Embracing Motherhood: Chatting about Rooted in Love and the true Dignity of Women

Embracing Motherhood: Chatting about Rooted in Love and the true Dignity of Women

Inspiring!

Moving Closer To The Crib

Moving Closer To The Crib

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Blog Tour: Day # 10

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Blog Tour: Day # 10: E komo mai! (Welcome!) to our stopover for Donna's book tour! It is very exciting to be able to participate in this book promotion be...

Rooted in Love: Tools and Inspiration for Catholic Women

Rooted in Love: Tools and Inspiration for Catholic Women

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Blog Tour Day # 7

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Blog Tour Day # 7: From Roxane at "Peace Garden Mama"   Welcome to Peace Garden  Mama!  I'm so pleased to be  part of the  effort to help spread word o...

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Tour, Day # Four

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Rooted in Love Tour, Day # Four: I am honored to be today’s stop on Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle's blog tour for her newest book, Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Wo...

Cooper O’Boyle to Begin Tour of Catholic Women’s Blogs December 1, 2012 | Ave Maria Press

Cooper O’Boyle to Begin Tour of Catholic Women’s Blogs December 1, 2012 | Ave Maria Press

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Donna-Marie is Rooted in Love

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Donna-Marie is Rooted in Love: Donna-Marie is Rooted in Love Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle  has a beautiful new book,  Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Wome...

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Exceeded My Expectations

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: Exceeded My Expectations: 5.0 out  Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women is not quite the book I expected it to be. This particular book exceeded my expe...

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: You won't be disappointed!

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women: You won't be disappointed!: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has written a book from her heart to touch your own. From personal experience (and one wonders how any woman cou...

View from the Domestic Church: Feast of St. Catherine Laboure

View from the Domestic Church: Feast of St. Catherine Laboure

Embracing Motherhood: Thanksgiving around the corner!

Embracing Motherhood: Thanksgiving around the corner!

Catholic Moms Talk: "Change" for Mothers in the Year of Faith

Catholic Moms Talk: "Change" for Mothers in the Year of Faith: It’s only natural to be thinking about possible new beginnings and changes in our lives at this time of year. After all, we as Catholics...

View from the Domestic Church: Year of Faith project!

View from the Domestic Church: Year of Faith project!

Catholic Moms Talk: Being part of a FAITHFUL Church

Catholic Moms Talk: Being part of a FAITHFUL Church: How wonderful that we are part of a Church that lovingly reminds us about the importance of our faith and even our duties to prof...

"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.

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 9

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 9

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 6

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 6

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 5

Embracing Motherhood: St. Therese novena day 5

Embracing Motherhood: Finding Holiness at Home

Embracing Motherhood: Finding Holiness at Home

Embracing Motherhood: My interesting life as a mother

Embracing Motherhood: My interesting life as a mother

Embracing Motherhood: Discovering Our Lord at home with us.

Embracing Motherhood: Discovering Our Lord at home with us.

View from the Domestic Church: Tomorrow...

View from the Domestic Church: Tomorrow...

View from the Domestic Church: Are we "salt and light" to the world?

View from the Domestic Church: Are we "salt and light" to the world?

View from the Domestic Church: Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers to Be

View from the Domestic Church: Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers to Be

Catholic speakers

Catholic speakers

I just voted. You can too. Click on the link above and choose your favorite 15 which is not so easy!

SANCTE PATER: Father Mitch Pacwa: Lack of any Spiritual Depth to...

SANCTE PATER: Father Mitch Pacwa: Lack of any Spiritual Depth to...: By GREG GARRISON - Religion News Service [Father Mitch] Pacwa said there is no chance for the visions to get approval while they're sti...

View from the Domestic Church: Death, peace, and my sister

View from the Domestic Church: Death, peace, and my sister

View from the Domestic Church: My sister

View from the Domestic Church: My sister

Radio today

Radio today

View from the Domestic Church: I didn't plan to go back into the Post Office

View from the Domestic Church: I didn't plan to go back into the Post Office

Embracing Motherhood: Happy Sunday!

Embracing Motherhood: Happy Sunday!

Supreme Court upholds health care law, individual mandate :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Supreme Court upholds health care law, individual mandate :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Stop the HHS Mandate

Demands for perfection and moms

Demands for perfection and moms

Office "get-away!"

Office "get-away!"

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Happy feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgi...

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Happy feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgi...: Shortly afterward, her generous heart sent her on a journey into the hill country, pregnant and  "in haste," to help her cousin Elizabe...

Inspirational Mother Teresa books for individuals, families

Inspirational Mother Teresa books for individuals, families

Get Serious!

