Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration

I'll be speaking at St. Mary's in Kalamazoo, MI next Saturday, November 5th along with Mother Miriam. More information is posted on the "appearances" page of my website. http://www.donnacooperoboyle.com/

View from the Domestic Church: A Whirlwind of Activity in Cincinnati!

2011-10-26T23:58:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: A Whirlwind of Activity in Cincinnati!

Interview with Teresa Tomeo on Extreme Makeover

2011-10-26T22:37:00.003-04:00

I have recently had the blessing of interviewing a dear friend, fellow author, and colleague, Tersa Tomeo about her newest book Extreme Makeover. Below is our interview:

DONNA-MARIE: Teresa, your new book Extreme Makeover appears to have been in the making for a while, compiled with compelling research and crafted from expert observations, with a keen eye on the culture. How long did it take to write this book?

TERESA: You’re right about this being in the making for some time. I am always researching in the area of media influence and our culture so I had much of the work and the format for this book already outlined. In all it took me about two months to write the book and several weeks of editing with a wonderful editing team from Ignatius Press.

DONNA-MARIE: Why did you feel this book needed to come out now?

TERESA: Well it’s God’s timing. But I also saw a need based on so much emphasis in our culture and in media programming on the outward things. We are all about making over our homes, our wardrobes, and getting into better physical shape but I don’t see any shows or messages out there telling us that real beauty is about being beautiful from the inside out. I also found that this idea of a spiritual extreme makeover was resonating with so many people especially women. But again it’s really God’s timing.

DONNA-MARIE: What do you hope your book will accomplish?

TERESA: I hope it will get women and men to see that Jesus and the Church don’t give us a series of “no’s” but as Pope Benedict said a few years ago-“a big “yes” to love and to life.” God’s plan really is the best plan and if we open our hearts and minds to what is happening in our world we can connect the dots and see how the Church is proven right over and over again.

DONNA-MARIE: Who should buy this book?

TERESA: Women, men, pastors, any one interested in the impact the culture is having on our world. It is a great resource and contains the latest studies on media influence. It can also serve as a great book for a book club or a study group as each chapter contains reflection questions. I had a priest tell me just yesterday that he loved the book and thinks both men and women should read it so he is buying 100 copies for his parish.

DONNA-MARIE: Where can it be purchased?

TERESA: www.teresatomeo.com

DONNA-MARIE: What are your plans for upcoming speaking and book signing events?

TERESA: I have two book signings in the Detroit area where I reside and then will be signing books at my other upcoming speaking engagements. Best thing to do is to go to my web site http://www.teresatomeo.com/ for my schedule details.

DONNA-MARIE: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Extreme Makeover?

TERESA: I really hope people find it a helpful resource that encourages, affirms, and educates. I really put my heart and soul into Extreme Makeover and I hope that I did Jesus and His Church proud.

TERESA: Any plans for a new book? Several new books actually and all with some connection to my area of expertise in the culture and media so as we say in broadcasting “stay tuned.”

DONNA-MARIE: I can't wait to see how that all unfolds. We'll be staying tuned! Thank you very much for the interview! I pray your book is a complete success and reaches countless people!

TERESA: Thanks Donna-Marie for the work that you do and all the support. You are such a gift to us in the Church!!!!!

DONNA-MARIE: You are too kind, dear Teresa. Thank you for all that YOU do! God bless your book launch!

View from the Domestic Church: In honor of Blessed Pope John Paul II: A Review of "You are my Hope"

2011-10-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: In honor of Blessed Pope John Paul II: A Review of "You are my Hope"

Interview with author Dorothy Pilarski

2011-10-21T10:13:00.002-04:00

I recently interviewed Dorothy Pilarski about her new book Motherhood Matters.

This is what I said about her book in the form of an endorsement:In Motherhood Matters, "Dorothy Pilarski shares a passionate and compelling story. Gleaning from unfolding discoveries in the pursuit of meaning in her life, Dorothy has lovingly woven together a collection of articles, letters, quotes, and prayers; guaranteed to stir a Catholic mother’s heart."

Now here is our interview:

DONNA-MARIE: Dorothy, the book you've seemed to put your heart into has finally been released. What are your thoughts?

