I sat on a large rock, knees pulled up, arms stretched behind me for support. The dry desert breeze whispered past as I gazed at the stars hovering overhead. Majestic and distant, they magnified the smallness I felt confronting larger-than-life questions I could no longer ignore. I was supposed to be leading this young adult retreat, a volunteer ministry I took on in addition to my full-time position teaching religion at a nearby Catholic high school. I didn’t feel like a leader; rather, very much alone and insecure, wondering whether I belonged there at all. It was summer, and the stillness of the desert offered welcome repose from the bustle of the school year that just ended. It was the close of my first year in graduate theology studies, a year in “faith seeking understanding.” Ask the Questions As an undergraduate, I loved the thrill I got from pursuing important questions. Early on, I switched to a major in theology, a way of intellectually exploring my conversion to Catholicism. Growing up, I practiced the Lutheran faith, but struggled with doctrinal questions that I felt a sola scriptura approach just couldn’t satisfy. My studies added fuel to the fire of my conversion. I was at once consumed and sustained by the wealth of the intellectual tradition of the Church I now called “home.” At the close of this first year of graduate studies, though, I found myself feeling more lost than found. I had just finished a paper on the self-knowledge of Jesus, exploring His awareness of His divinity and mission. Much as I had tried to ignore it, a feeling of unease had been bubbling to surface as I began to question even the most basic presuppositions of our Faith. How could Jesus be truly human and divine? Could there really be three Persons in an undivided substance? God is supposed to be omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient. How could Jesus be “like us in all things but sin” and still possess these divine attributes? In my paper, I concluded, wholly unoriginally, that the Trinity was an unfathomable mystery. Internally, though, I was troubled. The more I fed my desire for knowledge, the less easily I could tolerate mystery. God Can Handle Them I wanted to leave these questions unexplored; acknowledging them meant questioning the foundation I’d built my career, my soon-to-be marriage, and my entire life around. In the silence of the desert, I stopped trying to deny my crisis of faith. Instead, I turned to face it, allowing waves of questions to crash over me with unrelenting force. My conversion had been built on a search for the Truth. I couldn’t stop now, no matter the fear or uncertainty. A quiet voice broke the heaviness, whispering hope into my darkness. “What if your questions are not really about finding the answers? What if they are actually an invitation?” The Long Journey The voice was an echo of my co-leader, Fr. Tri Dinh. In forming us for leadership, he had directed us away from entertaining these kinds of questions in small group discussion. Head questions, he instructed, were often a way of expressing something deep within the heart, something for which few of us have the language. Traveling the long distance from the head to the heart, he advised, was the long journey of the spiritual life. In that moment, the dawn broke on the dark night of my conflicted soul. Yes, I had spent my whole life pursuing God, but how much time had I spent actually sitting with Jesus? WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Connecting with Jesus During that retreat, I found a way into imaginative prayer for the first time. My analytical self had always been too preoccupied with picturing the exact details of Gospel stories to let grace break through. In my desire to connect with Jesus, I saw Him sitting at the dinner table with my husband, the two of them laughing together. It was an incredible moment for me, the beginning of a new romance, a journey to know intimately the Person of Jesus. I didn’t see His Face that day. That would come later—much later. In retrospect, I recognize that my questions were a way to assert control, to tame a God who is beyond my control. All those years of study, and still I had missed the point of Christianity. Ours is a Faith of surrender. Surrendering my questions to Jesus that day meant exchanging a false sense of intellectual security for the only real power there is: relationship with Him. Letting Him Show Me I still thrive on intellectual exploration; surrendering that day didn’t change the fundamentals of who I am. What it did do was grant me access to a door I hadn’t realized was there, a door that leads to the deepest levels of reality. Beyond questions of doctrine and orthodoxy and metaphysics is a more important question. A question that is not mine, but His. In this place, in the quiet of my soul, Jesus asks: Who do you say that I am? And this is one that we explore together, as I take His outstretched hand and let Him show me.   [bctt tweet="How Questioning My Faith Opened the Way to Knowing Jesus #BISblog //" username="sstephenson614"]   Samantha Stephenson spends her days loving her husband, chasing after her children, and trying to find God in everything from diapers to dishes. A voracious consumer of books, blogs, and coffee, she holds degrees in theology and bioethics. You can find out more about her here.

As we join together in praying for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, we also turn our prayers to our sisters and brothers experiencing job loss, income loss, and the uncertainty of where their next grocery payment will come from. Let us carry them in our hearts and prayers. Catholic Charities to Consider During this Challenging Time For those of us who are in a position to give of our talents, time, and treasure, here's a short list of places to offer them! 1 // Your Parish Your parish has very likely taken a large financial hit unless most parishioners are already signed up for electronic payments or automatic withdrawals. Send in a check, set up that payment, and be in touch with your pastor about what the needs are of your community. Spiritual bouquets? Phone calls to older parishioners who may not be able to access livestream Mass or need a little tech help? Cards of encouragement for parish staff? Reach out. Don't be hesitant to offer to help. 2 // Sisters on the Frontlines As the COVID-19 pandemic inflicts immense tolls on society, Catholic sisters are present among those most in need, providing rapid response to the poor and distressed. Sisters are embedded in their communities, knowing exactly who is in need and how to help. Catholic Extension, in partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters, FADICA, GHR Foundation, The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland and Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, has founded Sisters on the Frontlines, an alliance to respond to the immediate needs of communities impacted by COVID-19. The alliance recognizes the vital role of Catholic sisters in the most marginalized communities and seeks to aid them in their work by providing direct funding. The Sisters on the Frontlines initiative aims to give 1,000 Catholic sisters $1,000 each to help an individual or family suffering from the adverse effects of the pandemic. The sister will then report back to the Frontlines alliance on how she made good on the mandate to care for someone in need. The program also strives to spread awareness about the impactful and innovative work of the sisters by asking people to share stories on social media with the hashtag #sistersonthefrontlines. The program is being launched with seed funding through the alliance, but donations to Catholic Extension will be needed to reach the goal of $1,000 to 1,000 sisters. Learn more, donate, or become a frontline partner here. 3 // Franciscan Friars of the Renewal These friars serve the poor and live out their vows of poverty in a profoundly moving way based in the Bronx. Contribute to their fundraising page or their amazon wish list. As a begging order, they rely on donations. In turn, they serve the poor by sharing the Gospel and whatever they've been given. 4 // Corazon Puro Corazon Puro is a nonprofit founded by Father Agustino Torres of the CFRs working directly with low-income youth leaders to equip them to evangelize (in particular with Theology of the Body's teachings). Donations help them in their critical work at this challenging time. 5 // Catholic Extension Catholic Extension is working at this time to provide a virtual collection basket for most vulnerable parishes in isolated places to provide parishes with resources to ensure the presence of the Church remains in these areas. 6 // Spiritual Adoption/Bouquets You can undertake this in a more organized way or a quiet way: commit to prayer for a group of people or organizations in need at this time. It could be as simple as a Rosary offered for the intentions of unexpectedly pregnant women or asking a priest to offer a Mass for a family member who has lost his or her job. 7 // Seven Sisters Apostolate This very special apostolate organizes women to pray for as priest in groups of seven, each praying a Holy Hour for him one designated day per week. See if you can join a team or offer to be the anchoress for one? 8 // Catholic Charities This well-loved organization is diocesan-based and provides care for the most vulnerable in our communities. At a time when much rebuilding will be required, this is a worthy option. 9 // St. Vincent de Paul Society Since your local SVdP is likely not accepting donations of items at this time, consider supporting them financially so they can continue to provide care for those in need. Where have you found to share at this time? [bctt tweet="Looking for Catholic charities to support during this time? Here's a short list. #BISblog //" via="no"]

