Regina Doman's webinar last night went wonderfully. Regina truly blessed us with her God-given gifts!
It's not to late for you to take part in the webinar. Though you can't participate live, you can watch and listen to the recording of the event. Just click here:
This is a great webinar for any adult or high school student who loves to write fiction stories!!!
To view or download the accompanying handouts click here: Scribd
To check out our fiction writing classes click here: Write Your Own Fiction Book Series
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Recorded Webinar: What Every High School Student Needs to Know to Succeed in Writing
E. B. Conroy's live webinar Monday went wonderfully. What a blessing to have such a gifted writing professor to spend time with us and share her tips and experience!
To download or watch the recorded webinar (free of charge and available 24/7) please click here: Simplified Writing: What Every High School Student Needs to Know to Succeed. Share this link with other homeschoolers looking for writing help.
This is a very informative webinar that is filled a lot of practical advice that you can implement into your homeschool TODAY. I suspect that it is one that parents will watch again and again.
If you'd like to learn about other great upcoming free webinars please click here: Refresh! Midwinter Homeschool Conference.
If you'd like to learn about Professor Conroy's upcoming courses (writing and test prep), please click here: Homeschool Connections Courses.
To download or watch the recorded webinar (free of charge and available 24/7) please click here: Simplified Writing: What Every High School Student Needs to Know to Succeed. Share this link with other homeschoolers looking for writing help.
This is a very informative webinar that is filled a lot of practical advice that you can implement into your homeschool TODAY. I suspect that it is one that parents will watch again and again.
If you'd like to learn about other great upcoming free webinars please click here: Refresh! Midwinter Homeschool Conference.
If you'd like to learn about Professor Conroy's upcoming courses (writing and test prep), please click here: Homeschool Connections Courses.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Recorded Webinar: Finding Levity in Your Homeschool
Nancy Carpentier Brown's webinar last night went wonderfully. It was such a joy to spend the evening with Nancy. As a gift to the attendees, Nancy is offering a discount on two of her e-books. PLUS, Hillside Education offered a FREE giveaway. These deals were not just for the live attendees but also for those of you who watch the recorded webinar in the upcoming days. Here's all the scoop:
To watch the recorded webinar (free of charge and available 24/7) please click here:
Finding Levity in Your Homeschool: A Chestertonian Principle
Nancy is offering two of her e-books for only $4.99 each. That discount is good for one week and ends Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Click here:
A Study Guide for G. K. Chesterton's Francis of Assisi
The Blue Cross Study Edition
Hillside Education is offering a FREE giveaway. This is only good until tomorrow -- Thursday, January 19, 2012 at midnight Pacific. To enter the giveaway, simply send an email to sales@hillsideeducation.com. Put "Free Hillside Books" in the subject bar.
Thank you Nancy! And thank you Hillside!
To watch the recorded webinar (free of charge and available 24/7) please click here:
Finding Levity in Your Homeschool: A Chestertonian Principle
Nancy is offering two of her e-books for only $4.99 each. That discount is good for one week and ends Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Click here:
A Study Guide for G. K. Chesterton's Francis of Assisi
The Blue Cross Study Edition
Hillside Education is offering a FREE giveaway. This is only good until tomorrow -- Thursday, January 19, 2012 at midnight Pacific. To enter the giveaway, simply send an email to sales@hillsideeducation.com. Put "Free Hillside Books" in the subject bar.
Thank you Nancy! And thank you Hillside!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Free Webinar: Engaging the Culture as a Family
UPDATE: The date for this webinar has changed. Alicia's talk will take place Tuesday, February 28, 2012.
I have had the honor of knowing Alicia Van Hecke for a good number of years. She is a pioneer in the Catholic homeschooling movement and has worked tirelessly to help her fellow homeschoolers. Her website Love 2 Learn is one of my favorite resources. Alicia's previous webinar Choosing Worthwhile Homeschool Materials was quite popular so I wouldn't wait too long to register for this one. I hope to see you there!
Date: Monday, February 20, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Alicia VanHecke
Webinar description: As Catholic homeschool parents we are called to live out our witness before our children first; and then, as a family, live it out before the world. Mrs. Van Hecke will share her thoughts on forming children’s imaginations, providing optimal socialization, and inculcating a desire to serve, all through the lens of the Catholic faith and with an emphasis on teaching specific virtues. As a homeschooling mother herself, Mrs. Van Hecke shares her experience, humor, and natural eloquence in this presentation.
As with all of our webinars this is a live interactive event, so bring your questions and comments.