DOROTHY: There is a part of me that still doesn’t believe it’s true. There are moments where it feels like a bit of a dream. There have been so many obstacles to overcome, but Our Lady just kept opening up these doors. I just kept walking through the doors she opened. I have received so much help and encouragement from so many people. It all started with my own Mother’s Group.

I think one of the best things a Catholic mother can do is to start a Mother’s Group. Being surrounded by Catholic girlfriends-- that support, encourage, nurture, laugh, cry, and pray with you is the greatest privilege in the world.

I am completely overjoyed by all of the endorsements, Motherhood Matters got from women who are hero’s of mine. My heart really is full of gratitude. Donna, thank you for taking the time to interview me and thank you for endorsing the book too!

I feel blessed that by the grace of God I signed the contract for the book on the Feast of St. Frances de Salles. By the grace of God, it was launched on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. And, I have been interviewed by Teresa Tomeo and on the Drew Mariani show too.

DONNA-MARIE: How long did it take to write this book?

DOROTHY: The book was written over a sixteen year span. I have hosted a Catholic Mother’s Group for just a little over 15 years. We generally meet once a month out of my home. We start off with the rosary, I usually have a speaker or DVD, we then chat over a variety of herbal teas and pastries. I found in between our meetings, I would reflect on different things and decided to share them with my Catholic moms. My email distribution list grew and grew. After reading the reflections I had written many moms on my list would suggest that I put them into a book. I never took their suggestions seriously. I just didn’t think I was that good of a writer. I wrote because I loved to write about matters that were close to my heart.. Finally, one mom suggested I forward at least one piece to our Canadian newspaper, the Catholic Register—the rest is history!

DONNA-MARIE: Why did you write for mothers?

DOROTHY: When I was just a little girl I longed to stay at home and be a mother. I relished in the very thought of it. When I finally became a mom, quite late in life, I realized that not many women were staying at home to watch their own children. I remember being a bit stunned. I see the mother child bond as being sacred and it appears that that very bond is being attacked. Right now, our world does not need any more political, academic, theological, sophisticated, sexy, accomplished, worldly rich mothers—mothers that are too busy for their own children. Our world needs mothers who are anointed with the Holy Spirit and will storm heaven and earth – and they will do whatever it takes to care for their own children in their early years and to make it their priority to pray with their children and to pass down the Catholic Faith.

DONNA-MARIE: What are some of the issues that today's mothers are confronted with?

DOROTHY: Mothers today, in some cases, are on a certain level self destructing. We are too busy, we are over saturated, over stimulated, over shopped, over travelled, over fed, over extended. We have systematically created a culture and life style that is squeezing out not only God but the feminine nature out of women. Instead of having time to nurture, encourage, listen, sing, play, cook and perform acts of charity we become driven, workaholics, obsessed with the next thing on our to do list. We often don’t have time just to “be” with our own children or our aging parents. We often don’t have time to pray, visit friends in the hospital or go to funerals.

In what is sometimes a harried life, as Catholic mothers there maybe a temptation to forget that our primary duty is to pass down the Catholic faith.

DONNA-MARIE: What are your hopes for this book?

DOROTHY: I have three hopes for this book. It is my hope to challenge the current cultural model of motherhood. Secondly, I would like to provide an evangelical tool for mothers who already view motherhood as a vocation. It is my hope that this is the type of Catholic book that anyone would feel comfortable in passing on to their other less committed Catholic girlfriends! Thirdly, I want to affirm, encourage and inspire mothers and call them to start praying a Holy Hour for the vocation of motherhood in general. I would like to start a movement whereby a group of women voluntarily sign up for Holy Hours to reclaim the dignity of motherhood under the mantle of Mary, the Mother of God world wide!

DONNA-MARIE: Is there anything else you would like us to know about the journey in writing this book or whatever may have led up to writing this book?

DOROTHY: I would like to encourage women who in their gut know what they should be doing, but haven’t had the courage to listen to the promptings in their own hearts. I would like to encourage women to pray to the Holy Spirit, to engage in a lively sacramental life and to visit Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration often. I would really encourage mothers to start mother’s groups. Mother’s NEED to be ministered to! There are so many wonderful resources, just start the meeting off with the rosary and Our Lady will definitely do the rest!

