Blog
Spirituality and the Summer Months
Don’t you find the summer months a wonderful time to catch up on your reading? I once stumbled upon a book written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, who is a Doctor of a Church. It had me on the edge of my seat. I know summer can get busy with trips to the waterpark,...
You Before Me is Better than Me Before You
“Wait for it…It’s going to make you raaaaaaaage.” That’s what my friend texted me who had told me about the book, and soon-to-be-released movie, “Me Before You.” She suggested I read it, not because under normal circumstances it would be worth my time (or hers),...
Book Review: The Joy-Filled Broken Heart by Mary Lou Rosien
When we are dealing with problems (big or small), the thing we most need–and the last thing we want–is some perspective. It’s easy to be overcome by the troubles we’re experiencing, the suffering we’re undergoing; it’s easy to let that suffering rob us of our joy....
Fr. Jerzy an Intercessor for Religious Freedom
Father Jerzy Popieluszko died for human rights and religious freedom in Poland on October 9, 1984. He did not need to do it. There was a path to freedom in the United States offered to him, but he chose death rather than be silenced by a government that hated the...
Happy Solemnity of Our Lord
Take time today to reflect on the Ascension of Our Lord.
Book Review: Talking to God by Julie Cragon
Get your hands on this new prayer book by Julie Cragon, but don't read it all the way through. That's not what Talking to God is for. It's a small book (on purpose), just right to slide into your handbag for easy reference in prayer emergencies. Julie Cragon's book is...
Book Review: Blue-Eyed Doll by Deanna K. Klingel
Did you think that the custom of classroom pen-pal letter exchanges and sending “Flat Stanley” on trips around the world made its educational debut in the 21st century? Deanna Klingel’s novel Blue-Eyed Doll tells the story of a very unique cultural exchange that took...
How To Give Your Children a Great Catholic Education
Let’s face it. The Catholic education of our children is really up to us. Even if we send our children to the best Catholic schools, to greatest CCD programs or the most inspiring, orthodox youth retreats, we can’t complain if our kids turn 18 and don’t know their...
The Power of Prayer
+ JMJ March 19, 2016 Dynamic Women of Faith Conference And it is a special joy to be with you today on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Patron of Canada. Let’s turn to him now to ask him to intercede for us: O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so...
The Treasure and Value of Family Storytelling
One of the best ways to keep your family close as it grows and adds members, either by birth, adoption, or later on with your child’s own marriage and children, is to integrate storytelling into the rhythm of your family life. Storytelling need not be elaborately...
The DWF Conference – Spiritual Nourishment for Moms & More
The Dynamic Women of Faith Conference, held this weekend (3/19/16), at the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre was, well DYNAMIC! With speakers such as Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Anne Jamieson, Deacon Doug McManaman, Dorothy Pilarski and, my personal favorite, Sister...
Invitation Challenge
Good Morning! Thank you for registering for the Dynamic Women of Faith conference. The phone has been ringing off the hook! Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions, CLICK HERE. If you have registered more than one person, I trust you have emailed us the...
The Leader of the Pack – When that person breaks
Leaders often seem to be able to take on the whole world: marriage, family, work, church, sports teams, carpool, PTA, gym class instructor, homeless shelter volunteer and doula. There are often times when these people break; they've had enough and just break. God...
Book Review: True Radiance by Lisa Mladinich
Lisa Mladinich’s book True Radiance is subtitled “Finding Grace in the Second Half of Life.” That subtitle! Since I read this book, I guess I’m admitting that I am squarely in the second half of life. Now, I don’t mind the gray hairs that are appearing with increased...
Motherhood Matters: Reflection on Motherhood
A new crop of mothers in our world use social media and technology in every aspect of their daily lives. When you are a mother with young children, these outlets are often used to vent, to talk about all of the struggles. Many of us weren't prepared for the long...
Book Review: The Kiss of Jesus by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
While Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s memoir, The Kiss of Jesus, tells the story of great suffering, the reader is left to focus not on the suffering itself but instead on how Donna-Marie was drawn closer and closer to God, even in situations dire enough to cause anyone...
Device Dilema During Lent
I decided to give up Facebook for Lent. It was a good decision, because I knew I had begun to fall into pattern of sin that, while predictable, had snuck into my less-than-conscienous thought. I found myself comparing myself to others on a daily basis....
Book Review: A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman
Author Stephanie Engelman proves that a story doesn’t have to be edgy to be compelling. In the new YA novel, A Single Bead (Pauline Teen, 2016) teenage Kate finds faith in an unlikely way: through the stories of others who have been touched by the prayers of her...
Book Review: 3 New Lenten Resources from Ave Maria Press
Here are a few excellent resources for personal and family devotions, brought to you by Ave Maria Press. Sacred Reading for Lent 2016, from the Apostleship of Prayer, is a pocket- or purse-sized version of the full-year edition of Sacred Reading. It runs from Ash...
Ashes to Go !
I know most Catholics are off Facebook for Lent. Not me! I would like to share the JOYS of technology... this Lent. My daughter was getting on the GO TRAIN this morning to go to school (university) and guess what's at the GO STATION for commuters going downtown?...
Questions About the Conference
1. Who are the speakers this year? Dynamic Women of Faith Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Author, EWTN TV Host Anne Jamieson, Director of Catechesis, Archdiocese of Hamilton Deacon Douglas McManaman, Author Sister Maria Kateri, Sisters of Life Dorothy...
Proud of Self Hatred? Suicidal thoughts? Phony?
PROUD OF YOUR SELF-HATRED? "Stop! Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night." –1 Samuel 15:16 Saul "erected a trophy in his own honor" (1 Sm 15:12), though he was little in his own esteem (1 Sm 15:17). People who are proud of themselves often hate...
Save the Date – DWF Conference Saturday March 19, 2016
Our team of elves is busily working on organizing a conference and a Mother - Daughter event that is going to be the BEST ever! We are very excited about our keynote speaker - who will be announced shortly! Keep visiting the website for details. For now, save...
Divinity Revealed to Women
I recently was asked by someone to explain why the Church didn't elevate women (as priests etc.) in the early days of Christianity. This is the part in the conversation when internally, I start to look like an old Bugs Bunny cartoon with steam rising from my ears and...