The word joyful in Latin is laetantam alleluia, which uniquely fits each of the mysteries that we walked through last week. This week we will be walking prayerfully through the Luminous mysteries. Known as the Mysteries of Light, the Luminous Mysteries call our attention to Jesus' desire for us to have the light of His life within us. 

By December 31st each year, I set a few intentional goals and choose a word to focus on throughout the coming year. My word for 2020 was joy.

Last summer, my husband and I loaded our preschooler son and baby daughter into the car to make the short drive to the beach. We could hardly wait to see family members and soak in a beautiful new environment after months of quarantine. 

Sharing my children doesn’t come easily to me. Perhaps it’s because we live far away from our family members and go about our day-to-day lives pretty independently, or perhaps it’s because of my own pride or selfishness. It’s probably a little bit of both.

My mom collects nativity scenes. Through over a decade of living and traveling abroad, she has amassed quite the collection, each one more unique than the last.

After Jesus was baptized by His cousin, Saint John the Baptist, Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit immediately drove Him into the desert. Here, Jesus spent 40 days praying and fasting before beginning His public ministry. He faced hunger and temptation. He was prepared. He was sent. This experience of the Word Incarnate is what inspires the Catholic Church's practice of a 40-day Lent. We accompany Christ into the desert to pray and fast. We face our weaknesses. We prepare for the greatest Feast in the liturgical year: Easter. This Lent, we will begin our journey to Easter by being led by the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus was. We'd love to pray with you. Set a Fire // Be Transformed by the Holy Spirit The theme of this year's Catholic Lent devotional, Set a Fire, is purification and transformation in the Holy Spirit. This Lent and always, we want the Lord to purify our hearts. We want Him to rid us of anything that's not of Him. We want to be more fully His, and more like Him. As John the Baptizer proclaimed, we want Him to increase, and ourselves to decrease. It's with this desire on our minds and hearts that we set about to write this devotional. During Lent, we will explore themes of suffering, sacrifice, turning away from sin, and being made new by the Holy Spirit. The Weekly Flow Each week, we will read an essay on the week’s theme, two personal stories, and meditate over two Scripture selections with questions. On the weekend, we turn our prayer to traditional prayers from the holy women and men of the Church. We invite you to sit in the quiet on Sundays to open your heart to docility to the Holy Spirit. The themes for the week are: The revelation of God in our lives Making an offering of our lives Receiving the Holy Spirit into our lives Embracing suffering in all of life’s circumstances Experiencing transformation through His love Jesus’ sacrifice changes everything for our lives This book is well-suited for personal use and group sharing, and also a great gift for a sister or family member hoping to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Wherever you are on the journey of your relationship with Our Lord, this devotional will assist you going further and deeper accompanied by the beauty of our Catholic Faith and Holy Scripture. Go Even Deeper If you're looking to go all-in on your Lenten experience, I have two suggestions for you. The Lent Bundle Our Lent bundle includes: Set a Fire A custom soy candle A gorgeous Holy Spirit necklace A part of my morning prayer time is lighting a candle. It might sound silly or trite, but it really helps my just-waking-up brain to prepare for an encounter with Jesus. I cannot wait to use this gorgeous candle to direct the first thoughts of my day. (I've also trained my children to understand that, when the candle is lit, it means that mommy is praying and they aren't to interrupt at that time.) And as you open your heart to transformation in the Holy Spirit, keep a reminder of Him close to your heart with the necklace! These always sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon! Lent for Kids This Advent was a game-changer for my family's Advent prayer thanks to Maranatha for Kids that accompanied the Advent devotional. I have tried many, many Advent tools for kids over the years, and nothing has been more doable and produced more conversation about Jesus with my kids than that Advent devotional. Many of you said the exact same thing, so we created a kids' companion to this year's Lent devotional. Set a Fire for kids reflects on the same Scripture passages and themes, but with questions and in a way that's suitable for kids (roughly ages 6-12). If you'd like to dive into prayer alongside your kids this Lent, you can grab that bundle here. Into Easter Did you know we have a book dedicated entirely to the Easter season! Risen contains reflections for every day of the Easter season and includes simple but significant ways to celebrate each day. You can get Set a Fire and Risen in a bundle here. Time for Renewal, Time to Fan the Flame As we encounter Jesus in the desert this Lent, may we all fix our gaze on Him Who came to set us free, to set a fire in our souls. Come, Lord Jesus, purify our hearts and set them aflame with love for You. Will you be praying through Set a Fire with us?!   [bctt tweet="Set a Fire: Praying through Lent with the BIS Sisterhood #BISblog #bislent //" via="no"]

Not five minutes after I hit “publish†on my pregnancy announcement Instagram post, two of my dearest college friends texted me almost identical messages. “Congratulations!!! I’m pregnant too!†So began a group text thread between the three of us former roommates, spread out across the country and all due with our first babies within a few weeks of one another.

