St. Katharine Drexel (Feast Day March 3)

November 26, 1858 -March 3, 1955

Katharine Drexel was born to a well-known Philadelphia family in 1858. Katharine was taught from a young age to share what she had with others in need. She focused her energy on the material and spiritual well-being of African Americans and Native Americans. During an audience with Pope Leo XIII in Rome, Katharine asked him to send missionary priests to the United States to minister to Native Americans. The pope asked her why she did not become a missionary herself. So, Katharine founded an order of nuns to serve the Native-American and African American communities. She and the sisters worked to improve the lives of those they served. Katharine founded Xavier University in New Orleans, the first black Catholic college in the United States. By the time she died, more than 500 sisters were teaching in 63 schools nationwide.

·      Today’s Gospel says that Jesus fasted (didn’t eat) for forty days and then he was tempted by the devil to use his power to turn stones into bread. Jesus said no! Do you think it was hard for Jesus to stand up to the devil?

·      Have you ever been tempted to do something that you shouldn’t do and, like Jesus, had the courage and strength to say no? Share about this experience.

·      What does this Gospel story teach us about Jesus?

·      St. Katharine Drexel’s family taught her to share with those in need. What are some ways your family has taught you to be charitable?           

Outdoor or Indoor Recreational Activity

·   Weather permitting, go to a local park for a hike.

·      If there’s snow in your area, build a snow fort. If there’s no snow outside, build a fort or a teepee in the living room.

·      If you live in a tropical climate, go to the beach and build a sandcastle as a family.

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Our saint of the week was born in Philadelphia, so, why not make Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches today?

Onions:

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil,

2 large Vidalia onions, sliced very thin

Coarse salt and pepper or steak-seasoning blend

Meat:

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 ½ pounds lean beef tenderloin or sirloin, sliced very thin

1 tsp garlic salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 slices provolone cheese

4 soft Italian sandwich hoagie rolls, split lengthwise

Heat a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Cook onions in olive oil, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until onions are soft. Sprinkle with seasonings.

Heat a heavy griddle pan over medium high to high heat. Sear and cook thin-sliced steaks in olive oil until brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Cook steaks in single layers in 2 batches and tenderize by cutting into meat with the side of your spatula while they cook. When the steaks are browned, sprinkle them with garlic salt and pepper. When all the steaks are cooked, add onions and mix together. Line each roll with 2 slices of provolone cheese. Pile the meat and onions into rolls on top of the cheese. Enjoy!

Act of Contrition

Learn the Act of Contrition. Explain to children that, at times, we all give in to the temptation to sin. We say the Act of Contrition to show sorrow for our sins (CCC 1451) when we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

During Lent, we skip one song/prayer during the Introductory Rite. See if you can figure out which song/prayer is missing.

Memorize the Act of Contrition.

Forty is a significant number in the Bible. Israel was tested in the desert for 40 years and failed. Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights and triumphed over Satan. Go Jesus!