Monthly Archives: February 2013

Raising boys to be men–not beasts

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Connie Rossini

A couple weeks ago, Pat Archbold started a discussion on boys and “cursing” at the National Catholic Register. I was late in reading the post, but thought that, as a mother of 4 boys, I should address this issue. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ah, shucks. I’m speechless!

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Nancy Shuman of The Breadbox Letters has kindly given me the Liebster Award. It’s given to up-and-coming bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers.  Liebster is German for “sweetest,” “valued,” “endearing,” “welcoming,” etc. Thank you, Nancy! I think you’re pretty sweet … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments

What is mental prayer and how you can do it?

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Catholics divide prayer into 2 broad categories – vocal and mental. Vocal prayer includes prayers written for recitation. Mental prayer is prayer in one’s own words. St. Teresa of Avila wrote, “Mental prayer, in my view, is nothing but friendly … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Prayer in the Digital Age: a review

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Prayer in the Digital Age by Matt Swaim. Copyright 2001, Liguori Publications. 138 pages. Matt Swaim’s Prayer in the Digital Age has some solid advice for users of digital media who want to improve their spiritual lives. At the same time, … Continue reading →

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Vatican teaching on Catholic schools–quotes to ponder

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Archbishop J. Michael Miller identified 5 marks of a Catholic school. How does your school–at home or otherwise–measure up? All the quotes are from The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools. 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision “The Church sees … Continue reading →

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Read my book reviews at Catholicfiction.net and elswhere

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Connie Rossini

I restrict book reviews on Contemplative Homeschool to those dealing with the spiritual life or home education. However, I volunteer to review Catholic fiction at Catholicfiction.net. My first review, on Rumer Godden’s Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy, is being … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Fine-tune your spiritual focus for Lent

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Did you choose a specific virtue to cultivate for a New Years’ resolution? Try making a concrete step in that direction a focus for Lent, which starts tomorrow. In January, I wrote how I was working on trust this year. … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Beg, borrow, or steal buy: Fire Within

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Connie Rossini

In this occasional series of posts, I recommend resources for you and your family in 100 words or less. More detailed reviews may come later. By Fr. Thomas Dubay. Thorough, understandable explanation of Carmelite spirituality. Contains short biographies of Teresa … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments