For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -Matthew 18:20 We are all called to take time out of our day to pray—to converse with our God, our first Love. The Catechism tells us that prayer leads us to love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer: it is always possible to pray, prayer is a vital necessity, and prayer and Christian life are inseparable. -CCC 2742-2745 When we pray, we unite our hearts to God and leading others to Him. If Christ has called you into a relationship, make Him the center of it through prayer. The fruit of prayer is always holy and authentic love. Praying When Dating Dating is a special time to discern the vocation of marriage. It is an opportunity to build a friendship founded in Christ with someone. It is a beautiful gift to be able to share your personality—your likes, dislikes, joys, and sorrows—with another person. And in return, receive the gift of their personality. Prayer during dating is important. Taking personal time to pray and discern is essential, as is taking time to pray with your boyfriend. By taking time to pray together, you set Christ as the foundation of your relationship. You allow your perspective to become Christ-centered. You open your hearts and minds to hear and follow His will. Don’t be afraid to pray with your boyfriend. Ask one another about your favorite ways to pray. Invite Christ to be present with you in your conversations and your relationship. Ways to Pray with Your Boyfriend Here are three ways to pray with your boyfriend: Pray A Group Rosary // Prayer is an intimate act, and praying out loud in front of the person you are dating can be intimidating. Group prayer allows everyone to participate at his or her own level of comfort. Invite friends over to pray the Rosary. It is a beautiful way to honor Our Lady. Read about the Lives of the Saints // The Saints are models of virtue and a source of inspiration. Share with one another about your favorite Saints and spend some time researching them together. Look up quotes by them, celebrate their Feast Day, or pray a novena in honor of them. When my husband and I first started dating, we prayed to God to send us a Saint to be the patron of our relationship. Call upon the Saint Christ reveals to you to protect, guide, and help you both as you discern! Read from the Bible // One of the best ways to discern God’s will is through reading the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word spoken to us. Reflect on a verse, talk about the daily Mass readings, or share how the Bible has affected your life. Be open to what Christ is revealing to you both as you pray. Praying When Engaged Engagement is a wonderful time to grow with your fiancé. This time of preparation presents many opportunities and challenges to go deeper, to better understand each other, and to better support each other. Prayer, and especially prayer together, is a crucial element of the growth that occurs during this time. The engagement period will be an exciting time as you begin to make wedding plans! Planning will also be a challenging process as you both try to juggle family dynamics, traditions, personal desires, and the many vendors that a wedding requires. It can be exciting and stressful all in one breath! A movement toward being vulnerable and completely open with one another will likely take place during engagement. Praying together is a great way to facilitate this openness. Encourage each other, support each other in every way that you can, and pray for each other’s mind, body, and soul as you approach the day of the wedding. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit as ministers of the Sacrament! Ways to Pray with Your Fiancé Here are three ways to pray with your fiancé: Attend Mass Together // The celebration of Mass is the highest, most Heavenly prayer here on earth. This form of prayer is especially beautiful if you are in a long distance relationship. We are united with the entire Church during Mass. Even if you are many miles away from your fiancé, you truly meet them in the Eucharist each time you attend a Mass! Pray in Adoration Together // The silence and stillness experienced during Eucharist Adoration brings healing and clarity. Schedule in time to adore Christ in the Eucharist. Volunteer // I remember being so humbled by all the friends and family who sacrificed their time and gifts to help us prepare for our wedding day. During engagement, it is easy to fall into self-centeredness. The remedy to this is to serve others in need. Some of our most joyful days during our engagement were spent volunteering with The Missionaries of Charity or with our young adult group. Praying When Married The goal of any marriage is salvation. It is a vocation in which one loves another fully, completely, and without restraint. To love is to will the good of the beloved. We will the good of our husbands when we desire Heaven for them. In marriage, we hope for salvation through prayer, through sacrifice, through mercy, through love, and through the widening of our hearts. There is no greater love than this, but to lay one’s life down. Marriage is a continual death to self and selfishness. Prayer with your husband opens a window to his soul—his desires, his needs, his hurts, and his joys. Through prayer, we can enter into an even deeper and more intimate understanding of our beloved. In understanding, we are better able to serve our spouses and