Author: Gemma

Book review: My Master’s Touch: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Devotion

My Master’s Touch: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Devotion by Lynda M. Nelson (120 pages) As we grew up, this little hardcover book became a favorite of ours. Even now, just seeing the book on the shelf takes me back to Advent many years ago, when Mom would gather us in the glowRead more

Book Review: Augustine Came to Kent

Augustine Came to Kent by Barbara Willard (179 pages) This is not the story of St. Augustine (author of Confessions), but the story of yet another great saint: St. Augustine of Canterbury. Although he is not as “popular” as St. Augustine of Hippo, this is not a story to be missed! Augustine of Canterbury wasRead more

Saint Quotes

FAITH- Faith is characteristic not of the proud but of the humble. -Saint Augustine The devil has never succeeded in tempting me against faith. It even seems to me that the less I can comprehend the truths of faith, the more readily I give them my assent. – Saint Teresa of Avila Show by yourRead more

Novena to the Immaculate Conception

Novena to the Immaculate Conception Begin the Novena to the Immaculate Conception on November 29 and end on December 7, the Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Immaculate Virgin Mary, you were pleasing in the sight of God from the first moment of your conception in the womb of your mother, St. Anne.Read more

Saint Quote Scrambles

Here is a fun worksheet that combines your puzzle skills with quotes from the saints. There are two levels: easy and hard. Detailed instructions are on the sheets. Enjoy! Click the image below to print the (easy) Saint Quote Scramble. Click the image below to print the (hard) Saint Quote Scramble.Read more

Book Review: Our Savior and His Love for Us

Our Savior And His Love For Us by Father Garrigou-LaGrange (398 pages) Among the hundreds of books Fr. Garrigou-LaGrange wrote during his lifetime is a fascinating work focusing on the relationship between Christ’s divinity and the redemption of humanity. This book features 32 different topics on the life of Christ with the purpose of understandingRead more

Book review: The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith

The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith by Josephine Nobisso (32 pages) How important is one Mass? The Weight of a Mass is a beautifully illustrated book to teach children- and adults!- how much a single Mass is worth. When an old woman begs a crust of bread in exchange for one Mass, the angryRead more

Marian apparitions: create a mini grotto!

Create three scenes from Marian apparitions using our free template and items from around the house! Begin by coloring the images on the template , which are resized pictures of coloring pages here on the Catholic Playground. Though they are very easy to create, below are steps and suggestions for assembling each grotto: Our Lady of Lourdes On the template , youRead more

Catholic Coasters

It’s inevitable in any Catholic household: a broken rosary with missing beads, duplicate holy cards and medals and such! We’re always looking for ways to use or repurpose the plethora of Catholic objects in our home. This past fall, we came up with an idea we think you’ll love! Introducing… Catholic coasters! They are soRead more

Saint Juan Diego coloring page: December 9th

What Happened to the Apostles?

Jesus’ ascension into Heaven wasn’t the end of the Church, but the beginning! He left behind 12 close companions and successors of the Church. What happened to these apostles? PETER was declared by Jesus to be the “rock [upon which] I will build my church,” and therefore, the first pope. Peter was crucified upside down onRead more

Book review: St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red

St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red by Fr. Godfrey Poage, C.P. (87 pages) Most people know the story of young Maria Goretti who chose to die, rather than commit a mortal sin. Few, however, know the amazing and beautiful story that preceded and followed Maria’s death. How did Maria make such a remarkable decisionRead more

Book review: Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco

Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco by St. John Bosco (234 pages) ” ‘You hideous beast,’ I exclaimed… Amid the general uproar, I realized that I could get nothing more from the monster… Then I sprinkled holy water all about, and in the pandemonium which ensued, all those cats scurried away. The din awakened me, andRead more

Article: “How the Miraculous Medal Changed My Life”

Below is from a talk that Fr. John Hardon gave many times during his life. I (Gemma) was blessed to attend Mass said by Fr. Hardon before he passed away in 2000, and was also enrolled in the Miraculous Medal by him. The cause for his beatification and canonization is open. How the Miraculous MedalRead more

Saints of the Pro-Life Movement Crossword Puzzle

As Catholics, we are called to protect and defend life, from the smallest and most vulnerable, to the sick and the elderly. From conception to natural death, our mission is to love what God has given and created. In the Catholic Church, we are so blessed to have incredible and holy examples of unconditional loveRead more

Catholic Candles

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’ ” John 14:6 The darkness of winter brings with it a greater appreciation for LIGHT. The shorter days and longer nights remind us not only of our need for light, but alsoRead more