Of Sound Mind and Spirit

Texas Catholic Summer Camp

2013-05-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Did you know there is a Catholic Summer Camp in Texas? And that it is the only co-ed ACA accredited Catholic camp in the Southwest? And that it looks REALLY fun! Watching this video of The Pines Catholic Camp made me want to be a kid again so I could go to summer sleep away camp.

(Are you singing now? I know I am.)

Since I'm not a kid, I'm doing the next best thing to attending The Pines Catholic summer camp - I'm sending two of my kids. This will be their first summer sleep away camp experience and they couldn't be more excited (except for a little worry about being homesick). To make it even better, they are going to The Pines with their cousins, Shelly's girls. Double excitement!!

After I discovered The Pines online, I asked my friends on Facebook if any of them had experience with the camp. Social media came through in a big way and my inbox was overloaded with nothing but positive, personal recommendations for The Pines Catholic Camp. Evidently, many Aggie Catholics volunteer at the camp over the summer and a few friends are former camp counselors.

A friend of mine from my parish told me her middle school daughter returned from The Pines last summer with a new attitude and a greater love for God and the Church. I'm excited about the idea of my children attending a camp that will not only be loads of camp fun but give them the opportunity to bond with other Catholics and deepen their faith at the same time.

If you haven't signed your kids up for a week long Summer Camp and live within driving distance to the piney woods of Texas, check out The Pines Catholic Camp. The campsite is located in the town of Big Sandy, just two hours east of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, four hours from Houston and four and a half hours from Austin, TX. They still have 2013 Texas Catholic summer camp availability for most kids ranging from entering 2nd grade through 11th grade.

Lisa Jones

Who knows, maybe our kids will share a cabin!

Matthew 13:43 – Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

How to Teach Children to Pray the Rosary

2013-05-03T09:33:00.001-05:00

Teaching Kids to Pray the Rosary

This month of Mary, we are reminded of the importance and power of praying the rosary. Children may often feel overwhelmed with the complexity of praying the rosary since it is made up of many prayers. Not only do they need to remember several prayers but also what order to pray, how many times and have a decent attention span. That might seem like a lot to ask of elementary age children or younger. However, through teaching my own children, I have realized that repetition, explanation and patience are the key.

In my third grade religious education class, our lesson calls for us to teach the children about the rosary. Rather than simply explaining the rosary to my third grade class, we take the time to pray the rosary together as a class. Through trial and error, I’ve come up with 8 tips to help you teach praying the rosary to kids in a religious education class setting.

1. Prepare a handout with the words of the prayers they will need. Even if they know the prayers, it is helpful for them to see the words in front of them in the beginning.

2. Go over the mechanics of praying the rosary; which prayers, when and how many times. I also use a handout with a diagram of the rosary with prayers listed.

3. Explain that we pray the rosary at the urging of our Heavenly Mother and that our purpose is to meditate on the mysteries of Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection. It can be helpful to have a book with the pictures and description of the scripture to pray with each decade.

4. Before handing out the rosaries, instruct them in the proper respect and reverence we show toward any sacramental, especially a rosary. Do not expect them to know this. I missed this step the first time and quickly realized how important is can be with young kids.

5. Devise a way for the children to take turns reciting the prayers: go around the room with each prayer for a different child, or have one child recite all 10 Hail Mary’s in a row. Don’t be afraid to change it up mid-stream if it isn’t working for the class.

6. Take it slow. Answer questions, offer explanations as needed. Some of the kids will be very familiar with the prayers and the rosary and for others, this might be their first real introduction.

7. Only pray as much or as little as works for your class and age. My first time teaching the prayer, I anticipated only praying through one decade, but the class was doing well and paying attention so we kept going and completed the prayer.

8. Pray for patience and guidance and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your instruction.

Just remember, teaching kids to pray the rosary is about inspiring them with your love of Jesus and for his mother, Mary. Trust in God, ask for His guidance, be patient, and pray.

Lisa Jones

How do you teach kids to pray the rosary? What tips would you add?

Finding God in Random MOMents of Grace

2013-05-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Shelly and I are so thrilled to be part of the Blog Tour for fellow CatholicMom.com contributor, Ginny Kubitz Moyer’s new book, Random MOMents of Grace. When I read the tagline of the book – Experience God in the Adventures of Motherhood – I knew this was a book for me. All moms know the crazy that is motherhood and how hard it can be to carve out a little one on one time with God with little people running around.

Ginny has an absolutely beautiful way of weaving personal, mom stories into the bigger spiritual picture. We are all living our faith in the way we minister to our families, it can just be a little difficult to see at times while we are sleep deprived in the midst of it.

The first sentence I underlined in the book was during the introduction –

“The ability to find God everywhere, even in places like toy-strewn living rooms, is a spiritual muscle that has been a bit flabby up until now.”

That put a huge smile on my face. What a great way to think of it. I mean, who hasn’t fallen asleep while trying to have quiet time with God at the end of a long day? Why does it have to be quiet and alone time when we reach out to Him? Motherhood means needing to recognize God working in our lives in ways we don’t expect or haven’t seen before.

The back of the book states in part,

"For any mom wondering if it’s possible to be fully engaged in the lives of her children without sacrificing her spirituality, Random MOMents of Grace offers a definitive “yes” as it shows moms how to see God’s grace at work in even the silliest, messiest, and most frustrating moments of motherhood.”

Ginny accomplishes this task in spades. She writes as if she is a personal friend sharing her joys, frustrations, hopes and spiritual dreams with you. There were many moments when I cried (as only a mom does) because I recognized the same worry, concern or revelation in my own life and other times when I smiled and laughed thinking she knows my children.

I didn’t want to rush through this book, but wanted to savor the stories and wisdom shared in its pages. This became my “carpool line” book that enticed me to leave the house a little early so I could spend daylight time reading it.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and this book would be an excellent gift for all moms with kids underfoot wishing they could dedicate more time to their spiritual life. And, if you run over to Loyola Press' website right now, you can get a special price until May 5, 2013. Shhh, don’t tell Shelly, but I’ve got her a copy on the way.

