Advent is almost here! This year, the season begins on Sunday, December 1, and for 23 days we are called to prepare our hearts, watch joyfully, and wait for the coming of the Lord. Okay, hold on a sec. This time of year is crazy stressful for parents! So many obligations, so many gifts to buy, soooo much sugar. How can we be expected to add more? This year, try swapping out some of those sugar laced traditions with something more meaningful that centers your home and family on the loving promise of God, who sent his Son to be with us at Christmas. Click for more!

This wonderful post from Franciscan Media has a variety of Thanksgiving prayers to choose from for before your meal, with your kids, or on your own. Why not pull up this page and offer thanks while you're tackling that mountain of dishes, basting the turkey, or rolling pie dough. Happy Thanksgiving!

Set the atmosphere for a faith-filled Thanksgiving by printing out a Thanksgiving prayer placemat for your kids. Fun for kids of all ages (even adults!), the center of the placemat includes a child’s prayer of gratitude next to a cornucopia to color. Surrounding the prayer are several activities for children to do. From Catechist's Journey.

Maria has a very kind and gentle soul. Her love for Christ and all people is clearly modeled by her kind behavior. She speaks kindly to others, always has a smile on her face, and always follows teachers’ requests.

Brashaun went above and beyond on a particular assignment in Religion, illustrating that he used previous knowledge that was learned and applied it to his current work. In addition, Brashaun has exhibited the virtue of industriousness and excellence many times in his efforts toward this subject.