DONNA-MARIE: Finally, Dorothy, where can we get a copy of your book?

DOROTHY: Right now the book is available on the website of the Catholic Register. It is set up to take both American and Canadian orders.

http://www.catholicregister.org/motherhoodmatters

In the coming weeks autographed copies of the book will be available on my blog http://gutsycatholicmom.blogspot.com/ and website http://www.dorothypilarski.com/ but for now going to the Catholic Register website is best. They get a great deal on the shipping!

DONNA-MARIE: Thanks very much for your time in doing this interview, Dorothy. God bless you and your family!

DOROTHY: Thank YOU Donna, I couldn’t have done it without your support and help!

"Extreme Makeover" by Teresa Tomeo

2011-10-18T22:34:00.014-04:00

Have you seen Teresa Tomeo's new book published by Ignatius Press? It's making quite a splash. Here's a bit about it:

Popular radio host Teresa Tomeo knows from experience that the self-image of American women is being distorted by pop culture. with its emphasis on youth, physical beauty, and sexuality, the secular media is encouraging women—and girls—to see themselves primarily as sex objects. a former television news reporter, tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women’s liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the

Catholic Church.

In her new book, Tomeo writes about the type of “extreme makeover” one will never see on television. Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ not Conformed to the Culture will be published in October by Ignatius Press.

“Our media and culture continue to reinforce in the minds of girls and young women that their intrinsic self-worth is founded in their value as nothing more than a sexual object,” Tomeo said. “How can our society expect women to be treated fairly and with dignity when our culture continues to portray them as mere objects? The new fall TV series ‘The Playboy Club’ on NBC is just another example of how women continue to be objectified and sexualized through the media. Shows like this glamorize pornography – a problem that has been devastating to marriages, families and society in general.”

Tomeo doesn’t deal just with this issue in Extreme Makeover. She tackles many others that remain important to women of all ages, and she offers solutions in her own collective assessment of the state of the world. “The culture can be toxic in terms of desensitizing us to violence, weakening our moral fiber, and making us feel pretty darn disgusted with ourselves because we’re not five foot nine and a size 2,” Tomeo writes in the book. “So how do we respond?”

She answers that and many other questions in Extreme Makeover, and includes a section with stories about women who have transformed themselves by focusing on what God intends them to be – not what the media and culture tells them they must be in order to feel good about themselves.

“(Teresa) Tomeo knows the pressures and dishonesties facing women in modern American culture from firsthand experience,” said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., of Philadelphia, “and she leads women to Jesus Christ with compelling personal testimonies and uncommon persuasive skill. For any woman who seeks the true foundation of her dignity, this is the book to read and to share.”

Praise for Teresa's book: “Teresa Tomeo is a passionate and persuasive apologist for the Catholic faith. In Extreme Makeover, she offers an earthy, candid, refreshing rejoinder to conventional feminist wisdom and builds a solid case for the liberating power of Catholic orthodoxy.”

Colleen Carroll Campbell

TV & radio host, author, The New Faithful

View from the Domestic Church: A Mother's Never-Ending Prayers!

2011-10-13T21:58:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: A Mother's Never-Ending Prayers!

View from the Domestic Church: Tomorrow Morning's Radio Interview

2011-10-13T21:46:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: Tomorrow Morning's Radio Interview

Teresa Tomeo's "Extreme Make Over"

2011-10-06T14:43:00.002-04:00

EXTREME MAKEOVER
RELEASE OCTOBER 7TH!

A former television news reporter, Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women’s liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church.

Teresa’s book discusses many of the issues that are so controversial to women today:

Media Mania and the Feminists Mistake: “Common sense tells us that having a choice is not the same as making a good choice. When it comes to having an abortion choice has little to do with it.” (Extreme Makeover, p. 52)
The Abortion Distortion: “Put quite simply, if jumping from bed to bed and engaging in all kinds of sexual experimentation is so wonderfully grand, so ultimately fulfilling, and so freeing, why is there so much misery and pain attached to it?” (Extreme Makeover, p. 74)
Free Sex and the Contraception Deception: "Truth is truth and it cannot be suppressed. Whether we are talking abortion, contraception, or embryonic stem cell research, the Church is proven right over and over again. The world may not want to see it or admit it, but it is important for us to be able to step back and connect the dots." (Extreme Makeover, p. 160)

So what are women steeped in the Hollywood and Cosmo girl version of reality to do? Undergo Tomeo’s Extreme Makeover! With the help of this book, they can shed the toxic messages that objectify and enslave them and embrace the truth about being a beloved daughter of God.