Thank you Ginny for giving other mothers and me this book. It is refreshing to hear you voice some of the same concerns, frustrations and joys of parenting that we all face with grace that only God can bring. I love being reminded to look for God working in the midst of the chaos of motherhood. He is there always in little ways that we sometimes miss.

Lisa Jones

from "Random MOMents of Grace"

Claim Your Joy

2013-04-11T13:27:00.003-05:00

Do you ever wonder if God works in your life? I know I’m always looking for signs of Him around me. One day, I told a friend that I needed to be more Joyful in my life. My focus was distracted by misdirection that was getting me down. The words flowed from my mouth as I walked out the door at attend Mass that Friday morning. Lo and behold. God had a plan for me.

The Gospel reading at Mass was John 16:20-23.

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

As I read the Gospel immediately before Mass began, my focus pulled to John 16:23, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” There was much on my mind and heart that I felt I should be giving up to God at that time. Here was what I needed to hear, or so I thought.

John 16:23

In his homily, Father John instead picked out John 16:22 to speak on, “no one will take your joy away from you.” As soon as he pointed out verse 22, I was stunned I hadn't noticed the word Joy, especially in light of my conversation that morning.

John 16:22

Father John told us that our Joy is a gift from God. Joy is different than just happiness. Joy comes from knowing God is triumphant, from knowing He is working in our lives. We have Joy even when things aren’t going well because God is always with us, working within us. Our Joy that bubbles inside is due to the Spirit of the Lord bubbling inside of us.

Our Joy cannot be taken away from us, though at times we will surrender it. It is always there for us, just as God is always there for us. It is up to us to claim our Joy and recognize that God triumphs.

Wow. What a message. It was as though God inspired Father John’s words just for me to hear. I was once again reminded that God still sendsAngels to give us messages.

That day I heard loud and clear that I needed to claim my Joy and recognize God working in my life.

Lisa Jones

Sisters of Mary on GSN American Bible Challenge

2013-03-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

The American Bible Challenge season two

Last August, GSN introduced a new game show titled, “The American Bible Challenge” hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy where teams compete by answering questions based on the best-selling book of all time, The Holy Bible. Instead of playing for personal riches, cash prizes are awarded to charitable organizations selected by the teams. The questions are posed in an entertaining and humorous way, ranging from the (seems to be) obvious to the obscure.

If you’re one of the over 13 million viewers who tuned in last fall, you might be excited to know that Season 2 premieres tomorrow night, Thursday, March 21, at 8 p.m. central time.

Sneak previews available online reveal that a trio of habited sisters from The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, will compete as Team Sisters of Mary, for retired sisters of the order. In the previews, Sister Peter Joseph (novice), Sister Maria Suso (professed sisters) and Sister Evangeline (novice) bear happy smiles even as the tattoo artists “Anointed Ink” from my hometown are faster on the buzzer. (Start at 5:22 in the below video)

I’m looking forward to seeing the whole episode tomorrow night because each team always has a moving story on what being Christian means to them. I also can’t wait to see how the Sisters rise to the challenge and how the other teams respond to competing against them.

Check out the sisters in the Season 2 preview here: http://youtu.be/CwRK4T5lBg4

The Lord Your God is with you

2013-03-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Last year when my oldest daughter was struggling with serious anxiety issues, her therapist gave her this scripture to hold close to her heart in prayer.

Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is with you

Isn't it perfectly reassuring? When I read it for the first time last year, I smiled. These words wrap you up in God's perfect love. We should hand over our worry to Him because He loves us.

This scripture verse was wonderfully appropriate and calming for a ten year old wrapped up in anxiety and worry. We found that it not only calmed her fears in her difficult moments, but it also soothed my soul as a mother struggling with the inability to prevent my child's suffering.

What is your go to Bible verse when handling worry or anxiety?

Zephaniah 3:17

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Lisa Jones

Are You Watching The Bible Miniseries?

2013-03-07T10:39:00.000-06:00

The Bible Miniseries airs Sunday nights

By now you've heard the buzz around the new television mini-series, The Bible, on The History Channel. The Bible is the big budget project of husband-wife team, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey which condenses the Bible into a 10 hours of television. Cardinal Wuerl, of the Archdiocese of Washington, who acted as a consultant on the project, captured the essence of The Bible miniseries in his words.

"The Bible, the made-for-TV video, seeks to introduce a new generation to the Bible, the great book of the works of God. It does so with great passion, exquisite skill and cinemagraphic triumph. My hope is that this video presentation, The Bible, may bring alive its many stories in people’s minds and hearts so that they may be drawn to rediscover the Bible and rejoice in its saving message."

While the first two hour episode aired last Sunday night, my family just recently sat down to watch it on our DVR. Our nine year old son was the one in the family determined to watch The Bible miniseries. First off, I will say this miniseries might not be for all families and children. This is the Bible which is filled with violent stories, especially in the Old Testament. There were moments just in episode one that were intense for my six and nine year olds. Moments which gave me pause on whether or not they should watch it. The children were most bothered by God smiting the city of Sodom and the binding of Isaac.

Abraham willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac for God.

But their horror at watching a man willing to sacrifice his son at God's Will reflects exactly why The Bible miniseries is powerful. My children know the story of Isaac's binding, they've read it in their children's bibles and Arch story books; however, seeing the visual portrayal of the story made a deep emotional impact. It caused them to really think about what they were seeing and what it meant. We ended up pausing the miniseries to discuss Trusting in God, Sacrifice and God's love for His own Son, Jesus. How many other television shows give families an entry into discussions of scripture and Faith?

Not only did it lead us into great family discussion, but The Bible miniseries is extremely well produced and easy to watch. This is not your cheesy religious television show. It is a "Hollywood" production with all the bells and whistles we're used to seeing in our secular media.

