Deanna Bartalini, Author at Amazing Catechists

Grow in your faith at Inform, Engage, Inspire

Are you a catechist or parent looking to be energized? Do you want to learn more about scripture? Are you a director of faith formation looking for something to offer to catechists or parents? I have an answer for you! Become a part of An Every Day Catholic: Inform, Engage, Inspire.

What is Inform, Engage, Inspire?

It is an online community of people interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. I have webinars which I offer live and then record to keep on the website. In my experience, people are searching for information and answers, stated in ways that are straightforward and easy to understand. My goal is to share the truth, beauty and goodness of Catholicism.

What kinds of topics do you cover?

Our past webinars include a series on Grace in the Catechism, scripture and saints; The Call to Abundance which explores the life Jesus offers us; Inspired for Freedom talks bout how to live out our Christian life. We also hosted a book study on What to say and How to say It by Brandon Vogt.

What is your next offering?

In August, we will begin a Bible study on the Book of Acts which I am very excited about. Acts has 28 chapters, which we will cover from Aug 5 to Sept.2. I have written a downloadable study guide which includes an overview of Acts and questions for discussion and personal reflection. Each evening we will meet using a Zoom link and I’ll give an overview of the chapters for the week and then discuss the questions. The point of the webinars is not just to listen to a lecture, but to engage with each other and ask questions.

What do participants need to do?

The best way to learn about God’s word is to read and study it. It will be helpful to read the chapters ahead of time, answer the questions and note any questions you have. If that’s not possible, come to the webinars anyway – you will still get something out of our time together.

Is there a cost for this?

Yes and no. The study guide is $7 and while optional will allow for greater participation. There is no charge for the webinars, though you can give a free-will offering at the end of the study.

What is your experience teaching Bible study?

I have served in parish ministry for over 40 years as a catechist, director of faith formation for children and adults, youth minister, prayer leader, retreat leader and stewardship director. I also have a master’s degree from Loyola University. I have always been involved in facilitating and teaching Bible study even when it wasn’t my job. I’ve published a study Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life with Our Sunday Visitor.

How can I sign up for the Acts study?

It’s pretty simple! Click on Study of the Book of Acts, enter your email address and you’ll receive all the information you need. You can also email me (Deanna) at dgbartalini(at)gmail(dot)com.

Always Discerning, An Ignatian Spirituality for the New Millennium by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J.

By Deanna Bartalini

I have had this book by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J. for 2 years sitting in my to read stack, always near the top but somehow getting overlooked. Maybe it wasn’t time before now.

This book was excellent; of course, since it was written by someone “hailed as a world authority on Ignatian spirituality” it would be. But it’s not a heavy, textbook read. It made so much sense. I was taking pictures of the text and sending them to my friends and posting them on social media as I read. It is a very accessible book. I often feel like I am “always discerning” and it can get overwhelming and tiresome, not only for my brain but possibly others, if you know what I mean. Which you do if you are also “always discerning.”

The topics covered range from discerning in a Christian way, the great discernments in our life, why discernment is good, desolation and consolation in relation to discernment, gratitude and putting it all together. Each part has 4 to 6 short chapters, a section called “Touchstones” at the end of each part and a beef excerpt of a talk, homily or letter (usually, but not always) from Pope Francis. Fr. Tetlow also begins each chapter with a quote from Pope Francis. A feature of the book format I loved are the callouts, highlighting a key point on various pages.

One idea that has really stuck with me is about engaging our heads, hearts and hands in discernment. It is not about one of those aspects, it’s about using all of them to live out our baptismal call. The chapters on consolation were a help to understanding the concept better and seeing it in my life. He says, “but in fact, just accepting, on a dull workday morning, that God has made me holy is, in itself, a spiritual consolation.” Another often recurring theme in life is detachment, that line between wanting what is good and becoming consumed with it, letting the desire control you. Think about this instead: “Spiritual detachment requires accepting my true feelings and ideas but wanting to follow them insofar as they lead me toward God.”

