A handful of retreatants are already waiting when I arrive at the monastery for Morning Prayer. For the last three days, three times each day, I have walked to the monastery from its neighboring retreat house, tread quietly up a flight of stairs, and entered a brightly-lit chapel for Liturgy of the Hours with the Benedictine Sisters. This morning, there is a greater sense of ease among the retreatants. We have settled at last into the rhythm of prayer that winds through life at the monastery. We are more familiar with the components that comprise the different “hours” of prayer—with the progression of psalms, readings, responses, and hymns; with the exchange of voice and silence. It is the end of retreat, and it seems we have finally begun. It was only recently that I grew more curious about the Liturgy of the Hours, or “Divine Office,” which Catholic religious offer on a daily basis. I knew that it provided a way of engaging with Scripture and also of praying with the communal Church—for religious and lay people alike. I knew only the broad strokes of the different “hours,” however. In fact, the Divine Office invites Christians to pray at five distinct hours of the day, from Morning Prayer (Lauds) to Night Prayer (Compline), designating each part of the day as sacred. Each prayer has a unique structure and rotation of Scripture verses, which are found in the Christian Prayer book, or, more completely in a 4-volume text of the Hours. A person does not need to offer each hour of the Divine Office in order to engage meaningfully with this prayer, though. Nor does she require proximity to a religious community. Although rooted in communal prayer, the Office can be offered individually and from anywhere—in its own way, this is participation in community, too. Over Lent, I began adding Night Prayer to my routine. I chose this “hour” in part because it fit my schedule and, in part, because it has a simpler structure—helpful for the novice. For further simplicity, I utilized an app on my phone that outlines the prayer in its entirety. (Although, admittedly, I find something irreplaceable about holding a book.) The introduction always begins the same way: “O God, come to our aid,” followed by the response “O Lord, make haste to help us.” In community, a presider would begin and all would offer the response. The doxology (“Glory to the Father . . . ”) follows. You can pause here to offer an Examination of Conscience and to recite the Hymn. At least one Psalm follows, beginning with an “antiphon,” which is said at the start and conclusion of the psalm. Fittingly, the psalms that rotate through Night Prayer often ask God for guidance, peace, and protection. I may carve a small phrase from these verses to carry into the next day. Next, there is a Reading, Short Responsory, and the Canticle of Simeon, which begins and ends with the antiphon: “Save us Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace.” There is, finally, a Concluding Prayer and a Marian Hymn. It seemed complicated to me, too. But a rhythm gradually emerged, and by entering into that rhythm, I began understand more fully what this prayer does: It points to the holiness wrapped within every hour. It ushers a quiet spaciousness into our frenzy for success and production, a place where God can speak. It deepens the experience of Church community by joining voices across distance, each carrying a unique story and struggle and joy and petition. For those interested in the Liturgy of the Hours, I recommend the (free!) app Laudate, which includes a number of excellent prayer resources. The IBreviary website and app are additional options, and the USCCB website also has a helpful introduction. Finding (or starting!) a community that gathers regularly for prayer is never a bad place to start, either; my own experience with the Benedictine Sisters sparked my spiritual curiosity and encouraged my further exploration. No app or guide can surpass the simple practice of showing up, however. In my experience, this bears fruit on the I-have-no-mental-space-for-prayer days when mere habit spurs my participation. Sometimes, it is quick and sleepy and unfocused. It is not always striking or spiritually consoling. Sometimes, the entire prayer flits by before I realize that my mind remains latched to its opening words: O God, come to our aid; O Lord make haste to help us. Sometimes, these words are enough. Written by Anne Boyle.

Like many Catholics I know, I had not gone to the Sacrament of Confession for a number of years. The Catholic Church recommends we go at least once a year and I was far, far below that. The thought of Confession literally gave me heart palpitations. I am not fond of talking about myself and confession would be all about me and not the me I like; the me that I prefer stays hidden. I was participating in a small faith sharing group in the spring of 2014 focusing on the habits of discipleship. An important habit of a disciple is regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and I was getting this nagging feeling that I should go. I tried to push it aside. I can apologize directly to God on my own in the privacy of my heart and that will do. Right? Why do I need to tell a priest what I did? The nagging feeling returned. I was thinking I would just head over to Cor Jesu and go to Confession, but there was always some (reasonably) good reason why I couldn’t make it. Facing the fear of Confession Then I got mad at God. Being mad at the One who created me was scary. God is really big—who am I to get mad at Him? But I was and it was frightening. The next time I went to my small group, I told them I was going to go to Confession that very night and I asked them to ask me about it the following week. I knew that if I was held accountable I would do it. That evening I showed up to Cor Jesu at 7pm. The church was dimly lit, the music was relaxing, and there was an overall sense of peace and rightness with the world. It was a sanctuary. And I was terrified. As I waited in line, my hands were shaking and if it wasn’t for my desire to not admit failure to my fellow group members, I would have left. Not only was I going to confess my sin; my sin was being mad at God. It was finally my turn and I slunk over to the pew where the priest sat. I admitted that I did not know what to say and that it had been a long time since I had been to Confession. The priest was gracious and welcoming. He listened carefully and I did not feel uncomfortable or judged. He assured me that God can handle me being mad at Him. I felt cared about. After being absolved, while doing my penance and a feeling of relief washed over me. I suddenly knew not just in my head, but in my heart, that it was okay. I was forgiven. The tears started slowly and then they were gushing out. I was forgiven. If I hadn’t taken that to Confession I would have walked around not knowing that being mad at God is not a sin in and of itself. It is a feeling. Being certain of forgiveness and mercy was amazing. I felt clean and free and light. I was no longer mad at God. Instead I knew that He was with me in that challenging time. The situation that had created so much disquiet in my soul was suddenly manageable. Since that evening I have begun to go to Confession more often. It has helped me be more mindful of my actions. By going regularly and praying about my sins, I have identified the patterns that I slip into. We are like children Fast forward to spring 2017 and a different small group. We plan to go to Cor Jesu together for Confession and Adoration. Some of us are more comfortable with this plan than others. As some of us struggle with it, we talked about a good way to look at it: thinking of how we relate to children. When mine were toddlers I felt such tender love. I desired happiness for them and a good and healthy relationship with them. They were also irrational at times and unable to fully communicate their wants and needs. Temper tantrums ensued. There was at least one instance where out of frustration, I was whacked by an angry two-year-old and it hurt. There was wailing and gnashing of teeth—sometimes by both of us. After the emotions subsided and tears dried, I would find myself with a bundle of sweaty toddler on my lap. I would hold her and rub her back. I would feel her breathing begin to calm. I would forgive her because I am her mother and I love her more than life itself. Did I yell, lecture, criticize? I may have wanted to and being a flawed mother I probably did. But here’s what so cool about God. Our heavenly Father’s love for each of us is boundless. His love is so big that in our human weakness and frailty, we cannot understand it. When we sin, we hurt Him, but like a mother with a two year old, He readily and happily forgives us over and over—without the feeling frustrated with us part. To God, we are nutty toddlers—yet He always forgives us. As Pope Francis said, “The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.” So before going to Confession I remind myself that God is happy to forgive me. He is glad I came to Him and in His limitless generosity, He reconciles me to Himself and all is right again. Praying before Confession I have found that prayer helps with pre-confession jitters. This is really hard Jesus. Please help me. I’m scared. Recite the Memorare, because never was it known that anyone who fled to Mary’s protection, implored her help or sought her intercession was left unaided. Mary is our spiritual mother and she takes her role seriously. Trusting your priest Priests are confession experts and we can go to them with our nervousness as well. A good priest will help you feel at ease even if it has been decades since your last Confession. Priests are given the grace to forget what we tell them so we do not need to be worried that next time we see him at Mass, he will know our secrets. He won’t. We can be assured that he will never tell anyone what we confess. Priests will endure jail, torture, or even death before breaking the seal of Confession. That, my friends, is love. The priest does not forgive my sins. He acts as a conduit through which Christ’s amazing mercy and love flow. I asked a priest once to lay his hands on the top of my head while he prayed instead of just holding them above me and in that moment I felt the love of Jesus and the certainty of forgiveness. Why we go Yes, I can bring my sins to Jesus in personal prayer and it is good. But there is something holy about speaking them aloud to another human being that makes the mercy real. It is fairly easy to offer up a quick I’m sorry or even a silent prayer of contrition, but it is not so easy to say out loud what I did wrong. And being penitent and forgiven shouldn’t be easy. How else will we begin to understand how much our sin hurts Jesus if we do not share some of that burden ourselves? Jesus hung on a cross for my sin. I can drag my sorry self to the confessional and speak what I have done. Because when I do that, I am more likely to think twice the next time. I still get nervous before going to Confession, but it is a good kind of nervous. It reminds me that what I am doing is a good thing. The day I do not get nervous about telling Jesus what I have done wrong is the day I get worried. Written by Merridith Frediani. Find out more about her here.

