Sisterhood of Saints

Word is out that I love reading, and tend to devour books, especially on topics of faith and spirituality, so when the Cursillo co-chairs in our area received a copy of Sisterhood of Saints, they asked me if I wanted to be the first to read it.  How could I turn down a book written by a fellow Cursillista whose reflections in the magazine Living Faith my husband and I both love?  I couldn’t.  I wouldn’t.  I didn’t. 

    
I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover.  Yes, I know you’re not supposed to use that as a way of judging a book, but in this case, it is actually quite indicative of the loveliness found in these pages.  That plus the focus on female saints, our sisters in Christ, got me intrigued right away.  Of the 366 saints Melanie Rigney includes, I’ve heard of and know a bit about a number of them, but I have to say that the majority of them are brand new or nearly new to me. 

    
I love the mix of famous saints with more recently canonized, lesser-known women of faith.  For each day of the year, a woman’s brief bio is given along with a quote from Scripture or from the saint herself that serves as a summary of her philosophy on life and ministering to others.      

    
Here’s one inspirational quote I love: “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that he, in his goodness, sends to us day after day.” -St. Gianna Beretta Molla

   
One of my favorite aspects of Sisterhood of Saints is that the reader is not only given the opportunity to connect and identify with other holy women, but through the challenge on each page, she is also invited to incorporate the wisdom of these women into her day.  Each challenge relates to some aspect of the saint’s life and ministry but is a very doable, practical way to reach out to others in our modern world.  The prayers and actions suggested are often simple, but powerful.  Most of them would fit under the category of “small things” that done with great love can make a huge difference.

    
Here are a couple excerpts of the challenges: “Ask God what he wants you to do today, and what he wants you to prepare to do for tomorrow.  Then, no matter how challenging it seems, do it” (pg. 212).

    
“Who in your life today inspires you by the way he or she has persevered in a struggle?  Write this person a note of thanks.  Ask for the wisdom to deal with a challenge you currently face” (pg. 348).

    
This treasury of saints serves as a perfect daily inspiration to live out our “feminine genius” in ways as varied and creative as these women.  I can’t even fathom surviving, much less thriving in the circumstances in which some of these women lived, but each one ultimately proved that staying close to Christ is always the best way to endure anything and gain eternal life.

    
Whether living in a busy city or a remote village, called to consecrated religious life or to marriage and raising a family, these saints will spark your interest, feed your faith, and give you hope for the journey.

     
For more information or to order your copy of Sisterhood of Saints, click here.  You can find other writing and get current updates and blog posts by the author Melanie Rigney at this website.

Vocation Discernment & Encouragement

The Cursillo Contingent

     This Saturday morning Kevin and I attended our first deacon ordination Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  It was very exciting to see so many people we know well gathered for the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the Eucharist.  A number of the eighteen gentlemen (and their wives) being ordained are part of our Cursillo family.  Quite a few other Cursillistas presence contributed to the love, encouragement, and joy that filled the sanctuary.  De Colores indeed!

     A sea of familiar faces, those of prayer warriors, parishioners, clergy, and dear friends all together to confirm and affirm what God has been doing and will continue to do in these men’s lives, families, churches, and ministries shine with the light of Christ.  We are all uplifted when those around us say yes to God’s call to serve Him.  We glorify the Lord and help bring others closer to Him when we are willing to lay down our lives to submit completely to what God wants for us to be and do to build the Kingdom.    
     Before Mass started, we gave a warm greeting to someone who has been very instrumental in our Cursillo faith journey and in our understanding of what it means to be a FROG (someone Fully Relying On God).  Once in the diaconate formation himself, God has led this man, his wife and family in a different direction, actually many different directions in regards to ministry.  I once told him in all honesty and still believe that God knew that it would be easier for this husband, father, and prayer warrior to continue serving in a variety of ways and minister to several people around our diocese as a layperson who’s very open to the Holy Spirit rather than as an ordained deacon. 

Marriage Vocation Affirmation

     It was a great reminder that God knows what will help make us holy and sanctify us.  He knows what roles, people, situations, vocations, ministries, circumstances, and opportunities will best prepare our hearts for Him.  The best thing we can do at present is to glorify the Lord through the vocations which we’ve already discerned while having an openness to additional ways He may want for us to be Christ to others. 

