In the beloved Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, we hear about a world that has long been “in sin and error pining …” This sentiment rings true like never before. Because it feels a lot like the world in 2020. After nine (long) months of shutdowns, church and school closings, mandates, and civil unrest, we are preparing to enter the Christmas season with a cautious “thrill of hope.” We are ready for a little Christmas cheer, for twinkle lights, jingle bells, evergreen, and eggnog. More than anything, we long to welcome the Newborn King into our hearts and homes. The Weary World But Christmas will look differently this year. Depending on what state (or country) we live in, Covid-19 restrictions will alter our Christmas plans and traditions—slightly or significantly. Perhaps we will gather with fewer people around the Christmas tree. Perhaps concerts and pageants will only be seen via livestream or canceled altogether. Perhaps Christmas shopping will come with unforeseen shipping delays or extra-long lines. And what about Mass? The thought of missing Christmas Mass leaves all of us with a heavy heart. Whether we are disappointed in how this year has turned out, or whether we have reluctantly resigned to the unprecedented circumstances we have faced, it is safe to say that we are weary. And that weariness that we feel deep within is exactly why we need Christmas. So, like the hymn proclaims, our souls can feel their worth again, and the entire weary world can truly rejoice in the hope that Christmas promises … in the hope that Christmas brings. A New and Glorious Morn Because no matter how different this year, this Christmas is, one thing remains the same: Jesus is coming. He is born to be our Savior and our friend. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us … and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. // Isaiah 9:6 So, my dear sisters, no matter how different Christmas 2020 is, we have an incredible opportunity to make it memorable, meaningful, and holy. And we only have to turn to the Holy Family to help us enter into the unexpected with surrender, reverence, wonder, and awe. Surrender What is Expected As we realize the many plans that will be altered or canceled, let us ponder how Mary and Joseph surrendered their expectations and plans to be the parents of the Messiah. Was their surrender hard? Of course! But it was also blessed. And like Mary announced to the Angel Gabriel: Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. // Luke 1:38 Surrender is not a trite, brushing off of our disappointment and sadness. Rather, it is gathering up our hurts, kneeling beside the manger, and giving them to the Christ Child. This may not be a one-time surrender, either, and that is okay. Here are a few ways to repeatedly offer our Christmas disappointments to the Lord. Pray through Scripture verses that focus on surrender. Stay present to Advent and be open to hope. Care for your mental and emotional wellbeing with a self-care (and soul-care) routine. Grow in Reverence for the Holy Often I think about those moments leading up to the first Christmas and what they must have been like for Mary and Joseph. To be the only two people who knew of Christ’s coming! What did their Advent look like? Perhaps Joseph spent his evenings building a cradle, while Mary sewed swaddling clothes for her baby boy. I bet their Advent was quiet and prayerful, as they waited for the Messiah to come. So often, our Advents can be anything but quiet and prayerful. But perhaps with fewer events and obligations vying for our attention this year, we can see it as a unique blessing and gift. For Jesus will truly be at the center of our holiday, our holy day. Find a place of honor for your Nativity scene. Bask in the glow of a fire or candles, contemplating the coming of the Light of the World. Make a quiet playlist of Christmas hymns, including O Holy Night. Welcome Jesus With Wonder and Awe Recall Christmas as a child. The excitement, anticipation, wonder, and awe. This Christmas, with everything in this world seeming to resist joy, let us ask the Holy Spirit to carry away the burdens of 2020 and replace them with extra grace to truly celebrate the birth of Jesus. What gift can we give Jesus on His birthday? How can we truly celebrate Him and all that is good in and through Him? Host a birthday party for Jesus (this is especially wonderful with small children). Give gifts of faith to your loved ones. Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas by learning what each day symbolizes. As we come to the end of the most difficult year imaginable, it is fitting that we fix our gaze on the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas. Concluding this year with such a beautiful and hopeful season lifts our hearts to Heaven, draws us close to the creche, and renews our faith in the One who promises to make all things new: Emmanuel, God with Us. O come, let us adore our King! Let all within us praise His holy name!   [bctt tweet="O Holy Night // Celebrating Christmas Like Never Before #BISblog " username="sarahcdamm"]

As we approach the last month of 2020, we are also on the threshold of a new liturgical year. Yesterday, we celebrated the glorious Feast of Christ the King, which is the official conclusion of the liturgical year. Next Sunday, we begin a new liturgical calendar with the first Sunday of Advent. And sandwiched between the two is Thanksgiving. A Season of Gratitude This time of year—coming to an end and beginning anew—is reflective in nature. We ponder all that happened during the last year (and as we all experienced, 2020 was like no other!). We also wait in joyful hope for what is coming next. Therefore, this time of year is particularly suited for focusing our hearts, minds, and souls on gratitude to God for all He has done (and is doing) in our lives. Yes, we are in a ripe season to give thanks and praise to God. And when we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift is from God, we naturally experience a brimming of gratitude in our hearts, and we desire nothing more than to offer our prayers to the Giver. God, indeed, deserves our gratitude for His abundant blessings. Even in the midst of trial and hardship, when we face challenges in our lives, finding something to be grateful for can calm our anxiety and ease the pain. Gratitude also takes the focus off of ourselves and onto our love for God and neighbor. Scripture Verses to Pray When You're Grateful The Bible abounds with prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Below are just a few of many Scripture verses that express gratitude. We can easily incorporate them into our own litany of thanksgiving. These Scripture verses (and others) are sure to lift our hearts to God; console our weariness, if we are in the midst of difficulty; and help us to count our many, many blessings. Give Thanks to God Short and sweet prayers of gratitude are sprinkled throughout the Bible. They are a great way to begin any prayer time with Our Lord. Ponder them as you write your gratitude list this Thanksgiving. Incorporate them into a prayer journal or hand letter them on a card for someone special. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. // 1 Chronicles 16:34 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. // Psalm 9:1 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. // Psalm 100:4 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! // Romans 7:25 To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! // Revelation 5:13 WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Lift Up Your Hearts With all of the negative and divisive news out there, it is important to fill our hearts and minds with truth, beauty, and goodness. We need more positive than negative coming into our thoughts and into our homes. These Scripture verses keep the abundant generosity of God central in our lives. Bless God and acknowledge him in the presence of all the living for the good things he has done for you. Bless and sing praise to his name. With fitting honor declare to all people the deeds of God. Do not be slow to acknowledge him. // Tobit 12:6 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful … with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. // Colossians 3:15-17 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. // Colossians 4:2 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. // James 1:17 Count It All Joy When we find ourselves struggling—whether it is emotionally, relationally, financially, or spiritually—it can be hard to find something to be grateful for. Sometimes, we cannot even find the words to pray. The Scriptures below can clear our minds, settle our hearts, and bring us peace, helping us return to gratitude for God’s immense love for us, especially during hard times. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. // Psalm 28:7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. // Philippians 4:6-7 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. // 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe … // Hebrews 12:28  What is your favorite Scripture verse that expresses gratitude?  HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

