Here we are at the end (nearly) of another Lent and Easter is fast approaching. I am excited to share that this year I actually know someone who will be entering the Church on Easter, my friend Jessica!
Every year at Easter a new group of adults enter our Church (Thanks be to GOD)! After nearly a year of R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) training they are welcomed during the Easter vigil and every year I cry when I witness this miracle.
It’s ok I cry EVERY single time a baby is baptized and when we renew our baptismal promises.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises Video
That is a powerful prayer, you’re saying before God and all your brothers and sisters what we believe as Catholics and that you RENOUNCE Satan and all his empty promises! (Does anyone else picture the scene from The Godfather during those words?)That is some serious business, the renewal part not the movie I mean.
So during this beautiful season you may find yourself invited to several parties celebrating these mile stones. If you’re like me, I am always on the look out for thoughtful faith filled gifts.
Here are just a few that I recommend:
The Little Butterfly Who Loved Jesus, A Story of the 7 Sacraments
This is a sweet book for children having their First Holy Communion. We received it as a gift last year and it explains beautifully with text and pictures the Sacraments.
The Essential Guide to Catholic Prayer and the Mass
This book is terrific for teens receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation or adults entering the Church this Easter season. Or cradle Catholics who want to brush up on their faith. The book is broken down into bite size nuggets of information. It lists many common and maybe forgotten prayers and explains in detail why and how we do the things we do as Catholics. If you have a question that needs further explaining and you can’t find it in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Apostolic Constitution) then this book may clarify it for you.
The One-Minute Apologist By Dave Armstrong
This book is one of my all time FAVORITES! If you’re easily distracted like me but want to be able to explain or defend your Catholic faith, then this book is for you. In 2 pages Dave Armstrong tackles one Protestant claim after another regarding our faith. He explains the Church stance and backs up all the claims with biblical footnotes. So not only can you explain it but also understand it. What better way to share our faith then with love and the Bible. After all the Catholic Church did comply the Bible, publish it (thank the monks) and the Council of Rome 382 A.D. as well as The Council of Trent 1545-1563 established and reaffirmed the dueterocanon (Books included in the Catholic Bible yet left out of The King James version). So ignorance of scripture is not an excuse when you have this handy paperback.
The Ultimate Catholic Quiz:100 Questions Most Catholics Can’t Answer
This is another great quick read. Leave it on the coffee table, use it to start dinner conversation, play kids v.s. adults, use it in your parish for a Quiz Night. You get the idea and again the theme is quick nuggets of information that if you choose to can delve further into. #SquirrelKnowledge
Our Heavenly Friends Flash Cards
Hello! I love Flash Cards for quick bits of trivia and learning. Again family fun night, Bible Camp, car trips or just general “Smack Down” fun among siblings and friends.
So skip the gift cards and give one of these to your friends or families or just treat yourself!
This season, please pray for all these new brothers and sisters joining our big wacky, beautiful Catholic family. Pray that God will continue to encourage each of us to grow in our faith and be the light of the world.
God Bless and Keep You,
Your friend
Pilar The Papst Squirrel
The Papist Squirrel 