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Nix "Family Life Ministry" & Do This Instead What Every Parish Priest, Employee, & Parishioner Should Know This is something that I wish that I could tell every single priest, parish employee, and parishioner. This message is just as much for you because you belong to a parish. I feel so passionately about community wide liturgical living, Catholic culture, and interpersonal faith connections through the liturgical year. I truly and fully believe that if we could do what I'm about to share with you that it would change up the dynamics of our parish communities. For context, I've been in ministry since I was 19 years old. I took my first job at that very young age and have held a variety of ministerial and administrative jobs within Catholic schools and parishes for 15 years now. You can now do the math on my age! I have a lot of experience in this area and have seen where ministerial efforts go well, where they are stagnant, where they are dying, and what's contributing to those results. Stop Saying Family Life Ministry I feel bold in saying this, not because this is groundbreaking, but because it seems that if anyone else has noticed what I'm about to share they aren't saying it. As a Church we haven't done a good job of opening our minds to understand what the word family means when we talk about "family life ministry." Most parishes have "family life ministry" and in some parishes you might find "parish life ministry" and only one parish that I know of has "liturgical life ministry" because I was given the gift to be able to start it myself. I want to share why I think we need to stop calling "family life ministry" by that title, even though I'm for what is going on in that ministry. Much of what takes place in that ministry is actually liturgical living: communal prayer, devotions, activities, feast day celebrations, engaging traditions, etc. tied in to the liturgical year. Yet, when the only "open invitation" (i.e. an event not belonging to a specific ministry group) at our parish is called "family life ministry" those who do not fit a specific view of family, that being parents with small children, feel as if they don't know if they can go. That is an overwhelming amount of our parish population not attending communal experiences. You may immediately think I am talking about single people and those without children. This is indeed true, but ironically the non-attending population also includes the more "stereotypical" type of family, parents who have children that are older or are teenagers, but they don't go either because the name of the ministry itself insinuates that these experiences are for parents with young children. Next time you have a family life event observe whether or not there are elderly people there, single people, young adults, teens, married couples without children, etc. You'll see what I'm referring to. What I have witnessed, is that those who don't attend "family life ministry" end up seeking to form their own break off groups just to do those same things happening in "family life ministry" with people in their own season of life. This indicates to me that we have our wires crossed. For example, I got an email from a gentleman who wants to start an adult group to do a lot of liturgical living type things: prayer, service, communal celebrations, feast day gatherings, going to Mass together, etc. When he emailed, he explained that he wasn't sure if it should just be an adult group open to everyone, or if it should be a group for singles. Here's my response to that. If someone is starting a Catholic singles group, or any specific group for that matter, that's great and mostly a separate topic of conversation from the point of this post which I'll get to next. It is necessary and good to have more specific ministry groups in which those in similar circumstances or life experiences can relate to one another. As a Church we are very good at doing specified ministry groups. It's no surprise because they tend to be more clear cut, straight forward, and simpler when planning the mission and goals of the group. For example, the point of a singles group is to meet other singles, so the activities and opportunities will be geared towards that end. On the other hand, if the goal is to create an adult group that is open to everyone, that tells me that we've missed the mark on our "family life ministry" or "parish life ministry." You see, his proposal just reiterated to me that it's not clear in the name or the mission because if it were there wouldn't need to be another "open invitation" group for adults. This is where we need to embrace the messiness of gathering as an entire parish community. We sometimes hesitate to do things where the age range might be too wide, or the cultures may vary, or the season of life might not be the same as another. Embrace the mess, that's the beauty and reality of being a Catholic village. We are better when we are together and we are enriched by the lives of others. If we can go to Mass and the sacraments as a mixed group of parishioners, then we should be able to extend that similarly into our communal life. It's in the Name: The Liturgy Gives Our Parishes Life I think all "family life ministry" and "parish life ministry" should be given the same name across the board, and I think it if were between one name or the other it needs to be parish life. Parish life better communicates and welcomes in anybody and everybody that belongs to the parish to join in on whatever is going on. An even better expression of this, in name and in mission, would be to call your "family life ministry" or "parish life ministry" by the name "liturgical life ministry." Every opportunity that we take as a community to pray, eat, engage in tradition, celebrate a feast day, live the seasons, embrace a devotion, etc. is an extension of the Church's liturgy. There is nothing more central to our faith than the Mass and the sacraments, and these liturgical celebrations are what gives life to the Church. The liturgy gives our parishes life! And this is why I think we need to nix family life and even parish life ministry for liturgical life ministry. We have tried through our own efforts to create community through family life and parish life but guess what, God has already done that through the liturgical year. We just have to get together to share in that with one another. Communal liturgical life works because God established it and what He creates is good! What's a Family? We could also stand to help ourselves and our parish friends see and know the many ways that a family can take shape. Different families are different. Some families are elderly couples who have kids that are grown and gone, some are married couples with 10+ kids, 2+ kids, and everything in between. Some families are married couples without children, others are single parents with children. Even single people get put in our parish database and viewed as a "family member" of the parish. This seems obvious, but often when families don't fit into a specific box or view they end up siloed. It's not intentional, but it is in fact happening. The common parish response has been to just create more break off ministry groups for each of these different populations. I am saying, it's not wrong to do that, but people are craving community and it is our responsibility reach out to one another. I would love to be at a parish wide event with the seniors, with the littles, with people my age, and with those who come from a different culture. Living and celebrating the faith as a village nourishes our humanity, and shows us the bigger picture that we are all on the same road to sainthood and we can all be in Heaven together one day. Here's What You Can Do I am imploring you, help your parish life/family ministry. Advocate for this to be "liturgical life ministry" and share how it can be a lived experience of the liturgical year and of each other. This is how we build Catholic culture, when we come together and celebrate a certain way, at certain times, on certain days, it's a common expression that is done together. And it has to be done together! Liturgical life ministry will get at the core of liturgy and ritual celebration for God, self, and other and we need to do that together. Pulling a variety of generations together can only help to give life to our community because everyone has their own gifts to offer. If you need help with this I invite you to send me an email at steffani.hisgirlsunday@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook or Instagram so that I can offer you support. I welcome you to connect me to your people so that we can do this as a team. I've been blessed with many opportunities to help people revamp, change, or nourish their parish community life programs and I can do the same for you. Let me know what questions you have in the comments. Finally, know that I am praying for you and the liturgical life of your parish!