My only nitpick so far is that since it is "only" 10 hours, they have to skip over and lightly cover some of the bible stories. When the time would jump forward, the kids, my husband and I would pause the show and discuss what we missed. It was so very cute when our six year old jumped up to get her Children's Bible to help out. She then sat with it in her lap turning the pages as the story of Moses developed. I will overlook stories left out because I recognize they had to condense it for television and the Bible stories they do cover, they develop well.

If you missed episode one of The Bible miniseries, it will air again on Sunday night just before the premiere of episode two on The History Channel. If you are watching The Bible, what did you think of the first two hours? And, are you watching it with your children?

Lisa Jones

Photo Credit

Grazie Papa!

2013-02-28T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am overwhelmed with emotion today as we pray with Pope Benedict for the last time. After Pope John Paul II passed away, I couldn't imagine feeling connected with another Pope. Blessed John Paul was selected as the Pope when I was very young and his Papacy helped form my teen and young adult years. He was one of a kind.

Pope Benedict surprised me. At the last conclave, I was in my early 30's with two small children. These years were the years I started my renewal in my Catholic faith. It really began for me after my second child was born and has continued these last nine years. It was only recently that I realized that my re-dedication to the faith coincided with the Papacy of Pope Benedict and saw the important part he played in my spiritual reawakening.

After the last conclave, the media reported the ways Pope Benedict was not like Pope John Paul and predicted his disconnect with the faithful. But what they missed were all of the wonderful ways Pope Benedict would reach the faithful and grow the Church as Pope Benedict. He wasn’t attempting to copy Blessed John Paul, Pope Benedict was instead the person Christ called him to be as a witness to the faith. As himself, he connected with Catholics and non-Catholics by speaking the Truth in a sometimes simple, straightforward way that touched people where they were at that moment in their lives.

His calls to continue the New Evangelization, to go forward on the digital continent and make disciples of all nations really connected deep within me. It was also at this time I discovered social media. In his inclusion of social media he understood these technological tools were an important way for people to share and encounter Christ and we must embrace them.

To understand the way Pope Benedict managed to connect with people in a profound, but approachable way, you only have to look at his tweets from the last few months under @Pontifex.

"We must trust in the mighty power of God's mercy. We are all sinners, but His grace transforms us and makes us new." Benedict XVI (@Pontifex) on Twitter February 10, 2013

We now pray for the College of Cardinals, entering the conclave to select the successor to Peter, for the community of Catholics around the globe and for the man who will be chosen to faithfully lead the Church in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. And we ask our Blessed Mother to pray to her son Jesus Christ for Pope Benedict. He has been a strong disciple leading us closer to Christ and we are ever thankful for his dedication to Christ and His Church. Gazie Papa.

Lisa Jones

Good Sportsmanship and a Soccer Mom

2013-02-26T12:37:00.000-06:00

What is it about parenting and sports that stirs such passion in us? As parents of little athletes, we try to model healthy competition and good sportsmanship for our kids, but as a soccer mom, it is sometimes easier said than done. On Saturday mornings, seemingly reserved normal moms (Dads and Grandparents too!) get a little out of control on the sidelines cheering and rooting for pint-size soccer stars. We preach to our young athletes about the importance of good sportsmanship while playing any sport, but then sometimes forget to practice what we preach.

Last season, I had my worst display as a passionate soccer mom in my 17 combined seasons with the soccer mom title. Without getting into the nitty gritty embarrassing details, let's just say I behaved badly while attempting to defend my eight year old son on the sidelines after a game. As parents we walk a very fine line. Our children must grow up, learn that life isn’t fair and to fend for themselves, but sometimes as moms, you just hit that breaking point wanting to protect your baby and charge across that line.

Knowing that I’d done wrong, I was forced by my conscience to apologize privately and publicly to the person my venom was aimed at. Knowing that my display could damage both my son’s reputation in the soccer club and mine, I made a public show of apology in front of the team and parents the next day. Remember the scene in Gone With the Wind with Scarlett O’Hara walking into the party at Ashley’s all alone? Walking up to the other parents that afternoon I felt like Scarlett O’Hara in that red dress filled with shame and embarrassment.

As bad as that moment was for me, the worst was yet to come. I had to do the hardest thing – I had to apologize to my son. Here I was being Mamma Bear trying to protect and defend him and I hurt and embarrassed him with my behavior instead. Acknowledging the result of my actions to him was tough to swallow. We did manage to finish out the soccer season on the same team with little serious fallout from the coaches although there were a few other parents who appeared to hold my outburst against me.

One of the important life lessons of team sports that we've always worked to instill in our kids is good sportsmanship. My passionate soccer mom display last fall stands out in my mind as a strong learning experience for me in the requirement of good sportsmanship for the parent and soccer mom.

As my son learns about sportsmanship and healthy competition through soccer, I found that I have much to learn from him as his soccer mom.

Lisa Jones

40 Ways to Give for 40

2013-02-18T09:16:00.000-06:00

40 Ways to Give for 40 Days in Lent

Every year as Lent approaches, my children and I brainstorm ideas for our Lenten resolutions. By choosing actions or ideas we strive to fulfill the 3 Pillars of Lent: Almsgiving, Fasting and Prayer. It can be difficult to find just the right thing to accomplish that will also lead us to a holier life on Easter Sunday.

This year I asked my children to think about ways we can use our sacrifice and preparation to Give for 40 days of Lent instead of thinking of Lent as a time of “giving up.” Here is what they came up with:

