The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion

SNEAK PEAK!!

Published writers say you can “blog a book” but my advice for beginners is “blog to be invited to publish in a book.” As I celebrate the fourth anniversary of JoyAlive.net (began in May 2012), I mark the fourth anniversary as guest blogger on CatholicMom.com  (August 2012) with the publication of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion this coming August by Ave Maria Press.

Although I have published hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles before blogging existed, it’s a thrill to contribute four meditations in this collection. My first date on this Catholic Mom calendar of devotions is January 2, Feast of St. Seraphim of Sarov, one of my favorite advocates for acquiring the Holy Spirit. The other dates are April 7, August 12, the Feast St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Nov 7.

The book project began in 2014 when Lisa Hendey invited more than eighty writers, including me, to submit four mediations for a collection of daily devotions, now entitled of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections. The cover is no longer a secret! You will see it again as we promote the book. Here is an overview of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion from Lisa Hendey and co-editor Sarah Reinhard:

Are you a Catholic mom who prays for the wisdom and patience to get through each day? Do you pray for your children, husband, family and friends, and sometimes even yourself? The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion offers a new, daily resource to make the most of those few, precious minutes you have to pause and reflect.

For more than fifteen years, the award-winning CatholicMom.com website has been a trusted source for sound, practical and spiritual guidance. In their new book, authors Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard bring together more than eighty moms, dads, and trusted spiritual companions to provide fresh, uplifting meditations for every day of the year.

You’ll find encouragement when you’re struggling, reassurance when you feel alone, and comfort when you’re distracted by worry. Created by moms for moms, these hope-filled meditations touch on the issues and concerns you face as you try to get through the day with a sense of God’s presence in your life. Whether you are a new or seasoned mom working in or outside of your home, this inspiring collection of reflections for every day of the year will help you

• stay in touch with the seasons of the Church year
• remember Mary’s loving presence on her feast days
• keep company with both new and familiar saints
• see the spiritual meaning of secular holidays and
• make you smile with occasions such as Houseplant Appreciation Day and National Popcorn Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day and National Popcorn Day.

Each day begins with a brief quotation from scripture, saints, recent popes, or important spiritual writers. A personal reflection–written by contributors including Danielle Bean, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Lisa Mladinich, Elizabeth Scalia, Carolyn Woo, Mark Hart and Jeff Young–focuses on some dimension of your spiritual, emotional, intellectual or physical life. Each day also includes a brief prayer and a question or thought to ponder throughout the day. In just a few minutes of quiet you’ll find the boost you need from a friendly voice. Each month also has a special theme such as love, family fun and slowing down. Start these reflections any time throughout the year and feel your days become more grace-filled and inspired.

As we prepare for the book’s official launch in August, we invite you to pre-order your copy now to ensure that you’ll have it on the first day available for a great price. Pre-order online today at:

• Ave Maria Press
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Your local Catholic bookstore

Your pre-order and help in sharing this book with family and friends will help us ensure that as many moms as possible are supported and served with this resource. Over the past few weeks, as Sarah and I have been in the final editing phase, I’ve been so blessed by the reflections and prayers in this book! I can’t wait for all of you to have your own copies–I believe you’ll agree with me that the few moments you spend each day with our team of writers will greatly bless and uplift you in your vocation. Thank you, in advance, for your support for our site through your pre-order of The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections. 

Thank you, in advance, for your prayerful support of this book and all of our work at CatholicMom.com!