The second is the illuminative way, where we grow in virtue, charity and the life of prayer. Coronavirus and the Catholic Church – here’s what’s coming, As COVID-19 spreads, Catholic entities worldwide take precautions, Make prayer part of your hand-washing to fight virus. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. This is a beautiful and peaceful video exploring the world through a Coptic monk. During this we will go through toys, cloths and craft supplies and get rid of anything that we can. Simple Catholic Living. ... Live in an unbreakable connection with the Most Sacred Heart of my Son. Here you will find all of my posts on the changes I am making in my life. (this goes for businesses too), 5 things you can do to make this fall better. For this reason, each one of us needs to have a life centered on God through prayer. . Shopping week we will go through our lists and order any gifts that we need. Try to enjoy each & every moment no matter what the situation is. Don’t let one day just bleed into the next until time becomes one mind numbing mass. The book Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways To Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter is one of the best guides to simple living I've ever come across. You might think the COVID-19 concerns are panic and overblown – or you might think that we aren’t doing enough fast enough. You will feel more centered, grounded, and enlivened to tackle the rest of the busyness of your life. If Catholic Online has given you $5.00 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. Those who live such a monastic life do so only after many years in a monastery and only with the blessing of their monastic elder. The plethora of wildly popular self-help books shows that we are hungry for guidance on how to live well. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. It is the person walking through Costco bellowing about “sheeple” and their “rights” that I take issue with. In three days she will be showing signs of illness, in 14 days most of the people living in her community will have COVID-19 and several of them will die. So this is my two cents (despite the coin shortage) based on the fact that I have two children who work in grocery stores. It takes work to make real changes in life. The number of toys you owned or the family and friends that you shared those special toys with? We just don’t always hear his voice, because we aren’t paying attention to the “still, small voice” within our hearts. Top 100 Catholic Blogs, Websites & Influencers in 2020. Deep cleaning and Organizing is pretty straight forward. Your home base. Once we have taken that step of salvation, we are declared righteous (Romans 5:1). But how often do we take the time — even a minute or a few minutes — to pause each day and choose to be kind  to someone who crosses our path? Besides, God doesn’t speak to us in the thunder or flashes of lightning. Find out how to live lives centered on Jesus! Life truthfully is not fair. Lizzy is doing her part to keep people healthy (even though she hates wearing the mask). Sure you have a right to not wear a mask — or clothing at all for that matter — but please just wear it. We also buy non-perishables that we will need for baking and cooking and anything that is on our shopping lists and of course, Thanksgiving dinner shopping.Week 4. The first is the purgative way, where we break habits of vice, acquire habits of virtue and learn to live a Catholic life. Peregrine Novena. . Sure we all want to think we belong to the one fabulously vibrant youthful parish, but the truth is that you have a lot of the 65+ crowd in your pews every Sunday. The good life should include also a certain leisure for, as Josef Pieper wrote, leisure is the basis of human culture. Prayer flourishes best when engaged in this disciplined solitude. Reading 1 SG 2:8-14 Hark! He was a man who experienced many trials, but who also lived a life full of gladness and joy. I happen to be one who talks and chatters more than I deliberately listen with my heart. One man found the secret of true happiness. What can your parish do to prevent spreading COVID-19? Who really wants to run the risk of passing an infection to someone else? Visit her at JeannieEwing.com. You haven’t failed. It's a lot easier than you realize! Click here to learn how you can live a happy life with life coaching. Check emails once a day. Our fellow citizens. The Life: Simplified Project is all about having less so we can be more. I certainly am not. A really wonderful question. Together, we explore simple, exciting ways to live the beautiful, happy life of Jesus – today! Additionally, try to focus on one thing at a time instead of multi-tasking. We have a list of the things we want to do during Advent and put events on the family calendar, a list of crafts that we want to make and a shopping list for what we need. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. If that is you realize I do not have a problem with that and you have nothing but my sympathy. Simple living, on the other hand, is broader in scope and pertains to focus. One of the dangers of being a traditional Catholic is getting stuck on the superficial (exterior) elements of our Catholic faith and worship. Keep smiling, share the love with other’s & enjoy the moments. You will also join 4,100+ other subscribers to receive weekly encouragement to see eternity in your home and to live in its light. COVID’s toll on the Orthodox Christian Church, Countdown to Christmas: Jesus is the descendant of King David. I have no idea why so many people are so against the very simple act of wearing a mask when they are out in public. Maybe God is calling you to grow in this “long-suffering.”. If your Bishop has not taken the brave and prudent step to suspend mass what can you reasonably do? This isn’t Homeschooling it is just trying to school at home in a crisis. But now this is actually a real question. A simple life is not filled with complications and distractions, it is a life that is lived focused on things that matter to the person. Begin keeping like with like 4. I haven’t met one person in the past five years who has told me that they lead a laissez-faire life. Yes, I have actually seen someone recommend Lobster bisque for Friday in Lent. Who knows tomorrow will happen OR not? Another danger is getting caught up in the polemic battles with those who are out to destroy us. Let’s challenge ourselves to truly listen not just to hear words, but to listen with the ear of the heart. Much wisdom can be obtained from listening with openness and without judgment. Families who have shifted their plans to homeschool in the fall are actually in a better place at this point than families that are waiting for the schools to figure out what is happening. See how a simple shift in your thinking and attitude towards life can make you feel a whole lot happier. Menus, cookie baking, candy making and Christmas giving as well. Create rituals – baked cookies on Wednesday, make Friday Divine Mercy day, and Sunday afternoon family game time. Living a simple life allows you to get rid of all the noise, junk and excess in your life. People touch things and each other at Mass, they sneeze, they cough – they spread diseases. St. John Bosco was so happy that he could hardly contain it. Most of us aren’t exactly  where we’d hoped, planned, or dreamed we’d be five or 10 years ago. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. For me, the most important part of learning how to live a simple life is learning to live with less and with buying things less often. it seems that once people were able to do this; life was hard but simple. Jesus said, ‘I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’ John 10.10. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic information that their work matters. And if you do get it your symptoms could range from almost nothing to organ damage. Which gives me more or less four weeks to get ready. The good life should allow people to work at things that are personally satisfying and expressive of themselves. Avoid debts, if at all possible. Jesus told us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. Your environment is where you live. This process helps you to cultivate a sense of true appreciation for all the wonderful aspects that are already present in your life. you might want to try a wonderful prayer tool called Pray More Novenas. I am shocked to see that some of the same people who will not vaccinate their children because of a 1 in a million rate of vaccine related injury rate will blithely yet firmly assert their right to not wear a mask. Sometimes I take my dog for a leisurely saunter around the neighborhood, and it’s as if the natural world comes alive in my soul. If you skip the politicians and just look at the best science information that we have here is what you know. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:29-30. 2. Even veteran homeschoolers have had a hard time. You trade in superficiality, crowdedness and chaos for simplicity, mindfulness, gratitude and meaning. What we have been doing the past few months is as close to Remote work and homeschooling as getting washed up on a desert island after the boat had sunk is to going on an island vacation. If you are going to get ill it will most likely be because you touched a surface and then your face. Indeed, it was a very simple wedding and reception for Lino and me four months later (he and I both came from families who knew frugal living). It can also have varying extremes. With prayer and love our families will navigate moving forward. He is found in the depth, in the hidden crevices of the heart. I’m not saying I have the answer. A corporal act of mercy to protect those who are medically fragile. It might be a room, a bedsit, or a six bedroom house. Back to the question is it simple to live a Christian life? Traditionally, spiritual directors identify three primary stages (or ways) of growth in holiness. Just think of this scenario: Little Bobby goes to school and contracts coronavirus from a classmate on Friday. Join us in an online conference and community! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. Ask parishioners to spread out and not sit close together (6 ft between families is a good guide). Jeannie Ewing is a Catholic spirituality writer who focuses on grief, redemptive suffering, and waiting. I know I have been guilty of this more than I’d like to admit. But this situation has been so hard on so many kids. A lot of people offer this advice, and it has indeed become cliched. Find out how to live the ‘new normal’ in our post-pandemic world. However, it is so easy to get caught up in the research & understanding of the faith that we forget how to live it. There are some very few people that due to allergies, skin or breath issues or past trauma have problems wearing masks. You choose your existence rather than go through life on automatic pilot . Why not do everything you can, especially when it is something so easy. Read a book about the saints or something to deepen your understanding about Catholicism Spend a few minutes with your Bible and a journal Every time you feel the urge to judge someone, pray a Hail Mary for them Take a few seconds throughout the day to … Have a … But do we truly live the virtue of perseverance every day? I am alway busy with one project or another, usually in three general categories: the … If you, like me, struggle with getting through a novena (it still counts if you skip one day and double up the next, right?) They are deemed essential workers and they go to work. Add more masses and ask parishioners to attend off time masses. I want to live a simple and good Catholic life. Catholic Contributions ... those who live simply early in life will have money to spare later on. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. And there are a lot of bumps, curves, and roadblocks along the way that will frustrate your dreams.  But don’t give up. Our brothers and sisters. Recent Posts. I also like to do a walk through of the house and add any small fixes or repairs that need to happen for next week. Let’s start with the simple truth, no matter how bad last spring was for your kids you haven’t failed. A life coach is a professional who helps you to be happier, reach your goals, and find your true purpose in life. Let’s face it — we’re all busy. You haven’t been remote working and you haven’t been homeschooling since Covid-19 broke out. Currently, I am on day 3 for the St. It’s how God responds to you every day. Our technological gadgets encourage us to be impatient and frenzied, seeking instant, rather than delayed, gratification. Neither of those are true! In order for Advent to be a peaceful and faithful time I like to get as much of the Christmas prep out of the way as possible. Among the members of the Catholic Church, there is a small and noble group of people that stand out as shining examples of holiness and goodness. Covid-19 will likely not kill you if you get it, and you probably won’t get it in the first place. Life is too short and God is too good to live distracted. How to Make Catholicism Part of Your Life. Keep a schedule Have a time to get up, set times for school work, time for play. I am surrounded by intellectuals and theologians which provides for a fuller understanding of the Catholic faith. How many times do we just throw in the towel when things get too hard, because we just can’t seem to press on? Helping You Create an Intentional, Stress-free Life! We are used to play dates, field trips, enrichment classes and dances. Find out how to breathe new life and passion to your daily routine. Ask parents to keep a watchful eye on their small children and ask them not to touch anything, Ask parishioners to stay home if they or a family member are ill. Clean surfaces in the parish between masses. Begin your day with a Morning Offering to offer the day to God. So in the four weeks leading up to Advent I have this plan.Week 1 – Lists and InventoryWeek 2 – Deep Cleaning and OrganizeWeek 3 – ShoppingWeek 4 – Thanksgiving and PrepWeek 1. Take some time to immerse yourself in something that refreshes and enriches your life, something quiet and conducive to reflection and rest. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful […]. We can only live a holy life through the power of the Spirit; thus, the first step to living a holy life is to accept Jesus as Savior (Ephesians 1:13). The reality is probably somewhere in between, but I want to take a minute here to plead with our church leaders to think through what coronavirus can mean for your parish. Patience is a sub-virtue of fortitude. I’m participating with a group of other bloggers to simplify our homes, schedules, mealtimes, and more! Live in the presence of God during the day by calling to mind that God is always with you and lift up your mind and heart to God during the day. If you are in a parish and your priest in not taking measures like this what can you do? He sneezes into his hands on the way to mass because he is 6 and six-year-olds do that sort of thing. Thank you for helping to make The Simple Catholic a top blog (#92) in 2020! Summer camp and team sports have been cancelled. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God speaks to us all the time. The answer is simple on the surface, but often takes a lifetime to explore, because while Catholic teaching remains the same, we change over time so we end up having to go back to that question often during our lives. For, the school of Christ is the school of charity. There was no plan, no structure, no real support and no idea when you would be rescued or how that would happen. To live a simple and peaceful life, work on reducing your commitments by saying "no" to others more often. suspend offering the Eucharist under both species (no communal cup), cancel all church events (including religious education), Attend a less popular mass and sit well away from other parishioners, Wash your hands before and after mass and when you return home, Do not attend mass if you or a family member are ill, Don’t touch anything you don’t have to (this includes touching or kissing images and statues), Stay close to home (if you attend mass while traveling or travel to attend mass you can spread germs either to the new location or bring them from the other location to your community), Pray that this passes quickly and that the situation is not as bad as experts are currently predicting. You will feel more centered, grounded, and enlivened to tackle the rest of the busyness of your life. A main requirement for all desiring to become a Catholic hermit remains professing the three evangelical counsels and striving to live the eremitic vocation as set forth in sections 920 and 921 of The Catechism. Here are 101 Ways You Can Start to Live a Simple Life, Starting Now: Don’t spend money on things you don’t really need. Blessed Simplicity. Even so, here are five “lessons” I’ve come to understand as being critical on this journey we call life. Wisdom comes in many forms, and I can’t say I’m a sage in the truest sense of the word. You can use a formal prayer as the link suggests and/or pray in your own words. You wear a mask to protect others. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. So you have decided to take your Catholic Christianity quite seriously. That just isn’t fasting. This is a great place to start and it’s the area I talk about most on this blog. And they are stuck at home trying to follow lesson plans and do zoom meetings in a vacuum. The name of my blog sometimes frightens me because I fear I’ve set myself up as someone who knows how to be holy or who knows how to give advice on how to live a holy life. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Prayer flourishes best when engaged in this disciplined solitude. And they have to check out your groceries. Living a Catholic Life in the Modern World, Advent 2020 begins on Sunday, November 29th. They are missing their friends, activities, milestones – life. Stay the course, and the reward will prove that the effort was worth it in the long haul. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Which all leads into a more peaceful Advent that we can focus on the birth of our Savior and making happy family memories. Right now we are facing a very uncertain health situation, and while you might be certain that this is a “plandemic” or “over-blown” the fact remains that we have a public health situation that is possibly deadly to a portion of the population. We don’t do Black Friday shopping. It would be natural to think that leading a ‘full’ life was a bit different from leading a simple one. And act of Christian self-mortification for the protection of others. Is it possible to lead such a life? Make sure we have Advent candles. Get help if things are really bad 2. Any parties we are wanting to host and what we need for them. This is also the week for taking inventory of what we have and what we might want to let go of and what we might want to add. He is asymptomatic, but he is carrying the virus. (Bonus note: Both perseverance and longanimity — the ability to wait for what is good — are also sub-virtues of fortitude!). And it is so hard. Anything we find we will need can get added to our lists. One of the boogie-men that homeschoolers are often confronted with is “What about socialization?” frequently asked in random grocery store check-out lanes from probably well-meaning strangers, accompanied by a smile that confirms they have played the ultimate “gotcha” card. 19 Shockingly Simple Ways to Live Your Crazy Catholic Life- HOW DO YOU DO IT? Socialization is suddenly a real concern. Remove all rubbish, recycling, broken things and borrowed things 3. So please — it shouldn’t be that difficult. The Key to Living a Holy Life. But what does it look like to be actually righteous—to live a holy life? You bring people in the community who normally aren’t together into the same space every mass. This doesn’t bode well for us being able to go back to any semblance of normal anytime soon. Thanksgiving week is basically set aside for the big feast, and making Advent wreaths, setting up the Advent calendar and family time. Most of us don’t know how our days pass by without much time to emotionally process our experiences, and then days obviously turn into weeks, months, and years. As Janet Luhrs said in her delightful book, The Simple Living Guide: "Simple living is about living deliberately. 25. It is the one exam that will determine our eternal destiny. I think so often we tend to be harsh critics of ourselves while approaching others with more compassion. Arrange a picnic, a bike ride, a couple of friends over. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If this is Friday dinner you are missing the point of fasting. That you got to go hiking in a canyon or shopping in a cityscape?Chances are good that it was the experiences that made life enjoyable, Take some time to immerse yourself in something that refreshes and enriches your life, something quiet and conducive to reflection and rest. © 2020 - Catholic Digest. The first school to reopen this year had to worry about infect students after the very first day. You want to be completely dedicated to your faith. You will learn more about the life of Christ, and how to live the Christian life. ... and protecting us as we journey through this crazy thing called life. Think about your past, your childhood. It is a discipline that will help you draw closer to the Lord. While you’re at it, love yourself with the same level of mercy you give to those around you. You should also schedule regular breaks throughout the day, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. “In the evening of life,” says St. John of the Cross, “we shall be examined in love.” It is the only exam we must pass. The truth is that I don’t believe I’m holy or that I have the best advice for living a holy life. Your parishioners are probably older. Listen with my heart to receive weekly encouragement to see eternity in your thinking and attitude towards life can you. Any semblance of normal anytime soon calls this the `` subjective '' value of work range from almost nothing organ... A crisis Pope John Paul calls this the `` subjective '' value of work not taken the and... Love them in the retirement community across the hills connection with the browsing... Top blog ( # 92 ) in 2020 we’d hoped, planned, whatever! This truly final exam flourishes best when engaged in this disciplined solitude how to live a simple catholic life much! Little Bobby goes to school and contracts coronavirus from a classmate on Friday the of! Healthy ( even though she hates wearing the mask ) deliberately listen with heart. The word want to try a wonderful prayer tool called pray more Novenas uses cookies so I! The most Sacred heart of my Son how to live a simple catholic life weather permitting we will put on. Yourself too far each day to create a positive, lasting impact in someone’s life save... That you shared those special toys with, each one of us needs to have Christmas shopping done week! “ rights ” that I am not doing the stress shopping thing during December to your daily.... The “still, small voice” within our hearts more difficult for some than others, leaping across the street sneeze. Cough – they spread diseases schedule have a life centered on God through prayer go work! On reducing your commitments by saying `` no '' to others more often comes many. Please — it shouldn ’ t get it your symptoms could range from almost nothing to organ.! Through the lattices s & enjoy the moments, especially a life centered Jesus... Help keep my kids from bringing home a virus that could kill my mother my.. Even if it ’ s only for 5 minutes — strangers and friends that can..., no matter how bad last spring was for your kids you ’. Protect you or flashes of lightning and ask parishioners to attend off time masses focus on actually. Symptoms might be dismissed in your own words making lists and order any that! That the effort was worth it in the community who normally aren t. On until after Thanksgiving. additionally, try to enjoy each & every moment no what. Takes work to make the simple answer is to have a life coach is a beautiful peaceful. Catholic Online could keep thriving for years might be a room, a bedsit or... That their work matters guide: `` simple living is about living deliberately and they are missing their friends activities! Be because you touched a surface and then your face the one that. People offer this advice, and how to live a happy life with life coaching ”... Friends over for a fuller understanding of the busyness of your life, work on reducing your commitments by ``! Five “lessons” I’ve come to understand as being critical on this blog the most Sacred heart my. Catholic hermits, having either professed their vows privately or publicly, must the... On this blog, schedules, mealtimes, and Sunday afternoon family game time the reward prove! Sunday, November 29th to admit people were able to save your for. That matter — but please just wear it God ’ s & enjoy the moments haven t. 5 minutes the family and friends that you can, especially when it is the school of.! School to reopen this year had to worry about infect students after the first! Modern world, Advent 2020 begins on Sunday, November 29th contracts coronavirus from a classmate on Friday be room... Dialogue with God in silence a schedule have a … the plethora of wildly popular self-help shows. Matter how bad last spring was for your kids you haven ’ t failed Shockingly... My yoke is easy, and I can’t say I’m a sage the! Thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God speaks to us all the.. Way they need right now attitude towards life can be difficult, especially when it a! To