     A couple who belongs to our parish and who for a number of years led the Office of Marriage Formation in our diocese, was sitting near us.  Seeing them reminds me of the importance of glorifying God through the gift, covenant, and sacrament of our marriage.  It can be so very easy to downplay the importance of that vocation.  Kevin and I will get caught up in the nitty-gritty of daily life, and on some level forget that by living out our covenant and the sacrament of our marriage, we’re growing closer to God and bringing others closer to Him. 
     When I see some of the other and/or additional ways people are called to serve, I can become distracted and forget how sanctifying it can be (for our marriage and for those around us) to submit completely to God and put my spouse second, only to the Lord.  In a sense, this was a reminder that brought me back to the “small things with great love” lesson.                                                          

Fostering Religious Vocations   

     Our beloved brother John received special permission to come to town from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore for the deacon ordinations to serve at the Mass.  At one point Kevin looked over at John, who was dressed in clerics and wearing a white alb for the occasion, and holding back tears said: “I’m really proud of him.”  Of course, we are very proud of John for growing in God’s love, drawing closer to Christ, and after serious discernment, dedicating himself as a seminarian.

     Our dear friend Michele, who in the not-too-distant future will be entering a cloistered Carmelite community, was sitting to our right.  She’s another person we’ve been close friends with during her discernment process and time leading up to becoming a nun.  It struck her while we were sitting there that she won’t be able to attend John’s ordination since she will have made her initial vows and won’t be able leave. 

“What Do You Want of Me?”

     Michele has been traveling around Richmond, Virginia, and along the East Coast performing her original play Teresita which is based on the early life and vocation discernment of Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila.  She was led to write and perform the play Teresita as a fundraiser to pay off the student debt she incurred from going to seminary to study the Christian faith in greater depth.   A poem called “In the Hands of God” written by St. Teresa of Avila which Michele includes in the program for her performances is quite powerful and has really struck me as Kevin and I continue on the path of life-long discernment of God’s will for us.  You can read entire poem here. 

     The refrain of the piece is “What do You want of me?”  It’s a pertinent question we must keep asking God.  It’s certainly something that the men ordained this morning and their wives have been open to asking throughout this process of formation.  God’s will is what all of us are called to follow.  We need to pray and listen, because God’s plan for our lives is going to be different from everyone else around us.  We have unique gifts, talents, and strengths, connections with certain groups and people, and spiritual charisms that are tailored to grow into abundant fruit that will feed others.  When we take the time to be still and know God, to listen in the silence, then we will be in a better place to receive the specifics of what our ministry is supposed to be.  All of us are chosen to serve.    

“Be Still and Know I Am God”

     One thing that really hit home for me today is that I haven’t been as good about setting time aside for silent prayer.  I’ve been too caught up in the doing that I’ve lost the peace and trust in the Lord that only comes from being still in His Presence.  I’ve needed this reminder as Kevin and I have really felt that we’re in another period of serious discernment of what God wants of us, who He wants us to be and the specifics of how He wants us to live that out. 

     When I think about how I need to spend some time in prayer and listen to God in order to discern what’s best and what’s next, I get this sense that He’s already telling me what He wants me to do: “Trust.”  And what is my initial response?  Basically, the same as Scar’s reply in The Lion King: “NO! No.  Anything but that!”
     Today Kevin and I are going to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 12:30-1:30pm at St. Benedict’s so we can sit in silence before God and just listen.  Thank, You, Lord for drawing us closer to You each time we start thinking we can figure things out on our own.  Amen. 

Where There Is Love, There Is God

Where There Is Love, There Is God incorporates the essentials of faith in action, particularly for those serving the poor, sick, orphaned or dying.  This would be a good book for someone just learning about Blessed Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.  It is likely if you’ve read several other books by and/or about Mother Teresa, you will recognize many of the stories and quotes.  That doesn’t make them any less amazing, of course, but less shocking than the first time hearing or reading about them. 

     
Many of the stories, phrases, and philosophies Blessed Mother Teresa lived and spoke about are repeated numerous times throughout Where There Is Love, There Is God.  More than once, I flipped a few pages back to see part of the same quote I had just read a little farther ahead.  Normally this much repetition of the same quotes and stories with only a little variation or different subject heading would frustrate the copy editor in me, but for some reason, in this book, the effect was a powerful one. 
     