Order here: Order Today!

Visit Teresa on www.facebook.com/ExtremeMakeoverBook // To order, go to www.teresatomeo.com

ISBN: 978-1586-1-7-561-0, AVAILABLE OCTOBER 7, 2011

Order Here Now! »

Exciting Announcement: DVD now Available!

2011-10-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

Exciting Announcement: DVD now Available!

Interview with author of AMAZING Booklets for Catechists!

2011-10-03T22:45:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author, Lisa Mladinich about her inspiring and very attractive and AMAZING catechist booklets.

Here's our interview:

DONNA-MARIE: Lisa, I'm lookingat your latest booklet, "Be an Amazing Catechist: SacramentalPreparation." It's very attractive and filled with so many valuableconcepts, teaching tips and tools for lesson planning, and even help withclassroom discipline. I think it's great!

Lisa, what compelled you towrite it?

LISA: My publisher! I had written the first booklet, “Be anAmazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children” directly from my ownexperiences in the classroom, which developed over a long period of teaching childrenboth in and out of the Church. So when my publisher asked me to write a bookleton Sacramental Preparation, I was a little nonplussed. I had taught sacramental preparation,but I didn’t feel I was expert enough to create something as densely packed anduseful as the first one. However, the team at OSV is largely made up ofexperienced catechists and DREs, so I knew that my work would be in the best ofhands. I set about researching and interviewing passionate, experiencedcatechists and DREs whose specialties related to the subject and ended up withmore than enough high-quality material. I learned a lot in the process anddiscovered that my own experiences were echoed in those of others. It was a lotof fun and I’m looking forward to the next one.

DONNA-MARIE: Would you pleasetell me about your booklet that preceded this one and a bit about this one?

LISA: The first booklet, “Inspire the Faith of Children,” is a tonof fun. It’s packed with powerful, easy-to-use teaching methods adaptable toabsolutely any curriculum. It encourages the catechist to do somethingpersonal, but well-informed. It offers a clear-cut system for everything fromlesson-planning to classroom discipline, from teaching children to pray todrawing them closer to God through creative, unforgettable lessons. Using theBible, movement, music, and even puppets are explained.

Everything is founded on three ideals: 1) teachingauthentic, orthodox Catholicism, which God richly blesses and supplementsabundantly with His grace; 2) the catechist’s own intimate walk with JesusChrist; 3) the catechist’s individual teaching style, informed by a briefinquiry into learning styles, personality, and native talent.

Building on these same ideals, the “Sacramental Preparation”booklet addresses such topics as: inspiring heroism in children, teaching themreverence, reducing fear of the confessional, exciting activities and insightsfor imparting abstract concepts, help with logistics for First Penance and HolyCommunion, Confirmation prep, getting teens to open up, inspiring them, helpingthem develop a positive and powerful Catholic identity, the value of rotelearning, assessments, and much more. I was very privileged to interviewcatechists of great commitment, orthodoxy, and creativity for this booklet.They inspired me so much I wanted to get back into teaching the sacramentsmyself.

DONNA-MARIE: I understandthere's a Spanish version of one or both? Is that right?

LISA: Yes, OSV has a strong commitment to providing resources forSpanish-speaking Catholics. I’m very proud of the translated booklets and praythat they continue to be of help to the Hispanic members of our Catholicfamily.

DONNA-MARIE: How long have youbeen involved in Faith Formation? Have you taught as a catechist?

