Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day devotions from the Bible

The word "epiphany" to refer to a revelation or recognition of importance. Epiphany, in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian liturgical sense, is a feast day in Christmastide. On Epiphany, January 6, Christians honor the visit of the Magi (also called wisemen or Three Kings) to Baby Jesus, his Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph in the stable in Bethlehem. Here are Bible devotions for Three Kings Day or Theophany ("vision of God") which Eastern Orthodox Christian churches also observe on Jan. 6. Theophany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. The Bible says that when John baptized Jesus, he understood and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. St. John the Baptist said "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."   Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day Bible devotions | Examiner.com

Free Catholic Bible Easter Printables for Lent and Eastertide

Easter is the major feast day in the Catholic church. For forty days of Lent we've fasted, prayed and journeyed with Our Lord in His walk to Golgotha. In Lent, we take an inward spiritual pilgrimage amidst the activities of our everyday lives. Children in the Catholic faith take part in this journey as well. Some are making first reconciliation and are preparing for first Holy Eucharist. At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, catecumens and candidates will be welcomed into the Church. Many will be baptized. The new Easter candle is lit for the first time. The sacred oils are blessed on Holy Thursday. The parish priest renews his vows of ordination. The Holy Eucharist is placed in repose for the three days of the triduum in a solemn and lovely pageant. Here are free printable lesson plans, Bible coloring pages to help children and adults experience Lent and Easter more deeply. Free Catholic Easter Printables 

Costumes, Not Booze Are the Best Part of Mardi Gras

 What's the best part about Mardi Gras in New Orleans? According to the Huffington Post, most people prefer the booze cruises. I disagree. For me, Mardi Gras is all about the parades, music and best of all the wonderful costumes. Would Mardi Gras be as fun without the alcohol? Absolutely; teetotalers get to enjoy all the color and flavor without the hangover or the unpleasant after-taste. I actually have more fun because I didn't miss everything in a drunken fugue. Costumes, Not Booze or Food, Are the Best Part of Mardi Gras

Free Printable Lent Activities for Catholics, Protestant Christians, Orthodox, Copts

The Catholic observances of lent begins each year with the Imposition of the Ashes on Ash Wednesday, which in the western calendar for 2013 will begin on February 13. Other Christians observe Lent including Orthodox, Copts and some protestants. Lent begins a 40 day journey of fasting, acts of mercy and spiritual pilgrimage. We try to live, in our poor humble human way, in solidarity with Our Lord as he fasted in the desert for 40 days and made his final pilgrimage to Jerusalem. A Roman cross, torture and crucifixion awaited Him. But so did the glory of Easter, the Resurrection. Lent is a season for intense and deep personal and spiritual reflection. Looking for free printable activities to teach kids about lent and Christian Easter? Read more Lent Printables and Catholic Activities

Feast of St. Francis 'Blessing of the Animals' Continues Long Tradition

Oct. 4. is the Feast of St.Francis of Assisi, in the Catholic church. He was a gentle, humble man who taught us to love our earth. St. Francis is best known in his role as patron saint of animals. Francis was also a poet. His "Canticle of the Sun" is also called "Brother Sun, Sister Moon." Many churches celebrate the feast of St. Francis with a blessing of pets. The blessing of the pets is one of my most cherished mom-Catholic convert. Here's more on that.  Feast of St. Francis 'Blessing of the Animals' Continues Long Tradition 

Free Printable Saints Coloring Pages for Orthodox New Year

On September 1, the Orthodox Christian church celebrates the New Year. 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. The Orthodox church honors many of the same saints. Print these free coloring pages for All Saints' Day. This blog features beautiful hand drawn images. Free Printable Catholic Saints Coloring Pages for All Saints Day 

Free Printable St. Nicholas Day Crafts and Activities

To mark the Orthodox New Year celebrated Sept. 1, here are free printable St. Nicholas activities. St. Nicholas is a patron saint of many Orthodox churches. December 6 marks his Feast Day. Nicholas was a 4th century bishop in Asia Minor and is the patron saint of Russia and Holland. Here are free printable St. Nicholas activities for your family, homeschool, religious education classes and Catholic school students. Explore St. Nicholas the man, the legend, the bishop and the saint. Free Printable St. Nicholas Day Crafts and Activities