Ever hear bells ringing at your church in the morning, at noon, or in the evening, and wonder why? In a time before smart phones and fitness-tracking watches, the bells served as a call to stop what you were doing and pray the Angelus, a prayer that offers an opportunity to meditate for a few moments midday on Mary’s discipleship and radical obedience to God’s will. The Angelus is yet another beautiful tradition of our Mother Church. It is a simple yet powerful means of dramatically opening your heart up to receive God’s grace. I’ve found this short, daily prayer to be a spiritual game-changer in the fast pace of twenty-first century living. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how I’ve handled the morning and what was asked of me, especially those things that didn’t go according to my plan. Mary understands this self-gift intimately. She responded with grace and courage to God’s unexpected call in her life. I strive to do the same. And so this prayer also encourages me to take on the rest of the day with renewed commitment. I renew my desire to serve God and love all those I interact with from that point forward. Recalling Mary’s “Fiat” Today’s feast of the Annunciation—that is, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ was conceived in her womb—is prime time to reflect on this centuries-old prayer. It’s this event in Salvation History (also remembered as the first joyful mystery of the Rosary) that we recall in the Angelus. The Angelus is a kind of spin-off from the Liturgy of the Hours. It started as a triple ringing of bells following Compline, or the evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, in 1061. In the 1200s, three Hail Marys were added. In the next century, a morning Angelus was introduced. The midday Angelus was added around 1475. While the thrice-daily ringing of the bells remains in many churches today, it’s the noontime recitation of the prayer that’s now most common. The prayer is simple—a few lines of Scripture, three Hail Marys, and a concluding prayer. I’ve found it an essential means of recentering myself on Christ and my vocation midday. I especially love to say it with someone else. The exchange of voices helps me to recall both Mary’s interaction with Gabriel at the Annunciation and her conversation with her cousin Elizabeth at the Visitation (much of which comprises the Hail Mary).     Incorporating the Angelus into Your Day Set a daily reminder for noon in your phone. Bookmark a link to the text of the prayer in your browser (here you go). You might even make the alert tone that of bells. It will help you to recall the significance of this prayer being said all around the world, every day, in every time zone—no matter how close to a church you find yourself. At first, you may need to read the text. But if you are able to say it every day, you may surprise yourself with how quickly the words settle into your heart and mind. While it’s ideal to say the Angelus at noon each day (and 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., if you’re up for it), you can also make a habit of saying it before lunch, whatever time that is. When I worked in an office and noticed it was noon, I paused my work at my computer to pray silently in my heart. Now, I pray it call-and-response style with little voices before my kids dig into their sandwiches around the kitchen table. Wherever you say it, however you say it, the Angelus can serve as a midday check-in or even a mini-retreat. It is a moment away from the day to remember why you do what you do. Two Minutes Can Make a Difference Mary didn’t know what God had planned for her—the heartache, the joy—when Gabriel approached her about becoming the Mother of God. Nor do I know all of what God will ask of me at the start of each day. What I do know is that I want to give my “fiat” with the same trust and faith that she did. I want to live with a wholehearted “yes.” And when life gets busy, as it inevitably seems to, this two-minute prayer helps me stay on track and stay close to Christ. A Note for the Easter Season One more thing: Traditionally, the Angelus isn’t prayed in the Easter season, when it’s swapped for the Regina Caeli, or “Queen of Heaven,” which focuses on Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. Every year, I relearn this prayer and seem to get it memorized just a few days before Pentecost, when we switch back to the Angelus! Is the Angelus a regular part of your daily prayer? If not, how do you think adding it to your conversation with God could change your relationship with Him? [bctt tweet="The Significance of the Angelus #BISblog //" via="no"] Lindsay Schlegel is a daughter of God who seeks to encourage, inspire, and lift up the contemporary woman to be all she was created to be. She's the author of Don't Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God, as well as shorter nonfiction and fiction pieces, both online and in print. With joy, she speaks about recognizing God's voice and living the truth therein. Lindsay lives in New Jersey with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their kids. You can find out more about her here.

In October of 2018, Pope Francis canonized the seven newest Saints in the Church. Among them was Bishop and martyr, St. Oscar Romero, whose first feast day we celebrate today. This day has been anxiously awaited by many, but maybe nowhere more enthusiastically than in Central America where he served as the Archbishop of San Salvador. This appointment feels particularly appropriate paired with Pope Francis’ call for clergy to be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” If Oscar Romero is a familiar name to you, you’re likely familiar with his iconic black-framed glasses and his powerful words spoken on behalf of those on the margins. If not, here is a quick glimpse at the man we celebrate today. Either way, let us sit together with the challenge he lays before us: God is not satisfied with appearance. God wants the garment of justice. God wants Christians dressed in love. -Saint Oscar Romero   Romero was and continues to be a figurehead of what the Gospel looks like when it is lived out, particularly in the face of social sin. This speaks to both the beauty and risk that Christians in positions of authority face while taking up the cause of the people they represent. Like all saints, Oscar Romero’s life was a witness to love made manifest by Jesus Christ. Smelling Like the Sheep Oscar Romero was among the most unlikely to be chosen for his assignment as Archbishop of El Salvador. Due to the tumultuous and violent time in the country’s history, his appointment was expected to be a non-event by local government. It was feared to be a non-event by local clergy who had seen the outright abuse of the Salvadoran people and their need for a voice. However, Romero’s heart along with his leadership were transformed by the people whom he shepherded. These people were at the mercy of a corrupt government. Rather than being elected as one who might maintain the status quo in times of political unrest—keeping clear distinct lines between Church and state—Romero became a champion of the poor. In doing so, he invited tremendous controversy in his local community and beyond. When we speak for the poor, please note that we do not take sides with one social class. What we do is invite all social classes, rich and poor, without distinction, saying to everyone let us take seriously the cause of the poor as though it were our own. -Saint Oscar Romero   In the midst of the Salvadoran Civil War, after the attacks and murders of many priests and nuns, Romero had the gumption to call out soldiers who were not living out their Baptismal call by their persecution of the poor. He also called upon the countries who were providing assistance to the party in power. Romero was assassinated while saying Mass on this day in 1980. The Legacy of St. Oscar Romero Today is the first opportunity we have had to celebrate the sainthood of Oscar Romero. Many Saints have long-celebrated histories of celebrations unique to them. But Romero’s feast day is an invitation for reflection on the holy life of this new Saint and to incorporate traditions that fit with his life and values. I can easily think of ways we’ve celebrated familiar feast days. Photos of deceased loved ones on All Saints, green milk on Saint Patrick’s Day, King Cake on Mardi Gras, red, glittery hearts for St. Valentine’s Day. How to Celebrate to Feast of St. Oscar Romero Admittedly I don’t have much practice with imagining ways to commemorate the life of an inspirational figure. But here are a few possibilities that come to mind, following his lead: Reflect honestly: Where do I notice social sin and speak out against it? Where might I? Do I stay with the story beyond the headline? How might I hold those who are being unjustly persecuted in prayer? How can I help them in more tangible ways during Lent and every day? Enjoy empanadas or tamales in celebration with Romero’s native San Salvador. Purchase and brew fair trade coffee or chocolate in reverence for the coffee growers and migrant workers Romero was supporting in his community. They reminded him of the image of God. Learn about the organization and people that grows and harvests one product you use. We Need Romero's Brand of Holiness Romero offers a rare and vital witness to a life that is uncompromising in Gospel values in the life of Church and state. For many, his witness is uncomfortable. It pushes past where we might prefer our comfort zone to stretch. This is exactly why we need him. His faithfulness is remembered today. In a special way, we celebrate his commitment to accompanying—even to death—those whom the world had forgotten and exploited. By contrast, whoever out of love for God gives oneself to the service of others will live, like the grain of wheat that dies, but only apparently…Only in undoing itself does it produce the harvest. -Saint Oscar Romero   In the same way that we depend upon the truth-speakers in our lives that will tell us when we have the proverbial “spinach” in our teeth, or when we have stepped completely (or even partially) out of line, we have a distinct need for Saints that challenge us to step outside of ourselves in faith on behalf of others. These treasures are few and far between. When we find them, we know in our bones the treasure they are. So it is with those not-so-quiet, holy companions who model for us and direct us toward a life of Gospel living. Saint Oscar Romero, pray for us! [bctt tweet="Why We Need St. Oscar Romero #BISblog //" via="no"]