LISA: I have taught as a catechist in various environments overthe years, primarily with children, beginning when I was in high school. Butthere were long breaks in-between as I went through college, struggled to builda career, settled down and became a mother. I was an actress for many years andtaught improvisation to adult actors and then later to teens. For a few years Itaught secular workshops for children in nursery schools, libraries, scouttroops and summer camps. My work with young children was primarily aboutcharacter development and encouraging literacy. I used songs, puppetry,improvisation and storybook theater games to help young children connectdynamically with abstract concepts. It was great, great fun and quitesuccessful. Particularly moving were the responses of special needs children tomy work with puppets, which have a strange power to hold the attention of eventhe most challenged students. By the time my daughter entered our parish’s REprogram and I went back to work as a catechist, I had developed a powerfulmethodology that transferred easily to teaching the Faith, but then exploded interms of efficacy because of the addition of prayer and an awareness of God’spresence throughout. I still occasionally do special programs for children, butmost of my teaching involves instructing catechists, these days.

DONNA-MARIE: As catechistsbegin their new school year, what do you think are one or two of the mostimportant things he or she should keep in mind?

LISA: Most importantly, that they are never alone – in or out ofthe classroom. That teaching and learning the Faith can and should be asupernatural experience. Our Biblical heroes aren’t memorable because of theirgreat brilliance or talent, they are heroes because of their trust in God. Whenwe pray, make small sacrifices for our students and their families, do our bestand leave the rest to God, He moves powerfully. And don’t let discouragementset in. You won’t see the fruits of much of what you do in this life. But Godis faithful to water the seeds you plant, and if you are faithful to theChurch’s teachings and cling to Jesus Christ through sacramental life andprayer, you will one day see that blessed fruit revealed in heaven.

DONNA-MARIE: Lisa, how do yousee this pamphlet and your previous one helping catechists? Have you receivedfeedback?

LISA: Because of technology, I do have the joy of receivingwonderful feedback. I love hearing that someone was afraid to take on the taskof teaching the Faith, but that my booklet swept away their feelings ofintimidation and they’ve signed up for the year. One catechist told me that mybooklet got her started, and then saved her several times when she would hitthe wall again and get frustrated when things weren’t going well. She just keptgoing back and re-reading it. By the end of the first year, she’d become soconfident and successful that she was appointed grade-level coordinator for thefollowing year. I also dearly love to hear that veteran catechists who wereexperiencing burn-out are now refreshed and excited again about teaching, thatthey’re full of ideas and trusting in God to provide more, because they’ve readthis little booklet. Catechists are “my people.” I dearly love them and learn agreat deal from them, so it doesn’t just help them. It helps me.

DONNA-MARIE: What are yourhopes for this booklet?

LISA: That God uses it as a small part of a greater effort, madeup of tons of catechists, writers, speakers and religious education leaders; agenuine revolution in the teaching of the Catholic faith that will smashthrough decades of watered-down or heretical programs that have, unfortunately,dominated the American Church for decades. Generations have been lost fromactive participation in the Church, and the damage multiplies with eachsuccessive generation. This, however, is just another Goliath, and we needn’tfear. The battle is the Lord’s and there are great signs of hope, especiallyamong young people. There are wonderful people entering this gentle, loving“fight.” My little booklets are like small troops of soldiers out therehollering, “Charge!”

DONNA-MARIE: How can we get acopy?

LISA: Our Sunday Visitor sells them for $2.95 each, or $17.95 forpacks of ten. They’re magazine sized, about 30 pages, very colorful and easy toroll up and stick in a purse, briefcase, or book-bag. Right now they’re beingfeatured at the Parish Resources home page at OSV.com, which is very excitingfor me. Here are the links!

SacramentalPreparation - https://catalog.osv.com/Catalog.aspx?SimpleDisplay=true&ProductCode=X1206

PreparaciónSacramental

https://catalog.osv.com/Catalog.aspx?SimpleDisplay=true&ProductCode=X1257

Inspiren la Fe de losNiños - https://catalog.osv.com/Catalog.aspx?SimpleDisplay=true&ProductCode=X1211

Inspire the Faith ofChildren - http://www.osv.com/ParishNav/ParishProducts/BeAnAmazingCatechist/tabid/8235/Default.aspx

DONNA-MARIE: Is theresomething else you'd like us to know about your booklets for catechists?

LISA: Yes, something very important and central to their intent.

