Equipping Catholic Families

Do It Yourself Animation with a whiteboard

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:09:00 +0000

All you need is a whiteboard, dry erase markers and an eraser or shammy

...oh yeah, and an AWESOME artist like my 13 year old KELLY!!

Is it just me, or is this awesome?!?

This was so fun to do...I think I have a couple other kids who want to give it a try!

We set up a tripod and camera pointed at our new Walmart whiteboard (about $13).

Kelly just started drawing and I kept clicking the camera. We loaded the close-to-500 pictures (@ the smallest resolution on my camera) into Windows Movie Maker and made each frame only 0.2 seconds long. We added a quirky soundtrack and here it is!

Can you share this video? Wouldn't it be cool if it went viral?

Last year, Kelly produced her first animated feature: Adam-ation. It's all about what her little baby brother Adam does when we're not looking! This is our blogpost about Adam-ation and here's Adam-ation on YouTube.

NEW! Lace-Up Roman Missal Printable Craft Kit!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

We have just released a new
Cathletics Craft Kit!

This is our Lace Up Missal
for the new Roman Missal!

It's a double-sided folded paper Church. Instructions for assembly include folding and hole-punching and a Quick Reference Lace-Up Guide shows the order of lacing, through the text of the Mass.

This is all designed to keep young kids attentive at Mass.

A certain amount of reading or at least word recognition is recommended, so the suggested age would be 5+.

It may keep younger kids busy and quiet at Mass, even if they aren't really following along with the text of the Mass.

I'll let you know if it works for my 2 year old.

The kit includes templates in black and white, so that your child can color the Church and its' contents before Mass. The kit also includes a full-color version, where no coloring is required.

The kit ALSO includes both B&W and color templates for the Lace-Up Missal in Spanish.

A combination of different hole-punches can be used, but the craft can be completely assembled with the use of a quality hand-held hole-punch and a pair of scissors. Shoelaces or other cord are required for the lacing activity. It is helpful if the cord does not fray at the ends; a simple knot at each end of a cord will work.

As with all of our Cathletics Craft Kits, permission is included to photocopy for a whole classroom of kids or for all the kids who live in your house.

Check out the new
Lace Up Roman Missal
Cathletics Craft Kit
at our Arma Dei Shoppe!

WANTED: Catholic Bloggers to review Catholic Craft Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:34:00 +0000

In an effort to kickstart the Catholic Bloggers Bulletin Board, a venue for Catholic Bloggers to request Guest Bloggers, Catholic Bloggers to review Catholic Products and a forum for all questions pertaining to Catholic Bloggers, I wanted to launch my own campaign.

In exchange for your honest review of our Catholic Craft Kits on your Catholic Blog, you will receive a free PDF download for you to print and use with your family.
Detailed descriptions of these Catholic Training Tools and Gifts are available at our
Arma Dei Shoppe.
The following Cathletics Craft Kits are available by PDF download
for REVIEW by Catholic Bloggers:

Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer Petal Flowers

(Color Me Catholic: New Roman Missal Edition already reviewed)

Catholic Lingo Bingo (English)

Catholic Lingo Bingo (En Espanol)

Catholic Family Calendar

Journey with Jesus: Sacraments (all 7)

Journey with Jesus: Reconciliation & Holy Communion

COMING VERY SOON!:
Lace-Up Missal (English)
Lace-Up Missal (En Espanol)
There are no descriptions posted yet, but watch for the New Release post very soon!

Leave a comment below with your email address
or email mmcconkey{at}rogers{dot}com
with your choice of Cathletics Craft Kit to review, along with your blog address. Selected Reviewers will receive their free download link through the email address provided.

Motherless by Brian J. Gail: A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:53:00 +0000

Motherless is the second book of a powerful Catholic fiction Trilogy by Brian J. Gail.

This wasn't my favorite book, albeit well-written with some likeable characters and believable social interactions and predicaments, captured with surprising and specific detail. Many of the characters were endearing; realistic and loveable in their humanity through their struggles and victories, weaknesses and strengths. The depth of involvement of some of the characters in some of the biggest, quickly developing bio ethical issues of our day was both surprising and alarming. The issues were well presented with clear explanations of the controversy and informed by Church teaching.

