I once read somewhere, that next to silence, music is the only thing that can come close to expressing the inexpressible. This is certainly true in my life. I love music. I love the way in which a melody can match moods, provide company when you’re feeling lonely, and enhance the experiences of your day. The first time I saw a movie trailer for The Greatest Showman, I was hooked. I knew this was a movie I wanted to see in theatres. Usually I like to wait until the DVD has been released because I can rent a film for about one tenth of what I would pay at the box office. However, the glitz, the glam, and (of course) the music made me “anxious-excited” for the day I could finally go see it. Casting & Characters Thanks to Hugh Jackman’s starring role as P.T. Barnum, my husband (who is not a fan of musicals) was actually looking forward to coming with me. I was also pleasantly surprised by the talent of Michelle Williams (who portrays Mrs. Charity Barnum), as I had no idea that she had any musical abilities. She definitely held her own against Hugh Jackman – which is no small feat! After a decade of avoiding movies full of song and dance, Zac Efron also made a return to musicals for the film, even learning a little trapeze for a scene with his character’s love interest. For obvious reasons, Efron had been trying to avoid the musical genre out of fear of type-casting. However, when he was approached about playing Barnum’s business partner, Phillip Carlyle, and was given the opportunity to read the film’s script, he knew he wanted to be a part of this project. The Greatest Showman: A Brief Synopsis The movie begins with Barnum as a young boy. The son of a poor tailor, his greatest possession is his incredible imagination. His best friend is a young girl named Charity, the daughter of one of the wealthier men in town. Thinking Barnum to be a bad influence, Charity’s father sends her away to finishing school. The friends keep in touch by writing letters, and when they are both old enough, Charity leaves her wealth behind and happily marries Barnum. Time passes. They both work hard but are still very poor. They have two daughters at the time when Barnum unexpectedly loses his job. Tired of boring jobs, Barnum tricks the bank into loaning him an obscene amount of money and he buys a museum of wax figures. While the museum is full of stuffed exotic creatures, the Barnum family struggles to find customers. The Idea One night, his daughters tell Barnum that he has too many dead things in his museum. This sparks the idea to recruit all sorts of “unique persons” to be a part of his show. Having lived on the outskirts of society himself, and knowing what it is like to be looked down upon by others, Barnum offers a safe-haven for these individuals, giving them a salary, as well as a place to call home and a new family to share it with. Quickly, business booms. Society is intrigued and enthralled by uniqueness of the show, but there are also many critics. One in particular refers to Barnum’s endeavors as a "circus"; Barnum likes that so much that he begins to use it as the name for his show. Though Barnum has become rich and his employees have found a new home, there are still incredible struggles. Barnum continues to be seen as the kooky son of the town tailor, and though they all buy tickets, nobody in the upper class takes Barnum seriously. For this reason, Barnum recruits the help of Phillip Carlyle (Efron), an elite producer from a prominent family. Dream Team Carlyle brings a lot to the show, and his production capabilities help the circus to continue to grow. There comes a point when Barnum’s Circus has become so famous that even Queen Victoria is intrigued and asks them to travel to London for an audience. It is while they are there that Barnum meets Jenny Lind, the famous European Opera singer. Tired of being accused that all the acts he sells to the public are fake, he offers to bring Jenny Lind to America for a tour across the country. For reasons of her own, Jenny Lind can relate to the feelings of being an outsider and thus is attracted to Barnum’s endeavors, agreeing to his proposition. Sadly, what started out as a somewhat noble endeavor to provide a better life for his family and a place for society outcasts to belong, Barnum begins to lose sight of what is most important. He begins to chase and chase and chase acceptance by society, thinking that whatever his next addition is will bring about that honor and praise. He becomes selfish, and neglectful of his wife, his daughters, his business partner, and his circus family… and his downward spiral makes it evident that he is going to lose everything he built and everyone he ever cared for. I don’t want to spoil the ending, so I’ll simply end it in this manner. The premiere song of the movie is “This is the Greatest Show” and the words of the chorus are: It's everything you ever want / It's everything you ever need /And it's here right in front of you… These words are definitely used as a foreshadowing for the rest of the movie. Final Thoughts on The Greatest Showman The movie moves at a quicker pace that reminds me more of a play than a film, and it was actually not what I expected. However, I mean this in a good way! I thought this was going to be a story about dreams, perseverance, and acceptance, and while all those aspects of truth are included in the film, they are not its main focus. Throughout the entire film, I was most struck by the relatability of Barnum’s character. How often to we start with good intentions in our lives and then let things go to far? We start out by doing the right thing and then forget to do the right thing for the right reasons. I am certainly guilty of this. Too often I lose sight of what’s most important; it’s in our fallen human nature to do so. For this reason, I think The Greatest Showman would make a great family movie. Not only is it flashy, exciting, and somewhat mesmerizing, but it provides a great foundation for so many life lessons. Aside from a little trickery by Barnum, all Catholic virtues are portrayed and upheld, especially the value of the human person and the importance of family. Have you seen The Greatest Showman? What did you think?! Let us know in the comments below! [bctt tweet="The Greatest Showman Review (from a Catholic Perspective) #BISblog //"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