Both booklets emphasize what the Church refers to as “a callwithin a call”; that all those who teach the Faith must recognize God’sintimate, personal call to them as individuals to draw near to Him. Yes, Hewants us to teach, but even more, He wants us to cling to Him through study,prayer, and sacramental life. It’s all about conversion. To teach powerful,effective lessons with staying power, we have to learn the Faith, love it, andlive it. We don’t have to be perfect, just willing to learn in baby steps as wego along, and to have the integrity to submit to the Church’s proper authority.God blesses that willingness. It is in humility that He raises us up and makesus radiate His light to a dark world.

Donna-Marie, thank you so much! I am very honored to addressyour readers in this way. Thank you for having me.

DONNA-MARIE: Thanks so much, for sharing your time, Lisa. I hope the interview will help drawattention to your AMAZING work!

God bless you and yours!

Donna-Marie

Recent RADIO segment on "Wake Up Baton Rouge"

2011-09-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

Recent RADIO segment on "Wake Up Baton Rouge"

View from the Domestic Church: Radio interview with Teresa Tomeo about Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship

2011-09-27T14:33:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: Radio interview with Teresa Tomeo about Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship

View from the Domestic Church: Tune in tomorrow morning to "Wake up Baton Rouge"

2011-09-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: Tune in tomorrow morning to "Wake up Baton Rouge"

She says it's, "an inspiring book about two beautiful souls."

2011-09-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

She says it's, "an inspiring book about two beautiful souls."

Voting!

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

Voting!

My chat with Drew about Mother Teresa

2011-09-11T20:58:00.000-04:00

My chat with Drew about Mother Teresa

2011-09-06T18:39:00.000-04:00

My chat with Drew about Mother Teresa

View from the Domestic Church: My EWTN Bookmark interview with Doug Keck

2011-08-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: My EWTN Bookmark interview with Doug Keck

View from the Domestic Church: EWTN's Bookmark!

2011-08-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: EWTN's Bookmark!

Emergency Water: Store it Now!

2011-08-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Emergency Water: Store it Now!

My EWTN Bookmark episode coming up!

2011-08-25T20:34:00.000-04:00

My EWTN Bookmark episode coming up!

Interview with the author of "It Doesn't End Here"

2011-08-22T10:40:00.002-04:00

I recently interviewed Dawn Marie Roeder about her book, "It Doesn't End Here."

Here is our interview:

DONNA-MARIE: Dawn Marie, you have quite a story to tell. I have only had a chance to read parts of your book, and I have to admit that yours is a book that is almost impossible to put down. Can you please tell us what it was that prodded you to recount your heartbreaking and courageous story?

DAWN MARIE: Thank you for your kind words Donna Marie. I wrote my book in the hopes that it would be helpful to others who have had to deal with extremely painful experiences, both those involving the death of a child and those fighting against the injustices that can be brought about by corporations whose primary concern often seems to be to place profits ahead of the public good.

In addition, I have a strong desire to educate people about the particular danger I had to confront in the adverse reaction I experienced to a prescribed ADHD medication that lead to a car accident and the death of my son, Nathaniel, Joseph. I hope that in the telling of my story doctors, teachers, parents, children and others who may know of a person who are taking this class of medications, are prescribing them or taking them themselves, realize, they need to be extremely cautious and conscientious while taking them and that just because they are legal it doesn't mean they are safe.

DONNA-MARIE: How long did to take to write your book?

DAWN MARIE: I lived the book for eight years, and wrote it in about a year and a half. Five and a half of those years were spent in a law suit where I was trying to pressure the drug company to beef up warnings on their medication.

DONNA-MARIE: What was the most challenging part of your writing process?

DAWN MARIE: One of the most difficult parts of the writing process was having to ask family members to recall certain details and facts about the time shortly proceeding, the day of, and the terrible days that followed Nathaniel and my car accident. A lot of the information I include in the book I had collected from police reports, hospital records and witness testimony and putting that together was not nearly as difficult to do than it was to ask family and friends close to me and Nathaniel to recall. It would bring everything right back up from the past into the present and it's not a day you want to really even think about.

