The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. // James 3:18 This week's beautiful wallpaper is from Carolyn of Brass & Mint Co. as a great reminder to cultivate peace in our lives. How are you cultivating peace today? Remember to grab this awesome 8x10 print over in our shop (and Members, you get it free!!). Click here to purchase or get access and then download, print, and frame! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

In the golden light of morning I carefully imagined you to being. I curated each color of you. Every shade creating intricacy and depth. Edges and bends harmonized to create the symphony of you, My beauty, My love, You spend the day painting over, editing, draping. As if concerned my hand was unsure or unsteady. Yet, you adore the flowers of the field. Bulbous, soft, fragrant, inviting. My beauty, My love, Do you not know you shine more vibrant than they? You look on your sisters with judgment, envy, even contempt. Each of you, daughters, are designed to hold, be held, be beheld In beauty, In love. You far surpass mere decoration. I made you to inspire, to lead, to receive, to give generously. With beauty, With love. You will toss your tresses back in joy, as you succumb to the flames in your soul, brilliance billowing around you as you show My beauty, My love. You were born for this. This fierce gentleness. By your beautiful nature you may tire, fall, lie down to weakness. Oh, my love, You will long for Me to allow you to be hidden, never showing your scuffs and stains. My beauty, My love, I could never hide you. You may rest. Drink and eat plenty from my living sustenance. You will rise, you will shine. Leading, lending, and loving with My beauty, My love. -original poem by Erin Morris Reflect You are all fair, my love. Song of Solomon 4:7 [bctt tweet="You are all fair, my love. -Song of Solomon 4:7 #BISblog #BISrests //" via="no"] Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend listening to "Set Me as a Seal" by Matt Maher. [bctt tweet="Beauty + Love #BISblog #BISrests //"] Written and curated by Erin Morris. You can find out more about her here.

It is so easy to get dragged down in the negativity of a situation. The devil often tries to use something unexpected or challenging to lead us to despair. This is a great struggle for me at times. I find I am either very strong in the Lord, or I am very weak. “When I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Cor 12:10) often comes to mind. This verse always seemed contradictory. But I now I know when I am weak it is everyone else’s prayers that lift me up and make me “strong.” When I am Weak In my weak times, I turn to uplifting songs, encouraging Scriptures, and friends. Those times are so powerful. I am grateful for them and relish them in my heart. One exercise I have found helpful as well is to meditate on Philippians 4:8. I use it to name or state one thing that goes along with each directive to raise my mind to the things above, the good in the challenging or seemingly bleak situation. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. -Phil 4:8 Think on These Things My 29-year-old husband is in a hospital bed, hooked up to monitors, under heavy anti-seizure medicine and heavy pain meds. How can I fill in these blanks? I must. Christ went to the Cross for me. I can keep going, too. Here is how I walk through Philippians 4:8. I hope it provides you with comfort, hope and something positive to rest your thoughts on. Whatever is true. What is truth? It is so confusing in our world today. We as Christians and Catholics know the Truth. Think of your situation. Is it something with your kids, your parents, job, health? What is truth in that challenge? For me... Whatever is true: Jesus is walking with us every step of the way, maybe even carrying us. He died for us on the Cross. He has endured all and rose for our salvation. Whatever is honorable. Honor. Another difficult thing in our culture today. Maybe we first think of the commandment to “honor your father and mother.” What about honoring all that the Lord has giving us, our possessions, friends, church, do we honor them? How do we honor them? For me... Whatever is honorable: The incredible support of friends and family through texts, calls, messages, sitting in the ER with me, bringing food, and providing prayer and a shoulder to cry on. Whatever is just. Doesn’t it seem like Philippians 4:8 just nails each thing that our society struggles with today? Justice. What is it? How do we show it? Do we choose who we show it to and who we don’t or do we show it to everyone? For me... Whatever is just: That certain doctors who go above and beyond their duties. Whatever is pure. Purity is something that is greatly lacking today. As a teacher, I find it so sad that so many children are completely unaware of purity. They’ve never been taught or had an example of it. That can be purity of body, speech, or just innocence. For me... Whatever is pure: The deep gratitude and love that my husband voices to me after his seizures as he expresses his sorrow over the challenging situation and his deep appreciation for me. Whatever is lovely. I think of a garden on a spring day, popping with colors, a cool breeze, and meeting God in that garden. What is lovely in your life? You may have to think on this. What brings a soft smile to your face? Is it a giggle or gurgle from a baby? A look from a spouse? A scenic view? For me... Whatever is lovely: That a vow made just five years ago can be pushed to such an extent so early on in marriage. And to know that through this vow, our love for each other will continue to strengthen and grow. Whatever is gracious. Do we give each other grace? Do we give ourselves grace? I notice it is easier for me to give grace to those I don’t know. It is much harder to give grace to those closest to me, that I love most. Above all, I struggle to give any grace to myself. The last year has pushed me to humble myself and ask for grace from others again and again. I still struggle. I am getting better. It really is, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Once I finally reached out to a few people close to me and confided in them how much I was struggling, I have found help, strength, and support. For me... Whatever is gracious: The understanding and willingness of a few close people to step in to do whatever I need. They have not only stepped in to stay up all night or watch my husband on the monitor so I could sleep; but, in love, have pushed me to get the medical and professional help I really needed to keep moving forward to support and care for my husband. Set Your Mind Lastly, the scripture ends with, “think on these things.” This is what really struck me with this verse. I tend to dwell on the “what ifs” or play conversations over in the head (both before and after they’ve happened). God calls us to think on the “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious things.” Not the past, future, or negatives. What is your current challenge, big or small? How can you "think on these things" in the midst of this challenging situation? [bctt tweet="Think on These Things #BISblog //" via="no"] Maureen Fiudo hails from Upstate NY but has found her home in the Midwest. She loves praising the Lord through song, spending time outdoors, and a good cup of coffee. Helping women see their beauty within brings her joy! You can follow her husband’s cancer journey here.

