Want to Start a Prayer Wine Chocolate Group or Host an Event? Start Here!

What is a Prayer Wine Chocolate group or ministry?

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at it’s foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If we want to establish a stronger Catholic community of friends in our parishes, we need to provide opportunities for true friendships to be cultivated and nourished!

Prayer Wine Chocolate groups provide an opportunity to reach out to Catholics who have fallen away from the faith and invite them to re-enter the sacramental life in a way that is attractive and inviting.

Prayer Wine Chocolate groups establish a strong Catholic community in a parish by developing bonds between women that are single, mothers, wives and active volunteers!

If you are interested in starting a parish group, here is a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

If you want the Pitch Your Pastor Guide and the whole kit, you can get that here!

Getting the whole kit might help you answer more detailed questions about the group meetings when you meet with your Pastor.

Whichever you choose to start with is fine! (The freebie or the whole kit)

There are a couple parishes already hosting these very fun Rosary groups and I’m working with others to start even more.

You can do this!

Not sure? Plan a one time Prayer Wine Chocolate Event!

If you are thinking you would like to host a one time event, grab this guide!

This resource: How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat: A Guidebook can help you plan a one time event at your home, a Church or even a vineyard!

It can help you add on to an already scheduled event but add more prayer and fellowship to it.

It can help you test drive the idea of making it a more recurring parish ministry!

Here are some thoughts from those who have used it:

I just used Amy’s retreat guide to help me plan a mini retreat for the women in my parish. It was super easy to do following the guide and the response was incredible. For anyone who feels the pull of the Holy Spirit to plan something like this….Get the guide and DO IT!!!! Every single woman at the event said the same thing…We NEED this. I now have a team of women working on our next gathering.

-Elizabeth Scafidi, Bucks County, PA*

*this event became a Parish group that gathered several times in one year!

We held a retreat for mothers with difficult fertility and pregnancy journeys and wanted to start with prayer and a social event. Prayer Wine Chocolate was the perfect Catholic retreat addition. We started out setting an intention for the retreat and praying the rosary together and then moved on to wine and chocolate. We were even able to get the wine donated. It was the perfect opportunity to set the tone, break the ice, and bind with other Catholic women. The retreat guide made it feel easy and possible. I liked the three different types of events with step by step directions to help guide the process. Amy was also easy to reach when I had questions along the way. I highly recommend doing this on even the smallest scale to bring the rosary and prayer into your “village” and women’s circle of support.

Women are looking for opportunities to meet and make FUN, Catholic friends!

These groups are so incredible because when we make it a priority to pray the Rosary before fellowship, we ask Our Lady to take the lead and she does with the Grace only she can give!

I recently saw a post in a Facebook group that asked this question:

“What has helped you build friendships with other Catholic women?“

Prayer Wine Chocolate gatherings foster an environment that nurtures and inspires authentic friendships.

Chances are if you do host a one-time event someone or a few of those who attend will ask, “when can we do this again?”

That question is not uncommon. Creating these groups allows women to come together for public prayer and the graces that are given from that type of prayer are abundant.

There are so many women seeking friendships with those who share their faith and values. Many women are in a different phase in their spiritual lives. Prayer Wine Chocolate levels the field. It is a get together for the most devout Catholics as well as those considering becoming Catholic.

These events are comfortable and welcoming to the woman who has never prayed a Rosary as well as to the woman who prefers to attend a Latin Mass.

I’ve seen these worlds come together so beautifully when I have hosted a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat.

Here are the resources I created to help you get started:

Free Guide: How to Pitch a Prayer Wine Chocolate Group to Your Pastor

Parish Leader Kit: The whole guide as well as handouts and more!

One time event guide: A “How to” Guidebook for one time Retreats

Need extra guidance? Book a consultation call with me! I’ve hosted Prayer Wine Chocolate for ten years!

Don’t be afraid! Just take the first step! I’m praying for you!!

“The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results.” -St. Josemaria Escriva

The post Want to Start a Prayer Wine Chocolate Group or Host an Event? Start Here! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FINALLY, THE PERFECT LENT CHALLENGE FOR TEENS!

Last year I finally put an idea I had in my mind for a long time on paper.

I created the 40 Truth or Dares for 40 Days of Lent Challenge Workbook. I offered it in the Catholic Mom Lent Bundle and my friend Sara called me and told me she thought it was the “best thing in the whole bundle”!

I was so excited about it – and this year, I want to make sure if you didn’t know about it, that you do now!

About a week or two ago, I saw the following posted in a Facebook group:

“Has anyone found any good Catholic media for TEENS for Lent? I’m thinking a short reflection or video that comes daily by text or email. I’m chatting with our middle school youth tomorrow about lent and would love to share it with them. Bonus points if it’s free and easy to get. Most things I have found are directed at young kids, adults, or are too long to engage a middle schooler.”

I responded: Check out this TRUTH OR DARE CHALLENGE!

I dropped the link to the challenge. And this was her response a short time later:

I just checked out your daily videos on Instagram! This is exactly what I was thinking about. I love that they are short and that you tie in a saint or church teaching each day. They are great!!! I will definitely share this with my middle school group. Thank you!

This, as you can imagine, thrilled me! If you want to see me or hear me share some of the challenges, check out this Instagram account and this YouTube channel.

However – and thankfully – they don’t need to be delivered or announced by just me. You can use these for yourself or give them to your favorite teen, young adult, youth minister, catechist, or Catholic educator! My vision is to have many school communities and parishes enjoying this and really pushing themselves to grow closer to Christ this Lent.

What are others saying about this 40 Truth or Dare Challenges?

Erin says this:

“I highly recommend this fun, easy way to go deeper into your relationship with Jesus! You can “go big or go home” and do the whole workbook, or choose what is doable and meaningful for you this Lent. Your teens might enjoy it, too! “

Nelly shared her excitement in this way:

“I have been thinking about what to do this Lent with our teen boy and tween girl and this Lent Truth or Dare challenge is a great idea! I like the possibility of doing it all together as a family. “

Tina points out how easy this resource is to use by saying:

“The daily prompts are simple yet intentional, making it easy to take one meaningful step each day to grow in faith—without feeling overwhelmed. I love how it gently invites prayer, reflection, and action in a way that feels doable and joyful. A beautiful resource for anyone wanting to live Lent with purpose.“

Jessica left a review that says:

“I love this Truth or Dare Lenten Challenge Workbook! It is a great way to reflect on our life, while providing simple ideas to implement so we can grow in our faith.