Presenter biography: Alicia Van Hecke is a homeschool graduate and the founder and editor of Love2learn.net, a popular online resource guide for Catholic homeschoolers. After attending a Catholic elementary school, she was homeschooled for highschool went on to receive her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College. She has experience teaching Math, History, Literature, Religion, Latin and Music and moderates a Junior Classical League Club for homeschooled teens. She and her husband, John, homeschool their five younger children (the oldest is in college) near Milwaukee Wisconsin. The whole family is heavily involved in their local parish where they all sing and John and Alicia are involved in the marriage preparation ministry. Her writings have appeared on numerous websites, as well as in Mater et Magistra Magazine, The Catholic Homeschool Companion [Sophia Institute Press] and in a long-running daily feature on Relevant Radio.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
I have had the honor of knowing Alicia Van Hecke for a good number of years. She is a pioneer in the Catholic homeschooling movement and has worked tirelessly to help her fellow homeschoolers. Her website Love 2 Learn is one of my favorite resources. Alicia's previous webinar Choosing Worthwhile Homeschool Materials was quite popular so I wouldn't wait too long to register for this one. I hope to see you there!
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Alicia VanHecke
Webinar description: As Catholic homeschool parents we are called to live out our witness before our children first; and then, as a family, live it out before the world. Mrs. Van Hecke will share her thoughts on forming children’s imaginations, providing optimal socialization, and inculcating a desire to serve, all through the lens of the Catholic faith and with an emphasis on teaching specific virtues. As a homeschooling mother herself, Mrs. Van Hecke shares her experience, humor, and natural eloquence in this presentation.
As with all of our webinars this is a live interactive event, so bring your questions and comments.
Presenter biography: Alicia Van Hecke is a homeschool graduate and the founder and editor of Love2learn.net, a popular online resource guide for Catholic homeschoolers. After attending a Catholic elementary school, she was homeschooled for highschool went on to receive her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College. She has experience teaching Math, History, Literature, Religion, Latin and Music and moderates a Junior Classical League Club for homeschooled teens. She and her husband, John, homeschool their five younger children (the oldest is in college) near Milwaukee Wisconsin. The whole family is heavily involved in their local parish where they all sing and John and Alicia are involved in the marriage preparation ministry. Her writings have appeared on numerous websites, as well as in Mater et Magistra Magazine, The Catholic Homeschool Companion [Sophia Institute Press] and in a long-running daily feature on Relevant Radio.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Free Webinars: Preparing Your Homeschooler for College
Katherine O'Brien of Celtic College Consultants will be hosting a series of free webinars designed to help you prepare your children for college enrollment. She'll be tackling the FAFSA, the ACT and SAT tests, and more. Here are the three talks we've scheduled with descriptions and links to register:
(click on webinar title to register)
Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Katherine O'Brien
Webinar description: Eighty percent of FAFSA forms are still filled with errors, according the the Department of Education. How can you file correctly? I'll identify the most common errors, and teach you how to avoid them. After all, the sooner your financial aid application is in, the more money your chosen school(s) will have available to award you!
Join us for this informative session to get the most $$$ for your student's education!
(click on webinar title to register)
Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Katherine O'Brien
Webinar description: In this webinar, we will explore the PSAT and PLAN tests and why (or why not) your student(s) should take them. We will also discuss the ACT and SAT and their similarities and differences. Lastly, we will explore the various methods of preparing for the tests, and which types of students do best with each method.
(click on webinar title to register)
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Katherine O'Brien
Webinar description: Research has shown that children decide whether they will go to college before they are ten years old. What factors shape that desire in children? This webinar will discuss how we and prepare our children to be lifelong learners and successful college students. It will also briefly discuss a few financial considerations so we can support our college applicants when the time comes.
Presenter biography: Since 2004, Katherine O'Brien, MA CCPS has been serving families all over the US as they prepare their children and their finances for college. A holistic planner, Katherine combines college selection, student preparation, financial aid, and alternative funding strategies to help each student and family achieve college success.
Katherine earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MA in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is the mother of six children, ranging from 7 to 17. She is in her 13th year of homeschooling. She is a Boy Scout leader and serves at her parish as well.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
(click above for these and other awesome webinars -- all free!)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Free Webinar: The Liturgical Year and Your Home
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on the webinar title to register)
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Michele Quigley
Webinar description: Learn why the Church year should be an integral part of our lives and what steps you can take to organize your home and time in a way that flows organically into the Church's liturgical seasons. Michele will share tips on time management and organization and how to make it all work with the liturgical year not against it. PLUS, all attendees will be entered into a drawing and two will win a free 2012 Catholic Daily Planner of their choice. This unique liturgical and appointment planner is a great resource for managing your time and living your faith!
