"Wrapped Up" with Teresa Tomeo and Cheryl Dickow

I recently had the honor and pleasure of speaking with syndicated radio host, speaker and Catholic author, Teresa Tomeo (www.teresatomeo.com) and author and President of Bezalel Books (www.BezalelBooks.com), Cheryl Dickow. These two talented Catholic authors put their hearts and minds together to co-author the new Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women with Servant Books.

First, a description of the book and then our interview. "Wrapped Up: God's Ten Gifts for Women offers a healthy alternative to the false messages women hear today. Each chapter focuses on a different gift a woman is meant to discover and unwrap, ultimately leading to peace and fulfillment. Cheryl draws from her extensive knowledge of Old Testament women to unveil life lessons found in the rich history of our faith, and Teresa uses her media expertise to reveal how to counter the cultural messages that inundate women today. Together, the authors provide a timeless and timely look at God's life-giving gifts."

DONNA-MARIE: Teresa and Cheryl, your book appears to be the perfect gift (no pun intended) for women today! Would you mind sharing with us about your inspiration to write this lovely book?

Teresa Tomeo

TERESA: I noticed that many women who had purchased some of the books in the All Things Girl series were telling me they were getting a great deal of comfort and help from learning how women are truly daughters of the King.  This idea of being totally loved or wrapped in the arms of Christ kept coming up and that's how the book idea came into being.

CHERYL: In retrospect I see this as a very Holy Spirit guided book. I am not sure I can identify at what point Teresa and I knew it was “meant to be” but feel that it evolved from our own experiences with women, our personal journeys, and our desire to serve God. Once the discussions about it began, the whole book truly unfolded in a very inspirational way.

 I was recently asked if it was difficult to determine just ten gifts (Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women) but have to say that it wasn’t really that difficult at all. We began with love which is certainly what is at the basis of every good thing that comes from God and each gift after that just made sense. From accepting God’s love we knew women needed to accept His forgiveness; from there we knew how imperative it is for women to allow God to be God, then accepting the gift of a joyful attitude and so on to the tenth gift which we knew had to be to each reader “the gift of you!”

Cheryl Dickow

DONNA-MARIE: Are you hearing from the readers? What have they been saying about the book? 

CHERYL: We’ve been hearing many blessed comments about the book—which has blessed us as well. In particular women have said that reading the book feels as if they are having a conversation with each of us. I’ve also heard many times that the content has revealed things that women hadn’t previously considered or discovered. As an author, that is incredibly rewarding to hear.

TERESA: What's really encouraging are the comments from Protestant sisters.  Of course the book stresses the doctrines of the Church with an emphasis on the Sacraments and the Church teachings on women but the message of being again "wrapped" in God's love is resonating very strongly across denominational lines.  So to me that is really a testimony to the message of the book.

DONNA-MARIE: Would you care to share any of your writing process with us?

TERESA: The chapters were written separately and sent to the amazing Claudia Volkman who served as the editor.  Everything flowed together and each section was based on a different gift for women.  My interests are always toward giving women and other believers a deeper understanding of the truth of Jesus and the Church as born out or shown through the natural law.  I love drawing upon secular research to back up what the Church says.  And that combined with personal experience helps to make the points about the reality and beauty of faith.

CHERYL: Writing this book was a very anointed experience. Once the outline was in place, each gift we tackled (and we each approached the gifts from very different perspectives with Teresa focusing on current or “timely” ways the gift is given whereas I focused on Scripture or “timeless” ways in which the gift is known) seemed to play out in our lives. For instance, I would have some sort of experience and say to myself, “Oh, that is for me to share in the chapter on the gift of letting go.” Then I would instinctively know which Old or New Testament woman best embodied that gift and share something of her life as well. The Holy Spirit was very much active in the process and that seems to be evident in the responses we are getting. We are finding that women are experiencing wonderful connections to the book when they read it and see how it flows between my “Timeless Truths” and Teresa’s “Timely Truths.”

DONNA-MARIE: Is there anything else would you like to share with our readers?

CHERYL:I want the readers to know that I prayed for each one as I wrote and that I invited the Holy Spirit to guide the book so that it would be a blessing to each reader in whatever way she may be needing or seeking . Without a doubt it has been my privilege to be part of this and to serve God by serving my sisters in Christ.

