Sunday, May 31, 2009

Happy Pentecost Sunday!



A Morning prayer for Pentecost Sunday:


Psalm 62 (63)
Thirsting for God
How good and kind is your Spirit within us, O Lord! Alleluia.
O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn.
My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.
I came to your sanctuary,
as one in a parched and waterless land,
so that I could see your might and your glory.
My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself.
Thus I will bless you throughout my life,
and raise my hands in prayer to your name;
my soul will be filled as if by rich food,
and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice.
I will remember you as I lie in bed,
I will think of you in the morning,
for you have been my helper,
and I will take joy in the protection of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
How good and kind is your Spirit within us, O Lord! Alleluia.


Have a very BLESSED day!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Women dying giving birth in the Congo.


Did you know that more than 30,000 women die in childbirth every year in the Congo? I just learned about it from this post at ORTV/Crossroads Magazine.

There is a short video clip about a Waterbury priest who will be sending a donated van to the Congo to be used as an ambulance for the mothers ready to give birth. He needs funds to ship the van and would also like to fill it up with medical supplies. Currently they have to walk miles to the medical facility when they are in labor and many of them don't make it to that destination. They end of giving birth along the way and most of them sadly die in the process.

Please think about helping even in a small way. Every bit will help. Think about the vast difference in our birth experiences and these women in the Congo. As Father says in the video, we are all one Body of Christ, when one member suffers, we all suffer.

Our Lord wants us to care for one another and to help alleviate suffering. What can we do to help?

Thursday, May 28, 2009

"Angels of God"


I am loving Mike Aquilina's new book: Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts. It's very fascinating. I have a particular love for the Angels and am intrigued by Mike's book. I especially love this author's style of writing. He brings us so much enlightenment on his subjects in a wonderful conversational way. Mike helps us to discover the reality and the power of our Angel friends, escorting them seemingly ever closer to us. I really feel like I'm sitting down with Mike and chatting about the Angels over a cup of coffee every time I pick up this book to read more. I know you'll love this book and learn much too, which is why I am highly recommending it. I'll be posting a review of it soon. Stay tuned!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Karen's new book: The Rosary: Keeping Compny with Jesus and Mary




I'm very excited about Karen Edmisten's new book! It's titled The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary and is hot off the press! It's a wonderful book. I'll be posting a review soon.

In the mean while take a look here and here. Here is my endorsement which is on the back cover of the book: "Karen Edmisten succeeds in making a convincing case for praying the rosary despite issues with lack of time, wandering minds and dry periods in prayer. This may very well be the most exceptional book you'll read about the rosary." This book would make a lovely gift for someone who would like to learn more about the Rosary as well as those already familiar with this ancient prayer.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Something "Spring-y"


Take a two minute break to read something "spring-y" and see some gorgeous spring blossoms reminding us of the incredible new birth and beauty that can refresh our souls and warm our hearts at this time of year after a long cold winter.

Take a look at Roxane's blog here.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Theologian critical of Christopher West

This was found through the Catholic News Agency. A very enlightening article, revealing things and concerns that I have had but have not had the time to research enough about it to form an opinion. I am presently not voicing my opinion, but feel I should present this article for you to ponder yourselves. Fair warning for those who may blush - the continuation of the article contains graphic and explicit details about what should be an intimate subject between spouses and some of which may seem totally out of whack!

Here is the article by David L. Schindler
Provost/Dean and Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology at the Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family:

"Regarding his interview on Nightline, Christopher West says that his remarks were taken out of context. In some sense, this is surely true. However, the comments as aired are the latest in a long list of statements and actions not inconsistent with the context set by the Nightline editors.

Though occasioned by West’s Nightline appearance, the present statement addresses his theology as a whole.

Let me stress that I agree with those who vigorously defend West’s intention of fidelity to the Church. Certainly he has had positive results in drawing many Catholics into a deeper understanding of their faith. As for myself, I do not initiate anything about West in my classes, but only respond when asked a question. Then I begin by emphasizing West’s intention of orthodoxy. As I have often put it, "he would throw himself in front of a bus for the Church." It is important to understand, however, that good will is not synonymous with sound thought; and I must say, not without reluctance, that West’s work seems to me to misrepresent in significant ways the thought of John Paul II.