Welcome to the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood, ladies. Let that pour over you, literally. Let the Most Precious Blood of Christ flow into your life and wash away your anxieties, your fears, your sins, and your distrusts. May you be left with only joy. Let's use that joy to celebrate the liturgical year more fully. There are so many wonderful celebrations this month; let's get to it! Saint Thomas the Apostle (July 3) You may know him better as Doubting Thomas. Although he is often known for his disbelief, Saint Thomas was one of Jesus' beloved. He is also the patron saint of architects. Seek out an area of your neighborhood with lovely buildings. Drive around and appreciate the gift that God gave the creators of these structures. Fourth of July Sure, this isn't on the liturgical calendar, but it's a day of festivity in the United States. Whether you are a citizen or not, ask Mother Mary to pray for the United States of America and for the freedom and dignity of all people throughout the world. Saint Maria Goretti (July 9) At the age of 12, Saint Maria Goretti died a martyr after a suitor pressured her to be impure, and upon her denial, he killed her. Take time to read an excerpt from Theology of the Body today. Reflect on the ways in which you are called to be pure in your own life. Whether you are married, single, religious, or otherwise, God has a beautiful plan for your body. Saints Louis and Zelie Martin (July 12) Ah, newly minted Saints. Saints Louis and Zelie are the parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Louis was a watchmaker, and Zelie created beautiful laces. Tap into your creative side today. Head to the craft store and become inspired. Choose a project that you've always wanted to try. In doing so, contemplate on how the process of creating brings you closer to the Creator. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (July 14) Saint Kateri was a Native American Mohawk, and she is the patron saint of environmental issues. Taking care of our planet is so very important—so much so that Pope Francis wrote a letter on the topic entitled Laudato Si. Today would be a great day to read his thoughts. You can also take time to contact your representatives with any concerns about environmental legislation. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16) Mother Mary is the patron of the Carmelite Order. Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Therese of Lisieux, and Saint John of the Cross are all well-known Carmelites. This order was gifted the brown scapular from Blessed Mary, and those who venerate it are promised to be saved from the fires of Hell. You can be enrolled in the Confraternity of the Brown Scapular by any priest. Call yours today to set up a meeting. Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22) Traditionally, Saint Mary Magdalene is known as a sinner who found favor with Christ. She gives us great hope in Jesus' Divine Mercy. She also is a beacon for the importance of women in the Church. Pope Saint John Paul II reflects on the importance of women in his Letter to Women where he addresses "the essential issue of the dignity and rights of women, as seen in the light of the word of God." Read his letter today. Saint Christopher (July 25) Saint Christopher's life is actually known as a legend, but many people see him as the patron saint of travelers. Do you have a case of wanderlust? Where have you always wanted to visit? Plan that trip today! Or, if you're like most of us and money/work/family/school make it difficult to travel, plan a day trip for this summer. Go somewhere in your own neighborhood or state. Enjoy God's beauty in your backyard. Saints Anne and Joachim (July 26) Parents to Our Lady and grandparents to Our Lord. Pretty big titles for this humble pair. Do you still have grandparents in your life? How about an elderly neighbor? Take some time today for these images of God who are often marginalized in our society. Saint Ignatius of Loyola (July 31) Saint Ignatius was on a lifelong journey of learning. He founded the Jesuit Order, and they dedicated themselves to education. Another practice they employed was the Daily Examen. During your prayers tonight, pray a Daily Examen to help you take stock of your day. Consider making this a nightly habit. [bctt tweet="Liturgical Living in July for the Everyday Woman:"] What other ways to you plan to live liturgically this month? Please let us know in the comment section below. Written by Jenna Hines. Find out more about her here.

One of my favorite things about summer is the gatherings with family and friends. I love having the people I care about the most sitting around a table laughing, talking, and enjoying good food. In the spirit of joyful gatherings, I’ve put together a planning guide for a summer Spanish dinner in honor of Saint Josemaría Escrivá’s feast day. Who is Saint Josemaría Escrivá? He is a Spanish Saint that wrote The Way and founded Opus Dei. You can read more about his life. There is A LOT to this saint so if you’re curious, definitely read up on him when you get the chance. For Saint Josemaría Escrivá, much of his time on this earth was spent encouraging people to wholly and fully live out their faith in everything they do, in every stage of life. From that, I gathered inspiration for this dinner party. As you plan and put this dinner together, keep your heart turned to the Lord. Pour love and care into every detail. This dinner should be an opportunity for you to grow in your faith in perhaps a way you never have before. Take this time to grow in Christian hospitality and building up the Kingdom of God with those around you. [bctt tweet="A Josemaría Escrivá-Inspired Dinner Party:"] Aside from great company, here are some things to help you plan your summer Spanish Dinner Party. Fun Glasses If you’re like me, you can definitely hit up some thrift stores and find some really gorgeous vintage glasses. Or you can visit places like Home Goods or Marshalls. Flowers For this dinner party I went with a bright red, yellow (for Spain!), and a sprinkle of purple. I used an assortment of vases but you could also use mason jars and allow your guests to take one home with them when the night is over. Decorations that double as party favors? Excellent. Candles Honestly any candles will do but I do suggest having lots in order to create the dreamy summer glow in the evening. Food We’re going traditional with Spanish dishes like paella, gazpacho, or albondigas! Now, I have a Spanish cookbook from when I was in Spain for World Youth day but you can search Pinterest for some great Spanish recipes as well as spreads for before the big meal! These often include olives, tapas, and prosciutto. Drink Since it’s summer, it would be tough to go wrong with lemonade and iced tea. But don’t forget to also make a pitcher of sangria for your guests, you can find some great recipes . I also found three delicious Spanish wines for under $10! There’s a little something for everyone! I found some quotes (The Way is a great resource for that!) from Saint Josemaría Escrivá for writing on a small chalkboard for the table or making small cards to put on each person’s plate. This party planning guide is simply suggestions, of course. You can put all kinds of personal touches on your get together in honor of this Saint. “Great holiness consists in carrying out the little duties of each moment.” "If God gives you the burden, God will give you the strength." "He came precisely to suffer death from us and for us, where can we hide from his mercy?" "Lord I trust in you: your ordinary providence, your help each day is all I need." -Saint Josemaría Escrivá Written by Susana Starbuck. Find out more about her here.