Hey, friend. We see you. It can be difficult to cope with this time of uncertainty from a place of isolation. The good news? You're not alone. At Blessed is She, we want to do everything we can to support and encourage you during this difficult time because, friend, you are seen. You are so loved. And, you are an irreplaceable part of the #bissisterhood. Just for you, we put together a list of our favorite resources to help you grow in your faith, prayer, and community during this time. The best part? It’s all free. So grab your Bible, call a friend, and let’s dive in. For Your Heart // Homily by Father John Burns on Holy Week Teachable Tuesday // What Does The Bible Say About Fear, Anxiety, and Worry? What’s the Plan? // TGP Episode 74 - Beth and Jenna chat about the Rules of St. Ignatius. They explore the idea of "storing up" consolations and what to do when you feel desolation. Prone to Wander // TGP Episode 63 - Beth and Jenna talk about the Lord's sweet tendency toward active listening, how convicted they are currently feeling about the words they say, and how gossip actually IS a big deal to God. For Your Prayer // Praying with a Pen // Free Workshop on Journaling as a Spiritual Practice What’s Your Anthem // TGP Episode 50 - Beth and Jenna talk about the “dark night of the soul” -- what it is, what it looks like, and practical ways to combat it. The Gift of Faith // TGP Episode 49 - Beth and Jenna talk with Debbie Herbeck of Be Love Revolution. Debbie shares her beautiful (and unbelievable!) conversion story, and how God is calling her to share the messiest part of her story in order to show young women His infinite mercy. Spiritual & Practical Ideas for Quarantine + Praying with Beth and Mike // q&a with Jenna and Beth How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet & the Rosary How to Make a Virtual Holy Hour For Your Small Group // The Beauty of Vulnerability // Free Workshop on Love, Suffering, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus How to Lead a Small Group Remotely // tips from Nell O'Leary Download the Sisterhood Series // an 8-part examination on friendship Blessed is She Free Study Guide // available in English + Spanish! How to Maintain Long-Distance Friendships // BIS Blog Allllll the video resources! Looking for more? Sign up to receive the daily devotions straight to your inbox!  

