Tips and encouragement for your family Lenten journey

February 22, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

One mom I know is doing this for Lent. Each day, drawing from the tips, advice, and encouragement in my new book Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II, she makes her family’s fasting, prayer, and almsgiving more tangible by writing it down for them to see. It’s a great reminder to all.

I’ve suggested this in my book and I am tickled to see it carried out by Katie.

and this:

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Katie’s daughter Lillian helped by writing the prayer.

What ways can you be mindful of the holy season of Lent in your family? It’s not too late to initiate some ideas and put them into place. We are just beginning on our journey.

In case you’d like to listen in, here’s my visit with Teresa Tomeo on Catholic Connection chatting about families and Lent.

Please feel free to share your ideas for your Lenten journey in the comments below. I’d love to hear them! 🙂

Chatting on the airwaves about families and Lent this morning

February 20, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Lucy and Ethel AKA Teresa Tomeo and yours truly. 🙂

Coming up this morning: 9:39-9:56 AM EST I’ll be chatting with Teresa Tomeo on Catholic Connection with Ave Maria Radio about families and Lent and my new book: Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II.

You can listen Live here.

UPDATED:

And now (after the show) here is the MP3 (archive) of the show. You can listen in any time right here.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Praise for The Kiss of Jesus

February 11, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Praise for THE KISS OF JESUS

I feel very honored and humbled to share some of the endorsements for my upcoming memoir, The Kiss of Jesus.

“Perseverance, faith, hope, and humility are the currents of grace that flow through The Kiss of Jesus. Donna-Marie proves that God works all things to the good no matter how ruthless, devastating, or humiliating they may be. This candid and poignant account pierces the heart and leaves the reader changed by the experience.”
– Johnnette S. Benkovic, Founder, Women of Grace®

“Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle allows us to enter into her heart, a heart touched personally by Mother Teresa, and accompany her on a remarkable spiritual journey in The Kiss of Jesus.”
– Brian Patrick, Anchor, EWTN News Nightly

“For anyone who wishes to move beyond anger and resentment, this book is an answer to prayer.”
– Mike Aquilina, EWTN host and author of The Feasts

I have no doubt that this extraordinary true story can and will bring hope to those who are suffering or who have suffered and are struggling to make sense of it all.
– Dan Burke, Executive Director, National Catholic Register

“In Donna-Marie’s beatific smile and warm eyes, we glimpse her earnings from a life fraught with poverty, denied friendships, betrayal, abandonment, and real violence, yet filtered through a most unexpected, and arduous, ‘vocation to love’. The Kiss of Jesus is a courageous, sometimes stunningly personal memoir.”
– Elizabeth Scalia, Author, Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life

“The “Kiss of Jesus” runs the full gamut of virtue and vice, flesh and spirit, demonic and holy. Donna-Marie’s extraordinary life bears witness and hope to us all, ‘nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’”
– Jim Pinto, Co-Host of EWTN’s @ Home with Jim and Joy

“The Kiss of Jesus is no ordinary spiritual autobiography. It is a gripping account of spiritual adventure and an emotional roller coaster telling of God’s faithfulness in times of terror, abuse, and profound encounters with grace and holiness.”
– Mark P. Shea, Author, By What Authority: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition

“This book knocked my socks off! I would have never expected that such a sweet, joyful and soft-spoken woman had lived such a perilous, abusive and violent life. Yet she never lost her joy or her hope. God was always with her, just as He is with each of us.”
– Gail Buckley, Founder & President, Catholic Scripture Study International

A dust jacket description of the book:

When Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle was growing up, she had no thought of one day becoming a popular author and television host. She was immersed in her life as the seventh of eight children in a Catholic family. Sometimes that life was carefree and fun, spending time with relatives dancing the festive Polkas at family weddings, and enjoying picnics in her back yard dappled with fruit trees and flower gardens. Other times, life for her was very dark and tarnished with struggles and pain. Struggles that she felt were perhaps best left a secret.

Donna-Marie retreated to the beauty of nature, thanking God for its splendors, pondering and meditating. She plunged her heart and soul into a deeper meaning of life as she tried to navigate the ups and downs in a large struggling family. She turned to God for help especially as she became increasingly misunderstood by her family and her peers.

Life took some bizarre turns, and Donna-Marie was forced to deal with a crazed man who took away her freedom and held her hostage. Eventually escaping the nightmare of her prison, she married and began raising her family, believing she had finally found her true vocation. But she couldn’t seem to get out from under the shadow of the Cross. She lost three babies to miscarriage, struggled with her husband’s serious drinking problem and was later abandoned by him just before she gave birth to her third living child.

Raising her family alone, she was subjected to abusive neighbors and appalling living conditions, struggling to overcome these challenges as she held onto hope for better days.