help them to attain salvation. After all, the word "family" comes from the Latin word famulus, which means "servant." Praying for each other throughout the day is another way to be close to one another when jobs and other daily duties keep you apart. Your work can be a prayer for your husband. If you are at home, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, and caring for your children are all acts of love, and acts of prayer, that can be directed for your husband and his intentions. And when you have time together, prayer is vital to the health of your marriage. Ways to Pray with Your Husband Here are three ways to pray with your husband: Eat a Daily Meal Together // I once learned that an order of monks would say to those in their novitiate that the most sacred place in monastery, outside of the chapel, was the kitchen table. Jesus gives us the perfect example of this at the Table of the Eucharist. He elevates the ordinary into something extraordinary. He invites us to do the same. Take the time each day to eat a meal together. It is good for the body and for the soul! Go to Confession // Mercy and love are the cornerstones of marriage. The more mercy we are shown, the more mercy we are able to give. Participating in the Sacrament of Confession instills humility and peace within our hearts, marriage, and home. Adore Christ in your Husband // Last year during our family pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, I explained to a priest what I was experiencing in my prayer life. I often felt defeated, distracted, and overwhelmed. He lovingly looked at my son, who was asleep in my husband's arms. Then he turned to me and said, “Claire, maybe your prayer now isn’t meant to be hours in the adoration chapel, maybe it is meant to be looking at Christ in Mike and Peter, adoring Him in Mike and Peter.” As he spoke those words, my heart and mind were flooded with peace and profound joy. I immediately saw the hidden beauty of my vocation as wife and mother. I was to serve Christ, to love Christ, to look adoringly at Christ in my husband and son. Time spent with God must be my number one priority as a baptized follower of Jesus, no matter what state of life I am in. That is essential. Yet that time should not be surrounded by guilt, fear, or frustration. God is merciful, loving, and kind. He works with us in every state of life and every vocation. My prayer life has not regressed; it has beautifully evolved. It may be more challenging to set aside time for prayer, yet it is necessary that I do. And I know that the rest of my time, the time spent with Mike and Peter can be a prayer, too. When we look lovingly at our spouse, when we serve them through our daily tasks, we can offer those moments up to Christ and adore Him in prayer. How do you pray with your significant other? [bctt tweet="3 Ways to Pray with Your Boyfriend, Fiancé, or Husband #BISblog //" via="no"]

I love the Catholic Faith. I love the richness of its history and the courage of its Saints. There are so many inspiring stories of men and women who have accomplished great things and embody the spirit of beauty, truth, and goodness. Some of my favorite Saints are those who experience the deep call from Christ later in life through the gift of conversion. I recently watched the new movie Paul, Apostle of Christ and was struck by the beauty of his conversion experience. I wept as I watched the courage, humility, and bravery of St. Paul as he transformed into Christ’s disciple. We are all called to have moments of “daily conversion,” where we draw closer to Christ in our everyday moments. Yet some people are invited by Christ in a very special way to enter into full communion with the Church, much like St. Paul. How to Join the Catholic Church My dear friend, Father Sam Giangreco, recently sat down with me to explain the process of the RCIA. RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults—a beautiful process for men and women to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Father Sam is an incredible priest who consistently shows me the beauty of the mercy and love of God. If you're wondering how to join the Catholic Church, start with the information from our conversation below. What is RCIA? The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process that engages prospective converts to Catholicism who are beyond the age of reason (older than seven years, but often older than 18). It is designed specifically for those who are unbaptized, but often and legitimately used for those who are baptized (Catholic or non-Catholic), but un-catechized. For example, some RCIA candidates were baptized Catholic, but were never raised in the Faith. Other candidates may be baptized non-Catholic Christian and never catechized as a Catholic. For those who have been baptized Catholic and raised in the Faith at home, through religious education, or Catholic schooling, a Confirmation program may be a more fitting program. What does the process look like? Often, the RCIA program is organized and run by lay members of a parish and overseen by its pastor. The RCIA team members (those who run the program) and candidates (those wishing to become Catholic and/or fully initiated) typically gather in a room around a table on the parish grounds. These are usually weekly meetings that begin late summer or fall, and conclude at or shortly after Easter Sunday. Each meeting will involve a different lesson