Although sometimes longing for a more predictable happy ending (after a day of drama with my own 5 kids), the journey with the characters, at times full of conspiracy and intrigue, was captivating and compelling.

While some of the business and ethical interactions were intense and at times a little too involved for me to focus on, the characters were believable, even in their somewhat extreme situations, at the brink of the breakdown of moral standards in society.

Becoming further acquainted with characters first introduced in Fatherless, was fascinating, as some came full circle in their convictions and dedication to their Faith, facing unemployment and even martyrdom for ultimately refusing to compromise their convictions. It is interesting to watch the oscillation of right judgment, as acquaintances wavered or strengthened in their convictions through the choices they made, throughout the two books so far.

I felt challenged out of my comfort zone as I considered the repercussions of our so-called advances in science and technology on life from conception to natural death, and yet better equipped to defend my pro-life views.

I liked how Fr. John is the continuous thread, the reliable confessor and trusted friend, maturing in his Faith and convictions with his congregation, supporting them and sharing in their joys and sorrows.

I wonder what's in store for Fr. John and his congregation in the next book of the Trilogy: Childless.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Motherless. They are also a great source for baptism gifts or first communion gifts.

Learning Math the FUN WAY {FREE 12th Elf Times Tables Printable}

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Times Tables the Fun Way!
By Judy Liautaud and Dave Rodriguez
When one of my kids was having trouble learning the Times Tables, I discovered this book! I later purchased the Addition edition (Addition the FUN WAY!), because I was so impressed!
Check out the direct link at the end of this post, to purchase your own copy.

The stories of the number characters are pretty memorable and the brief summary was all it took to help my kids remember the key facts. I made my own flashcards from this book, and we even added a few new versions with our own stories and cartoons.
These stories and characters have worked for us, using rhyming words that sound a little bit like the numbers. For a child who remembers better through visuals and silly stories, this could make the Times Tables a whole lot easier to learn!

Now, I'm not going to share the actual contents of the book, because it's not mine to share, but I can share the Flash Cards that we have designed.

Here's how it works. We liked how "twelve" sounds a lot like "elf", so we created our 12th Elf in a few different scenarios to remember the 12 Times Tables.
You will find some of the characters...a bit of a stretch, but some of them were built on characters we met through the book Times Tables the FUN WAY.
Check out the direct link at the end of this post, to purchase your own copy.

You may also need to use your imagination to elaborate on the story a little bit, but somehow these quick visuals seem to be enough for my kids so far. (...especially when they were the ones to come up with the stories...and some of the leading characters including the 12th Elf!)

This is my first of what I hope to be a series of Times Tables Printables,
with our own graphics and stories.
Leave a comment if these are a help to your kids ...or just mine!! I need to know if you are interested in our other Times Tables Flashcards, because they are a bit of work to create and format!

Check out our FREE 12th Elf Times Tables Printable!

Please also consider subscribing to this blog, so that you will be the first to know when we release additional Times Tables Printables!

Here are links to the original books. We would be delighted if you purchased from these links, as we could earn a tiny little commission to help support our blog.

Linked to Works for Me Wednesday

New Paper Rosary Garland for May

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:32:00 +0000

My kids love crafts. When my first daughter was a toddler, we made Spiritual Bouquets of Prayer Petal Flowers. She would endlessly say decades of the rosary as we constructed the colorful flowers. At that point, I cut the pieces, but she had free reign over the gluing. We made some special looking flowers...and Grandma loved them, especially when she discovered that we were saying those Our Fathers, Hail Marys, Glory Be's and Fatima prayers...just for her!
Here's a quick reminder how to say the Rosary.

We ended up turning that little craft into a popular Cathletics Craft Kit with B&W templates of the flowers, with all the prayers printed on the petals and leaves.

It's called the Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer Petal Flowers .

My 6 year old is pretty good with scissors!
We shared the praying part,
alternating the first and second parts
of the Our Father and the Hail Mary...
especially while the scissors were involved.