Have a Mass said for someone
Pray for your Priest
Do a chore for a family member, neighbor or friend without being asked
Volunteer as a family
Pray the rosary in the car instead of listening to the radio
Read a book or play a game instead of watching our regular TV shows
Take a meal or baked goods to a friend for no reason
Send cards or letters in the snail mail to someone who is important to you
Collect change in a rice bowl for Catholic Relief Services
Visit the nursing home
Share a smile with someone everyday
Attend a daily Mass once a week
Clean out your closets
Donate money from garage sales to the church (see #13)
Attend Adoration
Purchase socks, undergarments and toiletries for a shelter or your school’s clothing program
Pray a devotion or novena as a family
Invite your parish priest or a parish staff member over for dinner
On meatless Friday’s, avoid eating “nice” fish or seafood dinners; donate the difference to Catholic charity.
Enjoy a nature walk to enjoy more of God’s creation
Spend time in stillness, even if only for five minutes
Choose one toy a week from their room to donate
Make Pretzels, the perfect Lenten food
Choose a short book or bible study to do with your spouse (okay, that one was for me not the kids.)
Go to Reconciliation
Say something positive to each family member and one stranger a day
Eat healthier foods
Learn about a new Saint
Attend Stations of the Cross
Fast from unnecessary purchases
Invite another family over for fellowship after Mass
Spend a few minutes praying and talking with your child at the end of the day
Attend Mass at the Cathedral or another parish
Pray the rosary as a family
Compliment, not complain (Praise God)
Do a Lenten craft found on sites like CatholicIcing.com
Learn a new prayer (Hail Holy Queen?)
Plant a garden
Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier
Create a paper chain with a different Givefor40 action on each link. Open one link per day.

Lisa Jones

How is your family Giving for 40 days this Lent?

Don't Give Up for Lent

2013-02-13T14:58:00.000-06:00

Last year on Ash Wednesday I wrote about praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and this Ash Wednesday morning I prayed them again on my drive to work. I only had time to glance at social media briefly, but saw many pictures of people proudly wearing their ashes and posts about a Lenten sacrifice.

Yesterday, as I considered what to “give up” for Lent, I received an email from my 5^th grader’s religious education teacher, informing parents what he taught his students about Lent. He wrote:

Lent is a time of giving ourselves fully to God, through three main actions, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We talked about how much God loves us and how He shows His love for us.

· John 3:16 For God so loved the world he gave us His only son.

· John 15:13 Jesus said, "The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them."

· John 19:30 Jesus' last moments on the cross, He said, "it is finished" and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

· John 20:22 (After the resurrection at Pentecost)… then He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." He gave them the Holy Spirit.

Given all this information on how God loves, and seeing that God sent Jesus as an example for us to follow, I challenged the class, not to give up anything for Lent. Instead of giving up something for Lent, let's try and give something for Lent, give our prayers, give alms, and fast on Friday's from meat without complaining.

Some examples of giving of one's self would be to put aside our own desires and do something nice for someone else.

· Reach out to the new kid in school, say hi or welcome,

· When Mom and Dad say turn off the TV, get off the phone, come in and wash up for dinner, do it the first time they ask you.

· Help set the table or clean your room without being asked.

· Spend time in prayer - I even suggested putting their sneakers under their bed every night so they would have to get on their knees every morning to get them, and spend 30 seconds to a minute in prayer.

We looked at Lent as a time of blessings and getting closer to God, not a time of misery and hard knocks. One of our most predominant characteristic in the Catholic faith is charity...giving.

(Paul Faraca, February 11, 2013)

Lent is often considered to be a somber period of sacrifice, but it can be so much more. Just as Advent is a time preparing for a new child, the baby Jesus, so is Lent a time of preparing for something new – the promise of the Risen Christ. We can give of ourselves, shake off the old habits, develop new ones. We can give of ourselves in imitation of Christ’s love so that when Easter arrives, we see a rebirth in our own selves and those we impact.

This promises to be an unforgettable Lenten season during this year of celebrating and studying our Faith. Over the next forty days we will pray over the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, and the ensuing Conclave. We will prayerfully await the “Habemus Papem” (We Have a Pope) proclamation.

We invite you to please join our families as we GIVE and not GIVE UP during this prayerful Lenten season. #givefor40

Make Lent about GIVING not giving up.

A Life of Joy, Love and Forgiveness

2013-02-07T09:53:00.000-06:00

Last week our family gathered for the Rite of Burial for our beloved grandmother. After the readings and homily, our father honored his wife’s request to say a few words. As much as we would like to post everything he said, it would be very lengthy, so please allow us to share our grandmother’s legacy as witnessed by our father. ~ Shelly

Picture of Lily Mae Maniscalco

Lily Mae’s beauty can easily be seen in the early pictures of her dancing and later with her handsome husband, Pete. But her external beauty paled by the beauty of her character. Her inner beauty is a testament to three tenants of our Christian faith: Joy, Love and Forgiveness.

Joy!

If you ask many of the people here today and others that have known Lily Mae over the years, the first thing they will mention is her happy smile, sparkling eyes and bubbly personality. She was a joy to be with and always seemed to spread some of her joy to those around her. In the 50+ years I had the privilege of knowing her, I cannot recall her ever complaining about her circumstance nor do I recall her saying a cross word to anyone; and I’m her son-in-law.

Love!

Lily Mae was raised an only child by her father since her mother was frequently in a sanitarium due to her tuberculosis. Her mother died when Lily Mae was just 22 years old. There has never been any question of her love for her parents, especially her father. The first time I met Frank Alfano, I knew there was a special bond between the two and she loved him dearly. As her dementia racked her mind later in her life, she would sit in her room in the village with her purse and coat waiting for her Daddy to come and take her home.

Lily Mae seemed to have a storybook romance and marriage with Pete. They were a beautiful couple and stayed together for their lifetime. As a close family member, I know they had the normal trials and tribulations that it seems all married couple experience. But I also know there was no question of her love for her husband. A true testament of her love was her willingness to move to Tomball and live as Pete raised cattle in his retirement.

Our Mom & Granny

Probably the most important love from my perspective is Lily Mae’s love for her children, especially her daughter. Lily Mae had a special relationship with her daughter that all mothers and daughters should seek and cherish. Never was that love so apparent as during the final years of Lily Mae’s life as her dementia progressed. Whenever Marilyn would enter the room, Lily Mae would break into a radiant smile. Even though the effects of the disease broke my heart, I will always treasure those special moments between mother and daughter. I know that Lily Mae passed that special gift of unconditional love to her daughter, because I also saw the same love in my wife’s face during those visits.

Forgiveness!