It happens at odd times. I’ll look in the car mirror and discover that a few of the hairs above my ear have turned white. Or I’ll do the math and realize that I’ve been teaching high school for longer than my current students have been alive. Or it’ll occur to me that I just spent fifteen minutes of a party hanging out in the kitchen with two friends and comparing notes on our respective colonoscopies. And it hits me: I’m middle-aged. I am actually middle-aged. How Did This Happen? There’s no escaping this reality. I turn 45 this month, which is well past the age that I can pretend I’m in the dewy bloom of youth. But it’s a hard reality to grasp because it seems so far from my conception of who I am. As a friend of mine said, “Doesn’t some part of you still feel like you’re 26?” I sure do. And weird as it sounds, I didn’t see middle age coming. It honestly seemed to sneak up on me when I wasn’t looking. Maybe this has to do with the timeline of my life. I married at 29; my first child was born when I was 33, my second at 35. For much of my thirties, I was absorbed in being a mother of littles, the sort of thing that women much younger than I were also doing. It was easy to feel more youthful than I really was. But then things started changing. My cycles started shifting; my eyesight got ever-so-slightly worse. Jeans that used to fit just fine began to feel uncomfortably tight. The few gray hairs hidden among the dark, which had always seemed like a fun little novelty, suddenly seemed to be proliferating at an alarming rate. I got a letter in the mail saying that it was time to schedule my first mammogram. So yes: I’m definitely middle-aged. And I’m not quite sure what to make of it. The Highs and Lows of Being Middle-Aged I vacillate between two extremes. One is a sort of denial, or a kind of bravado in the face of aging. “Fifty is the new forty!” you hear people say, and that’s an appealing slogan. My license may say I’m 45, but I don’t have to believe it or look like it, right? And I can’t deny that my first instinct is resistance. It seems to be the norm in our society, with cosmetics to erase wrinkles and dye to cover the gray. The marketing around these products makes it sound like you are a weakling if you don’t fight back; think of the ads that urge you to “defy” aging with eye creams or serums, as if aging is some dragon-like nemesis trying to haul you into an abyss. But sometimes, at other moments, I find myself surprisingly okay with being middle-aged. When I am okay, it’s because I’m focusing not on the externals of skin and hair and figure but on all the things I’ve gained since that seemingly magical age of 26. It’s a good list. I’ve gained wisdom, for sure. A family I adore. Professional experience. Clearer insight into who I am and what I want. I also find that I’m now thinking outside the box in ways I didn’t when I was younger. I understand why people talk about mid-life crises; I think there’s a part of human nature that makes us, at every point, want to be vibrant and interesting. And if you realize that you’ve always relied on one particular thing to feel vibrant and that thing isn’t quite so relevant anymore, that’s when you expand your own horizons and habits. There are plenty of healthy ways to stretch our middle-aged selves and be pleasantly surprised at the results. [bctt tweet="There are plenty of healthy ways to stretch our middle-aged selves... #BISblog //"] Time to Do Something Different For me, it’s happened in my writing. About a year and a half ago, I started a writing project totally different from anything I’d ever done before. It’s been fascinating; I’ve looked at the world through a new lens and have learned a tremendous amount in the process. And I jokingly call it my “mid-life crisis book” because I’m not sure I could have written it at any other point in my life. I didn’t have the experience, for one thing, but I also didn’t have the thirst to shake-up my routine and find a new way to use my creative energy. And the writing of it has been a gift: a surprising, precious gift. And the realization that I’ve likely passed the midpoint of my life makes me think a lot about mortality. That’s a double-edged sword; it can get depressing quickly. As I age, my parents’ generation ages too, and losing people I love is painful. But at the same time, this awareness of time passing is oddly freeing. What Really Matters After all, what really matters, when all is said and done? It’s not the way we look. It is not how cute and young we are. It’s what we do with the time that is given us, to paraphrase Tolkein. It’s about zeroing in on God’s plan for each one of us, and following it. It is also about recognizing that that plan is always evolving and growing just as we are always evolving and growing, and that it may lead us down fascinating paths that we could never have imagined when we were in our twenties or thirties. It’s about a deeper, stronger, feel-it-in-the-bones sort of understanding that God is with us for the long haul, through every single age and stage. And with that truth, I can handle anything. Any other middle-aged women out there? We'd love to connect! Feel free to comment about what has surprised you most about being middle-aged! [bctt tweet="When Did I Get to Be Middle-Aged? #BISblog //"] Ginny Kubitz Moyer is an author, high school teacher, and mother living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her latest book is Taste and See: Experiencing the Goodness of God with Our Five Senses. You can find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item by clicking through our link, we receive a small percentage of your purchase at not additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry!

I have studied many times The marble which was chiseled for me-- A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor. In truth it pictures not my destination But my life. For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment; Sorry knocked at my door, but I was afraid; Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances. Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life. And now I know that we must lift the sail And catch the winds of destiny Wherever they drive the boat. To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness But life without meaning is the torture. -“George Gray” by Edgar Lee Masters (1868-1950) Reflect O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend praying with “Take Courage” by Kristine Di Marco and Bethel Music. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Open + Move #BISblog //"] Curated by Karen Schultz. You can find out more about her here.