By the time I was preparing for Confirmation, I was mucking stalls after school, attending horse camp in the summer, and "Cowboy Take Me Away" was basically the anthem I wanted to live by. Not an especially spiritual worldview, but one that had my full attention. Thankfully, God meets us where we are and is never far from the things that bring us life. I remember the assignment to select a Saint as I prepared for Confirmation. My sponsor was so sweet and took me out to lunch so that we could discuss some of my ideas as I selected a patroness. I remember telling her that I was taken with Elizabeth Ann Seton—wait for it—because she was an "experienced horse woman." To this day, I still cannot find where her horsemanship skills were so acclaimed amongst her many accomplishments. To her credit, my sponsor was supportive despite my lackluster discernment. So it was decided that Elizabeth was the patroness for me. It was a simple decision-making process and admittedly, I didn’t give it much (deep) thought. I later came to regret that, but that was before I realized that I was being spiritually tailed. Spiritually-tailed As it turned out, there wasn’t much call for cowgirls in my area, so by deciding to study Human Services, I had inadvertently adopted a different dimension of my patroness’ life of service to those on the margins: specifically to women and children. I didn’t notice until after college during my volunteer year that Saint Elizabeth had connections to the Vincentians, the very charism that had propelled me to spend a year in service in the first place. Later, in my first full time job, I began my case management work in a place called the Setons’ Women Center! As it turned out, this year ended up being one of the most formative of my young adult life and I don’t doubt that there was some prayerful support coming from my patroness, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the United States of America’s first Saint. In her lifetime, she experienced conversion to Catholicism, separation from her husband, becoming a widow, and raising five children and losing two of them. In addition, she established a Catholic girls school and founded an order, the Daughters of Charity of St. Joseph, which was the first order founded in America and tailored closely after the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been; how gloriously different all of the saints have been. // C.S. Lewis On the Move Statistics and studies done on recent generations assure us that people are moving more frequently, changing jobs, and switching careers more often now than ever before in history. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton offers a hopeful reminder of the tremendous versatility in the callings we may receive in one lifetime. [bctt tweet="Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton offers a hopeful reminder of the tremendous versatility in the callings we may receive in one lifetime. #BISblog //" via="no"] Likely at the dawn of her marriage, she imagined her life was going to take on a particular shape, which it did. Like many of us, she didn’t see herself as anything beyond a wife and mother, much less, the patroness of Catholic schools, widows, and seafarers. Vocations within Vocations So often God has more in mind for our lives than we might have imagined—or at least a wider breadth of callings. Vocations within vocations. Which can feel both exhilarating and unnerving as creatures who tend toward having some control, expectations, and "five year plans." Just as Saint Elizabeth imagined her vocation as wife and mother to define her life. And yet, her call prepared her for much more. This feels timely while we trudge on in our push toward post-pandemic life. Perhaps you are also finding yourself called upon to be a teacher in addition to work outside of the home. Maybe 2020 has made you a caregiver in ways you hadn’t foreseen, or in processing the experience of providing medical care amidst a pandemic, you have discovered art as an outlet. The possibilities are inexhaustible because God is infinitely creative and we instinctively mimic this trait. The Saint of Possibility In the hope of all that new years and new calendar pages bring, 2021 is pregnant with possibility. Inspired by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, would that we be attentive to our own callings within callings! Maybe this is what will get us though the lingering wait, believing that our gifts and talents add a particular value for this time, as surprising as we ourselves might find it. In a season that has made us all students, and many teachers, perhaps Saint Elizabeth’s intercession is just what we need at the dawn of a New Year. O God, You called Elizabeth Ann Seton to be an instrument of your loving mercy. Despite loss and sorrow, she was an example of hope and love. Inspire us with your Blessed Sacrament to live our life for others. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Teacher. Amen. // Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Prayer for Students Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us! Anyone else celebrating a feast day today?   [bctt tweet="On the Feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton #BISblog //" via="no"]

If there is someone who knows what it feels like when plans are completely turned upside down, it’s Mary.

