December 18, 2011

MONTH FOUR:

The Rose - Love of Neighbor

"No one has ever seen God. Yet if we love one another God dwells in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us" ~1 John 4:12

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal

Jane was born in Dijon, in France. Her father who was a devout man brought up his children well after the death of his wife. Jane, whom he dearly loved, married Christopher, the baron de Chantal. Jane and Christopher loved each other very much. God blessed them with six children, four of whom lived. Jane showed her love for God by loving her husband and children with her whole heart.

Then, suddenly, that happy home suddenly became sad. Baron Christopher was accidentally shot by a friend who had gone hunting with him. When he died, Jane was heart-broken. She forgave the man who had caused his death and even became his child's godmother.

St. Jane asked the Lord to send a holy priest into her life to guide her. In the meantime, she prayed and brought up her children in the love of God. She visited the poor and the sick and comforted the dying.
When she met St. Francis de Sales, she knew this was the holy man God had sent to guide her. We celebrate his feast on January 24.

Under his guidance, Jane and three other young women started the order of the Visitation. But first, she had to make sure that her children, although older, were settled. Although she had other responsibilities and challenges, Jane tried to follow God's plan as she saw it, no matter how difficult. St. Jane faced all the difficulties with courage. She opened up many convents and prayed to God for help when she was tempted to do wrong.

St. Vincent de Paul, wrote "Despite all her suffering, her face never lost its peaceful look. And she was always faithful to God. So I consider her one of the holiest souls I have ever met." St. Jane died on December 13, 1641.

COLORING PAGES/FOOD BANK COLLECTION BAG: 

 

 OPENING PRAYER AND STORY:

MAKING CARDS FOR KIDS IN CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL:

CHRISTMAS PARTY TIME:

We have such a great group of girls. Merry Christmas, everyone!

November 20, 2012

MONTH THREE:

The Peony - Love of God

"I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." ~Psalm 18:2-3

SAINT AGNES

St. Agnes was a Roman girl who loved Jesus so much that she chose only him for her husband. She was very beautiful and when she was just twelve years old, many young men wished to marry her. But as Agnes had given her heart to Jesus, she would always say, "Jesus is my only husband."
She even turned down the governor's son, who became very angry. He tried to win her affection with gifts and promises but Agnes said to him, "I am already promised to the Lord." Agnes was accused of being a Christian and brought to the governor.

Then she was taken to a Roman temple in Minerva (Athena), and asked to sacrifice to pagan gods. When Agnes was led to the altar, she made the Sign of the Cross. The governor tried to scare her by putting her in chains, but even then she refused to turn against God. Agnes suffered other tortures. Finally, she was condemned and killed for her faith at the young age of twelve in 304.

St. Ambrose and other well-known early Church saints have written about this brave girl. Agnes is buried in a cemetery named after her. In 354, Emperor Constantine's daughter built a large church there and had Agnes' body placed under the altar.

COLORING PAGES OF SAINT AGNES:

 STORY ABOUT THE SAINT AND VIRTUE OF THE MONTH:

MEMORY VERSE:

SCRAPBOOK PAGE AND CRAFT:

SNACK/FELLOWSHIP:

We are looking forward to our Advent event in a few weeks.

October 16, 2011

MONTH TWO:

THE IVY - HOPE

"For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth." ~Psalm 71:5

SAINT MONICA

St. Monica was married by arrangement to a pagan official in North Africa, who was much older than she, and although generous, was also violent tempered. His mother lived with them and was equally difficult, which proved a constant challenge to St. Monica. She had three children; Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. Through her patience and prayers, she was able to convert her husband and his mother to the Catholic faith in 370· He died a year later. Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious Life. St. Augustine was much more difficult, as she had to pray for him for 17 years, begging the prayers of priests who, for a while, tried to avoid her because of her persistence at this seemingly hopeless endeavor. One priest did console her by saying, "it is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." This thought, coupled with a vision that she had received strengthened her. St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387. St. Monica died later that same year, on the way back to Africa from Rome in the Italian town of Ostia.  

COLORING PAGES OF SAINT MONICA:

OPENING PRAYER:

STORIES ABOUT THE SAINT AND THE VIRTUE OF THE MONTH:

SCRAPBOOK PAGE/CRAFT TIME:

 

 

SNACK/SCAVENGER HUNT:

 Month two was a success. It's so wonderful to see the girls becoming better friends. And everyone seems to be enjoying themselves thoroughly.