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to ask forgiveness of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. It is a simple part of the prayer, but I’ve come to believe it is the most meaningful. If we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive those who offend us, how can we ever expect those we offend to forgive us? A simple concept, but human emotion sometimes makes it very hard to follow. I have always been thankful that both Pete and Lily Mae either forgave or overlooked my transgressions as a young and hardheaded son-in-law. I have a reputation for doing it my way, even in total ignorance. Never once did Lily Mae seem to hold any of my transgressions against me. Lily Mae is one of those people who take the Lord’s Prayer to heart.

I witnessed a woman that always seemed to chose Joy and Love over bitterness and hate. She chose forgiveness, because forgiveness is the true meaning of Love! That is the message of the New Testament that God sent to us when he sent us his Son.

Granny with Granddaughters

She is a beacon of Joy, Love and Forgiveness that shines brightly in my wife and perhaps some will see it in me. Hopefully the two of us can share the same beacon of light with our children and grandchildren, and with all those around us. In that way, we can continue to celebrate the Joy of Lily Mae’s life for many years and generations to come.

Power of the Sacrament in Death

2013-01-26T11:47:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, our Granny with Alzheimer’s - Dementia moved into hospice care after a brief visit to the emergency room. It was an emotional day as our mother and father raced back to town from their Anniversary getaway celebration. Knowing that the end is nearing for our Granny, we asked a priest from a local parish to perform the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. He suggested bringing the entire family to experience the Sacrament, and I’m so glad he did.

Within an hour, they moved Granny by ambulance from the ER back to her nursing care center where the entire family gathered. With all eight adults and nine great-grandchildren, it was a full room.

The true power of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was revealed to my family as we gathered around Granny, laid hands on her, and prayed aloud. We prayed for God’s will to be done, that if she could not be healed, that she be prepared to enter the kingdom of heaven. We asked for strength for her to make the journey, and for our family to endure the grief.

During the prayer, I watched and comforted my children. They all wanted to be near Granny, touching her as tears streamed down their faces. I silently thanked God for this opportunity to pray as a family. In this sacrament, we were able to put our faith into action, and my children were able to witness firsthand what we Believe about death and heaven, making it more than mere words in the classroom.

Even though my kids were and are upset about the imminent loss of their Granny, I believe that being present for her Anointing and praying together as a family will prepare them in some way for her passing. They can look back on last night and know that we don’t just talk about heaven, but that we believe in eternal life with Christ.

The Sacraments were given to us by Christ as an outward sign of what we believe as Catholic Christians. Nowhere was that more evident than in Granny’s room last night with the priest and family gathered.

My mind and heart know that my Granny has suffered much in these last few years as her dementia significantly progressed. Now that her suffering is about to end, I take comfort knowing that what awaits her is glorious. She will be reunited with her own beloved parents, join in the communion of saints, and watching over us, praying for her children, grand children and great-grandchildren still here on earth.

Lisa Jones

Pregnancy Ultrasounds Support Life

2013-01-22T11:15:00.007-06:00

Ultrasound Pictures

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. For many of us in my generation, we've never known a time when abortion wasn't legal. We've grown up with abortion simply being a part of our culture. But looking forward from this anniversary I see great promise for a renewed focus on life, even while sitting here in Houston in the shadow of the largest abortion facility in the United States.

Though abortion is an accepted part of our society, people are waking up to the truth that a baby in the womb is a really a baby. It is a small life that cannot defend itself and deserves to be protected. Women are hearing this message through the increased use of ultrasounds during pregnancy. We can now see our babies clearly while in utero with ultrasounds regularly available at doctors' offices and clinics. We pass around ultrasound pictures to our friends and family just like we do with our newborn photos, commenting on whose nose or lips the baby has. Ultrasounds have humanized the unborn baby and given us an even greater connection to the little person moving around in our belly for nine months.

Parked in front of Planned Parenthood of Houston's largest late term abortion clinic is a Mobile Crisis Pregnancy Unit (MCPU) offering women free pregnancy ultrasounds and sonograms. Staffers are available to meet with abortion vulnerable women to provide free pregnancy tests, free sonograms and counseling to pregnant Houston women in crisis. Houston Coalition for Life reports the MCPU has a approximate 98% turn-around rate for mothers who were planning to choose abortion and instead chose LIFE.

In addition to mobile ultrasound units parked in front of abortion facilities, local Pregnancy Resource Centers are also adding sonogram capabilities to their locations. Studies reflect that 70-90% of women shown an ultrasound of their baby choose LIFE for that child and these local offices supporting pregnant women in crisis are responding. In Fort Bend County, TX, the Pregnancy Resource Center in Rosenberg is now the Pregnancy Resource Medical Center offering sonograms to abortion minded pregnant women. The PRMC also offers pregnant women in Fort Bend County an incredible amount of practical support to help them carry their baby to term and parent in those first couple of years.

While many today are mourning the US Supreme Court decision 40 years ago that has resulted in the death of over 55 million babies, I choose today to look toward the future. Our society is moving towards a culture that respects and celebrates LIFE with a great many people working and praying everyday to help it happen.

Will you join me in praying for those affected by abortion, the babies who have died and for those who work tirelessly to promote Life? In addition to prayer, will you consider joining a March for Life in your area this weekend, donating to a local Pregnancy Resource Center, or simply speaking to a friend about Life?

If you have a specific group you support, please mention it in the comments below so we may pray for their efforts and help spread the word about them to those who may find our post.

Lisa Jones

You Are What You Drive

2013-01-16T09:58:00.000-06:00

My New Mini-Van with the Kids in 2006

You are what you drive. Do you believe that? Some might find it crass, but in my case, it has been entirely true. When my 3rd baby was less than a month old, I traded in my small cute SUV for mini van mom status. I loved it! With three kids aged four and under, it was a perfect fit for our young family.

What could be so wonderful about being a mini van mom? Oh let me count the ways….

Automatic sliding doors. A perfect fit for a baby carrier, and no dinging the car next to you.
14 cupholders!!! Nuff said.
Spaciousness – enough room to let them run around while waiting in a parking lot, big enough they could change clothes before swim lessons and a spot for the training potty when little ones just HAVE to go.
DVD player – With cranky toddlers, there is nothing that a good Dora or VeggieTales video can’t cure.
A trunk to fit groceries AND a big stroller
Safety and security to fit all my babies in their car seats without worry.
Durable enough to handle a car full of sweaty, muddy soccer players.
Automatic bonding with other moms of little ones driving mini vans.

After six years with my mini van we’ve traded it in for a mid-size SUV. I know you’re asking, “if I loved being a mini van mom so much, why get rid of it?” We did consider purchasing another Honda Odyssey, the best mini van in the world, but with the family growing and changing, so are our needs. And, in a sense, changing vehicles outwardly reflects my changing role as a wife, mother and woman as my family grows.

I’m no longer the mom of little bitty kids. Gone are the days with little people clinging to my legs, following me from room to room. Now that all three are at school together, I find myself spending more and more time not in “mom mode.” There are hours I have completely to myself every day and it’s so strange. It has been a real shock to my system over the last year.

This new season of my life is allowing me to rediscover my own identity as a woman, in addition to being a mom. And in a small way, choosing not to buy another mini-van, symbolizes to me that I’m ready to figure out who I am separate from my kids; at least for a few hours a day.

What does your car say about you?

Lisa Jones

Getting Past Myself at Advent

2012-12-10T08:37:00.002-06:00

Today we welcome Sarah Reinhard as a guest blogger on Of Sound Mind and Spirit to reflect on the season of Advent.
--

Every year, I admit to being an Advent dropout.

And every year, I have to remember a key point about Advent: it's not about me.

It's four weeks during some of the busiest time of the year. It's busy with work (no matter what work it is I do!), it's busy with family (no matter how much I plan for it!), and it's busy in general (no matter how I work ahead!).

Writing a book for your family's use at Advent does NOT make me an expert. In fact, don't tell anyone, but I haven't yet been able to use my own book with my own family. (Maybe next year.)

But it's not about me, right? Doesn't that mean it's not about what devotion we do (or don't do). It's not about how decorated (or non-decorated) our house is. It isn't about whether x, y, and z are done with a bow on top.

That means that as long as I keep my focus on Jesus, I can't go wrong, right?

Well, something like that.

It means, for me, that I have to embrace the spirit of penance, because I need that preparation. A King is coming, again, and I want to be ready.

And I never, NEVER, am.

Some years, I embrace that spirit of penance by fasting in some small way. ("But you don't HAVE to!" my husband always reminds me. And he's right. But…yes, yes, I do. But YOU may not have to.)

Other years, I embrace that spirit of penance by focusing on service to others in a special way. The people I particularly try to remember are those I seem to most easily forget: the people within my own home.

In fact, Advent isn't such a bad time for me to revisit my evangelizing efforts. Even as the manger is still is empty and the candles not all lit, my witness lacks quite a bit.

Do I look my five-year-old in the eye when she asks me a question? Do I pause to hug my mancub toddler as I pull him off whatever high object he's climbed on? Do I respond to my seven-year-old when she shares her latest insight on life?

Have I made time for my husband? When's the last time I made a phone call to someone and really talked to them, without a glowing screen anywhere nearby? For that matter, how about eating lunch slowly and enjoying it?

Advent can be a time of great growth for me, if I let it. And as I get closer to Jesus, day by day, I can't help but remember that I may be the only Jesus these people in my home see today. Am I showing them how to greet him, how to embrace him, how to be him?

Sarah Reinhard blogs at SnoringScholar.com and is the author of a number of books for families, including Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent and Christmas Reflections for Families and A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism.

Advent Challenge

2012-12-05T11:47:00.000-06:00

Parish Advent Wreath

Advent begins one of the most difficult times of the year for me. I yearn to spend these weeks leading to Christmas preparing my heart for the coming of Baby Jesus and return of Christ. I want to carve out the time to pray all of the beautiful prayers, read scripture about the promise of the coming of Christ, and peacefully reflect on the promises the Messiah brings to each of us.

In actuality, the hustle and bustle paired with commitments at this busy time of year threaten to overtake my efforts at every turn. Despite the many amazing Advent resources - books, apps, and activities - that promise to help me focus on what's important this Advent, it’s still overwhelming. I need simplicity to make Advent fit into my busy day.

At Mass on this first Sunday of Advent, the Archbishop of New Orleans instructed us to make time every day of Advent to listen to what Jesus says to us, that we need to spend a little quiet time recognizing God moving in our lives. At the end of each day we then pray and ask God how many times we didn't hear Him attempting to speak to us through the noise surrounding us.

Archbishop Aymond reminded us to put down our smartphone when we are just sitting, or to not talk on the phone while in the car, and just be quiet. Even though I was only visiting New Orleans for the weekend, I felt that the Archbishop knows me too well. I am guilty of being preoccupied with my iPhone and noise. It is rare to find me sitting anywhere quiet and still.

His Advent challenge was simple, yet powerful, and it truly spoke to my heart. I absolutely need to pause and spend a little quiet time listening to God this Advent. This might be a first step to fulfilling my promise to slow down life to savor this blessing of Christmas to come.

What do you struggle with at Advent? Do you have a plan to focus on the meaning of Advent this year?

Pinterest Perfect Holiday Season

2012-11-15T11:40:00.003-06:00

We’ve seen all the holiday movies – Mom’s in the kitchen baking cookies and pies, the house is stylishly decorated, the kids are in matching outfits and all is perfect. It’s on Pinterest every time we turn on the app. We ooh and ahhh over the latest holiday decorations, amazing recipes fit for a restaurant and homemade crafts perfect for gifting. Yep, I’m guilty of planning a Pinterest Perfect Holiday Season and there have been a few years I’ve been guilty of attempting to execute it.

Notice in the above sentence I said “planning” and “attempting.” That’s as close as I’ve ever gotten to a perfect holiday season. This year, I’m challenging myself to something different. I’m throwing out the amazingly high expectations I set for myself and letting myself just experience the holidays with my family. After all, my fondest memories of holidays growing up are about family, togetherness, and laughter.