Yet I believe that in my writing our story it has helped not only my family but myself come to a deeper level of healing, forgiving and letting go. Another difficult part in the writing process was the transparency in which I tell my story. I hold no punches, heck, my entire life from birth to that present day of the civil trial was invaded and paraded in front of a 14 person jury trial. I think I may have felt what Jesus might have felt when he was stripped of all of his clothes before he was nailed to the cross. There was nothing really left to hide in the telling of my story and though I share with discretion, I tell some very difficult moments of my life quite openly.

And, so, the hardest part was not perhaps so much the writing and retelling as it was thinking what in the world would other people think about all this. I think I would have to be a pretty callous person not to have healthy shame about my some things in my life. But, as well, as there were difficult moments, there were some incredibly blessed and amazing ones too, which I purposely share throughout the work so as to not overload the reader with the intensity of the story.

DONNA-MARIE: I'm sorry for all the pain you endured, Dawn Marie. What do you hope your book may be able to accomplish?

DAWN MARIE: I have big dreams for my book. I believe with all my heart that all things are possible with God and that as it is stated in Romans 8:28 God works everything for good to those who love him and are called according to his purposes. One of my dreams is to get the message of my book out to a wider audience so that more tragedies are prevented. I also hope that my book will get into the hands of those in higher positions in both corporations and in our government to shake them up in a sense to realize that change is necessary and that the client base that are dying off as a result of irresponsible and negligent decision making are called human beings. I truly love my country and I hope to be an instrument of positive change in this great nation of ours.

DONNA-MARIE: Because of the nature of your story and all of the suffering endured, I thought it would be advantageous to let our readers know how you found strength and courage to tell the story about the loss of your son. How were you able to find that strength and courage amid the suffering, Dawn Marie?

DAWN MARIE: Through the Lord, Jesus and His Mother Mary. Thankfully, I had been a person of prayer and had been very involved in Church prior to my accident. I leaned on my faith more heavily than I'd ever had before in my life, and I surrounded myself with positive people, read positive life affirming books, and learned as much as I could about the Church and the saints, -the Holy Scripture and the Sacraments were a life line. And the Blessed Virgin Mary and of her example at the foot of the Cross, her strength truly gave me strength during my most difficult hour and continues to do so to this very day.

DONNA-MARIE: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your journey?

DAWN MARIE: Well, most importantly, that it has really only just begun. I look forward to taking it one day at a time and embracing the gifts this incredible journey unfolds.

DONNA-MARIE: What a great attitude--that it has only just begun--God bless you! Do you have plans to do any speaking events or book signings?

DAWN MARIE: I have a book signing at Barnes and Nobles on September 6th with two other authors from one of my writer's groups and I am currently working with April Rovero of the National Coaliton Against Prescription Drug Abuse organization to coordinate an event for the month of October which is Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness month. What we are finding is that there are a lot of high school and college aged students, and believe it or not, middle school students who are misusing the stimulant and depressant class of medications and they have no idea what they are messing with. Details of these and other events can be found on the books website at http://www.itdoesntendhere.com/

DONNA-MARIE: Finally, Dawn Marie, where can we find your book for purchase?

DAWN MARIE: You can purchase the book at the book's website at http://www.itdoesntendhere.com/ , also FROM Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles Bookstores. It's soon to be available on multiple e-book formats and I invite anyone interested in carrying my book to please contact me for a discount.

DONNA-MARIE: Thanks a lot for the interview, Dawn Marie. I pray that your book may help to open some eyes so that the loss of life will be prevented, as well as other harm that certain prescription drugs may cause to unsuspecting people.

May God bless you in great abundance!

View from the Domestic Church: New video: The Joy of the Lord!

2011-08-08T17:04:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: New video: The Joy of the Lord!

View from the Domestic Church: Taking pre-orders on Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship!

2011-08-08T13:46:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: Taking pre-orders on Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship!

My new radio show for Catholic families!

2011-08-08T13:36:00.000-04:00

My new radio show for Catholic families!

View from the Domestic Church: God's perfect timing...

2011-08-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: God's perfect timing...

Exciting!

2011-07-11T15:43:00.001-04:00

Exciting!