Her knight in shining armor finally came on the scene. Or so she thought. Another unexpected adventure ensued, thrusting Donna-Marie into a more affluent yet controlled life. “Prince Charming” had charmed his way into her life, but under the veneer of his charm was a dark side.

Survival mode took over as Donna-Marie had to fight for her life and for her children’s safety. Providentially, a saint or two crossed paths with Donna-Marie and impacted her life greatly. One was Blessed Mother Teresa who would become her close friend and spiritual mother.

The Kiss of Jesus is a powerful, moving true story of a well-known Catholic author who faced great suffering, abuse and rejection, but through faith, hope and love she found redemption and the beauty of the Cross.

Subscribe to get updates. Your email address will never be shared.

Check out this The Kiss of Jesus page on this website to learn more.

And, also here to check out the page at Ignatius Press and sign up there too if you’d like.

So excited to announce my upcoming memoir: The Kiss of Jesus

February 5, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

This is the very first time that I am unveiling the book cover of my memoir, The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross.

The publisher, Ignatius Press has just announced it on their website. You can sign up there to learn more about the book.

The time is getting closer. My memoir, The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross will be released in August.

Here is the very first sneak peek at the dust jacket description:

When Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle was growing up, she had no thought of one day becoming a popular author and television host. She was immersed in her life as the seventh of eight children in a Catholic family. Sometimes that life was carefree and fun, spending time with relatives dancing the festive Polkas at family weddings, and enjoying picnics in her back yard dappled with fruit trees and flower gardens. Other times, life for her was very dark and tarnished with struggles and pain. Struggles that she felt were perhaps best left a secret.

Donna-Marie retreated to the beauty of nature, thanking God for its splendors, pondering and meditating. She plunged her heart and soul into a deeper meaning of life as she tried to navigate the ups and downs in a large struggling family. She turned to God for help especially as she became increasingly misunderstood by her family and her peers.

Life took some bizarre turns, and Donna-Marie was forced to deal with a crazed man who took away her freedom and held her hostage. Eventually escaping the nightmare of her prison, she married and began raising her family, believing she had finally found her true vocation. But she couldn’t seem to get out from under the shadow of the Cross. She lost three babies to miscarriage, struggled with her husband’s serious drinking problem and was later abandoned by him just before she gave birth to her third living child.

Raising her family alone, she was subjected to abusive neighbors and appalling living conditions, struggling to overcome these challenges as she held onto hope for better days.

Her knight in shining armor finally came on the scene. Or so she thought. Another unexpected adventure ensued, thrusting Donna-Marie into a more affluent yet controlled life. “Prince Charming” had charmed his way into her life, but under the veneer of his charm was a dark side.

Survival mode took over as Donna-Marie had to fight for her life and for her children’s safety. Providentially, a saint or two crossed paths with Donna-Marie and impacted her life greatly. One was Blessed Mother Teresa who would become her close friend and spiritual mother.

The Kiss of Jesus is a powerful, moving true story of a well-known Catholic author who faced great suffering, abuse and rejection, but through faith, hope and love she found redemption and the beauty of the Cross.

Please take a quick moment to subscribe at this simple form to be among the first to learn more about this book AND to receive a discount! I will be in touch to let you know when you can pre-order The Kiss of Jesus. All sign ups are entitled to a sale price (to be announced)!

[Have no fear! I promise that your email address will never be shared.]

The Kiss of Jesus Email List

Information about The Kiss of Jesus book

This and that…

February 4, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Is it true? I’m still wrapping my brain around the New Year. And now it’s February? That means that Ash Wednesday is right around the corner. To be precise, it is on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, which is only two weeks from today!

Tomorrow (Thursday) I’ll be on the air waves at 3:30 to 3:50 PM ET with Ken Huck on Radio Maria
You can tune in here.

We will be chatting about my newest book: Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II as well as other things about the faith, prayer, and family matters.

On Friday I’ll be chatting with the renowned Matt Swaim on the Son Rise Morning Show at 8:40 AM ET about Lent and my new book Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II. You can tune in here.

I hope you can tune in to Thursday and Friday’s radio shows.

On the home front, we have been getting hit with lots of snow here in the Northeast. I don’t mind being stuck in my home office, and from the warmth of my abode, peering through the windows, watching the snowflakes dance around and beautifully drift down. Or, in some cases coming down in massive sheets of fury, mixed with the roaring winds, causing “white out” conditions as new heights of snow pile up all around us.

I never tire watching the many visiting birds from my window when I pick my head up from my writing, all the while whispering prayers to God, asking for His guidance in my work.

