Pentecost Study - Available at Garden of Francis and The Shepherd and the Vine

Pentecost: Gifts of the Holy Spirit available at Garden of Francis and The Shepherd and the Vine is pre-printed and ready to use upon arrival. Just supply your own candles and Bibles!

A study on the history of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost is included for older children (upper elementary and adolescence).


From Seeking the Plan of God:


Among all the liturgical celebrations, Pentecost is yet another that holds rich meaning for us. My son and I celebrated aspects of Pentecost throughout the entire year.


Please see the other Holy Spirit tagged posts on Seeking the Plan of God:
Posts tagged Holy Spirit on Seeking the Plan of God
Posts tagged Pentecost on Seeking the Plan of God

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Free Files: 

Years ago, a group of us sat down with the local diocesan requirements, our priest's requirements, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. We had some issues with confusion among sources, consistency for the children and their expressed confusion. Biblical lists versus what was provided in CGS training, versus other source all varied. But were they really that different? NO! They just used different terms.

We laid out the following terms and definitions for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at level 3, utilizing each previous term they experienced in level 2 and level 1:

Wisdom	This gift helps us to understand the purpose and plan of God and to live  in a way that helps to bring about this plan.  It begins in awe and wonder at God’s greatness.
Understanding	This gift helps us make the right choices in life and in our relationships with God and with others.
Knowledge	This gift helps us to know what God asks of us and how we should respond.
Counsel (Right Judgment)	This gift helps us to make correct choices in life through reflection, discernment, consultation, and advisement.
Fortitude (Strength) (Courage)	This gift helps us to have the strength to choose to do the right thing even when that is difficult.
Delight in the Fear of the Lord (Piety) (Reverence)	This gift calls us to be faithful in our relationships both with God and with others. It helps us to love God and to behave responsibly and with generosity and affection toward others.
Fear of the Lord (Awe & Wonder)	This gift leads us to a sense of wonder and awe in the presence of God because we recognize his greatness.

Which levels we do what:
Level 1: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Right Judgment, Courage, Reverence, Awe & Wonder

Level 2: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Strength, Piety, Fear of the Lord

Level 3: Change Piety/Reverence to Delight in the Fear of the Lord and Strength to Fortitude

Each level includes the terms used in previous levels so they see what connects and flows.


The documents at this link are free and includes the 3-part and 4-part cards (with definitions) as well as name labels for each level.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Downloadable Files




The Shepherd and the Vine is offerings these sets pre-printed and ready to use!

Preparing for Great Lent

Whatever Christian denomination you are, Easter is the BIG day - the day our Lord and Savior rose from the DEAD. For many of us, Easter is a season onto itself. 50 days of celebrating in a particular way the gift we have each received. It only ends with the Pentecost - when the Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church.

Many denominations have a season of preparation for the Easter season. We call it Great Lent, or simply Lent (depending on your denomination).

During this time, we cut back, we re-focus, prioritize. 

Keep things quiet. 

Watch for the coming signs of spring - and the new life that is coming. Within the Church, we think of Christ's life, His suffering, His temptations, His humanity, and ultimately, His being God.

Many Catholics in the West refrain from meat on Fridays. There are deeper more spiritually intense fasts, including the cutting back on the number of meals each day, or the avoidance of all things meat and animal related, alcohol and olive oil throughout the 40 days of Lent as in the East.

At Garden of Francis, we want to help you on this spiritual journey, with respect to the various levels each person is at spiritually.

We are always open to further suggestions!

Some of our offerings:

Jesus Tree - similar to the Jesse Tree but focusing on the Suffering Servant. 
Varieties include

• Alternating days of prophecy and fulfillment in the New Testament. 
• Corresponding with the Western Church readings (this set will change each year)
• Corresponding with the readings of the Eastern Church
• Just an ornament for each Sunday - Western Church
• Just an ornament for each Sunday - Eastern Church
• Any customizations you like! 

Prayer Table Cloths - Family Altar Cloths 

These cloths can be simple or with lace; we have colors for each liturgical season, order individually or as sets. Made to order at any size. 

Statue Shrouds

Light-weight all-cotton cloths to cover your statues during Holy Lent.

Available in Black, Deep Red, or Deep Purple 

Pure, Simple Soap - vegan and olive oil free

Lent is a time for cleaning and for simplicity - this soap is perfect for both purposes. 

Find these and more here: 

Lent at Garden of Francis

Jesse Tree for the Christmas Season

While it is too late to get a full Jesse Tree set in time for the start of Advent, they are still available for purchase and you'll be prepared for next year! In the meantime, we also have available a Christmas Season Jesse Tree set that continues the symbolism into the Christmas season, with 12 symbols taking your family from the day after Christmas until January 6th (our Jesse Tree sets include Christmas day, and this symbol can be added to your order upon request). Deadline for a timely delivery on the Christmas Season Jesse Tree is December 17th. Or are you looking for something to help with the O Antiphons? O Antiphon sets can still be ordered by clicking here (deadline for a timely delivery is December 7th). Remember, each set is made by hand and after you place your order, so customizations are easy to accommodate and you customized or not, you will receive a truly unique set of ornaments for your family's use. God bless you all this Advent season!