GET SERIOUS! – A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR SERIOUS CATHOLICS

BY

FATHER JAMES FARFAGLIA

ON SALE FOR $9.95 (includes shipping)

Purchase your copy at http://www.fatherjames.org

Bulk orders – contact Fr. James directly at fjficthus@gmail.com

Father's day is approaching. This book may very well be the perfect gift for a father in your life. It's written by a holy Catholic priest and pastor who is a personal friend of mine.

Here are a few of the book's endorsements:

“It is an inspiring yet practical, catechetical yet simple, and substantive yet understandable manual for all Catholic Christians who want to grow in their faith by encountering the Lord in a continual relationship of conversion.”– Deacon Keith Fournier, Catholic Online

“I think it’s safe to say that Father James is more than a little fed up with the current state of affairs in our world and even in the Church; upset enough to not sit back and just moan about it, or worse yet, give up. Instead, this author took the time to craft a book in which he lovingly and practically gives us the tools to truly live the faith and carry out our duties as Catholics.” – Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, author and EWTN TV Host

“Father Farfaglia's insightful book on spiritual development covers a wide terrain and could just as easily have been called "True Catholic Life.” - Michael H. Brown, Spirit Daily

“In a time when people are thirsting for straight talk Fr. Farfaglia gets right to the point.  In no nonsense language, that especially young people are looking for, he gives a quick diagnosis and cure for the insanity of our times.”   - Fr. Sam Medley, SOLT

“If ever there was a time in the history of the Catholic Church when a small book like this one was needed, it is now.” - Judie Brown, American Life League

ON SALE FOR $9.95 (includes shipping)

Purchase your copy at http://www.fatherjames.org

Bulk orders – contact Fr. James directly at fjficthus@gmail.com

RADIO: Mothers and Mother's day!

RADIO: Mothers and Mother's day!

Recent radio show about the role of mothers and "Embracing Motherhood."

Recent radio show about the role of mothers and "Embracing Motherhood."

Motherly wisdom from Blessed Teresa

Motherly wisdom from Blessed Teresa

Radio Chat Friday morning!

Radio Chat Friday morning!

Coming this fall!

For ALL Catholic women! Coming this fall!
Book description from the publisher: In this heartfelt and sincere volume, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle shows why she is so beloved by her readers, viewers, and listeners. Using stories and experiences from her own life she shows that being a faith-filled Catholic woman does not mean one is perfect. It means that in the midst of parenting difficulties, marital problems, economic hardships, sickness—or whatever challenge life may bring—one finds strength in Christ and in the wisdom and community of the Church. Beginning with a woman’s sense of identity and vocation, Cooper O’Boyle reflects on the presence of Christ in every aspect of a woman’s life—as the source of her dignity, her strength, and her joy. Drawing from scripture, the treasury of Catholic spirituality, and her own favorite prayers and devotions, Cooper O’Boyle guides her readers to become women of prayer, women of compassion and strength in relationships, and women of heart for those in need.

In a warm and conversational tone she highlights how the sacraments, the virtues, prayer, Mary and the saints, the works of mercy, and various devotions and practices all offer women grace and guidance for their lives. Original prayers and discussion points for groups likewise contribute to making this an invaluable resource.



*******

I'll keep you posted as more information becomes available. You can check my website too: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

Nitty Gritty Stuff of Mothers!

Nitty Gritty Stuff of Mothers!

The Pain of Miscarriage

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

View from the Domestic Church: First and Foremost Responsibility to Educate Our Children

View from the Domestic Church: First and Foremost Responsibility to Educate Our Children

View from the Domestic Church: Mother's day contest!

View from the Domestic Church: Mother's day contest!

Interview with author, Karen Edmisten

DONNA-MARIE: Karen, it is my pleasure to interview you about your latest work within the book Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company. The title alone sounds intriguing. Can you share with us how you got involved in this project?

KAREN: Thanks to Hallie Lord (whose alter-ego is the delightful Betty Beguiles) and to a terrific editor at Our Sunday Visitor, I was asked to weigh in with my thoughts on what it means to be a Catholic woman in the world today, and about what it means to strive for and maintain spiritual strength in our busy, sometimes chaotic lives.

DONNA-MARIE: Would you kindly share a bit about yourself and your background?

KAREN: I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer and I homeschool our three daughters (though our eldest is graduating this spring -- next year I’ll have only a high school junior and a fifth-grader.)

I am a convert to the Catholic faith. I once thought I'd be a lifelong atheist but then I became desperately unhappy, read up on philosophy and various religions (while assiduously avoiding Christianity), and waited for something to make sense. I was initially appalled when Christianity began to look like the sensible thing, surprised when I wanted to be baptized, and stunned that I ended up a Catholic. But I wouldn't change a bit of it. Life is happier and makes far more sense than it ever did before.

DONNA-MARIE: Our Church is so blessed to have you, Karen. How did you decide what type of chapter you'd write for this book?