The Catholic Faith is a treasure trove. A treasure trove where upon exploration, we discover that it is bottomless. The precious gems and jewels within it—Holy Mass, Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, graces, prayers, devotions, traditions, teachings, and more—go on and on. These treasures exemplify the generous goodness of God and His desire to draw us closer to Him. It reminds me of what St. Paul writes to the Romans: O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! Our Lady of the Rosary The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God. -Saint Louis de Montford One precious treasure of our Catholic Faith is the Blessed Mother, whom we honor today (October 7th) as Our Lady of the Rosary. Another treasure is something she gave to us, her children, in order to keep us tethered to her motherly heart. And that gift is the Holy Rosary. Today’s feast dates back to 1573, when Christians attributed their victory over the Turks at Lepanto to the Blessed Mother under the title Our Lady of Victory. Three hundred years later, in 1883, Pope Leo XIII dedicated the entire month of October to the Holy Rosary. Through this dedication, he asked faithful Catholics to pray that God would console and defend His Church, through the intercession of the Queen of the Holy Rosary. The Traditional Rosary Many Catholics are familiar with the traditional Rosary. Some grew up praying the Rosary with their family, while others adopted the prayer practice in their adult years. The Blessed Mother urged Catholics to pray the Rosary every day in the Fatima apparition in 1917. She has pleaded with us to pray the Rosary in other apparitions, too. Why? Because Our Lady desires to be our Mother and ask for her assistance. And when we do ask for her prayers and intercession, she goes directly to her Son, Jesus, Who refuses her nothing (John 2:1-12). Rosary Variations Draw Us Closer to the Lord In addition to the traditional Rosary, there are other prayers we can say on traditional Rosary beads. Each draws us closer to the Lord in a unique way. The most popular is probably the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which Jesus gave to Saint Faustina in the 1930s. Catholics typically pray this chaplet at 3 p.m., which commemorates the death of Our Lord, the hour of mercy. Listed below are a few of the many Rosary variations. Perhaps one will become a new treasure in your prayer routine. Chaplet of the Immaculate Heart of Mary To begin, make the Sign of the Cross five times in veneration of Jesus’ five holy wounds (two Hands, two Feet, and His Side). On the large beads, pray: Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for those who seek refuge in you. On the small beads, pray: Holy Mother, save us through your Immaculate Heart's flame of love. At the end, repeat the Glory Be three times. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Rosary to the Holy Wounds This devotion honors the five wounds of Our Lord. The prayers were composed by Jesus and given to Sr. Mary Martha of the Monastery of the Visitation of Chambery. Many promises are attached to this devotion. Prayers on the Crucifix and first three beads: O Jesus, Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world. Amen. Strong God, holy God, immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen. Grace and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Your Precious Blood. Amen. Eternal Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Your only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech You. Amen, Amen, Amen. On the large beads: Eternal Father, I offer You the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. R: To heal the wounds of our souls. On the small beads: My Jesus, pardon and mercy. R: Through the merits of Your Holy Wounds. Concluding prayer: Lord Jesus, Man of Sorrows, we have meditated upon your suffering. We have considered those wounds we know and those unknown to us, and with confidence in your mercy, we ask you to grant us a greater purity of heart, true humility, and courage in our own suffering. We place ourselves and our loved ones into your holy wounds, trusting in your compassion and healing grace. Make us holy and worthy to call you Lord. Amen. Rosary in Honor of Saint Joseph The Rosary in honor of Saint Joseph is a beautiful way to ask for this holy Saint’s intercession. This prayer is said like a traditional Rosary, but instead of the Hail Mary, pray the Hail Holy Joseph. Hail, Holy Joseph, spouse of the ever virgin Mary, foster father of God the Son, whom our Father in Heaven chose to be head of the Holy Family, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Joyful Mysteries: The annunciation of Joseph The birth of Jesus The circumcision and naming of Jesus The presentation of Jesus in the Temple The finding of the child Jesus in the Temple Sorrowful Mysteries: Joseph's spouse Mary is found to be with child The journey to Bethlehem Joseph flees to Egypt with Mary and Jesus Jesus is lost in Jerusalem The death of Joseph Glorious Mysteries: The glorification of St. Joseph Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church Saint Joseph, protector of families Saint Joseph, patron of the sick and suffering Saint Joseph, patron of a holy death Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows This chaplet requires the use of special beads that are in groups of seven, but it follows the traditional Rosary format: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. The seven groups remember the seven sorrows of Our Lady: The prophecy of Simeon The flight into Egypt The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple Mary meets Jesus carrying His Cross The Crucifixion Mary receives the body of Jesus from the Cross The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb To conclude the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, pray: V: Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin. R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose holy soul was pierced at the time of Thy passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. Do you pray the Rosary or a variation of the Rosary? How has it drawn you closer to Jesus through Mary?   Join us over in our app for a live weekday Rosary at 11am ET!  Our new Blessed Is She Rosaries have arrived! Get yours here!  [bctt tweet="Different Types of Rosaries and Chaplets #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"]

Way back in January, most of us were excited to begin a new year and a new decade. Typically, January means a “fresh start” and “clean slate.” It is filled with hope for good things to come. There was something even more exciting than usual about entering 2020. It seemed so monumental. I recall a member of my women’s group suggesting that we choose a word for 2020. This is not a unique practice; many people select a word, phrase, or Bible verse to guide their year. Similarly, in January, we set goals and dreams for the year ahead. Hope Derailed, Hope Restored Do you remember your word of the year, hopes, and dreams for 2020? My word was “stand.” But by March, I had long forgotten it. So far, 2020 has been completely unprecedented. I don’t need to list the myriad of trials we have faced. We have had to navigate uncharted waters, and as a result, our goals, dreams, peace, and natural rhythms of life have been completely disrupted. Our Lord never promised an easy life. In fact, He assured us that we would experience trial and tribulation. But He also promised that He would always be with us, right in the middle of every mess, difficulty, and struggle. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world! // John 16:33 [bctt tweet="Our Lord never promised an easy life. But He also promised that He would always be with us, right in the middle of every mess, difficulty, and struggle. #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] His Presence is Our Hope All over Scripture and within our beautiful Catholic Tradition, God reminds us of His presence. Our God calms the storm. He leads us beside green pastures. He removes unnecessary burdens. The Lord promises a lighter, freer path. His Heart beats in every Tabernacle in every Catholic church across the globe. When reminded of this, fall seems like the perfect time to reclaim our hope in Christ. No matter what 2020 has brought us so far, let’s remember our words of the year, our goals, and our dreams for 2020. Yes, my friends, let’s hit the reset button and begin anew. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Fall = Fresh Start Many of us naturally equate fall with a fresh start. We begin using a new planner, we prepare ourselves or our children for a new academic year, and we refresh our wardrobes and home decor. Reset 2020 in 3 Simple Steps Perhaps we can take this fresh start one step further by resolving to renew our spirits, too. Let’s utilize the month of September as a time to pause, reprioritize, and choose peace, calm, and hope for the remainder of 2020. 1. Pause to pray. If prayer has fallen by the wayside, or if your faith feels like it is fizzling, fall is a beautiful time to renew your prayer routine. If you selected a word, theme, or Bible verse in January, it’s time to reclaim it. You may be surprised by how powerfully, even prophetically, it speaks into all the unexpected events of 2020. For the remainder of the year, pray with a new Bible verse that offers you whatever you need most from the Lord right now. (Search “Bible verses” on the BIS website for ideas.) Refresh your prayer routine by discovering a new devotion: Rosary Divine Mercy Chaplet Eucharistic Adoration Novenas Prayer journaling 2. Reprioritize. Life can feel overwhelming and even out of control. Especially recently. With so much going on in the outside world, we can easily lose sight of what is truly important to us. We read in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Fall is a wonderful time to take this Scripture passage to heart. This month, let’s ask ourselves a series of questions, in light of this passage from Ecclesiastes, in order to reprioritize what matters most: What season am I in? What is it time for? Is it time for renewal? If so, what must die, in order for new life to grow? Is it time to plant seeds, lay down roots, and hunker down? Or is it time to harvest, to step up in an area that I’ve been neglecting? Is it time for healing, building, and restoring? What is important to me right now? What do I want my days and weeks to include? What is God inviting me into? 3. Begin anew. After prayer, reflection, and discernment, choose things that bring peace, calm, and hope to your life. Implement tangible practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit, in order to safeguard against anxiety, fear, and doubt, which only desires to damage and destroy our precious wellbeing. Step one is to adopt a renewed prayer routine. Next, return to good habits of sleep, nutrition, family time, work, and leisure. Fall is an ideal time to cultivate a practice of gratitude. Consider not only what you are thankful for but why. How does this change your perception of life? Do Not Lose Heart My dear sisters in Christ, even in the midst of the hardships, difficulties, and uncertainties that have defined 2020, all is not lost. We can still experience the peaceful promises of God, and we can learn how to hold onto them, even when our world feels like it is spinning out of control. We may not know when the hard stuff will go away—and we can count on more hard stuff to follow—but we never have to wait for things to magically get better to pray, reprioritize, and begin anew. Because when we resolve to hit the reset button and start fresh, we can count on God’s grace to bless us with peace, joy, and the courage to testify to His immeasurable love for us, His beloved daughters. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. // 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 How are you starting fresh this fall?   [bctt tweet="The Fresh Start Season // 3 Ways to Begin Again #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

