Catholic Moms of North East, Ohio Adoring Our Lord!

Recently Tina O. Keller let me know that her group had completed the study of my book The Domestic Church: Room By Room: A Mother's Study Guide. She said, "Our Catholic Mom's Group just had the finale for our Book Study of The Domestic Church: Room by Room. We loved it! Thank you so much for your inspiration & knowledge! :)"

And I would like to share that this group started a beautiful tradition of bringing their children to a weekly hour of Adoration. Specifically, Tina explained:

"Through the imitation of our Blessed Mary, the Mother of our Dear Savior Jesus Christ, we can help each other to grow in the Catholic Faith and become the Mothers that God wants us to be. The Catholic Mom's Group of North East Ohio is a group of Catholic Women (all at different levels in their Catholic Journey) looking for fellowship, encouragement, inspiration, devotions, book studies, play dates, pray dates and friendship! We meet on & off line and offer events with & without our children, as well as fun events for the whole family! This group is for Catholic moms who are looking for support in their role as mother. The Catholic Moms Group of Akron & Surrounding Areas is for mothers who are currently practicing Catholics or those who wish to become so.


We participate in a weekly adoration hour. We do split it up with the little ones, and just do Half hour segments. But we always have at least one member of our group at each time segment. We call it "Ultimate Meetup with Jesus" (Our site we use for our calendar and online group is through meetup.com, so we call our activities meetups) We chose to do this to expose our children and teach them about Adoration and learn how to spend time with Jesus. We do it every week and make it fun for them, we close our Adoration hour by singing the "Hail Mary". It's amazing how much a toddlers even enjoy it and look forward to the time with Jesus. My three year old always tells her daddy that we are going to see Jesus at his house & mama Mary. She knows at three that Jesus & Mary Love her. Each week we follow up our Adoration Hour with Lunch & Playing at the Park. Our kids are getting into the routine. We believe it's a great way to teach them to make a Holy Hour and a wonderful way to learn to spend time with Jesus."

What an inspiration these mothers and families are! Perhaps others will want to follow in their footsteps and start their own groups.

Here are some precious photos of the families...

 

 

God bless you all! It's wonderful that you are raising your families with faith and love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. May God continue to bless you all abundantly as you set a vital example to your families and others, helping them to find their way to Heaven!

The Domestic Church study group!

"Domestic Church: The Living Room was HARD CORE! Thank you for being so honest and straight talking to us Catholic moms...we need to hear this in this day and age where society brain-washes you to believe differently! It truly was my life in a nutshell the last 20 months! Oh goodness! Our last book study meeting was... amazing lots of crying and lots of laughing! Thank you for your books!! I'm also really enjoying Prayerfully Expecting! Love all of the prayers for my unborn babe and my children! :) Hugs! ♥ Erika"

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Thank you very much, Erika! May God bless your study group and the remainder of your pregnancy! Big hugs to you! ♥

Praying for the Other Half!

A mother's study group gathering together to share their faith while studying The Domestic Church: Room By Room has just shared this with me:

"During the study of Chapter 1 Part 2, I was led by the Holy Spirit to pray for the husbands of our group...then prompted to suggest a novena for our husbands to the group... then I turned the page...and there it was, the next chapter! "The Garage" ! Boy, the Lord knows, Mother Mary knows just when to send the graces! So, as we embark on the "Garage" chapter we have listed the husbands in our weekly e-mail and each of us will be praying not only for our own husbands but for each other's husband as well."

Isn't that wonderful that these women are praying for all of the husbands as they connect with each other to strengthen their own faith and learn more about Church teaching and how it applies to them as women, mothers, and wives?

The novena prayer that they are praying is this:

O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request. (mention your request)

O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen.

To see each day of the novena and find other great prayers to St. Joseph, click here.

I happen to be praying a novena to St. Joseph right now too, so I told them that I will include them in my novena. God is so good!

God bless and hugs!

Donna-Marie

Guess who just studied my Domestic Church book?

Guess who just studied my book, The Domestic Church: Room by Room? One of the women in this study group recently told me:

"We had our last summer book study gathering last week. We discussed the final chapter of your book while munching on appetizers. Several of the ladies were missing. We're an Atlanta, GA group. We really enjoyed your book and the discussions that ensued. Thanks for encouraging Catholic wives and moms everywhere. I'll be on the lookout for your new book in September. Congrats! God bless!"

In addition to featuring this lovely group here at "Embracing Motherhood" and very soon on my website, I decided to run a contest. The first person who identifies (no one in the photo is allowed to participate - sorry - or tell anyone else, please) one of the women here in this group will win an autographed copy of my new book Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship! It is scheduled to be released in September. I just thought I'd have a little fun with this group to liven things up a bit. :) Just leave a comment here at this post and the first correct answer will win my new book!