While I was hurrying through a large airport trying to catch what I imagined to be the last flight out, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to me: “Everything will be okay.” No sooner had I noted the peace in my heart when I heard someone call out to me from a few steps behind, “Sister, are you in a hurry? What time are you boarding?” I turned around and met the eyes of a woman who was radiant but weary. I walked toward the woman trying to give her my full attention and as much calm and kindness as I could muster. Since Spanish seemed to be her native language, I invited her to speak in the language that was most familiar to her. In bits and pieces, her story spilled out, and before I knew it she was scribbling her husband’s name onto a piece of paper and placing it into my hand as she continued pleading for prayer. I marveled at her faith and love for Our Lord and Our Lady. She told me how she was educated by Salesian Sisters in her country, how she and her husband lived their Crusillo retreat, how they love Our Lady of Fatima and believe she will help them. I thought about how her story echoes so many who flee their countries with next to nothing and who only ask for work and a future. I felt the Holy Spirit help me to receive her story as a gift to be presented to the Lord in prayer. I still marvel at her humility and faith which compelled her to call out to an unknown Sister, and I still pray for her family. I left her with my community’s phone number, my email, and the assurance that I would be interceding for her. With that I dashed off to my gate where I noticed my group was yet to be called, and I thanked the Holy Spirit for keeping His promise. Almost immediately after this, a woman who helps people by providing wheelchair assistance settled into a seat near me. She was much like the other woman. She was beautiful but weary. I started the conversation with her by asking her when her shift is over. She smiled saying she would be done in less than forty-five minutes. We rejoiced together at the gift of the end of one more day of work. As we continued making small talk, I felt the Spirit ask me to share the rest of my sandwich with her. I had half of a sandwich that was still delicious, but it was destined to become soggy that night in our refrigerator. She looked hungry, but only accepted it after I explained the fate of this great sandwich. As she devoured her little meal, she explained how she hadn’t received enough tips to purchase lunch that day. Our conversation became warm and full of gratitude for all of God’s blessings. She told me she has been working in the country for six years and talked about her three grown children. She worked in Italy for twenty years prior to coming here. She roared with delight as I said a few phrases in Italian while gathering my bag at the last boarding call. I cannot count how many times people like these two women tell me in one way or another that they are convinced that God will stay far from them because they feel unworthy. But this is just the opposite of what God intends! And the Solemnity of Pentecost proves just this. God’s ways are so far beyond us, but perhaps it’s better said that God’s ways are so humbling that they baffle us. God loves us so relentlessly that we have trouble recognizing His manner of acting. He pursues us. God lowers Himself. Our Blessed Mother rejoices as she contemplates the Lord’s ways in her Magnificat, “He scatters the proud hearted but lifts up the lowly.” I love to remind myself that not only does Jesus become a little baby in a poor family, become a controversial preacher, die on the Cross, and rise again, but He also sends the Holy Spirit to be our advocate, our guide. Therefore, we can rejoice with Saint Paul who says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” What do we celebrate when we contemplate Pentecost? Why and how does the Holy Spirit come upon the disciples gathered in the upper room? We celebrate what tradition understands the Church’s first novena. Our Blessed Mother led the disciples in prayer for nine days. And God responds to their prayers by sending the Holy Spirit. This is why the whole spiritual life grows as a response to our greater and greater confidence in God’s unfailing mercy. Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (Jn 14: 26) How are we to respond? We are called to respond like Our Lady and with Our Lady. We are called to treasure in our hearts all the things the Lord teaches us and reminds us. I often wish I could be one of those people who look calm no matter what is happening because I do not want people to feel like they are unimportant or that I am rushing them. This was my little prayer to God as I was rushing through the airport desperate not to sleep in a terminal that night. The Holy Spirit taught me how to trust His voice, and He showed me how God delighted in the faith of a woman who was pleading for prayers. He reminded me of God’s goodness and taught me how to laugh with the woman who was hungry and tired after a long day of pushing wheelchairs in a huge airport. He reminded me of my call to testify to the truth that God’s love has changed everything for me. He encouraged me to make space for God to continue to transform my heart. He is the reason I am wearing a blue piece of cloth on my head running through an airport at ten o’clock at night, and He is in control. As I boarded the plane, I realized it was rather empty and chuckled at how wound up I can get over little things. I pray to be reminded of the beauty of offering these inconveniences up, and to be better at asking the Lord to reveal His desire when I am in inconvenient situations. The Holy Spirit only needed a little prayer that night to help me slow down and share a bit of this wild journey of life with two amazingly beautiful women. I am so grateful the Lord draws near to us, and I pray to learn to move according to His good pleasure more and more. Written by Sister Maria Kim Bui. Find out more about her here.

