The Gift of Courage by Sherry Antonetti
MOM (More On Marriage) by Deacon Tom Fox
A Time of Hopeful Rebirth by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Time to Get Up! by Heidi Hess Saxton
A Mother's Yes by Patrice Fagnant MacArthur
A Negative Attitude - That's So Yesterday! by Cheryl Butler
We Drive by Faith, Not by Sight by Janet Cassidy
For lovely handcrafted rosaries, chaplets and jewelry, check out www.FiftyNineBeads.com. Although I haven't seen their work in person, Mary and Michelle wrote me to share the good news about their small business in Columbus, Ohio. My personal favorites are the Peace Rosary and the St. Agatha Breast Cancer chaplet. Lovely work!
As Lisa podcasts from the edge of a creek in Sedona, Arizona, Cassandra Poppe shares about her work with Intercessories Family Ministry, the creator of the Rosary Quilt. We share our very first "Catholic Deacon Moment" with Deacon Tom Fox. Catholic musician Mark Mallet shares his "Song for Karol", a tribute to Pope John Paul II as we prepare to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Be sure to enter this month's contest for your opportunity to win a wonderful children's book Milo and the Green Wagon by Lisa Umina. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272 or email lisa@catholicmom.com
Links for this episode:
Intercessories Family Ministry
Deacon Tom Fox
Mark Mallet
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Click here to listen to Catholic Moments Podcast #42
A day late, but they're worth the wait! But I have a good excuse...our family is vacationing in Arizona and Nevada this week. I will share more details upon our return, but here's a photo of me from this morning's hike. Please disregard the "bad hair day" and focus on the beautiful Sedona red rock formation in the background. An amazing display of our Creator's majesty!
Coming Home to the Wide Open Door of the Father by Sherry Antonetti
Easter Resources at CatholicMom.com
The (First) Twelve Days of Easter by Pat Gohn
Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Our Newest Columnist, Lori Callaway, Brazenly Catholic
The Message is Clear: Daughter is Back Safely by Marybeth Hicks
Keep Your Account In Order by Janet Cassidy
All Moms Are Working Moms -- even Mother Birds! by Jodie Lynn
The Curse of Womanhood by Lisa Barker
Our good friend Cheryl Dickow of Bezalel Books is seeking your input. She is looking for "must read" Catholic titles by Catholic authors in these four categories:
As we begin the Easter Triduum, this week's show features Catholic wife and mom Becky Cash discussing the topic of working from home. Catholic musician Nancy Krebs shares her song "Eyes" to commemorate the Triduum. Be sure to enter this month's contest for your opportunity to win a wonderful children's book Milo and the Green Wagon by Lisa Umina. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272 or email lisa@catholicmom.com
Links for this episode:
Becky Cash: Website, Shaklee site or by phone at 1-800-937-4615
Fr. Bill's Pilgrim Cast
Nancy Krebs Catholic Musician
"Faith Lift for Moms" Conference
Click here to listen to Catholic Moments Podcast #41
Wow, today had the incredible opportunity to speak with one of my musical heroes, Matt Maher, on the telephone. The moment was surreal - a few weeks ago I was sitting high in the "nosebleed" seats at the Anaheim Convention Center arena with over 20,000 other Catholics listening to Matt Maher sing at the Opening Ceremony. I am so moved by Matt's music - by the way he pours his heart into his songs and by the message he shares not only with our Catholic youth, but also with each of us as Christians.
I'm one of the lucky ones who's had a sneak peak at Matt Maher's new CD Empty and Beautiful which is slated for release on April 8th. I hope you can make time during this Holy Week to read my reflections on my conversation with Matt at CatholicMom.com.
You can listen to Matt Maher's new CD at his website, MattMaherMusic.com.
I find myself longing for Easter and enjoying a blessed start to my Holy Week. I hope you are as well, and that you will find some time to enjoy this week's columns:
Easter Resources at CatholicMom.com
Palm Sunday Crafts and Activities
In the Garden with Jesus by Patrice Fagnant MacArthur
Loaves and Fishes by Sherry Antonetti
Shared Beginnings, Happy Endings by Guest Columnist Genevieve Kineke
"Moment of Truth" about our Motives by Marybeth Hicks
The Man and the Betrayer by Susan Handle Terbay
In anticipation of St. Patrick's Day, our friend Zina has created a tremendous new episode of her Catholic video Podcast Catholic City with Zina. I hope you will take a few moments to watch this emotionally stirring video, which reminds us of the importance of working to end hunger and poverty in our world. Great work Zina!
