Free Printable 'Stations of the Cross' Lenten Prayer Book

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday of the Catholic liturgical calendar and continues for 40 days up to Easter. We try to imitate Jesus with prayer, fasting and alms-giving. Here are free printable Stations of the Cross coloring pages to guide lent devotions. Each year during Lent when our family was homeschooling, we drew images, one for each of the Station of the Cross, to use as a guide for prayer and devotion. We hung them at different places in our home or yard. The children would begin each Friday in Lent by following the Stations of the Cross. The older children drew images for the each of the Stations of the Cross, but for younger children I used the Fr. Lovasik coloring book. Here is are several sets of free printable Stations of the Cross. Print a booklet for CCD and religious education classes, Catholic school, homeschooling and family devotions. Free Printable 'Stations of the Cross' Lenten Devotional Booklet 

Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Was Everyone Real Taken?

March is National Women's History Month and in honor of that event, who has Reelz Channel chosen to highlight? A real woman who made contributions to the betterment of her gender? No. They're airing "Pope Joan" a schmaltzy fantasy movie based on a fictional account (by Donna Woolfolk Cross) of a medieval legend. What, National Women's History Project, is this the best representative you think we women can provide? Were no flesh-and-blood female heroes available that you had to go with a myth? Here's a list of real women or at least more appropriate literary choices. Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Were No Real Gals Available?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with Books

St. Patrick's Day is a feast day, celebrated on March 17, in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Like Valentine's Day, it has also become a major U.S. holiday. Patricus, a Roman Briton was taken from his home as a slave, but returned as a bishop to bring Christianity to Ireland. Speaking as a descendant of Irish immigrants, I'd like to see the day celebrated with fewer green shamrocks and more focus on the religious and cultural significance of the holiday. Here are ways to celebrate the man we call St. Patrick and explore Irish traditions with kids.  Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with children