This week, we begin our annual Prayer Pledge by reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Stepping into this new year, I desire few things more deeply than joy—heart-filling, head thrown back in laughter, completely in-the-moment joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. // Matthew 2:11 In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we read about the Magi, the wise men, who followed the star of Bethlehem in search of the Newborn King. They traveled a long way to greet and adore the Christ Child, even though they were not members of the Jewish faith, which held a deep longing for the Messiah to come and “ransom captive Israel.” Traditional Roots of Epiphany For centuries, Roman Catholics, as well as Christians in Eastern rites, have honored this pilgrimage of the Magi within the Christmas season. In fact, Epiphany is considered the twelfth day of Christmas. Theologically, Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the entire world. In other words, it is the event that reveals Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. While we primarily focus on this revelation to the Magi, the Church also teaches that this manifestation occurred at two other events: Christ’s Baptism, when God’s voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:13-17). The wedding at Cana, when Jesus performed His first public miracle (John 2:1-12). Rejoice! It’s Still Christmas The Feast of the Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas, reminds us that while the world has long packed up Christmas for another year, we continue to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We are blessed with another day to ponder the profound meaning of the Incarnation: that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, came down to earth to meet us in our need, to dwell and walk among us, and to save us from our sin. What an incredible gift worth celebrating and reverencing for more than one day! So, how can we respond to this gift? The gift of salvation? The gift of rescue? The gift of complete and total love? Ponder, Pray, and Praise on Epiphany On the Feast of the Epiphany, let us honor Christ’s manifestation to the world by taking time to ponder, pray, and praise. Ponder O come, let us adore Him. // The three Magi traveled far to greet the Messiah. Legend says that their journey took three to twelve months! Let us ponder... To what lengths do I go to spend time with the Lord in prayer and adoration? Do I remain steadfast in my quest to “strive first for the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33)? O Lord, may I never grow complacent in my quest to seek and find You! May I always go to great lengths to encounter You at Holy Mass and in Eucharistic Adoration. Amen. Gold I bring to crown Him again. // The wisemen gave Jesus the finest gifts, truly fit for a King. Let us ponder... Do I give Jesus the best part of my day in prayer? Do I give Him the fullness of my heart, by seeking to do His will above mine? O Christ my King, I renew my devotion to You! I love You, and I am so grateful that You came on Christmas! You are the King of my heart; the King of my entire life. Amen. Let loving hearts enthrone Him. // A supernatural faith brought the Magi to the stable, and upon their encounter with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, their lives were forever changed. Let us ponder... How has the birth of Christ changed my life? How can I order my days according to my encounter with the Newborn King? O Little Lord Jesus, my faith in You has grown so much this Christmas! How could it not? May You always find room in my heart to rest Your sweet head. Amen. [bctt tweet="O Lord, may I never grow complacent in my quest to seek and find You! May I always go to great lengths to encounter You. #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"] Pray Catholics attend Holy Mass on the Epiphany. And the Church also offers a special home blessing for this feast day. This can be done whether you live alone, with roommates, or within a family. Before Epiphany, purchase chalk and ask your priest to bless a piece of it. Also be sure to have blessed Holy Water on hand. The custom is to bless the entrance of your home. Then, write the initials of the three wise men plus the numbers of the new year just above the doorway with blessed chalk. Afterward, sprinkle the doorway and each room of your home with Holy Water. This is a lovely tradition that invokes the peace of Christ upon the house, all those who dwell within it, and all who visit it. To find the complete text for this traditional blessing, click here. Praise After pondering the miracle of the birth and manifestation of Christ, and blessing your home with special prayers, it is time to celebrate the Epiphany! In many families, the wise men arrive at the home’s Nativity display on Epiphany, after traveling throughout the house during Advent and the Christmas days leading up to this feast day. In some countries, it is customary to give gifts on Epiphany instead of on Christmas. While my own family exchanges gifts on Christmas, we emphasize the three gifts of the Magi, and give our children three gifts, too. Gold is their main gift; frankincense is something that will draw them closer to God; and myrrh is something that they can wear. One Catholic blogger has a custom of purchasing new Catholic books for her children on Epiphany. They even arrive wrapped in gold paper! Since it is still the Christmas season, keep listening to Christmas carols. Today, be sure to add “We Three Kings,” “The First Noel,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to your playlist. End this special feast day with a delicious Twelfth Night Rum Cake. Do you honor the Feast of the Epiphany with special prayers and traditions? Please share them in the comments below.   [bctt tweet="Celebrating the Epiphany of Our Lord #BISblog //" username="sarahcdamm"]

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. // Isaiah 60:1 Love this beautiful print from Leah of Fearfully Made. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I didn't always love the Rosary. In fact, even after the Lord won my heart, even after my conversion, even after the Holy Spirit set my heart aflame, I still struggled with praying the Rosary.