(Standing L to R: Terese Robertson, Susie Robertson, and Daniella Redmond. Seated: Lauren Kewis)
Terese:
Went on to do her A levels and took a gap year after that, joining 'Latin Link' (a Christian organisation) and travelled to Bolivia where she was involved 'hands on' helping to build Churches and Schools in remote areas, She also taught Christianity and English to the local people. She is now in her final year at Canterbury University (UK) where she is studying Occupational Therapy.
Susie:
Finished her A levels and in her gap year travelled to Jaiphur in India where she was involved doing various Voluntary Work in and Orphanage and for the underprivelged. She also travelled to Australia, Columbia, Peru and Bolivia. She is now in Chester University (UK) where she is studying Sports Science.
Daniella:
Completed her A levels in Performing Arts, English Literature and Sociology. Spent a gap year developing her performance techniques and in 2007 had a major role playing 'Meatloaf' in a theatre production of 'We Will Rock You' at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings. She gors back to University in 2008 to further her studies in Drama and Theatre Arts.
Lauren:
The youngest in the group finishes her A'levels this year and has gained entry into Bangor University (Wales. UK) to study Business and Law. She has continued singing since the album was released and recorded many songs for specific projects.
Fr. Con Foley:
The Faith Alive project Manager, moved from the Bexhill parish to Woking where he has been actively involved in his work to encourage the younger generations to become more involved in the practice of their faith. He moves to Chicago CTU in September 2008 to study for his D.Min.
The girls have not been able to perform together for awhile due to their various personal commitments, however, it is hoped that they will be able to change that this year and lead the singing at a few Youth Masses between June and September.
You can check out the music of Faith Alive here.
Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle is seeking heartwarming Mom stories for her Embracing Motherhood blog. If you would like to share your story about the vocation of motherhood and earn your chance to win a copy of one of Donna-Marie's books, click here for additional details.
A special thanks to Rebecca, a Catholic Film School student, who replied to my post about attending the Religious Education Congress. Rebecca has a very cool blog entitled Catholic in Film School. In a recent post, she shared this vlog episode with clips from her trip to the RE Congress. Her video really brings the event to life, so I hope you'll enjoy watching it as much as I did. Great work Rebecca - I know you're going to make awesome Catholic films in the future!
Dan Dúet's "And Time Stood Still" comes in second, with the entertaining, yet reverent, "Holy Thursday" parody on the the classic Mamas and the Papas' "Monday, Monday" places Nick
Alexander at #3.
Trish Foti Genco's Lamb of God secured the #4 spot, with John Flynn's "Forsaken" from the album Cry Out right behind at #5. Lynn Geyer's rendition of "Psalm 42" and Nancy Krebs' "Eyes" fill out the #6 and #7 positions, and Bob Metivier's moving "Father(The Passion)" lands at #8. The Catholic band Apostolica ranks #9 with "O My People", and the list ends with Mel
Kennedy's cover of the familiar "Via Dolorosa".
The purpose of this Top Ten list was to honor Catholic artists for their musical and technical achievements in providing Catholics with quality recorded music which is entertaining, edifying, and educational.
According to a poll of the Top Catholic Songs online community, these 10 songs represent the best recorded songs by Catholic musicians for Holy Week:
1. Calvary / Sean Clive
2. And Time Stood Still / Dan Dúet
3. Holy Thursday / Nick Alexander
4. Lamb of God / Trish Foti Genco
5. Forsaken / John Flynn
6. Psalm 42 / Lynn Geyer
7. Eyes / Nancy Krebs
8. Father (The Passion) / Bob Metivier
9. Oh My People / Apostolica
10. Via Dolorosa / Mel Kennedy
To hear and download the Top Ten Songs for Holy Week by Catholic Artists, and other Top Ten lists, go to http://www.topcatholicsongs. com/HolyWeek/List
TopCatholicSongs. com is an online community where Catholics can find music from Catholic artists organized in the popular "Top Ten" style. The lists are dynamically connected to iTunes--through which any seeker of Catholic music can listen to and download songs, burn CD's, and discover new artists.
Go to http://www.TopCatholicSongs.com
This week, we feature a wonderful reflection by Deacon Tom Fox aimed at placing God at the center of our marriages and keeping marital joy alive. Steve Nelson of the "On the U" podcast shares his expertise on helping our kids transition to College. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272 and don't forget to enter our current giveaways!