Each day, Amy provides one “Truth” to answer. The “Truths” really get you reflecting on your life and relationship with God.

There is also a “Dare” for each day. Amy encourages and motivates you to be better Christian with simple, actionable, and love-filled ideas. . . “

You can see the first 10 challenges for free over on this YouTube channel! 10 different short videos have been published giving both the Truth and the Dare options for 10 different days!

Get the whole TRUTH OR DARE CHALLENGE here!

Lent is half over, but this Lent Challenge can still be accepted and embraced!

Our family has been pulling a TRUTH OR DARE CHALLENGE from the workbook out of a vase and using it as a conversation starter at the dinner table!

These can be used in a classroom setting or as an icebreaker at a youth group meeting!

Get the whole TRUTH OR DARE CHALLENGE here!

5 Ways Teachers Can Use the Truth or Dare Lent Challenge in the classroom

1. As an “anticipatory set” or warm up to start a religion/catechism class.
2. As a journal prompt.
3. As a homework challenge/extra credit assignment.
4. As a whole class lesson. Divide students into groups and give them 5 to 10 of the prompts. Tell them to choose one truth to answer in front of the class or group and one dare to do by the end of the week!
5. Got another idea? Leave it in the comments!

Wondering what to do with your Catholic Youth Group before Holy Week (besides Stations of the Cross)?

If you are getting together with your youth ministry group – or even your Neumann center friends before Holy Week, try this Lent activity.

Most of the ideas listed above for teachers could also be incorporated by youth ministers and youth groups.

BONUS IDEA!!!

If you like to have something to give out, grab these for each in attendance!

You can give them out to everyone and ask them to guess what you are doing or give them out at the end as a way to remember the gathering.

Cricket Sucker lollipops or Scorpian Lollipops might be a fun add on to this event!

Recite Matthew 3:4 or read both Lev. 11:22 and Matthew 3:4

Since John the Baptist ate locusts (according to Matthew 3:4) and Lev. 11:22 says crickets were considered “clean foods” for the Israelites, and I couldn’t find locusts – I dare you to hold that up and Dare those in attendance to “be like John the Baptist and eat this”!

Truth: Have you ever ate a bug?

Dare: I dare you to eat this whole thing!

This might be a great way to start a conversation about fasting and how some of the holiest people in history fasted and made sacrifices – even if they were considered already holy and good.

Get the whole TRUTH OR DARE CHALLENGE here!

Will you accept the challenge?

This workbook grew out of a few ideas already incorporated in the Be Yourself Journals.

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are enjoyable and meaningful books for anyone between the ages of 9 and 14.

The post FINALLY, THE PERFECT LENT CHALLENGE FOR TEENS! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ten years ago I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog and wrote my first Christmas Gift Guide! I called it Spiritual Stocking Stuffers – because I love alliteration and I felt compelled to encourage everyone to give at least one holy gift that reminds the receiver of the reason for the season and the cause of our joy!

Ten years later it seems God has reassured me that the mission I embraced was indeed His will! If you have not yet done so, see what God did by His grace and the holiness of MANY other Catholics. For the 5th year, The Catholics Online Community has come together to produce the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog.

This digital catalog is free and a work of beauty (designed by Mary Claire Scholl, owner of 12th & Blossom.)

The Best Catholic Stocking Stuffers of 2025

Before we dive into the different personalities we are shopping for, let’s just agree that a Rosary is really a great gift for our loved ones. This year, Della Rajda, owner of Della Madonna Rosaries, has gone above and beyond supporting the Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry. One huge project Della sponsored is the new Parish Leader Kit! Her Rosaries are meant to last and be past down to future generations. If you are looking to gift a Rosary to a man or woman, child or teen, check out Della Madonna Rosaries first! I would like to thank Della publicly for being such an amazing friend to me and the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry! Thank you Della!

Catholic Gifts for Dad’s Stocking

The Novena Rose Company has a way to deliver a practical, useful gift into a laugh, smile and at the same time, gently remind all who see it to remain virtuous!

The Novena Rose Company wants to provide you with custom services, especially with laser engraving and gold leaf gilding. I highly recommend you check out all of this shop’s collections!

Coffee lover? I found a new coffee that is SO GOOD! SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE!

I was sent some sample beans. My friend grounded them up and we had a cup together – it was SO GOOD! Seven Weeks Coffee supports pro-life organizations. I love that idea in general, but I am even more pleased to tell you that the organization they supported in October was Lily of the Valley Ministry! This delights me because I met the Founder, Whitney Whitmore, at a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!!

A Miraculous Medal Visor Clip or a Miraculous Medal to wear around his neck. Telos Art sells both

Depending on your guy, he may not be ready to wear one around his neck. That’s okay, give him a visor clip for His car and Our Lady will start working on him! I stared with a keychain, now I wear one around my neck every day!

When shopping at Telos, use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off!

In short, the Catholic Stocking Stuffers I suggest for Dad and Husband this year are:

Bottle opener

Miraculous Medal

Coffee

Moms and Teen Girls: Catholic Ear warmers!

Mamas Little Loves has a great shop – you can find gifts for the whole family.

But this year I am especially loving the ear warmers!!!

I love a practical gift! Even tweens will embrace this one. Got a daughter that isn’t loving your directions to “put on your coat”!??? Give her an ear warmer!

Moms will love this too (I love mine!). It’s a gift that is practical but has that holy, prayerful, thoughtful element.

Shop Mamas Little Loves for hair bows, headbands, Catholic ties and more!

Catholic Moms and Teens Love Rosary Bracelets and Jewelry

Give Love and Blessings is such a fun shop on Etsy! From keychains, to Rosary bracelets and more, Give Love and Blessings is stylish, fashionable and reminds us to pray!

Another great shop for Catholic women is 12th & Blossom!

My friend requested a tee shirt from this shop one year and I see her wearing it all the time! My friend just bought an Advent welcome mat from this shop and I am almost always seen wearing 12th & Blossom earrings! Highly recommend 12th & Blossom!

