Religion

This work of historical fiction brings to life the stories of the great monasteries of Ireland and their evangelization of Europe (in the 6th Century), which had fallen away from the true faith after the Barbarian invasions. The story focuses on Fingal, a poor, fatherless boy, who becomes a student at Bangor Monastery in Ireland and becomes a stowaway in order to follow his beloved teacher Columban to Gaul. His lengthy quest to find Columban has some interesting parallels to growth in the spiritual life. Younger children will enjoy the story on a simple level for it's own sake (and it's quite a good story without going any further) while older children will discover some profound truths as they dig deeper. One recurring theme which is quite nicely handled involves the differences between human love and divine love and how they can either help or hinder us in our quest for God.

The book is originally from the Clarion series, which also includes: If All the Swords in England, Beorn the Proud, Son of Charlemagne and Augustine Came to Kent.

The First Communion Card Kit Thank You Cards come in packs of five, ten or twenty cards. The front of the card has a lattice work window with a design underneath. This card is unique in that the kit includes pieces of colored cellophane for the window panes to create a stained glass effect. Inserts for under the window include the words “Thank You” along with an inspirational picture of wheat, grapes, and a host for the child to color. This insert works as both a backdrop for the window and a blank inside for the card. Once completed, the child will have a beautiful personal gift he or she can send as a thank you. Instructions, translucent vellum envelopes, and tiny metal brads to open the windows are also included.

Companion to First Communion from Our Lady's Catechists.

In twelve lessons, this little book teaches everything that an elementary-school-aged child needs to know to prepare for a holy First Confession. The text is written in the second person, for the teacher to read to the student, and assumes no exceptional degree of teaching experience. Most of the lessons use short stories to illustrate the point being made. A homeschooling parent can simply pick up the book, sit down with their student, and spend their lesson time comfortably and profitably.

Lessons describe what sin is, how sins are taken away, how to stir up contrition, how to tell our sins and make satisfaction for them, how to identify our sins, as well as how to avoid sin. Also included is the correct manner in which to confess and short prayers for before and after confession. The prayer pages are designed for the student to read and are printed in a larger font with a simpler vocabulary. The penultimate page is titled "Revision", but the more familiar American term is "Review". This page contains a complete review with answers that is more concise and direct than memorizing lengthy catechism questions. The inside back cover includes teaching notes for several of the lessons. In use for nearly fifty years, the information and teaching style of this book is timeless and applies equally well to our modern times. Charming full-color illustrations appear throughout the book.

Do you have a son who is open to the vocation of the priesthood? He doesn’t have to be college age to become totally absorbed in this outstanding documentary-drama Fishers of Men. In fact, just about all ages from our homeschool group, with the exception of toddlers and preschoolers, previewed this film.

Created with the young person in mind, the visuals are bold, colorful, and dramatic with contemporary music that is at one moment gripping and intense and the next contemplative and soul searching. From the opening moments the viewer is immersed in a multi-layered story with visuals that guide the viewer from one scene to the next.

At one moment we see men flexing their muscles as they haul in huge, heavy fishing nets. Next we see a disciple on a lonely wind swept beach teaching a young man. We move on to another scene where Christ is shrouded in darkness at the Last Supper, sharing the Eucharist. Then we witness a priest candidly relating his call to the priesthood.

The visuals are always on the move, but the message remains the same. The priest is the face of Christ in the world. Therein lies the real strength of this film. Its powerful message is that the priesthood is a calling from God to those who want to do something remarkable for God.

Over and over again the film challenges the viewer with dramatic images to consider the role of the priesthood. What does he do? He is called to serve. He serves us at some of the most significant moments of our lives. He baptizes babies, celebrates mass, presides at weddings, blesses those who have died, hears confessions, and offers absolution to those who are dying. Priests serve as chaplains in the military, visit the elderly in nursing homes, offer consolation and confession to those in prison, and greet people after mass. We live a sacramental life. Where would we be without priests?

Living in a dazzling, noisy world that seeks to lure us away from Christ, this film also shows the stark contrast between the world we live in and the call to holiness, reminding us that the priest “administers the mysteries of God” to us.

We see a broad range of men from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds expressing their love, joy, and enthusiasm for the priesthood. Called by God, out of love, they are willing to enter a life of sacrifice. They challenge young men to consider the priesthood. “The priesthood is tough. It is for real men. You have to be a real man if you want to become a priest.”

A powerful film, Fishers of Men immerses our senses in the reality that we so easily forget that the priest is called to lay down his life as Jesus did. This inspiring film will amaze, refresh, and renew your love for your Catholic faith.

Because of one particularly heart wrenching reenactment, this movie may not be appropriate for very young children. Parental discretion for very, young sensitive children should be considered.