturgical year. Beginning in Autumn, it walks through Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Septuagesima, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and Corpus Christi.
• Each section ends with a corresponding psalm, weaving the Psalms in much like the Mass.
• There are short descriptions of each liturgical season as you enter it.
• It is written in a very engaging narrative style. It’s the closest style I’ve found to The Jesus Storybook Bible (more on that below).

 

This is an older book that is out of print. If you can’t find it on Amazon, check no Thriftbooks or Ebay!

 

Catholic Bible Story Collections

 

The following are not full children’s Bibles, but cover the major highlights of the Story of Salvation History.

 

Read-Aloud Book of Bible Stories

 

Another favorite in our household, these stories are beautifully-written and engaging.

 

What we love:

• It is written in narrative format.
• The black and white sketches and artwork are more lifelike.
• It is a wonderful companion to the Advent calendar from Little Liturgy Press (a beloved tradition in our family each Advent).

 

The Bible Story

 

Written in 1957, this anthology of Bible stories reads like an epic.

 

What we love:

• It is perfect for older readers and teens as it reads like a chapter book.
• There are not many illustrations, but the sketches are lovely.

 

This is one I’ll have my kids read as they approach Confirmation as another review of the story God has been writing in the world since the beginning.

 

My Catholic Picture Bible Stories

 

From Ascension, this collection of Bible stories is great for younger kids.

 

What we love:

• The illustrations are historically accurate.
• The stories are short (1 page), making it a great read for toddlers and younger children.

 

While the illustration style is not my favorite, the hardcover is sturdy and thus gets brought to Mass with us.

 

Tomie dePaola’s Book of Bible Stories

 

If you love dePaola’s other work, you’ll love this.

 

What we love:

• The hardcover version is less expensive and such high quality. Truly, this book is beautiful.
• Naturally, the illustrations are delightful and deep.
• The text is written in dePaola’s prose.

 

I treat this like we do with any collection of stories (like Winnie the Pooh or Beatrix Potter)—I select a season in which we will read one story at a time during tea time or afternoon quiet time. It takes us a long time to move through that way since those are less frequent than Morning Time, but it’s a delight for all!

 

What about the Jesus Storybook Bible?

 

I really wish I could broadly recommend this Bible. The writing is beautiful and lyrical. It’s a favorite among Christians, and for good reason. What I particularly love about this Bible is that it shows how the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and how the Old is fulfilled in the New. Jesus is the through-thread in this book, and it makes clear God’s plan for salvation since the Fall.

However, I cannot broadly recommend this title because there are some inclusions that contradict Catholic Church teaching. I can remember two off the top of my head:

1. During the Last Supper, the words read something like, “This is like my body…” Obviously, this is contrary to the doctrine on the Blessed Sacrament.
2. In the narrative on the crucifixion, the author is clearly presenting the teaching of penal substitution. This is the belief that God’s wrath was poured out upon Jesus during His Passion and Death. That God the Father took all His fiery anger and directed it at Jesus. This belief is not the only view even among Protestants about the atonement, but is particularly common in Calvinistic circles. This is not the teaching of the Catholic Church.

 

When we read through this Bible, I self-edited these sections; however, because these subtleties can be easily missed, I cannot broadly recommend it for Catholic families.

 

The Whole Point

 

What matters most is that we share the Word of God with our children. Let the Word dwell in them richly, forming their consciences and inspiring them to the greatness for which they were created!

 

What’s your favorite Catholic children’s Bible? Let us know if you snag one we recommended! 

Continue reading