Amazing Catechists Among Women

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Making a connection. Telling a story. Being a witness. That’s what amazing catechists do. As translators of the truth they seek to give away what they possess because it was so freely passed onto them. Doing that through a podcast is a very low-cost, effective way of evangelizing and catechizing in the digital age.

Over the last two years, several members of the Amazing Catechists’ team have been guests on my weekly podcast, Among Women. Created in Lent 2009, Among Women grew out of my years of ministry in local churches, and my special regard for women’s ministries.

The Among Women podcast and blog celebrates the beauty and grace of a Catholic woman’s faith and life. It’s faith sharing, teaching, and some good old-fashioned girl talk rolled into one. Each podcast has two segments: “Blessed are They” looks back on inspirational women who are either saints, mystics, blesseds, or women from the Bible. The “Among Women” segment focuses on conversations with contemporary women on themes that are important to women.

Get to know the women behind the bylines here at Amazing Catechists by listening to these Among Women podcasts, including the most recent episode, featuring Mary Lou Rosien discussing her new book, Catholic Family Boot Camp:

AW 125: “Spiritual Boot Camp” with Mary Lou Rosien

AW 122: “Star of the New Evangelization” with Robyn Lee

AW 121 : “Each Life is a Masterpiece” with Leticia Velazquez

AW 116: “The Advent of Advent” with Sarah Reinhard

AW 89:  “The Sacred Heart” with Ellen Gable Hrkach

AW 81: “Choosing Faith Amid Suffering, Part 2” with Peggy Clores

AW 80: “Choosing Faith Amid Suffering, Part 1” with Peggy Clores

AW 78: “Be An Amazing Catechist” with Lisa Mladinich

AW 43: “Lisa’s Reversion Story” with Lisa Mladinich

AW 30: “Cause of Our Joy” with Leticia Velasquez

AW 11: “The Snoring Scholar and Great Books” with Sarah Reinhard

Among Women has over 125 episodes on a variety of topics.  Its growth and success comes from social media contacts, church bulletin announcements, and, of course, word of mouth. Why not share Among Women as a resource for the women in your life and parish?

 

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“Icky and Cece and the Mysterious Mr. Thuan”

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Review by Claire Young

     Icky and CeCe and the Mysterious Mr. Thuan  by Donna Piscatelli, is a fun story that sees best friends and new sixth graders, Isaac Babcock and Cecelia Manning, through their first year at Crossroads Middle. This new school year is sure to be interesting. CeCe campaigns for respect for their seemingly endless American food supply, Icky builds a rocket, and the foreign custodian the kids find more than a little weird keeps finding his way into their lives. But Mr. Thuan ends up teaching them just how much other countries are hurting and how blessed they are.

I love CeCe, first of all, because she is so real. She is appealing, but not perfect; has her faults but is still likeable. She has problems that, sadly, a growing portion of the world can identify with. Her family is the victim of a painful divorce, and she and her dad seem to be growing farther apart every year.

But the kids in the book tend to speak better than they would normally (I am, instead of I’m, you are instead of you’re, and how will I instead of how am I supposed to). In smaller amounts, this could set a good example, but it is a bit unrealistic. They also, once in a while act a little younger than they are. Take superhero day. It was a well-written sequence, but sixth graders might have been more on the oh, please side of something like that.

I liked the iPod sequence a lot, but it was never really finished. She loses it and it isn’t ever mentioned after that. DeDe could have given it back after CeCe apologizes to her, or she could have come to terms with the loss, now that she’s realized how much she has.

The scenes with CeCe’s father, mother, and with Mr. Thuan I found very touching. Kids need to know there are adults in their family they can turn to when there’s a problem, no matter how old they are. They don’t have to solve everything by themselves.

And, finally, this book has the rare and wonderful quality of being noticeably Catholic without constantly reminding you to the point of frustration or getting right up in your face. The Catholic writing industry and everybody else, for that matter, needs more books like this.

