This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Margaret Mary

“Among Women” Guest: Uju Ekeocha

This week we talk with one Among Women listener about how she was blessed by the ministry of Among Women and how it deepened her faith and helped her discover how each woman is called to be a saint and be a force for good in the world. In this extended Among Women podcast, Uju Ekeocha describes her own growth in responding to what God is calling her, and us, to do to build a culture of life. A Catholic woman born and raised and educated in Nigeria, Africa, Uju is a Specialist Biomedical Scientist today in Canterbury, England, UK. Last year, her life began to change when her open letter of protest to Melinda Gates against proposed distribution of contraception to Africans in her country went viral and caught the attention of people around the world. The momentum  led Uju to form Culture of Life Africa, an initiative that has just held its first pro-life conference in Nigeria, and  is endorsed now by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Laity, and the bishops conference in Nigeria. All because one woman, motivated by her faith in God and love of life, spoke up against the encroaching culture of death.

Also on today’s show, we look at some of the writings of St Margaret Mary about the Sacred Heart of Jesus during this month that celebrates that devotion.

Links for this episode:

Book: Thoughts and Sayings of St Margaret Mary

Culture of Life Africa website

Culture of Life Africa Facebook page

Uju’s Open Letter to Melinda Gates

Pictures and blog posts from the Culture of Life Africa’s Mission and Conference in Nigeria

Other shows of related interest:

Photo at the top of the page from Culture of Life Africa.

Obianuju Ekeocha, founder of Culture of Life Africa

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Gianna Molla

“Among Women” Guest: Kathleen Berchelmann, MD

This week we review the life of St Gianna Molla, a 20th century saint who was a wife, mother, and pediatrician who died following complications related to the birth of her fourth child.

In our Among Women conversation segment, we meet Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann, a St Louis wife, mother, and pediatrician and founder of CatholicPediatrics.com. Dr Berchelman, not only shares why families benefit from having Catholic pediatricians, but she also tackles the tough moral questions on medical issues for pre-teen and teen girls. Specially, our conversation covers the Gardisil vaccine, oral contraception for teens with problematic menstrual cycles, and other concerns regarding their development.

Links for this episode:

A few recent interviews with Pat Gohn about her book Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious:

Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor 

EWTN’s “At Home with Jim and Joy” – look for the show dated May 20, 2013.

Register Radio – from the news and articles on National Catholic Register

Catholic Weekend on SQPN

Audio Book Blog Tour for Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious – Ten 10-minute podcasts with book excerpts read by Pat Gohn

St Gianna Molla Society – comprehensive information about this fascinating saint

Kathleen Berchelmann MD’s articles on CatholicMom.com

Catholic Pediatrics on Facebook, administered by Kathleen Berchelmann, MD

Catholic Pediatrics website, founded by Kathleen Berchelmann, MD, where you’ll also find a directory of Catholic pediatricians

Text4RealSex - Theology of the Body phone app designed for teens and others that offers a weekly theology of the body message.

Other shows of related interest:

Aw 11: An earlier podcast with a biography of St Gianna Molla

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: The Marriage of Mary and Joseph

“Among Women” Guest: Katherine Robinson Coleman

This week, as we enter May, the month that honors the motherhood of Mary, and Mothers Day, we look at the obedience and faith of St Joseph as it intersects the life and faith of Mary.

Then my guest, Katherine Coleman shares a touching story or two about raising her autistic son, Matthew, now 24.

I also give a brief recap on where I’ve been these last several weeks.

Links for this episode:

Audioboo files for the audio tour through Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Ten Bodacious Basics, Ten Minutes at a Time

Redemptoris Custos

The Autism Society

Autism Speaks

SQPN announces the Catholic New Media Conferences for 2013 

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

“Among Women” Guest: Mary Wallace

This week we look at women in the workplace, and the role that their faith plays there, courtesy of the dissertation research done by our guest, Mary Wallace. Mary is a wife, mother, college administrator, radio host, blogger, and a specialist in the field of human resources. Pat also looks at some of the writings and prayerful aspirations of Blessed Mother of Calcultta, and reviews inspiration from Pope Francis’ recent Easter homily. This show also contains details of a giveaway drawing for Pat’s new book, Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious.

Links for this episode:

Enter the comment box here for a free drawing to win Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious by Pat Gohn

Book: Mother Teresa of Calcutta from St Anthony Messenger Press

Book: Come, Be My Light, from Image Books

Donate to SQPN

The Catholic Insider with Fr Roderick

Mary Wallace’s blog: The Working Catholic Mom

Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil Homily

The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers

Other shows of related interest:

AW 26: an earlier show with a segment on the life of Mother Teresa, plus an interview with author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle who discusses her friendship with Mother Teresa.

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Mary Major

“Among Women” Guest: Angela Franks

We conclude this history-making week with a podcast that looks back on the election of our new pope, Francis, formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina. Plus in our first segment I discuss the significance of the Pope’s early morning visit on day one to pray before Our Blessed Mother at her basilica in Rome, St Mary Major. I also give some of the history of Mary and that basilica as I discuss some of its interior treasures in our first segment.

Salus Populi Romani – a much venerated icon of Our Lady with the Child Jesus (found in St Mary Major)

In our second segment, I’m happy to introduce Angela Franks, PhD, theology professor and moral theologian — whose twitter handle is “@theologianmom”. Together we talk about some of Angela’s professional interests regarding the eugenic legacy of Margaret Sanger and its harmful longterm impact on our culture, as well as our attitudes toward our bodies, sexuality, contraception, and good health.

We also explore the Catholic Church’s position on a new feminism that speaks of the beauty of the human person, and of women in particular. We cover why the Church continues to oppose contraception and upholds NFP (methods for natural family planning), and why our personal trust in God is key to fuller Christian life.

