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S6 E8 Helping Children Understand Death, Resurrection, and Divine Mercy

Mourning Glory Grief Podcast

*Click HERE to watch the video version of the interview on WCAT TV Show Notes  A child’s heart is a sacred place where an author writes with innocence for innocence.  It is a place to bury the treasures of faith, hope, love, wonder and beauty, inspiring hearts. When it comes to both the sacraments and the penitential season of Lent, how can we share our faith with our children while reminding them of both the death and resurrection? How can we ensure that they grasp the concept that after death, there is glory? Join Jennifer as she has a conversation with Catholic author, Susan Joy Bellevance, about her book, The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight. With underlying themes based on the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Last Rites, Susan shares how she wove parts of St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy into this beautiful children’s book.  Our Guest Susan Joy Bellavance is a Catholic children's author who has a passion for sharing the joy of the Catholic faith with children, parents, teachers, catechists, and parishes. Her books are written with the intention of engaging young readers and teaching them about the beauty of the Catholic faith. For more information on Susan’s mission, you can check out her website at bellacorabooks.com. Connect Our Guest * Email Susan * Bella Cora Books Saints mentioned in this episode * St. Anthony Mary Claret * St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta * St. Faustina * St. Catherine of Genoa * St. Catherine of Siena * St. Peter Julian Eymard Scripture * Matthew 7:5 (taking the thorn out of your eye) * Luke 23:32-43 (the two thieves with Jesus) Links * The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight * Anointing of the Sick * Divine Mercy * S1 E6 Our Saint Posse: St. Faustina with Allison Gingras Prayer for the repose of the soul of Shirley Paxia and everybody who has someone who actually died unprovided and may be in very difficult circumstances. Journaling Questions * Susan shared the idea of us building a chapel in children’s hearts. What are some of the fundamental aspects that she shared around this idea that resonated with you most? * What imagery came to your mind as Susan shared more in depth of her idea of building a chapel in our children’s hearts?  * How can you place your love of Jesus in a child’s heart or in your own heart? * Susan mentioned quite a number of saints throughout the episode (see links above). Which saint did you relate to the most and why? Is there a saint you were reminded of during the episode? * What does being a “eucharistic people” mean to you? * Susan shared two hopes she had for those who read The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight: (1) “to make a kid know how awesome and beautiful it is when the priest comes to console and bring the light and the joy and the hope of the love of Jesus,” and (2) “no matter what you will do in your life … The Lord promises you take it to him … and his mercy will be there for you.” Spend some time in prayer reflecting on these sentiments. What does the Lord bring forward to you through these? * At the beginning of the episode, Jennifer shared that there seems to be a theme of “joy” to this season of the Mourning Glory Podcast. What has been bringing you joy lately? Are you new to the podcast? We’d love to hear your feedback. Send an email to ⁠mourningglorypodcast@gmail.com⁠. Also, we would greatly appreciate it if you would subscribe to our show and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. This helps us continue to reach others so they know they are not alone on their journey.  You can also follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠ or check out our website, ⁠www.mourningglorypodcast.com⁠ where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to our private online community hosted by Mighty Networks, resources, and more.  ~God bless! Jennifer