It’s time for another one of my favorite things ever! Let’s take a current cultural trend and make it Catholic! *applause* Some of you may be familiar with the term “Galentine's Day”. For those of you who are not, this annual event and term was created by the character Leslie Knope of the popular TV series Parks and Recreation. The idea behind Galentines' Day is to get together with your favorite gal pals the day before Valentine's Day and celebrate one another. Leslie puts emphasis on the importance of friendship, community, and empowerment among all the ladies in her life. Sounds like Leslie would love Blessed Is She, right?! Even if you have no idea who or what I’m talking about, the idea is simple: Galentine's Day is a wonderful way to gather the women in your life who inspire and lift you up. Use this day to celebrate how God created you all so beautifully and uniquely, each bringing your own gifts before the Lord. How to Celebrate Galantine's Day Catholic-Style Here are a handful of ways for you to celebrate your own Galentines Day with a Catholic twist! Invite your friends with women saints. Make your own holy cards or pick some at your local Catholic gift shop. Make a simple invitation for your Galentine's Day event and stick the holy card inside. It's a little something to remind your gal pals of their great call to holiness and the all the wonderful examples they have to look to. Start the event with either Mass or adoration. Depending on what time you have the get together, invite your friends to meet you for Mass first. Or if your parish has adoration time scheduled, plan to go visit with Jesus together before you begin the festivities! Do a service project together. Typically, a Galentine's Day gathering is at a friend's house or a restaurant for brunch (or happy hour!). Instead of going out, find a service project that you and all your girlfriends would enjoy doing together. In honor of the Little Flower (St. Therese), do a flower exchange. Have all your guests bring a small bouquet of flowers to the gathering. Then everyone switches flowers with someone else! Do you have religious sisters in your community? Invite them! Religious sisters basically celebrate Galentine's Day every day, so why not include them? Create a Galentine's Day prayer box. Fashion this after an old-school Valentine's box from elementary school. At the gathering, have all the girls slip a piece of paper in the box with a prayer request that they have on their hearts at that time. From there, create a schedule where each one of you takes a turn with the box for a month or so. While that person has the box, they are praying for all the intentions contained within it. Write a Galentine's prayer. A few days before your party, let all the girls know approximately how many ladies will be attending. Invite your gal pals to write a “Galentine's prayer” to pass out to all those coming. Something short and loving! For example: Heavenly Father, I ask that You pour out all Your grace and love upon my sister this day. Amen. Then all the ladies at the gathering walk away with a handful full of prayers from her sisters. Invite them to hang them up in places they will see them often (mirror, closet door, planner, etc.) so that they can constantly be reminded of the love and support they have in this Blessed Is She sisterhood. Keep it simple and fun. As mentioned above, your Galentine's gathering can take place pretty much anywhere! You can meet for coffee, go out to brunch, or meet for dinner. Since Galentine's Day is generally celebrated on February 13th, it falls on Fat Tuesday this year. So you could really go all out with this party for your favorite gal pals, or just keep it simple and sweet. The possibilities are endless! If you have a Galentine's Day get together, be sure to use the hashtag #bisgalentinesday. [bctt tweet="Galentine's Day for Catholic Gals #BISblog //"] Susana Starbuck is wife of a youth minister and mother to four littles five and under. She lives in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys reading a good book, posting her highlight reel on Instagram, and drinking wine. You can connect with her here.

From the Gospel Canticle of Night Prayer (The Liturgy of the Hours) Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. [bctt tweet="Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep... #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect If we've learned anything over the past few weeks of this Prayer Pledge, it's that our Church has an incredibly rich tradition and deposit of prayer. How blessed are we! There are prayers for every occasion, for every season of life, for every personality and spirituality, for every need and blessing, even for every moment of the day, like in the Liturgy of the Hours. Over the final days of our Prayer Pledge, we've been looking at a few prayers that anchor our day, starting with the Morning Offering upon waking, the Angelus at noon, and now, a part of Night Prayer before closing our eyes. The Liturgy of the Hours is a huge part of Catholic spirituality. You can learn more about it here. Today, we are looking at a small excerpt from Compline, or Night Prayer. If you are not able to pray the full Night Prayer every night, try praying this short sentence before you drift off to sleep. It's simple to memorize after a few recitations and it's a beautiful way to end your day focused on the Lord. In this prayer, we ask for God's protection and guidance while we are awake and while we are asleep. We acknowledge that our purpose is to keep watch for Christ, to always be prepared for His coming. We ask to sleep peacefully at night so that we are able to fulfill this purpose. Act What needs to change in your life in order to be prepared for the Lord? Do you need to adore Him more often for who He is? Do you need to express contrition and sorrow for your sins and turn away from those things that keep you from Him? Do you need to focus more on gratitude and express thanksgiving to God more frequently throughout your day? Do you need to rely less on yourself and more on the Lord's grace by bringing your prayers of supplication before Him? Make it a goal to get to bed a little earlier this week. As you wind down, reflect on your prayer life as a whole. Resolve to cultivate the areas that need more attention. Then, pray this simple prayer from Night Prayer and try to get quality rest. Let Us Pray Come, Holy Spirit, renew our bodies, minds, and souls so that we may continue to strive for sainthood. Amen. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Night Prayer Excerpt #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. You can find out more about her here.