Last year I wrote about undecorating your home for Lent, if you didn't catch it you can read more about it by clicking the button below. Essentially, I take you through the principles of what it means to prepare your home for this somber season and how to apply some basic liturgical principles then adapt them for your home. When I say undecorate, what I really mean is that we are taking down the typical festive home adornments that we might have up, not that we won't have any décor at all. We are simplifying, just as the Church does, so that we can set the tone of the season in our domestic church. There has been so much research done on how our interior dispositions reflect our exterior environments. Consider how light, flowers, symbols, and bright colors affect our moods and emotions. It's no surprise that we all love the new décor inspiration of all white homes, muted tones, subtle flowers, and topiaries. These bright and airy houses are uplifting and they give us a sense of peace and beauty. With that same understanding, we seek to achieve a certain type of environment during Lent, one that indicates to our interior life that we are about to journey through the desert. While some may truly undecorate by not displaying any additional home embellishments, others may seek to use humble and modest displays. These decorative efforts aren't meaningless, they are intended to remind us and invite us into the sacrifice of the cross. To get us all thinking and create a space for ideas I have developed five categories to focus on. Wreaths Cloth Jars Candles Arrangements Let's decorate! Wreaths This particular wreath is really unique, I never see anything like this when I'm out and about and I always appreciate individuality when I'm decorating. If you are feeling up to it or have a bit of extra time, this is something that you could consider making. Another good front door option is with grapevine, and you can find these basic wreaths at any craft store. Add on a burlap bow or even wind it all the way around and you've got a simple door adornment. While I typically try to stray away from flowers during this season, in imitation of the Church, it doesn't hurt to have a few small ones here and there. Our homes are not the Church proper, so it's okay to make these creative adjustments. This wreath has character and beauty, while still giving off a Lenten vibe with its branches and small pops of purple. Cloth Don't be intimidated by using cloth in your home. I know often times we can be unsure of what to do with it, but don't over think it. If you have a home altar, front door table, long TV stand, or mantle you can simply bunch it up and drape it around your current arrangement. Look at the picture below for an example of this. I also like the large jars filled with rock and branches, that might be something to consider imitating. It's inexpensive too, all things that can be found either outside or at the dollar store. You can also bring in the Lenten color of purple by purchasing a couple of throw pillows or pillow covers. It's an easy way to bring a burst of purple to the living room, front door bench, or bedroom. In many homes, the dining room is a focal point for decoration. Last year I purchased a really pretty purple gauze runner for under $10.00. This image has a purple linen table runner and cloth napkins. If you are hosting any dinners during Lent this would be a lovely way to elevate the table. The touch of twine on the napkins is a nice detail and instead of the leaf you could do a little branch. Jars I know that sacrifice jars are a popular option during Lent and are great with kids. However, if you're like me and don't have kids in your house, or your kids are older, then I would just go with a beautiful jar that can be used in a practical or decorative way. Purple kitchen or bathroom jars might be considered if you find something like this. For the bathroom, you could put in cotton balls, q-tips, bath salts, bath bombs, bubble bath, make-up foam wedges, floss, you name it. For the kitchen, you can use these for almost any small wrapped food or baking ingredient. When I saw this I thought it would be a great craft project. Instead of putting "Hope" you could put "Lent" and instead of flowers you could add in a little succulent or cactus at the top. Candles Candles are a must in my house! I light one almost every day and it just helps make for a more prayerful and relaxed environment. Below are a few ideas, and while I'm personally not a big fan of the purple pinecone, the pillar candles with branch arrangement around it would make a great addition to any home. This image is one of my favorite candle ideas, but if this were mine I would do six candles: four purple, one pink, and one red for each week of Lent. Many of us probably own some sort of tray that we can use. Then delicately tie the twine around your candles, add in some moss, little succulents, and you have a really nice centerpiece. Perfect for the dining room or coffee table. Of course you can't go wrong with just a basic candle arrangement. These cylinder vases are very easy to find and the pillar candles can be ordered off of Amazon. Arrangements The picture below caught my attention as something that's unique, stylish, and easy to make at home with the family. In these glass jars you can layer almost anything you want, but to get you going here are some ideas. Rocks Dirt Moss Twigs Sand Top with a succulent or cactus plant This is faux purple pampas grass and it really lends itself to a more sophisticated look. You could trim the faux stem down and put it in a short rounded glass vase or leave it long and arrange it in very tall cylindrical vase. Depending on the height that you go with, this arrangement could even stand from the floor. This is another pretty option, it's simple and plain but makes a statement. Especially in a room with higher ceilings this would look nice in the center of your table, on a bar top, or on your mantle if it were in a smaller vase with the twigs trimmed. Anyone can put this together with a small wooden crate, piece of burlap, mason jars, and lavender. I like that this look is very accessible and gives off that French country feel that is so often adored. This is certainly a good starting place and maybe try picking one from each category. Whatever it is that you do, remember that this is all intended to help us enter into the depths of the season and its meaning. If it takes you away from that, stresses you out, or becomes a distraction then get rid of it! Let me know if you need more tips or ideas by leaving a comment or following me on Facebook @HisGirlSunday and Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. Peace & Good, Steffani His Girl Sunday

About the Apparition On May 13th we honor the the Marian apparition that took place in Fatima, Portugal. The six apparitions began in 1917 to three small children; Lucia, 9, Francisco, 8, and Jacinta, 6. Over the course of the apparitions Our Lady gave the children messages that warned of the harm we were inflicting upon ourselves and the world due to our sin: plagues, war, persecution, and the loss of many souls. She told the children to pray constantly for the conversion of sinners. On October 13, 1917 an apparition "of a woman all in white, more brilliant than the sun" showed herself to the children saying, "please don't be afraid of me, I am not going to harm you...I come from Heaven." The woman was described as wearing a white mantle with gold trim, and holding a rosary in her hand. She told the children to devote themselves to saying the rosary, because through this prayer they could bring peace to the world and an end to war. At the end of the apparitions she revealed her name to Lucia saying, " I am the Lady of the Rosary." Later that day 70,000 people came to witness the apparition the children had described regarding the woman in white. Our Lady promised that she would show everyone that the apparitions were true and this is where we get the phrase, the sun danced at Fatima. The entire crowd saw the sun make three circles and move around the sky in a zigzag, dispelling any doubt they may have held towards the children. By 1930 the apparitions had been approved by the Catholic Church as authentic. The Three Secrets of Fatima 1. The first part is the vision of hell.Our Lady showed us a great sea of fire which seemed to be under the earth. Plunged in this fire were demons and souls in human form, like transparent burning embers, all blackened or burnished bronze, floating about in the conflagration, now raised into the air by the flames that issued from within themselves together with great clouds of smoke, now falling back on every side like sparks in a huge fire, without weight or equilibrium, and amid shrieks and groans of pain and despair, which horrified us and made us tremble with fear. The demons could be distinguished by their terrifying and repulsive likeness to frightful and unknown animals, all black and transparent. This vision lasted but an instant. You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. 