Over time, we added more features to our Spiritual Bouquet Cathletics Craft Kit...like extra clipart for that special card for Grandma. (It explains the concept of the Catholic tradition of Spiritual Bouquets.)
Eventually we created a flower and clipart based on the Divine Mercy Chaplet...and we were so happy to include it within the kit. Here's a quick reference for saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Now, we have added even more to the
Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer Petal Flowers Cathletics Craft Kit.

It still includes flowers and clipart for both the Rosary and the Divine Mercy, but we added a special paper Rosary Garland...for the classroom...or for all the kids who live in your house. You can photocopy on colored paper or let the kids color the flower pieces...customizing for the different
Mysteries of the Rosary!

You will want to make some of the flowers too, as you pray the Rosary together as a family!
Imagine the Rosary Garland you will have if you pray and craft through all
20 Mysteries of the Rosary!

...but even that's not all! (OK, sorry that this sounds like an info-mercial!)

We also included 2 one-pagers, 5 decade Coloring Pages for both the Rosary and the Divine Mercy.
They have all the prayers for easy reference and the kids can color the flower beads of the Rosary to keep track of the prayers, as they are said.

That's a 3 in 1 Craft Kit for a whole classroom or for all the kids who live in your house!

Now, I know that there are lots of free printables out there...but this is a
Cathletics Craft Kit, created as part of our family apostolate:
Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families

I don't sell sponsor buttons and I gave up on Adsense. I think my entire fortune made through advertising other people's books on Amazon...is $3.53! We appreciate all who support our family ministry, buying our Cathletics Craft Kits, books and quizzing cards so that we can attend special Catholic conferences like the NCEA and IHM, offering our products to teachers and homeschoolers across North America. Thanks for your support!

Custom 3D felt Car Mat

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Sometimes I just have to make something...with my hands ...and Adam's 2nd birthday this last week offered the perfect opportunity. With left over felt from the Felt Castle Fort I made last year for Bridget, I just started cutting felt, beginning with an 8 track. I knew I wanted houses, garages (pockets) to hold the little cars and a few things to make it different from anything I have seen.
I found a link for Homemade Car Mats and I liked some of the ideas I found. I still plan to put a drawstring in the seam so that it can close and carry the cars. A circular mat would lend itself better to the drawstring closure, but I think that this will work too.

It seemed oddly natural to create houses that were also garages for the cars...then I remembered the "Ratfink" game my Mom made about 40 years ago! It's played like "Trouble", but hand-sewn and completed with a collection of vintage toy cars.
My Mom also had a need to make things!

I made the houses, the church and the farm, all with pockets to host the little cars.

11 year old Joseph decided we needed a ramp at the end of one of the roads. It was fun to make the 3D ramp, sewing a pocket for a piece of plastic (from a take-out container) and adding the stuffing. I decided to add some 3D grass to hide any sewing mishaps.

Here's the best part...watching the kids play with it! I hope that it becomes another family heirloom and that it's still played with... in 40 years!

no more video games for Sacrament gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:41:00 +0000

This is the time of year when parents and Godparents might scramble to get that Sacrament gift for their child or Godchild receiving their First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Rosaries, bibles and prayerbooks are always appropriate, but sometimes fearing duplicates, we resort to cash...or a video game.

How about a special Catholic "All about Me" book ...

celebrating the child's journey through the Sacraments...

their Catholic Journey of Faith?

Hand in hand with Jesus is a hardcover, Faith Journal with tons of reflection questions for the child to record what they've learned about the Sacraments, what they have experienced as they receive the Sacraments, along with reflections about their family, their growing prayerlife, and their personal relationship with Jesus.

This is the ultimate Baby Book for a new baby or Baptism present...and by the time of First Communion age, the child can begin to fill in the details on their own.

By Confirmation age, the teen can fill out most of the questions...as they mature in their Faith and embark in young adulthood, hopefully taking ownership of their Catholic Faith.

What a great keepsake of their Sacramental Journey,

their Catholic Journey of Faith!

Much better than a video game, I think.