Stay warm, my friend. God bless you! I’m praying for you and especially for the homeless out there who need a helping hand. Mother Teresa always referred to them as “Jesus, in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.”

Getting ready for Lent?

February 3, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Ash Wednesday is February 18th!

Are you ready?

I have written three family Lenten books which are in my series with Ave Maria Press.

You can get all three for only $8.00 right here!

That’s a savings on already low priced books that are packed with inspiration and Church teaching to guide your family through Lent. Consider purchasing a few sets to give as gifts to relatives and friends.

Here is what the publisher says about them:

The Bringing Lent Home series gives families with young children a no-hassle resource for daily Lenten reflection and observance. Author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, EWTN television host and bestselling Catholic author, presents a beloved saint in each booklet and offers the witness and wisdom of their lives to show families how better to pray, fast, and care for the poor during Lent. Bringing Lent Home booklets can be used during any of the three lectionary cycles and are designed for families with children younger than thirteen.

I have amazing news for you!

February 2, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I can’t wait to tell you! Maybe we should have a drum roll…Sometime later this week I will be announcing the title of my memoir which will be releasing later this year. AND, I will also be showing you the BOOK COVER! This is always an exciting time in the process of writing and publishing a book. It’s kind of like putting a “face” on the story. 🙂

So, what do you think?

5 Things That Caught My Eye…

January 21, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

1) When traveling out-of-state to do some speaking and book signing, I happened to be behind this gentleman at the airport. His shirt caught my eye. It was such a nice sight!

2) When it comes to clean laundry, did you know that white distilled vinegar is supposedly as good or better than bleach?

(My daughter, Chaldea’s artwork above which she sells at her Etsy site.She has illustrated several of my books.)

According to a recent article, “The acetic acid in white distilled vinegar is so mild that it will not harm washable fabrics; yet is strong enough to dissolve residues (alkalies) left by soaps and detergents. Adding just 1/2 cup vinegar to the final rinse will result in brighter, clearer colors.”

I think I will do a load of white laundry later today and try out the vinegar! Check out the article about 10 uses for the white vinegar here.

3) A recent sentiment from Pope Francis caught my eye. “It gave us consolation and hope to see so many large families that welcome children as a true gift of God.” (Pope Francis, Wednesday’s General Audience, Vatican City, January 21, 2015 (Zenit.org)

4) I just happened to catch an excellent and powerful episode of EWTN’s “The Journey Home” about Steven W. Mosher, President of the Population Research Institute and former Secular Humanist.

It was great show. Steven Mosher is the author of several books including: A Mother’s Ordeal: One Woman’s Fight Against China’s One-Child Policy. Mosher says he had a confrontation with evil in China as he watched late term abortions being performed due to China’s one-child policy. He was an atheist at the time. He soon became an agnostic and later on…well, you will see in this program. He does amazing work. Here is the show right here and his website here.

5) And, finally, just for fun, this short Huff Post news video about longevity caught my eye. A 109 year old woman shares her big secret to her longevity. You might laugh when you learn what she says you should avoid if you’d like to live a long life! Here’s the video.

New review on my brand new book!

January 10, 2015 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Donna-Marie is such a blessing and gift from God for busy moms who are looking for creative, inspirational, practical ways to bring their family together, to grow in faith, hope and love during the grace-filled time of Lent. She is a wise mentor and faithful friend whose books like this one truly help parents, as the primary educators of their children in the faith, to guide their little saints to heaven.

I’m thrilled she wrote this book and look forward to using Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II this Lent with my family! I’ve used her previous two books, Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa of Calcutta and also with St. Therese of Lisieux, as guides in years past with my husband and three young boys, and it is prayer and family discussion time that everyone looks forward to each day, including our four-year-old!

It’s a perfect guide, because it offers a fresh idea each day for prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and helps us stay focused on the purpose of Lent and growing in our relationship with God and serving others. The book being available this year is great timing, as we’ll be able to learn more about our beloved St. John Paul II and have him as our companion during Lent, and leading up Divine Mercy Sunday, which this year will mark the one year anniversary of him being canonized a Saint.

We have so much to learn from these holy men and women that God put on Earth to serve as bright lights and witnesses for us in how to live the faith, and Donna-Marie invites the learning at just the right pace and helps us to apply it to our lives in a meaningful way together as a family!
[As seen on Amazon, by Julie Malchow]

Feast of the Holy Family

December 28, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

“The history of mankind, the history of salvation, passes by way of the family…The family is placed at the center of the great struggle between good and evil, between life and death, between love and all that is opposed to love. To the family is entrusted the task of striving, first and foremost, to unleash the forces of good, the source of which is found in Christ the Redeemer o man. Every family unit needs to make these forces their own so that, to use a phrase spoken on the occasion of the Millennium of Christianity in Poland, the family will be strong with the strength of God.” ~Saint John Paul II

Christmas Blessings!