Thank you, ladies for taking part in this study. I pray that it has inspired your souls and that you will carry the torch to other mothers and women who may be struggling or just in need of a little light and nourishment.

God bless you all!

hugs,

Donna-Marie

My new blog: View From the Domestic Church

Check out the new blog I started and pass the word! It's View From the Domestic Church

God bless your week end!

Donna-Marie

A few thoughts to ponder about Our Blessed Mother today excerpted from my book: The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide...

"If Mary, who was the Mother of God, can be his handmaid, taking delight in serving others, I can certainly strive to be a handmaid, too. Within my vocation of motherhood I will find a deep and lasting peace when I become intimately united to Christ while striving to be a servant to others, especially within my own family. Through the gift of myself, I receive so much in return—much more than I can ever imagine.

A life of prayer is necessary to come closer to Jesus and to understand God’s holy will for my life. Prayer and the many graces that are bestowed upon me in my vocation will ultimately give me the necessary strength to carry out my duties within my household, as well as to increase the love for my family.

It would be a lie to convey that a mother’s daily life is only one of blissful loving embraces and constant “warm fuzzies.” Motherhood is intrinsically beautiful, but while she is in the “trenches” with whiny demands, diapers, overflowing hampers of dirty laundry, and the constantly refilling kitchen sink, mothers know that the feeling of love for her family may not always emerge easily in every circumstance..."

You can see the excerpt here at Catholic Mom.Com.

A Review of "The Domestic Church: Room by Room" by a husband and father

This review is from "Unam-ecclesiam."

"Although I am a Roman Catholic father and not a mother, which this book is written for, I am preparing this review as its usefulness to the home, to which the father is the head and must ensure his household has the tools and resources to make his household a 'domestic church'. Authored by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, The Domestic Church - Room by Room offers the Catholic mother a hands-on way to sanctify, what some may refer to as, the daily grind of life. With references to Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the words of Christ, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux (a personal favorite of mine) and others, Donna brings spiritual meaning and strength to the mother longing for a deeper understanding of her vocation. Most striking is the author's choice of referencing our Blessed Mother in Heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model of motherhood.

In the book, the author discloses that this mother's study guide works very well in a group setting for mothers, mothers-to-be, and engaged women. However, I can see where it can also work well in a private spiritual retreat. Since silent time away from the children isn't always possible and since many of us parents including myself, rely also on camaraderie for support, a group study of 3 or more would be ideal. Nevertheless, this study guide shouldn't be overlooked just because other mom's weren't available. There is a "How to Use This Study Guide" section in the beginning which provides valuable recommendations for the group setting which can be easily modified for private use.

Each chapter features room for notes that the reader can write in the answer to specific questions, ideas, or other notes that the author presents. This feature is valuable in that studies reveal that we are more likely to accomplish a task if we have first written it down for ourselves. There isn't a more important task in the world than parenting. This book leaves plenty of opportunities to hand-write your personal thoughts, goals, and ideas to give us that additional motivation.

The author emphasizes the husband's participation in the home early in the book. Chapter 2 notes that a kingdom divided itself cannot stand. This chapter offers practical direction, without micromanaging our homes, in communication, problem solving, spirituality, and more. Again there is room for notes so the goals and direction are ultimately the reader's not the author's.

This book will provoke personal challenge, generosity, and a changing of one's old habits to sow more fulfilling seeds of personal and marital growth. This book is recommended to every couple with or without children who seek to deepen their marriage and who seek climbing a higher rung of the ladder to holiness in our own 'domestic churches'."

You may see the blog where this review is posted here.

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Thank you very much for your excellent review! It is very refreshing to read a review of my book from a husband and father who values his Catholic faith and sees the importance of encouraging Catholic families.

Thank you again and God bless you and your family!

Donna-Marie

Yes, yes, yes!

Yes! I will fill you in on the details of my latest book-give-away contest. I'm sorry that I haven't yet. It has been a very busy start of the Lenten season. I'm planning to write a post later on today or tonight with the contest winner details.

Stay tuned...

Enjoy your Sunday!

Donna-Marie

Review of the Domestic Church: First Chapter

This is a review from Sarah at "With a Hopeful Heart" blog

I've decided to post a book review of the above by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle in weekly segments as I read it. The book is done in a format that I think will work well for a weekly review.

