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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.

Read all posts by Deanna Bartalini Filed Under: Scripture Tagged With: adult education, Bible study, Catholic books, women's ministries

“Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you…”

By Maureen Smith

This past week I had the opportunity to serve a young woman in a crisis pregnancy. Although in the end she chose to go through with the abortion, and although it was a heartbreaking experience for the many people involved in ministry and prayer, I am grateful that I was able to be a small part of this ministry.

I thought I would share a few of my thoughts and reflections.

First of all, I was blown away by the generous response of all of those I reached out to for resources for this woman.

So much love for one mother and her child.Hipster_girl_on_the_street

In a few days, because of the friends, using mostly text messages, this woman had multiple job opportunities, places to live, families to adopt the baby, and other practical needs. There were those I had lost touch with for a few years, but all awkwardness and reservation was consumed by the love for this woman who they will probably never meet.

I was tempted part way through the week to be prideful in my “networking skills.” But coming before the Lord I saw this sin for what it was and the reality of what I was doing. This was not about me, it was not about me proving I could be successful at this particular project. This was about being an instrument, if God saw it fit to use me. Plus, it was really through those who responded to my message that the real miracles were taking place.Praying_statue._Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre,_Jerusalem_031_-_Aug_2011

I was inspired by the love poured out for these two souls, and it brought tears to my eyes seeing  so many people put their lives on hold for the possibility of assisting someone who might not choose to receive their help.

So many prayers were offered, and I was struck by the amount of generosity and love that was given for this pregnant woman.

And when the news came about the final decision, we all grieved. But the ministry kept going, and it seemed the prayers and love only increased.

In the hours and moments of waiting to see what she would decide, knowing I would have to tell the almost 100 prayer warriors the update, I looked at the Lord, asking him how he could let us do this to him!Domenichino_Guardian_angel

Every day he watches us,  sends us guardian angels to guide us carefully along the right path, and places so many miracles in our lives. And yet we do not have eyes to recognize them and often miss them. But he still waits for us, still loves us, arguably even more because his heart is “sorrowful unto death”–since he is not closer to us.

I am reminded of the Prophet Isaiah’s words, “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you; your walls are ever before me” (Is 49:15-16).

This is our faith, that God will never forget us, he will never let go of us, even if we falter, even if others abandon us.

madonna of the streetsThis week was not only one of grief but of hope. Of course I feel much consolation knowing that the child now lives in the tender embrace of Jesus and Mary.

I also have great hope in the mercy and love of God, because if human love can stretch the hearts of so many zealous, yet imperfect, souls, then how much more does Our Lord’s Heart swell with compassion for all of us who are in great need of His Mercy?

I am forever grateful to all of you who prayed and continue to pray for the woman and her child, and I am certain that the graces from those prayers and offerings will indeed touch that woman’s soul, even if we never get to see the fruit. To all of you, I pray that in Heaven this woman will be able to thank you personally and tell you of the great things that your prayers and the love of our Heavenly Father have done for her.

Read all posts by Maureen Smith Filed Under: Campus Ministry, Catechetics, Culture, Evangelization, General, Prayer Tagged With: Abortion, children, crisis pregnancy, evangelization, generosity, life, Love, mercy, ministry, outreach, prayer, pregnancy, Pro-Life, service, women's ministries

Amazing Catechists Among Women

By Pat Gohn

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, and, of course, word of mouth. Why not share Among Women as a resource for the women in your life and parish?

 

Read all posts by Pat Gohn Filed Under: Catechetics, Evangelization, Interviews, Resources, Technology Tagged With: Amazing Catechists, Among Women, blog, Ellen Gable Hrkach, faith, Leticia Velasquez, Lisa Mladinich, Mary Lou Rosien, Pat Gohn, Peggy Clores, podcasts, Robyn Lee, Sarah Reinhard, women, women's ministries

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