about the Catholic Faith. During the Season of Lent, in the few weeks before the Easter Vigil Mass, candidates undergo what are called “scrutinies.” It’s a scary word, but it simply involves the candidate making a progressively deeper commitment to the Faith that they are about to profess. It does not involve any type of speech, but simply standing before the congregation at a Sunday Mass for a brief moment as the priest recites a few prayers on your behalf and asks you to affirm your decision with very simple responses. How do I join? If a person who wishes to become Catholic, or fully initiated (i.e., Confirmed), the first thing they should do is to call their local Catholic parish. Often, parishes already have their own RCIA programs. If your parish doesn’t, they should easily be able to direct you to a neighboring parish to enroll. Sometimes, the pastor may even be willing to tutor candidates if there isn’t a nearby RCIA program. Joining RCIA requires effort, especially (and unfortunately) if a parish does not call you back or “leaves you hanging,” waiting for them to direct you to a nearby program. Please do not be discouraged; just move forward and find another Catholic parish. What if I enroll, but then realize I’m not ready to join the Catholic Church? It is not uncommon that candidates enroll in the program, attend a session or two, and drop out. There is no pressure to remain in the program. The RCIA team is usually seasoned enough to respect and expect all persons who approach the RCIA program. What happens after RCIA? If you have remained in the RCIA through Easter, it should be a time of great joy, because you have learned, prayed, and grown a lot in the Faith. Depending on which Sacraments you have yet to celebrate, you might receive Baptism, profess your faith in the Catholic Church, be Confirmed, and receive Our Lord in Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass, which is the evening Mass prior to Easter Sunday morning. What do I do now? Many RCIA programs start in this month of August. If it has been pressed upon your heart to learn more about the Catholic Church—and if you have a desire to join the Catholic Church—let this month be the time! Know of our daily prayers for you during this special time of discernment, prayer, and growth. The RCIA program will help you to practice your faith and use the gifts God has given you. You have an important place, you have a home, within the Catholic Church. Are you hoping to join the Catholic Church? What questions do you have about RCIA? Feel free to ask them in the comments (even anonymously if you prefer)—there are no stupid questions! We'd love to help :) [bctt tweet="How to Join the Catholic Church // Insight Into RCIA #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

I address a heartfelt appeal that the logic of profit not prevail, but rather that of solidarity and justice. At the center of every situation, especially work-related, should be the person and his or her dignity. -Pope Francis Every single person has dignity. Every person is deserving of respect. This is a fundamental truth that we cannot ignore. Millions are fighting for this very thing every day. Fast Fashion and the Dignity of the Human Person Almost a year ago, my eyes were opened to the importance of upholding the dignity of the human person within the fashion industry. Last July, I came across a documentary called The True Cost. This film explains the fast fashion industry and the need for our world to embrace ethical fashion. In this documentary, I witnessed the poor fight for their lives as they support our excessive materialistic society. I was truly shaken to the very core of my beliefs about our world, our society, and our material goods. Since that moment, promoting ethical fashion and material goods—always with the goal of upholding the dignity of the human person—is my passion. There are many lives and stories behind each piece of clothing we wear. It’s the mother who travels many miles to work for mere pennies to support her children. It’s her child she has to send away to another village to be looked after and cared for. And it’s the village that resides near fields owned by corporations that are pumped with pesticides to ensure the “best” materials. [bctt tweet="There are many lives and stories behind each piece of clothing we wear. #BISblog //" via="no"] Our Brother's Keeper As Catholics, it is our duty to respect and help our brothers and sisters in need. Every person has dignity. Ethical fashion (clothes that are created by people experiencing fair and just employment opportunities and safe working conditions) seeks to uphold this dignity. We must put into action our values and our core beliefs. It is time to reassess our habits and our purchases. Before discovering the reality of fast fashion and the people it affects, I would impulsively make clothing purchases. I would see a picture of a beautiful shirt or dress and immediately covet it. In a way, fashion was becoming an idol. After seeing the people who were affected from my shopping addictions, I began to change. Practical Ways to Shop Ethically My first choice is always to wear what I already own, borrow from a friend, or purchase second hand. If I am considering buying a new piece of clothing, I ask myself these five questions before making a purchase: Do I need this article of clothing? Who made this piece of clothing? Was it made under ethical conditions? Did the person who made this garment receive a fair wage and were they making it in safe working conditions? Can I wear something that I already own instead? Can I purchase something similar second hand? Is this piece of clothing well made? Is it modest? Ethical Shopping on a Budget Ethically-made clothing is often an investment. This is because ethically-made clothes are typically high quality pieces, with their makers receiving fair wages and just treatment as they create these clothes. Instead of purchasing multiple fast-fashion pieces of clothing that may fall apart in the short-term, ethically-made clothes can be worn for many years. The investment pays off, and you save money while contributing to a cleaner and safer global environment. 