The meaning of the words really sank in, the lessons of love, importance of growing in holiness, of reaching out to those in need, and seeking God’s will above all else kept lapping at the shore of my heart and soul—eroding any of the familiarity I have with Blessed Mother Teresa’s life, legacy, and ministry, that might make me glaze over things I’ve read or heard elsewhere. 
     
I really enjoyed the quotes that music missionary, Danielle Rose, has put to music.  Those resonate deeply with me as I have all of her songs memorized.  Knowing about Danielle Rose’s connection with Mother Teresa and her time working with the Missionaries of Charity helped me appreciate the book as reminiscent of Scripture as well as of her music. 
     
For more information or to purchase your own copy of Where There Is Love, There Is God, click here.  I received this book for free from WaterBrookMultnomah Publishing Group for this review.   

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings

I learned quite a bit from reading Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings and highly recommend the book to those who are interested in a solid overview of the saint’s life, how the the Society of Jesus (aka the Jesuits) began, and what defines and explains their main spiritual training and practices.  I had in my mind only a brief summary of Saint Ignatius’ life when I began reading these excerpts written by the founding father of the Society of Jesus’ and annotated author Mark Mossa, SJ.  I have found this man’s life and philosophy of how to live out the teachings of Christ quite fascinating. 

     
Over the years, I’ve heard a number of people, Catholic and Protestant, who have done The Spiritual Exercises written and propagated by St. Ignatius.  I have not yet embarked on them, but my interest in learning more is piqued, and I could be easily persuaded to take on such a program for spiritual growth. 

    

I didn’t realize how much of modern day spirituality and prayer practices came from this particular saint and his prescribed methods of growing closer to the Lord.  Now that I have read excerpts from his memoir as well as his letters within the context of explaining certain passages of The Spiritual Exercises, I have a far greater appreciation of the wealth of wisdom he provided through his writing. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is proof positive that there is a great deal we can learn from the lives of the saints and apply to our present circumstances and daily challenges to offer all that we are, have, and do for the Lord’s greater glory in time and eternity. 

     

A reminder that we need to have a measure of balance in our religious practices and spiritual lives is one important principle that this saint explores at length.  It’s not a new concept to me that spending hours in prayer daily without devoting any time to works of mercy or studying can actually go against what would be best for us. 

     

I have gotten into trouble far too often in the past when I have assigned greater value to one form of prayer or activity done for the Lord than I’d give to something else that is also part of the work I do for Him. 

     

For example, if a student were to neglect his studies in favor of spending all of his time in prayer, then this would likely go against what God intended for him.  In the same light, if a mother of young children offers to God the cooking, cleaning, teaching, and nurturing she does as part of her vocation of raising her family, then that is admirable and advised, even if it means that she is not able at that particular time in her life to devote as much time to study, personal prayer, or corporal works of mercy outside the home. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is a wonderful introduction to this great saint and Jesuit spirituality and/or serves as a wonderful refresher on this man’s life and proposed prayer practices.  For more information, or to order your own copy, click here.       

Moved by Faith: Stories from American Catholic Radio by Judy Zarick

Moved by Faith is a remarkable collection of stories from the American Catholic Radio show about how a number of different Catholics have turned the gifts and challenges God gave them into ministries that have blessed many others.  Each of the stories is about two to four pages in length and there is an update at the end as to how the person and their ministry have progressed since the program for which they were interviewed first aired. 

     
The modern day Christians included in Moved by Faith cover the spectrum when it comes to careers, their home base, and the ministries they were inspired to start once personal experiences and the Holy Spirit opened their eyes, minds, and hearts to some very specific needs.
     
These individuals allowed the Lord to touch their hearts through everyday incidents to open them up to serve in a way they might not have considered otherwise.  Whether they’ve developed a new ministry devoted to: feeding the hungry, giving clean water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, educating children, visiting the imprisoned, caring for the afflicted, the addicted, and/or the abandoned, these men and women have accepted the call to love and serve others as if each one of them was Christ Himself.
     
I’d heard a few of these stories from friends and read a couple in other books before reading Moved by Faith, but the majority of them were new to me.  Some had me in tears.  These stories, every one of them, are great reminders of how humbling and miraculous it is when we slow down enough to look at the suffering happening around us, accept God’s grace, and put our faith into action.  There are a set of “Questions for Thought” at the end of each chapter that correspond to each one of the stories and provide great reflection for readers to figure out what they can do to help others.
     
