We’re now into the second part of the Summer Series of Sacraments! This month we will feast with St. Maria Goretti and Sts. Louis & Zélie Martin, grown in the virtue of love, and learn about reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. Our monthly boxes empower you to build a Catholic culture in your home and share our beautiful faith with your children. We are all on this journey to sainthood together!

 

Feast Day #1: St. Maria Goretti (July 6th)

St. Maria Goretti Art

 

Each month, your crate comes with an art print to help you celebrate your feast days. On the back of your lovely print, you can find feast day information to share with your little saints. Display these on the feast day, or all month long. Collect these prints for years to come.

Learn to Read an Icon & Write Your Own Icon Activity

  

St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of Catholic youth, girls, and teenagers. Share some fun facts with your little saints and learn about Maria’s life through the symbols in her iconographic art print. As an added bonus, you can learn more about iconography symbols in a mini lesson and make your own icon!

 

Feast Day #2: Sts. Louis & Zélie Martin (July 12th)

Sts. Louis & Zélie Art

Collect these prints for years to come.

Working with the Martins

  

Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin were hardworking and faithful. To celebrate these awesome married saints, we want you to do some work! Use the “lace” provided to practice skills as an apprentice in Zélie’s shop. Can you lace together the matching images from Louis and Zélie’s married life?

 

Catechesis Corner: The Sacraments

Scrambled Sacraments Game Part II

  

This summer your crates have focused on bringing the basics of the sacraments into your home through an interactive game. You received the sacraments of initiation in June. This month, your crate focuses on the remaining four sacraments: reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. This will complete your sorting game!

Examination of Conscience Cards

  

An examination of conscience is a prayerful reflection on our actions in light of our Catholic faith. We ask questions and meditate on our choices. We seek to understand where and how we fell short. We try to recognize patterns of sin and behavior, and identify temptations. We don’t examine our consciences to shame ourselves or wallow in our brokenness. The goal of any examination of conscience is to seek God’s forgiveness and healing. Each crate came with two for adults and three for children.

P.S. You may have little saints who haven’t received the sacrament of reconciliation, yet. It’s never too early to learn about the sacraments or practice an examination of conscience! Let your little ones talk about their choices using the examination as a guide.

 

Monthly Staples:

Beautiful Words: Act of Contrition

  

Did you know there isn’t a single Act of Contrition prayer? There are many versions of this wonderful prayer that is said during the sacrament of confession. According to the CCC 1451, there are three parts of an act of contrition: "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” You will find two common versions of the Act of Contrition in your crate--both meet all three requirements--and we encourage your family to memorize whichever prayer you are comfortable with.

Virtue Chat Table Topper: Love

Each month we will focus on a particular virtue as a family. Put this table topper wherever you eat meals together and use it to guide daily conversation. Read the brief reflection and discuss what things immediately pop into your head. Invite each person at the table to share their insights. There are NO wrong responses. We are all learning together. As a family, show generosity and gratitude to each person who shares. This is a beautiful way to unite our families and develop strong character.

Spotify Playlist

Each month includes a playlist full of beautiful music. We encourage you to play the music in the car, at home during the day, during bath time, while cleaning— basically in the background of your normal everyday life.

I need these crates in my life! Sign me up!