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” // John 4:15 Thank you for these beautiful free wallpapers from Rose Harrington. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Chilly weather does wonders for bringing couples together. It’s no wonder that the month with the highest number of births year after year is September, followed closely by August and July. This means that in the coming months, thousands of couples will be on the hunt for that perfect name for their newest bundle of joy! Bible names consistently show up on the Top 100 Baby Names list. Who doesn’t love names like “Luke,” “Noah,” and “Sarah”? They’re classics for a reason! Not only do they roll off the tongue easily, they also bring to mind incredible men and women of God. It’s no wonder Christian parents turn to the Bible time and time again for worthy monikers! Unique and Usable Biblical Baby Names Despite the goodness of the classics, sometimes people want something that is both faith-inspired and unique. For that reason, we’ve sifted and searched for Bible names you aren’t likely to hear on a daily basis. You won’t find any of these on the list of top 100 baby names! Biblical Girl Names and Their Meaning Abilene // A city with connections to John the Baptist (Luke 3:1). Abi (pronounced ay-bee) is a catchy alternative to Abby. Abra // A soft, dainty version of the conventional Abram and Abraham. Ariel // Forget mermaids, the name means “Lion of God” and is a symbolic name for Jerusalem (Isaiah 29:1, 29:2, and 29:7). Bilhah // The handmaid of Rachel who mothers two of Jacob’s sons (Gen 29:29; 46:25). “Billi” would make a sweet nickname for a “bashful” little girl (which is what the name means in Hebrew). Cana // The place where Jesus performed his first public miracle (John 2:1-11); the name is smooth, pleasant, and feminine. Carmel // A place of great Biblical importance. It’s where Elijah slew the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) and also where Elisha raised a mother’s son back from the dead (2 Kings 4:25-37). Cilicia // Sounding similar to Cecilia, Cilicia (suh-lihs-ee-ah) was a Roman province where St. Paul was born (Acts 9:30). Delilah // She was loved by Samson but betrayed him (Judges 16). Are we going to let one person ruin a perfectly “delightful” name? Even the name Judas was redeemed by St. Jude. We’ll let you decide... Elisheva // Pronounced “eh-lee-shev-uh,” she was Aaron’s wife (Exodus 6:23). The common nickname is "Shevi" (pronounced like the car). Galilee // A place central to Jesus’ public life. It comes with the modern and powerful nickname of “Gal.” Jubilee // Every fiftieth year was to be consecrated as a Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:1-4, 8-10). There were feasts and celebrations, but even more graces and blessings. A little girl with this name is sure to bring about a lot of merriment! Plus, “Jubi” is a cute nickname. Junia // Imprisoned alongside St. Paul and referred to as “prominent among the apostles” (Romans 16:7). The name can be shortened to “Juni.” Keilah // A city which was rescued from the Philistines by King David (1 Samuel 23:1); it’s pronounced, “kay-lah”. Keziah // A daughter born to Job after his suffering (Job 42:14). Pronunciation options include “KEE-zee-ah,” “KEE-szhah,” “KEZ-ee-ah,” and “keh-ZYE-ah.” Regardless of which you choose, it comes with the adorable nickname, "Kizzy." Lois // An oldie, but a goodie! Plus, vintage names and comic books are making a comeback. Biblically speaking, it’s the name of Timothy’s grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Mara // After losing both her sons and her husband to untimely deaths, Naomi uses this name to refer to herself because it means “bitter” (Ruth 1:20). If you tie this story to the truth of the Beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4), the name takes on a beautiful and redemptive meaning. Martha // She may have a bad rap from her first appearance in the Gospel, but Martha shows amazing faith and comprehension of Jesus’ ministry after the death of her brother (John 11:23-30). Moriah // The name of the mountain on which Abraham intended to sacrifice Isaac; it is the same place that Jesus was crucified generations later (Genesis 22). Olive // The Mount of Olives is where Jesus’ Agony in the Garden occured (Luke 22:39-44). Phoebe // A disciple of Christ and friend (pun-intended) of St. Paul; she delivered his letter to the Romans (Romans 16:1-2). Priscilla // A strong woman who risked her life for St. Paul (Romans 16:4). The name is considered uptight by some and elegant by others (including Tolkien, as it was the name of his only daughter). Selah // A term used 71 times in the Bible, always at the end of a psalm, denoting a breath or pause, but also a finality and everlasting affirmation of the truth proclaimed. Tirzah // The exotic name of both a city and a woman. The city was majestic, conquered by Joshua, and loved by King Solomon (Joshua 12:24, Song of Solomon 6:4). The woman was one of five sisters who helped to bring about a change in the hereditary law of Moses (Numbers 26:33). Zibiah // A princess of Judah. Her son Joash became king and did “that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days...”, which says something about her own mothering skills and virtue (2 Kings 12:1, 2 Chronicles 24:1). “Zibi” is a sweet sounding nickname for any little gal. Zilpah // Leah’s handmaid who mothers Jacob’s sons, Gad and Asher. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Biblical Boy Baby Names and Their Meaning Abel // This name comes with the popular abbreviation "Abe"; Abel’s heart was oriented towards worship and gratitude (Genesis 4:1-16). Abner // A general in King Saul’s army (2 Samuel 3), this name is suitable for fans of King David and baseball alike. Amos // He was a minor prophet in the kingdom of Judah and a true social justice warrior. Bezer // A city of refuge (a place where a person who accidentally killed another could flee and not be put to death under Mosaic law). Thus the name is a reminder both of justice and mercy, and comes with the cool nickname of "Bez". Crispus // He was head of the synagogue at Corinth before being baptized by St. Paul, Crispus went on to become the Bishop of Chalcedon, and then later, a canonized Saint (1 Corinthians 1:14). Darius // One of the kings of Babylon during the time of Daniel (Daniel 11:1). Elon // Elon was a judge of Israel. Very little is known about him besides his name and the fact that he existed (Judges 12:11-12). Erastus // Talk about a masculine sounding name! Erastus was a public official in Corinth before become a disciple of Paul (Acts 19:22, Romans 16:23). Gad // This name means “good luck” and carries lots of strength. He was the son of Zilpah and Jacob, had seven sons of his own, and his descendants were strong warriors. They were responsible for guarding the north-eastern border of the Promised Land—no small feat (Genesis 49:19). Gideon // A name growing in popularity among Christian circles, the man was a reluctant prophet and judge who grew in faithfulness and humility (Judges 6-8). Hezekiah // A righteous King of Judah; God saved his kingdom from the Assyrian exile by sending the angel of death to kill 185,000 soldiers. “Hez” and “Ki” are short and hip options for nicknames (2 Kings 19:35). Jared // The great great grandfather of Noah (Genesis 5:15). This name is a little more common to the ear than the others on the list. Joah // An alternative to the popular names "Noah" and "Jonah". Quite a few "Joahs" can be found throughout the Old Testament. Malchus // Had his ear cut off by St. Peter and then restored by Christ (John 18:10). The fact that John mentions him by name in the Gospel could indicate that Malchus became a Christian himself, but there is no other evidence to support that belief. Micah // The name of an important minor prophet and a popular choice for many parents. It nearly makes the Top 100 Baby Names list, coming in around 107. Omar // The grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:15). Phineas // “Phin” is the popular and attractive nickname for this moniker. There are three different men who don the name in Scripture, the most prominent and virtuous being Aaron’s grandson (Numbers 25). Quartus // A disciple mentioned by Paul at the end of his letter to the Romans (Romans 16:23). Reuben // Though it’s a friendly name with a guy-next-door kind of vibe, the name has never been super popular. Perhaps because it belonged to the eldest son of Jacob who made lots of questionable decisions. Samson // A “strong” alternative to the classic "Samuel". Silas // One of the disciples of prominence mentioned multiple times throughout Acts and the Epistles. A popular name with modern-day Christians. Simeon // An alternative to Simon with a little zing to it. There are two Simeons in Scripture, the son of Jacob and the prophet in the Temple at Jesus’ presentation. Theophilus // An alternative to Theodore, but you still get to use the nickname “Theo.” The name is found at the beginning of Luke and Acts. It could be a person or simply a universal title for Christians as it means, “friend of God”. Tiras // One of Noah’s 16 grandsons (Genesis 10:2). “Ti”—pronounced like the men’s garment—is the typical abbreviation. Zebedee // With the accompanying nickname "Zeb", this name has a strong, no-nonsense, country-southern feel. Zebedee was the father of James and John (Matthew 4:21-22). More Faith-Centered Baby Names Naming your child is an important task, and an honor God, the Creator, shares with us. Naming your baby can be a joyful process you talk through with your spouse and the Lord. Here are some things to consider when naming your Catholic baby! If you're looking to name your little one after a Saint and want a unique name, too, here's that list. What are you favorite Bible names for babies? [bctt tweet="Unique + Usable Biblical Baby Names #BISblog //" username="graceswap"]