Catholic Gifts for Baby’s Stocking

Heavens Handmaid is a shop I love for the tiniest ones on our shopping list! You have got to see the God’s Promise Rainbow rattles and loveys! So perfect for baby’s first Christmas!

A patron Saint block from Almond Rod Toys.

I love these because the child can just add this special block to his or her wooden block set! My 8 year old daughter STILL plays with hers! I have bought these blocks for my own children, my Godchildren and my nieces and nephews. They are super special!

I am going to get one this year for my one year old nephew and I’m also going to give him a wooden block set from Shining Light Dolls!

Catholic Stocking Stuffers for Boys!

To be honest, my two sons AND my daughter all love The Catholic Cartoon Collection from Voyage Comics. I already pre-ordered Volume 3! My sons are 8 and 13!

I can’t take a photo of ours because they are so loved they are falling apart – but trust me, that’s because they love reading them!

A Miraculous Medal from Telos Art or Shining Light Dolls.

Older kids: Telos Art (use coupon code AMY10)

Younger kids: Shining Light Dolls use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off

Also recommend mini-puzzles for stockings from Shining Light Dolls! I just bought two! One was Saint George and the Dragon! Total boy puzzle! These are great gifts and budget friendly!

Another budget friendly idea are the new Scratch Art Nativity Ornaments from Epiphany Catholic Co.!!!

Summary of boy stocking stuffers:

The Catholic Cartoon Books (and other comics) from Voyage Comics.

A Miraculous Medal

Mini-puzzles from Shining Light Dolls

Scratch Art Ornaments

Catholic Stocking Stuffers for Girls!

Catholic Keychains!

These are like the charm necklaces of the 1980’s! My eight year old daughter wrote “lots of keychains” on her Christmas list! Here are some I have either already gotten her or are consider getting her!

Give Love and Blessings keychain(s)

Team Tiny Saints

Playground Saints

Della Madonna Coral Vintage 3 Hail Marys (older girls and teens)

Accessories, accessories, accessories!

A shop I am just loving for girls this year is Peony and June!

Stickers, keychains, hair accessories, suncatchers, lanyards and more! Even phone accessories for the older girls! Check out Peony and June on Etsy here!

Girls will also love the Scratch Off Ornament and Stencils Kit. These Scratch Art books were a huge hit with all my children!

A HeWo Audio Player!

A Catholic Magazine!!

Although the Be Yourself Journal is a great gift – it won’t fit in a stocking as easily as a copy of Rooted will!

Rooted is a Catholic magazine for kids! My daughter and I have done at least one craft from it and it’s fun that comes in the mail every month!

A Catholic audio player: great for boys and girls!

This is a new Catholic gift for our family! I am excited to gift the HeWo player with a subscription to our 8 year old daughter who loves bothering my phone to listen to Saints Alive on the Hallow App and her brother’s Alexa to hear Amazon’s kid stories. Now she will have her own audio player and I think she is going to love it!

Get the HeWo player here!

Catholic Gift Idea for the person who has everything

There is a new gift idea around for home owners – door hinge toppers! Have you seen these? If you want to give a unique gift this year, definitely take a look at these Holy Hinge Toppers!!!

Ginny & Saje’s Holy Hinge Toppers are flying off the shelves!

Ginny & Saje is a great shop for jewelry, ornaments and more. Ginny & Saje contributed to this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat swag bag – each attendee was given a beautiful one decade Rosary suncatcher! My daughter wants to pray the Rosary with it – she also wants the Bread of Life necklace listed in the shop! *(She’s 8 going on 18 when it comes to jewelry!)

Ginny & Saje is also a contributor to the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog – don’t forget to download it today! Ginny & Sage has fun gifts for teens too!

For the Catholic who has it all, or the young adult that is getting a new phone for Christmas, OR if you are shopping for yourself – I highly recommend The Hallow App. Use my link here and get a free trial, plus you’ll help me too! I use it everyday. It helps me start my day with both Scripture and prayer! I use it when I tuck my children to bed too! I definitely recommend it!

For the Catholic Candle lover, candles fit in stockings and are a great gift!

Contemplative Candles is a newer Catholic candle shop on the scene! Made and labeled with prayers, I’m burning one as a type!

This new Catholic Candle Company is owned by Jill Reynolds who many know leads the Rosary each morning over at Many Hail Mary’s at Time! Jill and Kristin have been leading the Rosary Live each morning for years and truly believe in the power of prayer!

I think candles are a great gift and have listed Catholic candles on gift guides before. PLUS some of these candles totally embrace a holy sense of humor!!!

For example, one candle says “More praying, less talking”. That’s the label. That’s probably the first one I purchased hahahal!!!

I’m happy to introduce this newer Catholic candle company to you! Definitely take a look at the unique candle choices you’ll only find at Contemplative Candles!

You can see photos of these candles and so much more in the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog, get yours here!

Extra Gift Ideas for the Hard to Shop for Catholic

Teens: Get them comfy pajama pants and one of these Catholic tees. This way, if they don’t want to wear it out, they can wear it to bed ;). Other fun Catholic tees for teens here and here!

The one on your list that really needs practical gifts: I love the no show socks from Sock Religious. Someone tell my husband to buy me some lol!

The Catholic that is quiet about her faith. You might have one of these women on your list . . . she wants to embrace the faith, but she’s also hesitant.

Enter Telos Art Shop . . . the ring department! One thing I want to stress in this gift guide is the importance of every Catholic to have a Miraculous Medal. Some are not ready or willing to put one around her neck – this ring, or even the visor clips from Telos, are a great option.

That Sacred Heart Ring . . . I want one!

Gift idea for the one who is devoted to the Rosary

Della Madonna Rosaries not only makes heirloom quality Rosaries, but she also sponsored the brand new Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit!

Della Madonna and Julia Miller, joined together to offer a special rosary and a book of meditations that pairs each Mystery of the Rosary with a Promise of the Rosary.

This is the Rosary you will leave to your children. The book, Praying the Promises will be such a gift as you pray for your children!

Praying The Promises Full Size Rosary is one of the heirloom rosaries you can find over at Della Madonna Rosaries.

Be a Heart has a Marian Wristlet/Rosary holder that I love! Someone tell my hubby lol!

*If this list is overwhelming, find a shorter amount of options here!