There is much wisdom in this book. And it was written for us, in our time, using contemporary examples and writings to respond to them. Whether you are a student of Ignatian spirituality or not, you can gain much by reading this book. I know I will go back and read different sections again, as the need arises in my spiritual life.

Always Discerning is available on Loyola Press and Amazon.

Sharing your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips and Testimonies, by Nancy H.C. Ward

By Deanna Bartalini

I believe we all have a story. And it’s not done until we have left this world for heaven. I love other people’s stories, reminding me of how God pursues us all differently; the still, small whisper is heard in different ways for different reasons and each of us responds differently. The power of stories is not only the differentness of them all but the sameness of them all. I think if we share our faith story it draws people to us and to God. The problem is, how do you do that? We talk about knowing Jesus personally and the new evangelization, but how does one explain that to those who don’t have those words or ideas in their consciousness as I do?

Nancy Ward has laid it all out for us. No joking here or over exaggeration. I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a glimpse of who Nancy is as an individual. Her faith journey as a convert is laid out as an example of how to tell your own story. But she goes further than an example. She gives us the steps, one by one, with instructions, on writing your testimony and using it.

We don’t tell our whole story each time or the same one; it varies based on who we are speaking to, where, why. We share what is necessary for the person to hear, in evangelization starting where you are is not helpful, you must begin where the other person is, otherwise it’s as if you are talking about yourself for your own edification! And I don’t think that will help evangelize anyone.

If you have ever thought you’d like to talk more about how God moves and works in your life but wondered how this is the book for you. I have, like Nancy, been a part of many groups in the Church; Cursillo, Charismatic, Magnificat; both as a participant and a leader. This is the first time I’ve read a book that lays out how to tell your story. I think it would be very helpful for all those who serve in parish ministry. Your story can be an authentic witness to your faith journey. We need authentic witnesses to speak in love to others.

But it is also for those who want an answer at family dinners and work lunches and neighborhood conversations. You know, all those times you want to say something but hold back, if you prepare yourself, you’ll have a response that you can be confident about speaking aloud, not just in your head hours later.

That’s what this book can help you with, gaining confidence in telling your story. If you want that, get yourself a copy!

PS: The second section of the book is a collection of other people’s testimonies. Read them to remind yourself that God is at work.

Gaze Upon Jesus – Book Review

By Deanna Bartalini

Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ’s Childhood through the Eyes of Women is a beautiful book that helps us enter into the scriptures with the help of many women: those in the scriptures themselves, like Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna–and then the women who wrote the book!

Based on the Gospel stories of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, the Flight into Egypt, and the Finding in the Temple, there is something for everyone, whether you want to read a fictionalized account of the Gospel, dig more deeply into the historical and biblical accounts, or meditate on beautiful art.

There are also discussion questions and suggestions for putting what we’ve read into action. Isn’t that one of the main reasons to read and study scripture, to make it a part of us and our lives? There is no point in reading God’s Word as if it’s like a novel, enjoyable thoughts that never cross from the head into our soul or daily life. Gaze Upon Jesus provides context for discussion, and the questions help you to make connections that you otherwise might miss.

As the editor, Kelly M. Wahlquist has put together a volume that can be used during Advent or any time you want to delve more deeply into Jesus’ birth and early years. Read it on your own or in small groups. Personally, I find a small group better helps me to internalize what I’ve read, but I often read and study on my own. Either way, the rewards will be great.

I highly recommend this to those who are taking their first look at Jesus in the Word, as well as those who are looking for a different type of study. This study engages you on many different levels, and that is what is so appealing about it.

For more information or to order, go to Ave Maria Press.

Staying Connected

By Deanna Bartalini

Do you remember when your telephone was connected to the kitchen wall? Or how about when your computer was connected to a jack in the wall and you could hear the sounds of being connected to the internet? I’m sure now most of us walk around with our phones in our pockets and can move our laptop or tablet anywhere we want. But we still manage to stay connected, especially for the important people in our lives.

