Single and Celibate: Choosing Agape over Romantic Love

I wrote this article about ways to survive Valentine's Day single. Then I realized it applies, year-round, especially for single, celibate Catholics and even priests, nuns and religious. Whether you're single by choice, from lack of love opportunities, or you were in a relationship or marriage that crumbled, these tips are for you. This article will help those who identify as gay who choose abstinence  You need emotional support to stick to those celibacy vows just as heterosexuals do. This article can help. How do you celebrate (or just survive) a day devoted to romantic love when you're not in a romance? Here are tips. Oh, and pray to saints known for their chastity: St. Philomena and St. Maria Goretti and the little saint enshrined at Notre Dame's Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Indiana. I can't remember her name, but she was martyred for her piety.Celebrate (or Just Survive) Valentine's Day when You're Single

Catholic Families: Attachment Parenting School Age Kids, Tweens

When people speak of attachment parenting, they're usually referring to infants or preschool kids. But the commitment to this type of parenting carries over to older kids too. Speaking as a mom who's in her 25th year attachment parenting, here's how it worked for us with school-age kids and tweens (preteen kids under 13).  Attachment Parenting School Age Kids and Tweens

Free Printable Divine Mercy Sunday, Chaplet of Divine Mercy Activities

Easter is about the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the first Sunday following Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday, when a Polish nun St. Faustina Kowalska was given the image of Divine Mercy by Our Lord. She drew the icon as Jesus instructed her to. And we honor her obedience and Jesus's gift of Himself on this day. Here are free printable stations of the cross, rosary, saints and Easter bible story coloring pages. Use these for Divine Mercy Sunday. Here's a link to Saint Faustina for Kids website with more activities.  This article has printable activities, prayers and devotions around the rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and "Way of the Cross" or Stations of the Cross.  Free Printable Lent and Catholic Easter Coloring Pages