Let's say you want to make more time to celebrate the liturgical year, but every time you go searching for ideas, you find a plethora of children’s craft and youth group game ideas. While those things are so needed in those specific arenas, where does the adult woman fit in? How do we celebrate the beauty of the Church year as an adult? [bctt tweet="How do we celebrate the beauty of the Church year as an adult?"] Here are a variety of ideas for adult members of the Church so they too can feast on and observe these special days. From recipes to readings and chrism to charity, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous ways to live your faith this next month. Palm Sunday (April 9) Today is also known as Fig Sunday because tradition holds that Jesus ate figs while entering Jerusalem. Make yourself a fancy appetizer of prosciutto wrapped figs to enjoy before dinner. They couldn’t be easier: slice figs in half and stuff with goat cheese. Wrap stuffed figs with half of a slice of prosciutto and bake at 400 F for about 10 minutes. Holy Thursday (April 13) Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, is when the Church celebrates the Chrism Mass. Chrism oil that will be used throughout the year is blessed on this day by priests and bishops. Find out when and where your diocese will be holding their Chrism Mass and make plans to attend. Good Friday (April 14) This is the most solemn day in our Church—the day we remember Jesus’ death upon the Cross. We specifically honor the hours between noon and 3pm when Jesus was breathing His last breaths. Keep holy these hours on Good Friday. Turn off as many distractions as you can. Talk as little as you can manage. And, if possible, attend a Stations of the Cross service or pray the Stations on your own. Holy Saturday (April 15) This is a day of waiting for the faithful, but for Jesus, it’s anything but boring. His Holy Saturday was spent in the depths of Hell freeing the Holy Souls. No Mass is celebrated until the Easter Vigil tonight when a new Paschal candle will be brought into the church. Learn how to make your own Paschal candle out of beeswax. Divine Mercy Sunday (April 23) God’s mercy is greater than all of our sinfulness. Today we celebrate His unending love for us despite our shortcomings. You can receive a plenary indulgence today under the usual conditions. For directions, visit Catholic Culture. St. Bernadette (April 16) Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to young Bernadette in 1844. The site of Our Lady’s appearance is a popular and beloved pilgrimage site for Catholics across the globe. Learn more about St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes by renting The Song of Bernadette. Since she was from France, enjoy the movie with a glass of French wine. St. Gianna Beretta Molla (April 28) St. Gianna was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother. She is most well known for her pregnancy with her youngest daughter whom she insisted on carrying to term despite the fact that it cost Gianna her life. Many women find themselves in crisis pregnancy situations today—married and unmarried women alike. Call your local pro-life pregnancy center, and see how you can donate time, talent, or money to their mission. St. Catherine of Siena (April 29) St. Catherine was an Italian third order Dominican born in 1347. She is a Doctor of the Church. Check online or at your library for a copy of the Dialog of Catherine of Siena which she wrote during a state of ecstasy in which she conversed with God. Commit to reading the entire dialog or just an excerpt. May Crowning No one is ever too old to honor her Mother. Pick a date in May to plant a garden to honor Mother Mary. Whether you choose seeds or bloomed flowers, a traditional garden or a windowsill pot, create a sweet garden to crown Blessed Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. If you have a statue of Mother Mary, place it in or near your new garden. *** We hope that you are able to incorporate one, some, or all of these ideas into your calendar. We know that by doing so, you will form an even closer bond with Our Lord and His bride—the Church. What other ideas have you used for celebrating these liturgical days? Let us know in the comment section. Written by Jenna Hines. Find out more about her here.

I sometimes discover myself holding a funny tool to measure ‘success’ the spiritual life. Here we are: deep into Lent. At this point you and I might be tempted to stop and measure. Some of us have already measured and might be wearied by this 40-day spiritual exercise. Perhaps some are pretty happy with the way things are going. Either way, we might want to check our measuring tool and make sure it’s not the funny sort. If you are like me, you might check to see if you are holding the “how much I do" measuring tool. You and I both know the goal of the spiritual life is: holiness. Holiness is revealed by Our Lord’s total self-gift on the Holy Cross. You may want to stop reading right now because I just added to the weariness of the journey. But wait. Sacred Scripture is filled with Our Lord’s promises to be with us. If they could, the Saints would use a foghorn to tell us: “Keep running the race! Keep fighting the good fight! You got this!” In fact, I am willing to bet Saint Paul would love a foghorn to underscore his points. Remember phrases like: “Behold I am with you even to the end of the age.” “Remain in Me as I remain in You.” “Ask for anything in My name, and it will be given to you.” Dear Sisters in Christ, it hardly matters how you think your Lent is going. If you are reading this and you sincerely want to have the Best-Lent-Evah, just ask the Lord! God sees your heart. God is rich is mercy. God is full of compassion. [bctt tweet="God sees your heart. God is rich is mercy. God is full of compassion."] Do we mess up? Yes. But the real measure of success and growth in the spiritual life is trust in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead to save you and me. If your Lent has been full of twists and turns and you do not know where or how to measure, look at a Crucifix or an image of Divine Mercy. Then begin again. Humble yourself before the One who came to save you. Then begin again. God loves you more than you can imagine. Is it that simple? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But love is worth it. One of my favorite things to do during Lent is to frequent the Sacraments. Now is the time to make a good Confession and to ask for the grace to receive Holy Eucharist with big, bold confidence in God. How do we measure infinite Mercy and Love? Can’t. So it is time to finally allow Him to measure for me. Let Him love, save, redeem, purify, heal, teach, and mold me to be more and more His radiant, beloved daughter. “Lord give me a heart that seeks you above all else. Only You.” Written by Sister Maria Kim Ngan Bui. Find out more about her here.

It’s happened to all of us. At least once. Likely many more times. It may be a flustered, fleeting fathoming. It may be a more contemplated conundrum. Sometimes it’s a not-so-serious thought born of temporary discomfort or fatigue. Sometimes it’s a more pressing question posed to Our Lord in desperation. But we’ve all done it. Whether quietly within the depths of our souls, or audibly while we are up to our elbows in literal or figurative crap, we have all wondered, “What am I doing with my life?” Maybe life doesn’t quite look like what you hoped. Maybe it does, and you’re feeling overwhelmed by your repetitive duties. Maybe, instead of focusing on your own path, you are looking to the right and to the left at what others are doing. Maybe you’re thinking, “Wow, look at her. Look at all the good things she has going on. Look at all the good she is. Am I that good? I don’t think what I’m doing is as important as what she’s doing.” Many of us who are seeking to know, love, and serve the Lord are eager to do big things for Him because we big-time love Him with big hearts and nothing but the best and biggest will do for our Darling. But sometimes our day-to-day lives don’t feel that big or that important, and we can be left wondering what on earth we’re doing with our lives. The Striking Silence of Saint Joseph In these moments, Saint Joseph is the remedy. I love this man, and you probably do, too. Did you know that Saint Joseph is not once quoted throughout the entire Bible? Not once! We do not have any of his words recorded; and honestly, only a few moments of his life are written down for us. And yet, Saint Joseph is often hailed as the greatest saint next to his wife. He is called the “terror of demons” and is the patron saint of the dying (aka every human person at some point). Oh, and he is the patron of the entire Universal Church. Throughout the Gospels, he is totally silent. But his life reverberates so loudly that he terrifies Satan and can clearly be trusted with praying for every Christian everywhere for all of time. Saint Joseph's Life is the Answer to, "Does What I'm Doing Even Matter?" So what gives? What makes Saint Joseph so holy? I think it’s his unwavering obedience, fidelity, and love for his God and his family. You know, Saint Joseph probably had moments when life didn’t look like what he thought it would. Remember, he was betrothed to Mary when she found herself suddenly with child by the Holy Spirit. For Saint Joseph, as faithful as he was, that had to be a tough pill to swallow. In fact, he even decided to divorce her (quietly, in order to spare her life, because he’s a good guy) until God sent an angel to him in his dreams to straighten everything out. Then he had to drag his super-pregnant wife to Bethlehem for a census. On a donkey. And they couldn’t find a place to stay. Then once the baby was born, they had to flee their native land as refugees to keep Him alive. So yeah, I'm pretty sure he can sympathize with our frustrations. But what Saint Joseph did in the midst of these moments is what makes him great. His humility is what exalts him. Throughout his simple life, living with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, working as a carpenter, and being a part of their community, Saint Joseph committed himself to the tasks set before him. He trusted in the Lord’s plan and placed his whole heart right there. He saw value in even the most mundane duties, thus making them holy and powerful. To those around him, it probably didn’t look like Joseph was doing big and mighty things for God. What Saint Joseph did in his quiet life was imbue every boring, repetitive action with electrifying love. His silence is so deafening because he ceaselessly searched for the joy of the Lord in the every, ordinary moment. His service to the Lord has such great meaning because his heart was all-in. How We, as Women, Can Learn from Saint Joseph When we wonder if what we are doing even matters, Saint Joseph’s life is the answer. When we feel confused or hopeless or tired or discouraged, Saint Joseph’s persistence in love is the anecdote. When we view our lives as small, wishing we could do bigger things for Jesus, Saint Joseph’s contentment within his vocation and state in life serve as our inspiration. As we move through Lent, sisters, let’s keep Papa Joseph in mind. Look at where the Lord has called you in this moment. Examine your vocation. Get comfy in your state in life. Remember that God chose a simple, imperfect man to protect and guide Himself and His mom, and that He will also give you the grace necessary to serve that which has been entrusted to your charge. Because when you are serving Jesus with love and fidelity in the very place He has called you, you are doing mighty big things for His Kingdom. [bctt tweet="When you're serving Jesus with love in the place He has called you, you're doing big things for His Kingdom."] Written by Olivia Spears. Find out more about her here.