In case you haven't heard of this book, hopefully my very amateur review will help you decide if it is one you'd like to add to your own library. It is available from Circle Press. This book can be used as a part of a study group or for individual use. Each chapter is broken up into 'rooms' for the reader to contemplate different topics and identify them as rooms in their domestic church. My hope is that each week I will read the chapter for that week and then be able to give you several points to ponder and excerpts as well in Monday's post. Hopefully. I think it will also serve as a wonderful way to walk the journey of lent as I focus on my domestic church in the process.

I am really enjoying this book so far and in the first chapter I have already repeatedly gone back to re-read what I've highlighted in order to refocus my meditations on the subject. As I said, this book is written in Study Guide type format for weekly meetings with other women and mothers. It comes complete with thought provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter as well. It is much more than a study guide though, because it brings to light Catholic teaching through Scripture, papal encyclicals, apostolic letters, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the words of our great Saints. They are sprinkled throughout as a wonderful addition to the eloquent words of the author.

This Week's focus:

The Foyer: Our Blessed Mother Mary and Motherhood

How can I aspire to imitate such an amazing Mother as Blessed Mother Mary? That's a big question. Mary's "Yes" to the angel Gabriel was a courageous "Yes" to God. It was not a mediocre surrender to God's Will. It was a full, complete surrender to her becoming the Mother of Jesus. What is my answer when I am asked for that surrender in my vocation of wife and mother? I must admit, it is not always the full-hearted "Yes" that Mary gave. I should consider all of my responses to God as a mother, reflecting upon my willingness-or lack thereof-to accept everything that God has for me. This is not always easy as a mother, but I desire that complete "Yes" to my motherly vocation. Like Mary when she visited her dear cousin, Elizabeth, while with child herself, I desire to have Mary-like sensitive attentiveness to the care and needs of others. I love that phrase! Sensitive attentiveness. I will admit that sometimes I do not have sensitive attentiveness towards members of my family and that it does not always come easy. This will be a wonderful phrase to stick on my fridge for this week so that I may become more aware of improving it in my domestic church.

How can we as mothers and women follow Our Blessed Mother more faithfully and discover peace as we follow her "Yes" with sweet surrender? Here's a few things to ponder from the book that I picked out for this week:


A mother can learn from Mary by asking for God's grace to entrust herself completely to him with the "full submission of intellect and will".



For mothers, it means service first in her family and then reaching out to the world. At times, good intentions and a mother's loving heart may cause her to stretch herself too much to administer to the needs of others outside her home. It's wonderful and holy to want to help, yet mothers must remember that their love begins first and foremost at home. Being sure that her family is properly cared for before she embarks in other areas of ministry will ensure that she is not inadvertently neglecting her family in the process of helping others.



Silence can ironically be found in the busyness of a mother's day as a mother learns to retreat to her heart even as she is involved in the care of her family. Within the "silence" of a mother's heart, Our Lord can speak.



It is when she realizes that Our Lord actually wants to use her attentiveness to her family's needs that she will understand the value and prayerfulness in performing little things with great love. The mother becomes an everyday example to her family as she raises her children in holiness and goes about with a prayerful heart, striving to emulate the Blessed Mother's virtues.



Isn't that just beautifully said? I think these are all such important things to remember as mothers. I am striving to keep in mind that my small acts throughout the day and my little prayers and offerings in my mind and heart bring holiness and blessing to my home. How important are the needs of my family and the manner in which I attend to them! They are my simple offering that I give daily, along with my morning offering of all my works,joys and sufferings that I pray before the day begins pulling me in all directions. This week I have a lot to focus on and meditate upon as I enter the season of lent. I will need to write some of the quotes down in order to call them to mind frequently this week. I just wonder if I'll have enough room on my bathroom mirror and my fridge to hold them all??

Blessings this week as you focus on your domestic church's foyer!

Next Week: The Garage!!

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Thank you very much, Sarah, for your beautiful review! Your blog is so lovely, by the way. Enjoy your journey in The Domestic Church: Room by Room!

Review of The Domestic Church: Room by Room

"It’s truly a privilege to write a review on The Domestic Church - Room by Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, for The Catholic Company.

The title of the book intrigued me. As the mother of a large homeschooling family, it’s not too difficult for me to see our home as the Domestic Church…our faith is rooted in everything we do and our home reflects our rich, Catholic heritage.

I was immediately taken by the warm, friendly and inviting tone set by the author as she seeks to lead us “room by room” on a spiritual journey of self-discovery…one that ultimately leads us to a deeper appreciation of our role as “the heart of the home. I’m quite sure the sweet metaphor of each “room” will charm you, so I’ll not give much away…

The Domestic Church - Room by Room is well written, with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. This book is well suited to large group study, and yet, was a delight for this busy mom to curl up with, all alone at the end of the day. As a wife and mother with more than a quarter century of experience, I can honestly say I found great encouragement in the words of Donna-Marie, the beautiful scriptural passages, quotes from papal encyclicals and from Bl. Theresa of Calcutta.