Recently, my family and I enjoyed a movie night featuring the new release, Fatima. This movie, which can be seen in some theaters, is also available on demand. It revisits the Marian apparitions that took place in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. These apparitions are approved by the Catholic Church and are some of the most widely known (and believed in) apparitions in modern times. A Brief History of Fatima In Fatima, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children—Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto—between May 13 and October 13, 1917. The six apparitions culminated in the Miracle of the Sun, which was seen by thousands of people. After much rain, the sun came out and could be looked upon without difficulty. Then, it began zigzagging and dancing in the sky. Suddenly, it appeared to fall toward Earth, before it returned to its original place. Since the apparitions took place during World War I, the Fatima apparitions gave people a great amount of hope. But they also angered government officials who were attempting to silence the Catholic Church, as communism grew. Praises for the Fatima Movie There are many things I like about the new Fatima movie. Overall, it is well filmed and produced. It is aesthetically pleasing, with lovely cinematography and costumes. The acting is good and believable, too. I also appreciate that there is a clear and convincing message from the Blessed Mother about the importance of praying the Rosary every day. After seeing this film, there is no questioning what she asks of all of us! The film also does not skirt around the reality of Hell. The scene of the children seeing a glimpse of Hell is frighteningly realistic. In the movie, the important message of Fatima is affirmed for those who already have a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. And for those who may be less familiar, the movie does an excellent job of introducing viewers to the apparition and inviting them to learn more. In fact the movie’s website has a marvelous selection of additional resources, including children’s activity sheets, an FAQ page, and a video on how to pray the Rosary. A Few Criticisms The new Fatima movie is truly enjoyable. However, certain elements of the apparitions are not explained well. For example, the three secrets of Fatima. The three secrets of Fatima include: A vision of hell. A warning for humanity to stop offending God or another war will begin. Mary also warned against the spread of communism and urged the pope to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart. The death of a bishop dressed in white. While some semblance of the three secrets are included in Fatima, they are unclearly portrayed. Fatima devotees may recognize the various scenes and understand how they are tied to the secrets that Our Lady revealed to the children. However, it is possible that the importance of the secrets is lost to those less familiar with the Fatima apparitions. Also, a very important part of the second secret, which is Our Lady’s warning about the errors of communism and what might happen if it spreads, is missing entirely from the film. A Movie for Such a Time as This Releasing a film about Our Lady of Fatima in 2020 could not be more perfect. In this unprecedented year, the Fatima movie reminds us that the world has endured uncertainty and hardship throughout history. And rather than give into a message of division, hatred, and fear, we must turn to a Heavenly message of hope. Yes, we need the encouraging reminder of Our Blessed Mother to “say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.” That is what this new movie offers. A Note About the Rating Fatima is rated PG-13 for images of war, the vision of Hell, and a few short scenes where Lucia may be tormented by the devil. My entire family watched this film, and my children range in age from 17 to nine. Every child is unique, so parents should determine for themselves if this film is appropriate for their child. Additional Fatima Resources After seeing Fatima, if you find yourself interested in learning more about the apparitions, here are a few resources for you: More films The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (original 1952 movie) The Day the Sun Danced (animated movie available on Formed) Books Our Lady of Fatima by William T. Walsh Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle For the Kids Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima by Marlyn Monge and Jamie Stuart Wolfe Our Lady of Fatima: St. Joseph Picture Book by Reverend Lawrence G Lovasik S.V.D. Have you seen the new Fatima movie? What did you think of it?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reviews: The New Fatima Movie #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

For the past seven months, I have been part of a coaching group that supports me in attaining some personal health goals. Recently, the group went through a significant and sudden change in how it is organized and how it operates. When I initially heard about the change, I was upset. The group seemed fine just the way it was, and I did not see a need for change. In fact, I liked my group; I was comfortable with it. But ultimately, the change was not up to me. So, I had to decide if I wanted to trust the powers at be and adapt to the change, or protest the change and leave the group. While I mourned the loss of my former group, I decided to accept the change. And while I still miss many things about my old group, the elements that made it so helpful remain: support, encouragement, and accountability. The structural change also helped me see that over the last several months, I have grown stronger and more confident in my own abilities. I don’t need the group in the same way that I needed it when I first started. Perhaps I would not have realized this had the group not changed. Life is Full of Change, Uncertainty, and Unknowns No matter how well prepared we are, no matter how much we plan and organize, life is full of unexpected change, uncertainty, and unknowns. Sometimes, we welcome change, such as in the natural and liturgical seasons. By the end of one season, who is excited for the transition into the next? We anticipate change, like the ones we experience in the weather. We keep an umbrella in the car and pack an extra sweater in our bag. Then, there are changes that surprise us and shake us out of our comfort zone, like the change to my coaching group, moving houses, or starting a new school. And of course, there are those experiences that change our reality in drastic ways, such as a serious illness, a job loss, or the death of a loved one. Moving through Change When change (or an uncertain or unknown situation) comes out of nowhere, when it catches us off guard, we can easily feel overwhelmed. Knowing intellectually that change is possible does not make it easier to deal with when it happens. We still experience shock. We still go through stages of grief. We still feel various emotions. No matter what the change is—good or bad, big or small—we need time to adjust, reach a point of acceptance, and surrender it to the Lord. But how do we let go of the familiar or what used to be? How do we surrender? How do we trust that maybe the change, while unexpected, will draw us closer to God and deepen our interior life? WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Prayers for Surrender Below is a list of Scripture verses, prayers, and spiritual books to accompany us, as we experience life changes (big or small) and as we desire to surrender every aspect of our lives more fully to the Lord. Scripture Verses Joshua 1:9 // “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Job 1:21 // “... the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Psalm 56:3 // “... when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 62 // A song of trust in God alone Jeremiah 17:7-8 // “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.” John 14:27 // “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ... Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Romans 8:28 // “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 12:1-2 // “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 1 Peter 5:7 // “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” Catholic Prayers The Lord’s Prayer, or The Our Father, may be the most popular prayer of surrender. In it, we trustingly pray for God's will to be done—whatever it may be. The Suscipe was written by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Traditionally, it is prayed at the end of a Spiritual Exercises retreat, but it can be prayed at any point in life, when there is a need for greater entrustment and surrender to God. Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, penned a prayer of surrender. It is considered a prayer of abandonment. The Surrender Novena is a nine-day prayer that asks Jesus to “take care of everything.” It was written by Servant of God Dolindo Ruotolo, an Italian priest, stigmatist, and for a time, Saint Pio’s spiritual director. In the novena’s daily prayers, it is as if Jesus is speaking directly to the praying person, and she responds by surrendering herself into His care. Spiritual Books on Surrender Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade Everything is Yours: How Giving God Your Whole Heart Changes Your Whole Life by Kris Camealy Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness by Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Blessed Claude de la Colombière How have you learned to entrust God with unexpected changes that come your way? How have you grown in your ability to surrender to the Lord?   [bctt tweet="Prayers for Surrender #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She! HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