Every year, the Holy Father puts forth a specific intention for each month. During the month of April 2020, Pope Francis is asking people worldwide to pray for those who suffer from addiction, that they may find help, accompaniment, and freedom. Addiction Defined A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects upon withdrawal or abstinence. In short, addiction is destructive. The Addicted Life // Life in a Distant Country In Henri Nouwen’s book Return of the Prodigal Son, he writes that we live in a world that fosters addiction because what the world offers can never satisfy the deepest desires of our heart. This results in a culture that is lost and anxiously grasping at money, power, reputation, and sexual gratification, which results in lust rather than love. He writes: In these days of increasing addictions, we have wandered far away from our Father’s home. The addicted life can aptly be designated a life lived in a ‘distant country.’ It is from there that our cry for deliverance rises up. We are the prodigal son when we look to the world to find love, a vast emptiness which will never fulfill what our heart longs for most. Ultimately, we can only be fulfilled by God Himself. Yet as Henri Nouwen noted, we often look for this fulfillment in other ways. Secrecy and Shame While it is not spoken about very often, one common way that women search for this fulfillment is through pornography and masturbation. In The Gathering Place podcast, Beth Davis and Jenna Guizar speak about a very specific addiction: the addiction to porn. In their episode titled Shame, Porn and Spoonfuls of Grace, they speak about the reality of spiritual warfare and the devil’s desire to keep us in our shame. They also share about how the struggle with porn can be an isolating one. If you are struggling with this, know that you are not alone, and freedom is possible! Resources are out there, and the Lord wants to free you. He is longing for you to run into His arms, not the arms of the world. God is stronger than the evil one and our minds and souls can be restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pornography and Masturbation Let’s talk about porn. The so-called “free drug”. A 2019 story on Fox News titled "Porn Addiction: Why Americans are in more danger than ever" stated that people are watching porn “at the expense of their loved ones and religious beliefs.” And it’s not just men. In order to give into the temptation, you don't always need to be viewing explicit porn. The temptation could arise from a soft sex scene in a romantic movie. The Deep Consequences Unfortunately, giving into these temptations results in a host of negative consequences. In addition to sin, these include the downfalls of losing romantic interest in one’s partner, feelings of shame and isolation, and the tendency to view others as objects for our own pleasure. Fight The New Drug speaks about how porn damages consumers’ sex lives, stating that “study after study has shown that porn is directly related to problems with arousal, attraction, and sexual performance. Porn leads to less sex and to less sexual satisfaction within a relationship.” After these habits are built, arousal is connected to porn, not to one's significant other. When this happens, one no longer needs to see or touch their partner in order to get aroused, making it harder to get turned on unless porn is being used. Not only this, but a 2010 study showed that nearly 90% of best-selling porn included violence. This, in turn, results in men desiring to bring violence into the bedroom in order for them to climax; and the same goes for women. "But That's Not Porn" ... Or Is It? Over the past few years, the popularity of the 50 Shades of Grey book and movie franchise has shown just how widespread this problem is. This is only one example of several romance novels and T.V. shows that are really soft porn normalized by society. Their deceitful message—that these violent desires are normal, healthy, and even sexy—has a particular appeal to those enslaved by pornography. While, deep down, many know this to be false, they do not think it is possible to be free of their chains, and therefore desperately want to believe that their enslavement to these desires is “normal.” The fact that 50 Shades of Grey was in vogue shows just how many people in our society struggle with some sort of addiction to porn. We are left with a Blockbuster hit peddling a message which is so false. The fact that, as a society, we cannot condemn the disordered violence in these movies speaks to how many people are held down by the chains of pornography. Porn addiction has dire consequences. But there is a way out. The way out requires courage, and it requires asking for help. [bctt tweet="Porn addiction has dire consequences. But there is a way out. The way out requires courage, and it requires asking for help. #BISblog //" via="no"] A Real-Life Experience Of Addiction On The Catholic Feminist podcast episode Overcoming Pornography to Find Uncompromising Purity, Claire Swinarski interviewed author and speaker Kelsey Skoch about her past addiction to pornography and masturbation. Their conversation shed light on how isolated a woman can feel if she struggles with this addiction. There is a stigma that this is only a "male problem", which then causes a lot of shame and embarrassment when women struggle with the same thing. While men can more easily find community to help them overcome this struggle, women aren’t so lucky. But women, you are not alone. According to a Barna Group survey, 76% of women ages 18-30 years old have viewed pornography at least once a month. Kelsey pointed out that Priests say that about 50% of women confess porn or masturbation in the confessional. And that’s only the women who have the courage to confess it. Kelsey admitted that it took her eight years before she brought it before the Lord in Confession. The Way To Freedom from Addiction Overcoming an addiction doesn’t just take willpower, it takes accountability. It also takes grace. Remember, temptations happen, and a temptation is not a sin. It is an opportunity to fight the evil one and choose the good. God has given us free will and the power to choose right instead of wrong, and we deserve to eat the banquet, not the scraps thrown to the dogs on the dirty floor. Here are some words of encouragement that Kelsey gives to those struggling to overcome temptation, specifically to porn and masturbation. Pray Bring God into your struggle. Addictions are a result of looking for fulfillment and love in the wrong places, so run to the One who is Ultimate Love. Evaluate Your Triggers These could be sex scenes in a movie or making out intensely with your boyfriend. Some women are triggered by the comparison brought on by social media. Comparison feeds the feeling of isolation, which can lead to giving into temptation in order to receive a temporary high. For others, a trigger is ovulation. During this time, make sure you surround yourself with a strong support network to both distract you from temptation but also to build you up. If having your phone by your bedside is a trigger, leave it in a different room and buy an alarm clock. Seek Spiritual and Professional Healing Porn addiction and masturbation are often symptoms of something deeper, and a counselor or spiritual director can help you discover and heal from the root trauma or experience. Bring Your Sin to the Confessional There is healing in naming your sin, renouncing it in Jesus' Name, being reconciled to Christ and His Church, and receiving the grace to resist the temptation in the future! Don’t Despair Keep striving to pursue the good and fight temptation. The enemy wants you to surrender hope. Hold fast. His Grace is Sufficient The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote a Pastoral Response for those who struggle with pornography and in it they wrote: Freedom from pornography is possible! No one needs to fight this battle alone...Certainly, none of us is free from weakness and concupiscence, which remains after Baptism...But the Lord invites us with all our weaknesses to trust and abide in him. His grace is sufficient, but we need to implore Him for it and work with Him in it. He is waiting for us to return from the “distant country.” As Henri Nouwen puts it, let us “look not with the eyes of my own low self-esteem, but with the eyes of God’s love.” He eagerly awaits our return so that we can sit with Him at the banquet table. [bctt tweet="Finding and Fighting for Freedom from Addictions #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

As a freshman in college, I met of number of other freshman girls, and it wasn't long before we formed a nucleus of friends. We supported one another during those overwhelming and exciting adjustments to college life, and we enjoyed getting to know each other better, though our personalities and backgrounds were diverse. One girl, Jen, and I were quite different from one another. She had been raised in a family that communicated much less freely than mine did. She also experienced significant trauma in her young life, whereas I was more sheltered and a bit clueless. In spite of our differences, Jen and I clicked from the first day we met. It wasn't long before she and I were close enough to start getting on each other's nerves. The truth is that I sometimes upset her...probably because I was less thoughtful and mature than she was. Good Communication But one positive element I brought to the relationship was good communication skills. I didn't know what it meant to be passive aggressive. I was open and transparent and thought any problem could be worked out if both people cared enough about a relationship. And I knew if we ever wanted to have a true friendship, we would have to work out our problems. I remember one particular instance when we had a misunderstanding. She closed the door to our dorm room in my face and locked it. I was crying and banging on the door like a child, saying something like, "You can't shut me out...I love you, Jen!" Oh, the drama! Jen and I moved forward in our friendship because we were willing to grapple with one another. Being Willing to Engage In order to take any relationship to the next level, we need to be willing to engage with each other in conversations that go beyond chit-chat and emojis. Swapping conflicting opinions or arguing heatedly in a productive way can actually propel a relationship into deeper waters. If we refuse to wrestle with one another, our relationships remain shallow. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. Are we willing, then, to grapple with God? Are we willing to, with reverence, ask God the tough questions so that we can begin to go deeper in our relationship with Him? Are we willing to put time and energy into this endeavor? WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY A Wrestling Match Jacob, one of patriarchs in the Bible, "wrestled" with a mysterious stranger all night long. When the stranger dislocated Jacob's hip, Jacob still held on. He would not release his hold on the mysterious man until the man blessed him. Through perseverance, Jacob received his blessing. Later he said, "I have seen God face to face...yet my life has been spared" (Genesis 32:30). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "From this [Biblical] account, the spiritual tradition of the Church has retained the symbol of prayer as a battle of faith and as the triumph of perseverance" (CCC 2573). Engaging with God in prayer can sometimes resemble a wrestling match! I was quite relieved to learn that definition of prayer. Though I have had many moments of peace and consolation in my own faith journey, I am a devout grappler. Having this somewhat noisy relationship with God obliges me to think about ways to engage God respectfully and faithfully, while still admitting that I sometimes have trouble finding that "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Grappling with God The following mnemonic is a helpful way to approach a "wrestling match" with God: G // Give God permission to be God in your life. R // Raise questions; reach out for understanding; rage if you must. A // Acknowledge your fears and doubts. P // Plead for God's assistance and blessing. P // Put your trust in God and persevere in prayer, no matter what. L // Love. E // Enter into a deeper relationship with God; experience His peace; embrace the awesome plan He has for your life. Sometimes we distance ourselves from God because we don't want to put the time or energy into our relationship with Him. Or perhaps we are afraid that if we try to reach a new level of understanding and friendship with God, we will find that He isn't as real, as powerful, and as loving as we want Him to be. Though some people, like myself, have to be encouraged to be more trusting and peaceful, there are others who need to be exhorted to go ahead and "get real" with God. The Holy Trinity does not want to be stored, like a household god, in a niche in the wall of our homes. That is not enough for Him and, eventually, we will find that it is not enough for us either. Our God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. He invites us to grapple. [bctt tweet="Grappling with God #BISblog //" via="no"] Christine Hanus is a thwarted idealist who, nevertheless, lives quite happily in Upstate NY. She is a wife and mother of five.

