Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Dec 8th marks the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is not the conception of Jesus, it is the conception of Mary to St. Anne & Joachim. She was conceived without sin! This is a big deal, because this doctrine recognizes the fact that Mary was born pure, without original sin, a perfect vessel for the Christ Child. Here are some simple activities you can do with your family this weekend to celebrate!

Read this article on American Catholic about how this teaching came about. I find it interesting that it took some time for the faithful to agree upon her conception without sin, while it now seems so obvious to us now. This is a great example of how the Fathers of our Church have brought forth the teachings of the Catholic Faith with such care.

Embroider St. Anne and Mary on a dishcloth for your kitchen.

Print pattern and read more about Faith in Embroidery at Modest Mommies

BAKING COOKIES

Catholic Culture.org has an article about "Celebrating the Feast… in the home." It hints at making Gingerbread cookies to recall the sweet fragrance of Mary. I'd say this is a good day to do all the cookie baking! Visit Catholic Cuisine for the St. Nick Gingerbread Men (feast Dec 6th) and more Catholic kitchen ideas!
*Catholic Cuisine: Immaculate Conception
*Catholic Cuisine: Saint Nicholas

Make a paper Mary statue.

Directions and Free Printables here: Homegrown Catholics - Mary's Little Crowns

Read Immaculate Mary in your free Catholic ABCs book

Find this free printable and more at Homegrown Catholics - Quiet in the Pew

This is also a great opportunity to talk to your children about modesty, chastity and being pure.
> What Would Mary Wear (WWMW)??
Little girls would enjoy making a Modest Mandy (Directions @ Modest Mommies)

*For those who live near me, you can buy a "Pocket Friends" kit for $5. Makes 10 dolls. Great stocking stuffer!

>Recommended Books:
AGES 4-12
The Princess & The Kiss, The Squire & The Scroll books & guide by Jennie Bishop
His Little Princess, His Mighty Warrior books by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Tea & Cake with the Saints, Sewing with St. Anne, and Tin Cups & Tinder by Alice Cantrell
AGES 9-14
All Things Girl series & guide, or All Things Guy by Teresa Tomeo
Olivia's Gift by Nancy C Belanger
AGES 13-25
Theology of the Body by Evert OR West
Real Love by Mary Beth Bonacci
Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, not Conformed to the World by Teresa Tomeo