Presenter's biography: Michele Quigley is a devoted wife and mother of 10 children. She is the creator of the popular Catholic Daily Planner and co-creator of the Mater Amabilis online curriculum. Michele and her family run Family-Centered™.com from their home. Michele blogs at http://family-centered.com/living and http://inhousejournal.net
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
Family Centered Living in the Domestic Church with Michele Quigley
(click on webinar title to register)
(click on webinar title to register)
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Writing Courses
Registration for our current Simplified Writing for Middle School has filled up. Because we have a number of parents on the wait list, we've added a second course. It will take place on the same days as the original course but at Noon Eastern instead of 2:00 pm Eastern.
Also note that we offer Simplified Writing for High School and Writing for College. Both of those courses are close to filling up as well, so if you're interested you should enroll today. We will not be offering those two again until next school year.
We do still have plenty of room in the fiction writing series. Those are excellent 4-week courses that can be taken alone or as a group.
Here are links for detailed information on the Spring Semester Writing Courses:
Fiction Writing Series (middle and high school)
Writing for College (college preparatory: 11th and 12th grade)
Simplified Writing for High School (9th to 11th grade)
Simplified Writing for Middle School (6th to 8th grade)
Also note that we are planning on adding a basic middle school grammar and punctuation course starting in April. Keep an eye on the website or blog for the announcement. Or drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com
Also note that we offer Simplified Writing for High School and Writing for College. Both of those courses are close to filling up as well, so if you're interested you should enroll today. We will not be offering those two again until next school year.
We do still have plenty of room in the fiction writing series. Those are excellent 4-week courses that can be taken alone or as a group.
Here are links for detailed information on the Spring Semester Writing Courses:
Fiction Writing Series (middle and high school)
Writing for College (college preparatory: 11th and 12th grade)
Simplified Writing for High School (9th to 11th grade)
Simplified Writing for Middle School (6th to 8th grade)
Also note that we are planning on adding a basic middle school grammar and punctuation course starting in April. Keep an eye on the website or blog for the announcement. Or drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Free Webinar: Is Our Faith a Fairy Tale?
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Andrew Schmiedicke
Webinar description: What do the spells and enchantments, princesses and princes, witches and wonders of fairy land have to do with our Christian Faith? Why did G.K. Chesterton believe so strongly in both? This talk playfully explores the possibilities of Chesterton's apparently puzzling perspective.
Presenter's biography: Andrew is a devoted Catholic husband, father, editor, small business owner, and homesteader. As the editor of his wife's books, Regina Doman Schmiedicke calls him "the secret of my success." He and his brother Mike and business partner Matthew own and operate Veraprise, a web development company which hosts all of Regina's websites. In 1999, he and Regina produced and directed an audio drama of The Shadow of the Bear, which won the Sonic Society's 2009 award for "Best Audio Drama Show". Together with Regina, he edits fiction for Sophia Institute Press, and helps to raise and homeschool seven of their eight children at Shirefeld, their homestead in Virginia where they raise chickens, rabbits, sheep, llamas, and pigs, while providing a good home for their three cats and dog.
You can learn more about Andrew, Regina and their work at Fairy Tale Novels.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
Free Webinar: Regina Doman on Fiction Writing
ADDENDUM: The live webinar was absolutely wonderful! You can watch and listen to a recording of the event by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/ReginaTalkFiction.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
Therefore, I am very excited to tell you that Regina is scheduled to present a free webinar to you and me on fiction writing. In our evening together we will explore the very basic questions of plot and character development. I pray that this webinar will help you and your children expand your love for reading and writing.
Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Regina Doman
Webinar description: Which come first, the character or the plot? This classic conundrum was solved by the playwright Lajos Egri, and is the method still employed by Hollywood screenwriters today. With an overview of both story structure and character building, this talk particularly explores the overlooked component that Egri used to tie both together in a satisfying whole.
Presenter's biography: Regina Doman is a Catholic wife, mother, author and editor. Currently she works for Sophia Institute Press as the editor of their fiction line, whose recent offering is Rachel's Contrition, a #1 Best Seller in Amazon's Women's Fiction category, and winner of the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best adult fiction. As an author, she has written the Fairy Tale Novels, a series of books for teens and adults that places fairy tales in modern settings with Christian themes interwoven. The fifth book in that series, Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves, won the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best young adult fiction. Her only picture book Angel in the Waters has sold over 100,000 copies. Regina and her husband Andrew live in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley where they homeschool seven of their eight children. To the question, “How do you manage to get it all done?” Regina responds, “What makes you think I get it all done?”