Quick – close your eyes and conjure up your best Thanksgiving and Christmas memories. Are they about how nice the decoration were, receiving the gift you’d always wanted or eating food fit for a five star restaurant?

Christmas Morning Memories - 1976

Not once can I remember how a table was set at the holidays, or how stylish the house was decorated or really if the food was even good. There are a few great gifts that make me smile but then I remember the fun we had opening them on Christmas morning. Waiting for Dad to get his cameras set up, sitting on that bright blue carpet with Shelly and our brother in the glow of the colored twinkle lights, and mom smiling through it all. It really wasn’t so much about the gift.

Even into our teen and young adult years it was about hanging out together. We recently watched a video of Christmas from my college years. Wow, was it funny and I don’t just mean the 90’s styles. All of us, Shelly, our brother, our parents and I were just having a good time laughing and messing with each other. The best part about watching was realizing we haven’t really changed all that much. Obviously some of us have aged a bit in 20 years and the hairstyles are thankfully different, but it was just so us, us together as a family. And now we are all married with kids but still get together in a loud and crazy, chaotic way that makes me smile.

These consistent memories are what I want to capture for my family this holiday season.

How do you make the Perfect Pinterest Holiday Season? In my book, it’s about creating simple, warm memories that stick with you to make you smile 20, 30 or 40 years later.

The Perfect Pinterest Holiday Season pin should be a picture of a family together smiling. Much like the one of ours hanging out in a tree 15 years ago. It's our 1997 Christmas Card. Tell me that picture doesn't make you smile!

The Pinterest Perfect Holiday Picture

Shake off that Pinterest Perfect! Will you join me in giving yourself a break this holiday season? Simplify the holidays and focus on creating important memories for your family. This year, make the holiday season simply perfect with laughter and family togetherness.

Lisa Jones

Veterans Day: An American Moment

2012-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

One of the things my husband taught our now-tween and teenage daughters is to approach men and women in uniform and thank them for their service to our country. This Sunday, November 11, we honor all men and women who proudly serve our great nation in the US Armed Forces. We owe them our respect and sincere gratitude for guarding our freedom.

FRONTLINE FAITH is an organization that supports the spiritual needs of the United States Military by distributing faith-filled MP3 players to provide critical spiritual nourishment for U.S. men and women soldiers. This year they are organizing An American Moment. Wherever you are this Sunday at noon, please stop to join others in a moment of silent rememberance, prayer, and thankgiving, for soldiers past and present. Spread the word with everyone you know, asking them to stop at noon on Sunday and join you, to be in solidarity with others across our nation.

Freedom always comes at a high price.
It requires a generous heart, ready for sacrifice.
We cannot excuse ourselves
from our own personal responsibility for freedom.
There is no such thing as freedom without sacrifice.”

~ Blessed Pope John Paul II

Political Fallout on Facebook

2012-11-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

Facebook, Politics and Friends

As your Facebook news feed returns to posts about kid achievements, the latest television show and pictures of food, do you find yourself thinking about a friend’s previous political rant when you see their name come across your feed? Has reading your friends’ political posts, rants and comments throughout this long political season changed your friend relationship?

Let me start off by saying that I strongly believe it is possible to disagree with my friends on politics, religion, and values yet still be friends. True friends are people you can have a civil discussion with and agree to disagree without damaging your friendship. But not everyone is a true friend and not everyone can agree to disagree on things we are passionate about.

It is my belief that we can and should talk about politics on Facebook, Twitter, in person or anywhere else we might discuss things important to us. Many of us profess and discuss our faith on Facebook, so why not politics? The important thing to remember is to treat others with respect when discussing anything sensitive or with passion. I have some friends on Facebook with whom I couldn’t disagree more on religion or politics, but I sincerely appreciate seeing and reading their point of view.

However, when you see a political rant with name-calling or an ugly tone from a “friend” that is directed at someone who thinks like you, it can really sting. The worst exchanges devolve into something hateful and personal from someone you really like. The question becomes, do you let their comments on Facebook affect how you think or interact with them? Do you defriend them online? And sometimes, do you go so far as to defriend them in person?

For me, seeing some of that true ugliness directed towards me or to people who think like me does color my perspective of the person. Seeing someone post nasty stereotypes and attacking comments does make me think differently of my friend. And when it is grossly inflammatory and repetitive, I will defriend them.

Sifting through your news feed this morning on Facebook, do you find yourself thinking differently about a person whose political rant attacked or assaulted you in some way? Did the political season cause you to defriend someone on Facebook or in real life?

Lisa Jones

Pray and Vote for our Nation

2012-11-06T09:53:00.000-06:00

Pray for our Nation

Today is the day, the day Americans head to the polls to exercise our right to vote for the leaders of our nation. Voting is not only a right, but also a moral obligation for all Christians. I'm not going to try to convince you of how you should vote today; only that you should vote. We have a responsibility to get out there and participate in the political community as a service to the common good.

It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one's country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community. (CCC, 2239)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church goes further by stating in CCC 2240 that we have a moral obligation to vote. It is up to each of us to prayerfully discern how we vote in accordance with our Christian values and integrity.

God blessed this nation, but we must do our part to guide the path of our country by participating in the public square to shape our national policies and direction of our nation. We were fortunate enough to either to have been born here or made our way to this beacon of freedom and opportunity. Many people around the world die for the chance to vote in free and fair elections. It would be wrong for us to squander that right given to us by the Founders of our Nation in the Constitution.

Join us as we pray for our great nation as citizens around the US exercise their right to vote for our leaders and the direction of our country. We pray that the election process be calm, fair and free. Most of all we pray that God's Will be Done for our country. God Bless the USA. Amen

Lisa Jones

Catholic Voting Guide App

2012-10-23T11:37:00.001-05:00

Catholic Voting Guide App

This year, there is no shortage of people telling you how to vote as a Catholic Christian in the upcoming Presidential elections, but it is up to each of us to discern an informed vote before approaching the polling place. The question is, where do I find a non-partisan source to guide my decision in this intensely political world? Well, I’m glad to say, there’s an App for that!