Chiaroscuro is a term used to describe the contrast of light and dark in a painting. The artform was made famous by Italian painter Caravaggio in the painting “The Calling of St. Matthew.” This painting is found in San Luigi dei Francesi, a church in Rome, Italy. This contrast between light and dark is also an appropriate analogy for what this painting portrays, by giving us a glimpse into what was happening in the heart, mind, and soul of St. Matthew. When called by Jesus, Matthew was called from a life of darkness and into the light of truth. Jesus’ divine light poured into the darkness of his sin. Matthew’s calling is our calling too. The Calling of St. Matthew Caravaggio brings a deeply spiritual theme to earth for us in this painting. He brings divinity into our everyday life through the story he portrays via his work of art. In this painting we meet a group of regal, well-dressed men who are counting money. They are in what looks like the corner of a dark tavern. On the right side of the painting we see two men. An older man, the Apostle Peter. Behind him stands Jesus. What captures the eye in this image is Jesus’ hand below the cross of the window, pointing towards the tax-collector Matthew sitting at the table. Jesus has just spoken the words found in Matthew 9:9, “Follow me.” Light floods into the painting from above Jesus’ hand. It falls on St. Matthew, who responds by pointing to himself, as if to ask “Me?” In the very next sentence we learn that Matthew said "yes" to Jesus’ call and he “got up and followed him.” St. Matthew's Call is Our Call Art historians have caught a unique and important detail in this portrayal of Jesus coming to meet us in our humanity. The hand of Christ which Caravaggio painted is a likeness of Adam’s hand which was painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel’s “The Creation of Adam”, a masterpiece where we witness Adam encountering God. As Adam reaches out to God in hope of his great mercy, we are reminded of his fall in to original sin. Yet despite his great sin, he continues to reach out. Caravaggio reminds us through the painting that Christ is the second Adam, and he willingly walks into the darkness of the tavern to redeem Matthew. This painting portrays not only Matthew’s redemption, it also portrays our own. Are We Counting Money? Perhaps we are “counting money” in our own homes and are sucked into the short-term happiness which material goods may buy us. Are we looking down at our money like Matthew’s friends in the tavern, or are we looking up and responding to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him? Maybe we hear God calling out to us, feel Him reaching out to us, and we are tempted to ask, “Are you sure you want me? Don’t you see where you are meeting me, here in my weakness?” He is sure. Jesus sees you, and He wants you, right there in your weakness. He is calling you to be recreated and resurrected with Him. Let us take His hand, look up to His face, and, together with St. Matthew, reach out to Heaven. A Scripture Meditation Study Seek His Kingdom Pray with Scripture through the Gospel of Matthew. With guided reflections, prayer prompts, and space to journal, this study helps you respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him more closely. Explore the Matthew Study → How will you celebrate the feast of St. Matthew by leaving the darkness and walking into the light of Christ?

“Are you ok?” I heard her voice through my car window. Of course, I couldn’t ignore the kind woman, tapping lightly on the window. I’d hoped they wouldn’t see me as they came out of church. I wondered, if they did see me, would they ignore me? Would they pretend to not see me crying, sobbing, wiping my tears, parked in the row across from them in the church lot? “No, I’m not ok,” I thought to myself. “Whatever it is,” she said, “You came to the right place. God is here to help you with whatever problem you’re going through.” The Stranger Welcomed Me I explained that I’d come to church to light a candle and to go to Adoration (I was needing help with a problem causing my heart to ache). I went on to say that as I’d pulled into our church lot, the perfect song came through on the radio, and I’d lost it. Big time. She assured me that Adoration would help. She shared that she’d brought her ailing sister to Adoration, too. “The Lord will see you through. In his name we pray, Amen.” My fellow parishioner, whom I didn’t recognize, held me in the parking lot and gave me a true, mess-your-hair-up kind of hug. Her kind act and comforting words calmed me down. As I wrote my prayers in the Book of Intentions, lit a candle in the sanctuary, prayed, and sat in the presence of Christ in the Adoration room, I felt better. I prayed for wisdom, strength, and healing, and felt so comforted. I felt at home in this space. How to Connect with People at Your Parish I think about how blessed I am to belong to my parish and to have had a stranger care for me. Later, I also noticed a dear friend coming to her car, and caught the wave of a tiny girl from our Sunday school program. I felt connected and important. I needed that. Retreats Sometimes it’s hard to feel connected in a parish as large as mine. One thing that has really helped me get to know other members is attending some of the church events. Some of my favorite events have been the women’s retreats. I’ll never forget the time we went off-site to the Sisters of St. Francis. I loved listening to the speakers share from the unique perspective of a woman, bring the Scriptures to life, and applying them to my journey. We also walked along a trail with the Stations of the Cross. It was peaceful to meditate, to sit on the benches placed by each station. That’s when I met Mary Rose. She caught me at one of the stations and reminded me that lunch was being served soon (I still had several stations to go, but I definitely didn’t want to miss lunch!). I completed my walk through the stations, then joined a small group in the dining hall. It was wonderful to sit and talk with other women attending the retreat. Later, I’d recognize their faces at future Masses and say hello. I’ve also enjoyed a Friday. night retreat at the local winery, as well as one on a Saturday at our church. My spirituality has always grown through the speaker’s presentations, time to reflect with other women, and spending some time alone in prayer, too. Mass It’s been harder for me to connect with other people at weekly Mass. At my parish, a few times a year are designated as a “Nametag Sunday.” Although part of me cringes when I see the streamer leading me to make a name tag—worried that we’re going to be even later to Mass and it might be harder to find a seat—part of me also appreciates Father initiating introductions and interactions with the people sitting around us in the pews. I remember meeting a gentleman named John that Sunday. I’d seen him at church before, but I hadn’t really spoken to him. When Father asked us to share our name and our favorite Bible story, we also went on to share more about ourselves. My favorite verse was the one where Jesus says, “Let the children come to me,” since I’m a teacher. I babbled on about how it had been a hard year so far, and John shared that he’d been struggling since his wife’s passing. We said we’d pray for each other, and I know it helped. Now, I see John and visit with him almost every week. I feel like I have a new friend. Ministries Getting involved in the ministries at church has been the best way to connect with others. I enjoyed teaching Sunday school before my kids were born, and I later assisted with Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Even though I’ve worked with the kids, I’ve gotten to know some of their parents, too. A few years later I checked the box by the music program on our yearly Time, Talent, and Treasure form, indicating that I might be able to help. I never expected a response, since I also noted that I’d just gotten my mom’s piano and was really out of practice. That’s when I met Teri, who led the songs as I soon accompanied. I was so nervous about hitting the right notes during our first Sunday school music class. But the joy on their faces and their movements to “This Little Light of Mine” instantly lifted me. I soon realized it was more about Jesus filling the hearts of these young children than the correctness of my notes on the keyboard. Room for Improvement Even though our parish offers numerous ways to connect with other parishioners, I need to do a better job. When I see a new face in the pew, I need to introduce myself. When I pass a family I’ve seen for years but don’t really know, I need to have the courage to say, “I know I should know your name by now. I’m Carla…” When our monthly “Divine Donuts” are served, I need to do a better job of mingling than talking with the same three guys I see every day and who live under my same roof! I am shy, but I know that these small acts are worth it. I could meet new people and make others feel welcome, in turn. It can’t be that hard, and it means the world to feel connected, to feel loved. I am blessed, and I hope I will be that stranger who stops and checks on someone. Instead of just passing by, I hope I will be there for someone who might need support in the future, too. How do you connect with others at your parish? Do you struggle to reach out to the people you see every week? [bctt tweet="The Stranger: How to Cultivate Community at Your Church #BISblog //" via="no"] Carla Thomas is a wife, mom, and teacher of twenty-three years. She enjoys the sun, the lake, running, spending time with friends and family, and playing the piano for the Sunday school music program at Our Lady of the Presentation.