You've received your Blessed Is She Bible. You've flipped through its pages and familiarized yourself with the layout. Now, you want start Bible journaling. But you've never done it before, and you feel overwhelmed with the possibilities and uncertain about how to begin. Sisters, we're here for you! We've tried and tested a wide variety of Bible journaling tools and resources for you, and we're offering our recommendations. You Need the Right Tools for Bible Journaling When considering what tools to use with your new journaling Bible, you need to take several things into consideration. Do you plan on underlining or highlighting a verse here or there? Do you plan on writing reflections, connections, or notes in the margins? Do you plan to hand-letter entire verses or pigment entire pages? Determine your specific needs and desires first so you won't buy thing you won't actually use. Once you know what style of Bible journaling you'd like to do, here's a list of our favorite tools and resources. Pens No matter what your journaling methods may be, here are some pens you may consider. Ballpoint This is your everyday pen. These are the pens you’ll find at the doctor’s office, at the bottom of your purse, or given away for free. In all likelihood, you have a few at your fingertips right now. Ballpoint pens are versatile and universal. Pros: ease of use, accessible, various pen widths, minimal bleed-throughCons: not very pigmented, skips while writing Favorites: Pentel R.S.V.P. in fine PILOT EasyTouch in fine Paper Mate InkJoy 300RT Gel Have you ever picked up a pen, started writing, and thought, “Whoa, this is smooth!”? You probably picked up a gel pen. Gel pens are my go-to favorite for bullet journaling, letter writing, and important paperwork. The ink is smooth, saturated, and there is a pen for every person. I get most of my favorites imported from Japan via Amazon. Gel pens tend to have the most variety of pen widths for a traditional pen, typically ranging from 0.28mm to 1.0mm. Pros: most variety in color and pen tip width, saturated and pigmented ink, minimal bleed-throughCons: can smear while wet, superfine tips can shred paper if not careful Favorites: uni-ball SigNo in 0.38mm PILOT Hi-Tec-C Coleto in 0.4mm Sharpie Pen Sharpie pens are well-loved for their boldness, and they make a beautiful tool for your journaling Bible. They are fairly smooth to use and even come in a variety of colors. Make sure you use Sharpie pens, and not the ultra fine permanent markers (which will bleed through heavily). Pros: bold presentationCons: can bleed through, so you want to put a piece of paper or two behind the page, and even then there will be some ghosting Favorites: Sharpie Pens, Fine Point, Black Sharpie Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Colors Micro Pigment Ink A favorite among hand-letterers and illustrators alike, I would describe this pen as a cross between gel and marker. The ink is super saturated, comes in a variety of points, and has a smooth line. Some brands are even water- and fade-proof, making them ideal for archival purposes. And while the ink is more visible on the backside of the page, I would not classify it as a bleed-through pen. Pros: durable and long-lasting ink, perfect for a Bible "presented to" pageCons: “ghosting” on back of page, expensive, will blot if not careful Favorites: Sakura Pigma Micron in 0.30mm Micro-Line in 0.30mm Fountain or Dip Ink I love these pens for their timelessness. But I do not suggest them for Bible pages. They are just for fun. Or you can use them on one of the many Blessed is She prayer journals!   Colored Pencils Colored pencils are great for adding color, depth, and personality to your Bible. And bonus, no bleed-through! I would suggest pencil if you plan on coloring an entire page. Pros: easy to find and use, fit nicely into a pencil carrying caseCons: you’ll need a sharpener, can be expensive (Prismacolor) Favorites: Prismacolor Artlicious Crayola Highlighters Writing and drawing preferences may vary, but most everyone likes to highlight Bible passages. Traditional highlighters, however, tend to bleed through the pages. You need a special type of highlighter to mark passages without damaging the integrity of the flip side. Pros: beautiful color options, not too dark, minimal shadowing, erasable optionCons: not a stand-alone item for all your journaling needs Favorites: Pilot Highlighter Frixion Light, 6 Soft Color Set Erasable Erasable tools are a staple when I am outlining or planning something. Erasable options come in pens, highlighters, and markers. Pros: umm...erasable!Cons: will fade if left in hot temperatures Favorites: Pilot Friction Colors Erasable Markers Pilot FriXion Pencil, 0.7mm Ballpoint Pen, 12 Colors Set (also available in the 24 set) Pilot Frixion Ball Knock Retractable Gel Ink Pen, 0.5mm, 10 Colors Set TEK Mechanical Pencils   Paint Another favorite medium for Bible journaling is paint. When it comes to using the right paint, texture is important to prevent bleeding and running. Watercolor seems to work better than acrylic, as acrylic is heavier and thicker. Watercolors will wrinkle the page a bit, but they seem to flatten out well once dried and closed. To prevent watercolors from bleeding through, use transparent watercolor ground. Pros: watercolors look gorgeous in the Bible, affordableCons: you won't be able to blend colors or use as much water as you would watercolor paper Favorites: Artist's Loft Watercolor Set Daniel Smith Transparent Watercolor Ground Scripture Ribbons/Bookmarks Scripture ribbons or bookmarks are great for keeping track of different books in the Bible, marking favorite passages, and quickly referencing books you are studying. Pros: keeps you organized, affordableCons: some people don't like the extra "stuff" to deal with in the Bible, can be tricky to slide into the spine properly Favorites: Design One Scripture Ribbons Stickers Nothing decorates a page quicker than stickers. Lucky for us, from monthly sticker clubs to the $1 bin at Target, there are always cute stickers to be found. Pros: marks passages or pages clearly, allows another form of creativity and artistry, won't moveCons: won't move without possible damage, can get pricey Favorites: Studio 112 stickers (like these) Look to Him and Be Radiant - beautiful pre-cut and hand-lettered stickers to color and use in the margins Washi Tape For washi tape, you can pretty much find it anywhere these days - Target, Staples, and craft stores such as Michael's. Washi tape is so fun to experiment with! Pros: mark passages or whole pages easily, can be removed easilyCons: can get expensive, if the wash tape is too cheap it can rip off the roll or might not remove from the page easily Favorites: Recollections Scotch Expressions Washi Bible Tabs Many people like using Bible tabs for quick and easy navigation through their Bible. Pros: find your spot quicklyCons: some people find tabs more distracting rather than more efficient; it comes down to personal preference! Favorites: The Great Adventure Bible Tabs ReViving Hope Bible Tabs Simmer and Sprout Bible Tabs One More Thing... Many of our Blessed is She sisters have expressed concern about "messing it up" once they start using their Blessed Is She Bible. And we understand that. The Bible is beautiful and getting started with Bible journaling can feel intimidating. But, sisters, it is the Word of God. You can't ruin it! It is and will remain perfect. Bible journaling is simply meant to help you grow closer to God through His Word. So don't be afraid of messing up or getting messy. Let Bible journaling be an expression of your love for the Lord, your desire to know Him better, and the lessons you learn along the way. Happy Journaling! There are so many ways to spend time in prayer with God. And now, with the use of the Blessed Is She Bible, you have another way to dive in to God’s word. Have you gotten your Blessed Is She Bible yet? What are your favorite tools to use? Share ideas in the comments below! [bctt tweet="Everything You Need to Know About Catholic Bible Journaling (Tools + Resources) #BISblog //"] Curated and written by Bobbi Rol and Samantha Aguinaldo-Wetterholm. Find out more about Bobbi here and Samantha here. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase by clicking through one of our links, the price will stay the same for you and Blessed is She will receive a small percentage in return. We thank you for supporting this ministry at no additional cost to you!