Order SOON!
We ship from Canada and it gets expensive if we have to rush it to you!

**Just an idea**
If First Communion is happening this weekend,
I can send you a special PDF gift card to print,
customized for the child.
If you send me the child's mailing address and full name,
they can receive their very own Catholic Faith Journal in the mail in the next week.
A Faith-filled Catholic Gift AND a package in the mail.
Their special day continues...
*

Check out the Arma Dei Shoppe for the

Hand in hand with Jesus (Faith Journal)

or the Journey with Jesus through Reconciliation and Holy Communion craft kit

(now available by PDF download!)

Awesome Catholic Products NCEA 2012: Links of LightBulbs {13}

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We just returned from the NCEA 2012...the National Catholic Education Association conference in Boston last week! As always, I discovered some great products and awesome Catholic initiatives and wanted to add them to my list of Fabulous Finds at Catholic Conferences.

(1) Our Coats of Many Colors: meticulously-sewn and surprisingly affordable Saints & Religious Order Costumes for kids and adults. Quite a variety of costumes and sizing...and trust me, these are beautifully made!

(2) Celebration Banners: a new approach to
Sacrament Banners

...they even lead workshops in the New Jersey area. Great Sacrament and Catholic-themed precut stickers and a quality burlap / embroidery material backing with a fringe. They were also giving away Holy Communion cookie cutters!

...Not to be confused with Illuminated Ink...also friends of ours who have awesome Sacrament banners with beautiful designs and pre-cut, quality pieces.

(3) Dragon Slayers by Paraclete Press

... not specifically Catholic (had to mention that!)...

I am so excited to review Dragon Slayers! If you have an 11-year old ~~knight~~ child, fascinated with Medieval times (as I do)...this is a beautifully designed, fun-to-read book, challenging us to fight dragons...a.k.a. SINS. The irresistable writing style will teach them even more than they realize...and challenge them to the most honorable of quests! I'm hooked! I wish I had written this book!

Watch for my Book Badge Review of this book

and Doodle Summary!

I will review this book SOON!...as long as I can get the book away from my son long enough for me to read it!

Paraclete Press also has neat books to help us approach prayer in new and creative ways. (I have already mentioned Praying in Color)

(4) Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families....OK, after a number of conferences in the last couple weeks (NCEA, MAC, LJH and a few vicariously through some of our friends (thank you, JPToo Bookstore!) flogging our Catholic books, quizzing cards and craft kits...I think it's OK that I sneak our company in this list. Here is a sneak peek at our newest product: The Cathletics Club Quiet Bag to keep little ones busy, focused and quiet at Mass...starting with my own 2 year old and 6 year old!

More about this popular gift as I release it at

Equipping Catholic Families very soon!

Winner announced for Giveaway: God's Heart for You!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Announcing that Patty S.J. is the winner of
God's Heart for You!

Thanks to all who participated in the
God's Heart for You Giveaway!

Great Scripture-grounded Spiritual Reflections

on God's Love for YOU...especially in these 50 days of Easter!

Simplified Seder Supper

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:37:00 +0000

Jesus was celebrating the Seder Supper

AS He instituted the Holy Eucharist,

knowing that He would take the place of the Sacrificial Lamb.

Behold the Lamb of God,

behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

We've just posted our Simplified Seder Supper...it's an excerpt from

A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families,

reformatted into a neat 2 page printable with a couple new illustrations.

This is a sneak peek at the printable!

Before you download your free copy, could you do me a favor and follow me

or subscribe to my blog? If you already have...please leave a comment!

Just want to see who's out there!

Download your own FREE Simplified Seder Supper Printable!

God's Heart for You {GIVEAWAY and Printable Prayer Doodle}

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:57:00 +0000

God's Heart for You
by Holley Gerth

Book Badge Review, Doodle Summary and {Giveaway}

This is a treasure of a book. The form factor...its small pocketbook size, padded, board-book cover make it a special little gift with a big message. Affirming and personal and grounded in Scripture, this book offers a reminder of our dignity and preciousness as daughters of God.