Visit Regina at her website by clicking here: Regina Doman
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
ADDENDUM: The live webinar was absolutely wonderful! You can watch and listen to a recording of the event by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/ReginaTalkFiction.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Spanish Classes Starting January 12th
Our Spanish I course is set up as a two part course for the school year. Part One started in September and Part Two will start in January. New students are welcomed to join us midyear next week. This is a great way to enhance your homeschool if you find that you need some help this semester in Spanish.
Please feel free to drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com to make sure your student's progress is in line with the course schedule.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Algebra I and Pre-Algebra Classes Starting Soon
Our Math courses are set up as two part for the school year. Part One starting in September and Part Two starting in January. New students are welcomed to join us midyear in January. This is a great way to enhance your homeschool if you find that you need some help this semester in Math.
We will begin the semester with the following chapters:
Saxon Algebra 1/2 Chapter 61
Saxon Algebra 1 Chapter 71
We will begin the semester with the following chapters:
Saxon Algebra 1/2 Chapter 61
Saxon Algebra 1 Chapter 71
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Latin Classes Begin January 13th
Our Latin courses are set up as two part for the school year. Part One starting in September and Part Two starting in January. New students are welcomed to join us midyear in January. This is a great way to enhance your homeschool if you find that you need some help this semester in Latin.
Please feel free to drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com to make sure your student's progress is in line with the course schedule.
Please feel free to drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com to make sure your student's progress is in line with the course schedule.
Registration links:
Latin 1/2 (Middle School) -- Jenney's First Year Latin
Latin I (High School) -- Wheelock Latin
Latin II (High School) -- Wheelock Latin
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Free Online Classes: Modern American History
Due to the outstanding response to Mr. Campbell's FREE Modern History course, we're extending the offer until the Feast of the Epiphany.
Click here and learn! Modern American History
Click here and learn! Modern American History
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Free Webinar: Homeschooling and Socialization
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
I saw Mary Ellen give this talk at the CHAPLET Conference in New Jersey this last summer and it was quite excellent. She blew the myth of "What about socialization" right out of the water. This will be a great webinar for you to find encouragement and to be reminded that "socialization" is a reason TO homeschool.
One of the great things about our free webinars is their interactive nature. You make it unique with your questions and comments. So bring lots of them. Another plus is that they are all recorded -- you can share this event for years to come with friends and family.
Hope to see you there.
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (7:00 pm, Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Mary Ellen Barrett
Webinar description: Homeschoolers are often portrayed as socially crippled and abnormal. Mrs. Barrett will debunk the myths of the unsocialized homeschooler and show how the very things that make them weird to society makes them wonderful students, adults, and children of God.
Presenter's biography: Mary Ellen Barrett is a homeschooling mother of seven children. She is a longtime columnist for The Long Island Catholic and speaks on a variety of topics at conferences and parishes around the eastern part of the United States. She can be found blogging at Tales from the Bonny Blue House.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
Review: The Chronicle of Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Edited by D. Salomon
Copyright by Alpha Communications Ltd. (2008)
Review by Maria Rioux
Many books cover large periods of history, but I've yet to see one that includes so many personal experiences and fascinating stories in such a stunning, sweeping manner as does The Chronicle of Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Most of us will never set foot in the Holy Land. Traveling there is a lot easier than it used to be, but, for me and most of the families I know, living our vocation takes up every spare minute—and most of our money. Nevertheless, we each have a strong and devotional attraction to the Holy Land. The Chronicle is an excellent means to feed that natural devotion we already have for the places where Jesus lived, worked and died. Pilgrimages have always been popular because man learns through his senses: though what we know by faith is unshakably true, it's reinforced by what we can see, touch and feel. This book, a virtual pilgrimage in itself, is a phenomenal help. When you read about what people went through in order to visit the Holy Land or what they sacrificed to keep Christian sites and artifacts from falling into Muslim hands, you can't help but feel awed and inspired.