“Angela, be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Kelleher said to me on that spring day in 1991. “Amen,” I answered. “Peace be with you.” “And also with you.” What a day that was. Can you remember the moment of your Confirmation, sister? Be Sealed I remember that I was wearing a purple and pink floral dress with a corsage that had a white rose. My hair was french-braided down my back and I was wearing real life high-heels for the first time in my almost 14 years. My sponsor, my aunt Teresa, stood behind me with her hand on my shoulder, gently guiding me on my journey of faith. Eighteen years later, I was my husband’s sponsor as he went through RCIA and entered into the fullness of faith in the Catholic Church. Seven years after that, I watched from my place in the choir as a family friend sponsored my oldest son for his Confirmation. And again this spring, I will watch from that same place as my dad sponsors our second son. Confirmation Gift Ideas What a gift it is, friends, to walk with a young person as they complete the Sacraments of Initiation of our Faith. Our community prays for all young people choosing to be Confirmed. May they feel the stirring up of the gifts the Holy Spirit on their special day. Confirmation Gifts for Girls For your book lover, check out Emily Wilson-Hussem’s books I Choose the Sky or Go Bravely. Pink Salt Riot has a variety of necklaces and other jewelry that stylishly display themes and words of faith. Bee Still Design offers Rosary bracelets, medals, and lots of unique and beautiful pieces of art. And for the young woman who is looking to proudly display her faith to the world, Brick House in the City tees (or even a gift card!) are an amazing gift. Of course, in our own Blessed is She Shop, we have all kinds of wonderful gifts! The Catholic Journaling Bible and the Future with Hope tee are just two things that would make excellent Confirmation gifts. For saintly studies, consider the Study Time candle! Another favorite from the BIS Shop are the Miraculous Medal earrings which are gold and dainty and beautiful for all ages! Our stretch wrap rosary bracelet made by ChewsLife is also so lovely. We also have the Encourage Bible Verses. These 73 cards are 5x5 and press printed on 130lb paper. They are hand-lettered and perfect for memorizing Scripture and incorporating it more into their life! To encourage their personal, prayerful reflection, a lined notebook is a great gift. Confirmation Gifts for Boys These stained-glass and cross cufflinks are amazing and will be a reminder of his Confirmation day for years and years to come. With these Choose Your Catholic Saint keychains, you can probably find the medal of the Saint your confirmand chose as his patron! Personalize it further with (or without) his initial. This baseball cap from Just Love Prints embroidered with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s beloved phrase “Verso l’alto” ("To the heights") is another great option. Perhaps the young man would appreciate the Saint Michael prayer poster hanging in this room to remember and pray this powerful prayer. To help this young man get started in daily prayer, consider gifting Nunc Coepi, our prayer companion for a whole year. An heirloom piece like a watch or a compass engraved with a Bible verse, the date, or the young man’s initials are wonderful ideas for gifts from a parent or sponsor. Gift Ideas for Both Printable Prayers offers an invitation/keepsake for Confirmation for your loved one. Just Love Prints, Sweet Little Ones, and Someday Saints Designs all have beautiful, frame-worthy prints to commemorate the day. Queen of Heaven Gifts makes auto Rosaries for the older confirmandi who will be driving themselves around soon. The book Follow by Katie Prejean McGrady is inspiring and funny as it encourages your teen along their road of faith. Pink Salt Riot creates both a necklace and cufflinks with the Latin words “Totus tuus,” the papal moto of Pope St. John Paul II. Inspirational and beautifully made! Zuver Goods Co. has hand crafted hefty wooden rosary rings. Each rosary is hand finished with a coat of non-toxic shellac to accentuate the beauty of the wood. Comfortable and portable, perfect in their pocket or backpack! Telos Art offers a liturgical calendar on satin paper with a solid wood frame, wonderful for the newly confirmed to be more liturgically aware and invested. Providential Co. offers prints, candles, and prayer cards that are as modern and beautiful as they are faith-centered. Learn how to discern God's will in your life with Ascension Presents speakers Jackie and Bobby Angel, in collaboration with Fr. Mike Schmitz with Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God's Will. May God bless all the young men and women being confirmed this spring! May the Holy Spirit bless them abundantly and be with them always. [bctt tweet="Confirmation Gift Guide #BISblog //" via="no"] 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 was a beautiful day in May. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and all the flowers and trees were bursting with the beauty of spring. Upstairs in my daughter’s bedroom, a white dress and sweet little veil hung at the ready. It was the day of my oldest daughter’s First Holy Communion! Mass was to be at 5:30 that evening with a little party for friends and family earlier in the afternoon. Everything was perfect! Except one little thing. Our little communicant had a nasty cold. Our poor girl had a low fever, some watery eyes, and serious sneezes. When we told her that her party was going to be cancelled, she understood. We’d still celebrate her big day with cake and presents and lots of prayers and good wishes. We just couldn’t expose our friends to whatever germs she had. A Day She Wouldn't Miss But when it came to whether or not she would wear her godmother’s dress and finally, finally be able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, she simply wouldn’t hear of missing out. “Just give me some Tylenol, Mommy. I’ll take a nap before we go to church. I will be fine, I promise!” And she was! When it came time to leave for Mass, she had not even a touch of fever and more energy than she’d had for days. It made me realize, not just how much she wanted to be with Jesus, but how much He wanted to be with her, as well. What a gift that was to us as her parents and to her! And as for the gifts she would have received at her party? Well, our sweet family and friends showered her with them whenever they saw her over the next week or so. It was a lovely way to continue to celebrate her blessed day. First Communion Gift Ideas It’s such a marvelous day in any family’s life when a child makes their First Holy Communion. What grace we obtain when we see the faith and foundation of our Church pass on to the next generation! Oftentimes, we like to give presents or mementos. But sometimes, it can be difficult to find just the right gift to commemorate the occasion. In addition to the prayers you will certainly be offering, maybe you can find something on our specially curated gift list here to help! Gifts for Boys Little boys can be tough on Rosaries, but Rugged Rosaries makes theirs out of paracord and they’re nearly indestructible. Rough and tumble Rosaries for your rough and tumble boy! This St. Michael Rosary box serves double duty as it holds your guy’s new Rosary and looks really cool sitting on his dresser. This olive wood jewelry box and wooden Rosary by Bethlehem Gifts also provides a special Rosary for your loved one’s day. The olive wood is from carved from trees in Bethlehem in the Holy Land. For the little man who is a snappy dresser, this silver chalice tie/lapel pin is a must. Gifts for Girls First Communion is often a time when little girls get their first piece of “real” jewelry. A necklace or earrings in the shape of a cross are always lovely. If you want a legacy gift, consider the gorgeous vintage medals and necklaces from Trésor Bleu. Your favorite First Communicant could wear the necklace for First Communion, Confirmation, and even on her wedding day (if you select a blue medal, it could be her something-blue!). For a girl who loves to craft, check out these stamps and stickers she could use in her journal or Bible! Marzipantz and Marekmade are both make beautiful dolls of Our Lady and various Saints. Take a look early, though, because these are often custom-made items! These beautiful prayer cards of the Visitation would be perfect for entering into prayer time as a young lady! The Blessed is She Scripture lined notebooks are great for prayer journaling, list making, note-taking, or even writing letters! Gifts for Both Rise Up, in additional to the Rise Up Saint and Scripture cards, are ideal for your First Communicant! We also offer these little stickers, perfect for water bottles and folders! Printable Prayers offers a customizable First Holy Communion keepsake/invitation for your loved one’s special day and memory book. Someday Saints Design has these beautiful Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart gold foil prints. Perfect for framing and hanging in your home or for gifting! The Little Book of Prayers is a beautiful compilation of prayers of the Church and is a wonderful book as they continue their faith journey! Arma Dei offers this Holy Communion: Sacraments with the Saints craft kit with writing prompts and fill-in-the-blank spaces for the child to record what they experienced and learned on their holy day. Catholic Curio’s engraved pencils are a useful reminder to always keep their faith close at hand. Just Love Prints can personalize these great host and chalice or lamb prints as a special remembrance. And for some hands-on fun, you can’t go wrong with Fr. Leopold celebrating the Mass with LEGO! However you celebrate your First Communicant’s special day, know that we as a community are holding them and their growing faith in our prayers! [bctt tweet="First Communion Gift Guide #BISblog //" via="no"] 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!