Sprinkled with personal stories that we can relate to, assigned Scripture to further articulate each of the 40 days of messages, reflection questions to ponder and a prayer to complete the daily sojourn, this book provides a wonderful devotional or 40-day retreat, reaffirming our Scripture-confirmed worth and identity.

Written by a woman, for women, this is definitely a 'chick-book'...although the affirming reminders that we belong to God and are cherished by Him are no less applicable to the male population of King's Kids.

This is an excellent devotional...and the perfect gift
...especially for the women in our lives.
Find out a little more about God's Heart for You...you can even buy your own copy at Dayspring, if you don't win your a copy at my giveaway (see below!)...or you want an extra copy for your Mom, your best friend or your sister.

I took a long time to create this Prayer Doodle! Pacing myself by reading only ONE devotional chapter a day, I slowly updated the Prayer Doodle as I worked my way through the book over at least 40 days. Yes, I may have missed a day or two, here and there. Extracting my most memorable message from each chapter and translating my notes to doodles, offered a great way to review and retain these basic, affirming messages. I enjoyed capturing all 40 days, all in one Prayer Doodle.

I deliberately didn't color the doodle, in case I can leave that up to you...to color as you read the book after you WIN it in my special

God's Heart for You Giveaway (see below!)

You can download the God's Heart for You Prayer Doodle

and use it as a mile marker,

coloring the tags for each chapter as you read through the 40 reflections.

Wouldn't that make a great prayer project

for the upcoming Easter Season?

The Rafflecopter Giveaway closes April 9th (Easter Monday) to give people a chance to enter the giveaway (even if they've given up the computer for Lent!) I will try to mail the book from our conference in Boston... to get it to you as soon as possible, within the States!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scrapbooking for Sacraments {free printable}

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:27:00 +0000

To celebrate the release of the

Journey with Jesus 2.0

series of Cathletics Craft Kits by PDF downloadable,

with edits reflecting the NEW Mass,
added Kelly Comics graphics and better resolution, we are releasing a FREEBIE PDF of graphics (in vibrant color) and journalling prompts for use with any of our 3 kits:

Journey with Jesus through the Sacraments

Journey with Jesus through Reconciliation and Holy Communion

Journey with Jesus through Confirmation

Receive the FREE download link here:

...Just in time to celebrate your First Sacraments

in the next couple months...

You can add them to an 8" store-bought or homemade scrapbook ...or create a unique keepsake with our Accordian Book instructions.

If you have purchased one of our Journey with Jesus craft kits, you are eligible to receive the Journey with Jesus 2.0 upgrade with updated Mass text and added graphics.
Contact mmcconkey@rogers.com with proof of purchase. Specify where you purchased the kit, with the approximate date, along with the title of the Journey with Jesus kit that you purchased.

Check out the Arma Dei Shoppe for our other Cathletics Craft Kits, Books and Quizzing Cards. New Mass, Catechism, Sacrament and Prayer Crafts and Activities coming soon!
Subscribe to EquippingCatholicFamilies.com for new product updates and Spanish translations!

Holy Week Link-Up is up and running!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Holy Week Fiestas de Enlaces

Here's your chance to link-up your favorite Holy Week posts...with time for others to prepare for their own special Holy Week, maybe with a little help from YOUR post!

It's on the same page as the Fiestas de Enlaces Lent Link-Up

...but feel free to grab this button and link back to the Lent Link-Up page.

We're still accepting Lent ideas in our

"What are you doing for Lent?" Link-Up

....help us get past 100 entries!

March Makeovers: TY dolls to Saints

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Last year, I transformed a couple of TY dolls into saints.
Two of my favorite Saints are St Patrick and St Joseph and their Feastdays are both in March!

I have a couple of posts about my
TY dolls to Saints Makeovers.
Do you remember TY dolls? This is what the TY dolls look like...before...

and after!

Check out my Jesus TY doll,
Mother Mary and
Blessed Pope John Paul the Great

what are YOU doing for LENT?

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:40:00 +0000

Two weeks into Lent....

just a reminder to post your Lenten reflections, crafts and sacrifices

on our special Lent Link-Up as part of the Fiestas de Enlaces!

