Signs and Mysteries - A Review

As part of The Catholic Company's Reviewer program, I get the opportunity to review different products that they have in exchange for offering my opinion on them. This review is for a book, Signs and Mysteries - Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols.

I originally chose this book because I was interested in learning more about the early Christians and how they marked themselves as Christians during a dangerous time to openly be a Christian. While this book does offer insight on how these early Christians used symbols to mark themselves as Christians, there was not as much new information as I was hoping for.There were a few symbols that I had not heard of before, such as the phoenix representing Christ and his resurrection, but overall, the symbols discussed in the book were not new to me. It was interesting to see pictures of different artifacts through the years that incorporated the symbols, however, I don't feel that I learned a whole lot more than I already knew.

Overall, the book was well written, the chapters short enough to hold a person's attention, and the photos added to the interest. I think this book would be a great introduction to Christianity for someone who is newly exploring their faith more in depth.

Family Cradle

Many years ago, my great-great grandfather, James B. Brennan built a cradle for his children to sleep in. I'm not sure that he knew when he built this cradle how special it would become in the lives of his progeny.

The first child to sleep in this cradle was my great grandfather, James Sands Brennan. He was followed by his siblings, Marian, Harold & William.

The second generation of children to sleep in this cradle were: the children of James & Sarah Brennan- Jane, Ruth (my grandmother) and James Brennan; the children of Marian & Harry Hart - Harry, George & James Hart; and the children of William & Elise Brennan - Elise & William Brennan.

The third generation of children to sleep in this cradle were the children of Ruth & Gene McDonald - Gene (my father), Jim, Tom & Jeff McDonald; and the children of James & Janet Brennan - James, Joseph, Joanne, Jeff & John Brennan.

The fourth generation of children to sleep in this cradle were: the children of Gene & Diana McDonald - Cindy (that's me!), Michael, Lori, Kellie & Brian McDonald; the children of Jim & Diane McDonald - Julie McDonald; the children of Tom & Kathy McDonald - Angela, Patricia & Michelle McDonald; and the children of Jeff & Robin McDonald - Amanda & Megan McDonald.

Which brings us to the present and the fifth generation of children to have slept in the cradle: the children of Cindy & Chris Kelly - Brian, Sean, Colin & Ian Kelly; the children of Michael & Jennifer McDonald - Dylan & Allison McDonald; the child of Lori & Lou Roselli - Kelsey Roselli; and the child of David & Daniella McDonald - Rachel McDonald.

I thought I would share pictures of myself and my children all sleeping in the cradle. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family tradition with which to share with my children. I hope one day they feel the same sense of awe that I do every time I lay one of the down for the first time in this cradle.

Cindy Anne - 22nd baby

Brian Lawrence - 33rd baby

Sean Eugene - 35th baby

Colin Andrew - 37th baby

Ian Benjamin - 40th baby

Introducing our newest son

Ian Benjamin

born: June 26, 2009
7:31 p.m.
7 lbs., 4 oz.
19.5 inches

Paul in a Basket

I recently joined the Catholic Company's product reviewers. My first time up to choose a product and I chose Paul in a Basket, which is a musical production created by Rob Evans, The Donut Man. This wonderful compilation of music can be performed by a church group, or just listened to for the sheer enjoyment of the music. Plus, it's a wonderful teaching tool for your children to learn about St. Paul. And, as an added bonus, Mommy gets to learn some things too! :-)

What my kids and I love about this CD is the incredibly upbeat, catchy tunes. Brian's favorite song on the CD is the ending song, "Faith, Hope, Love". It's a short little ditty that drives home the message behind 1 Corinthians 13 - that the greatest of these is Love. Sean's favorite song is "My Name is Paul", which is the opening number. I have to admit, this is one of my favorites as well. The boys like to march around to this song. Despite this being one of my favorites, I honestly can't think of one song on this track that I don't enjoy. I have actually memorized certain bible verses as well - a big feat for this lady!

Paul in a Basket is reasonably priced, and such a wonderful addition to our time in the car, that I would highly recommend it to anyone. Be sure to check it out!

Motherhood and the Chalice

MOTHERHOOD AND THE CHALICE

A good mother’s life is like a chalice. It is a precious vessel dedicated in the deepest sense to the service of God. Sometimes, as with the chalice, its depths are glowing with the wine of joy. And sometimes it feels the tiny splash of a few drops of water that fall into it like tears. Like a chalice, too, sometimes it is lifted up and sometimes brought low. But always it is sanctified by the Presence, undoubted, though unseen, of Our Blessed Savior. Because a good Mother’s Sacrifice can be repaid only by the Sacrifice of the Mass, I send this Mass to you. God Bless! Father Eamon

This was written by our pastor and sent out to all the members of our parish. What a beautiful tribute and reminders to mothers everywhere. Happy Mother's Day!