Arma Dei Review: Advent & Lent Quest

Eeeek!  Can you believe that we're just a week away from the start of Lent?  I feel like it snuck up on us pretty quickly this year.  If you're like me and you feel like you're about to be blindsided by Lent, then you might not have really spent much time thinking about how you'll be teaching your children to observe this season this year.

We do a few different things to "celebrate" Lent.  It sounds so odd to say that we celebrate a penitential season, but I guess we do.  For the past few years Lent has looked pretty much the same in our house.  We have our merciful cross where the girls record the works of mercy and add a flower to the cross for each work performed.  We have a bean jar to count good deeds, and we do daily readings for our Jesus tree which is sort of like a Jesse tree.

This year we're adding a new element.  We're doing a Lenten countdown chain using the Advent and Lent Quest from Arma Dei.  Advent and Lent quest is a craft kit that has pages you can print on colored or white paper [if your kids want to be the ones to add color] to make a countdown chain or to make a decorative chain as you go along.  Each strip for the paper chain has either a challenge, or an interesting point of catechesis to help your child learn and practice our Catholic faith.  The cool thing about the latest version of Advent and Lent Quest is it includes special pages for the Year of Faith which has some great Cathletics, and also Season with the Saints which celebrates many saints and lists his/her feast day, what he or she is the patron saint of, and a quote from that saint.

I couldn't just use one element from this kit for our Lent chain.  In fact, I had a really hard time deciding which elements I wanted to use.  There's really a lot to choose from in this kit!  I decided to print out links for saint feast days that will happen during Lent.  Then I picked a few of the Year of Faith selections and did the remaining ones using the Advent and Lent quest links.  Sure I could have just printed out the Advent and Lent quest links for this chain, but I wanted to sample a little bit of everything!

The cool thing about this craft is you can use it for Lent, Advent and even throughout the year.  During Ordinary Time you could print the Season with the Saints and Year of Faith links out and use them on feast days and maybe Sundays to teach your child about the Catholic faith and the Communion of Saints.  Print the links out on fun colored papers and make a paper link garland that can decorate a room.  Kids love making paper chains and this could be a fun ongoing activity.  You could probably even find a way to work the Season with the Saints link into an All Saints Day party.

Printing out the links was a snap.  I have the digital copy of this kit, so I simply opened up the PDF and scrolled through it to pick and choose what pages I wanted to print rather than print all of it at once. [We go through printer ink like there's no tomorrow, so I try to conserve it whenever possible.]  The links are easy enough to assemble.  Simply cut them apart along the lines [After cutting few pages with scissors I decided to break out the paper cutter.] and glue them together.  I used a glue stick and assembly took me just a few minutes.  What took me the longest was making sure I had the saint links on the right day.  I don't want the girls pulling off the St. Patrick link on St. Joseph's feast day!

The girls took a peek at some of the links as I was preparing the chain.  They're ready to start pulling off a link a day, so I'll take that as a sign that this will be a kid approved activity.  I'm sure it will make an appearance in a future blog post this Lent.

The way we're using this craft kit is just one variation on the way it can be used.  Monica of Arma Dei is super creative and gives lots of great suggestions for how to use these links in the instructions for this kit.  Every time I read over the instructions I notice another neat way to use these links that I hadn't noticed before.  She has plenty of ideas that will make using this kit year after year lots of fun.

I was provided with a review copy of Advent and Lent Quest by the publisher, Arma Dei, in exchange for my honest review.  Visit Equipping Catholic Families for more information or to buy a copy of this kit for yourself.  Since this is available in an electronic format you still have plenty of time to order a copy of this and have it all set up for this Lent.

Arma Dei Review: Color Me Catholic

Let me start off by saying that Monica from Arma Dei must have the patience of a saint.  I've had Color Me Catholic New Roman Missal Edition in my possession for nearly a full year now (maybe longer) and I'm just now getting around to writing the review.

Color Me Catholic New Roman Missal Edition is a set of ten booklets grouped into five categories to familiarize children with the new translation of the Mass.  The booklets each cover a different portion of the Mass.  The each of these booklets have little check boxes next to the responses that children can check off once it has been done during mass.  In theory, this should help children follow along and be attentive.

Perhaps you're wondering about the "five categories" for the booklets.  Each of these booklets has eight pictures with the names of items you'll find in the church or hear mentioned during Mass.   These pictures include those you'll find in the Reverence and Awe collector cards and Catholic Lingo Bingo game.  Depending on the booklet you are using, the pictures will either focus on Vessels, Vestments and Symbols, Furnishings, Parts of the Mass or Sacraments.

If you follow directions carefully for printing the Color Me Catholic booklets you should have no difficulty assembling the booklets properly.  I, however, failed to read the directions first and took many frustrating attempts to get it right.  Then I read the directions and it all came together beautifully.  [Moral of the story: Read the directions first.  You'll be glad you did.]