TERESA: I just hope this gets into as many hands as possible.  Women need to know they are a gift to themselves and to the world and are so loved by Jesus.

DONNA-MARIE: Finally, where can we get this beautiful book?

TERESA: The book can be ordered through the publisher, Servant/Franciscan Media as well as Amazon and can be found on my home page at www.teresatomeo.com 

CHERYL:We’d love to direct the readers to the book’s landing page: http://franciscanmedia.org/WrappedUp/ 

DONNA-MARIE: I love that there is also a Wrapped Up Companion Journal available. The publisher, Servant Books describes it: "The perfect companion to Wrapped Up by Teresa Tomeo and Cheryl Dickow, this journal is designed for individuals and groups to use. Each chapter of the journal will correspond to a chapter in the book. Full of Scripture and Catechism references, excerpts from Wrapped Up, additional commentary from the authors, discussion questions, and room for personal takeaways this is a valuable resource for those wanting to go deeper into the gifts God longs to give."

Thank you very much for your time for this interview and for all you do for the Church, Teresa and Cheryl. I hope and pray that your book moves hearts far and wide! May God bless you both and all who read your book.

Interview with Author Kevin Lowry

DONNA-MARIE: Kevin, it is my pleasure to interview you about your new book: Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company. Could you kindly give us a little background of your financial and executive-management roles? 

KEVIN: Yes, absolutely! After graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in Accounting, I began my career in a CPA firm. At the same time, my wife Kathi and I began having children and looking for a Church home. We became Catholic after a long journey (another story, but a good one - http://gratefulconvert.com/about/conversion-story/)

Life revolved around faith, family, and career – and it was extremely intense. We never seemed to take the easy road, having our first three children in less than three years, emigrating to the Catholic Church (it was like learning a completely new language and culture) and deciding to keep Kathi at home with the kids. So I worked like a maniac to provide for the family. It was hard.

Twice in my career, I left positions due to family reasons – initially after our first three children were born, when I became a Controller of a health care company, and later after our seventh child was born with serious medical challenges. At that point I left the CPA firm I was with and became VP of Finance for a large service company.

At every step along the path, I attempted to live out my faith in my work. This wasn’t always easy, but there are many examples of grace. For example, at one point I was scheduled to lose my job as the result of a corporate acquisition. Yet instead, I was actually promoted to Senior Vice President and was given responsibility for the Ohio operations of the organization.

The punch line, if there is one, is that I’m now privileged to work for The Coming Home Network International as chief operating officer. I’m enjoying it immensely!    

DONNA-MARIE: That's wonderful, Kevin. This book seems very unique, what made you decide to write this book?

KEVIN: When I was young, my dad was a Presbyterian minister in full-time ministry, even though he has a Ph.D. in business from M.I.T. He was later a technology entrepreneur along with my uncle. So throughout my youth, our regular dinner-table conversations would often include matters of faith and work.

In becoming Catholic, I saw that the Church had a wealth of wisdom that was properly applied to our work. This is part of the beauty of the Church – we have such a rich heritage of great thinkers. I truly believe that as we strive to be faithful Catholics, we become better workers – and by being better workers, we become more faithful Catholics!

DONNA-MARIE: I notice that you offer "Action Steps" as well as reflection questions at the end of each chapter. What do you hope you'll accomplish with these?

KEVIN: Yes, to me this is an important aspect of the book – it’s meant to be extremely practical, and the action steps provide ideas for concrete steps you can apply to your faith and work immediately. I hope the book encourages people to step out in faith and make positive changes that truly have an impact on their lives and those of others.

A friend of mine from Legatus (a terrific organization for Catholic business leaders) also suggested questions for reflection at the end of each chapter as a way of making the book useful for small group study. It was a great idea, and helps people relate ideas in the book to their own experiences.

DONNA-MARIE: What type of readership do you have so far? Are women reading this book too?

KEVIN: Yes, thanks be to God! The book is really intended for anyone who does any work whatsoever, even if there’s no paycheck involved – like Kathi, a full-time mom. Lots of women have given me great feedback, and said the book was directly relevant to them. A couple were surprised, they thought it was just for people with paying jobs!

There are a lot of people who are buying the book as a gift for others – whether they be co-workers, family members, etc. Unfortunately, there are lots of people struggling with work these days. I hope and pray the book serves as a source of encouragement and hope.

