Living LIT

There's ancient beauty hidden in the "O Antiphons" that connect to the popular Advent hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." This week I share an "Ignition" episode I co-hosted with Dr Chris Burwald for his show. We dive deep into these treasures of Advent, exploring their rich meaning and uncovering a clever "code" embedded in the Latin text—a message that proclaims: Tomorrow, I will come!

We’ll decode this beautiful secret, walk through each Antiphon’s profound titles for Christ, and reflect on their spiritual power. Plus, I’ll share some LIT (and tasty!) ways to bring these days to life with fun, themed foods inspired by the O' Antiphons. Whether you’re looking for deeper prayer or joyful celebration, this episode has something for everyone.

Join us for a journey into Advent wonder that will leave you inspired to say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” 

Dr Burgwald's podcast Ignition Ignition - Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls is a weekly podcast with a library of over 600 episodes.

The O' Antiphon medallions and free printables I use in the show and in our home Look to Him and be Radiant: o antiphons

Instagram to see how our family did a super fun Root Beer tasting for one of the O Antiphon days. And Instagram what a typical night of O' Antiphons looks like in our family.

O'Antiphons | Catholic Living For more info on bringing the O' Antiphons into your Advent. A quick show I did for Catholic Living.

Fr Zach Schaefbauer is back to explore a topic that touches all of us: how often we put other things or even other people before God. Together, we delve into questions like:  When does placing others before God become sinful? And most importantly, what does it truly mean to say, "I love God"?

Father Zach shares profound theological insights on love, sin, and our relationship with God. This episode challenges us to reflect on our daily choices and invites us to realign our hearts toward God as our first love.

If you missed the last time Fr Zach was on Living LIT--you can listen here:

Why do I have to go to Mass if I don't get anything out if it? Q & A with Fr Zach Schaefbauer part 1

 One Festive Mama, Megan Beisel is here to chat with us about all things Advent and her new guide booklet, "Cultivating an Advent Atmosphere."  Megan is known online as "One Festive Mama." She loves to live the seasons and liturgical year in a fun, meaningful & memorable, festive way. In this episode she shares some of her passion and what brought her to Living LITurgical. She also shares a great system for keeping your Liturgical Living goodies and ideas organized to make celebrating simple and easy.

Here are some of the links we talked about:

Cultivating an Advent Atmosphere Megan's new booklet

Liturgical Living Binder How to organize your Living Liturgical goodies and papers

Here are a couple other Advent posts from Megan's blog

Advent Feast Days

Advent Mini-Pilgrimage

You can find and follow Megan at One Festive Mama Instagram

And Follow 'Living LIT' on IG at Divine 9 Living LIT Instagram

Teresa Henrickson shares how she and her family bring the season of Advent alive through her family’s cherished traditions. She shares the joy, warmth, and significance of her family’s annual Advent kick-off party, which has become a much-anticipated celebration to mark the beginning of this holy season. Centered around the Advent wreath, this tradition is not only a festive gathering but also a time for reflection, prayer, scripture and connection.

Together, we explore how faith rituals help each family member feel a deeper sense of belonging and identity. Join us for inspiration on how to bring meaning and togetherness into your own Advent season.

It's time to celebrate the feast of "Jesus Christ, King of the Universe." In this episode, Audrey Anderson shares how she lives lit(urgical) as a single woman with a passion to live in God's love and "Divine Daughterhood" as a daughter of the King. Audrey fully embraces her role as "Godmother" and shares meaningful ways godparents can play an active role in their God children's lives. We round out this show with ideas for everyone, in all stages of life and faith to celebrate the culminating end of the Church year by honoring Christ the King.

(super easy and quick Lit tip--If you live in a city with a BK, swing by and pick up crowns after going to Mass on this special Sunday.)

Fr Cowles helps set the stage for us to start thinking about and preparing for Advent NOW, yep before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into practical and spiritual ways to prepare for Advent before the season even begins. It's easy to get caught off guard and not be fully prepared to enter into Advent with a heart open and ready to receive, especially when it sneaks up so quickly after Thanksgiving!  With Fr's practical tips, ideas and encouragement--You'll be prepared to step away from the busyness of the world and reflect on the coming of Christ. Bring on the "Splash of Purple & a little bit of Penance!"

We've all been there at some point in life-- we go to Mass regularly and faithfully, but we don't "feel" like we get anything out of it. Why go? Fr Zach Schaefbaurer answers this question. His answer might just surprise you.

In this episode, we dive into meaningful ways to bring the celebrations of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2) into the heart of the home this month. These two feast days offer beautiful opportunities for families to connect with the rich tradition of honoring saints and remembering loved ones who have passed. (If you're still fuzzy or unsure about Purgatory--see my resources below. We got you! & Your loved ones! :) )

These resources will also help you this month. Especially on the topic of Purgatory.

529: The Mercy of Purgatory | Ignition     

How should Catholics celebrate Halloween? | Catholic Views

530: Memento Mori... Remember Your Death! | Ignition - YouTube

520: Getting to Know Our Big Brothers and Sisters | Ignition

For the cutest printable All Saints Day banner, celebration pack and All Souls candle wraps for free--visit The Little Rose Shop here: vault – The Little Rose Shop

My bigs are back for round 2, to chat about their transition into adulthood and how being raised in a faith-focused family and home helped launch them into the big world. (If you missed the fun in part 1 with my bigs- be sure and go back to listen and get introduced to them.)

Join Robyn as she sits down with her three adult children to have conversation about what it was like to grow up Living Liturgically in a faith-focused home.  

Family Formation program that the Bruggeman family uses and loves:

Home | Family Formation