Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

The Collect:

Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12Matthew 28:16-20Psalm 97:1-2,7-12 orPsalm 96:1-7 

His Life:
An online source that includes Patrick's biography along with the words his Lorica or St. Patrick's Breastplate.


Our Menu, recipes below:
Shepherd's Pie
Colcannon
Irish Soda Bread

Serving Colcannon. Our St. Patrick's Day Feast in 2007 back when we lived in WI.

Activities:

• Use this day to discuss the Trinity with your children using a shamrock plant, as St. Patrick is reported to have done.
• Make 3 leaf clovers and discuss how Patrick used them to teach about the Trinity. Here is a sample craft. 
• Go on a clover hunt if they are growing in your area.
• For your little ones, have them hold and move the clover as you sing St. Patrick's Breastplate.
• Make breastplates. We designed ours with snakes and cross. The Cross and Clover images we used to color our shield and breastplate.

 Miss G in 2007!

• Tell stories and legends of St. Patrick. We focus on his evangelism, his bravery and his devotion which can be learned from his own writings.
•  Here are more coloring pages, books, and cooking fun

The Picture Books:

We are able to find Saint Patrick by Ann Tompert at the library; it focuses on the known events of his life rather than the legends. Last year my son was enthralled with the story of a hero. When we read about the Irish pirates looting and then kidnapping Patrick, he jumped down and acted it out. The Tompert book really brought the story to life and expressed Patrick's conversion and reliance on God so well.




But I wish we were able to find:

The Story of St. Patrick by James A. Janda



Patrick: Saint of Ireland by Joyce Denham




Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie DePaola





Recipes:

Colcannon

INGREDIENTS

·     2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed

·     4 slices bacon

·     1/2 small head cabbage, chopped

·     1 large onion, chopped

·     1/2 cup milk

·     salt and pepper to taste

·     1/4 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

1.   Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.

2.   Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble and set aside. In the reserved drippings, saute the cabbage and onion until soft and translucent. Putting a lid on the pan helps the vegetables cook faster.

3.   Drain the cooked potatoes, mash with milk and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the bacon, cabbage, and onions, then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the melted butter. Serve immediately.

Irish Soda Bread

INGREDIENTS

·     4 cups all-purpose flour

·     4 tablespoons white sugar

·     1 teaspoon baking soda

·     1 tablespoon baking powder

·     1/2 teaspoon salt

·     1/2 cup margarine, softened

·     1 cup buttermilk

·     1 egg

·     1/4 cup butter, melted

·     1/4 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

2.   In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.

3.   Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes. 

My Mom's Shepherd Pie.

1 ½ lb. Meatloaf Mix (beef, pork and veal)
3 tsp. Greek Seasoning (recipe below)
2 8 oz. cans Tomato Sauce
10 oz. Peas and Carrots, thawed
Mashed Potatoes for 6 – Ore Ida frozen are ideal/ prepare as directed
Greek Seasoning
2 t. salt
2 t. oregano
1 ½ t. onion powder
1 ½ t. garlic powder
1 t. cornstarch
1 t. pepper
1 t. beef bouillon
1 t. parsley flakes
½ t. cinnamon
½ t. nutmeg
Mix and set aside 3 t. for recipe
1. Brown meat in skillet. Add 2 t. Greek Seasoning,
tomato sauce and peas and carrots. Simmer 5 – 10 min.
2. Pour into 13 x 9 pan and top with Mashed Potatoes.
3. Sprinkle with 1 t. Seasoning and broil until potatoes
are browned.