The following examples have been verified by persons directly involved or by things written by West himself (and I regret the necessary adoption of West’s own language).

West’s work has involved suggesting that a man and woman bless their... (Continued here).

Thursday, May 21, 2009

One of the best parts...



Of course I needed my annual bouquet of luscious lilacs for Mother's Day!


Thoroughly enjoying my Mother's Day recently...one of the best parts was being with my son, Joseph who was recently assaulted near his campus. He is completely fine now. THANK YOU for your prayers!

Sharing...

I am so proud of my daughter, Jessica who just graduated with high honors in psychology from Smith college!


Sharing a precious moment with my college graduate!


With some friends in line to graduate...

It's a beautiful day: feast of the Ascension!


My windows are open so that I can feel a gentle breeze and hear the birds chirping as I work at the computer - music to my ears! I also hear the crows of a distant rooster chiming in with his two cents worth. I must pry myself away from my work and go for a walk today. It's supposed to be in the 90's.

I hope you're enjoying a brand new day filled with umpteen opportunities for grace! I'll catch up with you soon. Things are busy, busy here as the school year winds down and award ceremonies and graduations to attend, a book to finish writing, and meetings galore!

Happy feast of the Ascension! I'm looking forward to Mass later.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Friday, May 15, 2009

Free download from Ascension Press: Answering Angels and Demons

"Angels & Demons is a thinly-veiled, but brutal attack on the Catholic Faith that will again shake the faith of potentially millions of people who know little about Catholic teaching and Catholic and Western history. It is full of half-truths, historical inaccuracies, and outright lies.

Answering Angels & Demons, by Mark Shea is an electronic book provided for free to help you answer the errors contained in the book and movie. Please feel free to download this resources and share it with your friends, family and neighbors."

Go here for the free download and to learn more.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Yesterday's "Mom's Corner" Segment

Here is the link to hear my radio segment with Teresa Tomeo yesterday morning. We talked about mothers and the pressure on them these days to do so much, as well as some prayer strategies for remaining faithful throughout the challenges.

Monday, May 11, 2009

EWTN inspiration for Moms

I should clarify my earlier announcement a bit since someone thought I was going to be arranging segments for Catholic Moms. In a sense, yes, I will be doing that. But, in fact, I was asked by EWTN to do 25 short pieces for Catholic Moms to be aired on television at some point in the near future. They will be like bursts of inspiration sprinkled throughout the programming, I believe. I will let you know when to watch for them.

Exciting announcement!

I announced this morning on my "Mom's Corner" segment on Teresa Tomeo's show at Catholic Connection that I am working along with EWTN programming to be able to present Catholic mothering segments to you on EWTN TV! I don't know when they will air, but I will be sure to let you know when I do. I will also announce it on my upcoming "Mom's Corner" segments. So, stay tuned! In the mean time, may God bless your faithful mothering in GREAT abundance!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

PS As soon as I get an MP3 for this morning's show, I'll post a link for you to listen in case you weren't able to tune in this morning.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

"Mom's Corner" Tomorrow morning!


Tune in to "Mom's Corner" on Catholic Connection at Ave Maria Radio on Monday, May 11th at 9:15 to 9:30 AM Eastern Standard Time. Teresa Tomeo and I will be chatting about Mother's day and motherly things. I hope that you can join us. Feel free to call in with a question or comment.

Tune in at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time by clicking here at avemariaradio.net and then click "listen live."

Talk to you then!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Happy Mother's Day!


I was profoundly touched at Mass this morning watching the First Holy Communion children process up the center aisle carrying beautiful pink roses. They approached the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one girl climbed up behind the statue and crowned Mary! Then, the roses that the children beautifully carried forward were placed in vases to adorn Our Blessed Mother's feet.

We are so blessed to have Mary as our Mother. Mother Teresa's words to me, "Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a Mother to me now" echoed in my heart.


Happy Mothers day to all the women out there--so many mothers and also the women who are not biological mothers, but who mother so many others in a myriad of ways. Some mothers do not have children living here on earth, but are profoundly connected with their children in Heaven lost through miscarriage or death. We can also think of and pray for the children who lost their lives through the atrocious act of abortion. They are with Jesus and Mary for sure--praying for all of us!

