Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

For Catholics, lent is the holiest season of the church year. It follows the temptation by Satan of Jesus in the desert. During this time, we fast, pray and give alms in imitation of Christ's suffering and in reparation for our sins. Lent ends with Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. From there, we follow the way of the cross (via dolorosa) as stations of the cross. In the last three days of Lent, called the Easter or paschal triduum. "Paschal" refers to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday. It continues through Good Friday, Easter Vigil or Holy Saturday and on to Easter Sunday. Here are free printable coloring pages to help children explore the paschal mysteries of Christ's Easter Triduum.  Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring Pages: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit

Many Detroiters struggle with homelessness. Just how big is the problem? Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says 18,000 people won't have a place to sleep tonight. There are several large shelters but not enough to house that many. And as worthy as emergency shelters are, they're only temporary. Preventing homelessness is the key and that's what "rapid rehousing" is all about. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed American Recovery and Reinvestment which funded the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) administered by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development Homeless Resource Exchange (HUD-HRE). With the ending of that program last December, the need will be greater. Several organizations in Detroit continue that program model: to get people into permanent homes as quickly as possible.  Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit 

Living with Active Addiction: Staying Healthy Amid Chaos

Living with addiction in any form-- alcohol, religious, rage, money, sex, overeating, smoking--is miserable. I've played codependent to many. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. I've made every mistake in the book (and invented some). Most of my dysfunctional coping mechanisms were learned in childhood and I'm working to recover from them. Here's what to expect in codependent recovery.   Living with Active Addiction: Staying Healthy Amid Chaos

Natural Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Supplements

I've always struggled with panic attacks, anxiety, depression, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I lost two second trimester infants and started menopause early, at about 45. For seven years, I took antidepressants. These made me feel disoriented and numb. I also put on 100 pounds (which certainly didn't help the depression!) I weaned myself several years ago and now use natural supplements to combat negative feelings and boost emotional health. Here's my daily mental health regimen.  Natural Antidepressants, Drugfree Antianxiety Supplements

Dealing with Sad Feelings when Kids Elope

Our oldest daughter is getting married. The bride and her fiance live in down south and both families live up north. They're planning a destination wedding in Florida with just the two of them. We're pleased they're tying the knot, but disappointed not to be part of her big day. If you're a parent whose child is eloping, here are tips to help you deal with any disappointment and enjoy their special day! Dealing with Sad Feelings when Kids Elope

Black History Month: Detroit Heard MLK Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech First

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left many significant marks on U.S. history. One of his chief accomplishments was his "I Have a Dream" speech, given at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. The Lincoln Memorial wasn't the first platform at which Dr. King gave the speech, however. Detroiters heard it first on June 23 of that same year.  Detroit Heard MLK Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech First 

What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: Jan. 25-27, 2013

Winter has finally gotten into gear in Michigan for this fourth weekend of 2013. But snow and plummeting temperatures aren't slowing things down in Detroit. The January 25-27, 2013, weekend is jam-packed with activities for kids, families, and adults. Here are a few selections around Metro Detroit for your weekend.  What to Do in Detroit Jan. 25-27, 2013