How are you doing at staying connected to God these days? Need a little boost? I have one for you! A new series of Bible studies called the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women. We will roll out 3 books, The Gift of Invitation by Allison Gingras, Exploring the Catholic Classics by Tiffany Walsh, and Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life by Deanna G. Bartalini (that’s me!)

These journals will help you stay connected to God by being in his Word, which is so powerful and edifying. You will learn how the Holy Spirit can change your life by growing in the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are 7 short chapters which include real-life stories, scripture, prayers, questions, and space for writing personal reflections.

I invite you to take a look at the video and get more information on pre-ordering these books.

Advent JOY Lesson

By Deanna Bartalini

The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means joy. I planned an Advent gathering for the families of our parish for Gaudete Sunday. Here is the outline and activities:

Opening Prayer: Use the 3rd Sunday of Advent prayers for lighting an Advent wreath. Include a song if you’d like.

Short Teaching: Explain the purpose of the Advent wreath and the colors and why we use the pink candle today for joy. I also include an explanation of JOY as an acronym for Jesus, Others, You. You can read more about that here.

Craft: A set of 3 votive candles wrapped in colored paper with the letters “J” “O” “Y” on each to spell out JOY. You can use letter stickers or handwrite them. (I would do one set per family.)

Imaginative Prayer: Read Luke 2:1-20 slowly, asking everyone to close their eyes and visualize what is being read. Ask the group what they noticed, how they felt.

Closing: A birthday cake for Jesus. You’ll need to bake the cake ahead of time and then add the other elements when you are with the group. Here is an outline for the cake:

1. Make it round — like the never-ending circle of His love for all of us.
2. Make it chocolate — like the darkness our sins brings to us and others.
3. Make it covered with white frosting — like His purity covering our weakness.
4. Top it with a yellow star and put an angel —bearer of the first glad tidings.
5. Put twelve red candles on top — like the twelve months of the year that Christ is our light; red for the blood He willingly shed for us.
6. Encircle this loving cake with evergreens — the symbol of everlasting life.
I hope you can use this lesson or some parts of it to bring some Advent JOY into the season!

Book Review – Why I am Catholic

By Deanna Bartalini

One of the greatest commonalities I find among families is that all of us have at least one person who has left the Catholic faith. For those of us with teen or adult children who have left, it is often very painful and confusing. Especially when it is one child that has left, while the others in the family have stayed. Sometimes it is a brother or parent who has left. Other times we have friends who we love dearly but have no faith in God or are of the “spiritual but not religious category” so many claim today. We want to reach these people, but we don’t know what to say.

Enter Brandon Vogt’s new book, “Why I am Catholic (and You Should Be Too),” from Ave Maria Press. You may be familiar with Brandon Vogt, from various videos he’s made, past books, or know that he works for Bishop Robert Barron. This is the first book of his I’ve read, and I enjoyed it very much. First, he is honest and open about his own conversion to Catholicism. Secondly, its tone is conversational, not heavy-handed, as he lays out our faith. He doesn’t skirt around the tough topics people are at odds with the Church about. And he lets readers know where to find more information about those topics, since he can’t cover them all fully himself. Lastly, he doesn’t rely solely on his feelings and opinions but quotes the great thinkers of our faith in a way that is accessible.

I highlighted many passages, but I think this is my favorite:

Maybe in a strange and confused world, the Catholic Church looks so backward because everyone else is facing the wrong direction.

Because really, deep in my soul, there are many times when I want to say to many people, “It’s not us; it’s you that is wrong about marriage, birth control, the death penalty, abortion, women priests, and on and on.” I don’t go around saying that because it’s not the right way, but Brandon’s book, politely and firmly, using truth, beauty, goodness, and facts points out why you should be Catholic, too.

Remember, this book is not meant for a Catholic firmly planted in the Church, so don’t read it that way. You will learn from this book, though, and you can use what you learn to draw others to the faith. I will be buying a few copies to give to people who are questioning, who wonder if the Church is for them, who have wandered off. I can also use some of Brandon’s examples when I talk to people. I encourage you to read this book and help yourself in your evangelization efforts!

