St. Ludovico of Casoria (Feast Day March 29)

March 11, 1814 – March 30, 1885

Born in Casoria, Italy, Arcangelo Palmentieri was a cabinetmaker before entering the Friars Minor in 1832, taking the name Ludovico. After his ordination five years later, he taught chemistry, physics, and mathematics to younger members of his province for several years. In 1847, he had a mystical experience, after which he dedicated his life to the poor and the infirm. He established a dispensary for the poor, two schools for African children, an institute for the children of nobility, an institution for orphans, the deaf, and the speechless, and other institutes for the blind, elderly, and travelers. In 1859, he established the Gray Brothers, a religious community composed of men who formerly belonged to the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later, he founded the Gray Sisters of St. Elizabeth for the same purpose.

·      Is there anything that is SO valuable that you would sell all that you have to purchase it? If so, what is it?

·      Did you ever lose something important and then find it later? What did that feel like?

·      What is Jesus trying to teach us in today’s Gospel?

·      St. Ludovico taught math and science classes. How do these subjects reflect the beauty of our Creator?

Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt is a great way to keep kids entertained and reinforce today’s Gospel. Consider creating a treasure hunt at your home; it takes some time to prepare it, but it’s well worth it! Have kids invite their friends. Here are some tips for preparing the treasure hunt:

1.     Choose a large, age-appropriate location. Assign buddies to younger kids so they don’t get confused or lost.

2.     Choose a format or a theme.

3.     Determine how long the treasure hunt will take. A good rule of thumb is that kids' patience will last through about twice as many clues as they are years old. Of course, even older kids may get a little tired after 26 clues. Anywhere between 5-15 is generally a good length, depending on how far apart the clues are from each other.

4.     Make a great treasure. The very last clue should lead to some sort of treasure or fun activity, rewarding everyone for finishing. Consider having a prize for the first person or team to find the treasure, which will give some competition and urgency to the hunt.

·      Decorate a box with pictures or construction paper, then fill it with goodies such as candy, coins, or toys.

·      The treasure doesn't have to be a thing. You can set up a great meal, party area, or a game so that the kids arrive at a fun "secret grove."

·      If the hunt is for smaller children, make sure there are some consolation prizes—everyone should find or go home with something.

5.     Search the Internet for creative ideas on how to make clues using codes and treasure maps.

6.     Do a final run through of your treasure hunt to ensure that all the pieces fit together properly.

Build Your Own Pizza

Make your own edible treasure by building your own pizza today.

Prep the Toppings:

The list of options really can go on and on, but here are some ideas. Have the kids help prep!

– Tomato sauce

– Pesto sauce

– Mozzarella (shredded or sliced thin)

– Goat cheese

– Parmesan cheese

– Sausage (cooked and crumbled)

– Pepperoni

– Bell peppers

– Onions

– Mushrooms

– Olives

– Chicken (cooked)

– Roasted veggies (zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, Brussel sprouts, etc.)

– Ricotta cheese

– Pine nuts

– Bacon

– Sliced tomatoes

– Arugula (put on after baking)

– Fresh basil (put on after baking)

Buy pre-made pizza dough from a local specialty grocer, get frozen pizza dough from the grocery store, or make your own pizza dough, if you are ambitious! Divide thawed pizza dough into individual sizes. Flatten out on floured surface until thin, and transfer to pizza pan or stone. Kids can help with this too! Coat dough with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic salt. Top with pre-made sauce, pesto, or omit sauce for white pizza. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, assemble with desired toppings, more mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake in oven at 500 F for 8 to 10 minutes or on an outdoor grill for about 6 to 7 minutes, rotating pan about halfway through cooking time.

Guardian Angel Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God's love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

Today’s Gospel talks about the kingdom of heaven being like a treasure. There are many valuable things in your church. What do you think is most valuable?

Work on being thankful this week. Wake up each morning and thank God for all that you have (your family, your home, your friends, your faith, etc.).

The most valuable earthly treasure ever found (The Cuerdale Hoard) was discovered in 1840 by a group of workmen in a river near Preston in England. Inside was one of the biggest hoards of Viking treasure ever found—more than 8,600 items were documented, including silver coins, various bits of jewelry, and silver ingots. It has an estimated worth of $3.2 million.