The Angelus The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. [bctt tweet="Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts. #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect This prayer puts us right in the midst of the greatest moment of history: when the Word became flesh. When we pray the Angelus, we remember when Gabriel the archangel appeared to Mary and proposed the Mystery of the Incarnation, God becoming man through her. The Angelus is formatted to be said in community (although you can pray it on your own, which is what I do 90% of the time). It follows a back-and-forth structure, with the leader praying the first lines of each section and the rest praying the second lines. Everyone prays each Hail Mary and the closing prayer in unison. If you are praying it on your own, all the parts are yours! The Angelus is typically prayed at noon every day, although many also pray it at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. What I love about the Angelus prayer is how it highlights Mary's active participation in our salvation. God didn't send the angel Gabriel to say, "Listen, Mary, here's the plan. God's going to save the world this way and you have to play this role whether you like it or not." Our good God doesn't pursue our hearts in that fashion, does He? Instead, He proposes. He invites. He offers. The angel of the Lord declared God's plan and desire to Mary and answered her questions. Then, he waits for her response. Nothing is forced upon Mary, but in her pure love for God, she agrees: "Be it done unto me according to Thy word." Because of Mary's fiat, her "yes" to God's plan, everything changed. When we pray the Angelus, we recall and revere this great moment. Through one strong, humble, brave, virtuous, trusting, and faithful woman, God saved us. We take pause in the middle of our day, every day, to pray this prayer and to remind ourselves that throughout our daily lives, God continues to save us. Act What could God do through your "yes" to His plan for your life? Today, let's try to be strong, humble, brave, and trusting like Mary. Identify one thing, big or small, the Lord is asking of you, and do it with joy through the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Let Us Pray God, I am your handmaid. Be it done unto me according to Your word. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: The Angelus #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. You can find out more about her here.

The Morning Offering O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen. [bctt tweet="I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day... #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect Your alarm wakes you. Whether it be a ringing phone, the brightness of the rising sun, or an energetic child jumping in your bed, your eyes open to another day. If you're like me, your mind immediately begins to swirl with the items on your mounting to-do list, worries about family members or friends, and mostly, thoughts like, "Where's the coffee?" Every morning we wake is another day lived in our mission to know, love, and serve Christ and those around us. But many of us great these days, these great opportunities for growth, with foggy and distracted minds. In her wisdom, the Church gives us a way to center ourselves and our days on Jesus through the Morning Offering. The Morning Offering covers all the spiritual bases with tremendous understanding of our human condition. We start by calling on the holy name of Jesus and asking for His mother's intercession. From the beginning of our day, unaware of what the day may hold for us, we offer Him our prayers, our works, our joys, and our sufferings. See? Covering our bases. Whatever befalls us, we give it all to Jesus. Then we get to offer these things, in union with the holy and beautiful sacrifice of the Mass, for specific intentions: the cares of the Lord's Heart, the salvation of every soul, reparation for the sins we and others commit against God, unity among Christians, and the holy father's intention of the month. When we begin our days with this short and powerful offering, we clear the fog in our minds and remind ourselves of the good work the Lord has for us. We start our day in a spirit of prayer and gratitude. And along with looking for coffee, we remember to look for moments of grace and God's presence throughout the day. Act Challenge yourself to pray the Morning Offering every day this week. Try to take it with you throughout the day. So when you encounter a difficulty, you can pray, "Lord, I give you this suffering." When you experience a happy moment, you can say, "God, I offer you this joy!" Let Us Pray Lord, you are the King of our days. May we approach everything we encounter today with Your Spirit and perspective, offering You everything we have and everything we are. Amen. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: The Morning Offering #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. You can find out more about her here.

Most of the time when I receive Jesus in a tiny white host, I wish that I could just hold Him in the palm of my hands a little bit longer. That I could stand there in front of the altar and reflect on Jesus humbling Himself so much that He takes on human life, a life like mine. He humbles Himself even more to choose to reside, of all places, in something so ordinary and simple as bread and wine. What amazes me the most - what leaves me in awe - is that He also chooses to reside in me, each time I receive Him and say “Amen” (which translates to "I believe" in Hebrew). The Intimacy of the Eucharist Each time I receive Communion at Mass, I’m able to look down at Jesus and think to myself: “He is asking to be mine.” What mercy He has for me. He comes to me, in all of His incredible glory and in all my own human imperfections, to give Himself to me so that I can be with the Father, as He is one with Our Father. He offers Himself to me, always drawing me closer and closer to a life with Him and in Him. As I walk towards the altar, I am able to experience a temporary glimpse and taste of Heaven, of what it actually means to be in union with God. I am able to walk along the same footsteps of the saints, walking along the same path of holiness that they once walked, receiving the God who connects Heaven and Earth. Letting Him In Clearly, I am not worthy to receive Him but He asks to enter under my roof. If I am being honest, most of the time what is under that roof is messy, in need of repair, and desperate for some serious grace. I fix my eyes on Jesus and think to myself: “Here is God, the Creator of the entire Universe, asking me to make room for Him, wanting me to be like Him, to be all things good and merciful and true.” The words: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof” are so true but Jesus looks at me, in my own weakness and faults, and still chooses me. He is worthy of all of my praise. He is more than worthy to enter under my roof. When we experience a Love so deep and personal like this, we can’t help but be moved with gratitude and thanksgiving. That kind of true, lasting, and good love demands a personal response. We enter God’s dwelling place to become His dwelling place. His Church. His body. Our lives and the Liturgy are connected as we become more and more like Jesus with the grace He has given us. [bctt tweet="We enter God’s dwelling place to become His dwelling place. #BISblog //"] Becoming the Palace of God One of my favorite spiritual authors is Henri Nouwen, who wrote a beautiful book called Life of the Beloved. In this book, he focuses on four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given (described in Jesus’ Last Supper account). Living out the Eucharist, we can also focus on how we are continuously taken, blessed, broken and given. Taken How am I taken, chosen, or “set apart” for God? How does being claimed or known by God affect my daily life, even the mundane, routine, and simple? Blessed How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude for all the good gifts God has given me? How can I deeply affirm and encourage others to recognize how God claims them as His own? Broken How am I allowing myself to be imperfect, to not “have it all together”? Remember, gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and that includes being gentle with ourselves. How can my brokenness and imperfections be a blessing for others? Given How am I giving myself out of love, right where God has placed me? Everything in our lives points back to this divine communion - a life taken, blessed, broken, and given. This quote by CS Lewis says it best: Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing so you are not surprised. But presently, He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominable and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of-throwing a new wing here, putting an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage; but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. How have you been taken, blessed, broken, and given in your life recently? Care to share in the comments below? [bctt tweet="Becoming the Palace of God #BISblog //"] Kathryn Gibbs is a young adult, living and working as a high school teacher and campus minister in Dallas, TX. She is passionate about helping young people discover that Catholicism is not about following “rules” and restrictions but more about loving and trusting Our Father’s heart. When she’s not working, you can find her making to-do lists like they are going out of style, sitting in the silence of an empty church, and surviving on lots of coffee. Her favorite prayer is the litany of humility.