...at the name of Jesus every knee should bend. // Philippians 2:10 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Brass and Mint Co. from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

It was October 22, 2016, the feast of our family patron Saint, Pope John Paul II. Two-and-a-half years earlier, in the same stone cathedral, our beloved Passionist priest looked at my husband and me and said: “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” On this day, his gaze turned from us to the sleeping one-month-old in my husband’s arms as he gently proclaimed, “Charles Kolbe, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Grateful tears filled my eyes as I watched holy water flow over my baby son’s dark hair. If there was ever a moment in which the beauty and tradition of our Catholic Faith took my breath away, this was one of them. Now, as we’re preparing for the baptism of our second child, my thoughts have frequently returned to that beautiful October day. Too often, I’ve seen a baby’s Baptism either downplayed (to the tune of, “What’s the point of baptizing an infant?”) or over-emphasized, with the faith formation that is meant to follow the Baptism all but ignored. The Catechism states that “By its very nature, infant Baptism requires a post-baptismal catechumenate” (CCC 1231). Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Your Baby's Baptism The following ideas for celebrating a baby’s first Sacrament properly acknowledge the great joy of the occasion. Even more importantly, though, they open up opportunities for encouraging the child’s faith in the years to come, and unite those who agree to walk alongside them. (An added note as we weather the COVID-19 pandemic: This post was written before most of us in the U.S. were affected by stay-at-home/social distancing directives, experiencing canceled public Sacraments as a result. Both my daughter’s Divine Mercy Sunday Baptism, for example, as well as our attempted back-up plan (a private Baptism with proxy godparents), were canceled as our city’s restrictions tightened. We are praying for the opportunity to have her baptized as soon as possible and are learning how we can baptize her ourselves in case of an emergency (as directed by Canon Law). While we are holding on to the hope that our church doors will be safely opened again soon, please note that some of the celebration ideas below will not be appropriate for this extremely unique time.) Write your child a letter. One of my favorite traditions is writing my children letters on their birthdays each year. I reflect on the year, note what they’re like at that moment in time, and tell them how much I love them. I’m eager to add to that tradition by starting to write Baptism day letters, too. Unlike my birthday letters, these will focus specifically on why we, their parents, love our Faith and are excited and honored to raise them as Catholics. I’ll also share any prayers we have for their lives and their personal walks with the Lord. I love imagining giving them these letters, maybe on their Confirmation days! This would be such a meaningful thing for godparents to do as well. Share the witness of your child’s patron Saint. If your baby is named in honor of a Saint, their Baptism is the perfect opportunity to share that Saint’s story and why it resonates with you. Consider displaying a print of the Saint in your home (if you’ll be gathering there after the Baptism), passing out holy cards to those you’re celebrating with, or leading your loved ones in a prayer that asks for the Saint’s intercession. Gather for a meal. A Baptism inspires a sense of true community, as parents, godparents, family members, and friends promise to encourage the child’s faith together. What better way to immediately strengthen the bonds between loved ones than over a delicious meal? Whether you opt to host in your home or reserve a table at your favorite restaurant, gathering for a meal can be as meaningful of a celebration as it is enjoyable. Especially if you’re hosting at home, don’t hesitate to keep things simple. You’re caring for a baby, after all! If there is ever a time to ask for a hand with cleaning, opt for catering or takeout, or turn a party into a backyard picnic so you don’t have to set the table, this is it. For a few easy, crowd-pleasing brunches (perfect for after morning Mass), consider setting up a buffet of bagels and cream cheeses, an assortment of pastries from a local bakery, or baskets of biscuits with toppings. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with a crockpot full of your favorite hearty soup, a big salad, and fresh loaves of bread from your favorite bakery. And take it from someone who attempted a dinner party for 20 after my one-month-old’s Baptism and then panicked and switched to barbecue takeout: if you’re serving dinner, outsource the cooking from the start! For an extra special touch, consider opting for a cuisine that coordinates with your baby’s patron Saint. Another easy option is to avoid gathering at a meal time, and instead serving coffee and tea alongside a beautiful cake in the mid-morning or afternoon. Another tip: Be a Heart Design carries the most adorable disposable plates, napkins, cups, and straws that would be a perfect fit for a Baptism celebration. I especially love the “Let Us Rejoice” cocktail napkins and All Saints cups. Bonus points for major Instagram-ability and effortless clean-up! Start a Sacraments box. Since you’ll need a safe place to store your child’s baptismal candle, consider picking up a special box to serve as their “Sacraments box.” Along with the candle, save a small bottle of holy water from the fount the priest uses (Reliquary Supply makes beautiful holy water bottles and keepsake candles) and your baby’s hat/bonnet...especially if it smells of chrism at the end of the day! Throughout your baby’s childhood, take out the box often to talk about the items inside together. Be sure to add keepsakes and mementos from their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation as well. Do you have any special traditions for celebrating baptisms? We would love for you to add your ideas in the comments! [bctt tweet="Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Your Baby's Baptism #BISblog //" username="lisajanelkirk"]

