Saint Joseph Catholic Homeschool

St. Joseph Novena

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen

Saturday, March 25, 2006

The Parables of Jesus

The Parables of Jesus, by Tomie dePaola, Holiday House

This book presents seventeen of the parables told by Jesus, including “The Good Samaritan” and “The Lost Sheep”.

Monday, February 27, 2006

The Seven Silly Eaters

The Seven Silly Eaters

You know you've found a good children's book when you find your husband lying in bed reading it with a smile on his face (and there are no children to be seen). The Seven Silly Eaters tells the story of a growing family of silly eaters. Each Peters' child likes a specific food and Mrs. Peters goes out of her way to satisfy her dear children's appetites. Eventually, she feels totally unappreciated and believes that nobody has even remembered her birthday. Her birthday morning proves otherwise. My family enjoys the lyrical and sometimes humorous text of The Seven Silly Eaters. We are also amused by the pictures that capture life in a growing family so well.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

St. Valentine's Card

by Lyle (age 8)

Monday, January 2, 2006

A Gift of Gracias

A Gift of Gracias: The Legend of Altagracia, by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal, Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Julia Alvarez tells a beautiful story of a young Spanish girl who helps to save her family's farm with the help of Our Lady of Altagracia. A Gift of Gracias is available in many libraries, however, my family recommends purchasing this picture book. The feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is January 21.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Mary: The Mother of Jesus

Mary: The Mother of Jesus, by Tomie de Paola, Holiday House

Mary: The Mother of Jesus is my favorite book by Tomie de Paola. De Paola chronicles Mary's life from before her conception to her becoming Queen of Heaven. He uses quotes from the antiphons and the Bible to tell this beautiful story. In doing so, he brings greater glory to God the Son ("to Jesus through Mary"). My three and five year old sit in rapt attention, looking at the pictures, each time I read the book.