Recently, my husband and I meandered into a Catholic shop we had never been to before. We slowly made our way through the aisles taking inventory of what was offered. I was in the back corner of the shop when I came upon a statue of a man peacefully sleeping on his side, his haloed head on a pillow. He wore a green tunic that enfolded his reclining body. His top arm rested on his side, his bottom arm was bent and cradled by the pillow, and his bare feet were laid out beneath him. Next to the statue was a flyer with a short explanation titled, “Pope Francis’ message about the devotion to sleeping St. Joseph.” The Goodness of St. Joseph St. Joseph came into my life almost two decades ago. I felt drawn to his faithfulness, obedience, and protection of Jesus and Mary. I also was drawn to his silence and the influence of his example. So I began turning to him in prayer. Since then, St. Joseph has interceded for me, guided me, and protected me. My husband and I pray novenas to him every year, and the results have born fruit through job opportunities, wisdom in parenting, and even the opportunity to purchase our current home (though we’ve never buried his statue anywhere). As a sign of gratitude for his patronage, we named our youngest daughter after him—Josephine. A New Image of St. Joseph This image of the sleeping St. Joseph was new to me, but I was intrigued. The flyer next to the display shelf explained that Pope Francis keeps an image of sleeping St. Joseph in his desk. When he has a problem, he writes it down and places it under the image, and he knows St. Joseph is working it out in his dreams. The first thing I thought after reading the explanation was, “That’s adorable.” I loved the idea immediately. However, as I’ve reflected on this devotion, I have realized that there are powerful connotations to the image of St. Joseph sleeping. The Power of the Sleeping St. Joseph The Lord spoke to Joseph three times through dreams. First, when Joseph had decided to quietly divorce Mary after learning of her pregnancy—itself a merciful decision that defied custom—an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She is to bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. -Matthew 1:20-21   The scripture emphasizes, “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home” (Matthew 1:24). Two more times “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.” Once, when God told Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). Another time was when the Lord called Joseph to bring Jesus back to the land of Israel (Matthew 2:19-21). Immediately after God spoke to Joseph, he responded exactly as he was told. St. Joseph Teaches Us to Rest One thing I have often overlooked is the fact that the Lord spoke to Joseph when he was in a state of complete rest. This realization struck me particularly hard because this year the “word of the year” I received from Jen Fulwiler’s word generator was rest. The past few years of my life have been rife with intense undertakings. I also struggle with insomnia, so the word "rest" has both physical and spiritual implications for me. Once again, St. Joseph is nurturing me, teaching me, and giving me a silent example of the disposition to assume before the Lord. When Joseph was faced with the dilemma of an inexplicably pregnant wife, we can assume he worked out the solution of a quiet divorce with great care and discernment, for Scripture reveals that he “was a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). Yet God penetrated Joseph in a vulnerable moment, in a period of rest, to show him another way. No matter how carefully Joseph strove to find a solution while he was awake and alert, God revealed to him the wonderful plan of salvation while he was resting. Sleep Implies Trust Not only was Joseph able to receive God’s astonishing plan, but he received God’s plan through the precarious means of a dream. He trusted the message, and he trusted the means in which God gave him direction. Joseph’s trust indicates his strong faith and his deep intimacy with the Lord. Joseph knew it was the Lord speaking to him. He was familiar with God’s voice in his life, which means he must have had a deep, consistent prayer life. It’s not enough to just rest, either spiritually or physically. We must know who we are resting with, or rather who we are resting in. While I’ve never received a message from the Lord in a dream, when I do sense God speaking to me, I often wonder if I am just imagining things. Or I question whether the prompting is true. I doubt the Spirit and hesitate to act. Yet Joseph awoke assured, ready to respond. He showed a holy animation, inspired and generated during a period of rest, that only comes from deep communion with God. Intimacy with God For me, the sleeping St. Joseph image is a model of the trusting, familial, vulnerable attitude I am called to have before the Lord. My prayer, under the tutelage of St. Joseph, is that I can develop a deep intimacy with God along with the ability to rest, so that when God speaks to me in my rest, I can trust His word and readily respond. I pray to follow Joseph’s example upon awakening, allowing the Spirit to animate me into holy action that realizes God’s divine plan in my life. St. Joseph, pray for us. Want to learn more about Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church? Check out this incredible video series with our own Beth Davis!   [bctt tweet="Resting with Sleeping St. Joseph #BISblog //" via="no"]   Jacqueline Hollcraft lives in central California with her husband and seven vibrant children. She is a lecturer in the English department at Stanislaus State, and she is an editor and contributor for The Daughters of Mary Blog. In her free time, she enjoys serving with her husband in their parish’s hospital ministry, hiking (especially in Yosemite), drinking craft beer, and reading or watching murder mysteries.