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

The Church's greatest feast is just around the corner! This year, Easter Sunday will likely look different for many of us. But Jesus still conquers death. The tomb is still empty. And we still rejoice. (Plus, don't forget that Easter doesn't last just one day!) Easter Basket Ideas from Blessed is She In case you're looking for some meaningful and beautiful gifts for Easter baskets (for both the kids and adults in your life), we have some ideas from our shop! Books Rise Up This book on the virtues is written for kids, but it's something the whole family can read and enjoy together. Risen Sad about the Lent Journal ending? We have this wonderful Easter companion that helps you meaningfully celebrate the entire Easter season. Journals Our spiral journals are simple, allowing you the space to journal your conversations with God. Made New Made New walks with rich reflections through the Gospels, substantive Scripture for prayer through Lectio Divina, and prompts for spiritual growth. Gifts that Keep Giving Blessed is She Membership Consider gifting a grown daughter, sister, mom, friend (or yourself!) a Blessed is She membership. A membership gives you access to handfuls of workshops, Lent and Advent devotionals every year, and lots of freebies. Gift Certificate Let your loved one choose when and what they purchase! You email the gift card, which makes it even more conducive to the reality of gift-giving this year. Scripture Memory Verse Cards These gorgeous Scripture verse cards help us consume and memorize the Word. You can even encourage the receiver to select one per day or week! Last-Minute Gifts (Digital Downloads) Rooted This study on various tenants of our Faith can be downloaded instantly. Great for small groups, or even a one-on-one study! Misericordia Want to learn more about the Works of Mercy and how to practice them intentionally in your life? This study dives deep into this wisdom of the Church and can also be downloaded digitally. Mystery The Easter season is a wonderful time to learn more about the Rosary and how it helps us contemplate the life of Christ alongside Our Lady. Mystery can be instantly downloaded, too! Dwell Through narrative reflections, Church teaching, Scripture, and wisdom from the Saints, this 15-session study focuses on these five ways that Jesus changes our lives when we invite Him in to dwell within us. Gems of Joy Candles Help cozy up a space with our Saintly Scents Candle Collection, Restore candle, or Light of Mercy candle. Stickers Choose a favorite Saint or Blessed is She sticker! Perfect for lockers, laptops, and planners. Miraculous Medal Earrings These lovely earrings give honor to Our Lady. Prints Finally, find dozens of beautiful prints to fill a home with Scripture! What are you hoping is in your Easter basket this year? What would bring you some extra happiness? LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER

I remember the first time I prayed an entire Rosary. I was twelve-and-a-half years old, and I had no idea what I was doing. My baby sister was just born with a slew of medical issues that no one had anticipated. My grandparents came to stay with my other siblings and me while Mom and Dad were at the hospital with her. When they arrived, they immediately sat down in the family room with my younger sister, my brother, and myself. They handed each of us a brand new Rosary. “It’s time to pray,” they said. “The Blessed Mother will help us.” So we prayed. Right there in the family room, before they even unloaded their suitcases. My siblings and I knew the individual prayers of the Rosary. The Our Father (or Lord's Prayer), the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be were part of our bedtime routines. And sure, we’d seen Rosaries before and even owned a couple ourselves. But as we all sat together united in prayer for the baby sister we had yet to meet, I knew that this prayer was unlike any I ever prayed before. What is the Rosary, Anyway? The Rosary might look like a fancy necklace, but it is so much more. For centuries, people of faith have used everything from paths of stones to knotted ropes to strings of beads to keep track of their prayers. And that’s exactly what the Rosary does for us! Made up of 59 beads, Rosaries also usually have a crucifix and a Marian medal. It is a sacramental that helps us keep track of the number of prayers we have said as we meditate on the lives of Christ and His mother, Mary. How Does the Rosary Deepen Our Prayer Life? How does praying the Hail Mary over 50 times help us grow closer to Jesus? Because knowing, loving, and communing with Him is the ultimate goal of prayer, right? I think Pope St. John Paul II said it best: Although the repeated Hail Mary is addressed directly to Mary, it is to Jesus that the act of love is ultimately directed, with her and through her. The repetition is nourished by the desire to be conformed ever more completely to Christ. At the end of His life, Jesus gave us His Mother to be our Mother, too. It's her deepest desire that we know her Son more and more. In our meditation on and recitation of the Rosary, we ask our Blessed Mother to bring our intentions and our very selves closer to the Heart of Jesus. And we all know that Jesus listens to His mother, right? Just ask the guests of the Wedding of Cana! Make It a Daily Habit Ready to make the Rosary part of your everyday prayer? Find your perfect rosary. Shop Rosaries → How to Pray the Rosary How do we pray the Rosary? Let’s take it step-by-step and bead-by-bead. Make the Sign of the Cross. While holding the crucifix, recite the Apostles’ Creed. On the first bead, recite the Our Father. On the next three beads, recite the Hail Mary (one per bead). In the space after the third Hail Mary bead, recite the Glory Be. On the next single bead, begin the first full decade. You will announce the first Mystery of the day (more on that below) and prayerfully consider it. Then, pray the Our Father. On the next cluster of 10 beads (or decade), pray one Hail Mary per bead. In the space after that decade, pray a Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer. Continue in this pattern for the next four decades as you move counter-clockwise around the Rosary. Announce and contemplate each Mystery, pray an Our Father, pray 10 Hail Marys, then finish the decade with a Glory Be. After all 5 decades have been said, conclude by praying the Hail, Holy Queen. Close with the Sign of the Cross. The Mysteries of the Rosary On each day of the week, we meditate on different Mysteries of the Rosary. The Mysteries are highlights of the events in the life of Jesus and His Church. The Joyful Mysteries We pray the Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays. The Annunciation The Visitation The Nativity of the Lord The Presentation in the Temple The Finding of Jesus in the Temple The Luminous Mysteries We pray the Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan The Wedding Feast at Cana The Proclamation of the Kingdom The Transfiguration The Institution of the Eucharist The Sorrowful Mysteries We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Agony in the Garden The Scourging at the Pillar The Crowning with Thorns The Carrying of the Cross The Crucifixion The Glorious Mysteries We pray the Glorious Mysteries on Sundays and Wednesdays. The Resurrection The Ascension The Descent of the Holy Spirit The Assumption The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth To dive deeper into the spirituality and meaning of each Mystery, look here. We made a How to Pray the Rosary graphic just for you!   {formbuilder:MTAwOTI2} Cultivating the Habit of Praying the Rosary Making a habit of saying that many prayers each day may seem overwhelming if you aren’t used to it! Just to be clear, praying the Rosary every day is not a requirement of the Catholic faithful. It is an act of devotion. But anyone who has prayed the Rosary consistently for any length of time will regale you with testimonies about its power and the graces that accompany it. If you would like to begin to incorporate the Rosary into your daily prayer, here are some helpful tips, tricks, and resources: Many Hail Marys at a Time // The Rosary is prayed here, live, every day at 7:45 a.m. eastern time. Find a Rosary podcast, playlist, or app // I like this recording by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Start small // Begin by just saying one decade a day (an Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, and a Glory Be). Then, work your way up to pray an entire Rosary! Don’t go it alone // Find a prayer partner and commit to praying together. This could be your spouse, your children, or a friend! Encourage one another in your journey with Christ. Growing in Love for the Rosary I won’t say that my relationship with the Rosary has been fully committed since the day my grandparents placed the purple beads into my hands. There have been weeks, even months, that have passed without me picking up my Rosary and praying with it. But Mother Mary is always there, always waiting with love to carry us to her Son. Pray with her, love her, and let her be a mother to you, too, through this beautiful prayer. Your heart will be glad you did. What questions do you have about how to pray the Rosary? Join us over in our app for a live weekday Rosary at 11am ET!  Our new Blessed Is She Rosaries have arrived! Get yours here!  [bctt tweet="How to Pray the Rosary #BISblog //" username="blessedisshe__"] MARY SHOWS US THE WAY Just as a mother might pass on a beloved family tradition to her daughters, Mary shares the recipe for growing in virtue with us. This study on Mary's Virtues will breathe new life into your everyday, beginning right in Mary's home. GET HOME STUDY