I am adding the three sidebars that went along with my Mother's day article I recently wrote for the Our Sunday Visitor newsweekly which was posted on this blog yesterday.

Here they are:


Roxane Salonen from Fargo, North Dakota, author, journalist, wife and mother of five recently pondered the joys and challenges of motherhood. She shared, “Having lost one child through miscarriage, and having met quite a few women who have struggled with infertility, I understand quite profoundly the preciousness of the gift of life, as well as what an honor it is to take part in the process of helping bring new souls into the world.”

Mindful that “the world can be so hostile to Christian mothers at times,” Roxane connects with likeminded Christian mothers. “I have gained so much insight and courage through my affiliation with my mother groups. They have been life-giving and life-saving.”

As Roxane’s family grew, she had to leave behind her previous long evening candle-lit sessions with God and discover the prayerful meaning woven into a mother’s life. “Our work is our prayer. I firmly believe that…while oftentimes mundane, is indeed holy work.”

Roxane loves singing as a cantor and recalls her father’s words--“Those who sing pray twice.” She weaves prayer into her involvement with school, parish, and community life and prays during her laps at the local pool.
“I can’t imagine trying to journey through this world without my faith as a guide” she pointed out. Visit Roxane at www.roxanesalonen.com


Patti Maguire Armstrong from Bismark, North Dakota, author, editor, wife and mother of ten recently shared that she is “in awe at the total miracle of each and every creation of a new human being.”
Patti loves watching her children develop as unique individuals and shares that the “most challenging aspect of mothering is the flipside of the most rewarding—their individuality.” Through this, she recognizes many opportunities “to grow in humility and develop a deeper understanding that we must give everything to God and not think that we are in control.”

Knowing that “Jesus was all about love” Patti is cognizant of the need to respond to her children with Jesus’ love. Patti begins and ends each day with prayer and tries to get to daily Mass and visit the Blessed Sacrament which keeps her grounded in her faith. At busy times, Patti has learned to be content with offering up short prayers or recalling Scripture verses. Her favorites are: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put all my trust in You and Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

“I stay in contact with God by living in His presence. I often call out to the Blessed Mother and the angels and saints to assist me through the day.” Visit Patti at www.Raisingcatholickids.com




Lisa M. Hendey, from Fresno, California, founder of CatholicMom.com, wife, and mother of two loves the relationships that she’s formed with her teen aged sons. “It’s wonderful to watch them grow and develop into such wonderful men. Every day as a mother has its rewards, large and small” she shared.
Lisa finds peace and strength in her prayer life. She said, “My faith is the fuel that enables me to take on the tremendous challenges of being a Mom!”
She meets the demands of each day by rising early to carve out a quiet time for prayer and meditation; a habit she learned from her father. Daily Scripture readings, studying the lives of the saints and seeking their intercession helps set the tone for her day. Lisa tries to get to daily Mass and visits to the Blessed Sacrament. She fits in decades of the rosary while driving and converses with God in spontaneous prayer throughout the day.

Lisa enjoys everything “geek,” digital photography and knitting. She is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and parish webmaster. Her first book which is a handbook for Catholic Moms will be released next year.
“Without the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the whole Communion of Saints, I don’t know how I’d meet the demands of mothering” she said. Visit Lisa at www.lisahendey.com

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Mother's Day article in OSV newsweekly


Here's an article I wrote minus the sidebars about three Catholic Moms which I'll post tomorrow on Mother's Day.

By Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Catholic moms find faith in challenges

Tips for prayers, practices and routines to keep from burning out in these busy, complex times

As the luscious scent of early lilacs fill the air and the bright yellow blooms of forsythia bring springtime color to us, mothers everywhere are pondering their vocations this Mother's Day. The warm fuzzies of motherhood -- baby coos, snuggly embraces from our children and milestones both small and big -- never cease to bring a profound sense of satisfaction to a mother's heart. Mothers often express the deep joy they feel as they watch their children blossom and grow into independent and caring human beings.

There's no doubt that the vocation of motherhood is overflowing with countless rewards and reasons to give thanks, but we would be remiss when discussing a mother's role not to mention that some challenges come with the territory.