It was mid-March. My six children just returned home from school indefinitely. Our parish was preparing to close its doors to public Masses. There was fear in the air as I went to the store to stock up on food and household goods. I recall talking with friends about new terminology like "social distancing". Changes to life were happening overnight, and it was hard to process it all in my mind. At the same time, I heard about a TV series called The Chosen. And I thought it could be just what we needed during these drastically changing circumstances. So, on one of the very first nights of being at home for an unknown period of time, my family settled in to watch Episode One of the first-ever, multi-season TV show on the life of Jesus. And we were instantly hooked. In the midst of such an uncertain time in our lives, The Chosen gave us renewed hope and assurance in Jesus. In a season when we could not receive the Eucharist, The Chosen gave us a tangible focal point that sustained us in a new way. Binge Jesus I know my family and I are not the only ones who have been deeply moved by The Chosen. Its success is due in large part to crowdfunding, which means everyday, ordinary people invested in this project in order for it to be created and produced. And in recent months, when families were stuck at home because of Covid-19, downloads of The Chosen’s mobile app exploded. It consistently ranks in the top 50 most downloaded entertainment apps. “We feel like if people can binge watch and have watch parties all over the world for shows like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, there’s no reason not to binge watch a show about Jesus,” said director Dallas Jenkins, in an interview for the Chicago-Sun Times. The Chosen: Biblical Fiction at Its Finest Season One of The Chosen offers viewers eight 45-minute episodes about the life of Jesus (and Jenkins and his crew are currently working on Season Two). But what makes The Chosen unique is that it tells the story of Jesus through the men, women, and children who encountered Him personally. And as their unique narratives unfold on screen, we see, with fresh eyes and open hearts, how Jesus longs for an intimate relationship with each of us, too. In the first season of The Chosen, we meet familiar Biblical figures such as Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and six other Apostles, and Nicodemus. With intentional creative license, The Chosen invites viewers to glimpse into possible background stories of their lives, before Jesus transforms them. In other words, The Chosen fills in the Biblical narrative with Biblical fiction that is entirely plausible. And this allows the familiar to come to life in a fresh, new way. Frequently-read Bible stories suddenly become vibrant, rich experiences, including the following: the big catch of fish and the call of the first Apostles (Luke 5:1-11) the healing of the paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-26) the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-12) the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) Inspiring the Imagination Throughout the series, viewers are also able to imagine themselves in the story. For example, when I heard how Jesus speaks to Mary Magdalene, Peter’s wife (Eden), and Nicodemus, I could hear Him speaking gentle words to me. When I saw His eyes of love, looking affectionately at the children or giving a knowing wink, I could envision Him looking straight into my heart, too. The invitation to prayerfully imagine is very Catholic. It is how St. Ignatius of Loyola invites us to read and meditate on Scripture. Some people call this lectio divina (divine reading). In this form of prayer, we read a Scripture passage several times, and then we engage it with our imagination by placing ourselves in the scene. We consider who we are in the story. What do we hear, see, taste, smell, and touch? Watching The Chosen provides a similar opportunity for such prayerful imagination. In this case, it is called visio divina (divine seeing), or praying with art. Historically Accurate The Chosen also opens our eyes to the cultural, religious, and political realities of the time. Experts from three religious traditions (Judaism, Catholicism, and Protestantism) consulted on the show to offer a biblically, historically, and culturally accurate portrayal of the characters and circumstances. Because of this extensive research, there is a realistic feel to the show. Viewers see an authentic representation of what Jesus and the people around Him looked and sounded like. We also learn about various Jewish traditions, such as Shabbat (or Sabbath). In addition, we gain greater insight into the oppression the Jewish people experienced under Roman governance. Relatable and Deeply Human The Chosen reminds viewers of the relatable experiences we share as members of the human family. Moreover, we see how the Incarnation of Jesus meets us in our need and lifts us up into redemption. For example, in the story of Mary Magdalene, we perceive her enduring the hardship of past trauma. Then, when Jesus approaches, we see the miraculous transformation His healing brings her. We also recognize marital tension between Simon and his wife. But when Jesus enters both of their lives, His presence not only brings about personal conversion, but a renewal in their relationship. Throughout the series, we also witness the humanity of Jesus, which helps us relate to Him in a new way. We see Him working hard to light a fire and His need for sleep. Observing Jesus’ sense of humor, compassion, and good nature is refreshing to witness, especially as He interacts—verbally and nonverbally—with His mother, His new friends, and those He heals and teaches. There are several scenes that depict the very tender relationship between Jesus and Mother Mary, and their close relationship is eloquently portrayed. A Note to Parents For parents wondering if The Chosen is appropriate for children, I encourage them to screen it beforehand to make that personal decision for their family. Each episode lands at various points on the dramatic scale, with the first episode being the most intense for small children. The third episode, however, is all about the relationship Jesus has with children, and it will certainly capture their hearts and imaginations, as they ponder their own relationship with the Savior. Can’t Wait for More My husband, all six of my children (ages 17 to 9), and I were completely captivated by The Chosen. Every episode compelled us to watch the next one. We found The Chosen entertaining, powerful, funny, and deeply moving. And we look forward to many more seasons of this wonderful show. Have you watched The Chosen yet? What did you think?!   [bctt tweet="BIS Reviews: The Chosen #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"]

