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juliecinci
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| Posted: Feb 24 2005 at 9:39am | IP Logged
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Hi everyone.
A quick bit of info about me. I was raised Catholic (have been baptized and confirmed) but have been a Protestant for my adult life. About two years ago, I began a graduate program in theology at Xavier University to help me process deep, seismic shifts in my beliefs. Needless to say, my theological world is in the throes of much change and re-evalauation.
I am finding much more room for me and my spiritual life in the Catholic context than I am in my former Christian denomination. I don't anticipate joining the local parish as a family (at this point, that is far too big a leap for them). On the other hand, I would enjoy some kind of liturgical help/devotional that would support us in our weekly Sunday service (my husband and I have mostly studied the Bible with them each week for the last three years - much of it has been undoing the things we no longer identify with and exploring the new territory I'm discovering in grad school).
I am not a conservative theologically. But I do love Christianity and find the liturgical calendar beautiful. I find that more and more I resonate with Catholics. (In fact, the reason I originally joined the Catholic CMason list was to explore Catholicism, not CMason.  )
If anyone has a recommendation of a resource for me, I'd really appreciate it.
Julie
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Lissa
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Julie, a few thoughts come to mind--
Magnifikid, a full-color weekly missalette/magazine for children, with the upcoming Sunday Mass readings, commentary, comic strip, and games. My kids are wild about this publication. In fact I'm currently in disgrace because I carelessly let our subscription lapse.
Magnifikid's "parent" publication, so to speak, is the beautiful monthly Magnificat, which contains the Mass readings for every day, plus prayers, commentary/devotionals, and saint bios. And bits of gorgeous artwork.
I have also enjoyed Scott Hahn's weekly newsletter, Breaking the Bread, which (to quote the website) contains "short Bible studies on the readings for each of that month's Sunday Masses. These studies are aimed at helping you better understand the story of salvation as it comes to us in the Old and New Testament readings."
I know the other folks here will have some great suggestions--can't wait to see them myself. Blessings to you on your journey, Julie.
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Lissa
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Meredith
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Julie, how wonderful for you to be exploring this as part of your spiritual journey in life. Remember God's timing is never our own  . That said, I fully second Lissa's recommendations on the Magnificat and their chidlren's version, they are exceptional and worth every penny. I would also add for the kids a wonderful read aloud or reader depending on the ages of your children is the Devotional Stories for Little Folks put out by Catholic Heritage Curricula (see site below). They are engaging and thought provoking little stories that I think are easy to understand and very fun.
God Bless you and welcome to this forum!!
Didn't I see you over at the Bravewriter's chat, it's a wonderful discussion, I've been lurking there 
http://www.chcweb.com
__________________
Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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juliecinci
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Thanks for the recommendations. I liked what I saw on the website, but I'm wondering if the Magnifikids is a bit too young for my teens... What do you think?
And Meredith, I'm sure you saw me on the BW chat. That's my forum.
Thanks for your help and support.
Julie
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Lissa
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juliecinci wrote:
| I'm wondering if the Magnifikids is a bit too young for my teens... What do you think? |
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Mmm, yes, you're right--I forgot your kids were older.
What about In Conversation with God? (I think that's the right title.) Anybody used that? Alice, do I remember seeing a set on your piano in days of yore?  <--crying tears of nostalgia
__________________
Lissa
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Jeanne
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Julie,
I was raise Catholic,but years ago I began to question what I believed. About 10 years ago my husband and I came across a Catholic organization called Presentation Ministries.
Because of this group and a very holy priest we are practacing and living our beliefs.
They put out a book with daily eucharistic readings and reflections called One Bread, One Body. They also have lots of other publications.
Their website is www.presentationministries.com
I saw that you live in Ohio and go to Xavier. They have their headquarters in Cincinnati and put on a powerful Bible Institute at Xavier every summer in July.
May our Lord bless you on your journey.
__________________
Jeanne
mom to 9 (21,19,17,15,12,10,6,4,8 months
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
P hi li ppians 4:13
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Natalia
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Lissa wrote:
| What about In Conversation with God? |
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Are you talking about In Conversation with God the seven volume series by a priest from Opus Dei?
If so, I have several of the volumes and love to read them but I am not sure how they would go for teens that are not raise within the Church.
Julie, how familiar are your kids with the Catholic Church? Do you want something that will sustain them in their spiritual life now or do you want something that will introduce them to the Church?
I have a suggestion for your teens the novels by Louis de Wohl. They are not a devotional aid but they are great introduction to great men and women of the Church: Thomas Aquinas (The Quiet Light), Lay Siege to Heaven (Catherine of Siena), The Golden Thread ( Ignatius of Loyola), Set All Afire (St. Francis Xavier) and The Spear ( a fictional account of the life of the soldier that pierce Christ's side and his conversion). This last one is very appropriate for Lent.
Natalia
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Elizabeth
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Lissa wrote:
juliecinci wrote:
| I'm wondering if the Magnifikids is a bit too young for my teens... What do you think? |
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Mmm, yes, you're right--I forgot your kids were older.