6 Ethically-Made, Modest Dresses If you are in the market for a new dress this summer, here are six modest dresses that check all my boxes. Each dress listed is under $100. People Tree // Magdalena Wrap Dress Elegance Restored // Blush Rose Dress Mata Traders // Varenna Maxi Dress Humble Hilo // Hilo Dress-Blanca Elegantees // Savannah Maxi Dress in Tandori Spice Linenfox // Limona Dress Which dress is your favorite? [bctt tweet="6 Modest Dresses for Summer (That are Ethically-Made) #BISblog //" via="no"]

Two weeks before I got married, I went on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy with my mother, my dear friend, and the priest who was going to marry my husband and me. During one of our visits inside a church in Rome, my mother pointed out a side chapel to me. It contained a strikingly beautiful image of Jesus. He was holding out His most Sacred Heart in His right Hand. If you stood in front of the image, it looked like He was looking right at you. His expression was profoundly serious. Yet even more so, it was filled with love. The Vulnerability of the Heart of Christ What struck me the most about the entire image was how Jesus held out His Sacred Heart in His Hand. His Heart looked so exposed and so vulnerable. I wanted to protect it, to love it, to tell Him to keep it safe. I knelt in front of the image of Jesus and thanked Him for offering His Heart to me. As soon as I knelt and prayed, I realized that what I wanted Jesus to do–to keep His Heart safe instead of holding it out for the world–was not what we, as Catholics, are called to do. Jesus was teaching me a lesson, and the timing of that lesson, just two weeks before I got married, was perfect. I am called to hold out my heart, just as Christ does, to my husband, Mike. I'm called to hold out my heart, exposed and vulnerable, to my son Peter. I am called to hold out my heart, in pain and in joy, to my neighbor in need. Jesus was teaching me to hold out my heart to others just like He does. I must take the risk of it being broken and hurt, yet also take the risk of it being deeply and profoundly loved. The Sacred Heart Heals Our Hearts A woman’s heart is a beautiful masterpiece. Sisters, God formed and fashioned our hearts to know, love, and serve Him. Jesus wants our hearts to flourish. He wants our hearts to be pure and free! He wants to tend to the gardens of our hearts. Let Him be the gardener of your heart. Christ, the gardener of our hearts, always brings healing. He brings strength. Sometimes, holding out our heart to others causes our heart pain. Our hearts may be pierced, mocked, manipulated, broken, scourged, trampled, and forgotten. When we experience this, we must ask Jesus to heal our hearts. [bctt tweet="A woman’s heart is a beautiful masterpiece. #BISblog //"] The God-Man Heals Our Wounds from Men As I continued to kneel and pray in front of the image of Christ and His Sacred Heart, my mind was filled with the times I was hurt by men. In the past I held out my heart to men. In return, I felt pain and was left broken-hearted. So I asked Christ to heal my heart and to strengthen it. I asked Him to forgive me for hurting other hearts. I begged Him to prepare my heart for my husband. And I felt Christ’s love and forgiveness. He became the Divine Physician of my heart. He not only mended it, but He strengthened it, too. I left the image joyful, knowing that Christ loves me completely. If your beautiful heart that you hold out so lovingly and vulnerably, has been hurt by a man, or is being hurt, run to the Sacred Heart. Fall in love with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let His Heart romance your heart. His Heart is safe. He will not hurt you. He wants to love you. When we fall deeply in love with Jesus’ Sacred Heart, our own heart is strengthened to such a degree that nothing can separate us from His love: ...neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39 [bctt tweet="If your heart has been hurt by a man, run to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. #BISblog //"] Coming to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for Healing Here are three simple prayers to pray to the Sacred Heart. These prayers are powerful in asking Jesus’ Sacred Heart to heal our own hearts. Jesus, I trust in You. O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, within Your Heart I place my every care. In every need let me come to You with trust saying, Heart of Jesus, help me. (source) Holy Heart of Jesus, Sweet Sanctuary of rest, bring peace to my soul and settle my spirit. I vow to place all of my worries and fears into the wound of your Sacred Heart, there to be tended to in accordance with your perfect will, which desires only the best and highest good. Your love alone is enough, and I surrender to it; clinging to the hope of a swift resolution and trusting with confidence in all of your promises. (source) [bctt tweet="Heart of Jesus, Sweet Sanctuary of rest, bring peace to my soul and settle my spirit. #BISblog //"] [bctt tweet="Finding Healing in the Sacred Heart of Jesus #BISblog //"]