As Catholic mothers, we want the very best for our children. We want them to be happy and healthy. We want them to thrive in school, friendship, interests, and talents. More than anything, we want them to know, love, and serve God in this life, so they can dwell with Him for all eternity. We provide for our children so they will be successful, contributing adults to society. And we do everything we can to teach them the Faith, so that one day they will claim it as their own. But even if we check off all the “right” boxes in the “raising them in the Faith” category, some of our children may, in fact, exercise their free will to leave the Church one day. For those of us still raising our children, the mere thought of this is frightening. And for those of us with older children, this may already be our devastating and heartbreaking reality. Sadly, most, if not all, of us know someone who has fallen away from the Faith. Even if she is not our child, she is our sister, niece, cousin, or friend. Praying for Children Who Have Left the Church When faced with this situation, what can we—as mothers (sisters, aunts, godmothers, or friends)—do? How do we remain hopeful, even when our heart breaks for our child who has left the Church? Below is a collection of ways to pray for children (or loved ones) to return to the Church. Pray With Scripture When praying for a child who has left her Faith behind, what we need most is trust, hope, and perseverance. We do not want to lose our own faith in the midst of this heartbreak. Thankfully, there are many Scripture passages that encourage us to trust God, remain hopeful, and persevere in prayer. Pray them over your child. Cling to the truth that God’s Word proclaims. Immerse yourself in His promises. Psalm 34:18 // “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 40:1 // “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” Mark 11:24 // “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Luke 18:7 // “Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” Romans 12:12 // “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Philippians 4:6-7 // “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Turn to the Saints In the Catholic tradition, Saints Augustine, Monica, and Ambrose are the trifecta of Saints to turn to when a child leaves the Church. Saint Monica Patron Saint of wives, difficult marriages, mothers, and wayward children, Saint Monica prayed for 17 years for her son Augustine’s conversion. She knows the pain of watching a child abandon the Faith. But even in the midst of her heartbreak, she modeled patience and perseverance in prayer. She exemplified just how powerful our intercessory prayers can be for our fallen-away children. Turn to Saint Monica for motherly comfort, as well as for strength and perseverance. Find prayers to Saint Monica here and the Saint Monica Novena here. Saint Augustine If any Saint understands what it is like to be wayward, it is Saint Augustine. He was raised Christian but abandoned his Faith for an impure and sinful life. His conversion is attributed to his mother Monica’s persevering prayers and his friendship with Bishop Ambrose. After his conversion, Augustine became a priest, bishop, writer, and Doctor of the Church. Be assured of his intercession for your child through the Saint Augustine Novena. Saint Ambrose While Monica prayed for Augustine, Bishop Ambrose befriended Augustine and was instrumental in his conversion. Monica said Ambrose was “an angel of God who uprooted my son from his former ways and led him to his convictions of Christ.” While praying for your child to return to the Catholic Faith, ask for a friend, an "Ambrose,” to come into her life, someone who can speak to her in a way that she will listen and be captivated. Find the Saint Ambrose Novena here. Lean into these Prayers Our Catholic Faith gives us some powerful prayers with great promises attached to them. Pray these prayers (or any favorite prayer) frequently with faith, hope, and confidence, entrusting your loved one into God’s care and protection. Memorare, including St. Mother Teresa’s Flying Novena (nine Memorares in a row) Rosary Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (a favorite of Saint Pio’s, who prayed it daily for those who asked him to pray for them) Light a Candle There are many other faith-filled actions we can take on behalf of a wayward child. Light a votive candle as a tangible expression of your prayer. Have Mass said for her. Invite her to Mass, a talk, or a faith-based event. Pray for the wisdom to know when to say something and when to be silent. Praise God for what has yet to happen in your child’s life. Stay invested in her life. Let her know you are praying for her. Having a child leave the Faith is probably one of the most painful experiences of motherhood. But we cannot lose hope! Rather, we need to entrust our children (over and over again) to Our Heavenly Father. Our children belong to Him more than they belong to us, and as hard as it is to believe, He loves them infinitely more than we do. Our Father has a plan of sheer goodness for their lives, and Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Our Lord calls them back to Him, and He will never abandon them. So take advice from Saint Pio: Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. How have you prayed for a child or loved one who has fallen away from the Faith? What has brought you comfort and hope? Which prayers have made an impact on their life?   [bctt tweet="Prayers for Children Who Have Left the Church #BISblog //" via="no"]

  When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. -John 19:26-27 These were some of the last words Jesus spoke before He died. In the most excruciating moment of His life, He looked down from the Cross and saw two people whom He loved: His mother and the beloved disciple, John. And as their presence consoled Him, He ministered and took care of them by bringing them together, as mother and son. Tradition says that Mary lived the remainder of her life with John in a home in Ephesus (in present-day Turkey). But according to Pope Benedict XVI, “the Greek text [of the above Bible passage] is far deeper, far richer. We could translate it: he took Mary into his inner life, his inner being … into the depths of his being.” Here is Your Mother Jesus’ final words not only pertained to Mary and John. They also included you, me, and all of humanity. Jesus Christ, after having given us all he could give, that is to say, the merit of His toils, His sufferings, and bitter death; after having given us His adorable body and blood to be food for our souls, willed also to give us the most precious thing He had left, which was His holy mother. -St. John Marie Vianney Yes, Jesus gave us Mary to be our mother. And He gave Mary all of us to be her children. But how do we cultivate a relationship with our mother Mary? How do we take her into our homes—and even into the depths of our being—like John did? Honoring Mary at Home Here are six ways to honor Mary in and around our homes. 1. Pray The prayer we associate the most with Mary is the Hail Mary. And the prayer with a series of Hail Marys, which Mary gave to St. Dominic, is the Rosary. When we pray the Rosary, we meditate on the life of Jesus, and while we do so, we ask Mary to intercede for us. The Rosary is a powerful and beautiful devotion. But as we develop the habit of praying the Rosary everyday, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that we can start small and grow from there. To begin, pray one decade of the Rosary each day for five days, so by the end of the week, you will have prayed an entire Rosary. Another way to ask Mary for her prayers and intercession is by simply incorporating the Hail Mary, Memorare, or another Marian prayer into our daily prayer routine. 2. Ponder One way to grow in relationship with Mary is by pondering her presence in Scripture. While she does not say much, what she says (and does) is powerful. Below is a simple Marian lectio divina. Some passages will be familiar, as they are also mysteries of the Rosary. After reading a Bible verse, consider what it means to you. What can you learn from Mary? How can you emulate her words and actions in your own life? The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38 The Visitation: Luke 1:39-56 The Nativity of Our Lord: Luke 2:1-20 The Presentation: Luke 2:22-38 The Losing and Finding Jesus in the Temple: Luke 2:41-52 The Wedding at Cana: John 2: 1-12 The Crucifixion: John 19:26-27 The Early Church: Acts 1:14 3. Read Another way to get to know Mary is by reading a good book about her. This will help you grow in relationship with her, and it will equip you to share the truth about Mary with others. Here are a few wonderful books about Mary. And if you want the children in your life to know Mary from an early age, Take It To the Queen: A Tale of Hope by Josephine Nobisso is a beautiful children’s book about her. 4. Decorate If you do not have one already, begin shopping for a beautiful statue or image of the Blessed Mother. (For the one in our picture above or different beautiful images of Our Lady, check out Paper Monastery.) Once you find one that you like, display it prominently in your home. During May (the month of Mary) and October (the month of the Rosary), it is customary to create a special place in your home to honor Our Lady. A Mary altar can be simple but beautiful atop a fireplace mantle or bookshelf. It can include a statue, framed holy card, Rosary, and candles. Get the kids involved by inviting them to make little bouquets of flowers to place on the Mary altar. During these months, take time to pray here, adding special Marian prayers to your repertoire. 5. Plant Mary gardens have been part of Catholic culture for a long time. They can be elaborate or simple, depending on your gardening skills. A Mary garden includes specific flowers named after Our Lady. Typically, a Mary garden also includes a statue of her. If you do not have a yard, create a Mary garden by planting flowers in large pots. Then, simply tuck a small statue or holy card of Our Blessed Mother among the flowers. Here are some traditional Marian flowers: Bleeding Heart: Mary’s Heart Daffodil: Mary’s Star Ferns: Mary’s Hair Geraniums: Lady Beautiful Hostas: Assumption Lily Impatiens: Mother’s Love Marigold: Mary’s Gold Pansies: Our Lady’s Delight Tulips: Mary’s Prayer 6. Celebrate Within our Catholic tradition, there are many Marian feast days. Find a few that are meaningful to you. Write them on your calendar, and plan something special for those days. Some ideas include: Decorating cupcakes for Our Lady’s birthday (September 8th) Making white hot chocolate for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) Enjoying a Mexican dinner on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th) Of course, Marian feast day celebrations do not have to include food. Other ideas include: Making an act of consecration to Jesus through Mary. This is a 33-day process that ends on a Marian feast day. Creating something in honor of Mary, such as a prayer shawl, watercolor painting, or hand-lettered quote. Incorporate it into your home’s decor, or give it away to someone special. Sing Marian hymns. What are some of your favorite ways to honor Mary in and around your home?   [bctt tweet="Honoring Mary in and around Our Homes #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

