Catholic Moments #73 - Mountain Butorac and Sr. Julie Vieira

On this week's "car cast" (recorded live from the front seat of Lisa's SUV), we feature two great interviews. Mountain Butorac discusses Catholic travel and his great website The Catholic Traveler. Sister Julie Vieira, IHM shares on her life as a Nun and her work with Loyola Press and on her wonderful blog, A Nun's Life. Deacon Tom Fox shares the second installment in our look at the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. To enter our latest contest for your chance to win Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux email lisahendey@gmail.com by October 31, 2008 with the words "St. Therese Contest" in the subject line and your address in the body of the email. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:
The Catholic Traveler
Loyola Press
A Nun's Life
St. Therese of Lisieux - Look for the "Email Me" button on the left side to enter contest
Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux
Parish Media Liaison Kerry Madden - Spiritual Refreshment
Shrine of the Little Flower
The Catholic Company
Lisa's Facebook Profile, Plurk, Twitter
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #73

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Travel to Portugal!

Thanks to our good friend Fr. Roderick, you and I can travel virtually to Portugal for a little pilgrimage. Father recently returned from his Portuguese sojourn and has begun posting his travel videos. I'm hoping to share them with you here as he puts them online.

I love Fr. Roderick's sense of humor, his eye for detail, the way he compliments his videos with music, and the "real world" feel that you get when you watch his films.

So today, come with me to Portugal for a little while and enjoy!

The View from My "Office" This Morning

Once again, the old age question begs to be asked - "Is it 'camping' if you have a wifi connection?" This is the view this morning from my "office" - a lawn chair perched along this cliff in Pacifica at the backside of our 28 foot trailer. The only sounds around me are the waves crashing and the gulls loudly calling to one another. A fine mist covers everything, but I'm warm in front of a toasty campfire with a cup of strong coffee at my side and wearing the Clint Eastwood-esque poncho we picked up on a camping trip to Old Town San Diego.

A few years ago, Greg and I saved up and purchased the Mallard, a dinky little trailer from the early nineties that's barely big enough to sleep the four of us and feeling smaller by the day as my boys grow into men. A few times a year, I'm lucky enough to con my normally camping-averse husband into a few days of "camping". This is far from the "roughing it" camping most of you know with tents and homemade trail mix. Our camping adventures normally take us to the outskirts of big cities or to well appointed national parks where we have most of the comforts of home. But somehow, living for four days in less than 300 square feet continues to feel like an adventure despite the fact that we have electricity and hot water.

So this morning, as my boys slumber, I'm sipping coffee and counting my blessings. Having successfully survived day one of this summer's camping extravaganza, who knows what adventures today will bring?

My Pilgrimage with Adam

Adam and I had the wonderful opportunity to take a train ride via Amtrak to Sacramento this week to have lunch with Heidi Hess Saxton and explore the city. Heidi is one of those amazing women I've "known" online for years, but only recently had the joy of meeting in person. Our visit was a wonderful experience for me - she is such an inspiration and a source of wisdom.

While in Sacramento, Adam and I visited the Capitol, strolled Old Town Sacramento, and took a "pilgrimage" to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (shared today at Faith and Family Live!). Spending time with my incredible almost-14 year old confirm's the fact that I'm doubly the world's luckiest mom!

Catholic Moments #59 - Msrg. Michael Collins, Part II

Lisa shares the second half of her interview with Msgr. Michael Collins of St. Anne's Parish in Seal Beach, California as he celebrates his 90th birthday and 65 years as a priest. Enter for your chance to win our latest contest, three great books from Life Teen by emailing Lisa@catholicmom.com by July 31 - be sure to include your full mailing address and to write "Life Teen Books Giveaway" in the subject line. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this episode:
The Catholic Company
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #59

Enter Our New Giveaway and Win Great Books from Life Teen

CatholicMom.com Contests and Giveaways

I'm so happy to announce our latest CatholicMom.com giveaway! This month, three lucky winners will win a book package including these great titles from Life Teen, Inc.:

• Sword of the Spirit: A Beginner's Guide to St. Paul
• Saintbook
• 100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know

Even if you don't have teens living in your home, you will want to enter for your chance to win these great resources. All three books are simply terrific, and Sword of the Spirit: A Beginner's Guide to St. Paul is a great way to start off the Year of St. Paul.

