This blog is dedicated to the Catholic mother who has big goals in here life, among those most important to her is instilling catholic values in her children, creating a wonderful homelife, and using the gifts and talents God has gifted her with.
"To say that man is created in the image and likeness of God means that man is called to exist "for" others, to become a gift. --John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Divide dough in half. Tint one portion yellow. Divide remaining dough into two-thirds and one-third portions. Color the larger portion orange; leave smaller portion white.
Shape each portion of dough into two 8-in. logs. Flatten top and push sides in at a slight angle. Place orange logs on yellow logs; push the sides in at a slight angle. Top with white logs; form a rounded top. An easy way to form your cookies is to line a loaf pan with parchment paper then put your color layers in one by one, flattening them as you put them in. Cover or wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 4 hours or until firm.
Unwrap and cut into 1/2-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 5 dozen.
One the dough has hardened, cut your dough into slices, then into triangles. If you wish, you can sprinkle with colored sugar before you bake them!
St. Jude's Feast Day is October 28th, the devotion to St. Jude is a wonderful example of the ability of ordinary people turning to their faith to triumph over what seems to be impossible odds in their daily lives. His name Jude means the giver of joy, while Thaddeus, means generous and kind.
St. Jude actually had family ties to Jesus. In Matthew (13:55) Saint Jude was described as being one of the "brethren" of Jesus, most likely meaning a cousin since the Hebrew word for "brethren" which most likely refers to a blood relationship. His mother, Mary, was referred to as a cousin of Jesus' mother Mary, while his father, Cleophas, was the brother of St. Joseph.
St. Jude was one of the 12 Apostles, and he began preaching the Good News of Jesus to Jews throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. He traveled throughout Mesopotamia, Libya, Turkey, and Persia with St. Simon, preaching and converting many people to Christianity.
In approximately 60 A.D., St. Jude wrote a Gospel letter to Christian converts in Eastern churches who were under persecution. He warned them against the teachers of the day who were spreading false ideas about the early Christian faith. He encouraged them to persevere in the face of the difficult circumstances in which they found themselves, just as their forefathers had. He encouraged them to keep their faith and to stay in the love of God. His inspirational support of these early believers led to him to become the the Saint the we call upon even today for cases despaired of.
It is believed that St. Jude was martyred in Persia or Syria around 65 A.D. His body was brought back to Rome and was placed in a crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica, which people can visit even to this day.
We often see a flame around the head of St. Jude in paintings. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles.
St. Bridget of Sweden was a devotee of St. Jude. She, in a vision, was encouraged by Jesus to turn to St. Jude with faith and confidence. He told her that, in accordance with Jude's surname, Thaddeus (which means generous, courageous, and kind), "he will show himself to be the most willing to give you help."
So many people around the world turn to St. Jude in Novenas when they feel the most helpless and alone. St. Jude has proven to be a true friend and a beacon of hope to those who call on him--always willing to help and seek help no matter how desperate the need.
The feast day of the St. Therese The Little Flower is approaching us on October 1. More information about the life of St. Therese can also be found at Society of The Little Flower.
A MORNING PRAYER WRITTEN BY ST. THERESE
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love.
O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all Eternity. Amen.
I have to credit St. Therese for beginning the deeper spiritual journey that I am on now. I borrowed The Story of a Soul from the Library, and that was it for me. I bought the book about 15 years ago, and love to re-read it from time to time.
Some great ideas for the day, make some St. Therese sacrifice beads, great for mom as well as the kids to have! For the kids, here are some great coloring pages of St. Therese. Homemade Holy Cards can also be made with the many images of The Little Flower we can find online. A great idea is to make one, maybe a little larger than the size of a holy card, and put St. Therese's Morning Prayer that is above on the flip side to keep on a nightstand. Paper roses are sure to be a hit with the kids to make St. Therese in honor of her Feast Day. Lastly , here is a Novena, may you received many roses from heaven on the Little Flowers Feast Day!!
form a rounded top. An easy way to form your cookies is to line a loaf pan with parchment paper then put your color layers in one by one, flattening them as you put them in. Cover or wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 4 hours or until firm. 
One the dough has hardened, cut your dough into slices, then into triangles. If you wish, you can sprinkle with colored sugar before you bake them!
