Advent Our Lady of Guadalupe Holy Day

On December 12, Catholics mark the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On this day in the liturgical calendar, we honor the Blessed Mother, Mary Mother of God. She appeared to Juan Diego (feast day Dec. 9) an Aztec farmer at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico in 1531.

Following her apparition, millions converted to Christianity. We honor the Virgen de Guadalupe as the Patroness of the Americas. Her story appeals to many. In times past, conversion has been thrust upon people by acts of imperialism (such irony). Tyranny, violence, holy wars (which should be called unholy wars) are anathema to the gospel. Here's more about Our Lady's quiet little way.Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Printable Catholic Saints Paper Dolls

I enjoy looking for free printable cartoon coloring pages, but my real passion lies in finding homeschooling and religious education free printables. I remember my early teaching and homeschooling career, sans computer. I must have made thousands of lessons. Alas, I am woefully inept as an artist, so those that required drawing skills...lacked. But now, with the beauty of the Internet, we have access to free printable lesson plans, coloring pages, cut and paste crafts, games and activities. Here are printable Catholic paper dolls for Advent and Christmas. Free Printable Catholic Saints Paper Dolls and Coloring Page Activities

Free Printable Eastern Orthodox Catholic Coloring Activities

The Christian Orthodox church, whose branches include Russian, Ukrainian, Slavic, Slavonic and Greek Orthodox, is linked to the Byzantine Church. The eastern rite churches follow most of the same practices as the Christian Catholic church, such as veneration of saints, icons, holy relics and martyrs. Here are free printable coloring pages, activities and lesson plans to celebrate Orthodox Advent and Christmas. Epiphany is a specifically Orthodox holiday and the occasion on which most Orthodox families exchange gifts. Read more

A Very Merry Tomie DePaola Christmas--Holiday Children's Literature Party Planner

Looking for ideas for an around the world Christmas party? How about multicultural Christmas lesson plans? Why not use this holiday planner from Tomie DePaola books. Tomie is one of the world's best loved artists and children's authors. Mr. DePaola admits that he loves Christmas and it shows in the holiday magic he imbues in his stories and art. We were fortunate to meet him in person. He's funny, warm and articulate. Here's Tomie DePaola's Christmas collection. I've included DePaola books on saints whose feast days fall in Advent and Christmas season. Read more

Free Printable Catholic Saints Coloring Pages for Christmas

I've just found a lovely blog today, called Waltzing Matilda, that features a whole collection of free printable Catholic saints organized in order of the Catholic liturgical and saints feast day calendar. Print these free coloring pages for All Saints' Day, Advent and Christmas. Many saints' feast days occur near Christmas: Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Bl. Juan Diego, St. Lucia, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Nicholas, St. Stephen, Feast of the Holy Innocents and others. This blog features beautiful hand drawn images. Read more

Free Printable Bible Christmas Coloring Pages

Free Printable Christian Christmas and Bible Story Coloring Pages Looking for free printable Christian and religious Christmas and Bible story coloring pages? Papa Jan has hundreds of holiday and religious coloring pages, including fifty Bible story coloring pages and Christian Christmas coloring pages. read more

Free Printable St. Lucia Day Crafts and Party Activities

 Advent is the period of preparation for Christmas. Several special feast days fall during Advent: December 6- St. Nicholas, December 12-Our Lady of Guadalupe and December 13- St. Lucia. Here are free printable activities for St. Lucia Day. Celebrated primarly in Scandanavia, St. Lucia Day makes a good multicultural observance to add to Catholic curriculum. Read More Read more

Free Printables for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12 marks the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico and the Americas. Our Lady appeared to Bl Juan Diego in 1531. Here are free printable activities to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.read more