If you have a blog, podcast or website, please help me spread the word about this great opportunity. For your chance to win, email lisa@catholicmom.com with “Life Teen Books Giveaway” in the subject line and be sure to include your complete mailing address. Enter by July 31, 2008.

Catholic Moments #57 - Catholic New Media Celebration

Enjoy a morning at the Catholic New Media Celebration as Lisa interviews CNMC participants in anticipation of the big event. Our Parish Media Liaison Kerry highlights some great books and our friend Chris Cash tells us about some great happenings at the Catholic Company. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this episode:
Catholic New Media Celebration
The Catholic Company
Parish Media Liaison Kerry Madden's Pick - Great Summer Reading
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #57

Catholic Moments #56 - Diocese of Atlanta Eucharistic Congress

Come along with Lisa to the Diocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress. We speak with many of the representatives of various apostolates at the Congress to learn more about how we can support our families and foster vocations. My next podcast will feature audio from the Catholic New Media Celebration. Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this episode:
Diocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #56

Heidi and Sarah's Jet Setting is for Sissies Road Trip

I've been having a lot of fun vicariously road tripping with Heidi and Sarah on their "Jet Setting is for Sissies" 2008 Road Trip.

I have to admire these two incredible women, taking this on with kids in tow. Yep, I'm one of the sissies who took a plane to the CNMC instead! This photo shows you a bunch of the gang who dined together Saturday night to kick off the celebration. It was so incredible to meet these fantastically talented folks and their kiddos in person after so many years of admiring their talents from afar! Three of the adorable kiddos are not in the photo - they were too busy having fun.

If you're feeling restless and want to get in on some of the fun, check out Heidi's blog and go along for the ride!
Mommy Monsters Inc.

Highlights from the CNMC

I'm sitting at the airport in Atlanta, waiting for my flights (via Salt Lake City) home to Fresno and am filled with a rush of emotions. This first is a sense of intense happiness - I'm truly blessed in my life. This weekend was an incredible experience! The culmination came yesterday around noon, when seven podcasting priests concelebrated a Mass for all of us present at the Catholic New Media Celebration. Watching my friends and fellow attendees process forward to receive the Eucharist brought tears of joy to my eyes. What a gift to be a part of this faith filled movement that is using technology and new media to share our excitement about our Catholic faith.

I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all of the hard work that went into making this weekend event possible. I wish I had enough money to send Greg and Jennifer Willits on a Caribbean Cruise for a week - their tireless preparations for the CNMC resulted in a flawless event that will be long remembered. If you missed it this year, start planning now to be there next year!

A few more highlights from the day:

• Arriving early to assist with setup and finding a tribe of hardworking souls already at work to make the day great. Most of these were the same crazy group with whom I gathered the night before to shut down the Marriott Lobby Bar - who needs sleep?
  
• Walking into the Georgia International Convention Center and realizing how far SQPN has come in the past year - what a thrill to be a part of this tremendous organization!
• Seeing the new and TOTALLY cute Catholic Mom t shirts designed by the fabulous Capt. Jeff - you simply MUST get one!
• Enjoying Fr. Leo's keynote speech, which was unforgettable and a real call to arms to "Be Not Afraid" to use our skills and to use our lives as "bait" to draw others into a faith-filled life and a relationship with Christ
  
• Listening to the panels moderated by Lino Rulli - he's an amazingly hilarious guy!
  