2. The war is going to end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that he is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father. To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. 3. According to the interpretation of the “little shepherds,” which was also confirmed recently by Sister Lucia, “the Bishop clothed in white” who prays for all the faithful is the Pope. As he makes his way with great difficulty towards the Cross amid the corpses of those who were martyred (Bishops, priests, men and women Religious and many lay people), he too falls to the ground, apparently dead, under a hail of gunfire.After the assassination attempt of 13 May 1981, it appeared evident that it was “a mother’s hand that guided the bullet’s path,” enabling “the Pope in his throes” to halt “at the threshold of death. After the two parts which I have already explained, at the left of Our Lady and a little above, we saw an Angel with a flaming sword in his left hand; flashing, it gave out flames that looked as though they would set the world on fire; but they died out in contact with the splendor that Our Lady radiated towards him from her right hand: pointing to the earth with his right hand, the Angel cried out in a loud voice: ‘Penance, Penance, Penance!’ Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima with Prayer, Food, & Activities! Food 1. Try a Portuguese dish in honor of where the apparition took place. Portuguese Custard Tart Seafood Rice Traditional Pork Sandwich 2. Cut and arrange a fruit platter to look like the sun. This makes for a healthy snack that can be jazzed up with fruit dip. This was my fruit tray from 2023! And this was my fruit tray from 2022! 3. Make my One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken as a play on the association with the sun dancing at Fatima. Activities 1. Make a bright and cheery playlist and have a dance party. 2. Watch "Fatima" with your sun inspired snack tray. (Image: Variety) 3. During the Fatima apparition, there was an "Angel of Peace," donate to Catholic Charities or a local initiative or cause that supports peace in your community. Prayer 1. Mary revealed herself as Our Lady of the Rosary, pray a rosary alone or invite friends & family to join you. 2. Dedicate yourself to the Five First Saturdays devotion. 3. Consecrate yourself to Mary's immaculate heart. (Image: CNA) Of all three categories, prayer is most important, especially when we take seriously the message of Our Lady of Fatima. If all you can do is get in a rosary today, then do that to the best of your ability. I think it's important to remember that while these feasts come and go, there is a real devotion being celebrated and lived with Our Lady of Fatima and she has a message that is worth our time and attention. Keeping in mind that we cannot have devotions to all things in the Church, let this be a day where we genuinely seek to be close to our Blessed Mother. Honor her, pray with her, give her reverence for all she does to intercede for us as her beloved children. Live the liturgical year in a celebratory and joyful way, as if everyday were Sunday! See you in the Eucharist, His Girl Sunday For more tips and tricks follow on Facebook @HisGirlSunday or on Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

Feast day: October 4 Patron saint of: Animals, Ecology, Archaeologists, Italy, Merchants, Messengers, Metal Workers To read more about the stigmata of St. Francis, click here. To read more about the life of St. Francis, click here. Several years ago I was given the opportunity to do an Italian pilgrimage and Assisi was on the list. Since that day I have longed to go back. As I walked up the steep cobblestone road to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi I passed by adorable little shops, quaint cafes, and unassuming locals. It was surreal to make it to the top of this hill where the Basilica stands and looks out over Assisi and neighboring villages. It was more beautiful than I knew how to take in, unlike anything I've ever seen before, and I pray that many years from now God will grant me the ability to retire there. I distinctly remember seeing his relics and that of St. Clare of Assisi, those relics made him so real to me. And as our guide recounted stories about him it struck me, this is more than the saint we find resting atop a birdbath. This was a man who abandoned all wealth, of which he had plenty. A man who had the strength of will and faith to found his own order. And impressively, a man who challenged Islamic scholars to a trial by fire. He would walk with them across hot coals and according to St. Francis the one of the true faith would be unharmed. See picture below. St Francis before the Sultan (Trial by Fire) Giotto fresco cycle in upper basilica of St. Francis in Assisi To celebrate I'd like to first call you to something that I like to do every feast of St. Francis. 1. Do something EXTRA for your faith that you don't typically do. I usually think to myself, "if St. Francis can walk across hot coals to prove how convicted he was about his Catholic faith, then I can do X." Let me give you some ideas to make this tangible. If you usually pray a decade of the rosary during the day, go for all five decades. If you usually just go to Mass on Sunday, try for a daily Mass today or this week. Maybe someone in your family or your friend circle needs your witness, be brave enough to share it with them. Think about what you feel God has put on your heart, and then go do that thing! I think that the best way we can seek to honor the saints is by truly striving to emulate them in our own way, so let's begin here. Other St. Francis Inspired Experiences to Try 2. Do some gardening or go on an outdoor walk. St. Francis is the patron saint of ecology and he had a deep sense of appreciation for God's creation. 3. Show your pet a little extra attention today, or drop by your local pet store to see the animals. One of the things we used to love to do as kids was visit our local pet store, maybe your children will appreciate this too. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and it is commonly known that he used to preach to and about animals. 4. Give yourself 5-10 minutes of silence today and in that time pray the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. 5. Give up one of your daily luxuries and give that to the Church or a charity. St. Francis quite literally abandoned all his wealth to live a life of virtue and closeness to Christ. 6. Make these adorable DIY birdseed ornaments. Click here! 7. Go to Mass today. We can always seek to give God glory through uniting ourselves with Him in the most sacred liturgy. 8. Consider showing this teaching video about St. Francis. 9. Eat Italian food in honor of his culture. Try a few of my own from Liturgy Kitchen, click the links below. Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Tried & True Pesto Pizza Dough from Scratch 10. If you have pets, attend your parish's Blessing of the Animals. Have fun celebrating St. Francis today! We certainly will be too. I love seeing your treats, outings, and all the ways that you live liturgically, feel free to share your memories with me. #hisgirlsunday #liturgyhome God love you, His Girl Sunday