Links for this episode:

Fr Roderick’s You Tube Video: “Habamus Papam”

SQPN giving campaign — please donate!

Pope Francis’ message to the Cardinals

Pat Gohn’s blog post: “Pope Francis Day One – Among Women-style – The gifts of Mary, womanhood, and the new evangelization.”

St Mary Major’s website — many photos and other interactive information

Catholic Mom’s Lenten initiative for bring A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy by Sarah Reinhard to pregnancy care centers around the USA.

Angela and David Frank’s blog

Theological Institute for the New Evangelization (TINE), Archdiocese of Boston

Margaret Sanger’s Eugenic Legacy: The Control of Feminine Fertility by Angela Franks

Women, Sex, and the Church by Erika Bachiochi

Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood  by Pat Gohn — is now available!

Other shows of related interest:

AW 98: “Women, Sex, and the Church” with Erika Bachiochi

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Agnes of Prague

“Among Women” Guest: Barb Szyszkiewicz

Change happens… it happens in life, and last week, a soon-to-come change was announced for the papacy. Midlife women know all about changes… from the body to the soul! Join me this week as I share my first thoughts on Benedict XVI’s stunning announcement to leave the Chair of Peter, as well talk about the changes both joyful and stressful that midlife women face, with my guest, Barb Szyszkiewicz, blogger at SFO Mom. Also in this episode, a look at the life of St Agnes of Prague (aka St Agnes of Bohemia).

Links for this episode:

SFO Mom

Magnificat

Other shows of related interest:

AW 48 with Barb Szyszkiewicz

AW  151 with Elizabeth Foss, another installment of the “Midlife Madres”

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: Miriam, from the Book of Exodus and elsewhere. Find Miriam’s story in Exodus 15: 20,21; Numbers 12: 1, 4, 5, 10, 15; 20:1; 26:59; Deuteronomy 24:9; 1 Chronicles 6:3; Micah 6:4.

“Among Women” Guest: Marybeth Hicks

This week we look at taking a few moments to begin to prepare our hearts and our schedules for Lent.

In our “Blessed are They” segment, I look back into the Old Testament and talk about Miriam, Moses’ sister who helped to spare his life. It’s a neat story that reminds us that you never know how God is going to use our actions when we stand up for life.

Finally, in our “Among Women” segment, I’m pleased to welcome author-columnist Marybeth Hicks. Together we discuss her brand new blog “On the Culture” and  ways to combat the moral relativism that continues to plague American life.

Links for this episode:

The ‘One Thing’ is Three by Fr. Michael Gaitley MIC

“40 Ways to Get the Most out of Lent” by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio

 SQPN.com

 On the Culture blog

Marybeth Hick’s books 

Marybeth Hick’s column at the Washington Times

Kid President video

Pat’s article “Tithing on Social Media”

Pat’s upcoming speaking dates

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

“Among Women” Guest: Rebecca Ryskind Teti

This week we look at the amazing dignity of woman and the gift of physical and spiritual maternity. This is one of those programs that is really foundational — theologically — to the mission of Among Women. I’m so happy to share some of the “feminine genius” that you will find in the writings of a saint, and the writings of women today, who are inspired by the gospel and the bedrock of our Church’s social teaching — the dignity of the human person, and its subset of ideas that embraces the genius of womanhood.

I’m happy to welcome faith and culture writer Rebecca Ryskind Teti to this episode, as she shares her faith and the beauty of her intellect as she unpacks a chapter that she wrote on the subject of the Feminine Genius.

Also, today, on the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision in the United States, I shared my debut piece in the Washington Post, and my subsequent radio interview of the same. We also pray the today’s part of the Nine Days novena for life.  Be sure to check all the links below for lots of good information.

Links for this episode:

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) – a bio found at the Vatican website

Rebecca Ryskind Teti’s column In Good Company

Coffee Talk on Catholic Digest

Style, Sex, and Substance, by Hallie Lord, with a chapter by Rebecca Ryskind Teti

“Respecting Women is Respecting Life” – my article in the Washington Post

Relevant Radio interview with Pat Gohn on the Washington Post article listed above

Nine Days for life novena

Other shows of related interest:

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Bathildis

“Among Women” Guest: Robyn Lee

This week we talk about the single life and the subject of on-line dating. Joining me this week is Robyn Lee, editor at CatholicMatch.com, who discusses on-line potential for meeting a future spouse. We also talk about the single life as it relates to the vocations crisis, the role married people and family have in the lives of singles, and encouragement for the person who might be shy about trying an online singles community.

This show also profiles the life of St. Bathildis, a 7th century woman whose incredible life spanned her as a slave to her reigning as Queen Mother of France.

Links for this episode:

Pat Gohn’s blog post; “The 7 Best Books for Women by Women (and One Priest) in 2012″

 Catholic Match.com

 Robyn Lee’s articles on Catholic Match

 The Online Dating Guide from Catholic Match

Te Deum prayer

Other shows of related interest:

AW 122: Robyn Lee’s previous appearance on Among Women: “The Star of the New Evangelization”

AW 144: “The Single Life Survival Guide”

This week’s episode:

This is a special edition of Among Women, where we depart from our normal format and take time to consider a subject more in depth, with input from our listening audience. In this episode I spend some time sharing on the subject of joy, and how J.O.Y. is an acronym for a Christian life that puts Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. I also share from Psalm 37 and spend a little bit of time unpacking what that psalm means to me.

I’m grateful that several listeners and former guests of Among Women phoned in and wrote to me about the subject of joy, and its a pleasure to add their voices to the podcast.

This is the last podcast for 2012, and I plan to return the week of January 7, 2013 with a new show.

A blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas to you!

