Equipping Catholic Families

Flaming Mini Cross Bow

August 19, 2014 by Monica McConkey 1 Comment

OK, so I know it’s a bit of a stretch to think up a good Equipping Catholic Families reason to make this Mini-Cross Bow. This is all I’ve got:

It’s a cool project…making me a pretty cool mom for suggesting it and providing the instructions and templates to make it.
It kept two 13-year old boys busy for 3 or 4 hours, honing their crafting and inventive skills with nary a need for first aid: not even one glue gun burn or X-Acto knife cut. Well done, boys!

Although they were unable to actually fire flaming matchstick arrows with any precision, I’m wondering if with some extensive aiming practice and zero wind conditions one might be able to torment the squirrels enough to keep them away from the soffits of our house. Wishful thinking, I know.

Filed Under: DIY Crafts

20 Years Married

August 18, 2014 by Monica McConkey 2 Comments

Things have been on turbo a little bit lately, with a family trip to Chicago, CMN Catholic conference, and lots of decade celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries in our family (more about this soon!) This weekend we finally celebrated our 20th Anniversary (officially a few weeks ago) with an intimate gathering of our immediate family including my parents and brother, and two of our favorite priests, Fr Roger and Fr Leslie.

Filed Under: family traditions

Feast Day Fun: Assumption!

August 14, 2014 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption!

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Go to Mass today!

This is a Holy Day of Obligation…it’s the Feast Day commemorating the 4th Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. Mary’s body was taken up into Heaven. Mary’s body was the First Tabernacle of Jesus…it makes sense that her body would remain in Heaven after her life on earth!

Filed Under: 7 Quick Takes, Feast Day Fun

Back to {Home}School Grand Prize Pack GIVEAWAY

August 14, 2014 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

I’m offering something a little different today…I’m participating in a gigantic GIVEAWAY of awesome resources for Homeschoolers! Over $1000 in prizes!

Back to {Home} School season is in full force!! If you haven’t started back yet, chances are you will be within a few weeks. What better way to kick off a new school year than by winning a HUGE homeschool prize pack? That is exactly what will happen to one lucky reader!

Filed Under: giveaway

Feast Day Fun: St Maximilian Kolbe

August 13, 2014 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

St Maximilian was the Founder of the Militia of Mary Immaculate, spreading devotion and consecration to the Mother of God. Together with the Franciscans, St Maximilian published writings about our Blessed Mother. He was arrested by the Nazis and volunteered to take the place of a family man, when prisoners were selected to be killed and he comforted his fellow prisoners as they were dying.

Filed Under: Armor of God, Feast Day Fun, Saints

Feast Day Fun: St Clare

August 11, 2014 by Monica McConkey 1 Comment

St Clare was born in Assisi and consecrated herself to Jesus at an early age. She met St Francis and was inspired by him and started the order of nuns called the Poor Clares. She defended the convent from soldiers by holding up the monstrance and causing them to flee! When she became too ill to attend Mass, she miraculously saw Mass in her room. She is the patron saint of sore eyes and television!

Filed Under: Feast Day Fun, Saints, Treasure Chest crafts and activities

Feast Day Fun: St Lawrence

August 9, 2014 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

St Lawrence is the patron saint of cooks, comedians and fire prevention, no doubt reflecting his martyrdom. He was one of the seven deacons of Pope St Sixtus. He was condemned to a slow, cruel death, tied to a grill above a fire. God gave St Lawrence strength and courage and even a sense of humor. As he burned to death, he said “Turn me over, I’m done on this side”.

Filed Under: Feast Day Fun, link-up, Catholic Bloggers Network

Feast Day Fun Saint Celebration Summary

August 8, 2014 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

Check out our Saints’ Feast Day Celebrations and Activities, Catholic Crafts and Family Traditions as we journey through the Liturgical Calendar!

Make sure that you subscribe to Equipping Catholic Families so that you will receive each Feast Day Fun post!

Filed Under: Saints

CMN and CWG 2014

August 7, 2014 by Monica McConkey 1 Comment

Last week, we attended the Catholic Marketing Network Tradeshow, which included the gathering of the Catholic Writers Guild. I’m a part of both Catholic groups and we had our own booth for our Catholic craft kits, books and cards: Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families.

Filed Under: 7 Quick Takes

Back to the Blog! Fr Larry, Crocker Park, Notre Dame, Chicago, CMN, St Benedict’s and Fr Dan

August 4, 2014 by Monica McConkey 4 Comments

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Sorry, I’ve been away! I thought I would be able to blog during our trip to Chicago, but it was just too busy and fun! Here are some quick pictures from our trip!

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Filed Under: 7 Quick Takes