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

Looking for a reason to pop some corn, unwrap a little candy, and plop down on the couch? Good news: I have four. Recently, I re-watched four movies that were beckoning to me from our small DVD collection. Two could be labeled "religious," but God, not confined by my labels, makes His appearance in all of them. The movies encouraged me to emulate the goodness of the characters. The plot lines reignited aspects of my faith that have dimmed. They left me wanting to simply make others happy in the same way the movies entertained me. Wholesome Movies that are Actually Good Maybe these films will do the same for you. Take your pick or binge on them all! Mary of Nazareth 2012, not rated True to its name, this movie chronicles the life the mother of Jesus from her childhood to Jesus’ resurrection. Filmed in Europe, it beautifully captures the pure and loving disposition of Mary’s heart and the deep trust she had in God. From reading Scripture, my imagination is filled with biblical scenes. But watching another’s portrayal of them in a film enriches my understanding of God’s Word and the history and context that surrounds it. It reminds me that the people in the Bible were not characters acting out a story with a forgone conclusion. They were people, like us, who encountered the difficulties of daily life, made choices, and struggled to believe. A scene that captured my heart portrays Jesus preaching in a home as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21). In the movie, Mary arrives with some relatives, and Jesus is told they wish to see Him. A Favorite Part “Who is my mother?” asks Jesus, as He looks at Mary. “Whoever carries out the will of God is my brother, sister and mother.” Mary’s relatives are astounded and urge her to leave with them. “Didn’t you hear what he said? He repudiated you. He’s not your son anymore,” they say. But Mary refuses to leave and with peace and quiet confidence says, “He is my Lord.” Those words are not recorded in Scripture, yet I believe they portray the loving and trusting disposition of Mary’s heart. Instead of inviting the crowd to look at her, Mary pointed to Jesus. I fear I would not have done the same. I believe I would have sought attention for giving birth to the man who was astounding everyone. But I can strive for more; and thanks to this film, I can imagine in a new way how beautiful that might look. The Hundred Foot Journey 2014, rated PG This lighthearted movie will appeal to foodies, especially lovers of French and Indian cuisine. In the film, love conquers sadness, hate, jealousy, pride, and greed in humorous and poignant ways. After a family tragedy, a young, gifted cook and his family leave their native India and eventually settle in a small town in France. In a rundown building across the street from a highly-regarded French restaurant, they establish a restaurant and serve traditional Indian cuisine in a somewhat garish fashion. A war of cooking, culture, and spirited personalities begins. A Favorite Part When I need a little happiness, this film delivers. Its characters are colorful and kind. There is eating, celebrating, friendship, generosity, love, and the discovery that walking 100 feet across the street will tear down walls that initially divided one group from another. Perhaps their journey will inspire us to take notice of the walls that separate us from others and prevent us from loving as we should, and to work to knock them down. Of Gods and Men 2010, rated PG-13 When my son shared that he was watching this movie in his theology class, I could remember that I liked it. But I couldn’t recall much else. So, I pulled it out of the DVD pile. It is loosely based on the true story of eight Trappist monks from France who reside in a monastery in Algeria in the early 1990s. They live in harmony with and serve the Muslims around them. When Islamist fundamentalists bring terror to their region, it eventually knocks on the door of the monastery. A Favorite Part Watching the monks discern whether they should stay in Algeria or flee to a place of safety is inspiring and instructional. One might assume that discernment for a monk is a relatively easy thing, something that someone who seeks to live closely with the Lord would not struggle with. The film shows otherwise. The humanity of the monks, their challenges and temptations, reminds me that we all have crosses we must carry and hard decisions we must make. It reminds me that the carrying and the discernment will be easier when we seek the Lord with confidence, desperation, truth, patience, perseverance, and complete trust. The Way 2011, rated PG-13 I watched this movie late one night because a friend was walking across Spain on El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St. James), the movie’s setting. The Camino is a network of paths across Europe. That all lead to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest of Spain. It is believed that these routes were followed in the Middle Ages as a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James. Thousands still make the pilgrimage each year. The film is written and directed by Emilio Estevez and stars his father, Martin Sheen. The film is funny and dramatic, yet light-hearted and thought-provoking. It follows four pilgrims who are walking for various reasons, all are on a journey of discovery. Each brings his or her brokenness and, sooner or later, lays it on the dirt path for all to see. Their eventual willingness to be vulnerable to each other reminds me that it is in our vulnerability and brokenness that we most authentically connect. A Favorite Part The movie does not acknowledge Jesus as the Way and none of the main characters professes a faith. But there is an openness to self-discovery, being with others in silence and noise, humility, friendship, and realizing that each of us has a cross that must be picked up and carried. As I laid on my couch at 12:30 a.m., beginning to think it was an enormous mistake to stay up so late just to see the dirt paths my friend was walking on, my friend texted me from the Camino. To my surprise, she was in the same Spanish town as the pilgrims in the movie. I thanked God for blessing my late-night indulgence in a very detailed way and went to bed, inspired to continue my pilgrimage the next day with renewed openness to love, hope, and faith in Jesus, our only Way. What are some of your favorite wholesome movies that are well done and entertaining? [bctt tweet="Wholesome Movies for Your Friday Night #BISblog //" via="no"] Nikki Frerker is a wife and mother of four who lives in Leawood, Kansas. She spends a portion of her time practicing estate planning law and enjoys serving as a catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at her parish. You may find her running before the sun rises, driving her children around at all hours, or singing praise music just loud enough to embarrass anyone willing to listen. *We are an Amazon Affiliate!*