First off, mothers most times don't receive compliments for their hard work. Thankfully, at the heart of mothers' vocations is the love fueling them to persevere in their God-given roles, especially during the wee hours of the morning when nursing their hungry babies or when breaking up sibling squabbles, and throughout the fatigue or frustration they may experience in running a household. Without faith in God and an understanding of her mission, a mother may feel unappreciated, depressed or burnt out.
Mothering with grace

Today's mothers also cope with the advances in technology that transmit worldly messages into our homes, making a Catholic mother's job more complicated. She now has to be even more careful to sift through everything that comes near or into her "domestic church," protecting her family from the dangers of the biased media and, even worse, the "anything goes" mentality of the world.

Gone are the days, too, when motherhood was held up high on a pedestal. Now we must contend with a less-than-affirming acknowledgement from society, because, sadly, a woman's worth is measured by the size of her paycheck. As well, the family unit, called the "vital cell of society" by the Catholic Church, is not given much value by our world.

Before we think all is dismal, let's acknowledge that Catholic mothers have risen to the occasion, discovering ways to mother with grace while keeping their sanity! Home-schooling mom, Karen Edmisten, in Norfolk, Neb., said she makes sure to offer a Morning Offering prayer when she rises each day to "make the whole day a prayer." She offers many prayers throughout the day, including decades of the Rosary. When she is "tempted to anger, frustration or boredom" she whispers "a short offering: 'For You, Lord.' It helps me to refocus on what I'm doing, and on the reason I'm doing it."

Lisa Hendey, founder of CatholicMom.com , takes her role as first and foremost educator to her children seriously. "I try every day to instill in them a knowledge of, but also a love for, our Catholic faith. It's a job you can never do well enough," she said.

Hendey nourishes her faith with visits to the Blessed Sacrament, something many Catholic mothers strive to do to find peace and to receive sustenance from Jesus himself.

Edmisten looks forward to her hour of weekly Adoration. "I treasure that meditative prayer time," she said.

Visits to Jesus for Adoration and participation in daily Mass whenever possible is just the medicine for weary mothers. Edmisten also keeps a prayer journal to record struggles and insights.
'Day by day'

Patti Maguire Armstrong, mother of 10, said both she and her husband had been strong-willed children, and she thinks that they may be getting a good dose of payback. "It can be frustrating to want what is best for my children and then to watch them sometimes head in the opposite direction," she told OSV.

She now has a "deeper understanding about what God, our Father, must feel about us sometimes." When her children aren't wearing sparkling halos, for example, Maguire Armstrong recalls "that God's first children, Adam and Eve, did not always listen to [God the Father], either."

When things are extra busy, she sends up short aspirations of prayer and ponders favorite Scripture verses.

Roxane Salonen, mother of five, said that when she considers the magnitude of what she is truly doing as a mother she can feel daunted or frozen. Instead, she focuses on the big picture. She knows that "like any challenge, it's much more manageable to take it day by day and, of course, trust in and rely upon graces from God."

Salonen also connects with other like-minded mothers for an affirming exchange.

Catholic mothers are using varying techniques and prayer practices to stay in communication with God and raise their families well. All achieve the same goal -- peace of heart and contentment knowing that we are striving to follow God's holy will while mothering our children in the sometimes chaotic or challenging atmosphere of the home and society.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, mother of five and Lay Missionary of Charity, is the author most recently of "Grace Café: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering" (Circle Press, $14.95). Visit her website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Christopher West on ABC tonight!

This is from a press release...

"Christopher West, senior fellow of the Theology of the Body Institute, was interviewed last week for an in-depth feature segment on ABC's Nightline. The interview was filmed on location in North Carolina during one of his conferences and also in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, near the headquarters of the Theology of the Body Institute.

We were informed today that the piece will air tonight (May 7). ABC Nightline airs at 11:35 EST. Check your local listing for more information.

Nightline has an average nightly viewing audience of four million. Please pray for those who will be exposed to the message through this medium.

Over eight hours of taped interviews were edited down to seven minutes. We ask for your prayers through the intercession of John Paul II that the message of The Theology of the Body will be presented authentically.

God bless you,
TOB Institute Staff"

My friend, Joan Lewis...


RADIO HIGHLIGHTS

EWTN Rome Bureau Chief Joan Lewis will not only be covering Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to the Holy Land for television, along with EWTN News Director and Anchor Raymond Arroyo, but she will also be making special appearances on EWTN Radio.