DONNA-MARIE: Would you be able to share any part of the writing journey/process with us?

KEVIN: The journey was great! I had an outline, of course, and tried to focus on areas that would have the greatest impact on the lives of individuals. Then it was just a matter of coming up with illustrative stories – many based on my own mistakes! I figured Jesus used parables in the bible, so stories were the best way to discuss some of the concepts about how to practically integrate faith and work.

In an attempt to honor my family, I would frequently write in the midst of the chaos of our family room in order to be accessible to Kathi and the kids. It took some getting used to, but worked out well. I had fun with it too.

DONNA-MARIE: Sounds like you had an interesting journey writing! Are you getting any feedback on the book?

KEVIN: Yes, it has been overwhelmingly positive. I spoke with one gentleman who had been in police work for many years, and who spoke about the healing he had experienced through reading the book. It was amazing to me – although I recognize this as the work of the Holy Spirit. The book is just the instrument.

DONNA-MARIE: Thank you very much for all of this. Finally, Kevin, where can we get your book?

KEVIN: Signed copies can be ordered through my website, http://gratefulconvert.com/ with free shipping (and a free copy of my conversion story in The Coming Home Network’s newsletter). There are also links at the site to order paperback or Kindle versions through Amazon. It can also be ordered directly from Our Sunday Visitor, the publisher, to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude! Their website is http://www.osv.com/

Thanks so much, I pray the book is a blessing to all those who read it!

DONNA-MARIE: Thank you very much, Kevin. I'm sure it will.

*******

I am including additional helpful information here:

Trailer for Faith at Work (by Kevin's son T.J. and his classmates at Franciscan U., Scott Lenahan and Joseph Houde) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7D1OmSagD0&feature=share

FoxNews.com interview - http://video.foxnews.com/v/1573787293001/is-there-an-appropriate-way-to-show-your-faith-at-work

April 2 Journey Home episode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In3Dy9-6ziw&feature=player_embedded

I'll be speaking at the same event as Mother Miriam

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/

Speaking to God

"However softly we speak, He is near enough to hear us. Neither is there any need for wings to go to find Him. All one need do is go into solitude and look at Him within oneself. Since He does not force our will, He takes what we give Him; but He does not give Himself completely unless we give ourselves completely."
--St. Teresa of Avila

Lots of food for thought here, huh?

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Man to Man now released!

I am very happy to announce that my friend, Fr. James Farfaglia has just released his first book: Man to Man. It's only been out about a week and it is already selling off the shelves. What does this tell us? That men want to know how to act like and actually how to BE a man - a real man! Don't you think? I hope that Catholic wives and engaged women will get a copy of this book for their husbands and their betrothed.

I spoke with Fr. James on the phone today and wanted to know first off, straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, what is going on behind the scenes with this new book. I asked Fr. James a couple of questions for now and he gave me his gracious responses...

Donna-Marie: Fr. James, can you kindly tell us why you decided to write this book?

Fr. James: There is a deep crisis within manhood that needs to be addressed in a very practical and straightforward manner. Men need to be encouraged to be faithful and heroic. Also, many women are frustrated in their married life because their husbands do not always understand a number of things, such as, the emotional needs of their wives; their leadership role within the family or how to be manly but at the same time how to be tender and kind. Within the intimate life of husband and wife, many men simply do not understand the emotional world of women and how to enter into that world. At the same time, many wives do not understand the emotional world of their husbands and how to enter into that world. Many married couples do not understand that their intimate sexual life is a vehicle by which they experience the God of unconditional love. Through the teachings of John Paul II's Theology of the Body, the Church needs to address these issues in a very practical, straightforward, and direct manner.

Donna-Marie: What are your hopes for your elementary school?

Fr. James: I am a firm believer in well-run Catholics schools that are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. I went to St. Mary's elementary school in Ridgefield, CT. and I am part of the founding class of Magdalen College of Warner, NH. I know, first hand, the impact that a serious Catholic education can have on a child or a young person. I am the pastor of the newest Catholic parish in the city of Corpus Christi, TX. Our parish is a little more than 5 years old. 90% of the baptized Catholics within my parish boundaries do not go to church anywhere. Moreover, they are not remotely interested. I know this, because we are visiting our homes like Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. A school will get the parents re-involved in the Catholic Church. A well-run Catholic school is the best means of evangelization that the Catholic Church has to offer. A parish is essential, but it needs the school. The school is the heart of the parish. It provides the blood. Close the school and the parish dies.