You have probably heard the popular Bible verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” But do you know the context of where this verse is in the Bible? It is nestled in Psalm 46, a short Psalm of twelve verses where God shows us how His activity invites us into stillness. The Psalm reads, “though nations rage and kingdoms totter, He utters his voice and the earth melts. The Lord of Hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7-8). It goes on to tell us that He “breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire; Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10-11). God's Activity Invites Us to Stillness The Lord of Hosts is with us and He does not want us to forget His power. He fights for us so that we can be still and know of His presence because He wants us to be with wholly His when we come to Him. Jesus Needed Solitude, Too It is true that our lives are busy and our world is overly-stimulating. But it is important to remember that even Jesus needed to get away. He, too, needed solitude. He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. -Matthew 14:23 Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed. -Mark 1:35   Jesus’ need for solitude gives us permission to seek out the same silence. We Need Silence Another good reminder of our need for quiet comes from Cardinal Robert Sarah’s book The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise: We must uproot ourselves from the world, from the crowd and from all activity, even charitable works, in order to remain for long moments in the intimacy of God... We all run the danger of being preoccupied with worldly business and concerns if we neglect the interior life, prayer, the daily face-to-face encounter with God... For silence is where God dwells. He drapes Himself in silence.   We are called to uproot ourselves from the world. But roots are strong right? If we have our roots in the world, how do we pull them out in order to find ourselves under the drape of silence with the Lord? I believe the answer lies in Eucharistic Adoration. What is Eucharistic Adoration? Eucharistic Adoration is the simple act of spending time in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, exposed on the altar. The Eucharist is often exposed on the altar in a ciborium or a monstrance. Some chapels or churches offer what is called Perpetual Adoration. This means that, with the exceptions of times for Mass, the Eucharist is exposed in the monstrance on the altar 24 hours a day, seven days a week. What is a Holy Hour? Although you can spend any length of time before the Blessed Sacrament, it is customary to spend one hour in Adoration. We receive this tradition from Jesus' words to His Apostles in Matthew 26:40: So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?   If you're looking for suggestions about how to spend your time in Adoration, I offer some ideas later in this post! A Communal Time of Adoration Sometimes, you might make a holy hour in a more formal setting with a group, like on a retreat. For these times of Adoration, there is a beautifully rich liturgy that consists of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (when the priest brings Jesus from the tabernacle and exposes Him in the monstrance), benediction (a special blessing the priest gives with the Eucharist), and reposition of the Blessed Sacrament (when the priest removes the Eucharistic Host from the monstrance and places Jesus back in the tabernacle). This is all accompanied with moving prayers and hymns.     How to Spend a Holy Hour Ready to make a Holy Hour? Here are a few practical tips to get started. Become Small When entering into prayer, think of how Jesus chose to come to us in the state of infancy. In such a small and weak state, He perfectly adored His Father, just as He did upon the Cross. This shows us the importance of practicing stillness in the form of littleness by putting aside our own judgment, our own will, and our own strength so that we, too, can more perfectly adore our Father in Heaven. Upon entering into this act of humility, make an act of faith that you are indeed in the presence of God. Enter into Silence with ARRR I pray regularly using the acronym ARRR which stands for: acknowledging, relating, receiving, and resolving. Acknowledge: Give God the messy. In your prayer, acknowledge all of the thoughts and feelings going on in your heart and mind. Don’t be afraid to share all of yourself with Him. Be honest with yourself and be honest with Him. Relate: Share with God all that you are acknowledging. If you are angry, sad, or disappointed, tell Him. If you are joyful and hopeful, share that with Him, too. Receive: After sharing with the Lord, ask, “God, how are you loving me right now? What are you trying to say to me?” Then, receive whatever it is that He has for you. This could be a word, a phrase, or even the Lord pointing you to a particular Scripture verse. Let that word, phrase, or verse really soak in. Let it “drape” over you and sit with it. Resolve: Make a resolution and be purposeful. What do you resolve to do after receiving what the Lord offered to you in prayer? This could be something as simple as journaling His word to you and going back to it daily. Or maybe it is something more active like confrontation or offering someone forgiveness. Spiritual Reading With spiritual reading, the goal is to to connect with God and to read with an open heart. A variety of spiritual books are appropriate for Eucharistic Adoration. Finishing the book is not the goal of spiritual reading, nor is walking away from prayer with more ideas or more smarts. Sometimes I find myself fighting against the temptation to cruise through a book because I have it in my head that I need to get through it and be on to the next. Instead, allow yourself to take time with your reading, page by page, and encounter God in each sentence. Reading too quickly can impede the opportunity for your heart to be filled and enlarged with the Holy Spirit. A great companion for settling into silence to hear the voice of our Father is the book I mentioned above, The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise. If you are hoping to grow closer to our Blessed Mother in your time of prayer, Ven. Fulton J. Sheen’s, The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God, is a book which helped me delve into the heart of Mary and tethered my heart more closely to hers. Another book you may not normally consider, but will give your prayer life an incredible encouragement, is Max Lucado’s You Are Special. This is a favorite childhood and adult book of mine. It will fill your heart with warmth as you recall how much God cherishes you! If you haven’t read it recently, it’s time to pick it up again! Any books written by Fr. Jaques Philippe are great companions for Adoration. Draw Close to Jesus: A Woman's Guide to Eucharistic Adoration is a beautiful book to bring to your Holy Hour! Journaling Journaling is one way in which I pray with ARRR. After spending time acknowledging what I am feeling, I journal to the Lord as my way of relating it to Him. I continue to do this when I am receiving His words. I often journal what I hear the Lord speaking so that I can go back to His promises to me. I also love to journal because it is a chronological list of how God has worked in my life. It reminds me that God is indeed faithful to His promises. Why a Holy Hour? I want to leave you with the deepest insight Jesus had for me while I was pondering the importance of being still. I was talking to my mom and asked her why she thought it was important to be still. Her answer was simple, “The best thing in life is to be with God. This is where all fulfillment comes from!” She went on to quote St. Therese of Lisieux who said: It is not to remain in a golden ciborium that Jesus comes to us each day from heaven; it’s to find another heaven, infinitely more dear to Him than the first: the heaven of our soul.   Run to Him in Adoration and find Him in the heaven of your soul! Live-Stream Eucharistic Adoration If, for whatever reason, you are unable to physically make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, you can adore Him via live-stream any time. Thanks be to God for this holy use of technology! A Holy Hour Cheat Sheet Are you planning to make your first Holy Hour? Or would you like to share about a Holy Hour with someone you love? {formbuilder:MTAwOTI0} We put together a simple guide explaining what a Holy Hour is and how to make one! You can download the full PDF here, or save as photos on your phone: Page 1 // Page 2 // Page 3 What is your favorite way to spend time in Adoration? Are there any books or prayers you regularly bring to your Holy Hour? [bctt tweet="How to Make a Holy Hour #BISblog //" via="no"] 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! 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

Who is this man we celebrate today? In the 4th century, Maewyn Succat was born in Britain to a family with Roman citizenship. At just sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish raiders during a raid on his family's estate. He endured six years of captivity in Ireland before managing to escape and return to his native land. When this boy grew up and became a priest, he took the name "Patrick," which had the Latin root "pater,” meaning "father.”. After years of studying the faith, he was ordained a deacon in 418 and a bishop in 432. It was then that he felt it was his mission to return to the place of his captivity in order to share the gospel. The years he spent in slavery there had provided him with an understanding of Irish culture, which helped him communicate the faith in a very relatable way. For example, he used the symbol of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He died about thirty years after his return to Ireland. At the time of his death, he had converted almost the entire island to Christianity, increasing the number of churches, monasteries, and Christian schools. In 2011, the Irish bishop’s conference remembered him as a “pioneer in an inhospitable climate”. The St. Patrick’s Day Tradition Irish immigrants to America brought their Irish tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s feast day with the first recorded parade, not taking place in Ireland but New York City in 1762. With the increase of immigrants in the 19th century, this celebration became popular. Today, it brings in about two million observers, and that doesn’t include the one-hundred and fifty thousand parade participants! History of the Parade This celebration, honoring both Ireland and the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York, was organized by Irish expatriates and Irish soldiers stationed in the New York colonies while serving in the British army. Fun fact: this parade took place fourteen years earlier than the signing of the Declaration of Independence! At the time when the parade began, the wearing of the color green was banned in Ireland. This was not so in the United States of America, so those in the parade showed off their freedom by wearing the color green and honoring their culture with song and dance. Following the War of 1812, Irish fraternal and benevolent societies assumed