Links for this episode:

Other shows of related interest:

Our three most popular episodes in 2012:

1. AW 151 : “The Midlife Madres” with Elizabeth Foss

2. AW 147: A Special Edition, “Welcome to the Year of Faith” with Pat Gohn

3. AW 140: “Saintly Perspectives on Healing Sexual Wounds” with Dawn Eden

My recent pilgrimage podcasts:

AW 137: “Back From Wherever I’ve Been” on my pilgrimage to Lourdes, France

AW 138: “The Two Hearts” on the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Paris, France

AW 148: “Coming Home” while on Pilgrimage with Joanne McPortland

 Psalm 37: 3-9

[3] Trust in the LORD, and do good;
so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.
[4] Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
[5] Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
[6] He will bring forth your vindication as the light,
and your right as the noonday.
[7] Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over him who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
[8] Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
[9] For the wicked shall be cut off;
but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land.

 The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis

 This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Catherine of Genoa

“Among Women” Guest: Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

This week we look at the faith and testimony of St Catherine of Genoa, one of the Christian mystics from the Middle Ages who, despite heartaches and depression in her life, went on to live a life of heroic love of God and service to others. Today I’m also joined by Catholic author and EWTN TV host, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle who shares her wisdom about holy struggles as well, as she talks about some of the themes of her latest book, Rooted in Love, Our Calling as Catholic Women. 

I also spend a few moments recapping where I’ve been, and what’s to come in the next few weeks with Among Women.

Links for this episode:

Daughters of St Paul /Pauline Books and Media Center in Chicago

Daughters fo St Paul Christmas Concert Dec 9 in Boston

Rooted in Love, Our Calling as Catholic Women by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Website and books by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle 

Other shows of related interest:

AW 26: An earlier AW podcast with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

AW 64: The Angelus, Sanctifying Time, with Sr Anne Flanagan FSP

AW 143: Growing in Friendship with Jesus and His Queen, with Sr Helena Burns FSP

Reminders:

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Zita

“Among Women” Guest: Elizabeth Foss

This week we look at a the trials and triumphs of a woman’s mid-life and especially that of a mid-life mother with young adult children, aging parents, and her own aging body. Today I welcome author-blogger Elizabeth Foss as she and I share about the stresses of raising teens, coping with letting go of young adult children, parents who are more and more in need of our care. Of particular note is the very deep gratitude we both have for the Providence of God in our lives, especially as we talk about reaching the mid-life years, as long-time cancer survivors.

This show also profiles the life of St Zita, a patron saint of domestics, as told in the words of Lisa Hendey and her book, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms.

Links for this episode:

Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood by Pat Gohn (Plus future retreats on this subject.)

One-day retreats for women by Pat Gohn

“Blessed Among Women” retreat with Pat Gohn in Chicago, Dec 1

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey (for Advent)

O Radiant Dawn by Lisa Hendey

In the Heart of My Home – blog by Elizabeth Foss

Small Steps for Catholic Moms, and Real Learning, by Elizabeth Foss

Prayer of St Anselm

Other shows of related interest:

AW 71: Elizabeth Foss and Danielle Bean discuss their book, Small Steps for Catholic Moms

This week’s episode: Our 150th episode!!

“Blessed are They”: Blessed John Paul II

“Among Women” Guest: Sarah Reinhard

Just how do the rosary and pregnancy go together? Well, they both nurture new life in us, both spiritually and biologically!

This week, our “Blessed are They” segment is a departure from our usual discussions about a woman saint, as we open Rosarium Virginis Mariae, the Apostolic Letter of Blessed John Paul II on the Most Holy Rosary, in honor of October, the month dedicated to the Rosary (when this podcast was originally slated to be released. But, given the superstore “Sandy”, our timeline was delayed.)

In our guest segment, I talk with longtime friend of AW,  Sarah Reinhard, and we share themes from her new book, A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism.  We talk about how the Blessed Mother assists and inspires a woman during the stages of pregnancy, and in preparation for having a child baptized. See below for our free drawing to win a copy of Sarah’s book.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the podcast to join me in praying for the storm victims in the Northeast.

Links for this episode:

Rosarium Virginis Mariae, an Apostolic Lettter on the Most Holy Rosary

Sarah Reinhard’s website, Snoring Scholar

Sarah Reinhard’s book A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism. 

Sarah Reinhard’s other titles.

Other shows of related interest:

AW 135: with Sarah Reinhard on Catholic Family Fun

AW 116: with Sarah Reinhard on prepping for Advent with children

AW 11: with Sarah Reinhard on her first visit to AW — one of our earliest episodes from 2009!

Reminders:

This week’s episode:

Breast cancer will affect one in eight women in the course of  their lifetime. We ALL know someone who has suffered with this disease. This podcast contains a recording I made of a recent talk I gave to the breast cancer survivor support group known as The Visions of Hope that covers the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. I was the guest speaker at their luncheon held at the Clifton Springs Country Club in Clifton Springs, NY, on October 7. My remarks were made as coffee was poured and dessert was served. In this talk I reflect on my 17 years of survivorship and advocate that “thriver-ship” is possible when survivors acknowledge that their superpower is hope. Please share this talk with those who may benefit from it.

Links for this episode: 

Pat Gohn’s speaking events calendar

Other shows of related interest:

My mom and me… two breast cancer survivors.
If you are over 40, please have an annual mammogram.

 

NOTE: Among Women listeners will enjoy an expanded interview with Sarah Reinhard next week, right here! For the moment, yours truly is just temporarily hosting this show here –and helping out the Patheos team until they get their audio gig together. Hope you enjoy this preview of what’s to come on Among Women next week! ~Pat Gohn

Theme music by Cheryl Ann Fulton on Magnatune.

Another Podcast Produced by Behold Communications.