As a short guide and aid to your February liturgical living, I have compiled some quick tips, ideas, and links to bring joy and festivity into your domestic church. This is not a list of every single February feast day, but will be a very good start. Feast days that you will find in this post! 1. St. Blaise 2. St. Josephine Bakhita 3. Our Lady of Lourdes 4. St. Valentine Note: This is not a full list of resources on my blog for feast day celebrations, activities, and recipes in the month of February. Go browse around for saints and feast days that are special to you. Enjoy! 😊 The Month of February is Dedicated to the Holy Family St. Blaise- February 3 About We know more about the devotion to Saint Blaise by Christians around the world than we know about the saint himself. His feast is observed as a holy day in some Eastern Churches. In 1222, the Council of Oxford prohibited servile labor in England on Blaise’s feast day. The Germans and Slavs hold him in special honor, and for decades many United States Catholics have sought the annual Saint Blaise blessing for their throats. We know that Bishop Blaise was martyred in his episcopal city of Sebastea, Armenia, in 316. The legendary Acts of St. Blaise were written 400 years later. According to them Blaise was a good bishop, working hard to encourage the spiritual and physical health of his people. Although the Edict of Toleration (311), granting freedom of worship in the Roman Empire, was already five years old, persecution still raged in Armenia. Blaise was apparently forced to flee to the back country. There he lived as a hermit in solitude and prayer, but he made friends with the wild animals. One day a group of hunters seeking wild animals for the amphitheater stumbled upon Blaise’s cave. They were first surprised and then frightened. The bishop was kneeling in prayer surrounded by patiently waiting wolves, lions and bears. The legend has it that as the hunters hauled Blaise off to prison, a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At Blaise’s command the child was able to cough up the bone. Agricolaus, governor of Cappadocia, tried to persuade Blaise to sacrifice to pagan idols. The first time Blaise refused, he was beaten. The next time he was suspended from a tree and his flesh torn with iron combs or rakes. Finally, he was beheaded. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links 1. About the Feast Day 2. The Blessing of St. Blaise 3. Celebrating St. Blaise St. Blaise Prayer O glorious Saint Blaise, who by thy martyrdom didst leave to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. Thou who didst miraculously restore a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us thy mighty protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of Christian mortification, together with a faithful observance of the precepts of the Church, which may keep us from offending almighty God. Amen. Food 1. St. Blaise Pie St. Josephine Bakhita- February 8 About For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually that spirit prevailed. Born in Olgossa in the Darfur region of southern Sudan, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of 7, sold into slavery and given the name Bakhita, which means fortunate. She was resold several times, finally in 1883 to Callisto Legnani, Italian consul in Khartoum, Sudan. Two years later, he took Josephine to Italy and gave her to his friend Augusto Michieli. Bakhita became babysitter to Mimmina Michieli, whom she accompanied to Venice’s Institute of the Catechumens, run by the Canossian Sisters. While Mimmina was being instructed, Josephine felt drawn to the Catholic Church. She was baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine. When the Michielis returned from Africa and wanted to take Mimmina and Josephine back with them, the future saint refused to go. During the ensuing court case, the Canossian Sisters and the patriarch of Venice intervened on Josephine’s behalf. The judge concluded that since slavery was illegal in Italy, she had actually been free since 1885. Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession three years later. In 1902, she was transferred to the city of Schio (northeast of Verona), where she assisted her religious community through cooking, sewing, embroidery, and welcoming visitors at the door. She soon became well loved by the children attending the sisters’ school and the local citizens. She once said, “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!” The first steps toward her beatification began in 1959. She was beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Celebrating St. Josephine With Kids Feast Day Activities for St. Josephine 10 Ways to Celebrate St. Josephine Prayer Food African Peanut Chicken Serves 4 (Fed two adults and a toddler with plenty leftover, so I'm just guessing) Ingredients: 2 lbs skinless bone-in chicken drumsticks and thighs (or equivalent amount of boneless chicken) 1/2 c. peanut butter 1/2 onion (I slice it large so The Husband can pick it out, but if you're cooking for an onion loving crew feel free to increase the amount of onion and chop or mince it) 1 small can crushed tomatoes 3 cloves sliced garlic cumin, cumin seeds, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper (maybe 1 tsp each, or to taste) chili powder, salt (optional) Directions: Put everything in slow cooker and turn to high for 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through. (If you cook for a longer time on low, the chicken will fall apart and you'll need to fish out the bones. If you want more like shredded chicken, I would recommend using boneless thighs.) (Catholic Cuisine) Our Lady of Lourdes - February 11 About On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Bernadette was a sickly child of poor parents. Their practice of the Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm. Bernadette could pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Creed. She also knew the prayer of the Miraculous Medal: “O Mary conceived without sin.” During interrogations Bernadette gave an account of what she saw. It was “something white in the shape of a girl.” She used the word aquero, a dialect term meaning “this thing.” It was “a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm.” Her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle. She wore a white veil. There was a yellow rose on each foot. A rosary was in her hand. Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the lady did not use the informal form of address (tu), but the polite form (vous). The humble virgin appeared to a humble girl and treated her with dignity. Through that humble girl, Mary revitalized and continues to revitalize the faith of millions of people. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world. In 1862 Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and authorized the cult of Our Lady of Lourdes for the diocese. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became worldwide in 1907. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Ideas for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Ways to Celebrate Our Lady Feast Day Ideas Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of Mercy, Health of the sick, refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure for their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen. Food Chicken Cordon Bleu St. Valentine - February 14 About Well, there was a priest named Valentine who lived in Rome in the third century. He was put in prison because he helped some Christians who were going to be executed by a cruel emperor named Claudius. While Valentine was in prison, he healed the chief warder’s daughter, who was blind, and the warder and all his family became Christians. When Emperor Claudius heard this, he said that Valentine should be executed. And so, on February 14 in the year 269, Valentine was clubbed to death. Then his head was chopped off, just to make sure he was dead. In the same year, another man named Valentine, who was the bishop of Terni (about sixty miles from Rome), was also put to death by Emperor Claudius for being a Christian. Neither saint seems to have anything to do with young lovers. So where do the traditions come from? Some say it is because on this day of the year (in the northern hemisphere) birds pair up and start mating. Others say the day is special for lovers because at that time of year there had been a pagan Roman festival named Lupercalia, when young men took part in a kind of lottery to find a partner. But Lupercalia has nothing to do with either Saint Valentine! (Loyola Press) Quick Links 8 Simple Ways to Celebrate St. Valentine Who and What are We Celebrating Date Night Ideas St. Valentine Day Card Printables St. Valentine Prayer Grant, we beseech you, O almighty God, that we who keep the festival of your holy martyr Valentine, may be delivered by his intercession from all dangers that threaten us. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ: Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Food Sharing Dishes for the Feast of St. Valentine Happy Feasting! If you used any of these ideas, share with me on Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

The ‘Gesimas are a the weeks leading up to Lent that are also known as Pre-Lent, many of us have probably never heard of this before or maybe you've just forgotten. It is a period of preparation and feasting that hasn’t been a part of the liturgical calendar since before Vatican II. Yes, feasting which I am going to go to town with in the weeks to follow so look out for more yummy recipes. The three Sundays that precede Lent are called Septuagesima (70th), Sexagesima (60th), and Quinquagesima (50th), say that five times fast! This period ends with Quinquagesima, also known as “Carnival” season, or Shrovetide depending on the culture celebrating. Most of us only know about and actively celebrate one day of this season, Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day of Pre-Lent. In addition to this, there is one week called Quadragesima (40th) that occurs during the Lenten Season, but every week gives us a preparatory countdown for Easter. Septuagesima Sunday is filled with meaning and tradition which I must admit that I am sad has been lost but I am determined through my own practice of the faith to revive. The number of days is significant (Septuagesima - 70) in that it is representative of the freedom that came after the seventy years of Babylonian Captivity and the freedom which we have obtained through Christ’s death and resurrection to the Promised Land of Heaven. It is a time for “sobriety and somberness” which help us to slowly orient ourselves to the depths of grace that Lent holds for us. This rhythm just makes sense given that we prepare and plan for all sorts of other major events in our lives and honestly, it’s just not that easy to go from the daily routine of Ordinary Time to an overnight focus on being intensely penitential. It is one of the longest and most important seasons in the Church wherein we prepare ourselves to receive the greatest act of love which we have ever and will ever be given. In light of the nature of this time, it's fitting that we engage ourselves so that we can be as ready as one can to receive the graces of Lent and then Easter. In terms of traditions, this one begins at vespers the previous night when the last “Alleluias” are supposed to be sung. On Septuagesima Sunday the Alleluia would be buried and not sung again until Easter. In fact, there is a burying ceremony which is like a “little funeral”. Inside a little coffin would be a banner with “Alleluia” written on it which would be processed with candles and the cross to a burial place to be sprinkled, incensed, and buried. If you would like to partake in this tradition you can purchase an Alleluia sign here. I can’t get enough of these unique and theologically rich Catholic traditions; they bring life and joy to living out our faith. In addition to that are also some more fun and festive things to do as a family or community throughout the ‘Gesima weeks. In the Orthodox tradition they have designated “meatfare” and “cheesefare” Sundays. In Russia the week before Lent is called “Butter Week”, which was basically meant for me and I will be flying out to Russia within the next few weeks. This was actually done because in the days prior to refrigeration, you would need to use up the perishable foods before Lent began. I'm thinking this is the perfect time to make a bountiful charcuterie board! What do you think? I’m hoping that better engaging in the traditions that come within the ‘Gesimas will give more intentional focus to what is most and ultimately important here, preparing for Lent. Peace & Good, Steffani

A few years ago I learned about the 'gesimas, Septuagesima Sunday in particular, and became completely fascinated with the previous liturgical season known as Pre-Lent. I do have a post from 2020 that I wrote here if you'd like to read more about the basics regarding these weeks, along with a few ways to live liturgically. As I revisited this topic, I began to discover even more information that I found intriguing and thought I'd share it with you. For a more practical start, this is a season that begins on different dates each year depending on the date of Easter. As a quick reference, here are the dates for the next four years. Septuagesima Sunday 2023 February 5 2024 January 28 2025 February 16 2026 February 1 And for a fun fact, Septuagesima began in the 6th century! What is Pre-Lent? Pre-lent are the three weeks that lead up to Lent and begin with Septuagesima, then Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. It is a season that was intended for feasting and fasting. This period of time prompts us to enjoy the delights of life before our days of fasting start, and also signals us to ready our hearts and minds as we begin to enter into Lent. This season was so highly valued that Dom Prosper Guéranger, O.S.B., devoted an entire volume of his work, The Liturgical Year, to Septuagesima. He refers to Septuagesima as a season of “transition, inasmuch as it includes the period between two important Seasons, – Christmas and Lent.” You can see in this image that the three weeks of Pre-Lent are like stairs that gradually bring us closer to fully living the Lenten season. From a more practical standpoint, and as I stated in the previous post, given the busyness and chaos of most of our modern day lives I believe we need this even more. Before I began to live liturgically I didn't think any differently, but when I really sought to actively engage in each season, I realized that being thrust into Lent from Ordinary Time was very challenging. In fact, when I look at most of my Lenten experiences, I feel like I'm not as prepared for such a profound season as I would like to be. Suddenly we are fasting, abstaining, and I'm seeking to pick and then remember what I gave up, along with any added prayer that I was desiring. I truly think it would be more helpful to be prompted by the Church and my Catholic community, to begin preparing for Lent as a whole. Carnival Season The weeks prior to Lent were also known as Carnival Season to many Catholic cultures and countries across the world. The word carnival comes from the Latin carnelevarium which means the removal of meat. During these weeks of celebration Catholics would need to consume all remaining meat and animal products, such as eggs, cream, and butter, before the six-week Lenten fast. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the laws of fasting and abstinence were wildly different and far more strict from what we practice now and you were to abstain from all the items listed above and then some. Second, before in home refrigeration, these perishable items would not have lasted through the weeks of Lent when they were not being eaten and therefore would have spoiled. The best thing to do was to use these ingredients to make delicious food. In honor of this practice I make skillet queso, a very meaty chili, and pancakes. Carnival celebrations such as balls, masquerades, parades, and parties happened throughout Pre-Lent in the spirit of feasting. However, this can't go without mention, that many of the saints rightfully did not approve of what the Carnival season became. Many Catholics saw this as an excuse to overindulge beyond any sense of virtue and fall into mortal sin. I think it's important to note again that these weeks are meant for feasting, but also intentional preparation for fasting and prayer. Think of the stair steps to Lent again. I must say that I do appreciate this approach as I have always felt a bit of liturgical whiplash from Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras. Even when I was younger I remember thinking, "so I'm supposed to party and have fun on this day, but I'm also supposed to go to confession, spend time in prayer, and make sure that I am prepared for Ash Wednesday?" It's not impossible, but it certainly makes for a day of juggling a wide range of liturgical action. If we treat these weeks as time for that enjoyment, then when we get to Shrove Tuesday, we won't feel as if we have to cram everything into one day. The Numbers Don't Add Up The other thing that I found curious is that in two different ways, the numbers don't make sense. Septuagesima means seventieth, sexagesima means sixtieth, and quinquagesima means fiftieth. I initially thought that this was a way to countdown to Easter, but as I began going through the calendar with my little pointer finger, 1..2..3..4..5..6.. I realized that didn't make sense. The Church knows this too, so where did these titles come from? The rich symbolic and theological tradition of the Church is where we must begin to better understand the titles of these weeks. The first Sunday of Lent is called Quadragesima (fortieth). As we know the Lenten season is a period of 40 days that are meant to imitate Jesus' forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert. Hence, the three Sundays prior to Quadragesima Sunday were named after round numbers 50, 60, 70. Learning this also answered my second point of confusion as to why these numbers were counting by tens when there are only 7 days in a week. Final Thoughts Whether or not you observe this Old Calendar season, I see it as a beautiful part of our Catholic liturgical tradition. And while we don't have to choose to live out the weeks of Pre-Lent like we used to, knowing about it enriches our faith by seeing who we are as Catholics in full view, and allowing that to impact the way that we engage in it. Perhaps you follow the Novus Ordo calendar but appreciate the meaning of these things, then take what you can and apply it to your life so that your Lent is more imbued with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Candlemas Lefse and Lemon Curd "Candlemas is celebrated forty days after Christmas, on February 2nd, and commemorates the Feast of Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, also known as the Purification of Mary. These forty days are twofold: the first reason being that Mary and Joseph presented their firstborn son, Jesus, in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth. This is also the timeframe that a woman needed to be purified after birth. For Catholics, Candlemas also marks the end of the Christmas season in the traditional calendar. It is customary on Candlemas to bless candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year in the parish and in the home. The candlelight is significant in that it represents the last feast of the season of light and represents an outward and visible sign of Christ who illumines our hearts. For many, February 2nd is also Groundhog Day, determining whether winter will continue for an additional six weeks. I live in the area in which the 1993 film with Bill Murray by the same name was filmed, so Groundhog Day is a big deal here! What I love most about this day though is the promise of Spring. In the Midwest, we are still often battling frigid temperatures and snow. But by February I'm ready to get seeds started inside and moved into the greenhouse as soon as possible. Lemon recipes at this time of year remind me of warmer, hands in the dirt, sunny days ahead. Lemon curd is super simple to make and only uses four ingredients. It can be used as a filling in cakes or pies, in layered desserts like parfaits, or my favorite as a spread on toast, English muffins, and lefse. Lefse is soft Norwegian flatbread made out of mashed potatoes. In a move that would appall my ancestors, I use instant mashed potato flakes. In France, crepes are traditionally served on Candlemas. Their round shape and golden color symbolizes the sun, and warmer days to come. As a proper Scandinavian growing up in Minnesota, lefse, though a little heavier than crepes, represents the same thing. I love the contrast of the heaviness of the lefse against the lightness of the lemon curd. It reminds me that following the long winter, spring will come. The light, the sun, and the Son will come again." (Elizabeth Baker, Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living) I am so honored to have Elizabeth share her recipe for the feast of Candlemas. She is one of the women who manages Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living, a Facebook group that creates community and practical support for women seeking to bring the liturgical year to life in their home. A big, warm thank you for being a guest contributor at Liturgy Kitchen. (candlemas lefse and lemon curd) Lemon Curd Prep Time: 10 minutes Lemon Curd Cook Time: 10 minutes Lemon Curd Yields: 1 Cup Lefse Prep Time: 10 minute and overnight chilling Lefse Bake Time: 15 minutes Lefse Yields: 8-10 Pieces Lemon Curd Ingredients 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 egg yolks Juice and zest of three lemons 6 tablespoons cold butter Instructions Whisk sugar, eggs, and egg yolks in a heavy bottom saucepan until light pale yellow Add juice and zest Cook over low to medium heat until thick and bubbly, 5-7 minutes Pour mixture through fine-mesh sieve Stir in butter one tablespoon at a time until melted The curd will thicken as it cools Store in refrigerator Lefse Ingredients 1 1/2 cups instant mashed potato flakes 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup water (approximately) 1/2 cup milk 1 cup flour Instructions Mix salt and potato flakes in a medium sized bowl Put butter in a 1/2 cup measuring cup and add water to cup to fill Place is small saucepan and bring to a boil Pour over potatoes and mix with a fork Add milk and flour and mix thoroughly Cover with plastic wrap and cool for about one hour After cooled roll into 1 1/2 inch sized balls Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight On a floured surface roll thinly with a rolling pin Cook on skillet or griddle over medium to high heat, approximately 1 minutes each side until there are light brown spots Check out this delicious food! We're eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present a heartfelt meal for the celebration of Candlemas. Did you make this recipe? If so, we would love to see it. Drop a picture in the comment or send it to us on social media. Want to be a part of Elizabeth's liturgical living group? Join here! Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living And if you're not following along with the Liturgy Culture & Kitchen community, I welcome you to a seat at the table. His Girl Sunday Facebook His Girl Sunday Instagram For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more celebratory.