This would be a phenomenal book to read and discuss as a group.  I’m sure it will help people find organizations that already do something about which they are passionate that they could plug into as well as spark some other creative ways to be Christ for others.
     
I highly recommend Moved by Faith!  Get ready to be inspired and take action! 
    
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Moved by Faith: Stories From American Catholic Radio. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.

Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St.Josemaría Escrivá

What is your purpose in life?  Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s to become a saint.  Through the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, we are reminded why, how, and for what greater mission we are called to holiness.  This Spanish saint lived at a time when many people compartmentalized religion and daily life.  Also, it was a period when many believed that it was solely the responsibility and possibility of those called to religious life to lead holy lives that were devoted to serving the Lord. 
     
St. Josemaría asserts that each and every layperson, not just those called to religious vocations, is called, given the grace, and the opportunity to be sanctified.  Any and every part of our days, no matter how mundane, can be offered to the Lord.  When chores such as changing diapers, doing the laundry, washing dishes, preparing meals, weeding the garden, cleaning the house, are done with the mindset that we are serving and loving God by doing these necessary tasks, and doing them well, these become acts of prayer and sacrifice that help bring about our sanctification.
     
I have read some of the works by St. Josemaría Escrivá, but there are quite a few, and I could only seem to dissolve and absorb so many golden nuggets of his wisdom at a time.  I enjoyed this book, because author Eric Sammons weaves in some of the most powerful and prominent observations and revelations the Spanish saint had, particularly in regards to God’s plan for our sanctification. 
     
There have certainly been a number of times in my life when I’ve fallen into the thinking that the little things of daily life don’t matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.  St. Josemaría helps remind us that in the seemingly small, unseen ways we live our lives each day, especially when trying to be a model of Christ to those around us, we can become holy and lead others closer to the Lord.
       
At the end of each chapter, there are suggestions for further reading, meditation questions, prayer petitions, and contemplation questions.  The suggested supplementary reading is available for free through the following website Escriva Works. 
     
Whether you’re a student,  a high-powered executive living a fast-paced life, single, married, called to a religious vocation, or you’re working and raising a family, Holiness for Everyone is a magnificent reminder that we are each here to glorify the Lord, be sanctified through our unique position and circle of influence, and become like Christ for others. 
     
To find out more about Holiness for Everyone or to order your own copy, click here.

Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck is an in-depth look at how and why we can and should strive to live out our Christian values in the workplace.  I really enjoyed this book.  The personal stories, the concrete ideas and suggestions at the end of each chapter as well as the reflection questions added to the Scripture-based reasoning for making Christ-like behavior and a closer relationship with God and others your two main goals.

     
Through quotes from the Bible, the Catechism, popes and saints, Kevin Lowry underlines the importance of putting God at the center of our lives and gives practical advice on how we can do that even at work in ways that are socially acceptable and likely to open the hearts and minds of others to Christ. 
     
This book also resonated deeply with me is because it often made me think of the ways my husband has, through his strong work ethic, moral sense of responsibility, and the genuine care and concern he has for people, been a Christ-like witness to his co-workers.  It’s kind of interesting that what seems so natural for him has to be studied and learned by others.  I know his friendliness and compassion for others has had a much more profound effect on his co-workers than he even realizes. 

Several of the questions also made me think of my supervisor at work, who is one of the kindest, calmest, gentlest, most loving people I know.  I have talked with people at work about faith and passed along various religious and spiritual books I’ve read, but it would be hard for me to say if I’ve been able to make a difference just by who I am and what comes naturally to me.      
     
I love that Lowry includes tips and suggestions that are reasonable and help us accept the sanctifying grace that can come to us through our jobs, if we know where to look and how to respond when we find the challenges.
   
I highly recommend Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck the book and the practice.  The whole time I was reading it, I was praying for a friend who has been really stressed out by her job lately.  I think I’ll deliver this book to her doorstep with a note of encouragement. 
     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Father, It’s Been Less Than an Hour Since Your Last Confession

     Sermons are as varied as the clergy who give them, but I agree with Fr. James A. Wehner, S.T.D. (Sacrae Theologiae Doctor), author of The + Evangelization + Equation= The Who, What, and How, that the best ones contain valuable lessons in faith formation.  An off-the-cuff (or the collar as it were) homily that’s more a stroll down memory lane for the priest than a strong illustration of Scripture readings, holy days, an edifying look at the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the lives of the saints, or even a spiritual insight that really brought home one of Christ’s teachings seems like a waste of valuable time to me.