Coupon code reminder! When shopping from:

Shining Light Dolls, use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE;

Telos use AMY10;

Be a Heart PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

12th & Blossom AMYBROOKS for 15% off

Enter the Giveaway!

One person will win:

A Rosary Bracelet from Give Love and Blessings

A Suncatcher Ornament from Ginny and Sage

An earwarmer from Mamas Little Loves

A Coffee Cozy from Heavens Handmaid

A candle, magnet and sticker from Contemplative Candles

A bottle opener and wine stopper from The Novena Rose Company

Miraculous Medal from Shining Light Dolls

A package of coffee from Seven Weeks Coffee

A Scratch Art Ornament Kit

And one more surprise! Enter to win below!

The post 2025 Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: The Best Catholic Gifts that Fit in a Stocking appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat will take place at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal!

This Shrine has had a great role in the journey of my life AND in the journey of this blog!

Don’t want to read, just want to register?

Venmo $ to @AmyGouldBrooks

Don’t want to use Venmo? Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

Subject line Retreat Registration

Registration is $150.00 per person

Your registration will include:

A light breakfast with your choice of coffee, tea, and/or water.

A lunch that will probably serve as your dinner :). I like to opt for the hot entrees and salad and some more choices so you don’t have to go home and cook after!

2 glasses of wine – I will have lots of choices

Snacks and dessert.

A tour of some new spaces within the Basilica Shrine

Extra hours at the Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal (with security on duty)
and more

When I first began Prayer Wine Chocolate, I was so excited to share a Catholic Christmas gift guide – so I went to the Miraculous Medal Shrine asking them to partner with me! I found myself meeting with the President of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, and he asked me if I was just going to write one article that would feature their Shrine and Gift shop.

That question inspired me and motivated me. From that question, I ended up writing an article that I am pretty sure went viral for ChurchPop!

Five Reasons Why I Wear a Miraculous Medal – and Maybe You Should Too

Later, I wrote another article about why I love to visit this holy place. Here is that one (and I hope it convinces you to register for this year’s retreat!!!)

Eight Reasons Why I Love the The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal Shrine

I hope we have a large number attend this year! I’m so excited to share a day of prayer, grace and fellowship with you!

Here are some details:

When is the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

The 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat will take place Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Retreat is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and will end at 4:00 pm.

The whole Retreat Day will take place at the

Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

500 E. Chelten Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19144*

Here’s a snapshot:

Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

10:00 am: Arrival, coffee, danish, donuts, chat with others, etc.

10:30 am: Rosary walk: Saint Vincent’s Rosary Walk

St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk is an outdoor sacred space at the Basilica Shrine. We will pray the Rosary while we walk along this beautiful prayer garden!

11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Opportunity to go to Confession; self-guided tour of the shrine; visit the gift shop; socialize with others; and/or choose to pray quietly.

12:00 noon: Novena prayers and Mass

Novena and Mass

1:00 pm: Lunch

Lunch provided by Village Caterers

Salad, hot entree, snacks and a choice of a variety of beverages (more information provided once you register)

1:45 pm: Presentation and tour by Program Director Lynda D’Angelo

We will learn about Saint Catherine Laboure’ and the history of the Miraculous Medal and how this shrine came to be . . . lots to learn and see here!

2:30 pm Wine tasting/pairing and Art Museum visit

Let’s pop a few corks and pair some wine and chocolate!

On the retreat day, you will hear about new, exciting happenings within the Prayer Wine Chocolate community! Make new friends and catch up with old ones.

We will also get to explore some new spaces!

The Art Museum of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a great experience for both Marian devotees and art aficionados. The museum contains more than 400 pieces of magnificent Marian and religious art, ranging in date, technique, origin, and subject. One of the largest collections of Marian artwork in one location, the Art Museum at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is for anyone who admires stunning artwork and the myriad artistry of devotion to Mary.

3:45 pm Concluding Prayer and Departure

Register for the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat today!!

Early bird registration is CLOSED!!!

REGISTER TODAY FOR $150.00 we might sell out sooner than expected!

Save your spot today! Send your payment to Amy Brooks on Venmo (@AmyGouldBrooks)

If you prefer to pay via PayPal, send me an email and I will send you an invoice!

Email me at catholicinfluencers@gmail.com Subject line: RETREAT

Registration between September 13th and October 1st will be $150.00

Registration after October 1st is $160.00

Exciting News

Lots of new things happening at the Basilica Shrine AND with Prayer Wine Chocolate! I can’t wait to see you so you can learn more!!!

*If you will be attending from another state or plan on staying overnight to be closer in the morning, please contact me before reserving a place to stay! I am from the area and familiar with it, I will help you find a place to stay!

Through the years people have traveled for this one day retreat and that just makes my heart jump for JOY! I’ve been able to pray and enjoy the company with friends from Ohio, North Carolina, New York and New England! I want to encourage you to attend, no matter where you live!

What should you do next?

Register! Email me at Prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com and use the subject line RETREAT. Pay via Venmo or request an invoice from PayPal.

Register before October 1, 2025 for just $150.00

Tell your friends! Share this post and invite them!

Many of the swag bag donations come from my friends over at Catholics Online! Please say a prayer for them and their businesses, and if you are looking for Catholic gifts, shop here!

Shop from my Catholic friends here! Shop Catholic

The post Attend the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate become a Catholic blog and a ministry?

Prayer Wine Chocolate the blog got it’s name from an odd sort of Rosary group.

In my mid-20’s, I started praying the Rosary with a few friends regularly. We would meet in my apartment on Thursday nights. Some would bring food, others, a bottle of wine. We would hang out, share our intentions and pray the Rosary together.

We continued to do this for years. Eventually, we started writing our intentions in a notebook and we became very aware that we had many prayers answered. At one point I said, “we should write a book!” (about how our prayers were answered). Another friend asked in response, “what would we call it?” The host looked around and saw our rosaries, our wine glasses and our chocolate so she said “Prayer Wine Chocolate”.

When I started my blog, I found that no one own the domain “prayerwinechocolate.com” and I mentioned the name as a possibility to my husband. His reaction sealed the deal, he said, “That is SO you!”

So with that, my blog had a name . . .

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate transition from a blog to a ministry?

I ended up writing and sharing many stories of faith and I met many people in the online and Catholic world from sharing my blog posts on Facebook.