[Claire Young is a homeschooled seventh grader]

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Review – The Church and New Media, by Brandon Vogt

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The Church and New MediaBrandon Vogt’s got everybody talking about how new media can serve as a tool for evangelization, catechesis, and inspiration. His book, The Church and the New Media, is a conversation featuring the voices of various online personalities who bring diverse perspectives to the discussion of how the rapid changes in media and technology provide a golden opportunity for the Church.

The authors who have contributed to the book discuss the impact of new media on the individual, the parish, the diocesan, and even a global level, with a wealth of practical recommendations and suggestions for online resources included in each chapter.

The book starts with a discussion of Catholic blogging and the various forms it may take. We may associate faith-based blogging with apologetics, but Fr. Dwight Longenecker argues, “I am not convinced that many souls are won by argument…the apologetics on my blog are woven into a much bigger picture of Catholicism. I want the reader to glimpse the power and the glory of the Catholic Church, but I also want them to glimpse the humanity and humor of being Catholic.” Jennifer Fulwiler echoes this idea in the story of her conversion when she writes, “What impacted me the most…was simply getting a glimpse into Catholic life.” These and other stories in the book point to the need for us to remember that the Internet is an open community where anyone may drop by. Honesty, grace, and charity should prevail in online interactions – and you can never know who might be reading without ever leaving a comment.

Later chapters include a very thorough discussion by Matthew Warner on the role of new media in the parish – this chapter alone is worth the price of the book, as it’s perfect preparation for a parish council meeting to discuss the need for a better website. There’s also a fascinating overview of the many innovative ways in which the Archdiocese of Boston has reached out to the greater community through every form of media imaginable – podcasting, radio, Internet, television, Facebook, Twitter…the list goes on.

Vogt concludes with a frank examination of the many challenges that our constantly-connected society faces – greater narcissism, superficial and relativistic conversations, the difficulty of putting down the smartphones and making time for contemplative prayer. His positive suggestions and outlook are complemented by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who reminds us that “the Church’s major challenge today is not that of educating her members about the real dangers of new technology – these are now self-evident – but rather of choosing to use it for the good, and learning to use it well. My hope and expectation is that this book will give the Church courage and wisdom to embrace New Media as one of the premier gifts of God to evangelists of our day.”

This book would appeal to readers on all points of the technology-using spectrum, from seasoned bloggers looking for new resources to folks who just opened a Facebook account and aren’t sure what to do next. It should be required reading for parish priests who want to engage their parishioners beyond just weekend Mass and to take advantage of truly building up the Church. And because 100% of the royalties from the book will be used to establish school computer labs throughout the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya, you’re making a difference the moment you choose to buy a copy – or three.

You can purchase this book here.

I wrote this review of The Church and the New Media for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source forBaptism Gifts and Catholic DVDs.

Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

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Review – Lino Rulli, Sinner. The Book, I Mean.

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Sinner - Lino RulliLino Rulli is the real deal. Fans of his “The Catholic Guy” show are familiar with his self-deprecating humor and honest approach to sharing his faith. Both longtime listeners and those unfamiliar with his work will enjoy Sinner, an autobiography which doesn’t shrink from the ups and downs of living out one’s faith in today’s sometimes hostile culture.

This is a conversion story in the sense of the daily examination of conscience, the constant turning away from sin, and the often difficult decision to continue down the path of faith even when the way may be unclear. Which isn’t to say that it’s all penitence and weeping; in fact, Rulli’s trademark wit makes this an enjoyable, often lighthearted travelogue through his spiritual journey. Cradle Catholics will enjoy his recounting of his childhood experiences and may recognize themselves in stories like this one:

I received the sacrament of Confirmation in eighth grade – and then promptly left the Church.

I”ve got a group photo of my classmates and me following our confirmation by Bishop Robert Carlson…I’m on the edge of the shot looking to run away. He had confirmed me and in doing so gave me the freedom to leave the Church. Yay!

What our confirmation teacher said was: “You are confirmed in the Catholic faith. you are adults. This means the faith is your own and it’s up to you to live it out.”

What we heard was: “Your parents aren’t going to force you to come to church anymore.”