     I have seen how true it is that Mass is and ought to be treated as the primary tool for faith formation.  If the priest does little more than describe part of his childhood, maybe tell a few funny jokes, and offers the congregation nothing more substantial that he’s doing a disservice to the assembly.  The numbers of people in the pews as declined for many reasons over the years, but how do we expect to change that if the minister serving in persona Christi doesn’t prepare a suitable sermon to feed his flock and help nurture them in the faith?
     You’re missing the mark if when given the microphone to break open the Word of God, you put little more thought, effort, study, and prayer into it than you would a spontaneous toast at a friend’s birthday party.

The Epiphany and Total Consecration Connection

     Because Kevin was driving, we only got a little turned around on the way to the Cursillo Epiphany party at St. Gabriel’s Church last Friday evening, instead of completely lost as we would have been if I’d been driving (I’m exceptionally good at getting undeniably lost) or if John had gone on his own (he thought it was at St. Edward’s).  At least we didn’t stop and ask some crazy control freak for directions on the way like the three wise men.    

     Anyway, I’d been looking forward to the party for a while, eager to see members of our Cursillo family that we hadn’t caught up with in too long.  It was no surprise that Faith and Rob Grubbs did a wonderful job hosting the event.

     There was plenty of food, as is traditionally the case with Cursillo events.  A friend of ours was told that there wouldn’t be much to eat when he made his weekend a number of years ago, so he packed a whole suitcase with snacks and things, only to find out that his sponsor had been kidding.  If you go hungry on a weekend, it’s your choice—never a lack of food—that’s the culprit.

     It was wonderful to be greeted with lots of hugs and smiles.  The joy-filled fellowship began as soon as we walked in the door and lasted the entire evening.

    

     I was very excited I’d remembered to bring the remaining Total Consecration packets that had been on a bookshelf at our apartment.  They weren’t doing anyone any good on our shelf at home.  I’d given a number of them to family, friends, the gentlemen on a discernment vocations retreat, my Christ Renews His Parish sisters, etc., but many still remained. 

     After experiencing a deeper conversion when I first made my Consecration to Jesus through Mary while in high school, you’d think I would have made it a higher priority to get these powerful prayers in people’s hands, but I didn’t. 

    Once Faith got everyone’s attention and led us in saying grace, I got to say a word about the Preparation for Total Consecration.  I invited everyone present to take one with them. 

     There were only four packets left when we were ready to head back over the river and through the woods to go home, and Faith had said she’d take any remaining ones to her prayer group.  I was ecstatic to have been able to share a gift that, for countless people around the world and over the years, has brought them to another level of faith and devotion. 

     Thank you, Ray Mooney, and all who have been working so hard to spread the word about this most beautiful and powerful devotion.  For more information or to place an order for your own FREE Total Consecration packets, visit the My Consecration website.   

The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the Church Today by George Weigel

The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the Church Today
     “The Catholic Church is, arguably, the most controversial institution on the planet; and it is certainly the world’s most controversial religious institution.” (pg. 2)

     
I am amazed by how well George Weigel covers the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, even the most controversial hot topics, by illustrating the Biblical, historical, and spiritual richness and beauty of the Church.  His approach is to explain the fundamental Catholic teachings that answer ten questions representative of the most prominent modern debates. 

    
Using a journalistic style that keeps the reader engaged and weaving in relevant passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numerous encyclicals by Pope John Paul II, and other official Church documents, Weigel presents the questions, concerns, and objections that are most common, then responds with well-researched evidence as to why the Church teaches what it does and why it’s imperative that it continue to do so. 

     
The author incorporates some of the most beautiful writing on human sexuality (outside of the Bible, of course) in his chapter entitled “How Should We Love? Celebrating the Gift of Sex.”  He cites explanations from Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which is hands-down the most loving, freeing, life-giving expression of human sanctity, dignity, and sexuality I’ve ever read.  This chapter is a perfect example of how Weigel tackles tough moral questions with precision, accuracy, and a deep appreciation and understanding of the Truth as the Lord has revealed it through His Son Jesus Christ and those commissioned to pass on the One True Faith. 