I didn’t grow up knowing anything about the Divine Mercy Chaplet. In fact, I didn’t pray the Chaplet until I was well into adulthood. And what I quickly discovered is that powerful prayers can be short and simple. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on traditional Rosary beads. If you have a Rosary—or ten fingers—you can easily pray this seven-minute prayer. There is incredible grace and mercy readily available to us when we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. All we need to do is turn our hearts toward Jesus and pray a few simple (but oh-so-powerful) words. What is Mercy? Mercy is another name for love. More specifically, it is God’s love meeting us in our suffering. Isn’t that beautiful? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: ...the Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy. Yes, God sent us Jesus out of His mercy—His love—for us! 2,000 years after He walked the earth, Jesus appeared to a Polish nun to remind us of the immense mercy God continues to have for each of us, and in fact, the whole world. A Little History of the Divine Mercy Chaplet When Sister Faustina was a 20-year-old nun within the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Jesus appeared to her as the King of Divine Mercy. She recorded His words of merciful love in what is now known as the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Over the course of several years, Jesus continued to reveal His message of mercy to Sister Faustina. One aspect of His message was instruction on how to pray what Jesus called “the Chaplet.” It started when Faustina envisioned an angel that God sent down to discipline a particular city. Faustina prayed for mercy, but she found that her prayers were powerless. Then, she received these words within her heart: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world; for the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us. As she continued praying these words, the angel stopped his course of action against the city; the city was saved! A Prayer for Mercy on the Whole World The next day, Sister Faustina heard the inspired words again, but this time, after “have mercy on us,” the words “and on the whole world” were added. From this moment on, Sister Faustina continually repeated this prayer, especially for the dying. In later revelations, Jesus told Faustina that the Chaplet was not just for her. He wanted her to share it with the whole world. He promised that those who prayed the Chaplet would receive extraordinary graces. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet Holding your Rosary, make the Sign of the Cross with the Crucifix. On the next bead, you have the option to pray: You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. // Then, repeat three times: O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! On the next three beads, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. Next, on the large bead, pray: Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the 10 small beads, pray: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all five decades of the Chaplet. Then, repeat three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. This is an optional closing prayer: Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion—inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen. Returning to the Crucifix, make the Sign of the Cross. When to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet The Divine Mercy Chaplet can be prayed at any time, but Jesus encourages us, through St. Faustina, to pray it at two specific times: At 3 p.m. each afternoon, as Jesus invites us to recall His love for us in His death on the Cross. // Jesus said to Faustina: “At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.” As a novena nine days before the Feast of Divine Mercy, which is the Sunday after Easter. For each of the nine days, Jesus gave nine different intentions. // Jesus said to Faustina: “I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever grace they have need of in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death.” Divine Mercy Chaplet Resources To help you grow in your devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet, here are some beautiful online resources to peruse. Pray alongside us! As you familiarize yourself with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, pray along with an audio recording of the Chaplet on a prayer app, such as Relevant Radio or Divine Mercy. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal! Here is a beautiful sung version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet by Catholic singer Vicki Kueppers. As the time for the Divine Mercy Novena approaches (Good Friday through the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday), receive daily email reminders from Pray More Novenas. For a 15-minute crash course on Divine Mercy by Rev. Michael Gaitley, MIC, listen here. To read more about Divine Mercy, check out these books: Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy by Vinny Flynn 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle Divine Mercy for Moms: Sharing the Lessons of St. Faustina by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet Are you interested in learning how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet? Is this a devotion you have and love already? [bctt tweet="How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

