Understanding New terms

Shamrocks- n. Any of several plants, such as a clover or wood sorrel, having compound leaves with three small leaflets, considered the national emblem of Ireland.

Intend- to design or mean for a particular purpose, use, recipient

Renewal- to restore or replenish. To make, say, or do again; to revive;

Missionary-a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.

Business-a person, partnership, or corporation engaged in commerce, manufacturing, or a service; profit-seeking enterprise or concern.

Remembrance-the act or fact of remembering.

Patron-a saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, group, trade, country, etc. Person whose support or protection is solicited or acknowledged by the dedication of a book or other work.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter at room temperature

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• Green food coloring

Instructions

1. Measure the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium-sized bowl. Stir well and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be stiff.

4. Add several drops of green food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. (Make sure children wash their hands immediately after kneading--food coloring can be messy.)

5. Gather the dough into two balls, flatten into disks beginning at the edge of the dough and working toward the center. Cover with plastic and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

6. After the dough has chilled, place one half on a large piece of plastic wrap, cover with another piece of plastic wrap and then roll until it is 1/4-inch thick. Lift off the top sheet of plastic wrap and cut out shamrocks, beginning at the edge of the dough and working toward the center.

7. Place each shamrock on an ungreased baking sheet. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Remove to a rack to cool. For particularly festive shamrocks, decorate them with green candies or frosting.
   Makes about 34.

St Patrick's Day!

When we think of Saint Patrick's Day we think of anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. However,to those who understand it's intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

Why is St. patrick's Day celebrated on March 17th? Some believe that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since it's origin in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest celebration is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Because this is a religious holiday, many Irish attend mass, offering prayers for missionaries worldwide in remembrance of St. Patrick.

Here in America, St. Patrick's Day is also a very big deal. From big cities to small towns, they celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids. This St. Patrick's day, remember the patron who brought Christianity through the simple message of a shamrock (used to explain the trinity).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!