The chosen format is that of a newspaper chronicling the history and legends of the Holy Land from the birth of Christ until the present. Unlike the newspapers of today, however, this one is wonderfully balanced, while also highly informative and detailed. While Christ is undoubtedly the focus, respectful consideration is shown to those others who consider this land holy for other reasons: the Jews and the Muslims. In the 2000 years covered there's not one snide insinuation, insulting jab, or indication of bias, which is highly unusual for anything historical, especially if it is also at all religious. Evil men and evil deeds are plainly told, just as good men and virtuous acts are faithfully recounted, and each with a level of detail that makes you feel as if you might have been there. I felt as if I met Christ again, living in the Body of Christ, but also in time. I met Him first walking the paths He walked, but then, too, in those who expressed their devotion, hope, or longing through their art or by embracing the physical hardship pilgrimage to the Holy Land entails. This narrative is not a marching through 2000 years of salvation history. It is an unfolding of God's plan in time, for individuals and peoples, in the language God uses to speak to us: Scripture first and foremost, but also, through people, events, and even things themselves. I would be so bold as to say that, through this book, I have felt God more closely, marveled at His providence and love throughout time more appreciatively, and wished to be a pilgrim myself. We each are, but I'm grateful for this more concrete connection with the broader family of God throughout time, and the places and things so holy to me as well.
This book begins with the birth of Christ and I can't think of a better way to prepare for Christmas. It does not stop there. We see Christianity thrive and grow as pilgrims from increasingly distant lands journey to the Holy Land to see for themselves the places where Jesus walked, preached, prayed, wept, suffered and died. Of course they wanted to see these places! I want to see them, too! This book has helped me get as close as I am likely to get in an amazingly personal and compelling manner.
The accompanying DVD/documentary helps enormously. I've watched quite a few documentaries. The first thing one immediately notices is the voice/manner of the narrator. Even terrific pictures/footage can be unjustly under-appreciated if the narration is terrible. This is still true if the narration is not half-bad. In this case, the footage is phenomenal, and the narrator is quite good: his manner is pleasant and manly, but not over-bearing. He walks you through the Holy Land, quietly guiding and informing you along the way, almost as if he doesn't want to intrude on your thoughts. The footage is breathtakingly beautiful. Some scenes are panoramic, and others up-close and personal. Though I've never been to the Holy Land, I now almost feel like I have. The DVD alone is a kind of pilgrimage.
The author treats religious matters, sites, and controversies with a reverent yet objective tone. As a teacher, I'm particularly appreciative of this because it's not only exhausting to constantly have to work against a writer's bias, it's sometimes so time-consuming it's unfeasible. This book, however, is a pleasure to read—a delight! It has none of that. It neither demonizes nor sanctifies the Crusaders nor vilifies the Muslims. It is very much what a history should be: presenting the facts in an engaging, living manner and backing them up with authentic documentation; in the words and art of the people who lived it. Everything—the photographs, the varied and beautiful artwork, and the citations from ancient documents—works together to give a well-rounded while also deeply personal account of what went on during various periods of time in the Holy Land. And there's a wealth of it!
In fact, this book could have been an art book with an emphasis on Christianity and a penchant for historical detail and documentation. The same balance I mentioned earlier is evident even in the selected artwork: there is such a variety of types and periods. What's most astonishing is the sheer number and quality of the images—aerial shots of Jerusalem and photographs taken inside the Basilica of the Annunciation interspersed with murals, paintings, and maps—give you a vivid impression of the Holy Land itself. The paper quality is excellent, and the book is over-sized (9X13), which is especially appropriate, pleasing and necessary because there are so many stunning photos, artworks, and additional documentation of astonishing variety throughout.
It certainly isn't the same as visiting in person but, together with the DVD that's included, it's the next best thing. I can linger over the images in the book, noting the inscriptions along the margins of the icons or carved into stone, while the DVD takes me through the streets of the major cities and sites at a visitor's pace. I can direct all my attention to the sights and sounds of Jerusalem while still having a guide to point out the things I wouldn't have noticed on my own. I also liked the way the author chose to convey historical events: as newspaper headlines with the stories in columns below. For example, in Chapter I, a headline reads: It's a Boy! followed by the sub-caption: "His Name is John." It's a clever way to retell a story that we've all heard many times: the birth of John the Baptist. And, later on in the same chapter, I read: "Joseph, Do Not Be Afraid” followed by: Angel Convinces Husband to Take Mary Home.