Good ole’ Saint Patrick. Father of the acclaimed holiday boasting some of the best parades, parties, and Irish food one can find—a saint who makes green everyone’s color at least once year, and even inspires rivers and fountains to run green. What’s not to love about the guy? Well, as the saying goes, to know him is to love him. And there’s more to Saint Patrick than many of his jubilant celebrants might realize. Even more surprising: some things we think we “know” about him and his day are totally off! So let’s get better acquainted, shall we? Here are 10 things you might not know about Saint Patrick and his feast day, plus a few ways to celebrate his feast in the most faithful, authentic way possible! [bctt tweet="Here are 10 things you might not know about Saint Patrick and his day:"] He wasn’t Irish. Though historians are unsure of the exact location and date of Saint Patrick’s birth, his hometown was believed to be in northern Roman-occupied Britain, which later became Scotland. He was born around the year 380 AD, and died in Ireland on March 17th of 461. So if you claim Scottish blood, feel free to do a jig! He started out lukewarm in his Faith. Saint Patrick’s grandfather was a priest, and his dad a deacon and prominent figure in town. But young Patrick didn't find much use for his faith until age 16, when he was kidnapped and enslaved hundreds of miles from home. He spent six full years as a slave herding sheep in the foreign, pagan land of Ireland. With nothing but his Christian roots to hold on to, and God as his one true companion, he grew immensely through constant prayer. He escaped slavery . . . in order to go back to his slave master. As the faith he forged in slavery continued to deepen, Saint Patrick knew he was destined for religious life. So in a move that nearly defies our understanding, Saint Patrick made a daring escape, covering over 200 harrowing miles to reach home, all so that he could eventually return to his place of slavery and minister to his former captors. After many years of serving as a missionary priest in his homeland, Saint Patrick received permission from Pope Celestine I to take his missionary work back to Ireland. Patrick wasn’t his given name. He went by a normal country name all through his early life and priesthood. It wasn’t until Pope Celestine I commissioned Saint Patrick to return to Ireland that he was given the name Patricius—Patricius being the original Latin form of Patrick. Saint Patrick was a huge success where other missionaries were not. Because of his time in slavery, Patrick was intimately familiar with the Irish culture: the Celtic language, the pagan Druid practices and beliefs, and the extensive clan system. Because of this, he devised a new strategy to share the Gospel. He approached the clan chiefs first, including his former abusive master Milchu, who was a high Druidic priest. He knew that if the chiefs chose to listen to the Good News of God’s love and came to believe, the rest of their clan would trust the message and quickly follow suit. It worked, and—in large part thanks to Saint Patrick’s approach—Ireland soon became one of the most fervent Christian nations in the world. He was a fan of three-leaf clovers, not four. Contrary to the popular belief that four-leaf clovers are synonymous with Saint Patrick’s Day, according to legend, it was the three-leaf clover that Saint Patrick sought in earnest. He used the shamrock with three leaves to teach the Irish people about the Trinity, using it as a visual symbol of how a God with three persons can still be One God. The odds of finding a 4 leaf clover are 1 in 1000. While fun because they are rare, the superstition that they'll bring good luck is just that—a superstition, derived from a decidedly questionable Druid legend. Like any superstition, it distracts from the truth that God is the real author of our life, down to the smallest details. No "lucky" four-leaf clover necessary! He preferred blue. Well, maybe. While we don’t know St. Patrick’s actual favorite color, it’s true that from the earliest depictions, it was blue—not green—that first denoted both St. Patrick and the nation of Ireland. It was used in images of St. Patrick, for old Irish flags, Irish Citizen Army armbands, and until recently many Irish sports teams even wore blue jerseys. Not a drink to spare. Due to its special religious observance, Saint Patrick's Day was primarily a "dry" holiday until the 1960s, when the day was first observed as a National holiday. Prior to the change, even the bars were closed on March 17th! Indeed, from its earliest celebrations, most who observed the Solemnity of Saint Patrick chose to abstain from alcohol; it was a way for the faithful to honor and remember Saint Patrick's sacrifices as an evangelist for the greater good of the nation and their souls. He left more than “just” a legacy. He left his Confessio, where you can actually read Saint Patrick’s thoughts, experiences, and wisdom in his own words. Among other things, his writings make it clear how humble he was; yet Saint Patrick was so compelled by his own experience of true Love that he couldn’t stay silent about the Truth of God’s love for us. “So I am first of all a simple country person, a refugee, and unlearned,” he says. “I do not know how to provide for the future. But this I know for certain, that before I was brought low, I was like a stone lying deep in the mud. Then He who is powerful came and in His mercy pulled me out, and lifted me up and placed me on the very top of the wall. That is why I must shout aloud in return to the Lord for such great good deeds of His, here and now and forever, which the human mind cannot measure.” Let's Celebrate! Of course, in recent years, we all know that Saint Patrick's Day has become an excuse to get a little wild and a lot irreverent. Isn’t it a bit of an insult, though, to this great Saint's work and memory to perpetuate that trend? Sure, we can have some fun, make some corned beef (or corned cod if your diocese doesn't have a Lenten Friday dispensation!), and choke down some cabbage. But instead of jumping on the crazy train, let’s raise a [dry] toast, or maybe a shamrock shake, and talk about ways to more intentionally honor this great Saint and emulate his life’s work. Meditate on the beauty and love of the Trinity. Reflect on how each person of the Trinity loves you specifically, perfectly, and personally. Find a three-leaf clover to put on display in your room or home; if you don’t have one, draw, paint, or cut one out. Label the three leaves of the shamrock to help you reflect on the Trinity: God the Father, our Creator; God the Son, our Redeemer; and God the Spirit, our Sanctifier. (This could also serve as a great family craft)! Take a page from Saint Patrick's book on praying constantly—especially when life is most difficult!—and commit to added prayer today. St. Patrick's Breastplate is a great prayer to start with! As Saint Patrick said of his time in slavery, ". . . Faith grew, and my spirit was moved, so that in one day I would pray up to one hundred times, and at night perhaps the same. I never felt the worse for it, and I never felt lazy—as I realise now, the spirit was burning in me at that time.” Ask for the courage to share God's love today in a way that leads someone else to Christ. Saint Patrick's efforts started small, but if we simply and humbly show up in faith like he did and ask God what He wants us to do in our next moment, God can open seemingly impossible doors. Who knows, you might bring a whole country with you! In his Confessio, Saint Patrick writes about the legacy with which God had charged him. Think about the legacy you want to leave. Will it simply be stories about fun times but somewhat idle pursuits, or will it be a story of love and commitment to the mission for which God created you? Write down one or two ways you can be intentional this week in your mission to serve God, and reflect on Saint Patrick's words: “In the knowledge of this faith in the Trinity, and without letting the dangers prevent it, it is right to make known the gift of God and his eternal consolation. It is right to spread abroad the name of God faithfully and without fear, so that even after my death I may leave something of value to the many thousands of my brothers and sisters—the children whom I baptised in the Lord.” So now that we know Saint Patrick better, we can love and celebrate him better. Let’s have a Happy and Holy Saint Patrick’s Day this year in honor of him! Written by Megan Hjelmstad. Find out more about her here.