We've got 82 Lenten Links so far!

Please subscribe to this blog for future updates and Catholic link-ups
...and check out our
CathoLINK LIBRARY!

Have you discovered Catholic Bloggers Network yet?

Daytimer Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:06:00 +0000

This Lent I have promised myself to pray more often, more deliberately, more consistently and more thoughtfully. I know that I have tried many approaches to prayer throughout my life with varied diligence and consistency! As I look back, there where times when my prayerlife was stronger...but I didn't necessarily know it at the time! I know that I have felt happier and more peaceful when I'm praying each day...and preferably using a prayer journal to write my prayer, reflect on Scripture, ask the Lord questions and try to listen to what He is telling me.

I have filled up quite a few prayer journals...but there are some times when I have strayed and fought to get back on track...and I think that this is one of those times.

Sometimes I have resorted to Lenten resolutions or gimmicks to get myself back on track. (More about prayer gimmicks to come in future posts!)

With a particularly bumpy start...it looks like this Lent is going to be one of those times.

Inspired by the 3 times I have been on the Lightweigh, I recognize the importance of checking in everyday and keeping myself accountable to my commitments...even if I have to resort to a checklist to keep track.

Somehow a checklist motivates me...I'm not sure why.

Does anyone else understand that?

Before Lent started this year, I was already trying something new. I picked up a spiral-bound daytimer calendar at the dollar store. I like it because there are only about 2 days per page, with lines to write on and even little check-circles to check. The calendar is not specific to any year...it has the months and the dates, but not the day of the week. I'm using it to keep track of how I meet my goals each day:

prayer-time
exercise
portions
no 2nds (do vegetables count?)
no snacking
who I'm praying for
...and what I'm sacrificing (for those intentions)

This is a big list for me (and notice how THREE of them have to do with food?) As much as I'd like to simplify...the whole list of options keeps me hopeful that somehow I'll be able to check off at least a couple each day!

I'm also trying to write ...even a little snippet about the Scripture or spiritual reading that got my attention that day. These days...that would be either from Scripture, particularly John's Letters, Surrender by Fr Larry Richards OR A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey

Maybe the small amount of space in the daytimer works for me too...not as intimidating as a big blank page...and just enough motivation to not skip a day!

Does this make sense to anyone else?

castle and catapult craft!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Here's a great craft for Leap Year Day!

I have posted about this craft before and have used it at TWO medieval birthday parties...usually this time of year! It's a lot of fun to make and play with!

All you need to make the castle is:
corrugated cardboard
foam pipe insulation
craft foam sheets or construction paper for trim
popsicle sticks
craft foam sheets,
glue,
scissors and a craft knife

Ammunition: mini-marshmallows
*if you can't play outside...lay down some plastic table clothes to catch flying mini-marshmallows...otherwise you (or your toddler!) will be finding them for months to come!

Check out the Castle and Catapult step-by-step instructions

Don't panic if you don't have plumbing pipe insulation on hand! You can use a skinny pool noodle or 4 empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls for the towers of the castle. You can even make your own rolls of construction paper: the thicker and tighter the "wall" of the roll, the stronger it will be.

Check out how we revisited this craft for another Medieval Birthday Party last year
with 10 year old boys

All you need to make the catapult is:
a glue gun
a popsicle stick
a wooden clothes peg
2 corks
a bottle cap
a lid or some cardboard for the base.

I'm confident that you can substitute alot of other things for just about any of these items, except for maybe the clothes peg....check out the pictures from our Medieval Party last year!

do you need a Lifelong Confession?

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Lent begins tomorrow! Kicked off with a day of prayer and fasting on Ash Wednesday, it's a good opportunity to renew our commitment to the spiritual life as well as a prayer-and-sacrifice focus for the family over the next 40 days, not including Sundays. (I didn't make that up!)
Participating in the first ever Catholic Blog Day, I wrote a special post. With a little hesitation, I posted it at I blog Jesus. Encouraged by comments like this one...
"Super. Don't be afraid to post this. The world needs it. Just imagine all the black clouds that would be gone. <poof!>"
...I have assumed the courage to mention it here on Equipping Catholic Families.

