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It is my pleasure to welcome another guest writer and dear friend, Natalie Rodriguez. As we walk through November, a sacred month dedicated to the souls in purgatory, she shares her fond memories of celebrating All Souls' Day with her grandmother and the way that she invites her community into that same tradition today. In this inspiring recount of heritage and culture, we can all learn how to honor our beloved deceased in the embrace of those we love and care about. All Souls' Day is a very nostalgic day for me as I recall living with my grandmother in Mexico and seeing her so carefully prepare her altar. This took days and many hours as my sweet abuelita would think of the favorite meals and treats of each family member that would have a special place on her ofrenda. Making homemade pan de muerto, mole, and atole filled the house with the most delicious aromas. How I wish I could have bottled up the scent! I rejoice in these memories with abuelita Natalia as I prepared my own altar with my mother and children a few days ago. I pray they also grow up with special memories that they recall each time this special day approaches.  This year for Dia de Los Muertos, we decided to invite friends and neighbors to place pictures of their loved ones on our ofrenda. Sharing in a special meal and spending time in prayer connected us to our loved ones and each other. It is in these moments where we allow ourselves to be stretched that Christ comes to meet us through one another. It is an opportunity for each of us to be noticed by someone else, and for our loved ones who are no longer here to be noticed too. By welcoming others into honoring the beloved dead who have shaped us brings another layer to what it means to feel truly “seen.”  When we give ourselves away through the gift of hospitality the mess may increase but so do the memories and graces. Be encouraged that you have something special to give, and that in giving you will surely receive. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. -Natalie Rodriguez If you'd like to learn more about the Triduum of Death: Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day you will really enjoy my new book Festive Faith. In this handbook for liturgical living you can get all the fascinating details about Catholic ofrendas and simple steps for creating your own.

What is All Souls' Day? The feast of All Souls, observed on November 2nd, is a day when Catholics remember, honor, and pray for the faithful departed, especially those believed to be in purgatory. The Catholic Church teaches that purgatory is a temporary state of purification for souls who died in God's grace but still need cleansing to enter heaven. Prayers, Masses, and acts of charity offered by the living can help these souls on their journey to eternal peace in heaven. Where Do Soul Cakes Come From? The tradition of soul cakes is connected to medieval customs associated with All Souls' Day. People would bake and give out small cakes, often called “soul cakes,” in memory of the departed. These cakes would be offered to visitors or to the poor as they went “souling,” a practice in which people would go door to door, praying for the dead in exchange for food. The cakes were typically round and marked with a cross, symbolizing prayers for the souls in purgatory. This tradition of giving soul cakes is a way for communities to pray for and remember the deceased, share in charity, and pass down Catholic beliefs about the communion of saints and the power of intercessory prayer. Although the practice of “souling” has mostly faded, baking and sharing soul cakes remains a meaningful way for us to connect with the festivity of All Souls’ Day and to remember that our prayers continue to support and bring comfort to the faithful departed. Try My Recipe! Here's a unique and delicious take on Soul Cakes that blends traditional elements with modern flavors. My version adds a touch of warmth and comfort, perfect for the season! Orange Spice Soul Cakes with Honey-Maple Glaze Ingredients: For the cakes: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tsp baking powder - ½ tsp ground cinnamon - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg - ¼ tsp ground cloves - ¼ tsp ground ginger - ½ tsp salt - ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1 egg - ½ cup milk - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ cup currants or raisins (optional) For the Honey-Maple Glaze: - ¼ cup honey - 2 tbsp maple syrup - 1 tbsp butter - Pinch of cinnamon Instructions: 1. Preheat and Prep: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. 2. Make the dough: - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Stir in the orange zest and currants (if using). 3. Wet ingredients: - In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll out. 4. Shape the cakes: - Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. - Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles. - Place the cakes on the prepared baking sheet and score the tops with a cross pattern using a knife. 5. Bake: - Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. 6. Glaze: - While the cakes are baking, make the glaze by heating the honey, maple syrup, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. - Once the cakes are done, brush the warm cakes with the glaze. 7. Serve: - Allow the cakes to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with tea or coffee. These Orange Spice Soul Cakes offer a blend of old-world charm with the bright, refreshing flavor of orange and the warmth of spices, elevated with a luscious honey-maple glaze. Perfect for sharing on a cool autumn day! Remember, the secret ingredient to liturgical living recipes is sharing in the fun with your friends and family. Happy baking and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and the delicious scent of soul cakes!