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: Catherine of Bologna

“Among Women” Guest: Joanne McPortland

This week we visit with Egregious Twaddle blogger, Joanne McPortland, and listen to the ways God spoke to her on pilgrimage most recently to Marian shrines in Portugal, Spain, and France, (including Fatima and Lourdes), as well as in a previous pilgrimage to Assisi. We talk about the important integration of faith and life and the gift of the experience of walking where Mary and the saints have been, and the lessons one finds along the pilgrim way.

Links for this episode:

The Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, by Lisa Hendey

 Egregious Twaddle blog posts from Joanne McPortland on her recent pilgrimage experiences.

Other shows of related interest:

AW 7: This very early podcast from the archives describes my first pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, with my friend and guest, Jane Richard.

AW 133: In “Blessed are They” I describe the life of Blessed Jacinta Marto, one of the visionaries of Fatima.

AW 137: My podcast about my recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, France this past June.

Reminders: Send your comments on what joy means to you, or where you find joy, to Pat Gohn at amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or to the Among Women podcast facebook page. Or record your feedback at the AW voicemail line at 206-426-1060.

Finally, be sure to check out my extensive blog post on the Year of Faith at my blog, The Back Porch, and AW 147 that also describes it.

Mary and infant Jesus, painted by St Catherine of Bologna, 15th century.

 image credit

The other photograph in the thumbnail is from my recent pilgrimage to Lourdes… the Cross, with pilgrim’s crosses carried to Lourdes, looking down the main esplanade toward the main basilicas.

This week’s episode: Welcome to the Year of Faith!

This Special Edition is a departure from our normal format in order to give listeners an overview of great resources for the Year of Faith.

Links for this episode:

The Year of Faith is actually slightly longer than a full year: October 11, 2012 through November 23, 2013.  It has a three-fold focus: knowing our Catholic faith, living it out both sacramentally within the church and in the world, and sharing the faith through evangelization and catechesis. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a plan for yourself as to what you might do to grow in those three areas.

Here are some links to help us get the most out of this year.

An Overview of the Year of Faith

• Here’s the official Vatican home page for the Year of Faith (Annus Fidei). Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Letter introducing the Year of Faith is Porta Fidei or “The Door of Faith”. Deanna Bartalini has prepared some helpful study questions to help you get the most out of the Pope’s letter at the New Evangelizers website.

• The Calendar for the Year of Faith highlights special Vatican-sponsored events for the coming year including special days to celebrate the canonizations of new saints, lay and religious vocations, confirmations, World Youth Day, devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, Mary and Marian devotion, and more.

• The Pope and the bishops of the world are meeting in a Synod through the month of October. The theme of those meeting is the new evangelization. The document that contains the agenda for those meetings is found here.

• The USCCB (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) has their Year of Faith website here. You’ll find many resources including:
  • a Year of Faith Q & A
  • a good line-up of videos on a variety of topics

Knowing Your Faith

Get to know the Bible. Most newcomers to bible study get comfortable by first looking at the Gospels and the epistles of the New Testament. Here’s an excellent bible commentary series on the New Testament for personal study or for groups, plus a New Testament study bible to with wonderful study helps built right into its pages.

Get to know the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This landmark reference work is the first update to the universal catechism the Church has had in 400 years, since the Council of Trent. It’s a masterpiece of all the Church believes, worships, lives, and prays. The Year of Faith celebrates the 20^th anniversary of the Catechism’s reception. Find one at your local Catholic bookseller, or you may enjoy these resources

• The Catechism is online on the Vatican website. But there’s an excellent online “searchable” Catechism, too! Start by learning the Precepts of the Church.

• Read the Catechism in a year by email. The makers of FlockNote have come up with a strategy by offering small chunks of the Catechism delivered to your email each day. Sign up or get more details here.

• United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

• YOUCAT: the Catechism for youth

Read the Documents of Vatican II. The Year of Faith coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council. Read the documents online, or buy a copy from your local Catholic bookseller. Need a place to start? Try reading Lumen Gentium (The Dogmatic Constitution of the Church). It is 8 chapters long and it is the key to unlocking the themes of the council found in the rest of the documents. Also, coming soon: a film on the historic Council known as Vatican II.

Discover Catholic programming to strengthen your faith through the national television ministries of Catholic TV and EWTN, and look to your local diocesan programming as well. Don’t forget Catholic radio networks, many of which can be found here. If you enjoy new media, SQPN is a Catholic podcasting network. Or, subscribe to Catholic newspapers, magazines, and your diocesan paper.

Watch a DVD. Try the 10-part Catholicism DVD series from Word on Fire. It is often shown in parishes and dioceses, as well as on Catholic television. It is also available for purchase.

Take a course. Pillars of Catholicism is a free online course that is being offered by the professors of John Paul the Great University. This series is a self-professed crash course in the fundamentals of the Catholic Faith. It consists of 13 episodes, each a half-hour long. A new episode will be unlocked each week and will be permanently accessible. The course and all materials it provides are free.

Interested in subject matter related to women and the feminine genius? Watch for my new book, Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood, due for release in March 2013. And for your personal and group study I recommend the ministry of Endow, which supports nearly 20,000 women in study groups across the US and Canada.

Living Your Faith

Get more out of the Mass. Try these resources:

• Fr. Robert Barron from Word on Fire offers thoughtful audio sermons every week. Check out the entire Word on Fire website for more Catholic content.

• USCCB website lets you read the day’s Mass readings, or hear them with the audio versions, plus listen to video reflections on their subject matter.

• Magnificat is a print subscription, or use their app for your smart phone to access the daily readings, commentary, and morning and evening prayer.

• Find a Mass near you or when you travel.

Pray more and increase your devotional life. Here’s a few suggestions:

• Discover the Liturgy of the Hours. Longtime the prayer practice of priests and religious, many lay people enjoy praying the liturgy of the hours in whole or in part. You can purchase a breviary from your local Catholic bookseller, or online, by going to Universalis or the Divine Office. Modified versions of morning prayer and evening prayer are found in Magnificat.
• Receive a plenary indulgence for your religious practice by fulfilling certain requirements during the Year of Faith. Elizabeth Scalia offers understanding on the plenary indulgence.
  
• Make a holy hour, or go to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Find a chapel that offers Adoration here.

• Pray a prayer for the new evangelization.

• Learn how to pray the Rosary.

• Learn how to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Sharing Your Faith

A baptized Catholic is baptized into the mission of the Church. Therefore, we, too, are called to spread the faith to others. Get started with these resources:

• USCCB has suggestions for sharing the faith through the new evangelization.
• Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States.
• Share articles and blog posts from Patheos’ Catholic Portal.

• New Evangelizers website has blog posts and free resources that can help you make a faith connection with others.

• Amazing Catechists, led by Patheos’ columnist Lisa Mladinich, supports those called to the work of faith formation and religious education. Catechist’s Journey with Joe Paprocki also supports catechists.
• Share religious books with friends and family. Watch for Catholic Books that are offered for review in the Patheos Book Club when you see them suggested here on the Catholic portal. Plus, visit your Catholic bookseller for titles that may be of interest.
• Links to my archived articles on easy ways to share your faith with others from my column at Patheos, “A Word in Season”:
  • The Heart of Evangelization Must Beat in Us
    
  • The Jesus Moment
    
  • Tithing on Social Media
    
  • What Would You Like Me to Pray For?
    
  • A.S.K.: Ask, Seek, Knock — Three Steps toward Praying with Others

The information shared here is also found in numerous links I prepared for my column at Patheos. Read the original article here. You can subscribe to it via RSS or email here. 

Other shows of related interest:

AW 147: on the Pope’s Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei on the Year of Faith

AW 128: on the Liturgy of the Hours

Also: visit Among Women’s Catholic Resources page.

October 2, 2012

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Teresa of Avila

“Among Women” Guest: Maria Johnson

This week I welcome a longtime friend of the podcast, and personal friend of mine, Maria Johnson as a guest on Among Women. Maria Johnson is a blogger and the co-host at Catholic Weekend, as well as a member of the Board of Directors at SQPN. Together we talk about something that Christian friends might already do naturally, that is, to pray for one another. But what we specifically stress in this show is that we ought to try to pray with one another with regularity, especially as we move into the Year of Faith.

Also, Pat read portions of writings from St. Teresa Avila, one of the doctors of the Church, and a woman who prayed with her Divine Friend, Jesus, in our own lovely way.

Links for this episode:

Interior Castle, by St Teresa of Avila

Links for selections read from Avila:

• Prayer of St Teresa
• A Love Song by St. Teresa

Maria Johnson’s article on Our Lady of Charity

Maria Johnson’s blog, Another Cup of Coffee

Catholic Weekend podcast

SQPN

“A.S.K. Ask, Seek, Knock: 3 Steps for Praying with Others” by Pat Gohn

Poem by Dinah Maria Mulock Craig about Friendship

Other shows of related interest:

AW 109: on St Teresa Avila

AW 46: on St Teresa’s Interior Castle

AW 62: with Maria Johnson

Pat with Maria Johnson, dining out al fresco in Boston, 2012.

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: The woman with a hemorrhage in Mark 5:24-34.

“Among Women” Guests: Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones

This week we look at Porta Fidei, the “door of faith”, Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Letter announcing the Year of Faith that begins on October 11, 2012. Plus we talk about the new evangelization in terms of being evangelized ourselves first, and then answering the call to evangelize others.

This week’s “Blessed are They” segment reflects on the healing miracle of the unnamed woman with a hemorrhage for twelve years, and the small steps she took to open the door of faith in her life in order to receive the transforming power of God. Our “Among Women” segment welcomes the blogging-podcasting from the duo Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones. These two sisters in real life share their journey of faith in their blogging adventure, and their most recent endeavor, the SQPN podcast The Secrets of “Once Upon a Time.”

Links for this episode:

Porta Fidei - Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Letter about the Year of Faith

Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (New Testament)

Blog of Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones: Of Sound Mind and Spirit

SQPN’s The Secrets of “Once Upon a Time”

Magnificat’s Year of Faith Companion

Other shows of related interest:

AW 122: Star of the New Evangelization

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St. Catherine of Siena

“Among Women” Guest: Emily Stimpson

This week, I recap my hiatus from AW with details about the Catholic New Media Conference, and seeing my book get some pre-release attention at the Catholic Markeing Network.*

Then, we look at the lives of two single women who are separated by a few centuries. In the “Blessed Are They” segment, we meet St. Catherine of Siena, a Dominican tertiary, in her words of The Dialogue, and get a look inside the heart of a saint. In our “Among Women” segment we meet Emily Stimpson, author of The Catholic Girl’s Survival Guide for the Single Years: The Nuts and Bolds of Staying Sane and Happy While Waiting for Mr. Right. Our conversation looks inside a few of the chapters of this wise and witty book.

Emily Stimpson’s book

Links for this episode:

The Dialogue, online version

Emily Stimpson’s book,  website, and articles.

Thomas Aquinas’ prayer

Other shows of related interest:

*

Your truly, in front of the promotional banner for my book, due out next spring.