• Moderating the blogging panel starring Amy Welborn, Mark Shea and Jeff Miller - although I wasn't worthy of the honor of being on the stage with these blogging stars, I appreciate Greg Willits' confidence in me and will always treasure the opportunity!
• Watching the debut of the newest episode of That Catholic Show! and learning of Greg and Jennifer's wonderful news that they are expecting a new member of their family - Greg did promise us their would be surprises!
• Playing chauffeur for Mark Shea - totally cool!
• Hanging with the On the U boys - I love those guys!
• Pizza and beer with a gang of the most incredible, talented, and absolutely fun people in Catholic "new media"

I should be home in about ten hours and back to a "regular" schedule for a few days until my next trip on Friday. In the mean time, I'd love to hear from you - drop me a comment or email if you attended CNMC or if you have any specific questions about the event.

Highlights from the Eucharistic Congress

The tremendous points of yesterday are too numerous to mention, but here are just a few:

• Pulling into the parking lot of the massive Georgia International Convention Center bright and early (on California time) and finding one of the last few parking spots - thanks St. Anthony
• Entering a building packed to the gills with enthusiastic, compassionate and reverent Catholic thrilled about being together to share their faith
• Selling That Catholic Show DVDs at the TCS booth with the SQPN crew. Being trained on how to use PayPal by none other than THE TECHNOPRIEST and sharing the good news about TCS and the CNMC with so many people
• Enjoying conversations with some of the world's best priests - all of whom are podcasting geeks!
  
• Wandering the expo and speaking with vendors about their services - listen for a complete overview on this week's podcast
• Listening to Matthew Kelly, who's just always great
• Visiting with all of the SQPNers - the podcasters, the listeners and those who support what we do behind the scenes
• Chatting with Popple - I tried not to gush too much, but these guys are totally cool!
• Having dinner with the Catholic Exchange/Canticle/CatholicMom crowd and their adorable daughters
• Attending a lobby social hour last night - sharing a beer with my fellow podcasters, getting writing wisdom from Amy Welborn and Mark Shea, and making my uStream debut
• Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration with a few hundred other very faithfilled souls and counting my many blessings - thank you Jesus for my life, for your love and for this day!
  

CNMC Weekend off to a Wonderful Start

The fun has begun.  I arrived in Atlanta tonight around 8:30 and just got in from spending the evening in the company of some of my favorite podcasting buddies.  In typical geek fashion, after I checked into my room, I posted a note on Twitter looking for someone to hang out with for a little while.  I'm still on California time, and was too excited to do the practical thing - get some rest!  So Scott of Boogie Lights and Sweat Cast fame was kind enough to meet up with me.  Sadly, Scott's wife Christine wasn't able to join us, but I'm looking forward to meeting her tomorrow. Before long, Rob and Kristen of Tupelo Catholic joined us.  It's so great to finally meet Kristen, who is a total sweetie.   Next to join us were Steve and Pat of On the U, along with Pat's brother.  It's so amazing to meet people you've listened to for such a long time - I have such a great deal of respect for the work Steve has done with his students - truly a special ministry.

Now it's late - the clock on the bedside stand in my room is trying to tell me that it's 1:00 am, but my body and mind are exhilarated and still operating on California time!  I'm so excited to be able to be here this weekend with so many special people, all of whom are working to share and spread our faith through exciting new media techniques.  The opportunity to gather, to share, to learn and to grow as a faith community is truly a gift.  

Tomorrow morning (although not too early!), I will head to the convention center for the Diocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress.  It promises to be a wonderful event.  I will try to take lots of photos and fit in a few podcast interviews as well.

CNMC - Are You Going to Be There?

I just clicked over to the CNMC website and the site of the countdown clock with less than six days remaining gave me chills. I can't imagine how Greg Willits, the true heart behind the Catholic New Media Celebration, must be feeling!

I will be flying to Atlanta on Friday night and look forward to participating in the Diocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress on Saturday. The CNMC will take place Sunday, and is free of charge. If you live in the region (or even if you don't but just want to take a really great road trip), it's not too late to register. I am looking forward to meeting in person with several of my "friends" from across the country. It's going to be very surreal to be with some of the people I've read and admired for years. I hope to share a few pictures, some audio and some recollections of the event. Please pray for the Willits family and for all of those who will be traveling to attend this important occasion as we look at ways to share our faith using New Media. If you're coming, please drop me an email or a comment below so I can watch out for you!