While I cannot show you the pictures or the artwork, I can give you a glimpse of the personal nature of the narrative throughout. This is an excerpt from William Lynch's travelogue (an American naval lieutenant exploring the Jordan and the Dead Sea in 1848): "Monday, April 17. At 9:30 p.m. we arrived at "El Meshra," the bathing place of the Christian pilgrims, after having been fifteen hours in the boats. This ford is consecrated by tradition as the place where the Israelites passed over with the Ark of the Covenant; and where our Blessed Savior was baptized by John. Feeling that it would be desecration to moor the boats at a place so sacred, we passed it, and with some difficulty found a landing below. My first act was to bathe in the consecrated stream, thanking God, first for the precious favour of being permitted to visit such a spot; and secondly, for His protecting care throughout our perilous passage. For a long time after, I sat upon the bank, my mind oppressed with awe, as I mused upon the great and wondrous events which had here occurred. Perhaps directly before me, for this is near Jericho, "the waters stood and rose up upon a heap," and the multitudinous host of the Israelites passed over. ...Tradition, sustained by the geographical features of the country, makes this also the scene of the baptism of the Redeemer. The mind of man, trammeled by sin, cannot soar in contemplation of so sublime an event. On that wondrous day, when the Deity veiled in flesh descended the bank, all nature, hushed in awe, looked on, —and the impetuous river, in grateful homage, must have stayed its course, and gently laved the body of its Lord." (p. 198)
Christ promised not to leave us orphans, and He did so through His Church and the sacraments. Man learns through his senses, so concrete signs of God's presence among us is both necessary and comforting. And yet, even the sacraments are in some ways not that concrete. Baptismal water is not (for most of us) the Jordan. Mass is not Holy Thursday, though it definitely began there. This is at least partly why so many from such far away places and varied circumstances for over two thousand years have felt blessed to make the journey to the Holy Land; to be a pilgrim walking where Christ walked, seeing what Christ saw, in a spirit of prayer and penitence, faith and hope. It is a witness to the Body of Christ over time and throughout the earth. We have countless brothers and sisters, each taking this journey in some way. Some belong to the Church Triumphant (St. Helen of the Cross and St. Louis IX, for example), some to the Church Suffering (and we don't know who they are for sure, but history may lead us to suspect and we should definitely pray for them), and some to the Church Militant, who have always and do still fight for Christ as best they can and as demanded by the circumstances of their lives. We, who follow the tales of these pilgrims can relate, learn, and benefit, today as yesterday.
Lastly, another remarkable aspect of The Chronicle is its scope. From the events surrounding the life of Christ (Chapter I) up through "Twentieth-Century Pilgrimage" (Chapter XI: 1917 onward), this book explains the political forces behind the wars, the various difficulties faced by both pilgrims and Crusaders, and the internal struggles among the Muslim caliphs that accounted for bursts of benevolent tolerance as well as sudden and harsh reprisals almost completely through personal accounts. I will try to give you some sense of that by giving you a peek at each of the 11 chapters. Seriously, it's just a peek. You would not believe all that I had to leave out! Each chapter begins with a synopsis of the period covered, which is then fleshed out through the pilgrims and events of the day.
Chapter I: The Footsteps of Jesus
This chronicles the life of Christ and lays the foundation for all the chapters to follow: this land is holy because Christ was born, lived and died here.
Chapter II: The Byzantine Period (324-634 CE)
Once Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire (4th century), pilgrimages to Jerusalem increased. The difficulties involved and the hardships to be endured were extreme. First, there was the sea voyage. Ships were built for function rather than comfort and pilgrims would be crowded together in the hold, living on food that rotted a little more each day. Assuming that they survived the voyage, there were wars to avoid, governments that would spring up and collapse whenever one took his eyes off of them, and the only rule that was stable was inimical to Christians.
St. Helen of the Cross, churches built, wars between various non-Christians, Jerusalem changes hands frequently.
Monasticism in the Holy Land: hermits and communities
Mosaics, sections of carpet/floor, baptismal founts, St. Sabbas in his coffin (skeleton in fine garb)
Chapter III: The Early Arab Period (634-1099)
Various caliphs, their internal wrangling, the ones held in high regard and the traitorous dogs.
Earthquake destroys Bethlehem but leaves Church of Nativity untouched.
Church encourages sinners to make pilgrimages for sins.
Chapter IV: The Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099-1187)
Pope calls for knights to stop feuding and save Holy Sepulcher. Peter the Hermit’s disastrous People’s Crusade. “Tancred of Apulia Conquers Galilee with 80 Knights.” Godfrey’s (Protector of the Holy Sepulcher) sword, spurs, and cross photo. Teutonic Order of Knights in response to German/French hostility (German inscription on knight’s tomb erased and French one substituted). Love triangle between Eleanor of Aquitaine, Louis VII, and Raymond of Antioch (ended in divorce).