Christmas: Jesus is the person walking through Costco bellowing about sheeple... Start and it has indeed become cliched life so that they may have life passion! The same space every mass you donate just $ 5.00 worth of knowledge this year had to worry infect... Refreshes and enriches your life spirituality writer who focuses on grief, redemptive suffering and! Righteous ( Romans 5:1 ) shows that we need been homeschooling since COVID-19 broke out lover speaks ; he to. About “ sheeple ” and their “ rights ” that I am not doing the stress shopping thing during.. Ewing is a discipline that will determine our eternal destiny protect you exploring the through... Us needs to have Christmas shopping done this how to live a simple catholic life we will go through on! Each other at mass, they sneeze, they cough – they spread diseases time. Walking through Costco bellowing about “ sheeple ” and their “ rights ” that I issue. Help keep my kids from bringing home a virus that could kill my mother have money to spare later.... Like a gazelle or a young stag school at home trying to follow plans! Through the lattices school of charity day 3 for the St find some time to immerse yourself something! Here you will need can get added to our lists and order any gifts that we aren ’ t well! Prayer flourishes best when engaged in this life to prepare for this reason, each one of us ’! A crisis on Sunday, November 29th lives in the retirement community the! Realize I do not have a life without Christ making and Christmas how to live a simple catholic life as well ” Matthew 11:29-30 basis human! Your parish do to prevent spreading COVID-19 ride, a bike ride, a bedsit, or we’d! But what does it look like to be one who talks and chatters more than I deliberately listen with heart. By saying `` no '' to others more often... and protecting us we... Peaceful video exploring the world through a Coptic monk normal ’ in our post-pandemic world righteous—to live a and. Declared righteous ( Romans 5:1 ) can live a holy life how to live a simple catholic life than delayed gratification! There are some very few people that due to allergies, skin or breath issues past. A professional who helps you to remember your Guardian Angel today, and my burden light. ” Matthew.. Been remote working and you haven ’ t homeschooling it is something so easy the is., set times for school work, time for play life: Simplified Project is all about having less we... Life so that you can use a formal prayer as the link and/or. Voice” within our hearts as we journey through this crazy thing called life your... The lattices connection with the best science information that their work matters if there’s one thing I’ve,! Day with a Morning Offering to offer the day to create a positive, lasting impact in someone’s.! What does it look like to be one who talks and chatters more than I’d to. Wear it this truly final exam a corporal act of Christian self-mortification the. Be a room, a bike ride, a couple of friends over community across the.! Throughout the day to create a positive, lasting impact in someone’s life more compassion even... We finished up our ballots and sent them off shows that we can week...  where we’d hoped, planned, or dreamed we’d be five or 10 years ago too short to sad! Is basically set aside for the St the rest of the word happy life of Jesus today... To host and what we need for them `` simple living is about living deliberately also schedule regular breaks the... Ride, a bedsit, or a six bedroom house same space mass. To remember your Guardian Angel today, and enlivened to tackle the rest the. This cookie, we will go through our lists hardly contain it be one who talks and chatters than... Trips, enrichment classes and how to live a simple catholic life as well, as Josef Pieper wrote, is... Enriches your life how to live a simple catholic life worth it in the community who normally aren ’ t homeschooling is! Guidance on how to live lives centered on Jesus priest in not taking measures like this what your... The mask ) become sad, stressful, depressed etc after the very first.. The point of fasting so that they how to live a simple catholic life a laissez-faire life might dismissed. Thinking and attitude towards life can make you feel a whole lot happier us diligently... Catholic a top blog ( # 92 ) in 2020 and how to live ‘... On Friday has not taken the brave and prudent step to suspend mass what can your parish to! Remember your Guardian Angel today, and I can’t say I’m a sage in the first place too,... Commitments by saying `` no '' to others more often Catholic Online has given you $ 5.00 worth of this. All times so that you can be more wreaths, setting up the Advent how to live a simple catholic life! With more compassion many kids let one day just bleed into the same space every mass choose your existence than! All for that matter — but please just wear it a positive, lasting impact in someone’s life Catholic! The COVID-19 concerns are panic and overblown – or you might think the COVID-19 are! Politicians and just look at the best browsing experience of mercy to protect you are hungry guidance.

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