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FeaturedWaiting in Hope: 1st Sunday of Advent 2020
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul. Hebrews 6:19 What is Hope?Recently, I’ve been pondering what it means to hope. I understand that faith and hope are completely different, but they seem so similar at a glance. After researching it in the Catechism and reading a few articles, I learned that while… Read more
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Featured3 Intentional Ways to Practice Gratitude
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wondrous deeds. Psalm 9:1 An Attitude of GratitudeHow often do you practice gratitude? Lately, I’ve been learning that when you practice gratitude, you’re more receptive to the blessings that God gives you, and when you’re happy with what… Read more
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FeaturedThis Sunday’s Gospel: November 22, 2020
Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus said to his disciples:“When the Son of Man comes in his glory,and all the angels with him,he will sit upon his glorious throne,and all the nations will be assembled before him.And he will separate them one from another,as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.He will place the sheep on his… Read more
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FeaturedHow to Practice Holy Leisure
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 What is Holy Leisure?I first heard about holy leisure when I started discipleship in college. Courtney, my discipler was teaching me about six-step planning, and she reminded me to take time for holy leisure. She advised me… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: November 15, 2020
Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told his disciples this parable:“A man going on a journeycalled in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability. Then he went away.Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,and made another… Read more
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FeaturedThe Weeds in Your Soul
Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:30 Chores with the CommunityLiving in intentional community is great because we get to do everything together. It’s fun when… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: November 8, 2020
Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus told his disciples this parable:“The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virginswho took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,brought no oil with them,but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom… Read more
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FeaturedThe Fruits of the Glorious Mysteries
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothes with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12:1 I used to get distracted throughout the Rosary, and occasionally I still do. I announce the mystery, let my mind wander, and only remember which… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: November 1, 2020
Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.Blessed are… Read more
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FeaturedThe Fruits of the Sorrowful Mysteries
Jesus was led away, and carrying the cross by himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull. There, they crucified him. John 9:17-18 I used to get distracted throughout the Rosary, and occasionally I still do. I announce the mystery, let my mind wander, and only remember which one I’m on… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: October 25, 2020
Matthew 22:34-40 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,they gathered together, and one of them,a scholar of the law tested him by asking,“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him,“You shall love the Lord, your God,with all your heart,with all your soul,and with all your mind.This is the… Read more
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FeaturedThe Fruits of the Luminous Mysteries
And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Matthew 17:2 I used to get distracted throughout the Rosary, and occasionally I still do. I announce the mystery, let my mind wander, and only remember which one I’m on when I pray the ninth or… Read more
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FeaturedAccording to Luke
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42 When I think of Jesus, I see his loving gaze and feel his heart on fire with love. I picture his arms outstretched, ready… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: October 18, 2020
Matthew 22:15-21 The Pharisees went offand plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful manand that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion,for you do not regard a… Read more
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FeaturedThe Fruits of the Joyful Mysteries
They came upon him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed. Luke 2:46-47 I used to get distracted throughout the Rosary, and occasionally I still do. I announce the mystery, let my mind wander, and only remember which one… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: October 11, 2020
Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a kingwho gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servantsto summon the invited guests to the feast,but they refused to come.A second time he sent other servants, saying,‘Tell… Read more
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FeaturedHow Our Lady and the Rosary Improved my Prayer Life
Although the repeated Hail Mary is addressed directly to Mary, it is to Jesus that the act of love is ultimately directed, with her and through her. The repetition is nourished by the desire to be conformed ever more completely to Christ. St. John Paul II My First RosaryWhen I learned how to pray the… Read more
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FeaturedSimply Peaceful: The Holy Life of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. The Peace Prayer of St. Francis Leaving Everything to Follow JesusIn the Gospels, Jesus calls us to leave everything behind and follow him. During his earthly ministry, he called his disciples to leave behind their old life to find new life in him. They left their families,… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: October 4, 2020
Matthew 21:33-43 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:“Hear another parable.There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.When vintage time drew near,he sent his servants to… Read more
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FeaturedGuardian Angels Aren’t Just for Children
Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God’s love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, and guide. Amen The Guardian Angel Prayer My First PrayerI feel like when you’re a child, angels are cute and magical, like fairytale creatures. We would want to dress… Read more
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FeaturedHow My 1st Year of Blogging Changed my Faith Journey
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall always be in my mouth. Psalm 34:2 Happy birthday, Radiant with JoyI’m not known for making spontaneous decisions, but I made one a year ago today that I’ll never forget or regret. A year ago, I got my rejection email from FOCUS, and I… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: September 27, 2020
Luke 9:43-45 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:“What is your opinion?A man had two sons.He came to the first and said,‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’He said in reply, ‘I will not, ‘but afterwards changed his mind and went.The man came to the other son and gave… Read more
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Featured15 Saints Who Weren’t Too Young to be Saints
Ask Jesus to make you a Saint. After all, only he can do that. St. Dominic Savio Saints of All AgesWe often see icons of adults and old men and women, but we know that the Saints come from all walks of life and all ages. There are so many young Saints with steadfast faith… Read more
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FeaturedHow to Stay Catholic in College
I plead with you–never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid. St. John Paul II You moved into your first college dorm. You hugged your mom and dad goodbye, and you’re on your own for the first time. Now, you’re tasked with making sure you wake… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: September 20, 2020
Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus told his disciples this parable:“The kingdom of heaven is like a landownerwho went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock,the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace,and he said to them, ‘You… Read more
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FeaturedSharing in Our Lady’s Sorrows
And you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:35 I meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, and I find myself on the outside looking in. I’m not a mother yet, so I can’t relate to losing a child. I’ve never watched one of my… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: September 13, 2020
Matthew 18:21-35 Peter approached Jesus and asked him,“Lord, if my brother sins against me,how often must I forgive?As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a kingwho decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the… Read more
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Featured8 Ways to Pray Throughout Your Day
Prayer is being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with him who, we know, loves us. St. Teresa of Avila Talking to GodIf we want to have a friendship, or any relationship, with God, then we have to pray. As St. Teresa claims, prayer is the way in which we talk… Read more
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FeaturedHappy Birthday, Mary!