I don’t know about you, but I love things like pretty planners and notebooks. I get so excited by simple designs and colorful floral patterns. My planners and notebooks have a special, unique color coordination system to work in my daily life. And yes, I do love to cross items off my to-do list...even if that means putting something on the list so I can cross it off! When the product first launched, I thought it was very beautiful. But I kept going back and forth in regards to if I really “needed” it. Not to mention, I have used and enjoyed other well-known planner brands such as Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner and Erin Condren’s Life Planner. Many women in our Blessed is She Facebook groups often ask for planner recommendations or why they should purchase a planner from Blessed is She. Blessed is She Planner Comparison Today I want to share with you what other planners I have used in the past, what I liked and disliked about each, and why I keep coming back to Blessed is She’s Liturgical Planner. Emily Ley: The Simplified Planner I have used this planner two years in a row. I really like Emily’s crisp, simplistic way of designing her products. As a working young Mom, I find her to be inspiring to follow on social media and she’s a great example of a strong female entrepreneur. Likes: Each year, several new designs are released for the upcoming year. All of her designs are fresh, minimalist, and beautiful. Very similar to the BIS planner, there is a monthly layout and then a weekly layout. I love a monthly layout and it makes planning each week much easier. There is a handy-dandy pocket in the front where I often store bills or notes from a work meeting. Dislikes: The size. This planner is on the smaller size (7 x 9) inches and I need something larger. As noted in the title of the planner, it is very simplistic. Each full page is for one day of the week, a smaller section for the weekend. Half of your daily layout is an hour break down from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. The other side is a full to-do list for you to mark down everything that needs to happen in the day. What I came to realize is that I like a little more structure to my planner, and this was a little too simple for me. Overall I liked the planner, but I need more structure and focus. It felt too open-ended for me. Erin Condren: The LifePlanner I have also used Erin Condren’s LifePlanner two years in a row, the last time being in 2013. Since then, some of the features have changed a bit. Likes: I loved the abundant notes section in the back of this planner. I like being able to find paper easily for notes or maybe jot down ideas for Christmas shopping without having to cram it all on an old receipt. Having a notes section in my planner just helps and is very handy! I really loved how this planner’s weekly layout can be seen all at once. I am visual person, so being able to see the upcoming week at a glance helps me plan ahead and see what days may be a little busier. Dislikes: While I like the options to personalize your planner, there are a lot of “extra” bells and whistles. It felt like a lot of other ways to increase the cost of the planner. The planner does not have a daily timeline listed on each day. I found I had to use more room to squish in the time I was doing something or had an appointment. It seemed to make things look more messy than need be. Obviously, no planner is perfect. Part of the way to make a planner work for you is finding one that you will consistently use. I Can't Quit the Blessed is She Planner While I have enjoyed other planners, I have been very happy using the BIS Liturgical Planner the last three years. What do I like best? I really like the planning section, meal planning, and to-do list that comes with each week. I think it is one of my favorite features. The list of feast days and holy days of obligation make this planner incredibly unique and useful in the life of the Catholic woman. I enjoy having a weekly layout where I can easily see the entire week at a glance. Aside from being a useful, beautiful product, I love that purchasing the Liturgical Planner is a way to support a Catholic ministry I am proud to support and be a part of. Want to Be Planner Buddies? You can now purchase academic year planners for 2026-2027 in the original size or mini size! Have you used the Blessed is She planner before? What do you like most about it? [bctt tweet="The Blessed is She Planner Vs. Other Planners #BISblog //" username="amoderngrace"] Patty Breen is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry to divorced Catholics and women whose relationships have been impacted by sexual addiction. You can find out more about her here. 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

O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all eternity. Amen. -St. Therese of Lisieux (source) Reflect Love is shown by little things, by small daily signs which make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to grow in faith. Pope Francis Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend listening to "Shine Through Us" by Danielle Rose. [bctt tweet="Sanctify + Love #BISblog #BISrests //"]