Donna-Marie: I think it's great that you are using the proceeds of this book to help build your school. Thank you very much for this short interview, Fr. James. I am looking forward to a more in depth interview with you very soon.

A little bit about Fr. James:

"Father James Farfaglia is the Pastor of St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. Originally from Ridgefield, CT., Father has founded and developed apostolates for the Catholic Church in Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada and throughout the United States. Father James is known for his orthodoxy, his unconditional obedience to the Pope, his delicate fidelity to all liturgical norms, his love for real sacred music, his well prepared homilies, and his unwavering pro-life stand."

Now a little bit about his book: Man to Man. Check out the website here.

I have personally read the manuscript and have endorsed this book. My words on the back cover are: "Man to Man couldn't have come at a better time for today's men who are
confronted with a myriad of mixed messages regarding their manhood or
lack thereof. With eyes wide open to the dangers lurking in today's culture, Fr. James Farfaglia takes a brutally honest approach to discussions of love, marriage, sexuality and family life sure to capture a mans attention. The author urgently invites all men: husbands and fathers to accept the loving heroic role that God has created them for. Man to Man should be on every book shelf. Better yet, in every mans hands. "

There are other endorsements as well, for instance:

"Father Farfaglia has taken a subject that is much maligned in today's sexually saturated culture, that of being a man's man, and has turned it back toward the Lord and His design in a way that is both captivating and challenging not only for
men but for every Catholic. Understanding God's design for a union with Him through marriage is fundamental for a couple considering matrimony, but particularly for the male in this age of feminized masculinity. That is perhaps the most important aspect of this book for it dignifies man because he is masculine, he is strong and he is Godly. It is my hope that every young Catholic considering marriage will read this with an open mind and a heart for truth." – Judie Brown, President American Life League

Here's a review by Jennifer Hartline.

From Fr. James about his book: "Heroic men have always inspired me. Saints, military generals, and famous presidents have always provided light and direction during my life. Men like Paul, Athanasius, Thomas Moore, John Fisher, Edmond Campion, John Vianney, Miguel Pro, Oscar Romero, John Paul II, Pope Benedict, Washington, Lincoln, Reagan, Patton, MacArthur and Eisenhower are all men that I admire very much. They are all lighthouses: men, who within their own historical circumstances, stood up to the plate and lived their lives with heroism.

Today, as men, we are constantly being challenged.

If the house is burning, get a hose and put out the fire. If someone is trapped inside, we need to go in for the rescue. Only the cowards would watch from the sidewalk and do nothing.

I love heroes. I loathe cowards.

I know that as married men you are challenged every day. I am writing to you in order to encourage you to remain faithful and to be a hero. I am writing this book for you, man to man, with deep love and concern so that you will be happy in this life and eternally happy in the life to come.

One Sunday night in December 2006, I awoke at 3:00 AM and quickly wrote out the titles of the chapters of this book. I have never experienced this kind of inspiration before. The desire to write the book was something that kept bothering me for the next couple of weeks.

So, I decided that God was telling me something and perhaps using me. I quickly decided to take some time off and write the book. I knew that I had to get away from the parish and I also knew that I needed a quiet, peaceful place that would help inspire my reflections. I have never used vacation time to write, but I thought, why not?

So, here I am, on a small island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, writing to you, the heroes of the modern world. The book that you are about to read is very practical and down to earth."


I hope you'll visit the Man to Man website and think about what man or men in your life could use some encouragement and perhaps some friendly advice from a man who will not steer you wrong. My husband picked up my copy and started reading and was very impressed. He also said to me, "Sweetie, I need to start treating you better." And that was after about an hour of reading Man to Man! It's worth every penny ladies! Go out and get this book and you'll also be helping St. Helena's in Corpus Christi to build their elementary school.

New Review for Catholic Saints Prayer Book

"The saints are here to inspire, guide, and pray for us. They started out as ordinary people, just like us. But they chose to be saintly. This choice was not an easy one for any of them and the temptations of this world were not always easy to overcome. Who then will better understand our plight as we strive toward holiness?