     
The Truth of Catholicism is one of the best resources for Catholics and anyone else who wants to know the Truths about the Church and moral teachings based on the Bible, and explained with sound doctrine that doesn’t change or amend itself as our culture suggests. 

     
If you would like to find out more about this book or order your own copy, click here. 

Lead us not into temptation

     This part of the “Our Father” has confused me at times. It seems sort of silly to ask God to not lead us into temptation, but within the context of the whole prayer, it makes more sense. Of course, the Lord isn’t going to lead us into temptation, but He’s also not going to protect us from ever being tempted. His guidance will always point us to what is holy, loving, kind, gentle, and Truthful, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t allow us to be tempted.

     My husband and I have begun doing the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis de Montfort, and the subjects of the past two days have been temptation and sin. This reflection on the “into” of the “Our Father” by blogger Jennifer Fulwiler of Conversion Diary is a perfect exploration of what is addressed in the excerpts from The Imitation of Christ that we are reading this week.
     The passages talk about the importance of rooting out sin from the very beginning, not letting it sink into our conscious and become something that’s almost comfortable for us to think about, say, or do.
     There are some areas of my life in which I know I’m likely to fail, though I don’t keep on guard, nor do I fully trust in God’s grace to help me do the right thing. Of course, I feel bad that these weak patches exist and team up with holes in my faith. It certainly serves to make me more aware of my desperate need for grace and forgiveness, which isn’t such a bad thing.
     On one hand, it’s reminded me that we are going to be tempted, that no amount of progress in the spiritual life will suddenly make us above all temptation.

Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be

Tammy Evevard, your prayer has been answered. At least one of them, anyway. In the introduction of Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be, you tell the reader: “My prayer is that this book comes at just the right moment for you.”  I mention this because this book did indeed come at the right time.  I had selected this one to review a month and a half ago, and it arrived this week, precisely when God knew I would need to read the first two chapters.  These pages happen to include two Scripture passages which the Lord has used over and over again in my life to remind me of His love for me and His Presence within me.  Romans 8:38-39 and Psalm 139 are powerful reminders of God’s love and how He saw us in the womb and sees us now: as “fearfully, wonderfully made.” 

     
Though some very painful stories are shared, Evevard keeps things focused on how God has used people who have been hurt and broken, who aren’t quite society’s model citizens to carry out His Will, transform hearts, and change lives forever.
   
One essential lesson to take from this book is: whether you like make-up, fashion, public speaking, and ice cream or you prefer to go au naturel, select clothes that are comfortable over those that are cutting-edge, work behind-the-scenes and are lactose intolerant, God loves you for who you are.  He loves you where you are, and He’s got amazing plans for your life.      
     
The message that God can work in, with, and through us, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, is one that I’ve needed to hear time and again.  Evevard includes ample reminders of these faith facts.  Amazing author, priest, and spiritual director, Henri Nouwen, is one of my all-time favorite writers, so I loved the quotes she included from his work. 
     
She also poses some powerful questions: “How bad do you want to be holy?  How bad do you want to be all that God has created you to be?  How bad do you want to get out of the prisons you live in?”  The Lord seems to keep asking us these same questions throughout our lives.  It seems many people get to the point when God says: You love me and want to do My Will above your own.  How bad do you want it? 
     
Are you willing to give up anything and anyone in your life if that’s what God asks of you?  It’s hard to say in the moment what we’ll put on the line, but we can rest assured, we’ll always be given the grace necessary to do the Lord’s Will, no matter how difficult.   
      
As with many of the points she made, they weren’t ones I hadn’t heard before or read elsewhere, but they were good reminders that women spend way too much time worrying about what others think, when we are always better off concentrating on how God sees us and feels about us. 
      
Chances are most women will be able to relate to some story, sentiment, or concern within these pages and be reminded what God wants them to know about the beauty of being a W-O-M-A-N.     
     
You can purchase this book here.

I wrote this review of Becoming The Woman God Made You to Be for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Another Woman to Walk Alongside Her

When I walked up, they were praying the second decade of the Joyful Mysteries, The Visitation, when the Blessed Virgin Mary filled with grace goes and helps her elderly relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant.  My mom informed me that when they’d begun the decade she had prayed that each woman who is faced with an unexpected pregnancy would have another woman come alongside her on the journey.  She said it was fitting that I’d shown up when I did, as the role of companion and moral support is one I’ve been playing for a first-time mother facing an unplanned pregnancy over the past several months. 