Welcome to Meat Week! We are in the first week of Pre-Lent, also known as Septuagesima and during this time we prepare ourselves for Lent by giving our life of prayer more focus and clearing out the fridge. I found that in the Byzantine and Orthodox tradition there is a Sunday called "meatfare" in which they use up the meat in the house before Lent begins. I joyfully adopted this tradition, out of my fond memories of going to the grocery store with my dad. We spent a lot of time in the meat section and he knew just how to make it too, I am spoiled by a father that is an AMAZING cook! I've been that way ever since, so you'll know where to find me if we get separated in the grocery store. This bowl of meaty goodness unites the Italian to the Southern belle which in my house is also known as a dinner compromise. It was actually perfect for these pseudo winter day that we get down here, I love indulging in hot comfort food when it's cold and rainy. Who am I kidding, I enjoy a good bowl of chili anytime! I think this recipe is just perfect for a meat week clear out, two meats-one recipe-Amen! Let's get to it because with any good chili you're going to want plenty of time. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 2-3 hours Serving: 6 Ingredients 1. 1 tsp olive oil 2. 1/2 lb ground beef 3. 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild) 4. 1/2 tsp chili powder 5. 1/2 tsp dried oregano 6. 1/2 tsp dried basil 7. 1/4 tsp dried cumin 8. Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 9. Sea salt and pepper (to taste) 10. 1/2 yellow onion 11. 1/2 red bell pepper (diced) 12. 3 cloves of garlic (minced) 13. 1 - 15 oz can of diced tomatoes 14. 1 - 10 oz can of tomato sauce 15. 1 - 15 oz can of chili beans with sauce 16. 1/2 - 15 oz can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained) 17. Fresh Parmesan Cheese (shredded) Get the garlic ready by removing the skin. This is one of my favorite things from Sur La Table and I use garlic for almost everything so this made peeling way simpler. Pop the garlic in, give it a roll, and badda bing badda boom! (Italian chili lingo, I can only get away with saying that online.) Dice 3 cloves of garlic! Peel your onion and dice half of that too! Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and dice that along with the garlic and onion. I used red but you could use green too if you want to be a rebel, I won't stop you! Set those ingredients aside and heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Remove the ground beef from the casing and toss it in the pot. I used 1/2 lb but if you want yours to be meatier you can use 1 lb. Add 1/2 lb Italian sausage, hot or mild. Brown the meat over medium heat while breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. While that is cooking it's time to spice things up so get our measuring spoons ready. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp chili powder. Then, add in 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Add 1/2 tsp dried basil and give it a little swirl. Throw in 1/4 tsp dried cumin. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat and give it another stir. Give the sea salt and pepper a shake over the meat and give it a try. Add in the garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the meat and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir, Stir, Stir! Once the bell pepper, onion, and garlic is soft we can move on to the canned items. Pour in 1 - 15 oz can of diced tomatoes. Then add 1 - 10 oz can of tomato sauce to that, juice and all! Stir those ingredients together and add in 1 - 15 oz can of chili beans with sauce. Rinse and drain the kidney beans then measure out half of the 15 oz can. You could add the whole can, but I just couldn't commit to it. mmmMMMmmm look at that! Stir together, put the lid on, and lower the heat to low so that it can simmer for 2-3 hours. Don't forget to go back and stir, and taste... for re-seasoning purposes of course. While that is cooking make some rice as a bed for your chili and toss some rolls in the oven. Frito's also make a good spoon replacement, I'm just saying! Shred fresh Parmesan over the top and enjoy! Heavenly! A feel good hearty bowl of chili, while bundled up watching a movie is my happy place. Make it for yourself, you are worth it! Peace & Good, Steffani

It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the sun is out, windows are up, and I've got the kitchen all to myself. In case you missed my last couple of posts we are in the weeks called "Pre-Lent", in particular this week is called Sexagesima, meaning there is 60 days until Easter. An old tradition, before the modern days of refrigeration, was to use up all the meat and perishable food items before Lent begins. That means it's time to do something with all of those dairy items, and the only way to do that in Texas is by making queso. Let me verify how good this is by saying that my husband does not do queso, bless his heart, and he went back for seconds on this one! This is a quick and easy recipe that is great for game days and get togethers. Here is how you do it, ready? You sure? Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 12-14 servings Ingredients 1. 2 tbsp olive oil 2. 1 small onion, chopped 3. 3 cloves garlic, minced 4. 1 jalapeno 5. 1 cup milk 6. 1 cup browned ground beef 7. 1 can mixed diced tomatoes & green chilis 8. 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro 9. 12 oz cheddar cheese, shredded 10. 4 oz habanero cheese, shredded 11. Salt & Pepper 12. Tortilla chips **The meat was already cooked from Taco Tuesday, I made extra knowing that I would be making this recipe, so if you don't already have browned ground beef, please do this before you get yourself going on the queso.** Taco Tuesday is a tradition of the Fathers that has been passed down and reverenced in our house since we got married. Now that you have everything in order chop up the small onion (or just do half of a large one like I did), 3 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 cup cilantro. If you want a little more cilantro go for it, I won't tell anybody! Now for the jalapeno, unless you are wanting some crazy kick in your dip then I suggest you gut it and dice it. You can set all of that aside to heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in your skillet on medium heat. Once heated toss in your onions and let them cook until soft and slightly transparent, about 3-4 minutes. Does anybody else like the smell of onion and garlic cooking in a pan because I love it! I cook almost everything with these two ingredients, even dessert... just kidding, that would be weird. Add garlic and jalapeno, cook for about 1 minute. Keep the garlic moving so it doesn't burn. Toss both cheeses in while stirring and then pour in the milk. Keep it all moving as best you can so that it doesn't stick to the pan. *You can substitute shredded cheese for Velveeta if that's what you like more. It's beginning to look like queso! We can now add in the goodies! Toss in one can of diced tomatoes & green chilis then stir to combine. *Drain the can beforehand.* Sprinkle in the cilantro and just keep stirring, just keep stirring. We got Disney+ so I watched “Finding Nemo” for the first time since my senior year in highschool when all my teachers checked out and played that for us in almost every class. I will not be that teacher! Shovel in 1 cup of ground beef and stir! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips, pairs very well with friends and a cold margarita. Can't. Get. Enough! MMMMmmmMMMM! I hope you enjoy this liturgical living recipe! For more information on Pre-Lent check out my blog or Facebook page @HisGirlSunday. Enjoy, friends!

