Audio from our Blogging Panel at the recent CMN conference

Audio from our Blogging Panel at the recent CMN conference

Lisa Hendey's "The Handbook for Catholic Moms"

Kate Wicker interviews Lisa Hendey about her new book:

1. Tell us a little bit about your new book, The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul. It almost appears to serve as a primer for "all things Catholic Mom." In fact, I feel like I now have a book that compiles many of the great wisdom and resources that is shared on your CatholicMom.com site. What prompted you to write the book? What are some of the topics you cover?

First of all Kate, thank you for the wonderful opportunity to share about my book with your readers! As a fan of your blog, it’s very fun to be a guest on Momopoly, I think you’re on target when you call The Handbook for Catholic Moms a great companion piece to CatholicMom.com. This was our goal from the start with the book, to provide a lasting, cumulative resource that would serve as the “go to” reference for Catholic Moms.

I was encouraged to take on this project in collaboration with my wonderful publisher, Ave Maria Press, who recognized the work we’d accomplished through the website and wanted to provide me with an even larger and more lasting platform to support and encourage Catholic moms. I can’t thank them enough for their belief in me and for their conviction that this was an important message to share.

As you know, the book is aimed at supporting and encouraging Catholic moms in their mothering vocation. I am convinced that for us to truly serve our families, we need to nurture and take care of ourselves. The book is divided into four sections: Heart, Mind, Body and Soul. The Heart section looks at our relationships. Mind explores all of the intellectual pursuits in a mom’s life – everything from career issues to handling family finances. The Body section of the book urges a mom to care for herself physically. The Soul section, my favorite part of the book, shares all of the wonderful treasures of our faith that can be used by a mom to nurture herself spiritually.

Go to Kate's blog to see the review here.

You'll love this book!

I am a very honored contributor of The Handbook for Catholic Moms. You'll see a sidebar from me inside. Here's my endorsement for this wonderful book: Lisa Hendey is the sister friend of Catholic motherhood! We know her so well through her work for families, her website: Catholic Mom and her engaging podcasts. She now brings us her book: The Handbook for Catholic Moms; Nurturing Your Heart, Body Mind, & Soul in which Lisa openly discusses the essential elements of a Catholic Mom’s life in an exceptionally delightful, engaging, dynamic, and practical manner. You’ll be turning pages and feeling as if Lisa is there by your side lovingly offering her insight and warm encouragement. You’re going to love this book!

Watch for my review of this book coming up in the National Catholic Regiser.

Here's where you can purchase your copy:
Amazon - here.

The Catholic Company - here.

Barnes & Noble - here.

Aquinas and More - here.

Interview at Faith & Family Live today!

The interview of me by Lisa Hendey for Faith & Family Live is now up at the website. You can listen in by clicking here.

There's also a contest going on over there to win my book: Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship.

God bless your Friday!

God bless and hugs!

Donna-Marie

"The Handbook for Catholic Moms" is coming soon!

I am thrilled to announce that my friend and founder of Catholic Mom.Com, Lisa Hendey will release her new book: The Handbook for Catholic Moms VERY SOON!

The Handbook for Catholic Moms
Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul
Published by Ave Maria Press
By Lisa M. Hendey

"Drawing from the deep tradition of the Catholic faith, Lisa Hendey coaches Catholic moms in how to care for themselves—heart, mind, body, and soul—so that they can better love and care for their families, their neighbors, and their Church.

With warmth and wisdom, Hendey creates an environment where Catholic moms can reflect peacefully upon often-competitive topics like parenting style, types of schooling, and working outside the home. By sharing her own story, Hendey inspires readers to better balance their own needs with the demands of family life and faith commitment.

Lisa shares stories from her personal life as a wife and mother, as well as stories contributed by Catholic moms and families from around the country. Each chapter of The Handbook for Catholic Moms contains relevant scripture passages, Church doctrine, and quotes from the lives of the saints. Noted Catholics such as Danielle Bean, Father James Martin, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle and Phil Lenahan contribute their expertise and wisdom to make this a tremendous resource for Catholic mothers. "Mom's Homework" reflections at the conclusion of every chapter help the reader apply the book's principles to her real world challenges as a Catholic Mom."