It’s refreshing to read an account of a spiritual life with ups and downs, rather than a straightforward trajectory of growing in holiness. Because Rulli is both honest in talking about his own failings and hopeful in emphasizing the power of grace and the importance of repentance, his story makes him – and the Catholic life – very authentic and approachable.

I think this would be a terrific book to share with a young adult who may have bolted out of Mass with the same enthusiasm Rulli describes in his post-Confirmation self. He talks about Confession frequently in the book without ever giving the reader a knowing look that says, “when’s the last time you darkened the door of a church, hmmm?” And he uses humor without being irreverent towards anyone but himself…and a few other characters who pop up throughout the book.

The book isn’t a strictly chronological autobiography, and at times the back and forth leaps in time can be a little confusing. (Or perhaps I just don’t read closely enough.) I would have liked to read more about his life in showbiz, too, but that’s probably beside the point of the narrative he’s presenting. I would recommend this for older teenagers and above, as there’s one story about, well, a lady of the evening, and a slight sprikling of salty language. Did I mention its authenticity? But it’s enjoyable, often poignant, and very relatable – highly recommend.

You can purchase this book here.

I wrote this review of Sinner for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and Catholic DVDs.

Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.

I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

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A Savior is Born: A Poem to the Infant Jesus

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Oh Infant Jesus, Son of our Lord
Who spreads special love and is widely adored
You brightened the world on the day of your birth
And many years later, saved people on earth

Many people had seen and followed the star
They came from all over, some traveled afar
All came to praise You, the young and the old
Some came with gifts, like frankincense and gold

All those who looked in the manger and saw
The little Lord Jesus were filled with great awe
The Blessed Mother Mary gave birth to God’s Son
And Saint Joseph raised him, as God would have done

As He lay sleeping, on His small bed of hay
The people all rejoiced, He has come, praise the day
The shepherds, the angels, and the wise men of three
All came to gaze on the Savior to be

No one who came to the infant yet knew
All the wonderful miracles this child would do
He would heal the sick, and give hope to the poor
He would give all He had to His people and more

The Light of the World, the Savior is here
He will teach us and guide us and we’ll have no fear
He will bring us a message, the word from above
And that message is simple, the message is love

Far up in Heaven, the joy of Christ rang
The angels were smiling and happy souls sang
Come hear the good news, they said with great joy
Praise our dear Lord and His new baby boy

God gave Him a message, His one only Son
To save all his people, to make them as one
He was sent down to help us and show us the way
So we may be part of God’s Kingdom someday

The Infant Jesus came as God’s Eternal Light
A light that shines forever, so clear and so bright
I will follow that light till the end of my days
I will worship my God and give him my praise

I celebrate His birthday at Christmas each year
A day that fills people with laughter and cheer
The presents don’t matter, but I know what does
My Jesus, who will be, is now, and who was

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The Annunciation

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The Baker-woman in her humble lodge
Received a grain of wheat from God.
For nine whole months the grain she stored

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Make us the bread, Mary, Mary
We need to be fed…

Traditional hymn, translated from the French by Hubert Richards.

 

Theotokos is the Greek term used to describe Mary, Mother of God. The Madonna God’s instrument in redemption; the virgin-mother who fulfils Isaiah 7:14 and links heaven and earth.

The central focus of this feast is the Incarnation of God Made Man, of whom it was said “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” [John 15:13].  The Gospel of Luke tells us that Archangel Gabriel proclaimed to Mary that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Christ. Since it is practical to presume that Jesus was conceived then, immediately after this.

We celebrate the Annunciation nine months before Christmas Day, on 25 March. The word is from the Latin annuntiare, to announce.

We are all encouraged to emulate Mary, Mother of God – and yet sometimes, we are discouraged from doing so because we know we can never be as holy, as blessed, as at one with God. But the point is that just as Mary gave her “fiat” (let Your will be done) and consented to do God’s will, so must we be “handmaidens of the Lord”.

 “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-34)

Jesus, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, became the Logos (“Word”), and dwelt among us. This is why in the Nicene Creed we say by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.