A little butter loving is going on in my kitchen as I prepare a picnic for the Solemnity of the Ascension today. I’ll explain the importance of this feast day, why we do picnics, and some liturgical living tidbits at the end. I use butter with almost everything, like it’s going out of style. There isn’t one frying pan in this house that’s gone unnoticed by a stick of butter. So, I've got a little extra of the main ingredient as you can gather, its FINALLY summer break, and this is a Solemnity of the Lord in the Easter Season! It's going down! Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 1/2 cup (Double if you just can't get enough.) Here’s the band of misfits. Ingredients 1. One dash of salt - 1/16 to be exact but who has a measuring spoon that says that?! 2. 2 tbsp Strawberry Preserves 3. 1 stick of Butter 4. 1/4 tsp CinnamonThis makes about half a cup, double if you can’t get enough of it. Put one stick of butter in your stand mixer with the whisk attachment on. Beat the butter on high for about 4-5 minutes or until it’s fluffy. After about 5 minutes on high turn the mixer to low and spoon 2 tablespoons of the strawberry preserves into the butter. Yum! Note: you can really do this with any flavor preserves that you fancy. Make sure it’s nicely blended, you may have to stir a bit with your baking spatula. Sprinkle in a dash of salt like so! Add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, you can add more if you want the taste to be a bit stronger. Beat again on high for about 2 minutes. While that is going grab a little jar or container to spoon your butter into. Nicely blended and ready for canning. Pack the butter in tightly, seal, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. Ascension Thursday is a holy day of obligation, which in this state of quarantine has been lifted. Today marks forty days after Easter Sunday and exactly ten days before Pentecost! It's an important feast day in the Church because it shows that Jesus' salvific mission and acts of redemption are complete! Our place in Heaven is prepared and we can now partake in sharing in Christ's glory. It's so difficult to wrap my temporally bound mind around the fact that my destiny, my salvation has been completely changed because Jesus conquered death. The Gospel for the Ascension of the Lord Matthew 28:16-20 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” This entire Easter season we have striven to focus our hearts on Christ's resurrection but Ascension Thursday actually feels a little sad, Easter season is coming to a close and Jesus is leaving us. I can't imagine all that his followers had witnessed and felt during their days of standing next to Jesus and it's always painful to see something end, or so they thought. "I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). This Gospel tells us not to be sad, doubtful, or afraid but to go out and preach his Word and to know that He is here. A glorious place in Heaven has been prepared for us! Ascension Thursday has such an intruiging way of sparking contemplation on death and life and we entertain/ engage those thoughts while eating outdoors and looking up! This is where our picnic tradition began, like the disciples who stood outside and watched Jesus ascend to Heaven, we sit outside and look to the sky while pondering His return and the gift of Heaven we have been granted. I will pack us a dinner with chicken but you can do any bird (get it- fly, up, sky, bird, ascension... I know, cheesy but I like it). Fruits would be great to pack because Ascension day has traditionally been a day which the first fruits were blessed and eaten. I am going to boldly attempt Strawberry Shortcake, yum! And for my Italian family I will incorporate some sort of bean and grape into the meal, this was typically what Italians would bring to Church to be blessed after remembering the dead. They were supposed to be used as a feast for the dead in Heaven. If you have kids, kites, frisbees, bubbles, etc would be fun to incorporate in your Ascension Picnic too. Enjoy, friends!

As a little play on words I thought it would be fun to make basil pesto for the feast of St. Basil. I also pull this recipe out for other Italian saint feast days because it reminds me of my Italian pilgrimage which was full of deliciously fresh pesto. I'll warn you ahead of time, I have an Italian in my kitchen so this is a garlicky recipe, but if that's too much for your taste I would say to just cut it in half. Before we begin, let's get a quick introduction to the saint we are celebrating today. St. Basil is one of the most notable Doctors of the Church and was also the Bishop of Caesarea. It is believed that he was born around 329AD and died on January 1, 379AD. We often read that he ranks after St. Athanasius as a defender of the Oriental Church against the 4th century heresy called Arianism, which denied the divine nature of Jesus Christ. In response to the Arian heresy St. Basil became a strong proponent of the Nicene Creed which clearly states what we believe about the nature of Jesus. His best friend is also a saint, St. Gregory of Nazianzus and his brother is also a saint, St. Gregory of Nyssa. The three of them are known as “The Three Cappadocians,” of which St. Basil has the most prominent theological writings. Imagine that for your own life; that you, your best friend, and your siblings could all be great saints of the Church. Dream big! The Emperor Valens, an Arian supporter, tried to silence St. Basil to no avail. And after the death of St. Athanasius defending the faith against Arianism fell to St. Basil. There is mention of St. Basil from the Council of Chalcedon, which took place 72 years after his death, that called him, "the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth." I also have a beautiful table blessing with a reading from St. Basil the great at the end of this recipe. You ready to whip up some pesto? Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 3 cups fresh basil (OR 2 cups fresh basil and 1 cup fresh spinach) 3 garlic cloves 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 cup pine nuts OR walnuts (optional) I made everything in our Cuisinart Smart Stick, one of the best things we registered for. If you have a mini food processor you could make it in that too! The first time I made this I just used basil, which is the traditional way of making pesto and can also be the expensive way. It was delicious so if you want to go that route then just don't add in the fresh spinach. Measure out 2 cups fresh basil. On top of the basil, fill the measuring cup with fresh spinach up to 3 cups. Skin three cloves of garlic, don't worry about mincing them the food processor will do that work for you. Combine the basil, garlic, and spinach in the food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. *If you want the pine nuts or walnuts this would be the time to put those in. Locked and loaded! Pulse for about 10-15 seconds, if you are using the smart stick you may have to open it and move your ingredients around and then pulse again. This is what mine looked like, you don't want to make it too fine just yet because you are going to be running the food processor again. Pour in the 3/4 cup olive oil and turn the processor back on low for about 10-15 seconds. This smells so amazing, basil...garlic...olive oil goodness! Measure out 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and sprinkle that in along with the 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated to a consistency that you prefer and taste test along the way. You can serve this immediately or put in a container to be refrigerated first. I found that the spinach really filled out the pesto but if you taste the spinach too much you can counteract this by seasoning with dried basil leaves or adding a little more cheese. Refrigerating overnight also helped this as well because the ingredients were able to rest and soak in the olive oil. You can refrigerate this up to three days or freeze it up to a month. TABLE BLESSING A Reading from St. Basil the Great The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor. If everyone would take only according to his needs and would leave the surplus to the needy, no one would be rich, no one poor, no one in misery. RESPONSORY: Verse: Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery Response: If riches increase, do not set your heart on them (Ps 62:10). The Lord's Prayer Blessing We bless you, Lord, our God, for you enlighten the church of the East and the West, with the solid doctrine of our teachers in the faith, St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzus. May we always be ready to live according to these teachings, as we seek to follow the path of the gospel shown to us by Christ, your Son. Bestow your blessing upon our table and all those dear to us, and make us always mindful of the needs of others. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep in touch for more liturgical living recipes and resources. Follow along on FB @hisgirlsunday or IG @steffani_hisgirlsunday.