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

Whenever you or a loved one are in need of healing, whether it be physical or emotional, it is important to thank God for the doctors and other healthcare workers who are there to tirelessly serve us in times of our greatest needs. Sirach 38:1-2 states: Honor physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for their gift of healing comes from the Most High. Especially at this time, those working in healthcare are in need of our deep intercession. Patrons and Prayers for Doctors + Healthcare Workers Here are a list of just a few of patron Saints of healthcare workers. Saint Luke St. Paul referred to Luke as the beloved or glorious physician. Well known as the author of one of the Gospels, St. Luke was one of the greatest physicians of the first century and traveled throughout the Mediterranean world healing the sick. Let's ask for St. Luke's intercession: Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Christ, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients. Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day. Amen. Saints Cosmas and Damian We hear their names during Sunday Mass in one of the Eucharistic Prayers, but do you know their background? They were twin brothers who became extremely skilled physicians in the third century, and never took money for their services. They were eventually martyred for their beliefs in Christ. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Gianna, whose name means "God is gracious," was a 20th century Italian pediatrician. She once wrote to her husband, "Love is the most beautiful sentiment that the Lord has put into the soul of men and women." When pregnant with her third child, she faced an impossible choice of having surgery for a uterine tumor versus dying so that her unborn child could live. She chose the latter. St. Gianna is the inspiration behind the first pro-life Catholic healthcare center for women in New York, the Gianna Center. She's a patron Saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Saint Maximilian Kolbe Associated with being a patron Saint of the Anointing of the Sick, Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan friar with a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He is perhaps best known for his time caring for others in Auschwitz, ultimately ending when he volunteered to die in place of another prisoner. John Paul II proclaimed him “Patron Saint of our Difficult Age.” Saint Raphael the Archangel This archangel's intercession is credited for the healing and cures of many who have sought his intercession. He is the patron Saint of healing. Saint Luke, pray for us. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for us. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for us. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us. Saint Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. Jesus, the Divine Physician, Be Their Strength! Let's pray this traditional prayer for our doctors and healthcare workers: Righteous God, I thank You for every healthcare worker and I declare that You are their strength and song. You have become their salvation; You are their God and we will praise You. Father, I pray that You will be the God of the people every healthcare worker cares for. Amen. Will you pray for our doctors and healthcare workers today? [bctt tweet="Prayers for Doctors + Healthcare Workers #BISblog //" via="no"] Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of two little ones on Earth, plus two others in Heaven above. You can find out more about her here.

I appreciate the challenge Dr. Muller met in culling through the numerous writings of the recently canonized John Henry Newman to produce such a reader. Along with biographical information, for a man well-known and loved through the power of his pen, such a reader is necessary for intellectual giants like that of Newman. Meeting Saint John Henry Newman My first encounter with Newman came in a Philosophy 101 class when an enthusiastic professor led us through the Idea of a University, exemplifying the goals of our liberal arts college (and helping him explain to students why future engineers must take Phil 101). My next encounter took place in graduate schools as I plated cheese and crackers for the Newman Lectures. He was an important man on that stage, though what thoughts I overheard of his, I cannot say. There was a day a professor said we must read Newman aloud, using his abundance of punctuation to guide the cadence and the pauses during the reading. He read beautifully, but I do not know the name of what he read. With others so eager to promote this man’s cause, with Protestant converts feeling the heartache of their search affirmed, with a miracle of an unborn baby and bleeding while siblings sit downstairs eating cereal and the mother begs to be saved, I was very eager to meet this man others knew, loved, and followed feverishly. A Newman Reader The book is beautiful with a pensive black and white photograph of a man on the matte cover, slightly smirking perhaps. We can see him, but not fully, as this will be only an introduction. After walking through the introduction, I stand daunted before a forest of intellectual thought in Newman’s essays. I am no theologian. I would rather take the mystics, the preachers, the poets, and the commentators on culture and psychology. For a week, I approach, wander a bit through the words, re-read and re-read again. Then, after educating myself with the index I turn to his poetry. The first in the selection is called “The Pillar of the Cloud (Lead Thou Me On).” I read it once, then again, and have read it every night since wishing I could find a way to curl up inside it and stay there indefinitely. An excerpt: Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene — one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou Shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path, but now Lead Thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. Growing Closer to God through Suffering The next section, “Meditations,” offers expansion to this spiritual thrusting into the Heart of God, a lesson learned only through suffering. Newman suffers, as I have suffered, though, could our suffering have been more different? At the height of his career, he converts and experiences rejection and alienation on all sides. Hidden in the maternal world, my loss was private and hidden, brought to light only by my written words and the prayers of others lifted up to Heaven. I was rallied around, while he was abandoned. My sufferings were grounded deeply in the physical brought to us against our will; his, in the intellectual/spiritual detachment following the choice to leave what you have known, for the thing you know to be right. He writes in the meditation, “Hope in God—Creator”: God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have a mission — I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Somehow I am necessary for his purchases… This could be written for anyone. It has the universal quality of truth. Written in the first person, like his poem, I want to take it in and read it again and again. It acts therapeutically upon my heart in bringing out the words of my suffering and my hope. It acts as spiritual fodder pointing my intention in the proper direction, up, to the Lord, to the Cross on which He suffered and to the sky when He ascends to His Father. Worth Reading, Worth Meeting As I reflect on the richness of the language, where every line brims over with meaning, I am grateful for the ability to read a Saint in his native language. My state of life and pregnant physical state present unending obstacles to fully tackling his essays. I dip into the waters of this man’s heart through poetry. When we seek the Lord, we do not become more narrowly focused, our minds diversify their offerings as we encounter the omniscient, the One who knows all things and made all things. While not every Saint’s personality will correspond with every sinner’s personality in friendship, there is someone for each of us on earth to gain from each of them in Heaven. As a reader, an introduction, this little editorial feat of a mere 142 pages does an excellent job in making accessible a bit of Newman to everyone. [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: A Newman Reader Review #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog, www.KathrynAnneCasey.com, focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Her book, Journey in Love: A Catholic Mother’s Prayers After Prenatal Diagnosis, published by Our Sunday Visitor is available now.