Mary and Joseph were not yet married; so she asked Gabriel how that would come to pass. He replied that the Holy Spirit and the power of God would descend upon her, and that the child to be born would be called Holy; the “Son of God.”

Gabriel had another surprise; he told Mary that in her old age, her cousin Elizabeth had also conceived a son in her old age; for God, “nothing is impossible”.

In the Annunciation, which is not a Holy Day of Obligation, we remember both that Jesus was made man to save us, and also that Mary said yes to God. Most of the paintings of the Annunciation present the occasion as one of prayerful joy, with the angel on the left side and Mary looking towards him in wonder, or in prayer.

In some pictures, Mary is kneeling – in others, she is seated on a chair that looks like a throne, to show her high holy status.

Sometimes, Mary is spinning yarn of a red hue, recalling the curtain of the Temple in Jerusalem. In some other pictures, Mary’s hand is raised, to indicate that she has accepted the blessing, and the invitation to become the Mother of the Saviour.

Different paintings give different interpretations of the Annunciation – it is interesting to note how in some of them Gabriel appears to be running, as if he is in a hurry to spread the Good News. Sometimes, however, the Archangel is presented kneeling, and his right hand and that of the Virgin Mary reach out to one another, but do not touch.

When we see the Archangel holding a staff, it is to indicate that he is a messenger – if he holds a lily, it symbolises the purity of Mary.  When the right hand of the angel extends toward Mary, it signifies that he is passing on God’s blessing. Sometimes, the angel’s hand is raised, his finger pointing towards heaven.

The Annunciation is usually the first of The Seven Joys of the Virgin, which date from medieval devotional literature and art. However, different lists give different instances in the life of Our Lady. It is noted that originally, there were five joys of Mary; later lists had seven, nine, and even fifteen.

Mother Church teaches that the divine nature of the Jesus remained distinct from His human nature; He was God and man simultaneously. Saint Athanasius taught that Jesus was the incarnation (“made flesh”) of the second person of the Trinity.

The First Council of Nicaea (AD 325); the Council of Ephesus (AD 431); and the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451). These councils affirmed that Jesus Christ was begotten from, but not created by, the Father; and fully man, and that He took His human nature from His Mother. In layman’s terms, Jesus is Son of God on his paternal side and Son of Man from his maternal side. The essential nature of Jesus Christ is that in which the divine and the human are hypostatic, and the Son of God became a man so that he could save us from our sins.

Many people still abstain from meat during all of Lent, and not just on Fridays. This brings us to the question of whether, especially if the Annunciation and Saint Joseph’s Day fall on a Friday, it would be permissible to eat meat.

The Annunciation (also known as Lady Day) is a solemnity, like Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and Christmas, Trinity Sunday, the Feasts of Saint John the Baptist, Saints Peter and Paul, and Saint Joseph, as well as other feasts of our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A solemnity, for which the Liturgical Vestments are generally white, is the highest-ranking of any feast in the Catholic liturgical calendar, considered as important as a Sunday, which is never a day of abstinence or fasting. Indeed, the Code of Canon Law (Can. 1251) states that:

Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday.

 

The Angelus

The Angelus reminds us of the Incarnation.  The name of the prayer is derived from its opening words.

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.

V. Ecce Ancilla Domini.
R. Fiat mihi secundum Verbum tuum.

Ave Maria…

V. Et Verbum caro factum est.
R. Et habitavit in nobis.

Ave Maria…

V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genetrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus: Gratiam tuam quæsumus, Domine,
mentibus nostris infunde;
ut qui, angelo nuntiante,
Christi Filii tui Incarnationem cognovimus,
per passionem eius et crucem,
ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur.
Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

—————————–

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the power of Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to your Word.

Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glory be…

 

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Guest Post: Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

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I am very pleased to be joining in here at Amazing Catechists to give away a copy of three of my book titles:

Catholic Saints Prayer Book, A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayers, and Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers, all from Our Sunday Visitor!

Lisa Mladinich has reviewed my book Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers. She graciously said: “Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s delightful pocket-sized volume, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers, is like all her work in that it comes from the depths of her heart. But it is so much more. Yielding her days, moment by moment to God through the example of Our Lady, and guided by the extraordinary teachings of the Catholic Church, Donna-Marie has received along the way the luminous and enduring grace of a mother’s wisdom, which she shares with affection and humility.