the responsibility of organizing the parade. You may have heard of “The Fighting Irish.” It is the name that the 69th Regiment (a National Guard Army unit) earned during the American Civil War. This 69th Regiment started to lead the parade in 1851 and have continued to do so to this day. Following them in the parade lineup are a number of Irish societies, including schools and colleges. Around 1851, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) became the official parade sponsor. The AOH is the oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization in America and there are over 46,000 members in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. It’s goals are to support the reunification of Ireland and the Church’s mission, as well as Irish culture. Overcoming, Just Like St. Patrick In the 1990, the parade was attacked for being too “traditional”. After 150 years of the parade being organized by the AOH, the control of the parade was transferred in 1993 to a separate, independent committee due to a controversy over religious beliefs. This controversy, however, did not have to do with redirecting the route of the parade. From the beginning, it’s been customary to march past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The only difference today is that this brings the marchers up 5th avenue, whereas the original St. Patrick’s Cathedral (now the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral) is located on Mulberry Street. St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral This cathedral was the first church of the Diocese, established by Pope Pius VII in 1808. Joseph Francois Mangin, the architect behind the iconic New York City Hall, is celebrated for his role in shaping the city's architectural heritage. His design of the City Hall, completed in 1811 and still in use today, stands as a testament to his vision and skill. When the cathedral was completed in 1815, it was the largest Catholic church in the United States. The interior suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1866, yet it was reconstructed and reopened on St. Patrick's Day two years later. Only eleven years after its replacement by the new Cathedral of St. Patrick on Fifth Avenue, the old cathedral was not left behind in memory. On March 17, 2010, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI honored the Old Cathedral by elevating it to the status of a basilica. St. Patrick’s “New” Cathedral While this Cathedral is no longer the largest Catholic Church in the United States (this honor goes to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.), it is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the country. The church covers an entire city block and it can seat 2,400 people. The new cathedral was built by Archbishop John Hughes, who announced at a ceremony in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral that he wanted “to erect a Cathedral in the City of New York that may be worthy of our increasing numbers, intelligence, and wealth as a religious community, and at all events, worthy as a public architectural monument, of the present and prospective crowns of this metropolis of the American continent.” The church stands across the street from the Rockefeller Center and today is considered one of the most apparent symbols of Roman Catholicism both in New York City and the United States. I think this would make St. Patrick proud, as he wrote in one of his letters: I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God. With the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City being celebrated over fifteen hundred years after his death, I’d say he is still very much a faithful witness. Have you ever been to the St. Patrick's Day Parade? [bctt tweet="The History + Meaning Behind the St. Patrick's Day Parade #BISblog //" via="no"]

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” // Matthew 17:5 Thank you for these beautiful free wallpapers from Brass and Mint Co. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I absolutely love spring. The last of the dirty snow piles melt away, the ice thaws, the gray skies slowly shift back to sunshine. Fresh breezes flow through open windows. The world around us begins to wake up. Trees fill with buds and leaves, a sure sign of the world coming back to life after a season of dormancy. And all the praise hands for the million potholes that finally get filled! Decluttering and Deep Cleaning Everything feels fresh and new, and the urge to declutter and lighten my space kicks in. It’s refreshing to scrub away the dust and dirt from the long winter spent inside. It's freeing to toss all the things that have accumulated with no real purpose over the last several months. I start thinking about ways to purge and simplify, as well as spruce up our space to make it more life-giving and peaceful. And while I love the springtime because of the opportunity to clean and declutter my physical space, I also love this season because it offers a chance to do a little spring cleaning in my soul as well. To scrub away the dirt and make space for new life and growth to happen. We may have the KonMari Method on lock, but what do we do with the things keeping us from joy in our soul? How do we clear the clutter in our own minds that might be holding us back from a life of true joy and deeper connection with God the Father? Spring Cleaning Your Soul Here are six ways to achieve a little spring clean of the soul this season. Purge negative thoughts and feelings. I love the Bible verse that says to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:15). To make space for more joy in our life, we have to intentionally “take captive” every negative thought and actively let go of it. Holding on to negative thoughts about yourself or your life is a stumbling block to a life that “sparks joy” everywhere you turn. For me, these negative thoughts often look like “I can’t do this” or “this will never work.” Time to sweep those thoughts straight into the trash! Intentionally swapping negative thought patterns for spiritual truths will lighten your soul and breathe fresh life into your spirit. I like to make a list of spiritual truths found in Scripture and stick it on my bathroom mirror. Reminding myself of who God says I am is a surefire way to rise above the negative thoughts I often sink into. Clear the clutter of unmet expectations and unanswered prayers. Once during college, I was talking with a priest. He told me to imagine walking up to the altar during the Consecration at Mass and laying on the altar everything I wanted to offer to God that day. Maybe a thorny relationship, a disappointment, or even a victory! I absolutely love that image. I often remember it as we kneel for the Eucharistic Prayer, asking myself what I can offer to Jesus at this Mass. As you work on spring cleaning your soul, consider if there are unmet expectations or unanswered prayers you can place on that table. Visualize taking them off your own shoulders and placing them before Christ. Offer them to God. He can carry the weight of the burden of deep disappointments or an uncertain future far better than we. Dust away old resentments and past hurts. As new life blooms all around us in springtime, we can ask God to breathe new life into our relationships, too. Are you holding on to resentments or grudges? They are taking up space in your mind and heart, leaving less room for joy and peace. This season, ask God to heal old wounds and mend any broken places. Invite Him to breathe His Spirit into any relationships that need mending. Ask God to scrub your heart clean as you forgive and are forgiven. This is a great time of year to consider people who need your forgiveness, and to extend that forgiveness to them. Lent is also the perfect time to make a thorough Confession. Receive all the graces offered through the beauty of absolution. Every time I go to Confession, it truly feels like God is scrubbing away a layer of dirt and film off my heart. It's like I can see more clearly once the dust is wiped away. This spring, consider how He might scrub your soul of sin through Confession. Ask Him to wipe away the film of anger or a past grudge that needs to be forgiven. Kick a bad habit to the curb. This, of course, is easier said than done. Put simply, bad habits are clutter in our life. And how freeing is it to stop rearranging piles of clutter and instead just get rid of it? We are all works in progress. This is not about striving for perfection or beating ourselves up about all the things we’d like to change. It’s simply an opportunity to consider what bad habits may have crept in over the long winter. Too much time on Instagram? Skipping the morning prayers? Snoozing the alarm every day? Choose one to kick to the curb. Evaluate your current spiritual routines and adjust as needed. Taking stock of where you are currently is the first step in creating a rich spiritual life that leads you closer to Christ. Honestly evaluate your current spiritual routines. Look at what your daily prayer life looks like, your Mass attendance, your reception of the Sacraments. Are there areas you want to grow in, like praying a Rosary daily or more frequent Adoration? Are there spiritual routines that need to be adjusted for your current season of life (for instance, my usual routine of waking up early to read the daily readings had to adjust when I was up all night feeding a newborn). Ask yourself what an ideal spiritual life looks like in practical terms. Consider where you are currently. Only then can you make a plan to get from point A to point B. Clean with and for God This spring, let’s meet God in the midst of our mopping and sweeping, dusting and decluttering. Let’s invite Him to show us what needs to get cleaned up in our lives in order to be more joyful and fulfilled. Let us cling to what truly “sparks joy,” which is a life lived in communion with Christ and accordance with His will for each and every one of us. [bctt tweet="Spring Cleaning Your Soul #BISblog //" via="no"]