I converted from Protestantism to Catholicism at the age of sixteen. Like many converts, my understanding of Mary was limited and even slightly misinformed. Gradually, over the years, I have begun to discover the dynamic identity of our Blessed Mother and the essential role that she plays in the Church. Discovering Mary’s Heart Through prayer, meditating on the Rosary, and studying Scripture, the Lord has shown me many faces of Mary. I have come to know her as a gracious advocate, a pillar of mercy, an intrepid pioneer, a beacon of hope, a vessel of love. Discovering these identity of Mary not only leads to a better understanding of the Heart of Our Father, but it also grants us access to an abundant, steadfast relationship with our Blessed Mother. Have you, too, struggled to walk in relationship with Mary? Do you find it difficult to relate to her? Have you felt the pull to explore her identity but aren’t sure how to start? Here are some small, practical ways to dive deeper into our Blessed Mother’s heart. Pray the Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. This final prayer of the Rosary is full of proclamations of Mary’s identity and reveals an essential part of her heart. She is our gracious, merciful advocate. Allow yourself to rest in the comfort of Mary’s advocacy. You are not toiling through life alone. The Lord has offered Mary to be your champion, your supporter, your aid. Turn to her in moments of struggle. Ask her to intercede for you. Come to know and rest in the heart of your unrivaled advocate through this divine prayer. Pray the Memorarae Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. An earnest request for Mary’s intercession, this prayer invites us to rely on our Blessed Mother’s constancy. Mary will not leave you orphaned, she will not abandon you. Cast all of your intentions to her and ponder the face and heart of a merciful Mother who always listens and desires to carry your burdens to the Father. Meditate on Mary’s Fiat Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38) These words are known as Mary’s fiat, or her consent to become the mother of our savior. Meditating on Mary’s audacious “yes” to mothering Jesus invites us into a deeper understanding of the pure and sacrificial nature of her heart. Through her fiat, Mary gives us an example of how to love Our Father. She gives us encouragement to be brave in the face of the unknown, to be meek and humble, and to trust in the Lord’s plan. Allow Mary’s “yes” to inspire you to listen to the Lord’s calling for your life. Grant her the space to reconstruct the priorities of your heart. Rest in her sacrifice. Showcase Mary in your Home Consider doing one of the following as a reminder that Mary’s presence is abiding. Place a statue of the Holy Family in your home to help you remember that Mary plays a vital role in the fulfillment of our salvation. Write the words, “Mary, lend me your heart” on a sticky note and place it on your desk or in your planner as a signal that our Blessed Mother’s heart is always accessible. Drape a Rosary over your Bible as a reminder of the protection that Mary’s mantle offers us. Hang magnets on your refrigerator of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, or any depiction of her countless apparitions to help you remember that Mary is a miracle worker, and she will meet you where you are. Take the Leap Mary is a deep well that will not run dry. She is a powerhouse. A pillar of our faith. Be intentional and persistent in discovering her heart. Walk in relationship with her, seek her face, and allow her gracious heart to transform you.   [bctt tweet="Discovering Mary's Heart #BISblog //" via="no"]   Mercedes Shirts works as a sixth grade teacher in Idaho. When not indulging in a good read and black coffee, she enjoys cooking, traveling with her husband and working in her garden. You can find out more about her here.

A new year dawns. Perhaps you're more ready for a fresh start than you ever have been. And while we know that the trials of last year don't cease with the turning of the calendar, there's still something... hopeful about beginning again.