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: The Queenship of Mary

“Among Women” Guest: Sr. Helena Burns, FSP

This week we look at the theology behind the Queenship of Mary, a liturgical feast day on August 22, as well as a spiritual principle in the lives of Catholic Christians. My guest this week is author/blogger/film producer Sr. Helena Burns from the Daughters of St. Paul. Sr Helena introduces her new book, He Speaks to You. Join us as we talk about growing in love with Jesus by finding ways to relate to Him each day. Also listen for information about the forthcoming documentary, James Alberione, Media Apostle.

Links for this episode:

Article: “Advocate and Queen”- Part One, Part Two,  by Dr. Edward Sri.

He Speaks to You, by Sr. Helena Burns

Hell Burns – blog

Daughters of St. Paul Vocations Information

Movie: James Alberione, Media Apostle. (Donate here.)

SQPN’s Catholic New Media Conference

Other Shows of Related Interest:

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St. Mary of Edessa

“Among Women” Guest: Dr. Jean Lee

This week we look at the transforming story of St. Mary of Edessa whose life took a turn down a desperate path into prostitution. Yet her life was saved by the love of a caring uncle and the grace of forgiveness.

My guest this week is Dr. Jean Lee, founder and CEO of Gabriel Outreach, a non-profit Christian counseling agency. Dr Lee share some of her reversion story to Catholicism as well as her journey into the mental health field. She offers tips on how to find the right therapist for those in need, especially if they are seeking a Christian counselor.

Links for this episode:

Treasury of Women Saints, by Ronda De Sola Chervin

SQPN’s Catholic New Media Conference

Contact information Jean Lee:

Jean M. Lee, M.A., D.Min, NCC, LPC, LISAC

National Certified Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor

PO Box 3872

Show Low, AZ  85902

Office telephone: 1.877.2drjean (237.5326)

Email: docjeanlee@gmail.com

Web address: http://www.docjeanlee.com/

Facebook: Doc Jean Lee

Twitter: @docjeanlee

Helpful links for Counseling:

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: The Assumption of Mary

“Among Women” Guest: Woodeene Koenig – Bricker

This week I continue to recap my recent trip to France, as I attempted to discover some of my family’s roots in the little village of Lembeye. Also, as we enter the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer some perspectives on Our Lady’s Assumption into heaven, a feast day we celebrate on August 15. Joining me in conversation today is author and blogger, Woodeene Koenig-Bricker. Together we examine the themes in her latest book, Facing Adversity with Grace: Lessons from the Saints. 

Links for this episode:

My blog post with photos of Lembeye, France.

Books by Woodeene Koenig- Bricker:

   Facing Adversity with Grace: Lessons from the Saints

   365 Mary

   365 Saints

   Asking God for the Gifts He Wants to Give You

   Ten Commandments for the Environment

Woodeene’s blog

Other Shows of Related Interest:

Among Women 137: On my recent pilgrimage to Lourdes

Among Women 106: Features readings from Christian classics on Mary’s Assumption

Among Women 67: Special Edition: What I Love About Mary (featuring commentary from the AW community)

Among Women 20: On the feast of the Assumption

In this week’s episode: we turn our attention to the tender subject of recovery and healing from the wounds of sexual abuse, especially those sustained in childhood. My guest, Dawn Eden, shares some of the spiritual richness she found after coming into the Catholic Church as a convert, and how the prayers, sacraments, and saints of the church offer solace and renewal for those who have suffered from sexual wounds.

Programming note: due to the sensitive nature of this topic, parental discretion is advised. While no abuse is graphically described in this conversation, we wish to protect the innocence of children who may be in earshot of the program.

This program also features some excerpts from St. Faustina’s Diary of Divine Mercy, and in particular, contains a lovely prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of grace found in the sacramental life.

This week’s segments:

“Blessed are They”: St Faustina and a reading from her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul

“Among Women” Guest: Dawn Eden

Links for this episode:

Catholic New Media Conference, and the related conference of Catholic Marketing Network and Catholic Writers Guild

St. M Faustina’ Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul

Divine Mercy website

My Peace I Give You :Healing Sexual Wounds with Help of the Saints, by Dawn Eden

Pat’s review of My Peace I Give You

The Dawn Patrol, Dawn Eden’s blog

Contact information for Dawn Eden.

Pat is offering a free drawing for Dawn Eden’s book, My Peace I Give You, just send your name in before August 10, 2012 via email at amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or via the Among Women facebook page.

Here are some of the photos of the stained glass triptych that Dawn Eden describes in this episode:

The stained glass triptych found the Dalhgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart, Georgetown University.

Window 1: Jesus gives us his Sacred Heart through the Eucharist, at the Last Supper, as a permanent memorial of his approaching Passion.

Window 2: The Sacred Heart triumphs on the Cross, as Jesus gives his physical wounds “for the Life of the world” (Jn 6:15) — and in our hearts, as Jesus calls Mary to become Mother of his Mystical Body, the Church

Window 3: Through Holy Communion, the Sacred Heart in the Eucharist–the same one poured out for on the Cross –and the Sacred Heart in the Church are joined in an exchange of love. (This window depicts St. John giving Holy Communion to Mary.)

(Photos by Frank Miller, courtesy of Dawn Eden)

Other Shows of Related Interest:

AW 10: Describes the life story of St. Maria Goretti

AW 47: ”Margaret”, anonymously describes her life-long journey from being a victim of sexual abuse* to her eventual recovery and healing. She describes the four steps toward recovery: from being a victim, to being a survivor, to becoming a striver, and eventually, a thriver.

AW 79: Overcoming the Trauma of Sexual Abuse, with Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard ”Margaret”, anonymously describes her life-long journey from being a victim of sexual abuse* to her eventual recovery and healing. She describes the four steps toward recovery: from being a victim, to being a survivor, to becoming a striver, and eventually, a thriver.

AW 103: When Forgiveness is Hard, with Rosario Rodriguez giving testimony on recovering from violent attacks, and forgiving one’s assailant.