I really like the concept of Color Me Catholic, but I had a few issues with it.  First, I would have liked it better if all of the "people's parts" of the Mass responses were in a single booklet since my middle daughter who was my tester for this product would lose focus during Mass instead of following along.  While I like the idea of familiarizing children with the different things found in the church, the idea of doing a scavenger hunt during Mass didn't sit well with me especially when my daughter was careening to get a better look around the church.  Of course, that is the point of these booklets to get her looking around and becoming familiar with what you'll find at church.

Since the booklets are in black and white children can color in the pictures and customize the booklets to suit their style.  My daughter enjoyed getting to color the booklets which is something she doesn't get to do with her weekly missal.

Overall, this is a nice way to help your child actively participate in the Mass and learn about the things found around the church.

I was provided with a review copy of Color Me Catholic New Roman Missal Edition printable download by the publisher, Arma Dei in exchange for my honest review.  Visit the Arma Dei Shoppe for more information on this product or to purchase.

Arma Dei Review: Cathletics Key Cards

Arma Dei has a lot of great products that are great tools for teaching children about the treasure of our Catholic faith.  Several months back I was given the opportunity to write some product reviews of a select group of the products Arma Dei has to offer.  My final review in this series of product reviews is the Arma Dei Cathletic Key Cards.

In all there are eighteen different Cathletics Key Cards offer by Arma Dei.  These cards cover a wide range of Catholic topics.  There are Cathletics Key Cards for the rosary, bible heroes, angels, daily prayers, altar servers, patron saints, vessels & vestments, reconciliation, rules to live by and several more.  For the purpose of the review, I was send three Cathletics Key Cards: Vessels & Vestments, Rules to Live By, and Reconciliation.  All three of the cards have been well received by my older daughter who is nine and a half.

I have to say that I think Vessels & Vestments is a favorite.  My daughter is a fairly new altar server (she's been serving since the feast of the Immaculate Conception) and she has found this card to be a great way to learn the names of some of the vessels that are used during Mass.

I think the Reconciliation card is a great aid for preparing for the sacrament of reconciliation.  This card walks you step by step through the sacrament.  This is not only helpful for children, but I imagine many adults would find this card nice to have on hand.  The card also offers a child friendly examination of conscience.  An Act of Contrition is also printed on this card.  I think this particular card could be very helpful for students who are preparing for  first reconciliation.  

The Rules to Live By card is one that is packed with information.  Children can use this card to learn the ten commandments, the eight beatitudes, the seven virtues, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and the six precepts of the church.  Where applicable, this card also lists references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Geeky moms like me get excited when they see Catechism references like that on kid's things.)  I like this card because it can be used as a sort of trivia game.  You can use the information on the card and ask questions to see just how well your child knows the rules to live by.  

I like how these cards nicely complement other Arma Dei products.  The illustrations on the Vessels and Vestments card are just like those on the Reverence and Awe and Cathletics Playing Cards and Catholic Lingo Bingo game.  All of these cards are great for fostering an interest in our Catholic faith among children.  

For more information on Cathletics Key Cards, visit Equipping Catholic Families, the Arma Dei blog.  While you're there, check out some of the other great products this Catholic apostolate has to offer.  You'll be glad you did.

I was provided with three Arma Dei Cathletics Key Cards by the publisher, Arma Dei, in exchange for my honest review.

Equipping Catholic Families

About a week ago, Monica from Arma Dei contacted me and told me about her new blog called Equipping Catholic Families.  On her blog you can not only find reviews of Arma Dei products, but you can also find some really cute craft ideas.  Some of the ideas come straight from Monica's book, A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families.

If you're facing a snow day and the looming boredom or insanity that comes with such days, she has an idea that is not only really creative, but should also keep your kids out of your hair for a little while.  I love that she took items that most of us can find in our house and turned them in to a castle.

And, if you have a kid who can't get enough of the game Guess Who? she even came up with an awesome template so you can play Guess Who? using the saints.  We have an old version of Guess Who?, but seeing Monica's Guess Who? saint templates makes me want to go out and buy the newer edition so the girls and I can play this game with saints.

You can also follow Arma Dei on Facebook where you'll find previews of her latest craft ideas that have been posted on Equipping Catholic Families.

Arma Dei Review: Hand in Hand with Jesus

If you haven't ever heard of Arma Dei, they're a Catholic Apostolate that offers lots of great products to help teach the faith to children.  They have books, games and crafts that all work to orient your child's hear and mind towards God.  Hand in Hand with Jesus is a faith journal produced by Arma Dei.  I think the whole concept of this journal is pretty cool.  First off, it's actually two journals in one.  The first journal is Hand in hand with Jesus which covers catechesis on the seven Sacraments and teaching of the Catholic faith.  There are also places where you or your child can record when they celebrate a sacrament.  The second journal is called Heart to heart with Jesus and it is filled with questions that will serve to get your child thinking and reflecting on his or her relationship with Jesus.