I always light up under the influence of this wise and tender friend to women; one who has prayed, suffered and rejoiced with Our Lord through all of life’s varied moments in an attitude of trust. This little book makes me think of a garden, with its smaller beds of ferns and flowers, overflowing with life and beauty. In each chapter, you’ll discover small blossoms of scripture, quotes from popes, saints, and the Catechism, traditional and original prayers and poems, and personal thoughts for meditation.

This compilation is a wonderful gift for every mother or grandmother who needs a reminder that her hidden life of dedication to her children is “an integral part of the means to their salvation,” and that God’s grace is available to her in abundance for their every need. Like the author herself, the Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers is here ‘…to assist you in keeping your heart always lifted up toward Heaven, communicating with the Divine, even as your hands are occupied with household and motherly tasks.’ Highly recommended.”

Have a quick look at this brief book trailer for my upcoming book, Embracing Motherhood due to be released in early January and available at my website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

http://viewdomesticchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/embracing-motherhood-book-trailer.html

Have a beautiful Advent and a very holy and happy Christmas!

Donna-Marie

 

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, noted as one of the top ten most fascinating Catholics in 2009 is a world-renowned author, and journalist, and EWTN-TV host of “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms. She is also a Catholic wife and mother of five, a Catechist, and speaker.

She was blessed with a decade-long friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and passionately encourages others to follow in the footsteps of her blessed friend—caring for the poorest of the poor. Mother Teresa constantly encouraged Donna-Marie to continue writing for mothers, women, and families.

Donna-Marie was invited by the Holy See in 2008 to participate in an International Congress for women at the Vatican to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem. Her books and writings are centered on faith and family. She has nine books published thus far and several to be released in the near future.

She has received awards for her work and the prestigious honor of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic blessings on her books and work.  She has also received Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic blessings, commendations from bishops, as well as letters of commendation from Catholic clergy.

Donna-Marie is a frequent guest on national and international Catholic radio including the “Vatican Insider” and has been profiled many television shows including Faith and Culture on EWTN, and on EWTN’s Bookmark with Doug Keck, “Crossroads Magazine” show.

Her writing can also be seen on the web in columns and websites and magazines and newspapers. She has written for the English edition of L’Osservatore Romano (Vatican newspaper), The National Catholic Register (national), Our Sunday Visitor (national) newspaper, The Catholic Transcript, The News Times, The New Milford Times, Hearth magazine, Canticle magazine, Lay Witness magazine, Faith & Family magazine, CarbLite magazine, on the Web—many areas, including Catholic Exchange, Catholic Online, her column at Catholic Mom.com, Catholic Lane, and a parenting column for Irish Family Press (print edition), a Catholic weekly newspaper published in Ireland and also its online version. Learn more at Donna-Marie’s website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

 

 

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What is Catholic fiction? by Karina Fabian

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What is Catholic fiction?  This is a question we’ve bounced around in several of my Catholic writer’s groups, and the answer is never quite the same.

I think everyone can agree that just because a book has Catholic “trappings,” it does not have to be a considered a Catholic novel.  Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code is a good example. For a story to be Catholic, then, it has to at least treat Catholicism positively.

For some writers, any book that supports our Catholic beliefs is Catholic, even if it doesn’t have the “dressings” or a rosary, a cathedral, a Mass…  Michelle Buckman, a best-selling author in the secular, Christian and Catholic fiction markets, considers her works Catholic in this way.  You will find the ideals of pro-life, reverence, and faithful devotion and even the idea of Confession.  However, to be acceptable to secular and Christian publishers, she had to remove the physical expressions of those ideals.  However, her two most recent books, Rachel’s Contrition and Death Panels, are very strongly Catholic.  The wonderful irony is, people feel “safe” enough with her other stories, that they took a chance on Rachel’s Contrition and made it an Amazon Best Seller in women’s fiction.

