Free Printable Blessed Virgin Mary Coloring Pages and Activities for May

The lovely children's song says, "Oh Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May." And just as we honor our own mothers in May, so we should honor the Mother of God. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is honored on several different Catholic Christian holidays throughout the year. December 8, the Feast Immaculate Conception, January 1, Solemnity of Mary and August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here are free printable coloring pages of Our Lady in her different titles and roles.

May and October are dedicated to her as well. Catholics believe that Mary has appeared at different times in history. Some of the better-known apparitions are at Fatima in Portugal; Lourdes, France; Medjugorie , Bosnia-Herzegovina; Mexico City as "Our Lady of Guadalupe:" " Our Lady of Knock " in Ireland and " Our Lady of Czestochowa ," in Poland. There are Marion devotions depending upon the apparition, too. Our Blessed Mother is shown as Queen of Heaven, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and other traditional and Biblical references. Free Printable Blessed Virgin Mary Coloring Pages and Activities 

Free Printable Catholic Games, Coloring, Activities

Eastertide is a rich and vibrant season in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It's a perfect time to delve deeper into the faith. As a former homeschooling mom, we spent the Easter season, up to Ascension Thursday, exploring our Catholic traditions. Here are some free printable activities to do that. Catholic school teachers, religious education instructors, homeschoolers and parents will enjoy these free printable games and activities. use these for lessons, party games, holy day activities and family fun.  Free Printable Catholic Games, Coloring, Activities 

Free Printable First Communion, Baptism, Confirmation Invitations and Cards

If you have planned a party recently, you know that decorations, invitations, party supplies and games are costly. First holy communion, baptisms, confirmations and other religious celebrations are no exception. Hewlett-Packard offers a solution: free printable themed party kits. Print decorations and party supplies for all sorts of party themes. Scroll through the cartoon kits for the "life events" section. This links you to free printable religious and cultural party kits. Along with first communion, baptism and confirmation, you'll find some Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and quinceanera (parties for 15-year-olds in Spanish-speaking countries). Many other printables are available in Spanish, too. Kids will have as much fun making decorations for their parties.  Free Printable Themed Party Kits: Decorations, Invitations, Cards, Games for Childrens Parties

Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter Triduum activities for parents, children

In the Catholic, Orthodox, some other Christian traditions, the penitential season of Lent is concluded with Palm Sunday leading into Holy Week and culminating on Easter Sunday. This most sacred and somber week includes the Easter Triduum, with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday or Easter Vigil. I converted to Catholicism 19 years ago and homeschooled our four children for 10 years. My children tell me that some of their favorite memories center on our Holy Week observances. For families looking for the full Palm Sunday-to-Easter experience, here are activities from my journey to guide you. These activities have merit for non-Catholics, as they help bring families closer together. Read more at Holy Week, Easter activities for parents and children 

Free Printable Palm Sunday Crafts, Lessons and Coloring Activities

Palm Sunday, in the Christian faith, celebrates the Biblical triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem one week before His crucifixion. It begins Holy Week and the countdown to Easter. Palm Sunday is a floating holiday; linked as it is to Lent and Easter which fall at a different time each year. Here are crafts, coloring and activities for parents to use with children. Use as lessons in homeschool, Christian school, Sunday school or Catholic religious education. These printables provide inexpensive, hands-on ways to explore and celebrate the Palm Sunday. Free Printable Palm Sunday Crafts, Coloring, Activities

Easter Egg Countdown and Devotional Craft -- A Spiritual Journey

 For many of us, Lent is a journey on the 'Via Dolarosa', the way of sorrows which Our Lord took on His way to the cross. Easter, then is a celebration of the Passion, death, resurrection and triumph of Christ. For us, Easter is a New Birth.

St. Patrick, St. Francis of Assisi and other saints used many symbols to help us understand mysteries of faith. The egg has long been a wonderful spiritual symbol of our Triune God. With the yolk hidden inside we think of the Holy Spirit; the white is between the yolk and the shell and that reminds us that Jesus went between God and Man; Lastly Our Heavenly Father Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent, like the shell which surrounds the egg. Here's a special Easter basket and Easter egg craft that follows the Stations of the Cross with symbols and scripture readings. It's a perfect Lenten calendar countdown. Read more at  Easter Egg Religious Devotional Craft -- A Spiritual Journey

Free Printable Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday Coloring Page

The Easter Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday and continues through Good Friday and Easter Vigil or Holy Saturday. Here are free printable coloring pages to help children explore the Easter Triduum. These coloring pages could be used anytime during lent from Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Print them to make a family devotional or activity booklet. Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring Pages: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

Recycle Bin Craft Activities for Lent, Easter and Passover

I've discussed recycled materials in several articles. This subject is just so comprehensive, however, that I have loads of other activities to share, using recycled materials. We all know how expensive supplies for any project can be if purchased. I've cleaned and organized Sunday School and daycare craft cupboards and it annoys me to see costly materials wastefully used. (Please pardon the spelling of "diorama" in this article. Don't you just love autocorrect? Because people so often write "di aroma"...) Read more at Lesson Plan and Crafts from Your Recycling Bin for Easter and Passover

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish Catholic history with children

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 (probably in Wales) 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. Lots of free printable Catholic, Irish and St. Patty's Day crafts. Read more at Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with children

Teaching Children About Lent and Fasting

In the Catholic church, Ash Wednesday kicks off the penitential season of Lent. During Lent, we fast, pray and give alms to the needy, to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday. Whether you're Catholic or not, there's a lot to be learned from these disciplines, especially for children. Here are tips to teach children about Lenten fasting. This Q-and-A guide will also help non-Catholic children understand what their Catholic classmates are doing and why. Read more at Teaching Children About Lent and Fasting - Yahoo! Shine