My overall impression of this journal is that it's sort of the baby book, if you will, of your child's spiritual life.  There are places to record your family tree, milestones, reception of the Sacraments, and your child's thoughts regarding many aspects of his/her spiritual life.   The journal is filled with lots of illustrations that your child can color so he or she can really make this journal his/her own.  Because of the nature of this journal and the need to fill in your thoughts, I think it's best suited to children seven and up when it comes to the actual journaling.  I think it would make a lovely gift for a child who is preparing for his or her first reconciliation and communion.

I was impressed with the catechesis offered in this book.  There is a nice section of prayers near the beginning of this book.  I particularly appreciated that the prayers we all in their traditional form.  Too often books geared to children have more "modern" versions of traditional prayers.  I also liked that references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church are given throughout the area of the book that pose catechism questions.  An answer key to the fill in the blank questions is also provided at the end of the book.  The area of the book that discuss the Mass is nicely done and offers children a check list that will prompt them to treat the Mass reverently. The descriptions of the seven Sacraments are also very well done and are put in terms that children will easily understand and take to heart.

I think this journal is a wonderful way to help your child grow closer to Jesus and gain a deeper appreciation for our Catholic faith.  Because your child can fill in this journal with his or her unique answers to all of the questions, he or she will certainly come to treasure this special journal.

If you'd like to learn more about Hand in Hand with Jesus, please visit Arma Dei for more information.

I was provided with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Arma Dei Review: Cathletics Playing Cards

If your children are anything like mine, they probably like playing card games.  Whether it's trivia cards, Uno or Go Fish, the kids are always happy to sit and play a card game.  I'm a fan of card games because they neatly pack away into a compact box that doesn't take up much space.

Recently, we've had the pleasure of playing with Arma Dei's Cathletics Playing Cards.  Just as with any ordinary deck of cards, there are four suits.  Each of the four suits is a symbol that represents the Blessed Trinity.  The suits are a shamrock, the cross, a dove and a heart. What makes Cathletics Playing Cards different is every card is different and each one contains key facts about our Catholic faith.  For example the 7s deal with aspects of our faith for which there are seven, such as the Sacraments, works of mercy (both spiritual and corporal), virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The cool thing about these cards is your child can play an ordinary game like Go Fish and learn about his or her faith at the same time.  As a mom and religious education instructor, I love that these playing cards offer good solid catechesis.

My nine year old thinks these cards are cool.  She particularly likes to quiz me on the faith facts found on these cards while we play.  Apparently the fun thing to do these days is see just how knowledgeable Mom is about Catholicism.  I, of course, like to use these cards to see how much she's retaining about our faith.

I think these cards are great for kids in the 2nd to 8th grade age range.  Moms and Dads may even learn a little something from playing with these cards!  I don't recommend these cards for very little ones who can't yet read or or just learning to read simply because I think they're too advanced for them.


For more information on Cathletics Playing Cards, visit Arma Dei.  I was provided with a review copy of these cards in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review A Treasure Chest of Traditions For Catholic Families

I have the pleasure of doing a series of reviews for products from the Catholic apostolate Arma Dei.  Arma Dei has lots of wonderful books, crafts and games for imparting the treasure of our Catholic faith to our children.

One of the products I've had the pleasure of reviewing is Monica McConkey's spiral bound book, A Treasure Chest of Traditions For Catholic Families.  This book really is a treasure chest of ideas for how to live out the liturgical year with your children.  The book follows the liturgical year from beginning to end (Advent to the solemnity of Christ the King).

For each month of the year there is a list of saints' days so you can take a look at this list for each month and get an at a glance idea of what you might like to celebrate in the coming month.  Throughout the book you will find loads of great craft ideas to help make the liturgical year come alive for your child.  During the Advent season for example, you'll find a list of the readings and symbols to make your own Jesse Tree, and creative ways to make the nativity scene approachable for young children.

This book is also filled with lots of game ideas that could be used in small or large group settings.  I found several games in this book that will be perfect for my religious education classes.  There are even ideas for throwing an All Saints' Party.

Something I really liked about this book is it doesn't just give you ideas for celebrating the liturgical year, it also gives you a wonderful list of online resources.  There's even a library page with book suggestions for kids, moms, spiritual reading and reference as well as online resources for CDs, DVDs and VBS programs.

This handy book is useful for both families and catechists.  For more information on this book visit Arma Dei.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Stay tuned for more Arma Dei product reviews in the coming months.

Arma Dei

About two weeks ago a package filled with lots of awesome goodies arrived on my doorstep from Arma Dei.  Arma Dei is a Catholic publishing apostolate that has wonderful crafts, games and books geared toward helping your child learn and explore the faith.

I'm hoping to start blogging a series of Arma Dei product reviews beginning next month.