For my husband, Rob, and me, the definition of Catholic fiction is a little narrower.  We think Catholic fiction must both support and express Catholic beliefs materially.  This is the approach we took with Infinite Space, Infinite God I and II.  You’ll find Catholic characters and situations, the Church as an active entity, and faith as a force for good.  If you took the Catholic elements out, you would lose a vital part of the stories.

One thing we think is NOT a requirement is that the story preach Catholic beliefs.  This is a stickler for Rob and me, because we get very annoyed at stories that are more about the message than the characters or plot (even when we agree with the message).  In some ways, we think this sets Catholic fiction apart from a lot of Christian fiction–many Christian books are about the message.  This really, however, is more about the purpose of fiction.  Fiction tells a story, and the message or moral should come out naturally in the story.

If you have to lecture (even by having your characters lecture out loud or in thoughts) or you have to make your characters do things that are out of their character in order to put them in a situation that delivers your message, then you’ve sacrificed your fiction to message.  Write an essay, make an addendum, but give us the story and let the message shine through–or not–on its own.

The definition of Catholic fiction is going to vary by publisher, writer and reader.  Personally, I don’t think it should matter overmuch.  Fiction is about the story, and as a writer, I should not be concerned with whether my story is “Catholic” per se.  I should be concerned with telling the best story ever–whether it takes place in the Confessional or in the back booth of a bar.  As a reader, I want to be entertained, and if there’s a message to be found, let it come to me in the poignant moment of the hero’s tale and not in the fancy monologue he makes to the villain.

Those are the stories that not only earn the title “Catholic Fiction,” but also “Fiction to be Read Again.”

To enter to win a .pdf copy of Infinite Space Infinite God II, please leave a comment!

Here’s the trailer for Infinite Space Infinite God II!

Karina’s many sci-fi and fantasy genre books, plus her book on Catholic spirituality, can be purchased at Amazon.com.

For more information about her writing, workshops, and more, click here.

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A Christmas with Christ: Finding Joy Each December, by Alexander J. Basile

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Enter to win one of THREE copies of Alex Basile’s beautiful new book by leaving a comment!

 

Christmas is one of the great feasts of the year, and this book is itself a feast of Christmas faith. Alex Basile has gathered lore and history, songs and recipes, garlands and symbols, and shown them all to be emblems and heralds of the Great King who comes our way. He calls to witness voices as varied as J.R.R. Tolkien, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Charlie Brown, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Christmas season brings out the best in everyone, including authors. In this book by Alex Basile (an author I love), it has brought forth the best from the best.

– Mike Aquilina, author, editor and vice president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology based in Steubenville, Ohio.

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Lisa Hendey and Her New Book!

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Guest Post: by Lisa Hendey

Plus: Enter to win one of her books! (see details below)

One of my favorite aspects of writing A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms was the task of compiling the “Saint-Inspired Activities” section of each of the fifty-two chapters. In this portion of each chapter, I recommend two activities to help families come to better know and love the saint being discussed. These are simple, weeklong projects — one for Mom and one for her to do with her children — that are designed to underscore the virtues of the saints.

As a “craft impaired” mom, I’ll admit that the children’s activities are very simple tasks to enjoy together, topics to discuss, or projects that can be easily carried out with no trip to the store. My hope is that these “hands on” ideas will help moms, teachers, grandmothers, religious, or others working with children to bring the lives of the saints truly to life. These holy men and women who have gone before us have so much relevance to the times we live in — their sanctity, but also the manner in which they were able to overcome the struggles of their own times, can be a great light for those of us who are endeavoring to lead lives that grace-filled and saintly.

I included these activities for children because I know from my own time with my sons when they were younger that often in teaching the faith to our children, we discover new richness in it for ourselves. These activities are not intended to be another “to do” item on moms’ already very busy lists, but an optional way to joyfully explore the saints with those we love most.

Thanks, Lisa!

Click Here for Lisa’s Book Trailer:  A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

 And Read my RAVE Review Here

We’re so excited to be giving away copies of both of Lisa’s books! A Book of Saints and The Handbook for Catholic Moms! See giveaway details Here.

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