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

I spent my college years at a small state school without much of a Newman Center. I found some community at the Baptist Student Union, went to daily Mass when it was offered, and was often the only young person in line for Confession. And while I made it work, and there were surely many graces given, I sorely missed having a strong Catholic community. But after spending a week at the FOCUS Student Leadership Summit (SLS), I can fully appreciate what I was missing. FOCUS is the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. It was founded in 1998 and now has more than 660 missionaries on 137 college campuses. Community and Communion Earlier this month, 8,000 participants - most of them college students - descended upon a downtown Chicago conference center to spend five days being formed and filled up as intentional disciples. There were beautifully reverent Masses con-celebrated by hundreds of priests, talks from some of the most dynamic Catholic speakers, priests, and nuns alive today, empowering workshops forming the students in leadership and discipleship, and a Eucharistic procession that brought the living Jesus to encounter every single person in the room. Dynamic Presentations Jim Caviezel, the actor who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and will soon star in Paul, Apostle of Christ, gave a stirring address to rally the students to spend their lives in service to the Gospel and to suffer well with and for Christ. His moving testimony has reached tens of thousands more through FOCUS’ stellar social media coverage of the conference. Other speakers included Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Bethany Madonna, Jason Evert, Curtis Martin, and Lisa Brenninkmeyer. Celebration of the Sacraments Daily Mass was offered by more than 200 priests and confessions were heard throughout the conference. Not only were the participants' minds fed with inspiration and encouragement for the New Evangelization, their souls were healed and nourished for the task. At any given moment, I would look up and see massive lines for Confession, a group of students praying together, and priests giving blessings. For a girl who struggled to find even a small group for Bible study in college, it was quite a sight: thousands of students striving for virtue and holiness, immersing themselves in the grace of the Sacraments and bursting with joy. Gathering and Sending Most impressively, however, SLS masterfully painted a picture of the massive mission of the Church and of every Catholic-Christian. Every sponsor (including our very own Blessed is She booth!), every session, every word spoken from the microphone revealed something of the ancient truth, beauty, and goodness of the Church. [bctt tweet="SLS masterfully painted a picture of the massive mission of the Church... //"] SLS bestowed on those students and ministry leaders a sense of belonging to something so much bigger than any of us could ever hold in our two hands. Experiencing these Divine Mysteries while being surrounded by thousands of others who have set their eyes on the very same thing will surely change the course of their lives and, if FOCUS has anything to say about it, the course of every human life ever touched by one of these students. [bctt tweet="The 2018 FOCUS Student Leadership Summit (SLS) #BISblog //"] Written by Katie Waldow and Beth Davis.

A Prayer for Priests and Bishops O God, who has appointed Your only-begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for the glory of Your Majesty and the salvation of mankind; grant that they whom He has chosen to be His ministers and the stewards of His mysteries, may be found faithful in the fulfillment of the ministry which they have received. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. -Taken from the Roman Missal. [bctt tweet="Grant that they whom He has chosen to be His ministers...may be found faithful. #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect Have you prayed for your priests and bishops today? The ones you love just the way they are, and the ones in whom you see room for improvement - they all need our prayers. I pray daily (or almost daily, anyway) for the pope, for my local bishops, for my parish priests, for the monk who is godfather to one of my daughters, and for the former pastor of my in-laws’ parish, who once angrily asked me to stop attending daily Mass with my somewhat noisy one-year-old. The sting of that encounter has been lessened by time, but mostly by consistent prayer for him. I pray for him; but also, through my prayers, my own heart is becoming less hard. Act Today is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus, companions of St. Paul who were made priest and bishop, respectively, by him. Today is the perfect day to pray for all priests. Let Us Pray O Lord, through the intercession of Sts. Timothy and Titus, we ask your blessing on our Holy Father, our bishops, priests, and religious. May they always represent your love to the faithful. Amen. For Your Inspiration Each week, we will have a special download for each form of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). Download this week's printable below. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Supplication Day 5 #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Kendra Tierney is currently writing a book, fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house, and just welcomed baby number nine. In her free time, she carpools, homeschools, and feeds the other eight kids. And her husband. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

Litany of St. Paul Antiphon: Thou hast proved me and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. V. The great Saint Paul, the vessel of election, is indeed worthy to be glorified: R. For he also deserved to possess the twelfth throne. Lord have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord have mercy. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. Queen conceived without original sin, Pray for us. Saint Paul, Pray for us. Apostle of the Gentiles, Pray for us. Vessel of Election, Pray for us. St. Paul, who wast rapt to the third heaven, Pray for us. St. Paul, who heard things not given to man to utter, Pray for us. St. Paul, who knew nothing but Christ, and Him crucified, Pray for us. St. Paul, whose love for Christ was stronger than death, Pray for us. St. Paul, who wished to be dissolved and be with Christ, Pray for us. St. Paul, whose zeal knew no bounds, Pray for us. St. Paul, who made thyself all to all, to gain all to Christ, Pray for us. St. Paul, who called thyself prisoner of Christ for us, Pray for us. St. Paul, who wast jealous of us, with the jealousy of God, Pray for us. St. Paul, who glories only in the Cross of Christ, Pray for us. St. Paul, who bore in thy body the mortification of Christ, Pray for us. St. Paul, who exclaimed: With Christ I am nailed to the cross! Pray for us. St. Paul, that we may awake and sin no more, Pray for us. That we may not receive the grace of God in vain, Pray for us. That we may walk in newness of life, Pray for us. That we may work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Pray for us. That we may put on the armor of God, Pray for us. That we may stand against the deceits of the wicked one, Pray for us. That we may stand fast to the last, Pray for us. That we may press forward to the mark, Pray for us. That we may win the crown, Pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us. Let us pray. O God, Who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant that we, who celebrate his memory, may by following his example be drawn unto Thee. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen. -from Kyrie Eleison — Two Hundred Litanies by Benjamin Francis Musser O.F.M., The Magnificat Press, 1944 [bctt tweet="Graciously hear us, O Lord. #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect Are you still here? That was a long one, I know. But litanies are a beautiful traditional type of prayer, recommended to us by the Church. They are long, but worth it. You’ll see the letters V and R in litanies. These stand for Versicle and Response. In a public recitation of a Litany in a church, family, or religious community, the leader says the Versicle and everyone else recites the Response. In a private recitation, you just say both parts yourself. Today is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, and it’s from the words of St. Paul that we learn everything we need to know about intercessory prayer. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Act Try out this Litany today, and consider making litanies a part of the prayer life of your family or community. Let Us Pray O Lord, hear our prayers. Replace our anxiety with trust in You. Lord, you spoke to St. Paul on the road to Damascus and led him to his conversion. Speak to us today, and convert our hearts. Amen. For Your Inspiration Each week, we will have a special download for each form of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). Download this week's printable below. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Supplication Day 4 #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Kendra Tierney is currently writing a book, fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house, and just welcomed baby number nine. In her free time, she carpools, homeschools, and feeds the other eight kids. And her husband. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