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Luke 1:45 God loves women.At Franciscan Mission Service, I’m so blessed to live in a community of people who are on fire for the Lord. I love to sit on the porch or around the dinner table and… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: September 6, 2020
Matthew 18:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples:“If your brother sins against you,go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.If he does not listen,take one or two others along with you,so that ‘every fact may be establishedon the testimony of two or three… Read more
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FeaturedHow to Have a Missionary Heart, According to St. Teresa of Calcutta
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. St. Teresa of Calcutta Faithful, not SuccessfulWe can’t deny that St. Teresa of Calcutta did some big and incredible things, like create a new religious order in India and speak out against abortion in the United States. While these accomplishments… Read more
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FeaturedConfessions of a Catholic Sad Girl
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 When I’m Not JoyfulPeople often tell me that they love how happy and energetic I am. One priest that I knew in college would always say to me, “thank you for your joy.” I love to share my joy with everyone around me.… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: August 30, 2020
Matthew 16:21-27 Jesus began to show his disciplesthat he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatlyfrom the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,“God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said… Read more
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FeaturedPraying for Patience: St. Monica’s Example of Perseverance and Praying with Expectant Faith
Nothing is far from God. St. Monica The Patron Saint of PatienceThe first thing that I learned about St. Monica is that she’s the mother of St. Augustine. The second thing that I learned about her is that she’s the patron Saint of patience, and it wasn’t hard to figure out why. She was always… Read more
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FeaturedMore Than Beauty: St. Rose of Lima’s Simple Life
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 More Than Just a Pretty FaceAs one of my namesakes and patron Saints, St. Rose of Lima is very special to me. Her radically faithful life inspires me to dedicate all that I am and… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: August 23, 2020
Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”Simon Peter said in reply,“You are the… Read more
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FeaturedThe Blessings of Friendship
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to my best friend, Mikayla on her 22nd birthday Little Gifts from GodWe aren’t meant to be alone. God desires us to have loved ones, a community, people who love us and support us unconditionally. Having someone who… Read more
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FeaturedThe Goodness of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Tell everybody that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell them to ask graces from her and that the Heart of Jesus wishes to be venerated together with the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ask them to plead for peace from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the Lord has confided the peace… Read more
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This Sunday’s Gospel: August 16, 2020
Matthew 15:21-28 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him,“Send her away,… Read more
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FeaturedThe Sacrificial Love of St. Maximilian Kolbe
Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love. St. Maximilian Kolbe Love Requires SacrificeTo love is the will the good of the other. Because of this, true love naturally requires sacrifice. When we love, we should be willing to set aside our own wants… Read more
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FeaturedGoing Where God Leads Me
I am not afraid. I was born to do this. St. Joan of Arc An Unintentional HiatusYou probably noticed that I haven’t been keeping up with my usual posting schedule. This is because I gave myself a break from blogging. I’ve been doing a lot of working, traveling, and socializing lately, so about two weeks… Read more
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FeaturedApproaching Life as an Adventure with Christ
Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure. St. Pope John Paul II Blessed with AdventuresGod has blessed me with so many things this summer, and it isn’t even over yet. Over these past few months, I did so much. The adventures I had were ones that I hadn’t necessarily planned, but they were better than… Read more
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FeaturedFollowing Jesus to the Foot of the Cross: St. Mary Magdalene’s Conversion and Devotion
Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord;” and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18 My Patron and NamesakeSt. Mary Magdalene resonates with me in so many ways. When I was really little, I learned during a Palm Sunday Mass that I was… Read more
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Featured3 Reasons Why I Veil at Mass
The covering of the head with a veil symbolizes the reality of woman sheltered in the side of her Source and becoming one with Him. She becomes covered and hidden in her Divine Spouse. St. John Chrysostom In the months prior to SLS 20, the FOCUS conference I attended in January, I kept thinking about… Read more
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FeaturedBlessings of a Pandemic Graduate
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 My college graduation, the day that I dreamed of for four years, was supposed to be May 9. Of course, the Coronavirus pandemic changed that, and and the commencement ceremony is now postponed indefinitely. I could dwell on… Read more
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You are an absolutely incredible woman of God! 💕
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Thank you, Mikayla! So are you!
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