Links for this episode:
On The U Podcast
Palm Sunday Activities
Catholic City with Zina
Deacon Tom Online - Living the Catholic Faith
Faith Alive - From One Generation to the Next
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store
Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #40
Sarah is so incredibly talented. Every time I'm on the treadmill, I listen to Radiance and frequently find myself struggling not to sing out loud with Sarah. Her CD is so encouraging and filled with life and the Spirit. If you haven't heard it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. You'll be amazed!
One start-up school.
Seven mismatched kids.
Catholic truth.
...Craziness...
When their parents decide to start a new high school,George, Celia, Liz, J.P., Brian, and James are all thrown together, although they have almost nothing in common. George and Celia attended the local Catholic high school, Brian and James were homeschooled. Liz just wants to attend a school where she can play sports, and J.P. just wants to make trouble.
Then there's a shooting at the local public high school, and Allie Weaver joins the class ...
, which is the third installment in Regina's series based upon the tales of the Brothers Grimm, retold in a fascinatingly beautiful way from a modern, Catholic perspective. Great stuff!
Ready for this week's columns? As usual, they are wonderful! I hope you can find time in the next few days to enjoy them and would love to hear your feedback on any of these topics.
What Happens after We Die by Patrice Fagnant MacArthur
The Special Needs Child and The Experts by Mary Ellen Barrett
A Monologue about Homeschooling by D.G. DeBondt
Influence, Effect and Power by Guest Columnist Genevieve Kineke
What Activities Are Preventing You From Exercising?
Find Your True Priorities by Lynn Bode
Not Just a Game to Lunatics in Stands by Marybeth Hicks
Come along with Lisa for a trip to Anaheim to attend the Diocese of Los Angeles' Religious Education Congress. Listen in on the Opening Prayer Ceremony, meet exhibitors and attendees and hear some great Catholic music.
Links for this episode:
Current Catholic Mom Giveaways
Catholic Mom Logo Store
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Catholic Company Store
Subscribe to Catholic Moments at iTunes
Click here to listen to Catholic Moments Podcast #39
Click here to get started reading the free PDF download of this issue and please consider purchasing a hard copy of this great periodical. You will be stunned by the high quality of the print version!
Congratulations to my good friend and our CatholicMom.com columnist Heidi Hess Saxton, whose newest book is now available for purchase on Amazon! Behold Your Mother
Thank you to whichever little angel/reader nominated this blog for the 2008 Catholic Blog Awards. The nomination lists contain many of my favorite bloggers, so it's a thrill to simply be named in their company!
I'm pleased to announce that Catholic Mom Moments was nominated in two categories:
I recently had an email from Mary, a teacher who was looking for suggestions on teaching the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition
in conjunction with worksheets
Thanks so much to Linda for writing in with the following suggestion for helping children to learn their Catholic prayers:
My name is Linda and I live in Pennsylvania. I really enjoy your site. I have been stepping in for the first grade CCD teacher a lot this year and have found many great things on your site. I wanted to share an idea I had to help teach the children their prayers. The teacher was working on all the children being able to say the Glory Be and the Lord's Prayer. What I did was type out each prayer in a large font in short phrases, pasted colored paper to cardboard and cut them into shapes. I then pasted each short phase onto a shape, I used Velcro and poster board. I put the prayers in the right order and traced each shape onto the poster boards. What you do is hang the poster board for all to see, put all the pieces on the table in front of the kids and ask them to start the Our Father. They find the find the first piece and then the next and so on. Each time they find a piece they start from the beginning, Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name and so on, because they keep repeating it, they have all learned the Our Father and Glory Be. Please share this as our kids really loved it and we used it week after week.
Thanks so much to Diane F., who wrote me to share about the following fun Easter craft she's created:
"I just published an article about how to make a French Easter bell, along with an explanation of the French Easter custom of church bells flying to Rome on Holy Thursday, returning with Easter eggs and joyful chimes on Easter Sunday."Click here to view and make Diane's fun French Easter Craft for Kids
Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle is soliciting your thoughts on her newest blog, Moments of Inspiration with Your Favorite Saints. By sharing your favorite saint and the reason he/she means so much to you, you could win an autographed copy of Donna-Marie's latest book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book, which is due out soon! Click here and find out how to share about your favorite saint.
Are you ready for the latest installment of great CatholicMom.com columns? Here's this week's sampling - Enjoy!