Early on, one way a person with a blog would promote their platform was through going Live on Facebook.

I decided a way that would serve others through Facebook Live videos would be if I visited various shrines and churches in the Philadelphia area, I could show these places to others who may never get the chance to visit them.

While I was writing blog posts and sharing my Live videos, I came to know about WINE (Women in the New Evangelization). This ministry shares my love of Catholicism, friendship and a nice wine tasting. I saw them advertising a pilgrimage to Italy . . . it was called Wine and Shrine. I looked at the description and the photos and thought, “that sounds AMAZING!”, but I also thought, “There’s no way I can go”.

I felt bummed. But shortly after I also realized there are Saint shrines and beautiful churches in my area -as well as vineyards that offer wine tastings. So, I decided I could organize a one day retreat similar to the WINE pilgrimage. I was motivated to start planning right away because the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine announced it was closing and I wanted to make sure we got there. I was determined to visit the place where Saint Katharine Drexel lived, worshipped and left this world before it was no longer an option.

That first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat day was held in 2015. I’ve planned about one a year ever since.

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate go from a once a year retreat to a parish ministry?

This is where Betsy’s story begins . . .

The First Step in Starting a Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry

Read that here: The First Step in Starting a Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry

You can support this ministry by shopping in our shop! Fun Prayer Wine Chocolate Apparel and more here!

The post Prayer Wine Chocolate: The Journey from Blog to Ministry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Prayer Wine Chocolate Event Series 2025: Catholic Paint and Sip!

Have you ever wanted to attend a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat and just could not? Have you attended one in the past and would like to attend another?

I’m happy to announce that with help from a regular retreat attendant, we are trying to create more opportunities for you and others to experience a Prayer Wine Chocolate event!

The first we have to offer will be on August 22, 2025.

Space is limited. If you would like to reserve your spot, please email Betsy Scafidi at nlchamps93@hotmail.com and put “Paint Retreat” in the subject line.

Celebrate the Queenship of Mary 

Date: Friday, Aug 22

Time: Doors open at 6 

Location: Our Lady of Grace, Penndel PA

Activity: Painting the Immaculate Heart of Mary 

Cost: $35 per person (There’s a 24 person MAXIMUM for this event.) 

Jillian from Omorphia Retreats will walk us through painting Mary’s Immaculate Heart in honor of her Queenship as well as prayer and reflection. 

I’m REALLY looking forward to this event as wanted to let all of you know before the word gets out since we can only have 24 people.

Space is limited. If you would like to reserve your spot, please email Betsy Scafidi at nlchamps93@hotmail.com and put “Paint Retreat” in the subject line.

Do you want to plan events like this?

If yes, check out this guide!

The post Prayer Wine Chocolate Event Series 2025: Catholic Paint and Sip! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Prayer Wine Chocolate: from blog to ministry

Years ago I started Prayer Wine Chocolate to blog about two things:

One: to share our family’s journey to adopting without paying an adoption agency.

Two: to write Catholic gift guides for Christmas.

What’s that saying . . . you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.

God had so much more planned and I feel like I understand the quote, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure” a little better than I did ten years ago.

I hosted a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat because I wanted to make sure I got to visit the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine in Bucks County, PA before it closed. I also hosted it because I was a little pouty that I couldn’t go on a Wine and Shrine Pilgrimage in Italy . . . so I created a way to do something similar close to home.

I can’t help but think of the words of Archbishop Nelson Perez right now:

“Never underestimate the power of God to work in you, through you and DESPITE you!”

Since that first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat, I’ve hosted a few more, been asked to speak at “Prayer Wine Chocolate” nights for women’s church groups and have witnessed the birth of a Prayer Wine Chocolate community in a Catholic Parish.

I am completely dazzled by the work of the Holy Spirit.

But this last one, the birth of a Prayer Wine Chocolate community, only happened because one woman took initiative and action.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Scafidi purchased the How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat: A Guidebook and ran with it.

Betsy was kind enough to write the following description of how the OLG Prayer Wine Chocolate group came about . . .

Wondering how to start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group at your parish? Here’s how Betsy did it:

Several years ago my sister-in-law came across the information for one of Amy’s Prayer, Wine Chocolate retreats. Although my schedule was busy I figured I would just go along with it.

That day changed my prayer life forever.

As I headed home after a beautiful day that included Mass, learning about St. Gianna, Prayer, new friendships and wine, I felt more peaceful and refreshed than I had in a long time. 

I attended a few more of Amy’s retreats walking away from each one saying to myself, “I needed that.”

I began to wonder how many more women need the same things I was getting;

enrichment to my faith life,

an opportunity to pray with other women and

a place to build Catholic friendships.

So I began to ask the Holy Spirit to show me how to move forward.

One Sunday, I casually mentioned to a fellow parishioner that I was thinking about getting some of the women of the parish together. That was all it took. Those casual words took on a life of their own and before I knew it, I was talking with my DRE about my proposal for a Women’s Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Group.

The First Prayer Wine Chocolate Gathering

At our first meeting over 20 women showed up. We shared snacks, paired wine and chocolate and talked about  the retreats that started it all.

The women were given time to write out prayer intentions and we wrapped up the afternoon by praying the rosary. This was almost 2 years ago. Since then we have gathered about a dozen times.

We discuss living liturgically, participate in service projects, share meatless recipes, learn about prayer journaling and discuss Catholic gift giving all while socializing and praying. Each time we all walk away saying the same thing…

”I needed that.”

To those of you thinking about getting started I would encourage you with the words of Pope St. John Paul II, “Be Not Afraid.” Grab a retreat guide, a few friends and jump right in knowing that I’ll be praying for you!  

Prayer Wine Chocolate: Ministry and Mission

Prayer Wine Chocolate is a Rosary group that inspires and fosters amazing friendships

I sincerely hope more women start these communities at parishes. Betsy and I spoke of a mission statement for these parish groups, and this is what we feel the Lord is calling Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry to do:

Prayer Wine Chocolate provides a way to welcome and encourage women of the parish to embrace their faith more fully. By putting God first and nurturing Catholic friendships, it creates opportunities for women to grow spiritually and socially, accompanying each other as the heart of the home and parish. The time spent in communion with each other empowers women to bridge their prayer lives from the church building into their everyday lives.*

Betsy and I would love if you prayed for this ministry – and for us as we hope to encourage women like to you to start this ministry in your parish!

