Catholic Mom's Cafe: 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year
So many people are so busy.Moms find it difficult to structure a time for personal prayer, especially stay at home Moms. So many variables are beyond her control feeding and its concomitant processes in infants, illnesses, emergencies, etc. Finding time for prayer is a luxury in a world determined by the demands of others, particularly loved ones, particularly when they are little ones. This book is a handy tool to bring relief by setting aside a short time with profound and relevant meditations for Moms by a Mom. When a few quiet minutes appear, this is a great spiritual help with the cup of coffee and some time with our Lord.Certain great saints are gourmands of the spiritual life. Doctors of the Church, such as St. Catherine of Sienna, O.P., St. Theresa of Avila, O.C.D., and many others were able to savor spiritual delights over many hours of deep and mystical prayer. The vocations opened these opportunities to them.The vocation of motherhood opens eternal opportunities that most religious sisters miss sharing life's adventures with a man [her husband] whose love can open up a life of whole new adventures, some of whom enter the world crying, hungry, needing special consolations, including dry diapers and nursing through illnesses.The adventures of husbands and children generally place limits on the amount of time available for savoring spiritual nourishment. However, the quality of spiritual food need not be compromised just because the time for savoring is short. Of course, a person might snack on spiritual junk food that gives a sugary high, or a saccharine substitute for authentic spiritual sweetness, a fried potato or corn chip that fills the hunger with empty spiritual calories all of which can be found in New Age falsehoods or superficial Christianity.On the other hand, an appetizer that tides one over until there is time for a meal can be truly healthy, delicious and full of spiritual nutrition. These short daily meditations in Catholic Mom s Café are a long table full of tasty, spiritually nutritious appetizers for the soul of a busy Mom. One can snack on them in a short period of time each day and savor the tastes in those moments that pop up between busyness. The quotes in the "Ponder" sections of this book are full of wisdom, and they have been chosen wisely. Each time one returns to those quotes, one can learn still more. The "Offer" reflections both draw out good ideas from the "Ponder" quotes and suggest things to do within family life. Enjoy, grow and find some refreshment in your busy schedule. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S. J.A little bit of structure can make a great deal of difference in our prayer life. Form can be freeing. An experienced mom, Donna-Marie doses out just the right measure of discipline needed to build a 'cafe' (a modern-day oasis) of peace and joy into otherwise hectic days. --- Mike Aquilina, EWTN host and author of The Fathers of the ChurchI treasure my morning prayer time, which sets the tone for the rest of my busy day. And yet, we moms often have the best of intentions but sometimes fall into the hectic pace of family life and may neglect our quiet time with the Lord. That's why I'm thrilled to have this wonderful new resource from my friend Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle -- Catholic Mom's Cafe is the perfect companion for any mom looking to prioritize daily prayer. Based upon the bedrock of the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love and the teachings and celebrations of the Catholic Church, Donna-Marie's book gives structure and inspiration for a faith journey that will lead you closer to Christ, our Blessed Mother, and your family. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as you're drifting off to sleep at night, Catholic Mom's Cafe is a treat to be savored and shared. --- Lisa M. Hendey, Founder of CatholicMom.com and author of A Book of Saints for Catholic MomsEveryone knows that a mother s love is something special, and every day is better when a mother s love is present. Indeed, mothers are such a special gift that God himself desired to have one. As part of her daily life the mother of Jesus would ponder, offer, pray, and savor the wisdom and loveliness of the great treasure of her vocation. This wonderful book can help all mothers to do the same. Catholic Mom s Café offers all mothers the opportunity to make a daily retreat that only takes 5 minutes! Pondering, offering, praying, savoring what a beautiful way for any mother to start the day! - --Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, STL, Author Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century PriestEveryone knows that a mother s love is something special, and every day is better when a mother s love is present. Indeed, mothers are such a special gift that God himself desired to have one. As part of her daily life the mother of Jesus would ponder, offer, pray, and savor the wisdom and loveliness of the great treasure of her vocation. This wonderful book can help all mothers to do the same. Catholic Mom s Café offers all mothers the opportunity to make a daily retreat that only takes 5 minutes! Pondering, offering, praying, savoring what a beautiful way for any mother to start the day! --- Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, STL, Author Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest