Building a Catholic Library for Kids
One of the first gifts I received as a new, first-time mom was a gift of books for my son. As a book lover myself, the gift was much appreciated....
Meals from Our Moms
Mothers are Christ-like in that they lay down their lives for their children. Whether it is in the delivery room, the office, the kitchen, or many miles away interceding on...
Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day When Your Mom is Far Away
Since becoming a mother myself, Mother’s Day has become one of my favorite days. Not only because it’s a day that I feel honored and celebrated in my own vocation...
How to Keep Family as a Priority
I thought I lived my life with an intentional awareness of balance in our home life—not too many extracurricular activities for the kids and not too many commitments outside of...
Giving Thanks and Letting Go
I stand at the kitchen island slicing tomatoes. The lettuce and onion are already on the tray. There are french fries baking in the oven and a pan of brownies...
Praying through Pregnancy: Unique Ways to Offer Intercession
Pregnancy is a beautiful and often difficult season. A season of waiting, longing, excitement, worry and ultimately, total dependence on Jesus. For me, I have never been more aware of...
Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Your Baby’s Baptism
It was October 22, 2016, the feast of our family patron Saint, Pope John Paul II. Two-and-a-half years earlier, in the same stone cathedral, our beloved Passionist priest looked at...
Grieving the Loss of My Baby
My nightstand was cluttered with pre-natal vitamins, anti-nausea medication, and five positive pregnancy tests—all little reminders of the small life inside of me. In the span of a few short...
On the Feast of St. Frances of Rome: A Saint Who Struggled, Too
A married woman must, when called upon, quit her devotions to God at the altar to find Him in her household affairs. -St. Frances of Rome As a mom,...
The Challenges and Opportunities of Fostering Faith in Our Kids
I am not feeling particularly good at this "fostering faith" thing right now. I thought I was. But, in our house, we have run into a few recent and significant...
Entrusting Our Children to God as They Grow
In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying: Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember...
How to Choose Godparents for Your Child
I was so excited when my sister and brother-in-law asked my brother and I to be godparents to their first child, Xavier. As all of us are practicing Catholics, my...