Catholic Writers to Convene August Conference in Valley Forge

2011-07-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

Catholic Writers to Convene August Conference in Valley Forge

View from the Domestic Church: Review: Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers

2011-06-13T09:33:00.000-04:00

View from the Domestic Church: Review: Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers

Embracing Motherhood: With Mother's Day fast approaching...

2011-05-07T20:56:00.000-04:00

Embracing Motherhood: With Mother's Day fast approaching...

Pilgrims find John Paul's new resting place 'simple, lovely' :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

2011-05-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

Pilgrims find John Paul's new resting place 'simple, lovely' :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

New essay explains Church teaching on 'brain death,' organ donation :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

2011-05-04T12:49:00.000-04:00

New essay explains Church teaching on 'brain death,' organ donation :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Church needs Catholic bloggers

2011-05-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

Church needs blogs, bloggers need church, say meeting participants

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church needs active members who blog, but Catholic bloggers also need the church, especially to remind them of the virtue of charity needed in their writing, said participants at a Vatican meeting.

The meeting May 2 was sponsored by the pontifical councils for culture and for social communications.

The councils accepted requests to attend, then drew the names of the 150 participants once the requests were divided according to geography, language and whether the blog was personal or institutional...

Continued here: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101744.htm

Vatican says Bin Laden ‘gravely responsible,’ hopes for peace :: EWTN News

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

Vatican says Bin Laden ‘gravely responsible,’ hopes for peace :: EWTN News

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

Saint Patrick

Lorica of Saint Patrick

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,

Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today

Through the strength of the love of cherubim,

In obedience of angels,

In service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In preachings of the apostles,

In faiths of confessors,

In innocence of virgins,

In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

From snares of the devil,

From temptations of vices,

From every one who desires me ill,

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a mulitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,

Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that reward may come to me in abundance.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through a confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation

St. Patrick (ca. 377)

Diocese of Rome launches JP II beatification website :: EWTN News

2011-02-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

Diocese of Rome launches JP II beatification website :: EWTN News

OSV Daily Take Blog: Confession: There's an app for that

2011-01-30T09:58:00.000-05:00

OSV Daily Take Blog: Confession: There's an app for that: "Posted by Mary DeTurris Poust Perhaps the one place you thought technology couldn't go was into the confessional. Guess again. Now there's ..."

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

2011-01-25T12:24:00.000-05:00

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Tea With Donna-Marie: Your cup of tea today...

2011-01-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tea With Donna-Marie: Your cup of tea today...: "Who will you 'have a cup of tea' with today? Will it be someone in your neighborhood who needs a hand with some snow shoveling? Might it be ..."

Tea With Donna-Marie: "Do you have any ideas how to ignite her catholic ...

2011-01-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

Tea With Donna-Marie: "Do you have any ideas how to ignite her catholic ...: "Dear Donna-Marie! What a wonderful idea of this blog! And what a great opportunity for me to ask you for your words of wisdom and experienc..."

Tea With Donna-Marie: "This killing place must be one of the most bazaar...

2011-01-19T23:28:00.000-05:00

Tea With Donna-Marie: "This killing place must be one of the most bazaar...: "I enjoyed your informative article in the issue of the K of C's Columbia magazine. I am familiar with the value of Ultrasound. &..."

At St. Thomas More: Mother Teresa friend leads day-long retreat

2011-01-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

At St. Thomas More: Mother Teresa friend leads day-long retreat

Your chance to vote on Catholic products!

2011-01-19T10:56:00.002-05:00

About.com is now collecting nominations for the 2011 Catholicism Readers’ Choice Awards. You’re welcome to submit nominations for your favorite Catholic products, features, and services here..

Tea With Donna-Marie: "I find myself wondering if I am doing enough to s...

2011-01-19T10:44:00.000-05:00

Tea With Donna-Marie: "I find myself wondering if I am doing enough to s...: "Hi Donna-Marie, I recently purchased your Prayer book for Mothers and absolutely love it. I am a 31 year old mother of two, a one yea..."

Tea With Donna-Marie: Stay tuned...

2011-01-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

Tea With Donna-Marie: Stay tuned...: "Tea With Donna-Marie is coming up soon! If you have a question for Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle about living the Catholic Faith, email her a..."