We are one third of the way through Lent . . . how goes things, my friends? Are you ready to throw in the towel yet? Are you sitting on the edge of a HUGE pile of Lenten guilt over not have being able to keep up with what you’re promised yourself (and God) you would do this Lent? Have no fear. You are not alone. I am standing right there with you feeling like a total Catholic failure wondering how something so simple as giving up dessert could turn me into a Lenten beast who does nothing but seek out every confection within a five mile radius of home. The cupcakes actually mock me as I walk by the bakery section of the grocery store so much so that just yesterday, I bailed and had not one, but two delightful little numbers. How did this happen to me? How am I going to get back on that Lenten train of self-discipline and self-sacrifice? Here is what I have learned over the course of 40 Lents . . . yes, I am that old. If you fall, just start again. Jesus fell three times when He was on the road to Calvary. What did He do? He got back up again. If you fall down with chocolate on your face, then offer a different sacrifice for the remainder of the day and start again the next day. You are human and failure happens. Don’t give up and walk away defeated. Just keep going. God will give you the grace and the determination to see this through. One day at a time. [bctt tweet="Jesus fell 3 times on the road to Calvary. What did He do? He got back up again. - @marylenaburg"] Every season is different. Don’t compare this Lent to last Lent. You are a different person this year. Your family is in a different place. Your faith journey is more mature. Every year I grow in confidence of my ability to make it through these 40 days. Every year God asked more of me without me even realizing it. There have only been a handful of years where I have made it to the end with my Lenten sacrifice completely intact but I still tried and did the best I could at the time. So be bold in the sacrificing but also pay attention to the prayer and almsgiving aspect. It’s a tripod for a reason, my friends. Let those three goals work in conjunction with one another. If one sacrifice is proving too difficult, try changing things up. Yes, I understand the whole point of a Lenten sacrifice to give something up for ALL 40 days but sometimes given your season in life, it doesn’t work out that way. If your sacrifice becomes so burdensome that you become locked in a state of self-shame and discouragement over your failure to keep it and you end up turning away from God, then stop. This is NOT what He wants. Pray about it. There have been years where my stress level was so high, and my life so complicated, I knew I couldn’t make it 40 days with one thing, so I broke it up. I gave up one thing for seven days at a time. I switched it up and I made it through those 40 days without shame or regret. I don’t do that every year by any means but there were a few that this really helped me. There was another year that I gave up nothing. With the help of my spiritual director, I realized that my daily life was a sacrifice and that God just wanted me to walk with Him that Lent, praying my way through that very difficult season. Every year is unique with its spiritual, emotional and physical challenges. The grace that comes from just doing your very best is awesome. The grace that comes from wrestling with the things that block our path to God is even more fruitful. You can do this!! You’ve got four weeks left. I promise you that God will meet you where you are. YOU got this my sisters. I’m praying for you. Pray for me too won’t you? There’s a sale on Dove Chocolates this week, and it just may take me out.   Written by Mary Lenaburg. Find out more about her here.

Andrew and I were passing ideas back forth—sweets, alcohol, eating between meals. What to give up for Lent? I could do the typical, but I want this year to be different. I want to thrill in Easter joy on a level deeper than Reese's and the relief that the strife is o'er. So I thought I'd start with God's biggest call in my life—my husband. Marriage with Andrew is my life's work. A priest friend of ours told us recently, "Your vocation is not to this general idea of marriage; it's to Andrew. And God will call to you from within that vocation." Marriage-to-Andrew is my ticket to Heaven and the most important thing Jesus asks me to do. And so I'm focusing my sacrifices and efforts on seeing that we are bigger than me, as well as the fact that the Lord Himself designed us to draw the other closer to Him. And if there's anything the two of us could use more of, it's Jesus. Here is non-exhaustive list of what any two marrieds, us included, could do during Lent. 1) Go to Mass during the week. Leave the kids with grandparents or a sitter (or bring them along!) and go to Mass. Nothing and no one will improve our marriage better than Jesus. 2) Ask, "What can I do to make your day better?" Put the answer at the top of our To Do List. 3) Keep in mind that we are a team. We try to approach conflict in a way that tackles the issue instead of each other. One of my favorite professors at Benedictine College once told my class, "My wife and I know that we're two people looking for the truth, so what could be an argument becomes a joint effort toward what's best for us and our family." 4) Go to adoration. Swing by the chapel at the start or end of a date or plan a whole hour together. Drawing closer to Christ will bless all that vocation stuff we do. If we can't make it as a couple, I try to bring his intentions with me before the Lord. As his wife, I know I'm Andrew's designated intercessor. 5) Don't interrupt. We try to not interrupt either vocally or in our minds. Whether he's filling me in on his day or hashing out his side of an argument, I quiet myself and give him an ear instead of conjuring a response while he's talking. 6) Anticipate his needs. Does he need a lunch for work? Do I know that his keys aren't in the usual spot? Put them away. Get his car washed. Send a love note email every day around the same time so he'll look forward to it. Help make life at home enjoyable for him and our kids. 7) Pray the Litany of Humility. Find it here: Litany of Humility. Ouch, I know. But lemme tell ya—it hurts so good. 8) Give together. Serve your parish, extended family, or group of friends. Host a big potluck or treat another family (or a few!) to a night off from making dinner by prepping the whole thing yourself. Volunteer somewhere. Substitute for someone's holy hour. Imitate Christ through shared self-giving. 9) Complete The Love Dare together or solo. 10) Help each other go to Confession. Make that time for each other to go every couple of weeks. Be gracious and generous about how long it may take and if you have kids, don't complain or elaborate on the chaos and challenge of keeping them when your sweetie comes home. 11) Bless another couple! Offer to watch their kids while they take a much-needed night or morning out together. 12) Pray together daily. It doesn't have to be complicated, but I challenge you to join me in going one step beyond what we're doing right now. If you don't pray together yet, start with one Glory Be together when you wake up or go to bed—ultimately, our marriages are made for the glory of God. Pray the Rosary or a Chaplet. If we want to be really spiritually intimate, we can pray over each other out loud—speak to Jesus about your husband and let your sweetheart have a listen in. It will change you both. 13) Fast. Abstain from something—cream and sugar in coffee, snacks on Tuesday afternoons, butter on toast. Offer small sacrifices solely for our spouse's salvation and well-being. 14) Read Scripture together. The Word of God changes hearts. 15) Give alms. Comb our budget for extra discretionary funds to offer a particular charity or give it to our parish on top of our tithe. [bctt tweet="A non-exhaustive list: Lent for the Married:"] How else can you Lent with your man?? I want to remember that Jesus who blessed the marriage at Cana wants to be invited to my relationship with my husband. And doing so will heal our wounds, fortify us for life's storms, and help us experience that deep Easter joy. Written by Katie Sciba. Find out more about her here.