We’ve begun brainstorming, recruiting friends to help and praying that we can make this happen for more women seeking friendships founded in faith.

Grab your copy of the guide, sign up for the newsletter (and get a free Prayer and Pair sheet) and let’s stay in prayer and in touch!

Need a checklist? Here you go!

1. Purchase a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat/Gathering Guide**
2. Sign up for the newsletter (you’ll get some free resources and you will know about future events, topics to discuss at meetings, etc.)
3. Start talking about starting a Rosary group with snacks. See if anyone is interested, then tell her about Prayer Wine Chocolate!
4. Schedule a meeting with your parish office and offer to run this Rosary group that will benefit the women of the parish in many ways. (*If it helps, share our mission statement above)
5. Pray for this ministry and our ability to provide more resources and support to you! **If after you purchase the guide, you’d like more help, book a consultation call with me here!

The post The First Step to Starting a Parish Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Catholic Easter Gift Ideas for 2025

Okay, I’m giving you a peek at some of the gifts going in the Easter baskets at my house!

I’m also giving one of these gifts to our nephew who is receiving his First Holy Communion this year too!

Not all ideas that are mentioned are pictured, so make sure you take a close look at all the suggestions. I don’t include anything I don’t LOVE!

And if your Lent is not what you hoped for, I have something brand new for you! I DARE YOU to check it out here!

If you are thinking “I am still trying to do Lent” no problem, I have help for you here: Revisit Your Lent: 9 Simple Ideas

Keep this ideas in mind for First Holy Communion and Confirmation too!

Easter Gift Ideas: Toys and Dolls

Shining Light Dolls has new toys!

Jesus, The Good Shepherd Doll that is a plush and it prays when you squeeze his hand!!! I predict this will sell out quickly, so grab it before it’s gone!

Remember to use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Check out Shining Light Dolls for it’s new toys and it’s amazing classics!

I love the BIG plushes (all ages),

the wooden toys (boys under 8)

*** Boy, Teen and Men’s Easter Basket idea!!!****

My boys love the Catholic Cartoon series from Voyage Comics! See that here!

You’ll love shopping here!

Don’t forget to use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Easter Gift Ideas: Books

*** Boy, Teen and Men’s Easter Basket idea!!!****

My boys love the Catholic Cartoon series from Voyage Comics! See that here!

Be Yourself Journals are still bringing the faith to life for children and tweens!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls

Just this month a Mom left the following review of the Be Yourself Girl’s Journal on Amazon:

“Amazing! My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed exploring her faith through this journal.”

Another recent reviewer says this:

“My 10yo LOVES the be yourself journal! She says it’s like talking to a good friend who asks questions to know her better I love how it helps her grow in her identity as Gods beautiful daughter and a great thing to do when she’s looking for something to do!“

I don’t have any girls’ journal left in stock, please order from Amazon here!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys

It’s like “make Mad Libs Catholic, add a couple Would You Rather games and guide boys to discover God in a way that is relevant and helpful” . . . it’s that kind of book!

I’m delighted to say that boys actually like this book! Phil , owner of Voyage Comics, says this:

“This journal fills a much-needed gap in devotional books for young boys. The prompts and creative artwork make it an interactive experience and allows boys the freedom to express their true selves . . .”

I only have 2 Be Yourself Journals in stock for boys! You can order them from Amazon here!

I am super excited to purchase this Catholic Cookbook for Kids for both my son and my nephew!

My son is 12 and my nephew is 8.

This cookbook for kids ages 6+ helps parents make the Church’s feast days, holy days, and liturgical seasons a more integral part of their family life.

Featuring 33 delicious recipes, each dish corresponds to a specific time in the liturgical year and is paired with stories of saints, sacred art, scripture, and prayers. From festive celebrations during Christmas and Easter to meaningful meals for ordinary time and feast days of various saints, this cookbook invites families to grow closer to their faith with every meal.

I love how hands on this gift is -it’s not just a book, it’s an experience (actually, it holds the potential for many experiences!!!)

Buy it here: The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook: Holy Days and Heavenly Food

Any other moms sick of seeing Dog Man books? How about Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

My soon to be 8 year old daughter loves to read. She loved the Boxcar Children, she is loving Little House in the Big Woods BUT she is also quite into the above books that I mentioned.

I’m very excited to give her some of the series Sisters of the Last Straw!

Our dear neighbor gave my son one of these books a few years ago and he loved them! There is one that is even Easter themed: Sisters of the Last Straw the case of the Easter Egg Escapades

Catholic Kids Magazine

Rooted is a a monthly magazine just for Catholic kids!

Rooted is filled with wholesome, fun, engaging, Catholic content, and can be used in classrooms, parishes, or with your family!

Rooted is meant to help reinforce Christ’s infinite goodness and love in our children’s lives. The creator of Rooted, Jessica Benfield, believes this:

“We need to keep our kids Rooted. In Faith. In Christ.”

Catholic Easter gifts from Etsy

Catholic keychains

I do not a have a photo to share for each gift suggestion, but PLEASE click over to see each idea! They are so cute!!!

My daughter loves keychains. She puts them on her school bag . . . since she has no keys

I am loving this young creator and her shop. This Saint Therese’ keychain is fun and cool!

(And it’s a sticker too!!! So excited- for me!)

The shop is called: PRAY HOPE DRAW SAINTS

Another keychain option: A “pop-it” keychain (comes in a variety of colors)

For an older girl or teen, this is beautiful, elegant and an invitation to pray! Three Hail Mary Chaplet from Della Madonna Rosaries. It really looks beautiful when clipped to a purse or bag!

More Catholic Stickers!

Nichole Lanthier, a beautiful artist with a fantastic shop, has this sparkly, wonderful Blessed Mother Sticker! Nichole Lanthier also has a “Catholic Pixels” line of stickers, shirts, pillows and more that might be what you’re looking for as you shop for boys and young men this year!

Lindsey Trezza, from Just Love Prints, has this fun ice cream cone sticker!

Jesus and Saint Peg Dolls

These cute little wooden toys are hand-crafted and if you don’t see the Saint you are looking for, you can request a custom made Saint peg doll!

