Explore my liturgical living content!

As Lent approaches, many of us are seeking to deepen our spiritual practices and draw closer to our faith. Whether you're looking for guidance, inspiration, or reflection during this sacred season, books can be invaluable companions on your Lenten journey. Idea: Household Book Stacks or Baskets Something that I like to do at the start of a new liturgical season is to freshen up our prayer corner with a book stack that fits the themes and topics we are approaching. For Lent, we delve into the usual trifecta of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, but we also give consideration to themes like self-discipline, communion with God, and transformative suffering. These seasonal stacks can be done for anyone in your household, whether it be for yourself, your spouse, or children. It's beneficial for everyone to sit and spend time with a good book. When I was teaching littles I would put together book baskets for the children with carefully chosen reading materials that would help them grow at an age appropriate level. They loved taking their little baskets to a cozy corner with pillows and stuffed animals to enjoy quiet reading time. Tip: Reading Routine and Timers Especially for children it might be helpful for you to set a regular reading time and I have found in my years as a teacher that having a reading timer is also useful to create positive expectations for how long quiet reading time will be. This will also give you the relatively uninterrupted quiet reading time that you need too. Here are some book recommendations to help enrich your Lenten experience. If there is a book that you'd like to share with us please put that in the comments. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may go to Heaven. -St. Rose of Lima Lenten Book Recommendations for Spiritual Growth Trusting in Jesus: This beautiful journal will help cultivate intentional prayer by providing daily Scripture and prayer prompts for the forty days (as well as the six Sundays) leading up to Easter, fostering joy and gratitude for what Jesus has done through His death and resurrection. Festive Faith: Festive Faith is a treasury of more than seventy festive traditions celebrated in various cultural groups during specific seasons or on particular days of our liturgical year. For each one, Aquila shares a brief history, a description of what the custom involves, and practical adaptations for celebrating it today. She tells you the why and the how of these traditions and shares tips on how to make them accessible, attainable, and authentic for everyone in your household, neighborhood, and parish communities. Divine Intimacy : This Book of Meditations is a classic and is seeped in Carmelite spirituality. For every day it offers two meditations, in liturgical arrangement, that enable the soul to enter the conscious presence of God and to reflect on the theme of the day. The Bible Lent and Easter Wisdom from St. Pope John Paul II : Each daily reflection--from Ash Wednesday through the Second Sunday of Easter--begins with thoughts from Pope John Paul II on some appropriate theme, supported by Scripture, a prayer, and a suggested activity for spiritual growth. Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter : Offers inspiration to live out Mary’s virtues with prayerfulness and peace. You will find themselves drawn closer to the Blessed Mother and uncover new depths to their relationship with her and her Son. The Passion of Christ Through the Eyes of Mary : You will find two of the most stirring revelations of Christ’s passion and death ever recorded by Doctors of the Church—Saint Anselm, the Magnificent Doctor, along with writings attributed to Saint Bernard, the Mellifluous Doctor. These private revelations given by Our Lady will enhance one’s prayer life while drawing one deeper into the passion narratives of the Gospels. The Little Way of Lent : While reading the autobiography of St. Thérèse, Fr. Caster had an 'ah ha' moment that transformed his experience of Lent from one of narrow concern over what to give up to one of joyful freedom to enter into the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. "What struck me," he says, "was her insistence on the way we do things for God and not the things we do for him. It wasn't about what I was offering; it was about why." In Sinu Jesu : In Sinu Jesu recounts the graces experienced in the life of one priest through the healing and strengthening power of Eucharistic adoration. At the same time, it issues an urgent call to all priests—and, indeed, to all Christians—to be renewed in holiness through adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. Introduction to the Devout Life : A book to be read with pencil in hand again and again. It is a book to make your guide for the rest of your life. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. The Tears of Christ : "Jesus wept, not merely from the deep thoughts of his understanding but from spontaneous tenderness, from the goodness and mercy, the encompassing loving-kindness and exuberant a ffect ion of the Son of God for his own work, the race of man.'' This precious insight takes us to the heart of the interior life of St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890), from the treasures of which these meditations are offered as a devotional aid for the season of Lent. Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen : Hailed as the most eloquent of Fulton J. Sheen's many books. The fruit of many years of reflection, prayer, and research, it is a dramatic and moving recounting of the birth, life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ, and a passionate portrait of the God-Man, the teacher, the healer, and, most of all, the Savior, whose promise has sustained humanity for two millenia. Confessions by St. Augustine : The autobiography of his early life in a time of gratuitous indulgence and sin. Having rigorously engaged in such a life, before converting and being baptised into Christianity, Augustine is perhaps one of the most relatable saints of all time. The Screwtape Letters : C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the wordly-wise devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written.  “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts...Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape.” Tell me in the comments which of these books you've read and if any of them are your favorite. If you found this post helpful I invite you to subscribe for more or share this post. Every day I put out practical tips and tricks for engaging in the liturgical year with lots of theology to help you understand the "why." Welcome! 🙏