Celebrant: Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents? Godparents: We are. -From the Rite for the Baptism of One Child My sister Alexandra and her husband Steve have, between the two of them, ten godchildren. On a recent stroll through their neighborhood, we prayed for each of them by name before beginning a decade of the rosary: Serina, David, Anthony, Cora, Emma, Michael, Alexander, Kenny, Lyanna, and Liliana. I chirped in the names Christopher and Joseph, who are my two well-loved godchildren. They are well-loved. But are they well-godmothered? What Does It Mean to Be a Good Godparent? This question weighs on me. How do I know that what I do for my godsons is enough? Is that even the right question to be asking? My approach to being a godparent, until now, has included poking around gift shops and Etsy with the vague notion that I should be providing stellar-yet-affordable gifts that teach the Faith in a way that’s credible and age-appropriate and won’t drive parents bananas. I’ve also given cards full of jokes, and even once checked in with my godchild’s brother’s godparents on the sly to compare whether my gift-giving approach and frequency aligns with theirs. The Godparent Job Description Fortunately, yes, there is a job description of sorts. There are countless points of catechesis and encouragement from Saints and popes on the purpose and importance of baptism. These touch on the ecclesial community’s function in it (the community of which the godparent is the emblem—see more in Chapter 8 of Why the Church? by Luigi Giussani). Thanks to these resources, we can actually point to a fairly concise role for godparents. Time to ease the uncertainty, the complacent habits, and even guilt that can find their way into, frankly, any parenting role. Pop quiz: What is the bare minimum you must do, subsequent to baptism, for your godchild as a godparent? Pray for your godchild daily Pray for your godchild’s parents daily Commemorate, annually, the anniversary of your godchild’s baptismal day Set an example for your godchild, attending daily Mass when possible and making use of the sacrament of Confession about twice per month While one could make a case, even a strong case, for prioritizing any of the above, it was a trick question! None of these tasks is explicitly asked of godparents. So What's Required of Me as a Godparent? Here’s a new list of options. Regardless of whether your godchild was baptized as an infant, as an adult, or sometime in between, as a godparent you must: Help your godchild “lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism” (1983 Code of Canon Law, Canon 872) Help your godchild “fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in [a Christian life]” (ibid.) Both A and B You guessed it, the classic “both, and.” In her wisdom, the Church has charged godparents with a short, universally applicable, and incredibly important list. And terrifyingly, the tasks likely require our ongoing discernment and freedom in order to fulfill them well. I’m kidding/not-kidding here. Don’t be terrified, or at least be much less terrified than new parents who are handed their infant and told, “Don’t worry, all you need to do is keep this person alive and loved. So easy.” Be Attentive to Your Godchild's Needs A parent needs to interpret a child’s needs and respond in a manner sensitive to those needs So too a godparent gets to be attentive to their godchild’s needs and interests, their own strengths, and other factors to chart a course. They must be “able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult - on the road of Christian life” (CCC 1255). And good news! The Lord gave you a mothering heart. You and I each have exactly the heart we need to be able to accomplish, with grace and care, our role in the salvation story. Fairy Godmothers Thus, freedom and creativity are ours. Think of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. She is watchful, like a mother, and knows exactly what Cinderella needs exactly when she needs it. She uses what she has (mice, a pumpkin, her own skill with a wand) to provide Cinderella with custom gifts and guidance. You don’t have to godmother the same way as the awesome Catholic godmothers of your social media feed. No two people have exactly the same approach, and no two godchildren are exactly the same, either. The other night as I removed my eye make-up, I had a realization that unseated a falsehood. It had creeped in and tied a few knots and set a few expectations that had left me with the uncertainty, complacent habits, and ambiguous sense of guilt that I mentioned above. I’d fallen into the belief that I should celebrate my godchildren’s baptismal anniversaries. On a certain level, I would have denied that belief. But I resisted even thinking of the possibility of being a good godmother without it. If I don’t remember that special day and celebrate it with my godchildren, who will? Would they come to understand the importance of baptism? My mascara-ringed eyes grew wide as I came abruptly upon two concurrent facts that were obvious as soon as I’d seen them. First, I don’t know my own baptismal date! And second, not knowing the date has not kept me from believing that the objective fact of my baptism is the most decisive and important of my life, and that it changed my history and my future. This freed me immensely. I can and will continue to mark these dates. But it’s shifted from a “should” to a godmothering prerogative. The Bottom Line for a Godparent Christopher lives in Florida, and I rarely see him in person. I want to share with him my love of John Paul II, and so earlier this year I sent him a magnet with a photo of that epic Saint. Whether you’re shipping a Christmas gift, praying a novena, steeling yourself for a brave conversation reminding your godchild’s parents of the Precepts of the Church (see CCC 2041-2043), introducing yourself to your godchild as his or her godmother, setting up a college savings account, or taking your godchild to a movie, please act with the intention to help “the grace of baptism to unfold” (CCC 1255). “Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly,” states the baptismal rite. Though it sounds like it, that wasn’t said in the throne room in an ancient ballad of a distant kingdom. Very likely, it’s something that’s been said directly to you. And then you joined your intention to the prayer of the celebrant over your godchild, “When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.” Amen! Do you have any godchildren? How do you help them on their path to holiness? [bctt tweet="How to Be a Great Godparent #BISblog //" via="no"] Anna Knier appreciates homemade tortillas, worthy cribbage opponents, and clever turns-of-phrase. You can find out more about her here.

How romantic, I remember thinking. Getting engaged on the heels of a charity bike ride, in front of the chapel where we’d walked on our first date... How memorable. And it was each of these things. The truth is I had begun to get a little, ahem, antsy for what I hoped would be a proposal several Septembers ago. I imagined it was coming. But after a few milestone dates passed, it was anyone’s guess when this might occur. I had become suspicious of any and all happenings. So, when he did pop the question, I was thinking of very little else. As we talked, he shared that he’d waited until this day so that we might begin planning for our life together as a married couple. We wanted to be always mindful of those who are poor and marginalized, in the spirit of this great Saint we both had come to admire—John Chrysostom—whose feast we celebrate today. St. John Chrysostom, Our Patron Saint I might have known there would have been someone sitting outside the restaurant where we’d gone to celebrate our engagement that night, quietly asking for leftovers outside of the brightly-colored benches and front doors. As I handed him my box of leftover alfredo, I had an inclination that more than a meaningful proposal, this Saint meant to begin a lifetime of walking with us. It was going to begin today. Lovely. Who couldn’t use a devoted intercessor? The Golden Mouth Except, if you were to take a survey of his peers, by and large, most folks didn’t care for St. John Chrysostom. Or maybe they liked him in theory, but he wasn’t the type of person you might think of as an obvious addition to a casual gathering of friends. He was wordy, fiery, frank, and Gospel-centered. John was compelled by God Incarnate and the call to serve the poor with Jesus’ humanity in mind. He was dubbed “the golden mouth” because of the very pretty, very many words he’d use to make his points at the pulpit. Do You Fast? Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers and sisters? May He who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us. -St. John Chrysostom A Constant Call to Holiness There are days I wonder if this John Chrysostom engagement vision wasn’t such a good idea. After all, who wants to have a justice-minded, truth-talker constantly encouraging you to re-evaluate the decisions you have to make in terms of the most vulnerable? Not I. The truth is, I don’t really want to be dogged by conscience about everything from who harvested my coffee, to the size of my carbon footprint, to whose hands stitched my clothing. But I need to be. As a couple, we need it. We need it to keep us close to our original vision of this shared life. We need it to put flesh on those invitations we hear throughout the Gospels to follow Him. Though his influence has been the source of a fair amount of consternation (because it has pushed us beyond our comfort zones for the sake of the Kingdom), it has also led us to people, places, and organizations that help us stay true to our vision. We often struggle to live lives of such intentionality, to even have the energy to think about it. But that place of struggle and the accompanying tension has provided me almost a tangible assurance that our efforts are put to some use. Even in the daily practice of dying to my own desires. Keeping Priorities Straight Our patron, St. John Chrysostom, has a habit of making us ask ourselves often if our priorities are in order. As hard as that is to hear, it is also vitally important. And we keep on listening. If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice. [bctt tweet="St. John Chrysostom: The Best and Worst Idea #BISblog //" via="no"]

Sometimes I look at my life, and I don’t know whether hypocrisy or irony is screaming louder. I write about mercy, because I believe whole-heartedly in its power to change lives. And, in a broader sense, the world. That is not hyperbole. It is a truth that exists regardless of whether we acknowledge or believe it. Despite my enthusiasm, doing works of mercy sometimes feels like a struggle. You would think in my zeal, I would embrace them with a, “Woo-hoo! Here’s another opportunity for me to serve!” attitude. But often my “woo-hoo” sounds more like, “Woe is me.” Frequently the service we are called to do is organic. Like the produce in the grocery store, organic always costs more. It has always felt easier to serve when I plan for it, choose the capacity, and have had a shower. When someone else’s misfortune interrupts my plans or to-do list, it can be frustrating. Practicing the Mercy I Preach Recently, I took my mom to the doctor because she was sick. I tried to be peppy about it despite my manic-Monday mentality. My mom was pleasant and chatty on the way to her appointment. Instead of gratitude for her attitude, I begrudged it for being better than mine. After all, I was the healthy one. Why wasn’t I bubbly and bright? Maybe she should have been driving me around! After her appointment, I took her to the pharmacy and waited while she had her prescription filled. By this point, I had to use the bathroom so badly I figured I had given myself jaundice. I kept wondering why serving is so hard. I wasn’t suffering other than the self-induced kidney conundrum. I read a magazine while I waited. Why was it so hard to do this small thing with joy when my mom has done countless things for me? Mercy is Often Inconvenient The answers vary from my innate flaws as a human to complete culpability that I am despicable. It’s a work of mercy to care for the sick. I write about works of mercy. I feel drawn to them despite their disruption to my day planner. Why isn’t this easy for me? But maybe the answer to that question doesn’t matter. Maybe what is significant is that I did it anyway. Of course, I wish I did it more selflessly and joyfully knowing that I was doing something pleasing to God and helpful to my mother. For my own sake, as much as anyone else’s, I wish I welcomed every opportunity to serve knowing that the mercy I extend has been extended to me 1,000 fold by our Heavenly Father. But, I am not there yet, at least not as often as I would like. It's Worth It My mom thanked me when she got out of the car. Maybe it was because my task was complete, or jaundice had reached my brain, but I felt gratitude. What a blessing it is that my schedule is flexible enough to help her, that I can follow her example of service, that she is alive, and the cadence of her pleasantries, despite her discomfort, was enough to distract me from my selfishness. While I often feel inept at works of mercy, the rewards of doing them are always worthwhile. Finally, a woo-hoo! In what subtle ways do you practice the works of mercy in your life? [bctt tweet="Subtle Works of Mercy #BISblog //" via="no"] Lara Patangan is a freelance writer and mother of two boys. She is currently working on publishing her first book about her mid-life mission to do works of mercy. Find out more about her here.