Breaking up is never easy; it’s not supposed to be. Whether you’re the dumpee or the one breaking things off, both people experience pain. Navigating high emotions, memories, and questions about the future in the wake of a split is challenging, but this time can also be a springboard for the great plans God has promised you. How to Thrive After a Break Up Here are some practical tips for how to thrive after a break up. Make a Clean Break Cutting off communication is the hardest part of breaking up—no question about it. But, this is also the best thing you can do for yourself. Feelings of loneliness and wondering if breaking up was the best decision are completely normal. Still, it can be tempting to reach out. While talking to your ex can bring comfort in the moment, it prolongs time you both need to heal. Get ahead of the temptation to text or check in on their social media accounts (yes, all of them) by blocking their number and unfollowing them. Sound too drastic? Making a clean break seems jarring, but with it comes peace of mind. You won’t worry about checking your phone to see if they called, and you can breathe a sigh of relief when scrolling through Instagram. Allow yourself the gift of a quieter heart and mind in the weeks following a breakup. Remember, it’s not rude to set boundaries for yourself. In this situation, unfriending, muting and blocking are done out of necessity, not out of spite. If friends or family ask why you’re taking a seemingly drastic measure (or if you need a good reminder yourself), remind them this is a healthy way to create the space you need to heal. Create Your New Normal After spending weeks, months, or even years with someone at your side, it can feel like there’s a gaping hole in your routine. This is expected and totally normal. Rather than fixating on the void, create your new normal by returning to activities you love or trying something new. That pottery class that coincided with date night? Sign up! The animal shelter that’s looking for dog walkers? Give them a ring! This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your day-to-day, but it’s amazing how one new activity can breathe new life into your week. It’s also ok to feel uncomfortable, especially the first couple weeks of a new routine. Be gentle with yourself and allow time to adjust. Above all else, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. That means getting enough sleep (7-8 hours a night), working exercise into your schedule, and eating well. Caring for our bodies does wonders for our heart and spirit! Frequent the Sacraments Caring for our soul is just as important as caring for our physical body. How wonderful that the tangible signs of God’s love and grace—the Sacraments—are available to us! The Sacraments not only equip us with graces for healing, but they also allow us to encounter the Healer Himself. Breaking up leaves wounds, and there might even be wounds from the past that you carried through your relationship. Resentment, broken trust, the sting of rejection, and disappointment are natural responses. The hurt means the hope and joy you felt at the beginning of the relationship were real. Indeed, hope and joy are real, sister! Bring your wounds to the Father. Receive His grace at the sacrifice of the Mass in the Eucharist, before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration, and at Reconciliation. He’s waiting for you with open arms, eager to transform your aching heart with His mercy. Go to Him. He’s not afraid of your hurt or mistakes. Find Your Tribe God also gives us the gift of each other to accompany us in times of difficulty. As you get into the swing of a new routine, reach out to friends you haven’t seen in a while. Get together for coffee or catch up over a movie night. No matter what you do, sisterhood is always good for the soul. Now is also a great time to meet new people, but you don’t need to go out of your way to find your tribe. In fact, your future friends might be sitting around you every Sunday. Check the bulletin or ask your parish if there’s a young adult group that meets regularly. Catholic community can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and expanding your circle of friends. Speaking of holy friendships, look to our friends the saints for encouragement. Ask for their intercession and guidance here and now, and take a look at their life back then for inspiration. Luckily, we have thousands of holy men and women to reach out to in prayer. Not sure where to start? Here’s a short list of saint friends eager to help you: St. Raphael the Archangel, patron Saint of healing St. John Paul the Great, author of Theology of the Body St. Jude, patron Saint of impossible causes St. Augustine of Hippo, author of Confessions and famous for his struggle with lust Our Blessed Mother, she intimately knows the wounds of the human heart and consoles us like only a mother can Talk to Someone (Seek Counseling) Sometimes, relationships can leave us with more hurt and questions than we can handle on our own, and that’s ok! It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help. Whether you need tips for moving forward from a breakup or counsel to identify and heal past wounds, talking with a licensed mental health professional can be an incredibly fruitful experience. While a Catholic or Christian psychologist is ideal, don’t be afraid to meet with a secular mental health professional. He or she is there to listen and help you understand yourself and life experiences better. Rarely (if ever) will they offer advice. Counseling is a personal journey, and a good counselor is there to help you navigate the road when it gets rough. Be Gentle With Yourself C.S. Lewis wrote, “To love at all is to be vulnerable.” Vulnerability is an act of bravery. Relationships require a leap of faith. Both of these are good. These are the things that make us human and keep our hearts alive, redeemable. Rejoice in the glorious design of the human heart—from the depths of emotion to the heights of bravery. This doesn’t negate the fact that your pain is real. Pain is a signal that we live in a broken world; this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. That’s why Christ came into the world, to feel our broken hearts and mend them. Rest in this great truth, sister. Our Lord is patient and of great kindness. He desires the same for you. Be gentle and kind to yourself. Remember, Your Journey is Yours There’s no timeline for healing, and it’s not always a linear journey. Some days you might feel happy and whole, and other days you might find yourself missing the good times in your relationship. Again, completely normal and expected. Highs and lows are part of the journey. Remember that your journey is yours, and it’s ok that it looks different from others’. That’s why it’s important to take care to avoid comparison in this season. Relationship status does not determine your worth or success in life. Neither does being single mean there’s something wrong with you. You are unconditionally loved by a Man who died so He could spend eternity with you. We’re already part of the greatest love story of all time. Whenever you feel tempted to compare yourself to another sister’s season of life (single, dating, or married), call upon the Holy Spirit to console your heart and give you strength. If they’re dating or married, pray for their relationship. Ask the Holy Spirit to bless them, as well as the plans He has for them. This prayer pours grace over your friends and helps loosen the bonds of resentment and insecurity. Have you experienced a break up recently? How are you thriving? How can we pray for you? [bctt tweet="How to Thrive After a Break Up #BISblog //" via="no"] Emily Conklin is a writer and digital strategist living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Passionate about building authentic Catholic community for young adults, she enjoys volunteering with the archdiocese to support marketing efforts and create events. She's also an editor and board member at The Catholic Woman.

Grammy Award-winning Christian music artist Lauren Daigle’s “Look Up Child” has me thinking about this idea of “looking up” and what it means through the eyes of a believer. Daigle sings: Where are You now (where are You?) When all I feel is doubt? Oh, where are You now When I can't figure it out? Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say I hear You say Look up child, ayy Look up child, ayy… If You're Sad, Look Up My Dad would say, “If you are sad, go out and look at the sky.” As I listened to Daigle’s song and pondered my father’s advice, I know that looking up at the beyond has much to tell us about the Divine. What is this sky? With its daytime and nighttime wonders? A mystery, a majestic mystery, an answered question, a hope, a hope that things will get better? The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. -Psalm 19:2-3   For those who live near summits there is a never-ending call to look up. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? -Psalm 21:1   Being able to “look up, lift up” at sky is a gift that we often take for granted. There are many who don’t have that gift, at least not all day long. After a surgery, I could not get to my window to pull up the blinds. My sister, in her ingenuity, put a long piece of ribbon on the blinds so I could pull them up from where I was sitting. Today, I still have a small piece of that red ribbon on the cord and it reminds me of that kind gesture and of her. When I visit a nursing home, I am happy when I see someone pushing a resident outside to enjoy the air and the sky. Seeing Clearly My friend Betsy recently surprised her husband, Torrey, for his 70th birthday by telling him to just start driving. Several hours later, they arrived at their destination of Cherry Springs State Park near Coundersport, Pennsylvania. This is reportedly the only international Dark Sky Park on the east coast of the United States and the second in the U.S. overall. Since Torrey’s parents are from Norway, his trips back to that country have given him a great appreciation for star gazing and dark sky. There is “no light pollution,” he says. Besty and Torrey spent several hours under the sky at Cherry Springs in awe of the splendor of the meteor showers and the grandeur of the universe. Depending on the amount of cloud cover, visitors to the park can witness constellations, asteroids, The Milky Way, Venus, Aurora Borealis, Lunar viewing and much more. The moon and stars to rule the night, for his mercy endures forever... -Psalm 136 Finding the Light Great art often depicts the Holy Ones and Saints gazing upwards. Dominican Sister Plautilla Nelli was a Renaissance painter and the earliest known woman artist of Florence. Her painting titled “Saint Catherine in Prayer” from the 1500’s was so badly damaged that it took two years for restoration. In this sacred artwork, Saint Catherine is gazing upwards at black clouds. The conservator knew the Saint had to be looking at Divine Light. After the arduous work of cleaning and restoration, among the white clouds, a strip of yellow light was uncovered. To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul As I was recently reflecting about this idea of “lifting up,” it seemed trivial or a waste to spend any time on this thought of “looking up,” given our international and national concerns. But then I went outside, stood on my simple stoop, and spent some time looking up towards the heavens. A peace settled in and the cares of the day were easier to handle. Sky and star gazing might not be a strategy for creating world peace, but you never know. All of us live under that same expansive dome, in the same universe, under the protection of the One. A “lifting up” movement—with a lot less dropping down for incessant device divulgence—just might be what we all need right now. Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these... -Isaiah 40:26 [bctt tweet="Lift Up. Look Up. #BISblog //" via="no"][/vc_column_text] Colette M. Liddy is a higher education public relations professional with a background in producing news and public affairs programs for television, radio, and cable. She holds a master’s in pastoral ministry from Caldwell University, a certificate in “Media and the New Evangelisation” from the School of the Annunciation, Buckfast Abbey, England, and she is fellow of Bellezza & Verità, the Truth and Beauty Project, a digital media program in Rome, Italy.