What about In Conversation with God? (I think that's the right title.) Anybody used that? Alice, do I remember seeing a set on your piano in days of yore? <--crying tears of nostalgia |
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I  In Conversation with God, Julie, and I think it would be just perfect for you and your children
__________________
Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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stefoodie
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i *third* the suggestion for In Conversation with God -- got one of the devotionals after seeing elizabeth's trailguides (?) -- we've tried many through the years but this one's my favorite. best place i've found it (avail. individually and as a set) is at
All Catholic Books -- they give add'l discounts to homeschoolers!
__________________
stef
mom to five
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juliecinci
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check these out.
Julie
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alicegunther
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Dear Julie,
I like both "In Conversation with God" and Magnificat, although, perhaps it would be preferable for you to get a hold of the most recent issue of Magnificat to get started. What I like about Magnificat is that it provides so many opportunities for the shared family experience you are seeking, not to mention many avenues of personal growth and inspiration. Each day, a morning prayer is provided including a hymn, Bible reading, and psalm. Then the readings of the daily Mass are set out to be read at home or during Mass. This is followed by a meditation of the day, usually written by a saint or doctor of the church. The evening prayer includes a hymn, psalm, Bible reading, intercessions, and the Our Father, providing a perfect opportunity for faith sharing, Bible study, prayer and spiritual growth whether alone or as a family.
For the new Catholic, Magnificat is especially useful because each individual issue is a primer of Catholic prayers. The center section contains the prayers of the Mass, including Latin translations of select prayers. There is also a "Saint of the Day" to help your children become familiar with some of the many heroes of the Faith. The dates of the saints lives are usually provided, so these pages become something of a history lesson as well.
Finally, each issue ends with a gorgeous glossy (usually two page) section featuring a great work of religious art with interesting commentary on its history and the religious episode it represents. We have often used this section for picture study or as an attractive addition to our timeline.
And all this is only $5.95 per issue!
Do I sound like an infomercial? Well wait, there's more!
The only small problem with Magnificat is that their subscriptions sometimes take a while to get started (we waited about 3 months for our first issues of MagnifiKID). Still, the magazine is an invaluable resource and well worth the wait, not to mention that it is a real bargain considering all it contains. You can probably get a hold of March issue at your local Catholic religious goods store.
Oh, and may I just say, Julie, it is so touching and such an honor that you would join CCM/4Real to learn more about Catholicism. It has been such a joy reading your posts during the past few days, and we are so happy to have you here.
__________________
Love, Alice
mother of seven!
    
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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jdostalik
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I just want to mention that like Alice, I experienced a long wait until I received my subscription to Magnifikid. I am also still waiting for my subscription to Magnificat. My mom gave it to me for Christmas! She has been thoughtfully picking up copies for me at our Catholic book store until my subscription starts. It is a wonderful resource, I have been enjoying it tremendously.
I would also recommend the Navarre bible/commentary. I purchased mine individually book by book but they are available in a set, now...They are wonderful, both bible and commentary from a truly Catholic perspective. You can get them also at allcatholicbooks.com
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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juliecinci
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Thanks for the recommendation Jeanne. I checked out the Presentation ministries site. I was having a hard time figuring out where they come from but will look a bit deeper and see what's there.
Natalia, I think Opus Dei would probably be a bit conservative for where I am right now.
Alice, thanks for the infomercial.
I think what I may do is head over to the Catholic book store and thumb through a few things. I've also put my Catholic student friends on the hunt. So something will click.
There was a basket with black books of readings for Lent on the counter in the student union today and I was so eager to grab one... until I reached inside and it was empty. 
I appreciate the warm welcome and your sweet support as I figure this stuff out.
Julie
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juliecinci
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Well, good news.
Today I was browsing through Xavier's book store and happened upon a devotional book that is just right for me for now. (I still plan to have a look at the resource Alice enthused about. Alice, is it possible to order just one issue to get a look at the Magnificat?)
The book is called Fresh Bread and is by Joyce Rupp. (Publisher Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame).
She takes one theme for each month of the year, writes a lovely discussion of that theme, includes poetry and prayers for the month and a daily Scripture reading. She also includes some wonderful journaling questions that are to be done once per week with a reflection on the whole month once per month. That's just about all I can handle right now. I liked her philosophy of faith and the way she articulates spiritual values.
So we'll see how that goes to start with. I think it will provide me a structure for dialog with the kids around spiritual values and the Scripture.
Thanks again for all your suggestions.
Julie
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alicegunther
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juliecinci wrote:
(I still plan to have a look at the resource Alice enthused about. Alice, is it possible to order just one issue to get a look at the Magnificat?)
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I would be happy to put a copy of the March issue in the mail to you Monday!
__________________
Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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juliecinci
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That is so sweet. Thank you!
Julie
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alicegunther
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My pleasure!
__________________
Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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juliecinci
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Alice I received them! I tried to PM you but your message box is full (you busy little bee).
Thanks so much for sharing these with me. I look forward t a quiet moment to pour over them.
Julie
__________________
Julie
Homeschooling five for fourteen years
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Devotionals for newbies