Unique and unrepeatable, that’s you! Maybe at some point along the way though, you’ve forgotten this. Or, it’s possible that some of us have never heard this about ourselves before. Is There Anyone Like You? If you have time today, get out those old baby photos of yourself. Have you seen a baby lately that looks just like you? Maybe close, but not exactly! When you’re out about for coffee or lunch, really look around you. Do you see one person with the same exact mannerisms or facial expressions? Does anyone have your voice? Can they make those crazy sounds you can make? You know this already, but you will find that not one person will look exactly like you, nor do they have the same voice, the same gifts and talents, not even the same intellectual capacity. If you look around you again tomorrow, you won’t find anyone who is just like you either. Truly, you are unique and unrepeatable! I want this message to be something we all know in the very depth of our being. More importantly, Christ and His Church desire you to know this so deeply about yourself that you can’t help share it with others! Join voices like the Sisters of Life, who are one of the loudest and most effective voices of this truth in the United States today. Cardinal Dolan even knows it! You Have a Purpose! The Sisters' prayer is fueled by reverence and gratitude for the unique and unrepeatable gift of each human life made in the image and likeness of God. At every opportunity, the Sisters of Life remind the people they encounter that they are unique and unrepeatable—each and every one of them. Never before and never again in the history of the world, will there be another you. You have a purpose! The Sisters have many apostolates where they spread this message. Recently, the Sisters of Life published a children’s book titled Look Again, Thomas! to affirm this truth once more. The book exists to bring the message of the dignity of the human person to children and adults. It does this through colorful illustrations and simple language with a deep message that can’t be missed. Look Again, Thomas! This book is inspired by Angelo, a boy the Sisters of Life have been blessed to know. The main characters are two neighbors, Angelo, who has Down Syndrome, and Thomas. Thomas would always pass Angelo when he would ride by his home on his bike. But he usually didn't have time to stop. Thomas thought there was something different about Angelo. He was always thinking and was too quiet. One day though, Thomas and Angelo went on an adventure “to see what [they] can’t see.” On their adventure together, Angelo showed Thomas how to always look at things one more time to really see what they truly are. The leaf may not be a leaf but a chameleon! The pond isn’t just water, but it’s full of colorful fish! Each snowflake isn’t the same, they’re all different! Helping Us Look Again Through Angelo, Thomas learns that God made each one of us different, special, and as His beloved treasures. Thomas comes to realize that to see someone as God sees them, you have to look inside the person and not just at their outer appearance. It’s on the inside that we see someone’s goodness! I hope each one of us can be an Angelo to a Thomas; to teach others how to see properly in this life. May we never miss a moment to remind someone of their great worth. Others will be different from you, but that’s okay. And, it’s okay—no, it’s beautiful—that you’re different too! God loved each one of us into existence as unique and unrepeatable persons. Not just on the inside but also on the outside. Spread the word! Grow and Inspire If you are looking for faith-filled and inspiring story for yourself, a bedtime read for your children, or a gift to your niece and nephew, Look Again, Thomas! is it! Also, if you’re travelling to New York any time soon, be sure to look up the Sisters of Life! They offer amazing retreats throughout the year. You may find your Angelo there! [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: Look Again, Thomas! #BISblog //" via="no"] Amanda Zurface resides in Pueblo, Colorado, where she serves as the Vice-Chancellor for the Diocese of Pueblo. She also serves as the Catholic Content Specialist for Covenant Eyes. Amanda holds a License and MA in Canon Law and a BA in Catholic Theology and Social Justice. She is the co-author of Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture, Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure and Transformed by Beauty.

He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”). // Mark 7:34 This week's beautiful wallpaper is from Erica of Be a Heart, a great reminder that the Lord is moving in our lives, that He wills restoration for you and for me. Remember to grab this awesome 8x10 print over in our shop (and Members, you get it free!!). Click here to purchase or get access and then download, print, and frame! Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

The Catholic Church is big, diverse, and widespread. It is such a beautiful source of community! Community is different for everyone. It can be through one person with whom you have amazing conversations, or it can be a large group of people like during the Mass. It is not humanly possible to know everyone in the Catholic Church. That's kind of a bummer, but also a comfort, that so many people exist in our larger Catholic community. Ways to Find and Foster Community Within the Church Here are some ways to find and foster your own community within the community of Catholicism. Blessed is She Obviously, you are here. This community is a beautiful way to get to know like-minded women. Go to a Blessed Brunch or join a small group. Get to know other Catholic women. If you do find some other women you really get along with, foster those relationships. Invite them into your everyday life. Meet up for coffee, introduce them to your family, or sit by them at Mass. Join a Ministry In the Catholic Church, there are many different ways to get involved based on your gifts. This is the perfect way to find a community of people with similar interests. Join the liturgical choir, become a catechist, get involved in a youth group, or join another outreach ministry. Volunteer If your parish does not already have a ministry for volunteering, then start your own. Decide where you can best serve your area. Then spread the word. Chances are that if serving a certain population appeals to you, then it will appeal to others as well. This gives you a chance to meet people who have a similar heart for serving others. Get to know these people and maybe even make volunteering a regular part of your community. Go to Breakfast after Mass After Mass, invite others to meet somewhere for breakfast. This is a simple way to get to know others in your parish in a new setting. I love the idea of sipping on coffee, talking about the homily, and even diving into deeper conversations. Blessed is She even offers free Conversation Cards to use for these chats! Have a Jam Session Find someone who can play guitar or piano, print off some worship songs, and invite people to come sing along. Even if you are not musically gifted, this is an awesome way to pray together and enjoy some time of worship. Start or Join a Book Club Choose a book that will foster your faith. Read on your own time and then come together to discuss. Let the book inspire you and then inspire each other! Get Outside One of the best ways to encounter God is by going out and appreciating His creations. Hike a mountain, go on a run, lay on the beach, or swim in a lake. Go somewhere quiet and peaceful. Point out the things that bring you joy and make you feel alive. Invite others into your favorite places to encounter God. Go on a Mission Trip Go through your Church, lead a youth mission trip or find a mission trip overseas. Expand your community by going to another community. Get out of your comfort zone. This is one of the best ways to meet and bond with others. You spend a week together with greasy hair and big t-shirts while often doing messy work and being your authentic self. You’ll be closer than you think at the end of a week like that! Go on a Retreat You can go to a BIS retreat, silent retreat, couple’s retreat, youth or young adult retreat, large Catholic conventions, or small parish retreats. You will likely meet people in a similar stage of life and/or faith. Stay an Extra Ten Minutes after Mass This is a simple way to spend some time talking to other people in your parish. It can just be a smile and a compliment or a deep conversation about something you realized in Mass. Talking to others is an easy way to create community within the community. Reaching Out Within the Walls of Our Church There are so many ways to create and foster a community in your life. Always remember that you are part of a large Catholic community. There is someone else out there going through a similar situation, struggling and thriving in ways that you are. Just be yourself, do things that inspire you and that you truly enjoy. You will find your people along the way! How have you fostered Catholic community in your own life? [bctt tweet="Ways to Find Community Within the Church #BISblog //" via="no"] The Greatest Gift In this study on the Eucharist, we explore the truth that Jesus is the answer to your every need. Join us as we explore John chapter 6 to learn how the reality of the Holy Eucharist applies to our lives. Discover what a gift He is. GET THE GIFT STUDY Savanna Sigl is a 23-year-old registered nurse. She enjoys harmonizing worship songs, snuggling her kitten, hiking mountains, and pursuing creativity in every way possible. You can find out more about her here.