What we buy and where it comes from matters. Shopping is a Moral Act Ethical shopping has become more of a hot-button issue as we’ve learned more and more how shopping is, as Pope Benedict XVI says, a moral act. If we buy clothing from a company that sources their materials through harming the environment, we give our consent for our common home to be destroyed. If we buy clothing from a company in which workers work in a dangerous environment or are given unjust pay for their labor, we ignore the needs of our sisters and brothers. Our purchases affect others, so we as Catholics must do our best to uphold the dignity of our fellow man. While there are many ethically-conscious companies out there, becoming an ethical consumer isn’t easy. For many, the price tag can be a big deterrent. But it doesn’t have to be! In fact, my wardrobe is made almost entirely of second-hand clothes, primarily from thrift stores. However, some of the pieces I am most enamored with (and get the most compliments on) came from a clothing swap How to Host a Clothing Swap A clothing swap is an excellent way to add new pieces to your closet without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s simple to plan and fun for all who attend. Follow these steps to host your own clothing swap: 1. Invite Set a date and a time and get those invitations out! You can start small by inviting your Bible study or women’s group. Or you can extend the invitation to all the women in your parish. Give your invitees detailed instructions from the start. Tell them to clean out their closets, drawers, and attics and pull out any gently used (and clean!) clothing and accessories they no longer want and get ready to swap! 2. Set the Room and the Mood Make it easy for your guests to find the perfect pieces for their wardrobe by collecting the items beforehand and organizing them by type. Set up a few full length mirrors and have changing room(s) available for people to try clothes on. Finally, have some snacks and coffee (or wine) available. The beauty of a clothing swap isn’t just in growing your wardrobe, but in the sisterhood it provides. Who doesn’t enjoy shopping with their girlfriends? 3. Swap! Don’t start the swap right away. Keep it fair by giving those fashionably-late ladies a chance to arrive. Give people canvas bags or a designated spot in the house to stack their findings while they peruse the piles or try stuff on. Remind people to be generous with others and to keep the fighting over that cute blouse to a minimum. I’ve never seen someone leave a clothing swap empty-handed; there is enough cute pieces to go around. And don’t worry if there are still clothes left after the swap! You can donate them to a local charity that collects clothes for the poor to spread that love a little farther. A Clothing Swap is an Easy Way to Shop Ethically And that’s all it takes! Just a few gal pals, a small space, and clothes you are ready to part with. A clothing swap is a fun event that brings people together and enjoy time as a community of sisters. It motivates you to simplify your closet and your home, while also helping you save money on new pieces. But, best of all, a clothing swap is a great way to help your community and build your wardrobe without compromising your morals or sacrificing the dignity of others to fast fashion companies. Have you ever been to a clothing swap? What was your experience like? [bctt tweet="Why (and How) to Host a Clothing Swap #BISblog //" via="no"] Carissa Pluta is a wife, mother, bookworm, and blogger currently living as a missionary in Birmingham, Alabama. She has Bachelor's Degrees in English and Communication Arts and has a deep desire to create and cultivate beauty in everything she does. Carissa enjoys hiking, Paul Simon, and drinking copious amounts of herbal tea. You can find out more about her here.

Join Blessed Is She on retreat, where Jesus will show you the importance of stepping away from our normal routines so He can refresh and refuel us.

The Kingdom of Heaven is near. it's just around the corner just under the veil. Oh, if I could just identify that corner that I might turn it. Oh, see the veil that I might lift it. If only I could see past my own perceptions to reach the freedom of the Kingdom of Heaven. How long must Truth be elusive? Like chasing my own Shadow. As real as it is, I can never catch it. The harder I try, the more frustrated I become. And yet—it remains. That elusive shadow of Truth— as close and as clear as it ever has been; for one and for all. So, I will give up the struggle and learn to play with my Shadow; learn to listen and appreciate such Truth. Some days, I will ignore it, knowing full well that my acknowledgment or lack thereof has minimal effect on the existence of such an elusive Shadow. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And the Ancestors, who have left us many clues, but even more questions, These Ancestors laugh joyously at our human foolishness; Our very human limitations that prevent us—keep us from entering The Kingdom more fully. So I will put on my white dress, and I will dance barefoot in the grass. Dance, I will. Yes! Dance to the beat of life itself. Children will laugh more than they cry And all around hope blossoms like wildflowers whispering of winters past. Dance to the rhythm of the radiant sun that casts out all Shadows, Reminders of what lies just out of reach. There will be times to console, time to cook, to cry, to consume; All the while Dancing That I might take my elusive Shadow through the Pearly Gates. Dancing all the way. Bridget Frese Hutchens is a curator of beauty, a steward of healing, and a seeker of light. She does this as a mother, a wife, a writer, and a nurse-midwife working in academia. You can find out more about her here.

Just shy of two years ago, I was in my home watching Beth Davis do a Teachable Tuesday talk on Instagram. She discussed letting God know your dreams. The idea was to invite God into your life to dream with you and to not let fear keep you from sharing the desires of your heart. I created a checklist of these dreams and prayed to God about all of them, even the ones which I thought seemed “unreasonable.” On that list, I included my desire to go on a Blessed is She retreat and to meet Beth Davis. Shine: The 2019 Blessed is She Retreat Fast forward a few years. I was on the Blessed is She website and saw that there was going to be a retreat in Chandler, AZ on a rare weekend that I had off work. The day I decided to go on the retreat and purchase my ticket, there was a flash sale, but only for that day. I was even more excited to see the names of the women speaking: Sister Mary Claire Strasser, Heather Khym and Michelle Benzinger from my favorite podcast (Abiding Together), and Beth Davis. Going Alone I would be traveling to Arizona from Colorado without knowing anyone else going on the retreat. But I knew I needed to go. It seemed like a leap of faith. Over the course of the months leading up to the retreat, I continued to receive small confirmations that it was meant to be. Perfect Providence I sold a painting I created based off of Beth Davis’ Teachable Tuesday talk on the dry bones and Ephesians. The day after I posted the finished painting on Instagram, I sold the piece. This sale helped fund my entire retreat weekend expenses (retreat ticket, flight, and AirBNB) almost exactly to the dollar. It felt like everything was coming full circle. I had a combination of fear and excitement whenever I thought about the Shine retreat. It would be the first time I traveled solo. I would be getting my first-ever Uber and AirBNB in my longest trip away from my husband and two kids. When the day of the retreat arrived, I was faced with the realness of spiritual warfare. I woke up with a throat so sore that I couldn’t speak. My flight was delayed multiple times. I landed in Phoenix with just enough time to check in to my AirBNB. My gracious hostess drove me to the church so I wouldn’t be late. I grabbed my swag bag and barely had time to grab some dinner from the buffet table before the retreat hall filled with the energetic music of Ike Ndolo and Mary Castner. Sitting down in disbelief, I said to myself, “I’m here. I’m actually here.” Oh, the Women I was blown away by how many women were at the Shine retreat. Though I don’t know the exact number, it was somewhere along the lines of 450 women. Many were from Arizona. There were others from California, Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia, and even one woman who traveled all of the way from Australia. There were college students, moms bouncing babies, single women, married women, grandmothers, and sisters. As we all sang praise to Jesus, I thought, “Women are alive in the Church and women are going to help heal her.” Everyone was very welcoming. For someone like me who traveled solo, it was easy to meet new people. I reconnected with a friend of mine from college who was also attending the retreat. This friend and I first met on a college retreat. We both knew it wasn’t a coincidence that we were reconnecting on a new retreat. [bctt tweet="Women are alive in the Church and women are going to help heal her. #BISblog //" via="no"] Time with Jesus, Time with the Body We listened to incredible talks about how God works to bring new life in the darkness. All of the talks centered around the retreat’s theme, “Shine.” We had time to reflect on this theme through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, small group discussion, journaling, decorating prayer candles, Confession, and singing praise and worship music. For me, one of the most powerful encounters with Christ was during the Vigil Mass on the last night of the retreat. All of the prayers candles that women had decorated during the retreat filled the church with light as we all celebrated Mass as a community. When Mass ended, the lights were dimmed as we knelt down for Adoration. The monstrance was brought down from the altar and was walked to every single woman in that church for a personal, one-on-one encounter. It was incredibly powerful, and I was a hot mess from all of the crying! The Retreat Doesn't End with the End of Retreat Chandler is just a short drive from Phoenix, which makes me think of rising from the ashes. A light/flame coming from the darkness. I’m still processing all of the graces I received from this retreat. I pull out my retreat notebook and re-read the notes from the talks or my reflections during Adoration. I’m seeking community with my Colorado Catholic friends to further develop my prayer life. What graces will God bestow upon you through the Shine retreat if you take the risk and dare to go? [bctt tweet="Let Your Light Shine: Braving Solo Travel to Attend the Blessed is She Retreat #BISblog //" via="no"] Amy Heyse is an artist and mother who lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her graphic design husband. You can often find her trying to squeeze in time for personal art-making between motherhood and working as an art instructor at a local paint and sip studio. You can find out more about her here.