...I can still feel how incredibly, awesomely relieved I felt after that confession. I understood the Mercy of God and the power of confession monumentally, unbelievably, giant-steps bigger in the absolution of that confession, than I had ever felt or understood before. It really took.

My confession was one of the most powerful experiences of God's Love that I've ever had.

It almost made my heart stop to do it, but I wouldn't have changed a thing...

I hope that you check out the full post at I blog Jesus:
Do you need lifelong confession?

Linking up to Catholic Blog Day on AshWednesday!

Just opened the Arma Dei Shoppe!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Equipping Catholic families has never been easier

now that our new Arma Dei Shoppe is open!

Our Catholic Family Apostolate is called Arma Dei,

latin for Armor of God,

referring to our favorite Scripture Ephesians 6:13-17.

We have created books, paper craft kits and quizzing cards

to help teach and celebrate the Catholic Faith through Feastdays, Seasons and Sacraments!

Six of our favorite Cathletics Craft Kits are now available by PDF

for you to download, print and copy for your family or a whole class!

Check out the new Arma Dei Shoppe...or look for us at Lift Jesus Higher Rally (Toronto, ON Canada),

the Mid-Atlantic Congress (Baltimore, MD), NCEA (Boston, MA) or IHM (Fredericksburg, VA)

NOW AVAILABLE at the Arma Dei Craft Kit Printables Online Store!

Color Me Catholic: New Roman Missal Edition
(printed version: $16 + shipping) printable version: $14

Catholic Lingo Bingo (English)
(printed version: $12 + shipping) printable version: $10

Catholic Lingo Bingo (En Espanol)
(printed version: currently not available) printable version: $14

Catholic Family Calendar
(printed version: currently not available) printable version: $14

Journey with Jesus: Sacraments (all 7)
(printed version: $16 + shipping) printable version: $14

Journey with Jesus: Reconciliation & Holy Communion
(printed version: $16 + shipping) printable version: $14

Journey with Jesus through Baptism, Reconciliation and Holy Communion

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Celebrate your child's Journey of Faith!

Journey with Jesus through

(Baptism) Reconciliation & Holy Communion

NOW AVAILABLE by PDF PRINTABLE!

This is our Journey with Jesus through Reconciliation and Holy Communion Craft Kit.
It includes 18 already researched, illustrated and formatted templates of prompting catechism and reflection questions. As all our Cathletics Craft Kits, it comes with permission to photocopy for a whole class for one term or for all the kids in your family (who live with you) as they celebrate their First Sacraments!

There are suggestions for making your own scrapbook or using a store-bought scrapbook. There are also instructions to create an Accordian Book. In either case, there are plenty of catechism based questions, adorable cartoons drawn by 12 year old Kelly and prompting reflections about your child's experience of the Sacraments, their prayerlife and their growing relationship with Jesus!

Work on a page a day, recording and reflecting about Baptism, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Reconciliation, the Commandments, Sin, Holy Communion, the Mass, the Domestic Church, Qualities in my Family and Friends, all about Jesus, Mary and the Saints and reflections about Jesus and me and my prayerlife.

Journey with Jesus through

(Baptism) Reconciliation & Holy Communion

NOW AVAILABLE by PDF PRINTABLE!

For more information about our

Cathletics Craft Kits available by PDF Printable,

check out our Printable Store!

Journey with Jesus through the Sacraments!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Journey with Jesus through the Sacraments

NOW AVAILABLE by PDF PRINTABLE!

This kit offers layouts of catechism questions (with answer keys!) and reflection questions to help teach and celebrate the Sacraments, including material based on the Commandments,

Sin, the Domestic Church and the Stations of the Cross.

This kit teaches and celebrates all 7 Sacraments...

not just the ones your child has received, helping them to reflect on

Marriage (what weddings have I been to?

who married my parents?)

Holy Orders (name the priest who gave me my First Sacraments,

who is my pastor? my bishop? our Pope?)

and the Anointing of the Sick (who are we praying for?

when have our loved ones passed away?)

