Sometimes, we are looking for ways to inspire our kids. How can we make some real connections? Cooking and baking are one of my favorite pass times and ways to connect. We may have traditional foods for certain times of year or faith celebrations. I love to create. Food is comfort. Food is nourishment. Good food nourishes the soul, too!

I found this book about a Saint around the time I was preparing for Lent. I am a Catechist or teacher of the Christian faith. As a Catholic Christian, we have many traditions to celebrate with food! I’m sure that you have some faith or family traditions from birthday cake or special dinners.

I love teaching or exploring the lives of the Saints. Some of the stories are tragic and can show the worst sides of humanity. A lot of them have elements, or moments, of love, caring, perseverance and joy. What can we learn from them?

This story is about 12-year-old St. Zita who works as a housemaid. She wants to help her friend whose mom is sick. They are in need. There are many elements to the story that is told in a simple but engaging way for kids. I like to use story books as a jumping off point for lessons and discussions.

One of the foods I like to make and share is my version of Fasting Bread. I have made all kinds of bread over the years, with yeast, without yeast, fried, baked or boiled (like pretzels!), and even bread dumplings! This year, I will make bread with my 5th grade class. We’ll talk about the ingredients and how they can remind us of our faith and who we want to be. Scripture says that we are to be the Salt and Light and even the leaven for the world around us. What can we make or grow to help ourselves and the world around us? See the Parables in Matthew 5 and Luke 13 including the Parable of the Mustard Seed followed by the Parable of the Leaven. What does it mean? Our faith can be as small as a mustard seed and can still grow to be a huge tree! The smallest of leaven (yeast) when incorporated into a mound of flour, given time, will make the whole dough rise!

Our first class of Lent included a Mass where we receive ashes, remembering that we are called to ‘repent and believe in the Gospel,’ or Good News of Jesus. So let’s turn around or go back to the basics. Let’s do the right thing and serve others. Let’s pray, fast and give. This week, we will make bread. It will be ‘broken’ and given to someone we know! We give a piece of ourselves in time and talent every day. This is the Eucharistic Life.

Walking humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)

Wishing you many blessings!