October is a special month for Catholics—it’s the month of the Holy Rosary! Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, is one of Mary’s many titles. This devotion has deep roots in the history of the Church. In 1571, Pope Pius V credited the intercession of Our Lady and the power of the rosary for the miraculous victory at the Battle of Lepanto, where Christian forces triumphed against overwhelming odds. The Church has since encouraged the faithful to turn to Our Lady of the Rosary for protection, guidance, and peace. But beyond this incredible historical event, the Rosary is a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus by meditating on His life through the eyes of His mother. Each bead and mystery is meant to lead us meditatively into a deeper relationship with Christ. The Rosary is more than repetitive prayers—it’s a spiritual weapon, a source of grace, and a beautiful way to invite Our Lady to walk with us through our joys and sorrows. Starting the rosary was hard for me. This was not a form of prayer that was ever introduced to me as a child like it is in many Catholic homes, but when I learned about it as a teenager I knew that I needed it, the comfort of repetitious prayer. I still struggle with inconsistency, as I think many do, but to this day it remains a source of strength for me. I share this because it can be easy to romanticize prayer, especially praying the rosary and having a relationship with Our Lady. I come to you having tried a lot of tips and tricks, some that were helpful and others that were not, so that you can strengthen your prayer life with the rosary. Be encouraged, that even if it does not come naturally, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pray it, but that we can use this struggle as a prompt to find tools to help ourselves and our families. Why Should We Pray the Rosary? In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget that we need to take time for God. The Rosary helps us slow down, refocus, and meditate on the life of Jesus and the role of Mary in salvation history. By praying the Rosary, we are asking Mary to intercede for us and bring us closer to her Son. As St. Padre Pio once said, "The Rosary is the weapon for these times." It’s not just a prayer—it’s a powerful means to fight against the challenges of life and grow in virtue. Now, you might be thinking, "I want to pray the Rosary, but where do I start?" or "How can I make this part of my family life, especially with little ones running around?" I’ve got you covered with some tips! Tips for Praying the Rosary on Your Own Start small: If you’re new to the Rosary, don’t feel like you have to pray all five decades right away. Begin with a decade and build up. Set a specific time: Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or right before bed, carve out a few minutes daily for the Rosary. Use an app or audio guide: There are amazing resources that help you pray the Rosary, especially if you’re on the go. Apps like "Hallow" or "Laudate" have Rosary prayers you can listen to and follow along with. Make it visual: Set up a small prayer space with a statue or image of Mary. Light a candle, hold your rosary beads, and let this space invite you into prayer. Focus on the mysteries: While the words may become familiar, focus on the mysteries of Christ's life. Imagine walking with Mary as she contemplates these pivotal moments. Tips for Praying the Rosary as a Family (Yes, Even with Small Kids!) Keep it short: With little ones, their attention spans are short. Start by praying one decade as a family, and maybe offer intentions for each Hail Mary to keep them engaged. Perhaps they have someone on their little hearts that they want o share an intention for, I've heard the sweetest responses come from this. Use visual aids: You can find children’s Rosary books with illustrations of the mysteries or even videos that walk through each mystery. These help kids understand what they’re praying. Create a special Rosary box: Fill it with items like prayer cards, rosary beads, and small religious items that your kids can hold while you pray. Let them take turns pulling out a different Catholic item from the Rosary box when you begin each mystery. Sing or chant the prayers: Little ones love music, so why not sing the Hail Mary or Our Father? It can make the Rosary more engaging and memorable for them. Set a routine: Establish a Rosary time in the evening or before bed. Even if it’s just one decade, consistency is key. Over time, your kids will grow to love this special family prayer time. Inspiration to Try I used to be so hard on myself about praying the rosary, becoming frustrated if I fell asleep, didn't finish, or was distracted the entire way through. It was that very way of thinking that, at times, kept me from even wanting to try. Remember, the Rosary isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance and trust in Our Lady’s intercession. Let the Rosary be a prompt for walking through the life of Christ, so that we are drawn deeper into God’s love and His plan for our lives. If you haven’t yet made the Rosary a regular part of your prayer life, I encourage you to try! Start small, invite Mary into your heart, and let her guide you to her Son. This is all Mary wants to do is gesture us to Jesus. Whether you pray on your own or with your family, know that this beautiful devotion will fill your home with peace and grace. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up those beads and give it a try—Our Lady is waiting to pray with you!

LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS by His Girl Sunday IDEAS IN ACTION CELEBRATE WITH YOUR CATHOLIC VILLAGE Welcoming you into liturgical living that fosters interpersonal and story-centered Catholic heritage, identity, and tradition throughout the Church year. GET STEFFANI'S NEW LITURGICAL LIVING BOOK Festive Faith $23.00 Price Get the Book A MEANINGFUL & MEMORABLE CATHOLIC LIFE Are you looking to start a living liturgically? You've come to the right place! Liturgy Culture & Kitchen strives to inspire households and parishes to embody the liturgical year. We fill a space that was once common practice, seasonal celebrations for all ages and with all ages. Printable Calendar Daily Inspiration Members Corner Let's Get Started Feeling upside down or overwhelmed? Begin with our simple guide! Get the Guide Join the Festivity Want More From His Girl Sunday? Subscribe to get recipes, liturgical living ideas, & news from Steffani right to your inbox! Email Join Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Cultivate the spirit of Ordinary Time in your home and community with these timeless traditions. Culture Summer Blog Posts Find resources for building tradition and theology for living the season in my feast day writings. Great Idea! Kitchen Summer Recipes Cook and bake feast day meals and treats with me. There is a seat for you at my table. Get Cookin' Market Heirlooms & Goods Shop the curated collection and fill your home with pieces that are intended to enhance the season. Let's Shop Catholic Soul Cakes Recipe How the Rosary Can Transform Your Prayer Life (Even with Kids!) Why We Should Keep Block Parties Alive Desiring a liturgical life that is purposefully rooted in your Catholic identity and culture? PARTNERSHIPS FEATURED APPEARANCES ON THE HOME TAB LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS Disclosure Connect All rights reserved. ©His Girl Sunday. Unauthorized usage and duplication of text and images without the express permission of Steffani and His Girl Sunday is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links to posts may be used as long as clear credit is given to Steffani/His Girl Sunday. Email steffani.hisgirlsunday@gmail.com Website www.HisGirlSunday.com ​ Liturgy Culture & Kitchen Liturgy Market by His Girl Sunday

Welcome to Liturgy Culture & Kitchen by His Girl Sunday, a Catholic collective for heritage, culture, and liturgical living founded by Steffani Aquila. Initially named "His Girl Sunday," Steffani's personal liturgical life blog derived its title from her fondness for 40s & 50s classics, a heartfelt aspiration to uplift others, and an understanding that Sunday is the primordial feast day. As her endeavors flourished a new brand emerged, Liturgy Culture and Kitchen. This space is where Steffani inspires a sense of village Catholicism by fostering interpersonal, story-centered, Catholic culture and tradition in the home and parish through the liturgical year. Her mission is to help you develop a daily lifestyle, not simply a one time feast day experience. She offers Catholics in all seasons of life a place to see how everyone belongs to the liturgical life of the Church. Through her writings, research, festive tips, recipes, and lived example women and men of all ages can come to a more joy-filled and personal relationship with Christ through the seasons. The His Girl Sunday Team Steffani Aquila Founder and Owner Olivia Wolf Social Media Manager At Liturgy Market we strive to cultivate a Catholic retail experience that is centered around storytelling and a deep personal connection to living the liturgical year. Our products are infused with the cultural stories of global communities, grounded in tradition, liturgy, and imagery-rich experiences. We want our heirlooms and goods to support you in developing an ongoing liturgical lifestyle that fosters appreciation for people, God, and the seasons. Our products are meant to be highly valued and handed down for generations. As you engage with our community, our aim is for you to have a sensory experience of the faith and increased trust and commitment to our brand. Steffani Aquila is a Catholic wife, national speaker, author, theologian, educator, and expert in the field of liturgical life and Catholic culture. For the past 17 years, she has dedicated her work to Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions, taking on roles in both ministerial and administrative capacities. Over that period, she has had the distinct opportunity to instruct individuals across every age group, ranging from 3 to 65+. Having received the gift of living the seasons from her own family and marrying into a family that also embraced liturgical living, Steffani witnessed how we can be drawn into a deeper and more holistic relationship with Christ through the Church year. Now she shares attainable ways that you and your community can develop a story-centric, authentic, and accessible way to live liturgically. ​ Let's bring Sunday, into every day! His Girl Sunday is a play on the commonly known phrase, "Girl Friday" or "His Girl Friday" which is the name for a faithful and efficient assistant and a spin off from Man Friday, a right hand man. The idea came from the old movie "His Girl Friday" with Cary Grant & Rosalind Russell, and also her favorite classic female comedian, Lucille Ball, who plays in a hilarious role of "Girl Friday" in an episode of the Lucy Desi Comedy Hour. Through this name, Steffani not only expresses her connection to vintage classics but more so reflects her commitment to serving God, her family, and her online and in-person community. Liturgy Culture and Kitchen is an online and in person community that welcomes all ages looking to experience celebrations throughout the liturgical year. You can follow His Girl Sunday on social media to get simple and festive tips and tricks, subscribe to her e-newsletter "Liturgy Collective" where you can get more in depth and exclusive liturgical living content, or become a website member to leave comments on blog posts. Steffani regularly gets invited to either participate in or help plan liturgical living experiences for parishes and groups around the country. If you would like to live the Church year in person with Steffani, you can send all inquiries to steffani.hisgirlsunday@gmail.com .

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