The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy has released a non-partisan guide to help voters make intelligent decisions this November and in future elections. The Catholic Voting Guide is a free app available for the iPhone, Android and Windows phones and devices. The official description at the iTunes store states, "This application helps you cast a responsible vote using a well-formed conscience based on Catholic moral principles."

Catholic Voting Guide Screenshot

With clear, concise language, the Catholic Voting Guide walks you through the six vital issues that every citizen, regardless of religious belief, should weigh in casting his or her ballot - Right to Life, Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Marriage, Private Property, Access to Essential Goods and War & Peace. Each vital issue is identified, represented by a picture and briefly explained with a focus on the key moral value at stake.

We have a duty and obligation to participate in the political process for the common good and vote in each election. This free Voting Guide app can be used by anyone, regardless of religious belief, to walk through the values and principles important to Catholics, all Christians and to each American voter.

“Parties change; candidates change; political issues change, but Catholic Values are the same yesterday, today … and forever.” Fr. JohnTrigilio, President of the CCC

What do Catholics Believe about Death?

2012-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week when my husband’s aunt died, I was asked to select something to read for her non-denominational memorial service. In preparation, and also because this is the Year of Faith, I turned to the Catechism to rediscover what the Church tells us about “Death.”

The Catechism contains a great many references to Death; just the broad index headings alone covered: “after death, as limitation of earthly life, Christian dealings with death, Christian interpretation of death, death of Jesus, and separation of soul and body."

Christian dealings with death

First I looked up Christian dealings with death, which focuses on Respect for the Dead, addressing that “the dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace.” [CCC 2299] “The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.” [CCC 2300] and “Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.” [CCC 2301]

Our loved one is being cremated, according to her wishes. I’d always thought that the Catholic Church was against cremation, but apparently “The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.” [CCC 2301]

Catechism for Kids

Considering how many references are made to Death, I opened up the YouCat, a recent publication of the Catholic Catechism in a Q&A format targeting young people. Here I found:

“How does Christ help us at our death, if we trust in him?

Christ comes to meet us and leads us into eternal life. “Not death, but God will take me” (St. Therese of Lisieux.) [1005-1014, 1016, 1019] Someone who dies, trusting in God and at peace with men, and thus without serious sin, is on the way to communion with the risen Christ. Our dying makes us fall no farther than into his hands. A person who dies does not travel to nowhere but rather goes home into the love of God, who created him. “

I love the beautiful idea that in dying we fall into Christ’s waiting, outstretched arms; that our loved one does not simply cease to exist, but is resting at home in the love of God, carried there by Christ. It has a beautiful imagery to which all people, young and old, can relate.

Dying in Christ Jesus

I turned back to the CCC referenced by the YouCat entry, Dying in Christ Jesus. "Death is the end of earthly life." (CCC 1007) "Death is a consequence of sin." (CCC 1008) and "Death is transformed by Christ. "(CCC 1009).

What’s that? Death is a consequence of sin? Reading on, I learn that the church teaches us “death entered the world on account of man’s sin. Even though man’s nature is mortal, God had destined him not to die. Death was therefore contrary to the plans of God the Creator and entered the world as a consequence of sin.” (CCC 1008)

This sounds so punishing, the concept that the original sin of Adam and Eve brought us suffering and death not original to God’s plan for us? It’s almost shameful. Still, fear not, because “Jesus, the Son of God, freely suffered death for us in complete and free submission to the will of God, his Father. By his death he has conquered death, and so opened the possibility of salvation to all men.” (CCC 1019)

"Because of Christ, Christian death has positive meaning." (CCC 1010) "In death, God calls man to himself." (CCC 1011) "Death is the end of man’s earthly pilgrimage, of the time of grace and mercy which God offers him so as to work out his earthly life in keeping with the diving plane, and to decide his ultimate destiny.” (CCC 1013)

In the Roman Missal, Preface of Christian Death we read, “Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.” (CCC 1012)

I am going to prepare a place for you

Upon reading this passage, I knew that I should read from the Holy Gospel According to John 14: 1-6

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

At our death we fall into the arms of Christ Jesus, who waits to carry us home to the love of God.

A Year of Faith: Exploring the Catechism

2012-10-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click image for symbolism details.

Today marks the beginning of a Year of Faith in the Catholic Church, a time for Catholics to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.

Pope Benedict XVI declared the Year of Faith to run from October 11, 2012 through November 24, 2013. Today also marks the 50^th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II and the 20^th anniversary of the Catechism.

When Lisa and I discussed what we hope to accomplish, personally, during this Year of Faith, I suggested that we explore the Catechism. At our first CNMC, Lisa Hendey counseled us to blog with a Bible and a Catechism at our side. At the time, I didn’t have a Catechism, but in the years since I now have two different versions at home.

We’ve practiced the Catholic faith our entire life, but we recognize the value and importance of learning more. Recently, the Catholic Church has been featured very prominently with the discussion of the HHS mandate, and the basic tenets of the church are often misrepresented in the media.

So we feel challenged to answer the question, What do Catholics Really Believe?

In order to answer that question, we’re going to spend some time addressing specific topics, relying on the Catechism to guide us. Once a week we plan to examine what the Catechism says about issues like the soul, saints, angels, the Sacraments, suffering, suicide, the Holy Spirit, adoration, RCIA, miracles, Mary, sex and contraception, sin, poverty, prayer, purgatory, and many others. Looking at the list, there are some pretty heavy topics. We think we know what the Catholic faith believes about these topics, but do we?

As we read through the Catechism and the Bible, we expect this year to be a journey of discovery and rediscovery. We invite you to join us as we explore them during our Year of Faith.

If you'd like more information about the Year of Faith, be sure to bookmark this list of resources prepared by Pat Gohn at Among Women.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen."

- Heb 11:1 (new translation by Pope Benedict XVI in the Encyclical Spe salvi 7)

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~ Blessed Pope John Paul II

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