KAREN: Hallie had a clear vision for the book and there were specific topics she wanted to cover. I was asked to zero in on spiritual strength, prayer, and the sacraments, but how I wanted to do that, and what I really wanted to say about them was left up to me.

DONNA-MARIE: Have you received any feedback about this book?

KAREN: People love it! The reactions I hear the most are: smart, fun and funny, real, meaty, and helpful.

DONNA-MARIE: That’s great. What are your hopes for this book, Karen?

KAREN: I hope that women (and men!) will laugh, identify (okay, not the men on that one), pick up new ideas, feel less alone, feel strengthened, and will be encouraged to be themselves and to find themselves in Christ.

DONNA-MARIE: What wonderful hopes! Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about this book?

KAREN: I admire every individual who contributed to this book but when you round all these women up to create a single package, they pack a powerful wallop. I feel privileged to be a part of such a terrific project. (And no, I didn’t actually mean to create that much alliteration.)

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

KAREN: From the publisher -- Our Sunday Visitor (www.osv.com) -- and from Catholic and Christian booksellers, and online booksellers, too. If your local store doesn’t carry it, ask them to get it for you!

DONNA-MARIE: Thank you very much, Karen. I hope this book inspires many!

View from the Domestic Church: "Food for the Family's Soul" radio today!

View from the Domestic Church: "Food for the Family's Soul" radio today!

View from the Domestic Church: Embracing Motherhood!

View from the Domestic Church: Embracing Motherhood!

View from the Domestic Church: Mother's Day book sale!

View from the Domestic Church: Mother's Day book sale!

View from the Domestic Church: Radio today: Chatting about "Embracing Motherhood!"

View from the Domestic Church: Radio today: Chatting about "Embracing Motherhood!"

View from the Domestic Church: Fourth day of the Divine Mercy Novena

View from the Domestic Church: Fourth day of the Divine Mercy Novena

View from the Domestic Church: Second day of the novena

View from the Domestic Church: Second day of the novena

View from the Domestic Church: Start your Divine Mercy Novena today!

View from the Domestic Church: Start your Divine Mercy Novena today!

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Mary was necessary to God in the Incarnation of th...

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Mary was necessary to God in the Incarnation of th...: Words to ponder on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: It was through Mary that God the Father gave His Only-begotten to the wo...

View from the Domestic Church: "Pathways of Faith" today at noon Eastern!

View from the Domestic Church: "Pathways of Faith" today at noon Eastern!

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Moved to a filial love of Mary...

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Moved to a filial love of Mary...: "Let the faithful remember that true devotion consists neither in sterile or transitory affection, nor in a certain vain credulity, but pro...

View from the Domestic Church: My launch of "Food for the Family's Soul!"

View from the Domestic Church: My launch of "Food for the Family's Soul!"

New Family Radio Show!

New Family Radio Show!

View from the Domestic Church: Catholic Connection Radio chat

View from the Domestic Church: Catholic Connection Radio chat

View from the Domestic Church: Radio today!

View from the Domestic Church: Radio today!

Recent radio segment about Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa

Recent radio segment about Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa

Love for Laundry: Folding Hail Mary's!

Love for Laundry: Folding Hail Mary's!

View from the Domestic Church: Yikes - You Tube video blocked

View from the Domestic Church: Yikes - You Tube video blocked

View from the Domestic Church: How's your Lent going?

View from the Domestic Church: How's your Lent going?

Lean your head on Mary's heart: We go to Jesus through Mary

Lean your head on Mary's heart: We go to Jesus through Mary: The more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ, because we honor Mary only that we may the more perfectly honor Jesus,...

Making Lenten meals matter | SouthCoastToday.com

Making Lenten meals matter SouthCoastToday.com

Fr. Benedict Groeschel and me on "Sunday Night Prime"

Are you embracing your motherhood?

Are you embracing your motherhood?

Interview with author, Marge Fenelon

 

     

      DONNA-MARIE: Marge, your new book Strengthening Your Family is lovely! It seems a lot different than the others of yours I am familiar with. Can you please tell us why you decided to write this book?

MARGE: Yes, Donna, Strengthening Your Family is different. All of my books offer insight and inspiration, but this one is more practical in that it offers parents guidance for what to do and what not to do. The idea was brewing inside my heart and mind for a long time. All around me, I see families – both young and old – struggling to raise their kids to be productive, enthusiastic Catholics. I see new couples unsure of how to get off to a good start in educating their children to holiness. I also see couples who are yearning to be closer, more united, and more spiritual. It was time for me to share the wisdom my husband, Mark, and I have gained over the years as well as wisdom we gleaned from other families.

DONNA-MARIE: It's wonderful you can offer the wisdom you two gleaned in your book. What are your hopes for this book?