If you find yourself in need of a “mini-retreat,” this is the book you’re looking for. Set aside a bit of time each day and allow Donna-Marie to lead you gently through your Domestic Church…you’ll enjoy the journey!"

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Thank you very much, Kimberly for your lovely review. I'm glad that you enjoyed my book and I appreciate that you have passed the word to other busy Moms. :)
God bless your journey!

Donna-Marie

Visit Kimberly's blog here

Mother's Study Group!

Here's a Mom's Study Group "LIFT-ID" (Ladies In Faith Together), in Idaho studying my book, The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide.


They said, "We all absolutely love the quotes, lines for answering the questions, clear type, wide margins for jotting thoughts, and the way it all speaks to a mother's heart. Thank you and God bless."

The Domestic Church: Room by Room - A Review

Review by Katie:

When I ordered The Domestic Church: Room By Room, A Study Guide for Mothers by noted Catholic author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, I was expecting something of a hands on guide to whipping my physical "domestic church" into shape. What I got was something much more meaningful!

Much more than simply a Bible study, Cooper O'Boyle weaves together Scripture, the Catechism, papal encyclicals, as well as quotes from the apostolic letters and various saints, inviting mothers ponder and live out their vocation with the fullness of our Catholic faith.

Starting with the foyer and ending at the patio, each chapter's theme is a different room (for example, Chapter Two: The Garage focuses on the husband wife relationship, while Chapter Three: The Nusery looks at children and openness to life). The chapters are broken into two parts, each ending with questions and space to write out thoughts, as well as a summary. This layout works fantastically for busy mothers, allowing you to stop easily without becoming lost. Instructions for group usage are included at the beginning, but the book also works perfectly for independent study.

Cooper O'Boyle treats the vocation of motherhood realistically and respectfully, and with a warm and gentle tone that compliments and rounds out the myriad references through out the book. Mothers of all stripes, of many or few children, adoptive mothers, some-day mothers, and those whose children have all grown and gone; all will find The Domestic Church an affirming and inviting exploration of the beauty of our faith and the joy of our vocation.


This review was written as a part of the Catholic Book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company.

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Thank you very much, Katie for your kind words! Thanks also to the Catholic Company!

Reviews of my new books!

Karen Edmisten has posted reviews of my new books at her blog. I have printed them below...ENJOY!

Grace Cafe: Serving up Recipes for Faithful Mothering

Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle is a prolific writer. Her latest books -- yes, plural! Two of them! -- are as lovely and inspirational as her other work, most of which is built on the conviction that mothers are living out an indispensable vocation.


Grace Cafe offers "recipes" that will nourish any mother, perhaps especially anyone struggling with her vocation as a stay-at-home mom. I readily identified with this passage:

"Others would say, 'Oh, it's nice that you have the luxury to stay home.'

Yet I believe that it is not a luxury. It is a choice and a decision to do without some material things and comforts ...."
This has certainly been true in our case. At times, it doesn't feel like a luxury at all to be at home, but rather like the sacrifice that it is. Don't get me wrong -- I love being an at-home mom, and it is a privilege. But a privilege is not the same as a luxury. Serving God is always a privilege, even when it's hard. Financially, emotionally, and in other ways, being a stay-at-home mom can be hard. But mothering has eternal value, and Donna-Marie knows this truth.

The truth is reinforced with quotes from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II, and various saints. And, don't all moms need such authoritative and powerful reinforcement? Particularly the kind that helps us to find holiness within our homes, rather than encouraging us to seek it elsewhere. Grace Cafe includes one of my favorite quotes on holiness for moms:

"It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find him in her housekeeping."

The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide

The Domestic Church: Room by Room covers much of the same territory, but Donna-Marie never seems to exhaust it. Though an individual would benefit from reading, this book is arranged as a study guide for a group, with discussion questions at the end of each section. (And, pssst ... don't worry, busy moms -- the answers are there, too! So don't worry about passing class.)


The Domestic Church, like all of Donna-Marie's books, backs up its exhortation with solid sources such as quotes from Scripture, encyclicals and saints.