When we are talking liturgical year, I know Fat Tuesday is the term most people use to describe the day before Ash Wednesday. But as a New Orleans native, for me, it always has been and always will be Mardi Gras. And in contrast to the vision most non-natives have of the debauchery that Mardi Gras is projected to be, or that maybe they have even experienced as tourists, for me, many of my favorite childhood memories and memories of my family center on the yearly two-week long celebration that is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Heading out to parade routes early to stake out a good spot, and setting up our special Mardi Gras ladders that are topped with wooden boxed seats for small children where they can have a good view of the passing floats above the heads of the adult crow. As a child, I coveted the seat in that ladder, and as an adult, I have cherished being the one to stand behind a nephew or niece and the joy when a coveted throw landed in his or her hands. The lights, the sounds, the music, the smells of Mardi Gras are mixed up in my brain with childhood joy and unforgettable family memories. Even running to find a place to use the bathroom has been a memorable occasion enough times that I can still augh about a few adventures. A few years ago, our missionary family happened to land ourselves in New Orleans smack in the middle of Mardi Gras season without planning it that way. For most of my children this was either their first experience of New Orleans Mardi Gras, or the first time they would remember it. I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole week to know they had received this gift of which I have so many fond memories and being able to share it with them. Come to think of it, I don’t they stopped smiling either. Mardi Gras in New Orleans also has a very formal and traditional side of courts and kings and queens and maids and balls that require full-length gowns. There is the secret tradition of the King of the Rex parade that is not announced until close to the day of this kick-off parade on Mardi Gras morning, always a figure honored for his civic duty and contribution to the city. There is his arrival by barge on the Mississippi River on Lundi Gras (the Monday of that same week) and the traditional meeting of the Rex and Comus courts during their balls on Mardi Gras night that signals the end of the season. While many celebrations of this day liturgical year revolve around Shroud Tuesday pancakes or other dishes, for me Mardi Gras will always be about picnic food that could be toted easily to the parade route, soft drinks in cans cold from the cooler, Popeye’s fried chicken (a parade route classic), early morning doughnuts when you needed to arrive at sunrise to claim your spot, and copious amounts of King Cake. For many New Orleanians that crowd the streets on Mardi Gras Day, the next day they are serious Catholics crowding the doorways of Ash Wednesday masses. For us, the season is a time of enjoying the uniqueness of our hometown and the families that inhabit it, most importantly our own. And then taking up the traditions of our faith as moving on to the solemn season of Lent with the same fervor with which we celebrated the day before. If you choose to celebrate Fat Tuesday with pancakes or in some other way, relating the liturgical tradition to a different aspect, all is well. But if you want to imitate a little New Orleans Mardi Gras in your home on this day, might I suggest Popeye’s fried chicken and King Cake. This recipe has worked out well for me, even here in Costa Rica, but simply ringing together cinnamon rolls and sprinkling them with purple, green, and gold sugar (traditional Mardi colors) will work. You can also find many family friendly vides on Youtube to celebrate Mardi Gras as well. Whichever way you choose to celebrate this aspect of the liturgical year, know that we New Orleanians, both near and far from home, are hoping you’ll “Laissez le bon temps roulez!”, that is to say, “Let the good times roll!” Written by Colleen M. Find out more about her here.

Learn how Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross can inspire us to incorporate love, trust, and patience in our daily lives, even when life grows mundane.

Mother Teresa's quotes are gold. She famously once said, "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts there can be no more pain, and only love." I read this quote for the first time the evening I departed for Kolkata, India to serve with the Missionaries of Charity a little over a year ago. Together, that trip and this quote slowly ignited a spark in my soul: a yearning to discover how to truly love. And not just love like a Nicholas Sparks movie, but love like Mother Teresa in her burning desire to win souls and spread joy. Love Until It Hurts Recently, I read a similar quote from Mother Teresa, saying, “Give! Give the love we have all received to those around you. Give until it hurts, because real love hurts. That is why you must love until it hurts. You must love with your time, your hands, and your hearts.” Real love hurts. Even now, reading this aloud puts a bitter taste in my mouth. Many of us know from personal experience that love can lead to pain, whether it be breakups, let downs, or rejections. However, we attribute this pain to something other than love. We stop loving when we are giving more than we are receiving. We equate feelings of happiness with love, and feelings of hurt with hatred. However, according to Mother Teresa, all the pain, let downs, and rejections we’ve felt by others are actually our first invitation to truly love them. Choosing Love Mother Teresa equated all of her success to one thing: Love. She loved deeply, wholly, and unconditionally. She placed every ounce of her trust in God. She poured her love upon strangers. Many of us idolize Mother, as we wish we had the capacity to aimlessly and endlessly love. However, Mother Teresa is saintly not because she effortlessly loved everyone, but because she chose to love, even in times it caused her hurt. This conscious choice to unconditionally love and trust in God made an earth-shattering and unforgettable impact on this world. Love Is Sacrifice While not all of us are called to serve to poor on the streets of Kolkata, we are all called to love in this manner. We are all called to, “love until it hurts” because true love is dying for another. True love is giving heart, mind, and body so that another soul may use you as a stepping ladder to see God more fully. Love is looking at a person’s deepest most faults, instabilities, and, proclaiming that this person, if only but a stranger, is worth laying down your life for. Love is sacrifice, and love requires vulnerability. These are two of the hardest attributes a person can simultaneously attain; it is a recipe for pain. Because we are imperfect in nature, love assures hurt. But love is the only force of nature powerful enough to bring another soul to God, and that gift alone should be worth any amount of agony. Mother Teresa is extraordinary, simply because she chose to unreservedly love each and every person she encountered, regardless of the pain, sadness or despair she felt. Love More Mother Teresa got it right: Real love hurts. However, this pain is temporary, and the love that is left is everlasting. If you love and are hurt, love more. If you love more and are hurt more, love even more. Fill the world with your love. Love so deeply, so widely, and so purely, that there simply is no room in your heart for hurt. A Study on the Works of Mercy Misericordia Walk with the saints, including Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and discover practical ways to live the Works of Mercy. Explore Misericordia → Britt is in her final year as an undergrad student at Ave Maria University in sunny Southwest FL. She is a mother to Christopher 3. She is devoted to living intentionally and loving unconditionally.

