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As you know, I am fascinated (enraptured, enthralled, intrigued, allured) by all things Catholic! And so, I really want to know what the Church teaches. One way to get a “bird’s eye view” (Don’t you just wonder where these phrases come from? I sure do and some nights I just sit up puzzling over it! Which I did for a spell [short period of time as in an instant, jiffy, little while, minute, second, stretch] on this one. You can find out what I discovered below. So many words, so many phrases, so much linguistic intrigue – and so little time! It near makes me batty – as in crazy or eccentric nuts or wacky– none of which really applies to me, thank goodness!).

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Hello,

I’m Lexi Conner and I am so excited to be part of the Women of Grace blogging family! 

Perhaps you can guess from my name that I have a very special interest. I LOVE words! Some might say that makes me a “geek” or a bluestocking, bookworm, or highbrow (See! I just can’t help it!). But it was this very interest that Johnnette found so intriguing (compelling, captivating, fascinating, riveting, titillating – pick one!).

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Host Doug Keck welcomes Tom Sullivan to discuss his book "Called to Knighthood: The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Kingdom Family of God" and what it means to be a Knight of Christ through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Sun. 03/31/2013, 9:30 AM; Sun. 03/31/2013, 11:30 PM; Mon. 04/01/2013, 5 AM; Mon. 04/01/2013, 5:30 PM

http://www.ewtn.com/bookmark/index.asp

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I wanted to follow up on my last post about the "Apostolic Pardon" and go into a bit more depth on just exactly what an indulgence is. We use it in everyday life in our own society and nobody seems to have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, many people who find themselves in prison, appeal for mercy and an indulgence (pardon) of some sort.

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Months before my father died last year, I explained to him this amazing gift of the "Apostolic Pardon" and told him to desire it when death approaches even if a priest did not arrive in time. During his final days on earth, I stood at the end of his hospital bed and reminded him of our conversation. I am so glad I did.

Now I wish to share it with you...

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Happy third week of Lent to all women of grace! If you don’t already know me, my name is Jacqueline Burkepile, and I'm a Catholic newlywed of about nine months. I wrote a blog for Women of Grace in January focusing on becoming a holier wife. I may not be the most experienced wife on the planet, but in nine months, I’ve learned a lot about marriage. I spoke with mine and my husband’s pastor, Fr. Kyle Walterscheid,[1] on how to approach this next blog, and I think you will enjoy the suggestions I have in store for you today.

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As we close in on the final hours of his pontificate, please join us in offering prayers for Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who has been such a tremendous gift to the Church and to the world.  We love you Holy Father, and no matter where you are our hearts will be with you!

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(Taken from Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life by Johnnette Benkovic)

On yesterday's Women of Grace Live radio program, I shared a teaching on discerning God's will, much of which came from by book Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life.  Here are the Seven Steps to Discerning God's will, in case you missed the program or didn't get a chance to jot them down.  You can also listen to the program in it's entirety at the podcast link here. God bless you!

1. Is the prompting fully in line with Sacred Scripture, the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of the Church? There is no contradiction in God.

2. Is the prompting proceeding from virtue or the flesh? “What is my motivation?”

3. Has this prompting been confirmed in other ways? God confirms His will for us in a variety of ways.

How Does God Speak To Us?

A. Through other people

1. Directly - someone speaks the prompting to us

2. Indirectly

a. a homily at Mass

b. radio

c. television

d. something we read

B. Scripture

C. Events of the day

4. Has the prompting withstood the test of time? There is a difference between enthusiasm and zeal.

5. Am I going through an emotionally difficult time or am I suffering from mental instability?

6. Have I sought the counsel of others -- my spouse, provincial, superior, bishop, spiritual director?

7. Is the prompting or inspiration of grace in conformity with my state in life? There may be sacrifice, but there will not be conflict.

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The idea took life after the 39th annual March for Life in 2012 when, during a Women of Grace Facilitator Network Conference call, my sister regional coordinator, Peggy Pritchard passionately presented her reflections from the March For Life and challenged us to make plans for 2013. Regional Coordinators Martha Nicolli and Jennie Stanbro joined in the discussion and with Johnnette's enthusiastic encouragement, we made plans to officially represent Women of Grace at the March For Life in our nation's capital on the 40th memorial of Roe vs. Wade.

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