In addition to “NewsLinks” each day of the papal visit, listeners can hear Lewis on:

• “Son Rise Morning Show” with Brian Patrick at 7 a.m. ET.
• “Catholic Connection” with Teresa Tomeo at 9 a.m. ET. Also joining Tomeo is
Catholic Convert Steve Ray, author, producer and host of the “Footprints of God
series, and a certified guide to the Holy Land.
• “Open Line” at 3 p.m. ET
• “Kresta in the Afternoon” at 5 p.m. ET, when possible (pre-taped)

As most of these interviews will be live, this schedule is subject to change depending on events.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The sun came out!


The sun came out this morning after some dreary cloudy and rainy days. My first pansies of the year sit on my kitchen window sill reminding me of newness and rebirth during this beautiful season. They also remind me of my daughter, Chaldea who gave the pansies to me last week end. The beautiful delicate scent wafts through my kitchen!

I hope you all have a sunny and happy day today. Remember that all of our disappointments are "God-appointments" according to my friend, Sister Mary Francis! Everything in life becomes an opportunity for grace when we offer it all to HIM.

If you get the Our Sunday Visitor newspaper, take a look at the Mother's Day issue coming out this week. I wrote an article featuring some wonderful Moms.

Currently, I'm very busy with the final stages of my new book, but I'll check back with all of you soon. Tune in to my "Mom's Corner" segment on Ave Maria Radio on Monday if you can. I'll be on LIVE at 9:15 AM Eastern time. Call in if you'd like.

Don't forget to send me (email) your group study photos and I'll feature them on my website. Take a peek and see who's there now.

I have some more news for you that I will share soon. :)

God bless your day!
hugs,

Donna-Marie

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"Mom's Corner" Coming up!


I will be chatting with my dear friend, Terea Tomeo on Monday May 11th. We're going to be talking about...what else? Mother's Day! And mother stuff! I hope you can join us. I'll post the details soon. I just wanted to at least say "HELLO!" to you all. I have been so busy with so many things lately - so much to do and so little time. :) I'm busy editing my new book too. It's The Heart of Catholicism and it's due to be released this fall by Alpha/Penguin.

I'll try to check back with you tomorrow.

God bless your night!

Donna-Marie

Help send Katy to Uganda...


Help send Katy to Uganda!

This is from a young woman who is going to Uganda for mission work...

"Here I am. Send me out. Let me shine for Your glory..."

"Hello friends and family!

Over the past few years, I've really felt God calling me to do mission work in Africa, and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to finally travel there this summer. I will be volunteering for approximately 5 weeks this summer at New Hope Orphanage and Primary School in Kampala, Uganda, which is home to about 1000 kids.

Over the past several months, I have been in contact with the pastor who founded this orphanage and am very excited about the work they have in store for me. I will be assisting medically in their clinic, helping teach the children in a number of subjects, and hopefully working on the establishment of a secondary school for the orphanage, as well as however else I can help them. I will also be conducting a number of interviews, doing research, and taking photos for the novel I'll be writing that will tell the fascinating story of the orphanage and the people involved with it. Once the novel is completed, we hope to publish it and use the proceeds to support the orphanage.

This is an incredible opportunity that is exactly what I've been praying for over the past few years, but as with any mission trip, it is not free. My estimated costs are sitting between $3400 and $3500, which (although expensive for a college student) I feel will be completely worth the experience and opportunity to serve these people. If you would like to support me in this effort, that would be amazing!

Aside from monetary support, I'm going to be in great need of your prayers! This trip is going to be challenging physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and although I am completely willing to embrace this, your prayers and encouragement will always be greatly appreciated.

While on the trip, I plan to write a blog to keep all of you updated on my work in Uganda. I may also have email updates, so be sure to sign up on the list if I do.

Thanks so much for all of your support in helping me serve the Lord in Uganda. I'm looking forward to seeing how He'll use me to serve this community!

God Bless!
Katy Britten

If you would like to support me financially, you can mail any donations, made out to Katy Britten, to the address below.

A. Granger
3180 Cane Rd. #164
College Station, Texas 77845"

Friday, May 1, 2009

St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

"Apparently in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a longer history.
In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the Church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ."

(From A Saint A Day)