This Lent has been like no other. On Ash Wednesday, we began with a plan for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But less than three weeks into Lent, life turned upside down because of COVID-19 and the precautions we were asked to take in order to prevent its spread. As life’s normal rhythms were interrupted, so were our Lenten plans. And we entered a Lenten desert we did not expect to experience. A Different Kind of Holy Week Our prayers shifted direction. Fasting suddenly included not attending Sunday Mass and enduring a new hunger for Jesus. We got creative with almsgiving, focusing on those within our home or how we could serve at a social distance. Now, as Lent draws to a close, we anticipate the holiest week of the year. And we settle into the reality that we will spend it at home, too. The good news is that, even under these unusual circumstances, Holy Week can still be one of the most prayerful weeks of the year. Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Holy Week at Home Below are simple and meaningful ways to draw closely to Jesus in His Passion and Death—all while staying at home. Set a Schedule Since we have already spent multiple weeks at home—and the days can run together—it is important to set Holy Week apart so that it feels special. Create a schedule for the week. Designate times for: Prayer Spiritual reading Simple meals Rest and recreation, including time outside Work (i.e. bigger projects Monday-Wednesday; only necessary work during the Triduum) Create a Space Set up a designated prayer space: Clear off a table and place a cloth on it. Move a chair close by or place big pillows on the floor. Add things that draw your heart and mind to Jesus: a Crucifix, candles, holy cards, a Rosary. Corral a Bible and other prayer books in a basket. [bctt tweet="Even under these unusual circumstances, Holy Week can still be one of the most prayerful weeks of the year. #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] Live-stream the Liturgy Live-stream the Holy Week liturgies of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, through your parish, EWTN, or another source. Print out a copy of a Spiritual Communion prayer to pray during the time of Holy Communion. Here are more helpful tips for watching Mass or other liturgies at home. Pray with Scripture Pray and reflect upon the daily Psalms and Gospel readings. This is a beautiful way to follow Jesus from Palm Sunday through His Passion on Good Friday. Magnificat’s online magazine is free right now. It includes all the daily Mass readings, plus morning and evening prayers. Here are some simple guidelines for praying with Scripture: Spend 5-10 minutes settling down. Notice your cares and concerns. Jot down a few feeling words. Invite God to approach you. Notice His presence, and enter into it. Read the daily Scripture passage slowly several times. Highlight words or phrases that stand out to you. Notice what rises in your heart: thoughts, emotions, memories, hopes, fears, or dreams. Offer them to God. Listen for His response, through Scripture or a stirring in your heart. At the conclusion of your prayer time, thank God for this time together. Journal your experience, if you so desire. Turn Down the Noise During Holy Week, limit secular music, social media, and news programs. Instead, enjoy sacred music, such as Lent at Ephesus by the Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles. Grow in Your Faith Holy Week is a wonderful time for spiritual growth. Do something each day to enhance your faith. Read a chapter from a spiritual book. Watch a Blessed is She workshop (many are free right now). Download Formed for a free (for 40 days) treasure trove of Catholic content. With the Kids If you have children, enjoy a prayerful activity with them each day. Read aloud the Easter story from a children’s Bible. Print out faith-based coloring sheets. Bake Hot Cross Buns for a simple Good Friday breakfast. Watch a children’s version of the Stations of the Cross. MagnifiKid! is free this month and a great resource for kids’ spiritual growth. Enter the Triduum The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum. -United States Conference of Catholic Bishops The Triduum lasts from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Holy Saturday. Holy Thursday Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the Sacrament of the Eucharist and instituted the priesthood. Foot Washing Have a foot washing ceremony. Read John 13:1-15. Parents, wash your children’s feet. Roommates, wash each other’s hands. Share a time when someone showed you an act of service and what that meant to you. Brainstorm ways to incorporate the Works of Mercy into your life, especially during this time of quarantine. Remain With Jesus Consider Jesus’ loneliness during this week, but especially as He entered into His Passion. Tonight, spend time with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Unite your loneliness during this quarantine to His loneliness in the Garden. Add flowers or plants to your prayer space to give it that garden feel. If it is warm enough, take your prayer outdoors. Read Matthew 26:36-46 to set the tone. Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. On this day, follow the guidelines for fasting and abstaining from meat. Keep a period of silence from noon-3 p.m. Venerate the Cross Around 3 p.m., spend time before a crucifix. Read John 18:1-19:42. At the words, “And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit,” kneel and adore Christ Crucified. You can also pray the Stations of the Cross. This will be live-streamed from many places, or you can pray along in the digital version of Magnificat. Holy Saturday Have you noticed that Scripture is almost silent about Holy Saturday? The Gospel of Luke gives the only clue about what happened that day: “On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment" (Luke 23:56). It’s as if, with the death of our Lord, everything stops … and the world rests, and waits, for the revelation of redemption. -Walk In Her Sandals Rest and Wait Life feels a lot like Holy Saturday right now, doesn’t it? We are waiting, barely holding on. At times, we don’t know what to do. But Jesus’ own disciples teach us what to do. In the midst of tremendous sorrow and pain, in the midst of chaos, in the midst of uncertainty and fear, Jesus’ friends rested and waited. And we are invited to do the same. Bring these questions to prayer: As you wait by Jesus’ tomb, how do you feel? Especially as you see similarities between the historic Holy Saturday and this unique time in our lives? How do you hear His still, small voice whispering to you promises of a new day, a new creation? Like the Apostle John, invite Mary into your heart and home (John 19:25-27). Make Preparations Quietly and hopefully prepare for Easter: Dye eggs. Make Easter cards and mail them to loved ones. Go on an evening walk and write hopeful messages on the sidewalk with chalk. Place painted rocks in neighbors’ yards. How do you plan on making this Holy Week at home extra special? [bctt tweet="Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Holy Week at Home #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Three weeks ago, life felt normal. We went to work and school. We were in usual routines of running errands, cooking meals, praying with our Lenten devotional, and meeting friends for coffee. We worked on house projects. We attended Mass. How Quickly Things Change Because of COVID-19 and the precautions we are taking to prevent its spread, life has turned upside down. In a matter of days, nothing looks the same; everything is different. Schools and businesses are closed. Shelves in grocery stores are empty. Public Masses are suspended. Normal routines have been replaced with new ones. Social distancing is now a reality. And there are many unknowns and uncertainties. As a result, we are feeling a wide range of emotions. It’s OK to Feel Perhaps we are anxious or overwhelmed. We miss our friends, neighbors, and classmates. Maybe we feel impatient, living in close quarters with family members, or frustrated with how others are responding to this pandemic. We long for normalcy. We hunger for Jesus. However we feel during this quarantine, it is important to acknowledge our feelings. It is good to journal about them or process them with a friend. And then we must entrust everything to the Lord—over and over again. God is with Us God already knows what we are enduring and the emotions that accompany these difficult days. His only desire is for us to turn to Him in our time of need and surrender everything to His care. And one way we can do that is by praying with Scripture. When we pray with Scripture, during any time of need, we can be assured that God will speak peace, love, and hope into our hearts. For God’s Word is truly His love letter to each of us. Scripture Verses for Times of Quarantine Here are several Scripture verses to pray during this time of quarantine. When You Feel Worried // "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1 // "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change…" -Psalm 46:1-2 // The entirety of Psalm 91 // "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice … The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:4-7 // "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5-7 [bctt tweet="Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5-7 #BISblog //" via="no"]     When You Feel Isolated // "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:8 // "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'” -Lamentations 3:22 // "O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble." -Isaiah 33:2 // "…do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." -Isaiah 41:10 // "…I have called you by name, you are mine…you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you." -Isaiah 43:1-4 // "Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones." -Isaiah 49:13 When You Struggle to Adjust to a New Routine // "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6 // "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." -Psalm 28:7 // “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 // “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 // "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13 When You Feel Stir-Crazy // “Be still, and know that I am God!" -Psalm 46:10 // "Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." -Psalm 116:7 // "I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish." -Jeremiah 31:25 // "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -John 14:27 // "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." -Philippians 4:8 When You Grow Impatient or Frustrated // “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy." -Matthew 5:7 // "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:10 // "Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2 // "As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another… forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you... Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body." -Colossians 3:12-15 // "We love because he first loved us." -1 John 4:19 What Scripture verses are comforting you during this time of quarantine? HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