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has put together a beautiful little book. Perfect for purse, pocket or backpack. Each saint entry includes an inspirational peak into the life of the saint, their feast day, a relevant quote, an illustration of that saint, and a brief meditational prayer. The only thing I would have liked to see in this book is an index listing the saints by their feast day.

Saints include: St. Anne, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Augustine, St. Benedict, St. Bernadette, St. Bridget of Ireland, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Dominic, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Faustine Kowalska, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. John Chrysostom, St. John Neumann, St. Joseph, St. Jude Thaddeus, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, St. Maria Goretti, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Monica, St. Padre Pio, St. Patrick, St. Peregrine, St. Rita of Cascia, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Thomas More.


'Let us invoke the saints often, asking for their holy assistance, even praying along with them, striving to imitate their virtues while praying to become saints ourselves.'

This little book will help you do just that."

(This review can be found here.)

New update on A.J.

"A.J. Update........

AJ is amazing. Her heart is doing the Timex thing -- takes a licking but keeps on ticking. Her most recent EKG showed enough small-but-steady improvement that her docs decided they could cut back on one of her heart medications. AND she was cleared for exercises to build muscle tone! (No, she's not going out for Ms. Body Builder. But better muscle tone will help prevent her from catching every infection that happens along.) So she celebrated:
--she spent 2 hours today with her tutor!
--she stayed out of bed ALL DAY (resting in a chair so that she can keep the bed for actual sleeping)!
--and she took a 7-minute walk around the ICU!

If these don't seem like major achievements, you may not realize just how wiped out she's been. This stuff is AWESOME. Go, AJ!

AJ had spent some of Monday in a sad mood, so her family rallied around to make her feel better. She got some spa treatment from her mom -- a bath, lotion, and a foot massage -- and some good "sister time" with Allie in the evening before Al arrived to do his version of Late Night with Al. She even got tacos for dinner! (Okay, they were low-potassium, low-phosphate, low sodium tacos, but they were still tacos!)

I'm thinking that all that family love definitely helped AJ get to the good place she's at today. The love that the rest of us send is just as powerful. So keep sending it -- it's just great. Don't ever underestimate how powerful we all are. I'll keep you posted, and we'll keep wishing and praying for more slow and steady progress."

Jesus at the Post Office...What?!?

Go on over to my Embracing Motherhood blog to find about Jesus at the Post Office and my radio segment coming up this Monday morning with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection." I hope you'll be able to join us for our Advent theme and lots of fun stuff!

God bless your Advent!

Donna-Marie

If you didn't catch it yesterday...you can listen here

Here's a link to listen to Teresa Tomeo and me on our "Mom's Corner" segment yesterday. We chatted about various Catholic and current topics including a prayer table I suggested to draw your family together in prayer in your domestic churches.

Teresa and I also chatted a bit about my new books too.

Just click here to listen.
Enjoy the show!

Donna-Marie

PS I will be posting my long segment with Dina Marie Hale from Oregon a bit later this week after I receive the CD or mp3 of the show.

Win a copy of my new book, Grace Cafe this morning!

Tune in this morning to my "Mom's Corner" segment on "Catholic Connection" with Teresa Tomeo. Four lucky call ins will receive a copy of my book, Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering!

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


I hope you'll join us!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

An article about my Vatican trip and my new book

You can check out an article in a local newspaper about my Vatican trip by clicking here.

Entering the New Year with Hope, Grace, and Prayer

You can check out my New Year article at Catholic Exchange today.

Mother and unborn baby need prayers!

I received this today from a Pro-life friend. Please take a moment to read about this expectant mother who feels that she has to abort (kill) her unborn baby a few days before Christmas!

***

Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am copying this email below to ask for urgent prayers for this little soul who is in danger of abortion on Friday. A good woman from my church sent it to me. She received it from one of her family members I believe who is good friends with the woman who is contemplating abortion. This is NOT one of those bulk email chain letters but is from a very reputable source that I know personally. For those of you who can fast along with pray please do. And for those who can go before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to plead for this soul thank you!
God bless,
Mike and Kerry




Dear Family and Friends,



Please take a minute to read this email and pray for my friend. I won’t give you her name for her sake, but she is having an abortion on Friday the 21st. PLEASE pray that she won’t go through with it. She found out last week that her baby will be born with Down syndrome and apparently the doctors and her family have led her to believe that “terminating” her pregnancy is the right thing to do. Not only am I sad for the child, but sad for her b/c the psychological ramifications will haunt her for years. I’ve put her in touch with a woman we found yesterday who founded ‘Reece’s Rainbow’ which is a Georgia-based ministry for saving Down syndrome children- they have 200 families, paper-ready, to adopt Downs children.



