Nuggets of Spiritual Nourishment for Catholic Moms

There is no doubt about it–Catholic Moms hit the ground running every morning! During this worldwide pandemic, that “ground” might be within the walls of her domestic church.

Mothers of every age and stage could certainly use a 5-Minute Retreat to give them a good shot in the arm for strength and wisdom to walk (or run!) forward in Faith. That’s why I wrote this book, Catholic Moms Cafe: 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa from EWTN had something to say about my book:

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.

Amazon noted that my book is out of stock at this time. However, I have copies here through my website.

You can order your autographed copy here:

Here is the book description (as noted on the Amazon website):

Motherhood is a miraculous vocation – sometimes the miracle is just making it through the day!

Let’s face it: being a mom is not for the faint of heart. Too often we just hit the ground running without giving our faith a second thought. This collection of quick “mini-retreats for moms” can change all that.

Consider these your spiritual “daily vitamins” that will energize you and help you find the faith, hope, and love you’ll need to be the mom God wants you to be – today and every day.

  • Ponder quotes from the Bible and other spiritual readings
  • Offer yourself to the Lord through an easy activity or idea
  • Pray suggested prayers that match the daily theme
  • Savor a little “sound bite” to carry throughout the day

Author, speaker, and EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle knows what it’s like to be a busy mother who has to carve time out of her day for the Lord or it just won’t happen. With five kids of her own, she developed this book to fit into a mom’s lifestyle.

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