A married woman must, when called upon, quit her devotions to God at the altar to find Him in her household affairs. -St. Frances of Rome   As a mom, I have struggled with this. Longing for just a few more minutes of morning prayer, before my children wake up. Hoping for quiet and stillness at Mass so I can soak in the grace I desperately need for the next week. This was especially difficult when I was a new mom with young children. “All I want is some quiet time with You, Lord. Is that too much to ask?” I often wondered. Even though my children are older now, new challenges come into play. I continue to struggle with balancing prayer and the duties required of me as a wife and mom. At times, this feels isolating, like I am the only one who wrestles with this. But I know, deep down, that my experience is not unique. In fact, I think it is safe to say that most moms struggle with a lack of their own time to do their own things, including prayer. St. Frances of Rome: A Saint Who Struggled, Too I stumbled upon the above quote from St. Frances of Rome a few years ago, when I was curious about the Saint whose feast day shares my birthday. Her words gave me a tremendous amount of hope. And I soon learned that she was not only advising other women with these words, she was incorporating them into her own life, too. Frances also struggled with finding a balance between living a quiet, contemplative, and prayerful life and being present to the obligations she had to her husband and children. Over the course of her life, though, she learned some valuable lessons that helped her not only be a good wife and mother, but also a holy, prayerful woman of God. Yes, we can be both! And St. Frances of Rome can show us how. God’s Will or Yours? Frances was born in 1384 in Rome. From an early age, she had a strong love for God. By age 11, she decided that she wanted to become a nun. Her father, however, had different plans for her. By the time Frances was 13, he already promised her hand in marriage to the son of another wealthy family. Frances prayed that God would somehow prevent the marriage from happening. She complained to her confessor, who responded, “Are you crying because you want to do God's will, or because you want God to do your will?” She surrendered her will to God’s, but she did so reluctantly. Her husband was a good man who cared about her very much. But her heart was not in the marriage, and she still longed to be a bride of Christ. What made it worse was that Frances was thrown into a very social life. She was expected to attend and host numerous parties while her heart longed for quiet time with God. This took a toll on Frances’ health, and she collapsed from the stress. Close to death, Frances had a vision of St. Alexis, a fourth-century monastic who became a beggar instead of marrying and lived a life of anonymity, even to his family. He told her that God was giving her a choice: to recover or not. Frances responded, “God’s will is mine.” St. Alexis promised Frances that she would live a life that glorified the Lord. You’re Not Alone Frances recovered, but her struggle did not disappear. She was still expected to entertain and go visiting with her mother-in-law. While she was constantly surrounded by people, Frances felt utterly alone. Finally, Frances took a risk and confided in her sister-in-law Vannozza, who seemed to like being social. But it turned out that Vannozza was just a naturally joyful person. Deep down, she wanted to live a devout life, too. Frances and Vannozza became the best of friends and made a plan to balance their devotions with their obligations to their families. They decided that their vocations came first. They renewed their commitment to their husbands and families and worked with joy. But they also attended Mass together and set up a secret chapel in the palace where they could go and pray. With this new commitment, and a sister in Christ by her side, Frances turned more of her attention toward the needs of her own household. She gave birth to two sons and one daughter. She became the administrator of the household when her mother-in-law passed away. Her family flourished under her care. She was faithful to her duties but still managed multiple works of mercy, too. Coming Full Circle Throughout her life, Frances endured war, plagues, the kidnapping of her son, and the early deaths of two children. Eventually, her husband and father-in-law had a deeper conversion, which allowed her to sell her jewels and fancy clothing to give more to the poor. Later in life, with her husband’s permission, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. The women lived in the world but offered themselves to God and to the service of the poor. After her husband’s death, Frances moved in with the Oblates of Mary and became the superior. At the age of 52, she had the life she wanted at age 11. God just had other plans for her in between. Frances died in 1440 at the age of 56. St. Frances of Rome, Pray for Us! The life of St. Frances is an encouraging one. She struggled with something that I struggle with on a daily basis: balancing prayer and work. And her life story has taught me a lot: I am a work in progress. The Lord loves the time I spend with Him. The Lord also gives me important work to do. I am not alone in my struggle to find balance. Sisterhood is important. One friend can make all the difference. The Lord places desires on my heart, but I need to trust that His timing is perfect in bringing those desires to fruition. Lord, I long to spend time with You in prayer. I also know that you have given me work to do in this world. May I find You, Lord, in every moment of my day, whether before the tabernacle or in front of a pile of laundry. St. Frances of Rome, pray for me. Amen. [bctt tweet="On the Feast of St. Frances of Rome #BISblog //" via="no"]

It was the first full week of January. My children were back in school, and life was slowly returning to normal after a fun, but unstructured, Christmas break. I expected to feel happy as I began anew—filling out my 2020 calendar, stocking up on seasonal produce and cleaner food choices, and revisiting routines that had been on hiatus since mid-December. But instead, I felt tired, isolated, and sad. There was an uneasiness in my heart, and I struggled with motivation. Finally, I remembered that I felt the same way last January. So I extended myself grace and allowed myself to feel the winter blues. The Winter Blues are Real The winter blues range from feeling temporarily gloomy to experiencing longer-lasting depression. Some people overcome the winter blues with simple home remedies, while others need professional intervention. No matter where someone falls on the spectrum, there is no shame when the weather takes a toll on our spirits. This winter, I eased my case of the winter blues by seeking refuge in my parish’s Adoration Chapel. The true presence of Jesus—along with the silence, colorful stained glass, and soft candlelight—calmed my restlessness and renewed my spirit. There is something very special about praying before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. But I realize this is not easily accessible to everyone. Thankfully, we can pray anywhere. In a chapel or our car. On the sofa or porch swing. Scripture Verses to Comfort and Console the Winter Blues Here are several Bible verses to pray during the winter, when light, warmth, and hope can feel lost. Light My Life Light is such a prevalent theme throughout Scripture, and of course, Jesus is referred to as Light of the World. Let us allow His light to permeate our souls this winter, especially as natural light is so scarce. // “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” -Psalm 80:19 // “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” -Psalm 119:130 // “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” -Isaiah 9:2 // “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.” -Isaiah 58:8 // “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” -John 1:5 // “The morning star rises in your hearts.” -2 Peter 1:19 WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Be My Comfort Our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—desires warmth and comfort during the winter months. Where better to seek comfort than in the One Who gives comfort like no other? // “Be still, and know that I am God!” -Psalm 46:10 // “Let your steadfast love become my comfort.” -Psalm 119:76 // “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” -Isaiah 40:8 // “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones.” -Isaiah 49:13 // “For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” -Isaiah 51:3 Renew My Hope Winter can feel barren and desolate, and we can grow discouraged. But if we imagine all the work happening underground, for spring to actually emerge, we can have hope that God is always at work, even when we can’t see or feel it. // “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” -Psalm 62:5-8 // “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31 // “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.” -Lamentations 3:25 // “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” -Romans 5:5 // “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13 Enflame My Heart It may be cold and gloomy outside, but the love of God can ignite our hearts and warm our souls. And when He sets our hearts on fire, we can share His love with others. // “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” -Psalm 9:1-2 // “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4 // “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” -Proverbs 3:5 // “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” -Ezekiel 36:26 // “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” -Luke 24:32 // “My peace I give to you … Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” -John 14:27 // “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 What Scripture verses encourage you during the long, dark, and cold season of winter? HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY

I didn’t grow up with an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in my house, and there wasn’t one in my parish. As a young girl, I didn’t even hear the words “Sacred Heart.†The one exception: my grandmother belonged to the “Sacred Heart Auto League,†and had an emblem on her car...

“Close your eyes after Holy Communion,†Father Andrew instructed. “Let yourself feel the loving embrace of Jesus.†I try to remain attentive to the presence of Jesus after receiving Holy Communion. I believe with all my heart that His precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity dwell within me in a special way. As a mom of six, however, I often have to spend this time with one eye open, making sure my children stay relatively quiet, while our parish community prays around us...

I walk with my friend. We’re set on finally finding Jesus. We’ve heard Him speak. We’ve seen Him heal. If only we could get close enough…