This week’s episode:

“Blessed are They”: St Joan Delanoue

“Among Women” Guest: Ellen Austin

This week I talk about the power of conversations that can lead to conversion, as in the life of St. Joan Delanoue, a French businesswoman-turned-founder-of a religious order. Joining me in conversation today is Ellen Toole Austin. Ellen is a wife, mother, catechist, and creator of a comic strip online, also known as a web-strip, who shares not only shares her faith, but also has a remarkable knack for seeing life through the eyes of children through her heroine of “Gracieland”.

Links for this episode:

Catholic New Media Conference Aug 29-31, 2012

A Gift of Grace website with Ellen Austin’s ministry

Greetings from “Gracieland” – web strip, and a link for the column at CatholicMom.com

“A.S.K.: Ask, Seek, Knock – 3 Steps toward Praying Aloud with Others” by Pat Gohn at Patheos

Among Women on Facebook 

Among Women blog (coming soon to wordpress)

This week’s episode:

Blessed Are They: St Catherine Labore and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Among Women Guest: Kelly Wahlquist, Director of HAPP

This podcast explains what sacramentals are, as it takes another look at my recent pilgrmage to France. This time I describe visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at 140, Rue de Bac in Paris, where Mary appeared to St Catherine Labore in 1830. Then I have a conversation with Kelly Wahlquist about an exciting new parish-based program called Hearts Afire, that takes its cue from the two hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Links for this episode:

“Sentimental about Sacramentals” an article by Pat Gohn at Patheos.

Miraculous Medal craft for children from the Catholic Icing blog. You can hear my previous interview with Lacy Robideau of Catholic Icing on AW 90.

AW Blog post with photos from this pilgrimage to Rue de Bac, as well as to Lourdes.

Chapel of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - interactive guided tour (be sure to follow the directions, and then click on the little stars that appear in the interactive window to see detailed info about the chapel.)

Kelly Wahlquist‘s column at Catholic Mom

HAPP- Hearts Afire Parish Program

33 Days to Morning Glory, by Fr. Michael Gaitley

Consoling the Heart of Jesus, by Fr Michael Gaitley

Other shows of related interest:

On the Immaculate Conception: AW 80

On St. Catherine Labore: AW 79

On Pat’s recent pilgrimage to France, highlighting Lourdes: AW 137

A podcast that catches you up on your humble host’s recent whereabouts of late… especially her pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.

And here’s a first for Among Women… an episode that departs from our normal format… and I just talk…and share some of my thoughts regarding my time off. Let’s just pretend we’re walking together, you asked me how I’m doing and then you couldn’t shut me up! Trust me, this format will not be a habit.

Links for this episode: 

AW Blog post featuring photos of this pilgrimage

Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal

Sainte Chapelle

Notre Dame Cathedral

Lourdes website, including 24-hour web cam of the Grotto

SQPN’s Catholic New Media Conference, August ’12

Fortnight of Freedom on USCCB website

Other articles on Religious Freedom and the Fortnight of Freedom

Older shows of related interest:

• On St Bernadette: AW 53
• On the Immaculate Conception: AW 80
• On the Angelus: AW 64

Episode 137 with new content about my trip to Lourdes, and more, will be uploaded on June 29, 2012.

“Blessed are They”: Blessed Jacoba

“Among Women” Guest: Daria Sockey

This week we delve into the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as The Divine Office — a great way to pray!

Links for this episode:
Daria Sockey’s blog: “Coffee and Canticles”

Online brieviaries:
Divine Office
iBrieviary

Shorter Christian prayer – print edition

Articles by Daria Sockey:
“Give the Liturgy of the Hours a Try”
“What Exactly Is the Divine Office?”

Daria Sockey’s articles on Faith and Family

Resources for Women regarding the HHS Mandate

Catholic Relief Services/ Footsteps in Faith

SQPN - donate!

AW Facebook - Lenten books recommended

Twitter handles: @among_women and @PatGohn

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• “Blessed are They”: Sts Perpertua and Felicity
• “Among Women” Guest: Tracy at the sunny beach

Links for this episode:

The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity
AW Bulletin Samples
SQPN - Please donate here.
Memorare Prayer

Our listeners write in and share their favorite Lenten practices and devotions.

This Week’s Segments:

• “Blessed are they”: St Catherine of Siena
• “Among Women” Guest: Mary Lou Rosien

Links for this episode:

• Pat’s recent column at Patheos
• On Obedience, by St. Catherine of Siena
• Also available in book form, Little Talks with God.
• Mary Lou Rosien’s Catholic Family Bootcamp Website & Book
• Mary Lou Rosien’s columns at Our Sunday Visitor
• Universal Prayer

Email Pat: amongwomenpodcast@me.com

Today’s Guests: This episode features a conversation with Elizabeth Scalia, managing editor at Patheos, and Kathryn Jean Lopez, editor at National Review Online. What follows are important links on this subject matter that frame the issue from a Catholic perspective.

Please listen, read, and share!

Links for this episode:

• Statement from Kathleen Sebelius at the US Department of Human Service, Jan. 20 2012. (aka “HHS Mandate”)
• USCCB press release
• “The Jesus Mandate vs The Obama Mandate” – Bishop Lori
• Video featuring Archbishop Timothy Dolan
• USCCB commentary & links to send letters to Congress.
• The Anchoress blog — Elizabeth Scalia
• “The Counter-Cultural Church has a Credible Yes” - Elizabeth Scalia at First Things
• “Obama’s Great Gift: Clarification” - Elizabeth Scalia at First Things
• K-Lo at Large blog — Kathryn Jean Lopez
• “HHS Mandate 101” – an interview from Kathryn Lopez at National Review Online
• “6 Things Everyone Should Know about HHS Mandate” - USCCB press release
• “Permanent Preventative Care” - Fr. Dwight Longenecker
• Freedom of Conscience petition at the White House

1. “Blessed are They”: St Margaret Mary Alacoque
2. “Among Women” Guest: Lisa Schmidt

Links for this episode:

• Thoughts and Sayings from St. Margaret Mary – book
• AW 89 – The Sacred Heart
• The Practicing Catholic blog
• The Practicing Catholic Facebook page
• Christ Renews His Parish
• SQPN – donate!