St. Theresa of Avila famously said, “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!” and “A sad nun is a bad nun!” Like Pope Francis today, she knew that love and joy are are how we are called to be Jesus in the world, and that a smile is the face of that joy. I look to St. Theresa of Avila as a friend and a mentor, someone whose foibles mirror mine, who is an example of how to handle our earthly adversities with grace and humor. Not one of those achingly pious saints, who from their earliest years devoted their life to God without reservation, Theresa entered the convent as a teenager mainly because her father couldn’t handle her willful behavior, yet she became a Doctor of the Church. She went years without a prayer life, but ultimately formed such a natural relationship with God that she is an example of prayer as an honest, even bold, conversation with Jesus. So she’s the friend who can relate to my “three-steps-forward-two-steps-back” faith journey, who can guide me when I start making a mental grocery list during prayer time. And she shows me it’s okay to crack a joke now and then, even with God. St. Theresa didn’t take herself or this world too seriously, brushing off the little hardships of life with a sense of humor. One day, Theresa was riding a donkey, visiting some of the monasteries she founded. It had been raining, and the donkey lost it’s footing in the soft earth. Theresa fell to the ground, covered with mud. Instead of complaining or cursing, she looked to the sky and quipped, “If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you don’t have many!” Theresa had a connection to God that enabled her to joke with Him, just as if it were a friend who had accidentally knocked her in the mud. She didn’t get angry with the man leading the donkey or worry about where she’d find a dry cleaner who was good with habits this far out in the country. Theresa just laughed, an attitude which I’m sure brought joy and relief to her traveling partners. She was grounded (literally!) in the knowledge that “In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth will seem to be no more than one night in an inconvenient hotel.” So when I “fall in the mud”—when the dog shreds my favorite shoes, when my son gets a ticket that just “isn’t his fault” or when the air conditioner gives out in the dead of August—I pray my friend St. Theresa of Avila will remind me to brush off my irritation and put my focus on God. And to do it with a laugh. Susan is the mother emeritus of three grown sons and is an avid bridge player, knitter and, like Theresa, has been known to get in trouble with a joke now and then. She blogs with her best friend Anne, at yallneedjesusblog.com.

Lately, I’ve been fixating on a phrase: perfectly imperfect. As someone with a type B personality, I suppose this confirms for me that I do not need to be perfect. It also resonates deeply as I know God alone to be perfect, and since I am only a reflection of that perfection, the expectation for me to be flawless is simply not there. In many ways it takes the pressure off. Yet, we are barraged with images of perfection: houses, yards, wardrobes, vacations, complexions, menus, families; you name it. It is enough to make me, a believer in my own imperfection, wonder if perhaps I could be capable of this kind of perfection. So when I read that Blessed Is She is featuring ‘extraordinary women for ordinary time,’ I was hooked. I have helped to facilitate a women’s discussion group for several years now and each year we brainstorm a list of topic suggestions to explore. Every year the women express a deep desire to discuss, learn from and in most cases, discover extraordinary, contemporary women. We have tomes of stories, legend and history about women who have gone before us, but to whom do we look now? Mustn’t we acknowledge this extra-ordinariness as a possibility in our midst, if we ourselves hope to live extraordinary lives? Isn’t that what the Reign of God means? As a facilitator of this group and a mother, I believe this is essential! There is immense value in knowing and learning from the Saints and the Martyrs and I love that rich history. But sometimes I fear that by looking back at the extraordinary, we are ignoring the holy women of our own time. The truth is, they are everywhere. Thankfully we are wholly attached, a part of and in need of one another in this communion of saints as a witness to the other-worldly that we believe we are bound for: The extra-ordinary. We all are blessed to know an extraordinary woman (or several). Today rather than presenting you with my image of the extraordinary, I present to you a challenge: Name one ‘ordinary’ woman in your life who points to the extraordinary. Write her a letter. Call her on the phone. Send her flowers. Tell your friends, spouse or children how her life glorifies God. Thank her for reminding you of the extraordinary…because if you don’t tell her, who will?

When I was in eighth grade, my mom told me, “You don’t choose your confirmation saint—it chooses you.” I waved her advice off like any fourteen-year-old, and had my heart set on St. Maria Goretti (also an amazing young woman). That is, until I picked up Lay Siege to Heaven by Louis de Wohl—a detailed biography of one of the female Doctors of the Church—St. Catherine of Siena. St. Catherine of Siena was a saint I knew I should admire, but one that I didn’t think I related to. She was the nun who told the Pope where to live, right? The one who said to “be who God made you to be and you will set the world on fire?” Yeah, that’s cool. Retweet. What I didn’t know—and what we women need to learn from St. Catherine—is that fire defined this woman’s whole life. Not only was she short, spunky, and told the Pope how it was—she also told God exactly how she felt. Her friends often reported her prayer to be hours of her “storming Heaven” for her intentions—reminding God of His promises. She never let God off the hook—He was her spouse, after all. What brutal, beautiful honesty. In our world today, fire is either misused or put out before it has the chance to grow. We encourage women to be tough, to strive to be like men and place their uniquely feminine gifts aside; or, we allow ourselves to be beaten into a quiet submission and never speak out of fear or shame. St. Catherine did neither. She saw the beauty in her feistiness, in her powerful voice, and allowed God to harness it and unleash it on the world when He saw fit. Not only did St. Catherine shock the world with her courage and honesty—she also humbled herself before God and allowed Him to lead her, no matter the cost—submitting to His Divine Will. She saw crisis in our Church during a massive schism, and decided to do something about it. Yes, she stood before the Pope himself and told him what’s what in a time where women hardly spoke outside of their households, let alone spoke to the Pope himself in the bluntest of fashions. For a young woman with a reckless personality like myself, St. Catherine was a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone who struggled with those same things I did and overcame them with the help of grace. Finally, a woman who was fiery and blunt and sassy—yet somehow still ended up being a saint. I always felt so discouraged by reading about the St. Thereses and the St. Gianna Mollas and the Blessed Mother Teresas—while they were women I greatly admired and could learn from, I never felt like them. St. Catherine became not only my confirmation saint, but my inspiration, my friend, and my example of how to be a spunky gal for the Lord. I am sure she saw my own fire that I ignore and thought I should be ashamed of and decided to pluck me out of the crowd and pray that those gifts are not wasted. She taught me to storm Heaven and never stop believing in an all-powerful God who can do the biggest of things in the smallest of people, that fire is not a gift to ignore, and that any woman—regardless of looks, stature, vocation, or personality—can become one of the greatest saints the world has ever known. She taught me to raise those fists, to speak out of turn when God says so, and to never let the evil of the world silence you. She didn’t just believe in the fire that was the Holy Spirit—she embodied it. She let it consume her and she breathed it into the world. I pray that I am given the courage to do the same. St. Catherine, pray for us. "You are a fire always burning but never consuming; you are a fire consuming in your heat all the soul's selfish love; you are a fire lifting all chill and giving light.” -St. Catherine of Siena Rachael Gieger lives in the beautiful Colorado and can usually be found in hole-in-the-wall coffee shops drinking really good chai lattes. A believer that flower crowns can be worn in every season, she finds peace while sprawled in the adoration chapel at her parish or reflecting on the works of Henri Nouwen, C.S. Lewis, and Fulton Sheen.