I met one of my very best friends late in college. We bonded during my junior year in design classes over Ingrid Michaelson and Helvetica fonts, studied abroad together the next summer, and graduated together in December of 2012. She immediately took a job with TIME Magazine and moved to New York City. For over seven years now, we haven’t lived in the same zip code, and we’re lucky if we get together in person once a year. But thanks to technology, our friendship remains strong, and when we do get together face-to-face, it’s like no time at all has passed. For many of us, long-distance friendship is our reality (especially right now). Whatever the reason, it can feel like distance is the end of friendship, and that’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when it feels like making friends in the first place is no easy feat. How to Maintain Long-Distance Friendships But with technology, intentionality and a lot of grace, distance is not a death sentence for friendship. Here are five tips for maintaining flourishing friendships no matter how many miles separate you. Utilize Technology It has never been easier to keep in touch with faraway friends than in today’s day and age. Thanks to apps like Voxer (voice messages that can be sent and played whenever) and Marco Polo (video messages that can be sent and viewed whenever), FaceTime, and regular texting, there are so many ways to stay connected. Consider sticking to a regular day/time for a FaceTime chat, like every Sunday at 8 p.m., or every third Thursday at 9 a.m. Staying consistent means it’s more likely to happen, since it becomes a standing date on your calendar. Keep in mind that not every conversation has to be a drawn-out, sit-down chat. Texting each other random GIFs or memes, a quick bit of encouragement, or a funny memory you share keeps you feeling connected, too. Don’t Ditch the Tried-and-True I did a poll on Instagram, asking women for advice on maintaining long-distance friendships, and was surprised by how many mentioned the old standbys—phone calls and snail mail! Although we have a million ways to communicate, few things beat a good hour-long catch up on the phone, a note in the mailbox just to say “hey,” or a little care package sent for no significant reason. Make a note a few days before your friend’s birthday to send an actual card in the mail, give her a call on your way home from work, or scoop up that cute little banner from the Target Dollar Spot and pop it in an envelope to send her way. Pray for (and with!) Each Other This might seem obvious, but it was a big breakthrough for me when I started using a prayer journal that had a spot each month to write down friends’ names and their prayer requests. I realized how cool it was to text my besties at the start of each month and ask how I could intentionally pray for them throughout that month. It kept me in the loop on things that were going on in their lives—things that rarely make it to the social media highlight reel. We can sometimes feel like we’re keeping up with our gal pals by scrolling their social media and doling out lots of “likes,” but that can lead to missing the big stuff, the vulnerable stuff, the stuff that can be hard to talk about, even among friends. I found that by asking how I could pray for them—and then following up throughout the month to ask how things were going or how they were feeling—drew us closer together as we shared those hard or heavy things. You could also go through a devotional or study together with your friend or group of girls, and hop on a video call or group chat to discuss it periodically. Praying the same novena together would be neat, too. A spiritual bouquet is another great idea, especially if you’re part of a tight-knit friend group. Each month, one person “receives” the bouquet, and everyone else offers Mass, Adoration, Rosaries and other prayers for them. Rotate through the months so each person gets to receive a bouquet once (or a few times!) a year. Do Things “Together” Even if You’re Far Apart Whether it’s watching your favorite show together over FaceTime or just calling each other afterward to discuss, or listening to the same podcast episode to dish over later, it’s fun to feel like you’re still doing stuff together even if you’re physically apart. You could read the same book at the same time, or even start an online book club with your friends scattered across the country. Like to exercise? Sign up for an online exercise challenge together. Love to cook? Do a fun cooking challenge together. Again, technology makes it possible to feel like you’re doing these things side by side, even when that’s not reality. See Each Other When You Can While this might not be a reality for everyone depending on their season in life, friendship really thrives when you can get together in-person, no matter how infrequent. Lots of women suggested making plans far in advance so you know you have it on the calendar to look forward to. Lots of people stick to a reunion the same weekend every year (i.e. the weekend before Labor Day) to make it easy to plan around. Others switch off for birthday visits, but make it a point to spend their birthdays together. Making the effort to get together—while giving lots of grace for when circumstances make it impossible—goes a long way. Long-Distance Friendships Just Take Some Effort At the end of the day, long-distance friendship thrives on the same ingredients as in-person friendship: intentionality and a whole lot of grace. Intentionality to truly pursue each other and keep up on each other’s lives and not just rely on social media to keep us filled in; grace to not feel resentful when one person’s life season makes it hard for them to reply immediately, return phone calls, or commit to a visit. Whether your bestie is the next state over or across the ocean, it’s possible to keep that friendship growing despite the miles, and the effort is worthwhile. How do you stay in touch with long-distance friends? Share in the comments! [bctt tweet="How to Maintain Long-Distance Friendships #BISblog //" via="no"]

“Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me...” // John 11:41-42 Download these beautiful free wallpapers from Elayne of Annunciation Designs from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