Catholic New Media Celebration: Come for the Eucharistic Congress. Stay for the Catholic New Media Celebration.

Santa Fe Photos

If you'd like a little taste of our week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, feel free to check out my photos - you can see that I spent a lot of time visiting churches! Santa Fe is a wonderful city, filled with art, culture and tradition. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and Mission San Miguel, to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and to the Museum of International Folk Art. Our home for the week was the College of Santa Fe. The musician photos feature some of Eric's fellow students at Zoukfest.

.Mac Web Gallery - Santa Fe 06/08

Catholic Moments #54 - Mom in Santa Fe, NM

Join me this week for a visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico! Hear the sites and sounds of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Loretto Chapel. Deacon Tom Fox shares a reflection on St. Therese of Lisieux and we learn about the game review website Jorim's List. Enter to win a lovely Amethyst Blessed Mother Necklace from On This Day Designs - email lisa@catholicmom.com by June 18, 2008 with the subject line "On This Day Giveaway". Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this episode:

Jorim's List
The Loretto Chapel
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Lisa's Facebook Profile
Catholic Mom Logo Store

Click here to listen to Catholic Moments #54

CatholicMom.com Weekly Column Roundup

Eric and I are enjoying our time in Santa Fe. College life suits me well - while all of the musicians are at class, it's stunningly quiet in the dorm. The only sounds are the breezes blowing in my window and the birds chirping. Every few hours, it's time to walk away from my desk and go to the dining hall where some wonderful soul has cooked a meal for us! I accomplished a great deal today, including the posting of these great columns from our talented CatholicMom.com columnists:

The Month of the Sacred Heart by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

Keeping Prayer in Summer: A Mother's Strategy by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Need Some Fast, Yet Healthy, Main Dish Ideas? by Kelly, CatholicMom.com's new "Kitchen Kop"

Values Do Count by Janet Cassidy

Self Reliance a Quality Gained Only with Practice by Marybeth Hicks

Fruitopia by Michele Howe

There's No Place Like Home by Lisa Barker

CNMC Fever - Catch It!!

Have you registered yet for the Catholic New Media Celebration? It's free, fun and faith-filled! Click here for more information and check out this great video by Zina - hope to see you there.

The Madonna Chapel - Helping to Foster the Dignity of Motherhood and Breastfeeding

Today at CatholicMom.com, we are featuring a wonder article by guest columnist Katie Williams entitled The Madonna Chapel: Helping to Foster the Dignity of Motherhood and Breastfeeding. Take a journey with Katie and her family as they visit the Madonna Chapel in Annawan, Illinois. Katie gives a wonderful overview of the benefits of breastfeeding and looks at the purpose behind this chapel and the art that adorns its walls. She shares her conversation with Father Timothy Sauppé, the chapel's founder. Enjoy!

Catholic New Media Celebration - Help Us Spread the Word

It's almost the weekend, so I know you're daydreaming about fun things to do. I wanted to remind you that registration is now open for the first ever Catholic New Media Celebration. I'll be heading to Atlanta on June 20 to join a cavalcade of talented bloggers, podcasters and others interested in using Catholic New Media to help spread our faith. Registration is free and while you're in Atlanta you will also want to attend the Diocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress being held the day prior to the CNMC.

Register here.

If you have a blog or web site, would you please help spread the word about this great event by posting this YouTube Video on your blog? A lot of hard work is going into making this event a great success, and we need your help to spread the word. If you have any questions about the event, feel free to email me or drop a comment below. Also, I want you to remember that this event is not JUST for people who create content, but also for people like you who use the web to learn about and to share your faith. The guests include keynote speaker Father Leo Patalinghug (Grace Before Meals), the fabulous group Popple, a special Sunday Mass and much more. I hope you'll consider joining in what is surely set to be the Catholic event of the year!

Catholic Moments #42 - Live from Sedona, Arizona

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