Contributors to The Handbook for Catholic Moms:

Sharmane Adams, Susan Bailey, Rachel Balducci, Mary Ellen Barrett, Danielle Bean, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Maria de Lourdes Ruiz Scaperlanda, Lisa Duffy, Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur, Fr. Jay A. Finelli, Reverend Mr. Tom Fox, Pat Gohn, Kelly the Kitchen Kop, Mary Ann Kuharski, Phil Lenahan, James Martin, SJ, Laurie Manhardt, Arwen Mosher, Holly Pierlot, Sarah Reinhard, Paula Rutherford, Rebecca Ryskind Teti, Sue Stanton, Kate Wicker, Melissa Wiley

Topics of Interest include:

~Single Motherhood
~The Importance of Mass Attendance
~Working Outside the Home
~Doctor’s Orders: Recommended Medical Routines
~Becoming a Lifelong Learner
~Exploring the Bible

Lisa's book sells for $15.95 and will be available on February 2010.

Endorsements:

"Lisa Hendey’s CatholicMom.com website has long been a treasured internet gathering spot. The Handbook for Catholic Moms is a welcome extension of Lisa’s wisdom and energy, enriched by the experiences of the community of women who have found community, support, and strength through CatholicMom.com."
- Amy Welborn, Author of A Catholic Woman’s Book Of Days

"Lisa Hendey is the sister friend of Catholic motherhood! We know her so well through her work for families, her website, and her engaging podcasts. Lisa now brings us her book in which she openly discusses the essential elements of a Catholic mom’s life in an exceptionally delightful, engaging, dynamic, and practical manner. You’ll be turning pages and feeling as if Lisa is there by your side lovingly offering her insight and warm encouragement. You’re going to love this book!"
- Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings For Catholic Moms

"Lisa Hendey is the kind of friend whose advice you always treasure. Warm, wise, funny, compassionate, faith-filled, and, above all experienced in the joys and struggles of family life, her new book will be a lifesaver to Catholic women who try, hope, and pray to be good moms."
- James Martin, S.J., Author of My Life with the Saints

"Kudos to fellow blogger Lisa Hendey for such a comprehensive, holistic companion for women who can use their faith as a tool to empower themselves as mothers, as wives, and as individuals on the pilgrimage of life."
- Therese Borchard, Author of Beyond Blue

"Every mom needs a few good tools in her belt, to help her handle life’s challenges and The Handbook for Catholic Moms belongs on your short list of indispensable resources. Does your marriage need a tune-up? Does your friendship garden need cultivating? Could your parenting skills use a little remedial attention? This book offers sound advice to help you meet these and other challenges with confidence and grace."
- Heidi Hess Saxton, Author of My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories

"There is a saying: A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. For years, Lisa has been the candle that lights so many others. She also invites those with their own flame of faith to join with her so that more darkness is dispelled. This book is wonderful for Catholic moms (and others) to experience the Light burning inside as well as around Lisa Hendey. She is a gift to people of faith and journey."
-Deacon Tom Fox, Columnist and Podcaster at deacontomonline.com

Check out some of Lisa's appearances here.

Check out video interviews here.

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

Lisa Hendey's video clip : First Week of Advent

Lisa Hendey has a new video clip for the first week of Advent. She also shares a bit about my two new books, The Domestic Church: Room By Room: A Mother's Study Guide and Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering. It's a short clip. Have a look by clicking here.

The Heart of Motherhood Review

Here is Lisa Hendey's review of my book The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home at Catholic Exhange's new totally REVAMPED website!!

"During May, Mary's month and the month in which we celebrate the vocation of motherhood, it seems fitting to write about what is undoubtedly one of my favorite mothering books in recent years. The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home by noted author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle offers and encouraging and inspirational look at the vocation of motherhood.

In her introductory remarks, Donna-Marie shares that today's mothers need encouragement and recognition. Her mission statement for the book comes in these early pages:

"My hope is that I can help more mothers realize and embrace the sublimity of their missions as mothers, responsible for the souls entrusted to our care."