     
A friend who knows I’m involved in 40 Days for Life asked if he could give my contact info to his brother’s girlfriend’s best friend who was pregnant.  I said that would be fine and since last spring have been in touch with this mother who is due this month.  My mom, husband, and I are throwing her a baby shower this weekend so she can meet the many people here who have been praying for and supporting her from out-of-town.  
     
I’m not sure why God led her to me, someone who has lots of experience with children of all ages, but who doesn’t have any children herself and who doesn’t know as much about pre-natal care as lots of others.  My sister Mary works with mothers and babies and is much more qualified in this area than I am.  Mary did give me some good advice to pass along, as well as some important resources, but this is not my area of expertise.

The mother’s courage and faith in facing the unknown have inspired me quite a bit.  Without any family in the country, after having lost her job, and about to go into her senior year of college, she found out she’d become pregnant.           

God has always had an interesting sense of timing.  He saw fit to have the Holy Spirit overshadow a virgin by the name of Mary who was betrothed but not yet living with Joseph so as to make her the Mother of the Savior of the World.  Not only that, but He also granted the gift of fertility to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their old age when they had long since believed they would live in the shame of remaining barren in a culture where being childless was frowned upon for many reasons. 
      
John the Baptist, who’s conception is quite a surprise, will serve as a prophet to announce the coming of another holy child, Jesus Christ, who God knew from the beginning of time, but whose parents were also a bit astonished by the timing and circumstances of His conception.
     
Both mothers faced pregnancies that were certainly unexpected.  They didn’t understand how or why they had been blessed with a baby in the womb when such a miracle seemed impossible for either one of them, their present circumstances taken into account.  Joseph and Zechariah were a bit confused, but God put them in their places. 
     
What a blessing of camaraderie for these two first-time mothers to rejoice together and spend time in each other’s company, ministering to one another. 

I don’t imagine it would have been very easy for Mary to stick around her hometown when she was first found with child, and I have a feeling the local mom’s group might not have welcomed Elizabeth into the fray after shunning her for so many years.  The Lord saw fit to bring these two women together in order to glorify Him and comfort each other.

Lord, in Your infinite wisdom and perfect plan for our lives, guide us to accept Your timing and Your will regardless of the circumstances.  Please open our hearts and our eyes to those around us who could use a friend to walk alongside them on the journey.  Amen.

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist

The key to an intimate relationship with Christ is described within the pages of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze. He examines a number of Church documents, encyclical letters, apostolic exhortations, constitutions, official instructions, Church teachings, and Scripture passages to show the necessary centrality of the Holy Eucharist to life on earth and in eternity.   

    
The importance of the Eucharistic feast as the most vital element in being transformed through the grace of the Lord to become more like Christ is illustrated in a number of ways. The author also shows how and why the Eucharist includes a unifying presence as well as a sending out into the world to evangelize others.

   
I found this book fascinating for many reasons, not the least of which, is the amount of research, prayer, and theology that dictate why Catholics do what they do the way they do it when celebrating Mass. There are certain rules and regulations in place to assure the sacredness and purity of the Eucharistic celebration remain intact, even if provisions are made for some differences in styles or forms of worship within the Mass depending on the culture and location of the congregation.

     
Celebrating the Holy Eucharist reminds me of one of the reasons why I love the Catholic Church so dearly: we are not only invited to learn about Christ’s life, but also to consume and be consumed by Him through a Most Sacred Sacrament that shows the ultimate sacrifice He made out of love for us.

    
Arinze does a wonderful job of explaining what responsibilities bishops, priests, and laypersons have regarding the celebration of the Eucharist, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the living out of Christ’s message in mind, body, and spirit.

    
Infused with the powerful and life-changing Presence of the Holy Spirit, Arinze explores the mysteries of the Eucharist, the glory of the Lord, service of His people, and how each of us in our own particular vocations is called to bear witness to the Truth.

You can purchase this book here.