MARGE: My hope is that the book will act as a catalyst that sparks a fire for sanctity in families everywhere. I worked in the pages of Strengthening Your Family to meet people where they’re at, help them appreciate and accentuate what they’re already doing that works, encourage them in their desire to do better, and instill in them the confidence that they really can do it.

DONNA-MARIE: Can you tell us a little about the writing process for this book?

MARGE: Concept-wise, a lot went into this book before I even began the writing process. The idea was swirling around in my head for quite some time, but…what to do with it? I didn’t want to do something preachy and know-it-all, but I did want to offer solid content that folks could count on. Mark and I assist in the formation of young couples, and so we’ve got a good deal of experience under our belts and a sizeable amount of resources at our disposal. Of course, my wonderful children ever-so-kindly reminded me that Mark and I are not the perfect parents (like I didn’t already know). That made me realize that the book had to be a composite of wisdom, not a first-person account.

Once I’d gotten that far, I had a chat with Bert Ghezzi at Our Sunday Visitor. He liked the idea and felt certain the book would sell. We hashed things out over a series of phone calls and emails and eventually came out with something workable. I owe Bert a huge thank you for all he’s done in championing my book!

Writing-wise, I’m a front-to-back writer. I’ll mull the content over and over in my heart and mind until I can “feel” it. While I’m driving, doing laundry, and especially exercising, I’ll be piecing things together. I might jot down hand-written notes (yep…we’re talking pencil and legal pad) as I go along. That can take weeks or even months. Then I put hands to keyboard and away I go. I do a three-step edit and revision. This book was more challenging than the others in that it contains a far greater number of quotes and passages from outside sources – saints, popes, Church documents, and the Catechism. That required quite a bit of research!

Each time I sit down to write, I edit and revise what I wrote the previous day. Next, I’ll edit and revise each chapter. Finally, I’ll go back and edit and revise the whole manuscript. Each writing session begins with a prayer to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and ends with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother.  

DONNA-MARIE: Could you please tell us about your spiritual mentor that you mentioned throughout the book and how his spirituality applies to the family?

MARGE: Most of what Mark and I know about spirituality, marriage, and family life we learned from Fr. Joseph Kentenich (1985-1968), Servant of God and founder of The Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt. Fr. Kentenich founded Schoenstatt in 1914 in Germany and since then it’s become a widespread and internationally-known Catholic lay movement of moral and religious renewal. It’s based on a Covenant of Love with the Blessed Mother under the title Mother Thrice Admirable and the Schoenstatt Marian Shrine (there are more than 270  throughout the world) as a place of grace. The two foundation stones of Schoenstatt’s method of formation are love and freedom.

Fr. Kentenich spent the years 1951-1965 in the United States, during which time he worked almost exclusively with families. Because of that, he’s left behind an absolute treasure trove of materials for individuals, couples, and families who find themselves rocked by the turbulence of the times and need surer footing on the path to sanctity.

I can honestly say that, without the support, formation, and education I’ve received from Fr. Kentenich via the Schoenstatt Movement, I would not be the faithful Catholic, wife, and parent that I am today. Nor would I have been able to write Strengthening Your Family!

DONNA-MARIE: Is there anything else you'd like to share about this book?

MARGE: Yes, thanks for asking. I think there are three important assets of Strengthening Your Family of which readers should be aware. First, families of all ages – beginners, those in the thick of it, and “veterans” – will find the book helpful and inspiring. Second, both new and experienced couples will find the book helpful and inspiring, too, as I devote quite a number of pages to the husband-wife relationship. Third, holiness is attainable – for everyone!

DONNA-MARIE: Amen, (especially on your third point), Marge! Finally, where can we get your book? 

MARGE: www.margefenelon.com, www.amazon.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com

DONNA-MARIE: Thank you very much for your time. I pray that your book will inspire and spark "a fire for sanctity" in countless families!

Recent Radio Interview with Brian Patrick

Recent Radio Interview with Brian Patrick

View from the Domestic Church: Meeting Jesus at the "Well" of Prayer

View from the Domestic Church: Meeting Jesus at the "Well" of Prayer

View from the Domestic Church: Endorsement from Fr. Benedict Groeschel

View from the Domestic Church: Endorsement from Fr. Benedict Groeschel

View from the Domestic Church: Mother Teresa and Me Review

View from the Domestic Church: Mother Teresa and Me Review

View from the Domestic Church: My vocation of motherhood!

View from the Domestic Church: My vocation of motherhood!

Article in Publisher's Weekly

Publisher's Weekly includes my Lenten book in it's article: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/religion/article/50336-books-for-lent-encourage-reflection.html

View from the Domestic Church: Review: Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa

View from the Domestic Church: Review: Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa

Reaching Out to a Love-Starved World

Reaching Out to a Love-Starved World

View from the Domestic Church: Radio Segment regarding Embracing Motherhood!

View from the Domestic Church: Radio Segment regarding Embracing Motherhood!