Having savored the pages of this book through several readings, I would say that Cooper O'Boyle manages to hit that mark head on. Among the highlights of this book, along with Donna-Marie's warm and engaging writing style, are the many quotations she shares from two luminaries of our Church: Pope John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, with whom the author shared a personal correspondence. The Heart of Motherhood is the type of parenting book I favor most. Concise enough to be read in a few short settings, yet thought provoking enough to invite its reader back repeatedly for in depth illumination. Each chapter ends with dual prayers, inspiring pause and reflection upon the content discussed.

In her chapter on the need for saints in our world today, Cooper O'Boyle shares the life story of Mother Teresa, reminding readers that each of us is called to be a saint in our own walk of life. It is fitting that the author reminds mothers that any task, done with love, becomes an act of faith, love and prayer. In this manner, she commends and affirms the role of any mother who may feel that the mendacity of her day to day lives is not "good enough" or sufficiently holy. Remarks by Pope John Paul II reinforce the dignity of the role of every mother. Cooper O'Boyle also underscores the vital necessity for mothers to take breaks for prayer and refreshment throughout the course of their daily familial service.

As Catholics, we have in the Blessed Virgin Mary the greatest role model for parenting with faith and love. Cooper O'Boyle reminds mothers to strive to imitate Mary and her virtues in their lives and to turn to Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother, when in need of help or consolation. Additionally, she reminds mothers of their duty to pray on a regular basis, to teach their children to lead lives of constant prayer, and to seek out opportunities for evangelization in our everyday relationships. The age old conundrum of taking small children to Mass is lovingly and patiently discussed as the author shares her own experience as a mother of five. Donna-Marie encourages mothers to pray throughout their day and to model this prayer to their families. Families should emphasize family dinner as a time of spiritual and physical nourishment and each day should end in quiet prayer with our children.

In subsequent chapters, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle shares the story of female saints whose lives of quiet service to their families shine as a true lesson for today's mothers. Additionally, and with great charm, Donna-Marie addresses the topic of suffering as a form of prayer and encourages mothers to look for life's "everyday miracles", those moments of grace and opportunity that are sprinkled throughout family life.

I have loved and followed the progression of Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's writing from her previous book and at her "Daily Donna-Marie" blog, so it is indeed a pleasure to have another of her books to read and recommend. With The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home it is certain that Donna-Marie continues to encourage and support the vocation of motherhood with gentle and loving care.

For more information on The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home, click here."

You have to check out SQPN!

Take a moment to check this out to get connected with great podcasts and shows! Lisa Hendey's "Catholic Moments" is listed here too! There's a Catholic TV show here called "This is the Day" which I will be profiled on in June. There's so much here, check it out!

Lisa Hendey's New Year's Podcast

Don't forget to check out Lisa Hendey's latest podcast for the New Year here. You'll also find out more about the Catholic Exchange and Cheryl Dickow's Scripture study program.

Catholic Mom, Lisa Hendey's exciting new development

Lisa Hendey, a Catholic wife, mother, and webmaster at CatholicMom.com, recently sent me this exciting news regarding her "Catholic Moments" podcast:

"Hey everyone, I just had to share this great news! Christmas came early for me this year!!You can check out the details at http://www.sqpn.com/?p=2489 and comment there if you are as excited as I am! This happened just in time for me to ask you to join me in supporting SQPN with any size donation you might be able to share this year. I truly believe that podcasting and new media are tremendous tools for lifting up our Catholic families and sharing our faith. If you can share a donation of any size, please visit http://www.sqpn.com/?page_id=528 - your donation will go to help SQPN continue to grow and will support the talented individuals who lead this organization and have committed their lives to this project.Thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me in this new project, and here's to many more "Catholic Moments" in 2008. Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent, Lisa"

Please take a moment to visit the site mentioned above to congratulate Lisa!

Lisa Hendey's Christmas Podcast!

Go on over to hear Catholic Mom.Com, Lisa Hendey's podcast by clicking here.

Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom.Com spotlighted...

Our friend, Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom.Com was recently spotlighted on The Catholic Company. Take a few minutes and listen in to find out about how Lisa got Catholic Mom started and Lisa's goals and other endeavors. Thank you, Lisa for bringing so much goodness to Catholic and Christian families! We appreciate it. God bless you!

Check out the new Catholic Mom.Com podcast

Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom.Com has so much to offer Catholic families. Her newest use of the media is her great podcast in which she interviews a variety of people to get the news out to all of us. Lisa has recently interviewed me on her podcast at Catholic Mom.Com. She specifically asked me about my book, Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers-To-Be , how it came to be, as well as some of my future projects. You can listen to our conversation by clicking here. You can then scroll down and click on "direct download." Thank you, Lisa, for tirelessly working to light the way for others!

You need a good laugh!

You HAVE to watch this!. Guaranteed laughs for Moms!

(Thanks to Lisa Hendey for posting it on her Catholic Mom Moments blog!)

Catholic Mom Podcast!

Check out Lisa Hendey's (Catholic Mom.Com) new podcast!

Catholic Mom Book Selections for August

Lisa Hendey has posted her Catholic Mom book selections for August. She is also having a book contest. Go take a look and enter!

Watch out for that INVISIBLE problem!

Recently I wrote a post over at my other blog, Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration about the dangers of germs, E.coli, salmonella and other nasty invisible health threats lurking around in our houses, at the barbecue, and the grocery stores in "How much bacteria are you eating?". I know it's gross stuff but very important for parents and caregivers to be aware often. I discussed the fact that even leaving Deli meats in your grocery carriage too long while grocery shopping exposes them to growing bacteria because they are not being refrigerated at the proper temperature.

Well, Lisa Hendey, our dear Catholic Mom friend at Catholic Mom.Com posted recently Grocery shoppers and pyrotechnicians beware exploring Ten Things Your Grocery Store Does Not Want You To Know. which is a short piece that parents, grandparents and caregivers should read. It includes such nasty things as reminding us of the fact that you may be placing your fresh broccoli or other food item in a shopping cart where a toddler or child may have just sat and there may be Ecoli or other germs present.

"According to studies done on shopping carts, more than 60 percent of them are harboring coliform bacteria (the sort more often associated with public toilet seats). “These bacteria may be coming from raw foods or from children who sit in the carts,” says Chuck Gerba, Ph.D., a microbiologist at University of Arizona. “Just think about the fact that a few minutes ago, some kid’s bottom was where you are now putting your broccoli.” According to studies done by Gerba and his colleagues at University of Arizona, shopping carts had more bacteria than other surfaces they tested—even more than escalators, public phones and public bathrooms. To avoid picking up nasty bacteria, Gerba recommends using sanitizing wipes to clean off cart handles and seats, and to wash your hands after you finish shopping."

More helpful information: "Raw produce at the salad bar, pre-made salads at the deli counter and other pre-cooked prepared foods all have the potential for harboring harmful bacteria (like E. coli, salmonella and Norovirus). “The biggest contributors to unsafe food are foods that are held at unsafe temperatures, handling of food by individuals with poor hygiene, and refilling partially used containers of perishable food with fresh food,” says Michael Doyle, Ph.D., director of the Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement at University of Georgia. He recommends that consumers pay attention to cleanliness, freshness (all prepared food should be thrown out if not sold by the end of the day), and way food is stored (cold foods need to be kept at 41 degrees or below; hot foods at greater than 135 degrees). As for those bulk bins of candy and trail mix—while it might be a bit gross to think about people reaching in and “sampling” the goods with their dirty fingers, according to Doyle, the risk of catching anything from them is very low. “Harmful microbes are not likely to grow in bulk-bin foods because most of those foods do not contain enough moisture to support microbial growth,” he says.

So, inform yourselves to prevent some very uncomfortable and even dangerous sicknesses. Read this short article Ten Things Your Grocery Store Does Not Want You To Know and do your own research, as well. Frequent hand washing is a great thing too.