by Father William Saunders Shrove Tuesday is the last day of what traditionally was called "Shrovetide," the week preceding the beginning of Lent. The word itself, Shrovetide, is the English equivalent for "Carnival," which is derived from the Latin words carnem levare, meaning "to take away the flesh." (Note that in Germany, this period is called "Fasching," and in parts of the United States, particularly Louisiana, "Mardi Gras.") While this was seen as the last chance for merriment, and, unfortunately in some places, has resulted in excessive pleasure, Shrovetide was the time to cast off things of the flesh and to prepare spiritually for Lent. Actually, the English term provides the best meaning for this period. "To shrive" meant to hear confessions. In the Anglo-Saxon "Ecclesiastical Institutes," recorded by Theodulphus and translated by Abbot Aelfric about AD 1000, Shrovetide was described as follows: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do in the way of penance." To highlight the point and motivate the people, special plays or masques were performed which portrayed the passion of our Lord or final judgment. Clearly, this Shrovetide preparation for Lent included the confessing of sin and the reception of absolution; as such, Lent then would become a time for penance and renewal of faith. While this week of Shrovetide condoned the partaking of pleasures from which a person would abstain during Lent, Shrove Tuesday had a special significance in England. Pancakes were prepared and enjoyed, because in so doing a family depleted their eggs, milk, butter, and fat which were part of the Lenten fast. At this time, some areas of the Church abstained from all forms of meat and animal products, while others made exceptions for food like fish. For example, Pope St. Gregory (d. 604), writing to St. Augustine of Canterbury, issued the following rule: "We abstain from flesh, meat, and from all things that come from flesh, as milk, cheese, and eggs." These were the fasting rules governing the Church in England; hence, the eating of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Keep in mind, for this same reason, Easter was celebrated with decorated eggs and fresh breads. Another interesting note surrounding the Easter egg, just as an aside, is that it symbolized the resurrection: just as a little chick pecks its way out from the egg shell to emerge to new life, so Christ emerged from the tomb to new and everlasting life. One last point: When the "carnival" or "mardi gras" became for some people a debauched party, the Church tried to restore the penitential nature of this time. In 1748, Pope Benedict XIV instituted the "Forty Hours of Carnival," whereby prayers were offered and the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in churches during the three days preceding Ash Wednesday. In a letter entitled, "Super Bacchanalibus," he granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who adored the exposed Blessed Sacrament by offering prayers and making atonement for sins. As we prepare to begin Lent, perhaps after a hearty dinner of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, may we take time for extra prayer, particularly the Stations of the Cross, and various penances to overcome our weaknesses and to atone for our sins. Fr. Saunder is pastor of Our Lady of Hope Church in Potomac Falls. Copyright ©2004 Arlington Catholic Herald. All rights reserved.

Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a time when we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. But let’s be honest: while many adults struggle to stay engaged throughout Lent, it can be even more challenging for children to understand and embrace this sacred season. That’s why I’m thrilled to share and support Hallow’s Lenten prayer challenge for kids: The Little Way . This brand-new offering from Hallow Kids is the biggest children’s prayer launch in their history, and it’s designed specifically for families with children ages 6-12. Through engaging, audio-guided meditations, The Little Way  helps kids journey closer to Christ in a way that speaks to their hearts and imaginations. A New Way to Pray as a Family Each day during Lent, children and families can listen to a new, immersive episode that introduces them to universal Church prayers, saint stories, and even kid-focused Sunday homilies from a priest. This challenge makes prayer not just accessible but truly enjoyable for young hearts and minds. At the heart of The Little Way  are two beloved characters, Paul and Mia, who serve as companions on this faith-filled journey. They explore new aspects of faith each day and meet a other characters along the way. Through their adventures, kids will not only learn about faith but also be encouraged to grow in love and virtue in their everyday lives—just as St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught through her own “little way.” Why ‘The Little Way’ is Perfect for Lent Lent is a season that calls all of us to deeper conversion, but often, we overcomplicate things. St. Thérèse reminds us that holiness isn’t about grand gestures but about doing small things with great love. This Lenten challenge helps children embrace that truth in a way that is meaningful and age-appropriate. Each session, which ranges from 7 to 15 minutes, can easily become part of a family’s morning routine, incorporated into bedtime prayers, or even used in Catholic school or parish classrooms. The simplicity and accessibility of this program make it a perfect addition to any family’s Lenten observance. More Than Just Listening—Building a Faith Community The Little Way  isn’t just about listening—it’s about living the faith. Families can also enjoy weekly Family Game Night activities on Saturdays, making Lent a time of both prayer and togetherness. These activities encourage conversation, strengthen family bonds, and help children apply what they are learning in their daily lives. And here’s the amazing part: over 13,000 families around the world have already signed up for The Little Way ! That means children everywhere are taking part in a shared experience of growing in holiness together. Join the Journey If you’re looking for a way to make Lent more engaging for your children, The Little Way  is a perfect solution. It provides the structure, guidance, and inspiration to help kids embrace prayer and grow closer to Jesus in a way that is joyful and meaningful. Hallow’s mission is to help families encounter Christ through prayer, and this Lenten challenge does exactly that. So why not make this Lent one to remember? Join thousands of families and begin The Little Way  on Ash Wednesday. Let’s help our children discover that holiness isn’t about doing big things—it’s about doing little things with great love. And that’s a lesson we all need, no matter our age.