We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers. -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 962 A few years ago, I was driving with some friends from Austria to Italy to attend a soccer game. We spent most of our drive talking about the Saints in Heaven and what a gift from God they are to us here on earth. As we entered into Milan, my friend said something to me that struck me so deeply. He said, “Claire, we have to make the Saints our best friends.” That sentence radically changed my life. I had always loved the Saints–I enjoyed learning about them, I tried to imitate them, and I often asked their intercession–yet I never thought about making them my friends, let alone my best friends. From that moment on, I asked my favorite saints to become my dearest, best friends. And since that moment, my life has changed in a profoundly, beautiful way. Making the Saints Our Best Friends After the conversation with my friend, I began to research my favorite Saints. I read their biographies, their quotes, and first-hand accounts of their lives. I desired to know the details of their life, especially how they achieved their heavenly goal. In my searching, I discovered a richness of beauty in the lives of the Saints. Each Saint I learned about was profoundly unique–yet so intrinsically connected to one another in their love for Christ. Then, one day, I simply just asked some of my favorite Saints to be present with me throughout my day, to be my best friends. I asked them to be with me in my joys, sufferings, loneliness, anxieties, and peace. I asked them to accompany me to Mass, to be with me during difficult conversations, and to work alongside me when I served my patients as a nurse. Immediately, I felt their presence in my life. The Saints Accompany Us Through Life's Seasons Now, as a mother, I need the friendships of the Saints in a new way. In the past I had asked them to be with me in my loneliness of singlehood. Now I ask them to be present with me during the lonely hours in the middle of the night, rocking my son to sleep. Where I had asked them to be with me as I studied for exams in college, I now ask them to be present with me as I cook, clean, and care for my family. I am confident of their intercession, love, fidelity, and presence. I know they are championing for me as I tend to all of the tasks and duties of my vocation with care and grace, so that I may one day be with them in Heaven. 5 Saints Who Were Moms Here are five Saints who were mothers, and a quote by each of them with a prayer asking for their intercession. Turn to these incredible women and ask them to become your dearest friends. If you are a woman who is a mother, yearning to be a mother, lost children, miscarried, wants more children, pregnant, or desire to be pregnant, ask these Saints in heaven to be with you–in your joy, your pain, your suffering, your excitement, or your grief. Ask for their friendship and for their intercession. These women have fought the good fight of faith, they have run the race, and they now wear a beautiful crown in Heaven. There is a crown waiting for you, too. Let us ask these women in heaven to help us reach our Heavenly home. Mother Mary Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word. Mother Mary, teach me to proclaim, “yes” to your Son each day. Please allow me to carry Jesus deep within my heart and always share Him with others. Saint Monica One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be. Saint Monica, you know the pain that often accompanies love. Please be with me in my sorrows and in my grief. Teach me to intercede for others and in turn ask for intercession for myself, just as you did. Please help lead me to the joy of the Resurrection each day. Saint Marie-Azélie Martin I am with you all day in spirit. I love you with all my heart, and I feel my affection doubled by being deprived of your company. I could not live apart from you. (from a letter to her husband, Saint Louis Martin) Saint Marie-Azélie, please be with me as I always seek to love those around me with the deep, profound love of Christ. Jesus said that there is no greater love than to lay my life down for my friends (John 15:13). Please be with me as I lay my life down for others today–help me to love fearlessly and vulnerably–just as Christ loves me. Christ holds out His Sacred Heart to each of us, Saint Marie-Azélie, help me to do the same to all those I encounter today! Saint Gianna Beretta Molla One earns Paradise with one’s daily task. Saint Gianna, please be present with me in my daily tasks and help reveal Christ to me in my vocation. Sometimes I feel that my day is mundane, please be with me as I offer up each task to Christ. May everything I do bring greater glory to Him. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty. Saint Elizabeth, help me to live a holy life. Please intercede on my behalf as I strive to place all of my confidence and trust in the mercy of God. I desire holiness; I yearn to behold our Heavenly Father. Teach me to always turn to Christ, both in joy and difficulty. Please be with me today, and always. [bctt tweet="Saints Who Were Moms #BISblog //"]