Merry Christmas!

By Deanna Bartalini

Yes, it’s still Christmas even if the neighbors put their tree out today because it’s trash day! Mine, however will stay up until the Feast of the Epiphany. But let’s go back to, “it’s still Christmas” for a bit.

We celebrate Christmas for eight days. The celebration begins on Christmas Eve and continues until January 1 with the celebration of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Within these eight days we celebrate a few important feast days. On December 26, we celebrate St. Stephan, a deacon and the Church’s first martyr. The 27th St John, apostle and evangelist is remembered. December 28 is the Feast of the Holy Innocents in honor of the children killed by King Herod just after Jesus was born. (See Matthew 2:16-18) On December 30 the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is honored. The Church continues with the Christmas season with the Epiphany on Sunday, January 8 and then the Baptism of the Lord on January 9. Tuesday the 10th begins Ordinary Time again.

At little tip on how you know the season changes; the colors you see in Church will change! The Christmas season color is gold or white. The priests’ and deacons’ vestments as well as banners or cloths used on the altar are gold and/or white. When we move into Ordinary time the color is green.

Enjoy celebrating Christmas for the entire season. Jesus is the greatest gift, a visible sign of the Father’s love for us. The Incarnation gives us new life, both literally as we see a newborn baby and spiritually in that Jesus’ becoming man saves us. He brings us joy and abundance of love. Celebrate!

Sacred Reading for Advent and Christmas

By Deanna Bartalini

Sacred Reading is a daily gospel reflection book put out by the Apostleship of Prayer and published by Ave Maria Press. This particular book is focused on Advent and Christmas for this year. There are many things I like about this book.

It encourages us to read the day’s gospel, which is so important if we want to know Jesus. It also introduces us to Lectio Divina, a prayerful way to read scripture. Each day contains prayer prompts, the gospel, and questions to ponder.

There are six steps each day: know that God is present with you and ready to converse, read the gospel, notice what you think and feel as you read the gospel, pray as you are led for yourself and others, listen to Jesus, and ask God to show you how to live today. Each section, except the gospel, has a prompt to get you started thinking about the gospel or what is happening in your life or around you that needs attention.

What I like about this book is that the questions posed are not lofty theological ones but rather, practical ones. What am I to do today? How am I to live doing God’s will? Each day you ask that question you are reminding yourself that God is in charge and that his will for your life is the best course of action.

Especially during the Advent and Christmas season when our culture is hyper-focused on doing and buying and rushing it is necessary for us to pause, ponder and recall what this season is about. This book will guide you in your daily life through the prayer and meditation to focus on the Incarnation.

I use the year long version of this book for my daily prayer time and find it to be very much on-point and thought provoking. This shorter book is a great way to introduce people to this style of prayer and reflection.

Sacred Reading would be a great gift to catechists and families. I highly recommend it as a way to prepare for our Savior’s birth for everyone who wants to pray with the scriptures.

The book is available at Ave Maria Press.

Catholic Words and Games, an App Review

By Deanna Bartalini

Let’s face it, technology is not going away and kids love to play games using technology. But every now and then it’s be nice instead of playing Angry Birds they maybe played a game that they could learn from. Enter: Catholic Words and Games.
I downloaded it onto my iPhone and played, many times. There are five different games on the app: flash cards, memory match, tap it, spell it and name match. In theory, you could learn all the words using the Flash Card section and then move onto the other games. But that’s not how I roll. I just started playing. I made mistakes (on purpose people, c’mon now) and nothing bad happened. Sadly, I didn’t have anyone to play with but I think it’s great you can play the games with others.

Memory Match is my favorite and you can choose from six different sized boards, the more squares you choose the more challenging. The Name Match is fun as well. My least favorite is Spell it, mostly because I stink at spelling!
I would definitely have used this game with my children, instead, I’ll start having my faith formation students play with it while we wait for parents.
The app is available for both mobile and desktop devices, for windows and mac users, on iTunes or Google Play. For more information and a peek at graphics, go to the website, Catholic Words and Games.