If you would like to share the joys of living a catholic lifestyle, liturgical living, or tradition, let's collaborate! His Girl Sunday has featured writings, podcast interviews, and talks. RADIO APPEARANCES SIRIUS XM BUSTED HALO SHOW LISTEN SIRIUS XM KATIE MCGRADY SHOW RADIO MARIA LISTEN GUADALUPE RADIO NETWORK LISTEN MORNING JOY LISTEN MEET THE AUTHOR WITH KEN HUCK LISTEN A LIGHT IN THE WORLD RADIO MARIA LISTEN SACRED HEART RADIO LISTEN IOWA CATHOLIC RADIO SALT & LIGHT RADIO LISTEN PODCAST APPEARANCES UST MAX STUDIOS LISTEN CATHOLIC BRIDES PODCAST LISTEN AVE EXPLORES LISTEN HEAR AND NOW PODCAST LISTEN CATHOLIC FORUM PODCAST LISTEN SPRINGS IN THE DESERT LISTEN DELIBERATE DAY PODCAST LISTEN OUTSIDE THE WALLS LISTEN ARTICLES & WRITINGS CATHOLIC LINK READ BLESSED IS SHE READ SPOKEN BRIDE READ FEM CATHOLIC READ ALETEIA ENGLISH READ TELOS ART SHOP READ VOYAGE MAGAZINE READ ENCOUNTER MAGAZINE OTHER APPEARANCES MOTHER & HOME SEE MORE MANY HAIL MARYS AT A TIME SEE MORE AVE MARIA PRESS WEBINAR SEE MORE

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days by baking and cooking delicious recipes that will bring your family and friends together. Advent Recipes Go to Christmas Recipes Go to Winter Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Lenten Recipes Go to Easter Recipes Go to Summer Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Any Season Go to Meatless Meals Go to Drinks Go to LITURGY KITCHEN Liturgy Kitchen is an average wife's pursuit at making good food and drinks for feast days and seasons while dancing and talking theology. Steffani's fond memories of cooking up seasonal meals with her dad in the kitchen, and now serving her own family, has drawn her to share the ways in which food can nourish us both physically and spiritually. Growing together around the table is an essential part of celebrating God through the liturgical year, and an invaluable part of uniting friends and family. LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days in Easter by cooking and baking food that will bring the entire family together. TRUE & GOOD RECIPES FOR His Girl Sunday Pan-Seared Lamb Chops- St. Agnes & Easter Simple yet special pan-seared lamb chop recipe for the feast of St. Agnes and Easter. His Girl Sunday One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken- Our Lady of Fatima I am serving up a sun-dried tomato chicken dish for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. See my recipe to find out why! His Girl Sunday Classic Deviled Eggs Enjoy this bite-sized classic party appetizer, it's easy to whip up and has just the right pop of flavor. His Girl Sunday Traditional Italian Pizzelles Thin, delicate, and crispy pizzelles are calling your name this Christmas. Share in this family recipe with us! His Girl Sunday Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Is my Southern Sweet Potato Casserole a side or a dessert? We can't make up our minds, because that's how enjoyable it is! See for yourself! His Girl Sunday Cinnamon Peach Crisp Peaches are in season, so why don't we make a Peach Crisp? This may or may not have also been my breakfast with a cup of coffee. Heavenly! His Girl Sunday Flaming Strawberries- For the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart or Pentecost Impress your friends and family with these flaming strawberries in celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. OoOh AaAaH! His Girl Sunday 5 Delicious Ice Cream Sundaes- Divine Mercy Sunday Enjoy a delicious sundae for the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. Make it to reflect Jesus' heart, or try one of these five sundae recipes! His Girl Sunday St. Damien of Moloka'i- Mai Tai- May 10 A Mai Tai is a popular refreshing beverage in Hawaii. Make it for the feast of St. Damien of Molokai during these hot summer months. His Girl Sunday Clementine Cake- St. Catherine of Siena- April 29 St. Catherine likens the sweetness of Christ to the sweetness of boiled oranges. Let's celebrate her over a slice of Clementine Cake! 1 2