For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. -St. Thérèse of Lisieux I love these beautiful words spoken by St. Thérèse, The Little Flower and Doctor of our Church. Her simple, yet profound sentence transforms our lofty ideas of prayer and sets our hearts at ease. We can pray anywhere, at anytime! And we don’t even need to utter a word. Sometimes the most beautiful prayers are tears of pain or sorrow, looking toward Heaven to find comfort (John 11:35). Our faith teaches us that we are able to communicate with our Triune God, along with the Angels, and the Saints anytime and anywhere! What an incredibly beautiful and comforting reality this is. Praying as Christ Prayed Yet beauty is also found when we imitate Christ. In the Gospels, we often read that Christ goes off by Himself to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). We can create a space in our home where we can retreat to and find Christ. Creating a designated space for prayer, quiet, solitude, silence, and listening within our home allows us to hear God’s voice in our life more clearly. 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 Why Create a Prayer Corner in Your Home? Within our homes, we designate places for cooking, eating, socializing, sleeping, and bathing. Do we have a special spot for God within our home? A place set aside for Him, our Heavenly Father, who created us and breathed life into us? The word "consecration" means “to set apart,” and we must consecrate a space in our home to God. We must give God our best space and our best time. When we order our hearts and homes correctly–with God as the head of our families–our lives transform and we begin to experience true freedom and joy. Making a prayer corner in our home is one way to create a special spot for us to spend time with God. It is essential for us to retreat with our Heavenly Father in silence and love. God has so many plans for your heart. He has so much to tell you, and so many ways that He wants to express His love for you. It is important that we take time for Him and listen to all He has to share with us. How to Create a Prayer Corner Here are some tips on how to create a prayer corner within your home: Assess your home and pick a spot. Where is the best place within your home for you to pray? Say a prayer and ask Christ for help in choosing your prayer corner location. Place a chair or kneeler in your prayer corner. Place spiritual reading, a Rosary, and a journal on a side table next to your chair or kneeler. Surround yourself with holy images. This can help focus your prayer time by reflecting on the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints. Pray in your prayer corner each day–even if it is for five minutes. Tell your family about your prayer corner and encourage them to use it, too! Ask your parish priest to bless your house and specifically your prayer corner! Do you have a prayer corner in your home? How do you have it set up? [bctt tweet="How to Create a Prayer Corner in Your Home #BISblog //"]

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” Judas, who betrayed Him, was standing with them. When He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word which He had spoken, “Of those whom Thou gavest me, I lost not one.” - John 18:1-9 Abandonment Holy Wednesday, the Wednesday of Holy Week, is traditionally known to be the day that Judas made the decision to betray Jesus. This decision led to a series of events culminating in Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Being fully divine, He knew everything that was going to happen to Him. Being fully human, Jesus experienced the full extent of His suffering and the desolation of being completely abandoned by the human race. Saints to Turn to During Times of Betrayal There are times that we may experience abandonment and the pain of being betrayed. Here are three saints to turn to during these times of betrayal. These saints teach us exactly what Christ taught us when He was betrayed: to seek love, forgiveness, and mercy during times of extreme pain. Saint John of the Cross This great Spanish saint and Doctor of The Church served Christ as a Carmelite priest. He was a dear friend of St. Teresa of Avila, who asked him to help her reform the Carmelite Order. St. John became a great champion of her project, something that he felt called to do to bring greater glory to God. Many within the Carmelite order were opposed to reform. One evening, St. John was seized and imprisoned by a group of his fellow Carmelites. He was imprisoned in a small cell where his brothers beat him, starved him, insulted him, and isolated him for nine months. During this time of betrayal, St. John of the Cross had complete confidence in God. Even when he couldn’t feel Christ’s presence, he chose to believe in the reality of His presence. Christ assures us that He is with us always, that He will never leave us (Matthew 28:20). This was St. John’s hope and his joy. It was during his imprisonment that St. John of the Cross composed some of his most beautiful poems. His imprisonment writings are filled with serenity and patience. Instead of running away from Christ, St. John ran to Him. St. John transformed his loneliness, pain, and suffering into a pure, beautiful offering to Christ, the Suffering Servant. St. John