Sensory Play Dough Sets

Easy Doughs It is owned and operated by a Catholic mom. There are Easter sets available as well as other themes. I have bought from her quite a few times and this sets are always a big hit with the kids!

Catholic Etsy Gift Ideas for Men

Saint Benedict Bottle Opener

St. Benedict Medal Magnetic Bottle Opener is a great GIFT for the Catholic man in your life!!!

Catholic Stein

“In Catholicism, the pint, the pipe and the cross can all fit together.” G.K. Chesterton

Made with durable white ceramic material, these stein mugs are both scratch-resistant for long-lasting looks, and dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.

Easter Basket idea: Catholic Jewelry and Apparel

One of my FAVORITE shops is 12th & Blossom. Mary Claire’s art screams Easter with her bright pastel colors! As I type, I am wearing sparkly earrings from this shop right now! And, I have a little Easter gift for you – a coupon code :).

Use code AMYBROOKS for 15% off!

I can’t pick which picture to share, here’s her website link, have fun shopping!

Want to shop more jewelry? Check out Telos! Use coupon code AMY10 over there!

Don’t forget your Prayer Wine Chocolate gifts!

The Prayer Wine Chocolate tees are perfect for Spring (LOVE the blue lagoon – definitely a popular color!!)

Always remember, you can find more gift ideas over here: Featured Catholic Shops

Do me a favor? Share this post! You can share it on Facebook, Pin it to Pinterest or simply email or text the link to friends! Your help enables me to keep doing this work!

Comment below which idea you liked best! Have a Happy Easter! God Bless You!

The post Catholic Easter Gift Ideas for 2025 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Years ago, when I started my first job as a teacher, I heard a quote from Mother (now Saint) Teresa of Calcutta that changed my life.

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

The quote was something like this, “Smile at one another, this will help you grow to love one another”.

I decided to test out this advice. I walked into my classroom and smiled at two students who clearly did not like me. I forced the smile, and I looked ridiculous. Those students looked at each other and laughed at me.

I continued to do this each day and eventually we were all laughing at me.

Those two girls and I developed such a beautiful bond! It worked, Mother Teresa’s advice worked! I write much more about this experience here: Mother Teresa’s Advice for Teachers

This Lent, I want to offer you a workbook that was inspired by that experience.

I want you to put your faith into action and see the amazing results that can and will take place.

Be not afraid! Dare to be a better Christian this Lent!

40 Truth or Dares for Lent

This challenge will work best paired with a prayer journal. In the workbook, there are spaces to write about some challenges, checklists for others. Pairing it with a prayer journal will give you the freedom to dive deep into each experience and really reflect and contemplate these beautiful acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. If you want to learn more about prayer journaling, take a look at my last post: The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025

The Dare to be a Better Christian for Lent Workbook has 40 Challenges listed. Each challenge is inspired by Scripture, Saints and general Christian teachings and beliefs. Here are a few of them:

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Truth or Dare #1: Smile

Truth: How often do you smile at people? Who are the last 5 people you smiled at while looking in their eyes?

Dare: Smile at people today. Intentionally look at people and smile at them. Make it weird.

Truth or Dare #4: Serve

Truth: Describe the last time you served or helped someone joyfully.

Dare: Help at least 5 people joyfully today. If you’re not “feeling it” . . . fake it until you make it as they say!

Dare Inspiration: The words of Saint Katharine Drexel:

“If we wish to serve God and love our neighbor well, we must manifest our joy in the service we render to him and them. Let us open wide our hearts. It is joy which invites us. Press forward and fear nothing.”

Truth or Dare #5: Give

Truth: When was the last time you gave money to a charity? What charity was it? How much did you give?

Dare: Give today. Go to a fast food place and pay extra – tell the cashier it’s for the next person’s order.

Dare inspiration: Sacred Scripture: Acts 20:35

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.“

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Truth or Dare #8: Nourish your relationship with God

Truth: When was the last time you opened up a Bible and read it for 10 minutes or more?

Dare: Spend 10 minutes today reading the Bible. Don’t read it on your phone, pick up an actual Bible and read it for 10 minutes or more.

Dare inspiration: The words of Saint Jerome:

“When we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us.”

Truth or Dare # #15: Fast

Truth: When was the last time you made a sacrifice for God or for poor sinners?

Dare: Drink only water today; offer this sacrifice to God.

Purchase the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent Truth or Dare Challenge now!

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Double Dare Challenge

I want this to be something you can do all Lent. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or not make it through the whole season. However, on some days if you are feeling extra “into” it, I DOUBLE DARE you to do both the truth and the dare.

Use your journal to respond to the TRUTH in the morning and take the dare during the day.

At the end of the day, write how the dare went:

Did you do it?

Was it easy?

Did something unexpected happen?

Recording your response in a prayer journal to the “Truth Question” or the “Dare Challenge” will help you spend more time in reflection and go deeper into your faith and prayer time.

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Why purchase the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook?

When you purchase this digital product, you will get all 40 Truth or Dare challenges.

The workbook can be printed out, so you have that physical reminder in your sight each day.

Truth or Dares can be fun! Each challenge will allow you to spend time thinking about your faith, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and provide opportunities to show love for God and others!

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

40 (More) Prayer Journal Prompts

Printable Catholic Coloring Pages

How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guidebook (ON SALE!)

when you purchase any of those, you will receive a free copy of Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent!

Get it now! 40 Truth or Dare Challenges for Lent!

Free resources for Lent!

The Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook is brand new, but here are some old but good Lenten resources from me for free!

When you sign up for my email newsletter, you receive two free Lenten resources:

The post Dare to Be a BETTER Christian For Lent appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025

I started this blog to talk about adopting a child (or children) without hiring an adoption agency and to share Catholic gift ideas, especially around Christmas.

But, I think God had something else in mind.

That something else, was prayer journaling.

Since I started this blog (8 years ago?), I have written over 100 posts about prayer journaling. On top of that, God used me to write two prayer journals for young Catholics! I think the fact that I am an author of two books is proof there is a God. I could not do that without Him!

I think it’s time I rounded up the best, and gave you the how, why and when all in one place.

Let’s start with the why.

Why Prayer Journal or Why Pray Using a Journal?

I started using a prayer journal when I was at rock bottom in my life. I was single, heartbroken, lonely and lacked hope. In my arrogance I think one reason why I started writing down my prayers was to “spell things out for God”. Well, God used my act of writing down prayer requests as a way to spell a few things out to me.