We went to Mass as a family the first Sunday in March. We sat in our usual first-row pew, sweated through toddler misbehavior, extremely loud requests for donuts, and whining about when church would be over. We laughed at the kids’ antics afterwards with the people who sit behind us—the same two families who always sit behind us—and spent time in the community room afterwards, eating donuts and catching up with friends. In short, it was a very regular Sunday morning. Since then, it feels like life has been turned upside-down for nearly everyone as we try to navigate the current COVID-19 crisis. With public Mass suspended for the foreseeable future, many are tuning in to live-streamed or recorded Mass online and watching from their living rooms. While this is an amazing resource we’re able to utilize thanks to modern technology, nothing compares to experiencing Mass in person, and I know so many of us are yearning for the day when we can return to our pews—rowdy kids in tow and all. Tips for Attending Mass at Home with Kids During this Time If you’re trying to keep Sundays special and create a “new temporary normal” for Mass in these very extraordinary times, I’m right there with you. Here are five tips to making Mass at home sacred and special, especially if you have young children in the mix! Dress Up Although the current situation has us sitting at home for extended periods of time, consider changing into your usual Sunday Mass clothes to watch, even if you’re just sitting on your couch. Dressing up reminds us that this day is special, set apart, and that what we’re doing is different from the Netflix binge we’ve been partaking in. Even if we aren’t experiencing the Mass in-person or receiving the Holy Eucharist sacramentally, we can still make the effort to present our best selves to Christ and ditch the weekday sweatpants for an hour or so. Create a Reverent Atmosphere You may not be able to whip up some gorgeous stained glass windows in a pinch, but I’d be willing to bet you have some items around your house that can help create a reverent atmosphere in which to watch Mass. Figure out where you’ll be setting up your laptop to live-stream and consider covering the table with a tablecloth (white or purple for Lent) or any piece of fabric! Even draping a scarf around the computer would add an element of beauty. If you have candles (these are on sale right now), set a couple out and light them. Grab a crucifix and lay it nearby, and add any statues or icons you might have (or even print an image off Google!). If you have children, put away all the toys and allow them to have the usual things you bring to Mass or some faith-based books and Rosaries.     Involve the Family, Especially Kids Think of ways your family can be involved in preparing the space throughout the Mass viewing. Can someone lay out the tablecloth and set up the laptop? Can someone else light the candles? Maybe a child would love to “process” in from another room carrying a crucifix or Bible to mimic an entrance procession. Have someone pass a “collection” basket, and go ahead and toss in your offering for the week, which you can either mail to your parish office or donate online. Let’s face it—watching Mass from home is far less interactive than we’re used to, but a little creativity can go a long way in making it engaging, even for the littlest ones. Keep Your Post-Mass Tradition Do you usually get brunch at a specific restaurant after Mass? Order it to-go, if it’s available. Normally head to the community room for coffee and donuts? Pick some up at the grocery store and FaceTime the people you usually sit with to catch up while you eat. If you usually make a certain meal at home, stick to it. Whatever your tradition is, keep to it as much as possible! It will help things feel a bit more normal in this time of staggering uncertainty. Stay Flexible and Pray for Patience Nothing about this is normal or easy, and that’s okay. Pausing the live-stream to redirect rambunctious kids, adjusting your usual Sunday traditions, and longing for in-person community and fellowship is all going to take a lot of patience and flexibility on everyone’s parts. Pray for the patience to continue to adapt as this current crisis evolves, and trust that God provides everything you need. "Come to Me..." At the end of the day, God is so pleased with our sincerest effort, no matter what that looks like for you. Whether your “Mass table” is adorned with a lace tablecloth and candles or it’s a beat-up card table shoved in a corner of the living room as you attend Mass virtually this Sunday, be assured that your desire to experience Him is enough. He will meet you wherever you are, now and always. What tips do you have for meaningfully watch the Mass from home? [bctt tweet="Tips for Watching Mass from Home with Kids #BISblog //" via="no"]

In Florida, we don’t have a traditional “spring.” Well, we don’t really have any winter, which makes it harder to notice the seasons change. Summer lasts forever, and blends into fall sometime in December. Fall and winter trade off days all through January and February, with summer trying to break back through every now and again. But Spring takes her time showing up in earnest and doesn’t hang around for long. And if you didn’t know what to look for, you might miss her completely. I miss the days of my Midwestern childhood. I miss seeing the snow give way to grass and waiting for the day my mom’s tulips would bloom. What a delight it was to throw open the windows and smell the lily-of-the-valley that grew along the side of the house. It was as if the melting of the snow and the reemergence of the sun had baptized the land and the whole world had been brought back to life again. Renewal It’s not just nature that springs back to life in the Spring, though. Quite often the renewal we see in the world ends up being reflected right back into our hearts! The Church celebrates that very renewal through the seasons of Lent and Easter. We close out the dark days of winter as Lent begins and celebrate the ultimate renewal of Life as Easter morning dawns in early spring. As we head into this time of renewal together, I’d like to offer you some special verses from Sacred Scripture that speak to the renewal of springtime. Renewal of the natural world, of our faith, and of ourselves. Of the Earth // “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come!" -Song of Solomon 2:11-13 // “I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the autumn and spring rains, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in.” -Deuteronomy 11:14 // “Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, the Lord who brings storm clouds and heavy rains, who gives to everyone grain in the fields.” -Zechariah 10:1 // “As the earth brings forth its shoots, and a garden makes its seeds spring up, so will the Lord God make justice spring up, and praise before all nations.” -Isaiah 61:11 // “The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; the will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God." -Isaiah 35:1-2 Of Our Faith // “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” -Psalm 51:12 // “Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the dawn is his coming. He will come to us like rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” -Hosea 6:3 // “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot the plant.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 // “By faith, we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.” -Hebrews 11:3 // “All you who are thirsty, come to the water!” -Isaiah 55:1 [bctt tweet="“A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” -Psalm 51:12 #BISblog //" via="no"] WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Of Ourselves // “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed.” -Isaiah 58:8 // “I will pour out water upon the thirsty ground, streams upon the dry land; I will pour out my spirit upon your offspring, my blessing upon your descendants. They shall spring forth amid the grass like poplars beside flowing waters.” -Isaiah 44:3-4 // “Why are you so anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like any of them.” -Matthew 6:28-29 // “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” -Psalm 118:24 // “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.” -2 Corinthians 5:17 Awaken, Renew, and Restore! As I sit and write this post at my kitchen table, all of our first-floor windows are open. I can not only feel the breeze that blows through the house, but hear it, too. I hear the wind chimes in the neighbor’s tree and smell the hamburgers someone has thrown on their grill for a Saturday lunch. And the sun shines brightly in a cloudless sky. The Florida springtime has arrived. A time of renewal has come, friends. How will we answer God’s invitation? Will we sink our fingers into the soil and work with the Creator to bring forth new life? Will we acknowledge what the Spirit is doing in our hearts as Lent comes to a close and cultivate the life He is bringing to birth within us? Let’s dive into the Word together this Spring! It is alive and waiting to be made new again in each one of us! [bctt tweet="Scripture Verses to Pray in the Springtime #BISblog //" via="no"]