Crusaders rebuild Church of Holy Sepulcher. Women in the Crusades. Saladin defeats the Crusaders and razes all their fortress but neglects city of Tyre, thereby leaving possibility of a third crusade.
Chapter V: The Second Crusader Kingdom (1187-1270)
Heavy hitters set out to face Saladin and retake Jerusalem: Richard Lionheart, Philip II, Friedrich Barbarossa. Almost 3000 Muslim prisoners executed at Acre when Saladin refuses terms. Saladin nearly takes Jaffa but Richard Lionheart’s timely arrival and daring dive into the surf saves Christian defenders. St. King Louis’s role and death.
Chapter VI: The Mameluke Conquest (1260-1516)
Non-Christians crack down on pilgrims—Franciscans charged fee and threatened with beating to death—and destroy Church of Annunciation. Non-Christians make money off pilgrims. Pilgrims complain of noise, unpleasant odors, living conditions, and fees associated with food/travel/amenities. Prestige knighthood titles. Bogislav wrote a third-person account of his own exploits against the
Turkish pirates and fought off the last of them with a skewer for roasting chickens.
Chapter VII: Under Ottoman Rule (1516-1798)
Turks drug their soldiers and camels with opium (for fighting spirit). French pharmacist mentions 275 plants from his journey to Holy Land by name. Scotsman William Lithgow writes crude, simple account of his travels, using nicknames where he forgot the real ones, and bluntly informing critics of his work that he wished they would hang. Bestseller in twelve editions and sold for 200 years.
Dutch De Bruyn paints the Holy Land.
Chapter VIII: Into the Nineteenth Century (1798-1831)
Napoleon attempted to take the Holy Land but turned back at Acre. The Princess of Wales was royally treated by Suleiman despite suspected scandalous behavior. William John Banks, a member of the British House of Commons, carried out the first archeological excavations in Jerusalem. In renovating the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Greek Orthodox nearly went bankrupt. Irishman Richard Madden outwits bandits four times, with the last time being the most impressive. While never lucky, the Irish are, indeed, plucky.
Chapter IX: The Advent of the Modern Age (1831-1876)
Artists, architects, scientists and unlikely physicians from various countries all use their gifts to better appreciate and understand the Holy Land and its people. Jerusalem is photographed for the first time. The British conquer Acre, which must have been especially gratifying as Napoleon couldn't.
Chapter X: The Sunset of the Ottoman Empire (1876-1917)
Ottoman Turks ally with the Germans, sundering ties with the British, and fall with them when they're defeated in WWI. Kaiser Wilhelm journeys east, "feeling himself a modern Crusader, though the preparations for his journey were made by the English travel agency Thomas Cook and Sons, Ltd." The Kaiser was thus referred to as "Cook's Pilgrim". At least he got a capitol "P". Lawrence of Arabia surveys Byzantium...but in which sense? Both, maybe? The Holy City surrenders to the British. Thank God.
Chapter XI: Twentieth-Century Pilgrimage (1917 onward)
Pope Paul VI visits the Holy Land...the first pope to do so. In the Jubilee year 2000, JPII also made a pilgrimage: "To come here and to pray in the most important places which, from ancient times, have seen God's interventions, the wonders He has done."
I am not connected with this project in any way, but they are offering my readers a discount. This book was ten years in the making, with historians, theologians, journalists and researchers working together to make what Mother Therese might well have characterized as, "something beautiful for God." It's
phenomenal, and I am grateful to be even a small part of making others aware of it.
These are the details on the discount:
1) Book (DEAL1000): $47.90, plus $2 shipping and handling, for a grand total of
$49.90
2) DVD (DEAL1010): $11.99, plus $2 for shipping and handling, for a grand total
of $13.99
One can buy the book and DVD here: http://www.kindle-business.com That site also contains a few resources that will you a better preview of the book and DVD. A virtual book tour can be found here: http://www.kindle-business.com/tour/
More about each chapter and the book can be found here: http://www.kindle-business.com/footsteps.html
Excerpts from the DVD can be found here: http://www.kindlebusiness.com/dvd.html
Monday, December 19, 2011
Free Webinar: Little Flowers Girls Club
Refresh! Midwinter Virtual Conference
Little Flowers Girls Club: Having Fun While Learning Catholic Virtues with Rachel Watkins
(click on webinar title to register)
Date: Monday, February 13, 2012
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: Rachel Watkins
Description: Thinking about starting a Little Flowers Girl Club? Already a leader and looking for some tips? Have a daughter in a club and have some questions on how to make her experience even better? Whether you're a beginner, experienced, or just considering Little Girls Club for the future, this webinar is designed with you in mind.