Novena for the Presentation of the Lord This novena starts on January 24 and ends on February 1. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with your offering of little white doves, pray for me that I too may keep the law and be pure in heart like you. Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation. End with an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. (source) [bctt tweet="Mother of God...pray for me that I too may...be pure in heart like you. #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect A Novena is the most traditional way to ask God to grant us a particular intention, for ourselves or for someone else. It is a set prayer or prayers said for nine days in a row, and traditionally ending on the vigil of a feast day. Today is the beginning of the Novena of the Presentation. It ends on February 1st, the day before the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Novenas are not magic. They don’t make God give us what we ask, despite what you may have seen on a (totally unauthorized) photocopied page in a church vestibule. Instead, I have found that whether or not my intention is granted, at the end of a Novena, my will ends up more conformed to the will of God. Act Some Novena prayers call for a daily Rosary, some for longer daily prayers and Bible readings. This is a great, quick, and easy starter Novena. Do you have a particular intention weighing on your heart? Why not commit to reciting this Novena? Let Us Pray O Lord, help us to place all of our needs and wants at your holy feet. We ask, through the recitation of this Novena, that you would grant our desires, should they be in conformity with your will. Amen. For Your Inspiration Each week, we will have a special download for each form of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). Download this week's printable below. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Supplication Day 3 #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Kendra Tierney is currently writing a book, fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house, and just welcomed baby number nine. In her free time, she carpools, homeschools, and feeds the other eight kids. And her husband. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

Lent begins in just a few weeks, and once again, your Blessed is She sisterhood is excited to walk through this rich liturgical season with you. In an effort to help you deepen your prayer life during Lent, we have created our annual Lent Journal, Mary's Way of the Cross cards, and the complete Lent Bundle. We sat down with Laura Kelly Fanucci, the author of this year's Lent Journal, to discuss the inspiration behind the journal and her hope for the women who participate. Tell us about the meaning behind the name of the Lent Journal. What does it mean to believe what the Lord has spoken, and how does this direct our journey through Lent? She Who Believed comes from Luke 1:45—right after the words “Blessed is she,” beautifully! It’s part of the proclamation of Elizabeth when she greets her cousin, Mary, at the moment of the Visitation. It’s such an incredible affirmation of faith from woman to woman, so I found it to be the perfect title for this Lent Journal that dives deep into the stories of women in Scripture. In each week of Lent, we look at four women who teach us about prayer: two from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. They are women of strong and real faith. Even when they doubt, sin, or wrestle with what God asks from them, they do not give up. As we seek to deepen our prayer lives in Lent, these sisters of Scripture can offer us hope and inspiration for whatever we are struggling with in our own lives. How is the Lent Journal set up? What can we expect each day? Each day follows the same format: read a passage of Scripture, reflect on its meaning for your life, respond to God’s Word in a reflection question, and pray with a short closing prayer. Each week of Lent follows the same structure, too. On Sunday we reflect on the theme of the week—one aspect of prayer. Monday and Tuesday look at women from the Old Testament who teach us about this kind of prayer. Thursday and Friday do the same with women from the New Testament. On Wednesdays, there are pauses built in to catch up on days you might have missed (I’m a big believer in making prayer resources realistic!). I don't want readers to get caught in the trap of thinking they're “failing at Lent” if they don’t get through each day. I hope this Lent Journal will be a beautiful invitation to women, never a source of guilt. Finally, on Saturdays, we choose one simple action to live out the spirit of the Scripture we have studied. I offer three options, since I know women from many different walks and seasons of life are part of our sisterhood! You can choose whatever speaks to your heart. What themes do you reflect on most throughout the Lent Journal? The book looks at four types of prayer: adoration, confession, petition, and thanksgiving. As we learn what the women of Scripture teach us about these different kinds of prayer, we’ll reflect on our own relationship with God: how to return to God when we sin, how to make time for God in our busy lives, and how to say "yes" to what God asks of us. Which of the women you reflect upon surprised you the most during your deep dive? Who do you find yourself connecting with most? When I started to write about the women we encounter during Holy Week, I wasn’t sure if I would find enough women for each day. Instead I was blown away by what some of the “bystanders” of Holy Week were waiting to teach me. Even the maid at the fire in the courtyard who calls out Peter as a follower of Christ plays a pivotal role. I love Mary Magdalene. I knew I loved her when I started writing the journal, but reflecting on her story deepened my love for her even more. The story from the Gospel of St. John when she encounters the Risen Christ at His tomb—it speaks so powerfully to me in my own experiences of grief. How her heart must have leapt and her entire world flip upside down when she realized it was Him! I loved the chance to sit with her story and learn from her again. How can this Lent Journal be an aid and guide for us to truly enter into the Lenten spirit of contrition and hope? Sometimes Lent can start to feel like a season where we beat up on ourselves for all our spiritual faults and flaws. While honest confession of our sins is a healthy and necessary way to grow, I don’t believe that God wants us to spend six weeks feeling awful about ourselves. The God of Love is constantly inviting us into fullness of life! So I wanted this Lenten Journal to point each of us toward the hope of the Resurrection and the gift of salvation and forgiveness that Christ’s triumph over sin and death offers. [bctt tweet="The God of Love is constantly inviting us into fullness of life! // #BISblog #BISlent"] What role did Our Lady play in inspiring this Lent journal for women? She is the original “She Who Believed”! I felt like Mary was a companion throughout my writing of the journal. I kept praying she would do the same for each woman who prays with Blessed is She this Lent. Mary offered a beautiful, unifying spirit to the book. From Eve’s heartache through Mary Magdalene’s wonder, I could see Mary’s faith reflected in every single woman from Scripture. It’s such a delight to find how God was preparing the way to her fiat through each woman’s story in salvation history. Can I do this journal with a friend or a group? Yes! The reflection question for each day can be used for discussion with a friend or group. I always keep in mind that readers use journals in many different ways. Some like to write their reflections right on the pages, others prefer to journal in a separate notebook or simply reflect on the questions in prayer. I’ve loved hearing from women who used the Advent Journal with friends, small groups, roommates, and even students! So my hope is that the reflections and questions can be used in whatever way brings people closer to the Lord during Lent. I'm not Catholic. Can I use this Lent Journal? Absolutely! While written from a Catholic perspective, Christians from various backgrounds can find value and growth in these pages and community. What is it that you hope women learn and experience from She Who Believed? I hope that women draw strength, wisdom, and inspiration from the powerful examples of our sisters in Scripture. I hope that these role models of faith—even with their real-life flaws and struggles—can lead us to deepen our prayer lives during Lent as we reflect on their trust in God. And I hope the Lent Journal will inspire women to see themselves as beloved in God’s eyes as they prepare for the joy of the Resurrection at Easter. Have you gotten your Lent Journal yet? Get yours here and spend the season praying with us! [bctt tweet="The Lent Journal: An Interview with the Author // #BISblog #BISlent"]