The world is full of those who suffer unjustly and who through no fault of their own bear the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune". What should be their attitude to those who speak untruly of them, who malign their good names, who steal their reputations, and who sneer at their acts of kindness? The answer is to be found in the first word from the Cross: Forgive. If there was ever anyone who had a right to protest against injustice, it was He Who is Divine Justice; if ever there was anyone who was entitled to reproach those who dug his hands and feet with steel, it was Our Lord on the Cross. And yet at that very moment when a tree turns against Him and becomes a cross, when iron turns against Him and becomes nails, when roses turn against Him and become thorns, when men turn against Him and become executioners, He lets fall from His lips for the first time in the history of the world a prayer for enemies: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). -Archbishop Fulton Sheen (source) Reflect The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the world. Pope St. John Paul II [bctt tweet="The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the world. -JPII #BISblog #BISrests //" via="no"] Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend listening to "Carry It All Away" by Leeland. [bctt tweet="Slings + Sacrifices #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Sarah Ortiz. You can find out more about her here.

As a little girl, I remember wanting to pursue a number of different career paths: actress, singer, author, lawyer, and politician, to name a few. My father in particular encouraged my many professional dreams and was my chief cheerleader as I negotiated my way through the world of work. But as I collected awards and garnered promotions, I found something important was missing. I longed to nurture a family of my own. What an incredible, awe-inspiring joy it was, then, to welcome my baby daughter into the world. Full of promise and potential, she brought to my life a sense of purpose and fulfillment that had been missing before. That little girl became my inspiration—not only for what I could accomplish on the home front, but for what I could still contribute to the outside world of ideas. Moms on the Move I have found myself inspired by homeschooling moms who also write books. There are mothers who lead vocal groups. One mother is trying her hand at stand-up comedy. This has led me to the conclusion that we are experiencing a “feminine genius movement.” “Feminine genius” was the phrase popularized by Pope Saint John Paul II to describe the special capabilities of women. Through feminine genius, families can flourish, workplaces can become a bit kinder and gentler, and public affairs can be more personable. The 21st century matriarch can make her mark in an assortment of exciting ways. Women do not need to be boxed in by certain career expectations. Neither do we need to give up all of our personal interests once babies arrive on the scene. The creativity inherent in the feminine genius can lead us to use our unique talents to bless both our family and the larger community. Pope Saint John Paul II’s Letter to Women In his groundbreaking letter to women, Pope John Paul II expressed profound gratitude to women serving many different roles in our society: Thank you, women who are mothers! You have sheltered human beings within yourselves in a unique experience of joy and travail. This experience makes you become God's own smile upon the newborn child, the one who guides your child's first steps, who helps it to grow, and who is the anchor as the child makes its way along the journey of life. Thank you, women who are wives! You irrevocably join your future to that of your husbands, in a relationship of mutual giving, at the service of love and life. Thank you, women who are daughters and women who are sisters! Into the heart of the family, and then of all society, you bring the richness of your sensitivity, your intuitiveness, your generosity and fidelity. Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life-social, economic, cultural, artistic and political. In this way you make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of ‘mystery’, to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity. And for those days when you feel overwhelmed, consider this encouraging quote from the future saint: Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world's understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic. The Feminine Genius and Spiritual Fuel The feminine genius can be fed by spiritual fuel. In other words, we can become the women we are called to be by growing closer to the awesome God who made us. Dedicating our day to God, doing at least 15 minutes of spiritual reading, and making a spiritual communion (asking Jesus into our hearts at least once a day) can keep us from running on empty. The Eucharist I have found daily Mass to be incredibly helpful in my spiritual journey. But at times, my schedule does not permit it. On those days, I try to catch the Mass on a Catholic website or “tune in” to a live steam of an adoration chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. The miracle of modern technology can enable us to encounter the Lord in new ways. God knows our time is limited—He will bless us for whatever precious moments we can devote to Him. Gratitude and Reflection It’s also incredibly helpful to take a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect. This can be done while you’re doing the dishes, taking a shower, or winding down with an evening walk. Think of the five things you are most grateful for this day. Ponder when you were at your best during the last 24 hours, along with those times when you fell short of your ideal. Thank God for the blessings and ask his forgiveness for the failures. Then, say a prayer that brings you comfort, for instance, the Our Father or Hail Mary. And rest in the knowledge that you are deeply and profoundly loved by God. How are you exercising your feminine genius today? [bctt tweet="The Feminine Genius #BISblog //" via="no"] Maria V. Gallagher is an advocate for women and children. Prior to her work in advocacy, Maria worked as a radio reporter and television news producer. You can find out more about her here.