As a new school year approaches, our family has found ways to fill our children’s bellies and souls before we begin our busy days.
Morning Prayer Ideas:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that parents are the “first heralds” for children and we have the “responsibility and privilege of evangelizing” them. Morning prayer is a perfect opportunity to do just that and it does not have to take up a lot of time to be impactful. Here are some ideas:
Blessings with Holy Water
Before we begin morning prayer, each child lines up by the Holy Water font in our home. Starting with the oldest, I dip my thumb in the water and bless each child by saying “God bless you (insert name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Then I seal the blessing with a kiss on top of their head.
Popsicle Sticks for Holy Souls in Purgatory
Years ago, I wrote names of family, friends and others who had passed away on individual popsicle sticks and placed them in a jar. Since then, after our blessings, each child picks one stick and then we pray the Eternal Rest prayer for the group of people selected. I hope our children will get into a lifelong habit of praying for the souls in Purgatory.
Good morning, Guardian Angel and prayer
We then say good morning to our Guardian Angel and then we say the full Guardian Angel prayer. Our children’s Guardian Angels will accompany our little ones all the days of their lives. That is why I try to always remind our children to thank, acknowledge and invoke the intercession of their Guardian Angels whenever possible.
Bible Reading
Homeschooling affords us more time in the morning to read the bible. Therefore, I read out loud one passage from the Old Testament, one Psalm and one passage from the New Testament. If your children attend school outside of the home, reading one passage from the bible starting at the Old Testament and continuing throughout the entire bible would be a great way to get some bible reading in each morning. The Golden Children’s Bible: A Full-Color Bible for Kids by Golden Books is such a favorite in our home that we are on our second copy, since we read the first one so much it literally fell apart!
Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast Recipes:
As the Benedictine motto goes “Ora et Labora” or “Prayer and Work,” it is important to have a full belly before beginning work and prayer. Our family has discovered nutritious and delicious breakfast ideas that our children love and that do not take up a lot of time to make. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and in bigger batches to serve for more than one morning. While the full recipes and instructions can be found online, I have provided a brief synopsis of each of our favorite breakfast recipes. You can visit my Amazon storefront (I do receive a commission for items purchased from my list) if you want to see what I use in the kitchen. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/catholicmomri
French Toast Cups chefsavvy.com
Cut or tear up a piece of bread into smaller pieces and add to a muffin tin.
Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon together and pour over each muffin cup.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked though and golden.
Egg cups
We have egg cups all the time. I usually serve them with some toast or an English muffin and some fruit. You can add different ingredients like bacon, sausage, cheese, vegetables and spices. Our children prefer them plain with lots of ketchup!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Crack desired number of eggs in a bowl.
I always add turmeric and black pepper for added nutritional benefits.
Whisk well and pour equal amounts into muffin tins.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Dutch baby TasteofHome.com
Also known as German pancakes, you can prepare and refrigerate the batter ahead of time until you’re ready to bake. I’ve also made the entire recipe the day before and have heated it and served it the next day.
Use a bowl if you have an immersion blender. If not, use a regular blender.
Crack eggs and add milk, flour and salt.
Blend until smooth.
Melt butter in 9 in x 13 in pan.
Once butter is melted, add the mixture and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
I pray you and your family have a happy and holy school year!
Christina Frye is a lifelong Rhode Islander, wife, mother and founder of Catholic Mom Rhode Island, www.CatholicMomRI.com.