Collect Prayer for the feast of St. Vincent of Saragossa Almighty ever-living God, mercifully pour out your Spirit upon us, so that our hearts may possess the strong love by which the Martyr Saint Vincent triumphed over all bodily torments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [bctt tweet="Almighty ever-living God, mercifully pour out your Spirit upon us... #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect One of the types of prayer recommended to us in the 1999 Manual of Indulgences revision of the Enchiridion of Indulgences is to recite the Collect (pronounced COL-lect) Prayer from the Roman Missal on a saint’s feast day. There’s a partial indulgence offered for it, in keeping with the usual conditions. You should hear a saint’s particular Collect at daily Mass if it’s a memorial, feast, or solemnity. For an optional memorial like today’s feast of St. Vincent of Saragossa, the priest has the option to use the saint’s Collect, or the Collect of ordinary time. But you can find particular collects online (I look for them at the liturgical calendar days here) or in a hard copy missal and recite it yourself. It makes an excellent accompaniment to any liturgical living in the home celebrations you might be planning. Especially today, for the patron saint of wine. Act Raise a glass today in honor of St. Vincent of Saragossa, deacon and martyr. Ask for his intercession for vineyards and vintners, and for your own intentions. Let Us Pray O Lord, through the example and intercession of St. Vincent, help us to love you even unto death, and to find joy and community in the fruits of the earth. Amen. For Your Inspiration Each week, we will have a special download for each form of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). Download this week's printable below. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Supplication Day 2 #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Kendra Tierney is currently writing a book, fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house, and just welcomed baby number nine. In her free time, she carpools, homeschools, and feeds the other eight kids. And her husband. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.

Day of Prayer for the Unborn - A Prayer for Life by St. Pope John Paul II O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life. Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. -Taken from Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical, "The Gospel of Life" [bctt tweet="Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life. #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Reflect Today, on this 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in the US, is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn. On this day we are asked to offer prayers, fasting, and almsgiving for the intention of an end to abortion. We can see in the beautiful words of St. John Paul II a perfect example of a prayer of supplication or intercession. We ask our mother Mary to pray to God for our intention, and at the same time, our own prayer today is to God for others. It’s also an officially recommended (but not obligatory) day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is a tradition in the Church with a long and deep history, specifically tied to intercessory prayer. We fast in imitation of Jesus himself, who spent forty days in the desert, praying and fasting. The Catholic Gentleman has a beautiful explanation of Catholic fasting. It’s directed at, well, gentlemen, but it’s just as applicable to us ladies. Fasting can be more complicated for ladies during our fertile years. I’m currently into my seventeenth year of uninterrupted pregnancy and/or nursing. Sometimes circumstances do allow me to observe traditional fasting practices of one regular meat-free meal during the day, plus two smaller meat-free meals that together don’t add up to the size of the full meal. However, when that’s not possible, I can fast for the day instead from sweets and salty snacks, or from TV and social media. The point of the exercise is that all day long, as we reach out for a snack or a stroll through our Instagram feeds, our thoughts are directed instead to God and to the intention of our fast. Act Why not give fasting a try today? Even if you’re getting a late start! Half a fast is better than no fast at all. Let Us Pray O Lord, we ask you to accept our prayers and suffering for the intention of an end to abortion. We pray for healing for all those who have been hurt in body and soul by the tragedy of abortion. Amen. For Your Inspiration Each week, we will have a special download for each form of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (ACTS). Download this week's printable below. [bctt tweet="Prayer Pledge 2018: Supplication Day 1 #BISblog #prayerpledge //"] Kendra Tierney is currently writing a book, fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house, and just welcomed baby number nine. In her free time, she carpools, homeschools, and feeds the other eight kids. And her husband. You can find her first book, A Little Book About Confession, here, her blog here, and her word art here.