Below is my friend’s email, which she sent out yesterday to over 100 of us who have taken her exercise class:



“To my pregnancy:

In my age group I had a 1:86 chance for Trisomie 21(Down Syndrom) and this time we were the unlucky ones..I'll have the DNE(similar to DNC)done Friday afternoon. It's sad and I wish I could change it, but hopefully the next time I won't be the 'unlucky winner'. It makes us appreciate even more what we've got with Andy, family and friends!”



Please pray today and tomorrow for her and for the soul that is about to be killed. Please pray for our efforts to interrupt her decision, and please pray for our culture that seems to think it is okay to broadcast a decision to kill a life so casually.

"Mom's Corner" radio segment tomorrow!

Hello Moms and Grandmoms and Caregivers!

Is there an issue you would like me to address in my segment tomorrow morning with Teresa Tomeo regarding "Slipping into Summer Mode: Let's Not Forget About the Prayer!"?

Now is your chance to send me a comment today or tonight and/or to call in to the show. You may listen in or call in to the show, "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio Live. The show will air at 9:10 AM Eastern time on Monday morning.

Quiet here on Daily Donna-Marie yesterday, but not at home!

It was quiet on my blog yesterday, but not at home! My daughter arrived home from Bangladesh where she was doing a research project for college. Needless to say, I am in my glory with "all my ducklings in a row," as my husband says. Go on over to my blog Embracing Motherhood for some "Tips on Tuesday," including one on prayer from Karen Edmisten and a tip on "Getting There on Time" from me!

Please pray for my daughter who is in Bangladesh where a monsoon just killed 130 people

Please pray for my daughter, Jessica and all of the people in Bangladesh. My daughter is there doing a research project for college. The other day she emailed to say that a monsoon was coming! Today I heard that 130 people were killed from the monsoon. I haven't heard from my daughter since her email. Please pray for her and for all there. Needless to say, we are praying the Sacred Heart novena below and the Rosary. Thank you very much!

President Bush remined Americans to pray

President Bush reminds Americans of the importance of prayer

From Catholic News Service:
Washington DC, May 3 (CNA).- This morning at the White House, President Bush commemorated the National Day of Prayer. He called upon Americans to remember that their nation is one founded upon a tradition of prayer and that prayer has greater power than is often recognized.

The President began by noting that, "We're a prayerful nation. I believe that makes us a strong nation." Harking back to President George Washington, Bush recalled that, "It's the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and to humbly implore his protection and favor."

See full story from Catholic News Service here.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

The Responsorial psalm today: "O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you." Yes, Lord, please hear all of our prayers this day. Please look down upon us as we journey through Lent, striving to come closer to You. Please help us to transform our lives into a prayer that is pleasing to You. Please help our hearts be attentive to all who surround us who need Your love and attention - which we pray You will allow to come through us, your humble servants. Thank you for this day to serve You and my fellow pilgrims. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to You.

Jesus in the poor

"We begin our day by trying to see Christ through the Eucharistic bread. Throughout the day we keep in touch with him under the appearances of the shattered bodies of our poor. In this way our work becomes a prayer, as we accomplish it with Jesus, for Jesus, and toward Jesus.
The poor are our prayer. They carry God in themselves. Prayer is in all things, in all gestures."--Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Where are the poor around us? Do the "poor" live within our own homes, perhaps someone needing a little extra love? Are the "poor" in our communities? Are the "poor" our elderly relatives wishing a visit from us? Are the "poor" our unhappy co-workers in need of Christ's love through our time we can give them and our listening ears? Where are our poor? Are we seeking to console them this day? Let's remember that Blessed Teresa told us the there is "Calcutta all over the world for those who have eyes to see."

The Lenten "Grumpies" article on Catholic Online

Check out my article about the Lenten "Grumpies" on Catholic Online today. I'm sure you can relate!