Come meet the creator of the program, Rachel Watkins. Learn just how easy it is to start a club and how fun it is for the girls as they grow in Faith. Feel free to bring your questions. Or, if you prefer, just sit back and relax with a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy Rachel's talk.
Little Flowers Girls' Club® is a Catholic program for girls ages 5 and up based on learning Catholic virtues through the lives of Catholic saints, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Developed by our speaker Rachel Watkins, and based on Fr. Lasance's Catholic Girls' Guide, the Club strives to bring the Catholic faith alive and inspire the girls to become authentic Catholic women.
Presenter's biography: Rachel Watkins is wife to Matthew, homeschooling mom to 11 great kids, creator/writer of the Little Flowers Girls Club (ages 5 and up) and Honor Guard (ages 12 and up) Contributor to Ave Maria Radio's More 2 Life with Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak and their companion blog Exceptional Marriages. In the midst of life, she has found some time to be published in a number of Catholic publications and websites. Her life could be defined as a daily attempt to fulfill the words of Jesus who assures us that He came so that our joy would be full! She doesn't always succeed but the efforts have been surprising.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
(click on conference title to learn about other upcoming talks)
(click on webinar title to register)
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Meet Wyoming Catholic College
This new video from Wyoming Catholic College is simply beautiful. They are accomplishing great things in Wyoming. If you'd like to learn more, here is a free webinar they did for Homeschool Connections a couple of years ago. Click to view: Meet Wyoming Catholic College.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Frances Chesterton Photo Album
Nancy Brown put together this lovely YouTube photo album of Frances Chesterton, wife of G. K. You can watch Nancy's recorded webinar for free here: Frances Chesterton: What We Can Learn from the Wife of G. K. Chesterton About Home Education
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Anatomy of a Logo
We've been hard at work creating a new logo for Homeschool Connections. I have found the process to be fascinating. In fact, I even found a way to fit it into our homeschool studies.
We were studying heraldry in our Middle Ages history co-op. Each student was assigned to create their own coat of arms. We talked about how one's coat of arms represented the person or family and how each symbol and every color has some special meaning.
Then the conversation moved to how modern company logos are similar to medieval coats. Here are a few examples of logos with special and hidden meanings:
I hope you like our new logo. It's so new, you won't even see it on the website for a while yet. We're in the midst of a complete website redesign built around the new logo. We're also working to make the website more user friendly for you.
To see more cool logos, visit Toxel Design here and here and here.
We were studying heraldry in our Middle Ages history co-op. Each student was assigned to create their own coat of arms. We talked about how one's coat of arms represented the person or family and how each symbol and every color has some special meaning.
Then the conversation moved to how modern company logos are similar to medieval coats. Here are a few examples of logos with special and hidden meanings:
 |
| Notice how the arrow denotes A to Z? |
 |
| This is an electric company. See how the E and D make a plug? |
 |
| In this one the G is also a happy face. |
 | |
| And, finally, our new logo. The pencil and the book binding make a cross to represent our Catholicity. And the digitization represents the old becoming new. |
I hope you like our new logo. It's so new, you won't even see it on the website for a while yet. We're in the midst of a complete website redesign built around the new logo. We're also working to make the website more user friendly for you.
To see more cool logos, visit Toxel Design here and here and here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Free Webinar: What Every High School Student Needs to Know to Succeed in Writing
NOTE: The live webinar went fantastic. If you missed it, you may watch the recording of the event here: http://tinyurl.com/EBConroyWriting
(click on webinar title to register)
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (New York, GMT-05:00)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Presenter: E. B. Conroy (Erin)
Description: Every student needs to know how to write! Whether your student is going to college or simply wants to succeed in life—there are critical how-to skills for writing that get the good grade and business promotion. Come to this one-hour free webinar (plus Q&A) to learn the 7 most important skills of writing—and how to easily teach them to your teen. Get inspired -- and learn how to inspire your teen to love writing!
Presenter's biography: E.B. Conroy (Erin) is a public speaker, professional writer, author, curriculum writer, and college writing professor. Erin has been homeschooling for 27 years and is a parent of 13 children ages 10 to 30. Erin also teaches "Simplified Writing" courses for middle and high school students, fiction writing, and SAT/ACT prep through Homeschool Connections.
Note: Attendance is limited. If it fills up, you will be placed on a wait list. All webinars are recorded and made available for free viewing within 24 hours.
Refresh! Midwinter Homeschool Conference
(click on webinar title to register)
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