of the Cross, teach me to transform my pain and loneliness into a beautiful offering of love. Please help me to know that Christ is with me, even when I don’t feel His presence. Send me the grace to trust Christ completely when those closest to me betray me. Saint (King) David David was no stranger to betrayal. After being initially favored by King Saul, Saul’s heart was hardened as he suspected David was trying to usurp his throne. David was faithful to God the Father and Saul’s life was delivered into David’s hands. Yet David showed mercy to Saul. After becoming king, David was again betrayed by his own son, Absalom. David eventually returned from exile to rule as king until his death. There are many Psalms we can turn to in times of betrayal. Psalm 22 is a perfect example, as Jesus Himself quoted the beginning lines when He was on the Cross. This psalm is a psalm of David, and prophesies the way in which Christ died. What is most interesting is that this psalm is actually a todah, or a “sacrifice of thanksgiving.” The psalm starts out with lamentation, and gives way to thanksgiving and praise to God. The psalmist moves from a “heart like wax” to proclaiming “may your hearts live forever!” This is hardly a dismal psalm–it is one of rejoicing! It is one of trust in the Lord. In the end we see that David, though he was betrayed, trusted in the Lord. For this he was rewarded, and Jesus reminds us on the Cross to trust fully in the Lord by quoting Psalm 22. Jesus Himself is the todah, the “sacrifice of thanksgiving,” the Eucharist. Let us fully trust in the Lord and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, even in times of trial and betrayal. [bctt tweet="Let us fully trust in the Lord and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, even in times of trial and betrayal. #BISblog //"] St. David, teach me to trust in the Lord when I feel betrayed. Help me to always offer praise to God, to be thankful for every gift that He gives me, especially during difficult times of trial. Help me unite my suffering with Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God the Father. Saint Peter St. Peter was the leader of the disciples, the first pope of the Church, and an incredible man who died with complete humility, crucified upside down. Even in the midst of all of these wonderful things, Peter denied Jesus when He needed him the most. Including Peter may come as a surprise since he is the one who denied Christ three times. But this is precisely why he is on this list. Peter’s denial is an integral part of the Passion narrative. And selfishness can be seen as an integral part of human nature. However, this selfishness and the ability to betray others does not define an individual. It is important to recall St. Peter when we have been betrayed. To remember that those who have betrayed us are human, and that their betrayal does not define who they are. As we have seen in the example of St. Peter, each of us has the ability to betray or deny another person, but we also have the ability to accomplish great things for Christ. Jesus forgave Peter and gave Peter the opportunity to show his love for Jesus three times, in direct opposition to the three times that Peter denied Him. Peter’s proclamation of love freed him of his hurt and allowed him to accomplish many great things for Christ. Let us recognize that we must be Christ to those who have betrayed us. We must be willing to forgive, and we must be willing to be vulnerable enough to those who have betrayed us. We must be willing to give them the opportunity to show their love for us, for as many times that they have hurt or betrayed us. [bctt tweet="We must be Christ to those who have betrayed us. #BISblog //"] St. Peter, teach me to have compassion and mercy on those who have hurt me. Help me to be as Christ was to you, ever willing to give a second chance to my betrayers. Give me the strength and courage to forgive, and to recognize the potential for good in every person. Help me to do great things for Christ, to give the greater glory to God. What brings you spiritual consolation during times of betrayal? Feel free to share with us in the comments! [bctt tweet="3 Saints to Turn to During Times of Betrayal #BISblog //"]

As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you. -Saint Teresa of Calcutta Lent is a beautiful time to grow in deeper love with Christ. It is fitting that Valentine's Day falls on the first day of Lent this year. We have just entered into the greatest love story—a divine romance—with the King of our heart. He who loves us so completely wants our love and the chance to love us. Let Him love you this Lent. [bctt tweet="Let Him love you this Lent. #BISblog #AshWednesday //"] Closer to Christ During these weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, the Church invites us to self-reflect and honestly ask God how He sees us and the ways that we can better ourselves for Him. Each Lent we have the opportunity to enter into Christ's passion and suffering in a real and deep way. We have the chance to ask Christ to make our hearts more like His: merciful, attentive, generous, and eager to love. Yet for a transformation to take place within us, we must put in the effort. For our lives to bear fruit, we must plant the seeds and nourish the garden of our body and soul. This may seem overwhelming, but when we realize that Christ is our love and that He is our soul's