Journaling without prayer has been studied and researched in the last 40 years. The scientific findings demonstrate decreased anxiety, improved self-awareness and many other benefits.

I dove much deeper into this topic when I interviewed Catholic Psychologist Dr. Matt Breuninger. You can watch this discussion on YouTube or read the highlights in this post, What does a Catholic Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

This discussion with Dr. Breuninger is really enlightening. He shares many of the psychological and spiritual benefits of using a prayer journal in ways I could never naturally articulate. You can read or listen to this discussion! I share some of the reasons in my own words below, but his insight offers more from an academic and simply a different point of view. Watch or listen here.

I also share my own research in a post I wrote before this discussion titled: 5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling

One of the major reasons why psychologists recommend people to journal is because it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This is really what motivated me to start a prayer journal. I lacked hope.

I did not understand why things in my life were the way the were.

I was sad . . . really sad.

Reasons to use a prayer journal:

1. It really does help with depression and anxiety
2. Using a prayer journal helps you work out problems in your life
3. It slows you down in this extremely fast paced world.
4. It helps you hear God’s voice.
5. It is an act of love for God because you spend more time with Him.

The way I used my journal is “unconventional”. What I mean by that is – I wasn’t taught how to journal. The only piece of advice I had walking in to it was “write 5 things down that you’re grateful for”. This was something a friend had told me her therapist advised – and before I sought professional help myself.

When I started prayer journaling (cough, cough) 25 years ago, I had NEVER heard of Lectio Divina. Years later (and after I started this blog), I attended a class on prayer journaling by a Catholic organization. The woman teaching talked much about this new to me practice.

As I sat and listened, I thought, “wow, she’s really smart”.

I also thought, “I’m bored”.

Don’t get me wrong, Lectio Divina is a beautiful way to pray, but for me, it was one of MANY ways of using a prayer journal.

Although my “why” start a prayer journal began with depression and despair, I found that the hope it could bring me led me to a much brighter place than any other style or method of praying had led me before.

Perhaps I am not wording that correctly. Prayer journaling opened my heart up to see more of God and His Love in my life. It allowed me to dream again. Hope and Faith is powerful stuff, and I enjoy experiencing it.

With God, all things are possible.

I stopped looking in the past and started looking toward the future – with hope.

My prayer time slowed down and I spent more time in prayer because writing takes longer than thinking or talking out loud.

It was a great blessing and I want to share that blessing with you.

How to Prayer Journal or how to pray using a journal

Some people tend to be intimidated by the first page of the journal. I noticed this on a discussion thread in a Facebook group. I chimed in and said, “I just put a picture (holy card) of Jesus on the first page!

I was moved by how many were in agreement with this “first page anxiety” so I wrote a post to help others! Read it here: How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

The first step, after picking out your prayer journal (a cute notebook) is to find a holy card that you love and glue or tape it to the first page. Personally, I pick one with Jesus.

After that, write God a letter. How you start should be how you feel most comfortable talking to God.

Dear God,

Dear Jesus,

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

These are just three examples of how to start your letter.

Then, remember to be polite. Thank God for something. After that, pour out your heart. Try not to worry about someone picking it up and reading it. If you are concerned about that, I have a few tips and tricks below to help you ;).

After you empty your heart to God, close it and walk away. This is a physical act of “giving it to God” or surrendering to Jesus.

The next time you pick up your journal could be days or weeks later. It could be the next day. You might want to write another letter because you forgot to tell Him this one thing . . .

You do not have to use a journal every day.

I often wonder if people think that’s a “rule”. Who’s rule? It’s your journal! Using a journal to pray doesn’t mean you’ll stop mental prayer, going to Mass, praying the Rosary or Grace Before Meals. It’s there to help you if you want it. It’s not an obligation or another thing for your to-do list.

For me, it’s a way to relax and be creative.

It’s a way for me to be less distracted during prayer.

I use it because my mind wanders and I want to give God the gift of my attention and I want to really try to hear God’s voice in my very noisy mind.

I had a sticker collection as a child and I love that there are so many small businesses creating Catholic stickers. Collecting them and putting them in my journal gives me feelings of nostalgia and joy!

This one below is from Just Love Prints!

I created this free download with you that has 40 Prayer Journal Prompts! You can use it any time of year or for Lent!

I also created a more elegant looking download with more prayer journal prompts. You can get that here.

Prayer Journal Tips and Tricks

This post gave my favorite tricks: 3 Prayer Journal Hacks You Will Love

My favorite is the one where you hide what you are afraid someone may pick up and read.

I have used a coloring page to glue right over a novena intention.

I have also used stickers.

When do you find the time to journal?

You don’t find the time to journal, you make the time to journal.

This is a gift of giving God your time.

I don’t journal every day. I don’t think there was ever a phase in my life where I journaled every single day.

A prayer journal is a way to spend time with the Lord but it’s not the ONLY WAY!

I often bring a journal to Eucharistic Adoration with me. There are many weeks when this might be the only time I write in my journal.

But lately I have been thinking about the quote from Saint Francis de Sales:

“Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer every day, except when we are busy—then we need an hour.”

God often reminds me that is not subject to time. There are days when I have given Him time “I didn’t have” and the day went a lot smoother. He can create time when, according to us, there is none.

Miracles Happen When You Pray (with a Journal)

Miracles really do happen. God gives them to us, but I think when we journal, we notice them more often.

I started my prayer journal when I was heartbroken and hoping for the vocation of marriage. I continued to pray when I went through infertility. I have seen little winks from God by pouring my heart out to Him and telling Him my hopes and dreams.

I want you to experience this too.

Help younger boys and girls start a prayer journal

In this incredibly fast-paced world where kids and teens are “writing” and posting on social media, they need to learn the practice of prayer journaling.

Dr. Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting, Girls on the Edge and Boys Adrift

described in a talk how girls who would go write in a diary were living; but girls who write and post on social media are performing.

These actions are not the same.

If you want to help your pre-teen or young teen to start journaling, I wrote books for them!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are available on Amazon, this website, and many others.

Do you live giving (and getting) Catholic gifts?

If yes, check out this page! 12 Awesome Catholic Shops

The post The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.