Laying the Foundation by Guest Columnist Genevieve Kineke
To Do List for the Day, Every Day by Sherry Antonetti
Husband's Date No Cause for Jealousy by Marybeth Hicks
Going Visiting with Your Baby by Elizabeth Pantley
Is It Easter Yet? by Janet Cassidy
The Resurrection and Resurrecting Your Marriage by Deacon Tom Fox
Every Day is Good Some Days are Better by Cheryl Butler
I'm so happy that through the generosity of some great friends of CatholicMom.com we currently have two new contests running. Be sure to enter for your chance to win both by sending an email to lisa@catholicmom.com today!
Marriage Book Giveaway
This prize is generously offered by Deacon Tom Fox
Prizes: Two (2) Prize Winners Receives:
Marriage - How to Live Together and Like It by Dr. Lewis Barbato, MD, DVAPA, FACP
How to Enter:
To enter, email lisa@catholicmom.com with “Marriage Book Giveaway” in the subject line and be sure to include your complete mailing address. Enter by March 19, 2008
About the Book:
In plain English and with real-world examples, Dr. Lewis Barbato talks about love... about the beginning of marriage and about what happens (over time) to love within the marriage. Most of us say we know our love needs 'maintenance' -- and in our heads we recognize that love motivates human behavior... but alas, we sometimes don't treat our love the way we would treat sterling silver we may have gotten as a wedding present. Further -- how we go about maintaining our marriages is different because we are all different. After counseling thousands of couples on marriage or marriage problems, Dr. Lew writes that many divorces occur, not because partners don't love one another -- but rather because they don't 'know' how to live with one another... how to experience, express and share love. This thin book is packed with the experience of many happily married couples, but also from many people in pain and wondering where things went wrong. If you want to enhance an already great loving relationship... or if the 'bloom is off the rose' in your marriage -- please enter our Catholic Mom email drawing for this wonderful book giveaway.
About the Author:
Deacon and Doctor Lewis Barbato received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1930 and later became a Board certified psychiatrist. During the war, he served as Chief of Neuro-Psychiatry at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver. Later he became a Director of Student Health Services at the University of Denver. More than 9,000 students took his courses in Mental Health. After being ordained a Catholic Deacon, he served as Vicar for Family Life Services for the Archdiocese of Denver. Over his long and distinguished career, he received many recognitions and awards. Perhaps the most important to Dr. Lew was receiving an award from Pope John Paul in July of 2,000 for his work in the Catholic Church. Dr. Barbato died in 2,005 but his legacy and positive work continues in the Church and in literally hundreds and hundreds of marriages, deacons he helped to mentor, and in others.
Catholic Women's Study Giveaway
This prize is generously offered by Cheryl Dickow and Bezalel Books
Prizes:
One (1) Prize Winner Receives:
Registration, book and materials for the Spring Catholic Exchange Women's Study ten week course.
How to Enter:
To enter, email lisa@catholicmom.com with “Catholic Women's Study Giveaway” in the subject line and be sure to include your complete mailing address. Enter by March 12, 2008
About the Study:
Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah, often called The Matriarchs of the Faith, provide a remarkable insight into God’s commitment to women and His interest in how women play an integral part in His plan for mankind. These women teach us both about the roots of our faith but also how our faith has unfolded so that we, as Christian women today, can live more fully for Christ. These women reveal the True feminism for today’s Catholic woman.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of John Paul’s Apostolic Letter on the Dignity of Women, these remarkable women, along with Noah’s wife, Lot’s wife, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, The Virgin Mary, and others will be studied in a ten week course that begins April 7th 2008 and is titled, “Renewing Your Christian Self in a Secular World.”
Women of Scripture bring truth to JPII’s words, "The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect and a power never hitherto achieved. That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling."
Intended for women of all ages, this Catholic Exchange woman’s study focuses on the inherent worth of women and how Christian women today share in the promises of God as they, too, work for His kingdom. The study includes the book of the same name, access to Catholic Exchange online moderated discussions, and CE weekly podcasts. The online format provides great flexibility for participation and is wonderful for anyone wishing to attend a study but unable to commit to a specific day and time each week.
Catholic Exchange is delighted to offer this study as a giveaway on the Catholic Mom website and encourages all women to visit the “Spring Registration” link to the study under CE Faith Factory on www.CatholicExchange.com for more information.
Related links:
Registration Link
CE Article on the Power of Women