     
I wrote this review of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Damien and the Distressing Disguise of Christ

The cross-country trip, the beard, the hair dye would all have seemed like some mid-life crisis if it weren’t for the one-man play our pastor Fr. Dan Brady did this past weekend.  A number of years ago, our pastor saw this play on PBS called Damien that was written by Aldyth Morris.  In 1978, Damien received national recognition when it won the Peabody Award.  Fr. Dan explained that this powerful play was instrumental in helping him discern his vocation to the priesthood. 

     
Fr. Dan’s been in a number of plays and musicals put on by the amazing music ministry at our church, but this was a role much different from others I’ve seen him in on stage as well as around the altar.  (Our church is in the round, and he generally walks around the altar while giving his homilies).    

     
Fr. Dan writes: “When I first saw this play on PBS in 1978, while I was in the seminary, it had a profound effect on me…”  When my husband, mom, our beloved brother, and many dear friends saw this play in 2011, it had a very profound effect on us as well.

Fr. Damien was born in 1840 in Belgium.  He joined the Sacred Heart Order, was ordained in 1864 in Hawaii while serving one of their mission churches there.  In 1873, he requested to become the priest for the leper colony on Molokai (otherwise known as Kalawao).  He faced horrible living conditions and witnessed some of the most terrible suffering imaginable, yet he refused to abandon his flock.  He clearly took his vows of charity, celibacy, and obedience to a level many other priests couldn’t even fathom.  Damien ministered to the lepers banished to the desolate, nearly uninhabitable island of Molokai in mind, body, and spirit.

     
He fought long and hard to get the lepers food, building materials for proper dwellings, and medical supplies.  He offended many with his persistence in ensuring that government and diocesan authorities would not forget or dismiss the needs of the lepers they had exiled.  Damien stood up for the sanctity and dignity of every human life.  In 1884, the priest who wasn’t afraid to get down in the trenches with his congregation to fight for what was right was diagnosed with leprosy himself.  He considered it a blessing that he was then truly one of them.  He died of the illness in 1889.

     
I doubt there was a dry eye in the place on either of the two evenings when Fr. Dan so passionately portrayed Fr. Damien.  I’m still in awe of how dedicated this priest was to serving “the poorest of the poor” who were definitely “in the distressing disguise of Christ.”  We are all called to love and serve others as Jesus did, but when people are willing to give up everything and anything that would bring them even a modicum of comfort to live out God’s will with humility and obedience, the holiness of being made in God’s image seems to shine the brightest.    

Invitation, Initiation, and the Power of the Sacraments

     Kevin and I were very moved by Saturday evening Mass this past weekend. We came to support a friend who was coming into the Catholic Church and who happens to be the roommate of our dear brother in Christ, John. We’d only met Stephen a few times and hadn’t really gotten to know him well, but when we heard that he was going to be joining the faith, we agreed we both wanted to be present to support him.     
     In some ways, we were prepared. As we do each day, we’d read aloud the Scripture readings for Mass that morning. We prayed for Stephen and his fiancée Andrea (who goes by Andi). We came to church knowing we would witness an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We had a card and a few small gifts to give him at the conclusion of the Mass.    
     In other ways, we were pleasantly surprised. We had no idea which Sacrament(s) of Initiation Stephen would be receiving. We weren’t sure if family members and friends were coming from out of town to support him. Truth be told, his roommate John didn’t even know the who or what, just the when and where for the event, but I guess that’s not a shocker since guys don’t tend to deal too much with details.

     Another friend of ours, Jeff was doing one of the readings, so we sat with him over by the lectern where John soon joined us. Stephen, Andi, their families, and friends were gathered in the first couple of rows directly across from us.  It was beautiful to see the joy and anticipation on Stephen’s and Andi’s faces. Seeing the two of them together on such a special day reminded me how incredible it felt when Kevin first started coming to Mass with me because he wanted to be there, participate in the Sacraments, and live what he learned. Faith has been very important to Andi, and I was really excited for her as well, because I know how significant it is to have the love of your life open his heart to the Lord.

     The love, power, and joy of the Holy Spirit shown across their faces as Stephen was Baptized, Confirmed, and made his First Communion. Looking across at the two of them, I couldn’t help beaming. I know that no other aspect of their relationship is going to be more important in their future as an engaged couple and as a married couple than that they both share a deep love and desire to serve the Lord and one another.
     I completely understood when Andi said after Mass that she couldn’t imagine a day, even their wedding, being any better. I happen to know that God continues to shower blessings upon those who love Him, so I wouldn’t put it past Him.