The Little Catholic Box (August 2023)

St. Francis of Assisi Picnic Blanket by Alaina Rose Designs

“Ask the beasts, and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.”
-St. Francis of Assisi.

Our talented daughter Alaina created an original design for us, inspired by this quote from the patron saint of Colorado, St. Francis.

In the summer, we spend many weekends in the mountains and foothills, enjoying short hikes and picnics with our kids. These experiences are always breathtaking, and not just because of the altitude.

These picnic blankets have a warm fleece side for sitting on, and a durable nylon reverse.

They easily fold up into a small and light bundle, and have a carrying handle to make transportation a breeze.

Cabrini Shrine Engraved Phone Stand

by Sunrise Grapes

“Love, and let God take care of the rest.”

- St. Francis Xavier (Mother) Cabrini

Mother Cabrini was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a Saint.

She founded a religious order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and went on to establish 67 schools, orphanages, and hospitals around the world.

In 1910, Mother Cabrini established a summer camp for orphans in the mountains outside Golden, CO. I have prayerfully hiked the 373 steps to the top of the mountain many times.

The engraved image on this phone stand is looking down the steps, the Stations of the Cross visible on the left hand side of the trail.

Thank you Theresa from Sunrise Grapes for bringing this design to life!

These phone stands have a cutout to accommodate a charging cable, and add some faith-filled beauty to the table or desk they are sitting on.

And as you set your phone upon it to "give it a rest," perhaps Mother Cabrini's wisdom to "let God take care of the rest" will influence the next time you pick it up. :)

(Bad pun, I know.)

Julia Greeley Prayer Card by Amy Heyse Art

Servant of God Julia Greeley was a former slave who transformed many lives and hearts with her selfless acts of love and charity, despite her own poverty and hardships.

In the late 1800’s she was known to pull a red wagon through the streets of Denver, secretly distributing food, clothing, and coal to the poor and needy.

In 2016, the cause for her canonization was opened, and in 2017, her remains were moved to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver.

Testimonies of her intercession are being collected and reported by the Julia Greeley Guild, and can be found on their website.

Please use this prayer card to ask for Julia's intercession for your intentions, and report in writing any favors received to the Julia Greeley Guild for potential use in her case for canonization.

Also please visit the artist, Amy Heyse, for her beautiful depictions of many saints! Amy is a talented artist and we are fortunate to have worked with her on this item.

Feet of the Messenger Sketchpad by Elizabeth Zelasko

“How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of the messenger announcing peace, of the messenger of good news, who proclaims salvation and says to Zion, 'Your God is King!'"

- Isaiah 52:7

This sketchpad features the art of fine artist Elizabeth Zelasko and reminds us that we are each called to be messengers of peace, and of the good news that God is King!

These sketchpads are comprised of 50 pages of unlined, lightly textured paper, working well with both both pencils and pens.

Record your thoughts, whether they are words or images.

Rocky Mountain Wildflower Postcards by January Jane Shop

There is nothing in the world that compares to rounding a bend while hiking in the mountains, then encountering a meadow blanketed with wildflowers.

As Jesus reminds us in Matthew, “See how the flowers of the field grow...Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

Jana, the artist behind January Jane Shop, created these postcards from this inspiration, and we lovingly share them with you.

JPII Handmade Pencil Bag + Pencils by The Little Rose Shop and The Little Catholic Box

“Be amazed at the heights to which you are called” -Pope St. John Paul II

There is no denying the impact that JPII’s visit to Colorado 30 years ago has made here.

We are blessed with many impactful ministries, such as FOCUS, Augustine Institute,
Christ in the City, and TWO thriving seminaries.

The beautiful fabric print used for these pencil bags was created by Raquel at The Little Rose Shop, and my mother and I then hand-sewed each bag. It took us dozens of hours over several weeks to make enough for our subscribers... I'm not complaining, but I had no idea how much work this would be until we were in the thick of it!