As with all of our Cathletics Craft Kits,

each kit comes with permission

to photocopy for one full class for one term

or for all the kids living in your house!

The square templates can be cut to fit into an

8"x8" constructed or store-bough scrapbook

or folded according to the enclosed instructions

for an ACCORDIAN BOOK.

Coloring and scrapbooking techniques are recommended

to embellish the layouts.

Journey with Jesus through

(Baptism) Reconciliation & Holy Communion

ALSO AVAILABLE by PDF PRINTABLE!

For more information about our

Cathletics Craft Kits available by PDF Printable,

check out our Printable Store!

Catholic Bloggers Colossal Share-a-thon & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Opening Monday February 13, 2012

at Catholic Bloggers Network!

Check out the First Ever Catholic Bloggers Share-A-Thon!

These are the prizes that I have contributed to the giant give-away...

but there are PLENTY more awesome prizes to win

...all donated by our own Catholic Bloggers!

4 Chances to Win Arma Dei products!

1. A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families (book)

By Monica McConkey

Value: $24+shipping = $32+

2. Color Me Catholic: New Roman Missal Edition (PDF printable)

Cathletics Craft Kit by Arma Dei

Value: $14

3. Catholic Family Perpetual Calendar (PDF printable)

Cathletics Craft Kit by Arma Dei

Value: $14

4. Catholic Lingo Bingo: English OR Spanish (PDF printable)

Cathletics Craft Kit by Arma Dei

Value: $10

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HAPPY SAINT valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

When Victor from Happy Saints graciously gave me permission to use his awesome saint pictures in a craft, I was so excited! I just love this company and their adorable saint pictures!

Immediately, I wanted to make a cuter version of my Top Trumps: Saints edition or my Dream Team of Saints with frozen juice lids. These would make an awesome matching game to help my 5 year old learn more about the saints...(she has already started playing with them!) ...and the circle format is perfect with my 2.5" hole punch!

With Valentine's Day coming up,
I thought what better way of
converting 2 Catholic Valentine Cards!

I formatted the pictures and printed them myself and used a 2.5" hole punch to cut out the circular images.

I printed "HAPPY SAINTS Valentine Day!" on red paper and we're thinking about embellishing the little cards with hearts made with my little heart hole punch.

Instead of Happy St. Valentine...how about HAPPY SAINTS Valentine Day! These are WAY cooler and Catholic than Barbie or Buzz Lightyear! My daughter can give these away...and I know that the kids will love them! Maybe just one little card will entice a child to learn more about the Communion of Saints!

Happy Saints has a wonderful collection of these adorable saints, identifying each saint in the illustration and offering a favorite quote. Check out their awesome printables available...both e-books and greeting cards that will make you HAPPY! Thank-you to Victor for letting me use these adorable pictures! How about "liking" the Happy Saints Facebook page...or subscribing to Happy Saints? You'll be among the first to know when new Saint pictures are released!

I'm linking up to Converted 2 Catholic and

CeleLINKY thru the SAINTS and
Catholic Icing's First Friday Link-up.

Check them out and add your Catholic crafts too!

What are you doing for Lent? {LINK-UP}

noreply@blogger.com (Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:30:00 +0000

April 1: HOLY WEEK is here!
Holy Week Fiestas de Enlaces

Here's your chance to link-up your favorite Holy Week posts...with time for others to prepare for their own special Holy Week, maybe with a little help from YOUR post! This is the same page as the Fiestas de Enlaces Lent Link-Up...but feel free to grab this button and link back to this page.

We're still accepting Lent ideas in our
"What are you doing for Lent?" Link-Up....
Scroll down to add your Lenten posts there!
Help us get at least 100 entries!

Welcome to the Lent Link-Up sponsored by Equipping Catholic Families,

as part of the Fiestas de Enlaces or Festival of Links!
Please subscribe to this blog for future updates and Catholic link-ups!
Have you discovered Catholic Bloggers Network yet?

Please borrow a button and link back to this site...I'll visit you too!

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