Send Pat your thoughts about helpful Lenten practices at amongwomenpodcast@me.com or 206-203-2024.

Among Women Blog Post: Helpful Articles, Video, Action Tips re Obamacare’s Affront to Religious Freedom and Conscience Clauses.

• “Blessed are They”: Mary, Star of the New Evangelization
• “Among Women”: Robyn Lee

Robyn

• Linementa: “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith” (Document for the Synod in Oct 2012 on new evangelization)
• Video by Robyn Lee: Seeking God in the Quiet
• Articles by Robyn Lee at Faith and Family
• Articles by Robyn Lee at Amazing Catechists
• Donate to SQPN.com

Contact Pat with your voicemail about your best ideas for Lent at 206-203-2024 or email her at amongwomenpodcast@me.com

• “Blessed are They”: St Clare of Assisi
• “Among Women” guest: Leticia Velasquez

Links for this episode:

• Leticia Velasquez:
  • –book: A Special Mother is Born
  • –blogs: Cause of Our Joy
• Causa Nostra Laetitiae
• K.I.D.S (Keep Infants with Downs Syndrome)

Email Pat at amongwomenpodcast@me.com to enter a free drawing this week for Leticia’s book, A Special Mother is Born

In this Christmas episode, Pat reads O. Henry’s famous Christmas tale, The Gift of the Magi.

Pat’s special guests are “Marie”, and “Mary”. Marie is a birth mother to the child that Mary adopted 14 years ago. Together they tell the special story of “Elizabeth’s” adoption, and how it brought two entire families together, bringing love and joy out of heartache and uncertain circumstances.

Links for this episode:
The Gift of the Magi

Birthright – a resource for those families dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. A host of supportive services are available.

Article on open adoption from Catholic Charities in Colorado.

Article on open adoption from Catholic Charities, Oregon.

Article of open adoption from Catholic Charities, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Send your name in for a free drawing to win an Among Women Coffee Mug to amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or contact Pat via the Among Women Facebook Page. Entries must be received by Sun. Jan. 8, 2012.

Among Women is on hiatus until Jan 12th.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“Blessed are they”: St Mary Di Rosa
“Among Women” Guest: Dorothy Pilarski

Links for this episode:
Donate to SQPN’s Giving Campaign

Motherhood Matters by Dorothy Pilarski,
Review of the book.

Gutsy Catholic Mom, Dorothy’s blog

Enter the drawing to win a copy of Motherhood Matters by sending an email to Pat at amongwomenpodcast@me.com.

Donate to Food for the Poor via Karina Fabian’s link at “Christmas Spirits”

“Blessed are They”: Dorothy Day

“Among Women” Guest: Teresa Tomeo

Links for this episode:
Dorothy Day’s biography

Day’s cause for Canonization

Day’s Advent series

Teresa Tomeo’s book: Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed by the Culture

Teresa Tomeo’s previous books: Newsflash and Noise and the All Things Girl series.

The Catholic View for Women on EWTN

The Catholic Worker

Food for the Poor project

SQPN giving campaign

“Blessed are They”: St Catherine of Alexandria

“Among Women” Guests: Patti Armstrong & Theresa Thomas

Links for this episode:
Book: The Sermons of St. Francis de Sales

Patti Armstrong on AW 39

Purchase Stories for the Homeschool Heart by Patti Armstrong and Theresa Thomas by contacting the authors here or here.

Information about AW for your church bulletin

SQPN.com

Karina Fabian’s story: Christmas Spirits — look on this same page for the link for Food for the Poor.

“Blessed are They”: Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro

“Among Women” Guest: Sarah Reinhard

Links for this episode:

Sarah Reinhard’s blog & podcasting info at Snoring Scholar

Welcome Baby Jesus by Sarah Reinhard

Sarah’s previous guest appearance on AW 11

AW 114 on the new Roman Missal

Catholic Weekend, featuring Pat Gohn as a guest discussing the new Roman Missal

“Blessed Are They”: Blessed Marianne Cope

“Among Women” Guest: Julie Robison

Links for this episode:

Pat’s recommendations for links about the new translation of the Roman Missal

Pat Gohn’s Columns at Patheos

Kathy Schiffer’s blog, Seasons of Grace

SQPN.com

Julie Robison’s blog, The Corner with a View

Update: Virtuous Planet is NOW Ignitum Today.

“Blessed are they”: St Euphrosyne of Polotsk
“Among Women” Guest: Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

Links for this episode:

Book by Pauline Books and Media:
–The Mass Explained for Kids
–Praying with the Popes series

Resources by Pauline Books and Media:
–Kids blog
–Liturgy essentials (and info on the new missal)
–Articles, etc. on the new missal by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
–iMass App (new missal instruction for you iPad or iPhone)

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe:
–website for Loaves and Fishes Ministry
–Facebook page

Resources suggested by Pat Gohn on the new missal:
Pat’s articles:
–Missal Changes, Part One: Defined By Prayer
–The Translation: A Renewed Understanding of Love

USCCB: Welcoming the Roman Missal

Changes in the People’s Parts

Catholic TV’s series: “Preparing for the New Roman Missal” – video recordings of a symposium for priests.

Music related to the new Roman Missal

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