I love Donna-Marie's realism, too. In this book, she includes a beautiful quote from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta:

"A living love hurts. Jesus, to prove His love for us, died on the Cross. The mother, to give birth to her child, has to suffer. If you really love one another properly, there must be sacrifice."
And she honestly addresses "temptations to abandon the heart of the home," noting that mothers can get discouraged, or feel unrecognized and unappreciated. She writes: "A mother who is fighting this interior battle may feel, or even state that she is 'just' a mother. I have heard this so often, and I will tell the mom that she is 'not just a mother!'"

This is the heart of Donna's message, and this is her mission: to help other moms realize that their work is a vital, vibrant, holy vocation.

I highly recommend Donna-Marie's books to newly married women and new mothers, and to moms of any age who seek encouragement and affirmation in their vocation.

And so, dear moms, if you have any doubts about the worth of your daily struggles, sacrifices and joys, dig into these books. When you've finished, you'll close them with a contented sigh, knowing that someone out there understands your worth and knows what you're going through ... that you are storing up treasures in heaven.

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Thanks so much, Karen! You can visit Karen's blog here.

Review of my book "The Domestic Church" at Catholic Exchange today

"I recently had the pleasure of reading a copy of noted author Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s latest book, The Domestic Church: Room By Room, A Mother’s Study Guide. On this twentieth anniversary of Muleris Dignitatem: On the Dignity and Vacation of Women and this fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae: Of Human Life, Donna, presents us with an in-depth study guide on the vocation of motherhood. In this inspiring book, she instructs, guides, and encourages women to embrace the gift of motherhood and assists them in developing their vocations to the fullest by providing a personal /group retreat, enabling them to grow in holiness and share this holiness with their families.

In her warm, personal writing style, with gentle, loving care, Donna effectively draws women into a deeper understanding of their roles by taking the reader on a tour of the domestic church - the Catholic home - where each room unveils a beautiful new aspect of the mother’s vocation. In each room, she explores the truths of the Church as revealed through Scriptures, papal encyclicals, Church doctrine, and the teachings and words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, reflecting on the implications of each as they affect the daily lives of mothers and their families..." (Continued at Catholic Exchange today)

I have extended my contest...

I have extended my contest until 9:00 PM Eastern time tonight (Tuesday, December 16th) to give people a chance to enter. See this link for details about the contest to win both of my two new books in time for Christmas!


I also am running a great sale on my two new books. Check the website by clicking here to see all of my books and the sale on the new ones, Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering and The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide. You can't win if you don't enter. :)


God bless,

Donna-Marie

For Christmas gift-giving...

I have extended my launch sale for my two new books, Grace Cafe: Serving up Recipes for Faithful Mothering and The Domestic Church: Room by Room for Christmas gift buying. There's still time to get your autographed and inscribed books delivered by Priority Mail to you to arrive before Christmas.

Take a look at my website here and check out the book page to see all of the titles. The new books are displayed on the front web page as well.

Also, I will be running a contest today. I will be on Teresa Tomeo's show (click here) this morning at 9:15 AM Eastern time. For all of the listeners who visit any of my blogs today and leave a comment, you will be entered into a drawing to win BOTH copies of my new books! Just be sure to leave a comment at one of my three blogs by 8:00 PM Eastern time and say that you want to be entered into the contest to win the books. That's all you have to do! I will pick the winner tonight and announce it on my blogs.

I hope you get a chance to tune into the radio show this morning. Details are in a post below and right here with a link to listen LIVE from your computer.

May God bless your Advent season!

Donna-Marie

A Mother's Study Group!

(click on photo to enlarge)
Here is a photo of a brave group of women, "Mother's Circle" from St. Agnes in Sellersville, PA. posing for a shot of their study group. They are currently studying my new book, The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Mother's Study Guide. They say that they are really enjoying the book and have some very positive feedback from their study.


I decided that I would enter each brave group who sends their photo in to me into a drawing to win a really nice prize! I'll keep you posted on that. :)

So, come on, don't be shy, send me your photos and show off your smiling faces and your spirit-filled camaraderie! Help to inspire others to gather together in homes and churches to learn more about the richness of our Catholic faith and how it applies to women and mothers! I will await your photos!

Remember...we are all on this journey together!

God bless and hugs!

Donna-Marie

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.

My interview on Catholic Spotlight about both my new books

When you have time to sit with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, pull up your chair or rocker and click here to hear my recent interview with Chris Cash on the Catholic Spotlight talking about my two new books, Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering and The Domestic Church: Room By Room

Two radio clips about my two new books!

If you'd like to listen to two very short radio segments with Chris Cash of the Catholic Spotlight about my two new books you can by clicking here for Grace Cafe and here for The Domestic Church: Room by Room.

Chris will post a much longer interview that is different from these two quick ones at his Catholic Spotlight website soon. I'll post a link soon.





God bless your weekend!