spouse, we can rest in the knowledge that He will lead us, just as a husband leads a wife. Here are three ways that we can open our hearts and give permission to Christ to lead us to the Resurrection this Lent. [bctt tweet="For a transformation to take place within us, we must put in the effort. #BISblog #Lent //"] Three Ways To Have A Fruitful Lent 1. Delve Into Your Parish Family Our parish is our family and needs the gifts we have to offer. Talk to your pastor or read your bulletin to see what volunteer opportunities your parish is offering this Lent. Introduce yourself to someone you have yet to meet: someone who sits alone every Sunday, a mother in the cry room, or a catechumen. Just as Christ was aided by people through simple acts of love during the Way of the Cross, let us help those within our parish family this Lent. We have the opportunity to be Saint Simons and Saint Veronicas to others. We can help people within our parish carry their crosses, and wipe away their tears and pain. 2. Go to Confession Confession is such a beautiful, healing Sacrament. It allows us to be transformed into vessels of grace. When we leave the confessional, the gifts of grace and peace are bestowed upon us. We become more in-tune and open to the Holy Spirit, who desires us to flourish. Lent is a time of reflection and healing and this is the best way to reflect on our lives and let God heal us. 3. Return to the Scriptures Christ prepared for His ministry in His youth. He was constantly surrounded by the Scripture. He was clearly well-versed enough to teach and amaze others when Mary and Joseph found Him in the temple. Familiarizing ourselves with the Scriptures is a great way to prepare our minds, our hearts, and our souls for what God has in store for us. We can do this by committing to reading the Bible each night, trying our best to attend daily Mass, or bringing a Mass journal with us on Sunday to reflect on each Sunday's readings. There are many Lenten devotionals, and some parishes even supply their own. Reflecting on the Scriptures, and deriving new insights from them, is nourishing to the soul. It is thus because it is the very Word of God, Jesus Himself, that nourishes us. God bless your Lent! What are some ways you strive to grow closer to Christ during the Lenten season? [bctt tweet="3 Ways to Have a Fruitful Lent #BISblog //"]

The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost Heart. This cross He now sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His Divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed it with His Holy Name, anointed it with His grace, perfumed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all merciful love of God. -Saint Francis de Sales, “Your Cross Prayer” Reflect In my deepest wound I saw your glory and it dazzled me. St. Augustine Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Trust + Acceptance #BISblog //"]

Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home. - G.K. Chesterton Do I know the poor? Do I talk to the lonely? When is the last time I actively sought out the poor? These are three questions I ask myself throughout the year, but especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons. I know I am called to minister to the poor and to give my best to them. A Practical Way to Serve Those in Need A beautiful way to serve the poor this Christmas is through the gift of Blessings Bags. A Blessings Bag is a little care package filled with everyday items and food that is gifted to the impoverished, homeless, and needy. It is a simple yet profound way to actively help those who are needy in our communities. Most of the items that can be included in Blessings Bags can be found within your own home. Fill a gallon ziplock bag with the items, or challenge yourself and fill a favorite bag that you own. Reflect upon your own day and the necessary items you use frequently. Compare your needs to the needs of the homeless. Ask yourself, "If I were homeless, what items would I need to live?" Fill your bag with those items. A Communal Outreach Include those who live with you in making your Blessings Bags. Ask your roommate what she would like to donate. Invite your spouse to pick out their favorite scarf, hat, or gloves to place in the bag. Tell your children the story of Christ's birth and that everything we do for the poor, we do for Him. Have them place the items in the bags for Baby Jesus. Blessings Bags are an opportunity to evangelize those within your own home, as well as those within the streets. How to Make Blessings Bags Once your Blessings Bag is filled, find a way to give it to someone in need. Call your pastor, seek out a homeless shelter, or keep your bags in your car to have on hand. If you want to make a greater impact, organize an event in your parish for people to donate, assemble, and distribute Blessings Bags. Here is a list of ideas of items to include in your Blessings Bags: Breakfast bars, cereal bars, protein bars Bottled water Combs Lip balm Face towels Hand sanitizer Toothbrush Toothpaste Plastic utensils Sunscreen Gallon sized ziplock bags Hat Gloves Scarves Socks Beef jerky Dried fruit Raisins Bag of quarters (for laundromat) Notes of love and encouragement Prayer cards of your favorite Saints Rosaries $5 to a coffee shop, grocery store, or sandwich store How do you bless those in need during the Christmas season? [bctt tweet="How to Make Blessings Bags for the Homeless #BISblog //"]