2020 has come with a lot of challenges, and with that there seems to be a rise of fear and anxiety. Take a look at your social media feeds and you will be inundated with negativity, arguments, and melancholic attitudes. Yet God has given us a different way to respond to fear and panic, regardless of circumstance. As Christians we are called to seek courage and strength both in everyday battles and in crisis. How can we seek that unwavering courage and walk confidently through times of darkness? The Full Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us to “put on the full armor of God” and use the spiritual tools provided for us. Are you actively putting on that armor? Having knowledge of God’s Word and faithfulness in His deeds gives us peace and a readiness to fight whatever challenges we face, especially spiritual battles. When we walk in the truth, we will not easily give into fear and anxiety caused by events occurring around us. Some of my favorite verses come from Matthew 6:25-34: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. We are to “seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to us. Therefore, live in the grace and strength given to us today and do not doubt whether it will be provided tomorrow. God will continue to give us the tools needed, the grace required, to face each day. Trust in His faithfulness. Does this mean we should bury our heads in the sand? No, of course not. In 1 Samuel 17:48 David runs towards battle. He faced it with strength and courage. We are not to hide from battles presented to us, but to run headlong and unwavering toward them. The only way we are capable of doing so is with the aforementioned spiritual tools provided for us. Only then can we sprint confidently and faithfully onward. From Fixing to Growing Are you familiar with the idea of a “Proverbs 31 woman”? That woman is described as a being wrapped in God’s strength and dignity. She laughs while looking toward the future, rather than cowering in fear. So too God wants women to be like David. To not fret over our children, our homes, and our work, but to know that God will continue to provide us what we need to face each day. Practical Steps for Ending the Year with Courage in Christ Try not to carry what only God is capable of shouldering. You cannot fix every problem in this world, but you can grow in truth and righteousness. You can bring glory to God’s Name through your actions, words, and thoughts. Live a happy life rather than one filled with fear. Actively put on the armor of God. 1. Grow in your faith. Becoming familiar with the Word, developing a relationship with God, and studying apologetics will arm you with the tools needed to face spiritual battles head on. I encourage you not to simply pray in broad statements, but to let God know your heart. Be specific with what you are struggling with and seeking guidance on. Only then will your prayer life blossom. 2. Challenge your thoughts. You don't have to believe them! I say this as a former therapist who would often help clients with anxiety. We cannot prevent fearful thoughts from entering our minds, but we can identify if they are grounded in reality or emotion. If your thoughts are real and true, what steps can you take to address them? Even small actions can lead to feelings of empowerment. 3. Surrender. Say yes. If God is calling you to something, He will not abandon you. Rather, He will provide you with the words needed through the Spirit, the spiritual armor to shield yourself with, and He will guide your steps. It was not just the Saints who were called to face these things, we are all called to do so. 4. Seek spiritual counsel from mentors, priests, or friends. They can often help you differentiate between whether God is speaking to you, or you are giving into your own thoughts. Moreover they will help you feel less alone. How are you ending the year in courage rather than fear?   [bctt tweet="Ending the Year with Courage in Christ #BISblog //" via="no"]   Christie L. is a therapist turned stay-at-home mom living in Ohio with her two children and husband. She blogs at herdailyfiat.com and can be found on Instagram at @herdailyfiat.

“Well, I can’t miss Monday morning prayer group,” my mom replied. It was a tradition us kids were used to, expecting our summer Monday mornings spent in the basement of the prayer group leader's house. When we snuck upstairs for snacks, we’d see the Rosaries and the prayer intention baskets on the kitchen table. “You have to have a group like this when you grow up,” she’d tell us. "Prayerful women will be your lifeline." Starting a Blessed is She Small Group Enter my season of stay-at-home motherhood, where desiring that community led me to Blessed is She. I posted on my local BIS Facebook page that locals were welcome to gather Monday night at 8 p.m. I bought a box of cookies, a bottle of wine, and asked my husband to rush the kids to bed. Three years, seven Blessed Conversation Studies, and many women later—my mom was right—these women became my lifeline. Tips for Maintaining a Thriving BIS Small Group Here are some ideas for fostering your small group community. Use social media as a tool. I created a private Facebook page where group members post private intentions, spiritual readings, plan meal trains, and communicate meeting times. Sit in a circle. I set up my living room chairs and couches facing each other to foster the community vibe. Take pictures. My group knows I’ll usually be propping my iPhone on the fireplace at the end of each meeting. I usually send them in a group text or post on our Facebook page. The pictures foster the visible sign of memories we can look back on when our crazy weeks take over. I always include, "We prayed for everyone not there!" Meet outside of study. One year a group member suggested a “Holy Half,” where we would meet in the adoration chapel for 30 minutes, and then head to the local McDonalds for sundaes and relaxed conversation! We’ve organized movie events, prayed at abortion clinics, and had birthday dinners out. Add personal intentions. At the end of our circular discussions, we ask each member to list something we can pray for. Confidentiality is expected so there’s a freedom for very personal requests, fostering vulnerability and deep friendship. You Won't Regret Trying As you gather with other women for the Blessed Conversation studies, you'll find the open ended discussion, reflections, teachings on our Catechism, the Saints and biblical wisdom will “deepen prayer life through supportive sisterhood." Use these tips as a guide and remember that each group and each woman is unique! Whether it’s an early weekend morning in a church hall, or late weeknight living room, the Holy Spirit will work with you to make it happen! There’s room for you sister, I promise you that!   [bctt tweet="How to Maintain a Thriving BIS Small Group #BISblog //" via="no"]   Alexandria DeRose is a trained Nurse Practitioner & Fertility Educator turned unexpected homeschooling mom of four sons. She’s passionate about cultivating community through her Blessed is She small group and encouraging women to choose joy in the everyday through her writing on joymamablog.com. Check out her #joymamamovement over on Instagram & join the fun!