December 27, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

A couple of months ago I felt inspired to give a blessed Miraculous Medal to a woman I met who was working at a department store. I’ll call her Louise. She seemed very touched to receive the medal. After accepting it, she began to tell me that she had been going through some really rough times lately and felt she truly “needed” the medal. As Louise was telling me she began to cry. Her tears seemed to come from profound thankfulness and even relief. It was as if Mother Mary had come to Louise at that very moment in the blessed medal and Louise could now feel that everything would be okay. Louise’s whole demeanor changed when she accepted the medal into her hand. She continued to wipe her eyes with a tissue as tears continued to appear. Thankfully, for her sake, no one else noticed. I silently prayed that Mother Mary would profoundly touch this woman now holding the blessed medal. I had no doubt that she would.

About a month later I saw Louise again at the same store. She proudly showed me her beautiful medal which was now on a chain around her neck and hanging alongside two tiny opals. Louise said the opals represented hope. When she had come across the opals in her jewelry box she thought that she should wear them together with the medal, for the medal brought her great hope. My heart secretly soared. I was thrilled that she was wearing the blessed medal I had given her and that it brought her a renewed hope.

Louise also shared that her sister Mary was going through some very hard times. I don’t know what it entailed and I didn’t venture to ask. I didn’t need to know. But, I did ask Louise if I could give her a blessed medal for her sister and she gladly accepted my offer. I reached into my pocket and retrieved a blessed medal that I had placed in there that morning before heading out to do my errands. I kissed it, touched it to the one I wear, and handed it to Louise who teared up instantly. She sincerely thanked me.

Just recently, as the Advent season was winding down to the tail end, only a couple of days before Christmas, I went into the same department store to finish up my Christmas shopping. Earlier in the day, I had just completed a huge book manuscript and was happily relieved that I could finally finish up preparations for Christmas at the eleventh hour. I spotted Louise behind the jewelry counter and went over to say “hello” and to wish her a very happy Christmas. She was very eager to share a little story with me. Thankfully, there were no customers around the counter and she could freely speak to me. Louise said that she visited her sister recently and Mary told her that she was feeling very sad because she was sorely missing their mother who had passed away the previous Christmas time. Mary couldn’t stop thinking of her mother. When she heard the song “Ave Maria” playing, she broke down and cried. It was their mother’s favorite song.

So, at the visit with her sister, Louise pulled out the Miraculous Medal I had given to her for her sister and proceeded to tell Mary about meeting me and the gift of the medal. She also told her sister that I had touched it to the blessed medal that I wear that Mother Teresa had given me (a relic). Her sister began to cry and said she felt very blessed and thankful to receive the special gift. After that, Mary’s husband bought her a chain and she is now wearing the medal. Mary is now feeling comforted with a sacramental of the Blessed Mother who is with her at all times to bring her graces, hope, and encouragement.

As Louise recounted the story of her sister and their mother, she shed quiet tears once again. I was very touched too, upon hearing it, and I felt extremely blessed to have played a part in this beautiful exchange. We expressed to one another that we were so very thankful that God had clearly arranged all of this to happen. It was especially joyful and poignant to happen right at Christmas time.

I believe that God is so very good and takes care of our every need. He desires that we open our hearts to His whispers to our souls and that we be cooperative to His many graces so that we can help others around us who are struggling with hurt, loneliness, sadness, and pain. So many people are deeply wounded and need a loving touch. Mother Mary is always ready to assist us in getting closer to her Son Jesus.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us who have recourse to thee.” [words from the Blessed Mother that appear on the Miraculous Medal]

Will you reach out in love soon to someone you don’t even know? It could be a perfect stranger. Mother Teresa, whom I was blessed to know, considered that person to be “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.”

Venture to reach out with Christ’s love. It will undoubtably change someone’s heart forever.

[You can see a similar article here at ICL]

Extended book sale for Christmas shopping!

December 6, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Take advantage of this EXTENDED sale on a variety of my book titles on special! Scroll down to see amazing savings. Get your Christmas shopping done early! By the way, there is more information about each book on the “Book” page of this website.

The NEW ANGELS FOR KIDS is 20% off! It makes a wonderful Christmas present for children and adults alike.

Angels for Kids

Special discount paying button ($3.00 off per book!):

The NEW The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions is 20% off! It makes a wonderful and inspiring Christmas present.

Special discount paying button ($3.00 SAVINGS per book!):

Embracing Motherhood is 20% off! Don’t let the cover fool you–this book discusses all ages and stages of raising kids today. It makes a wonderful Christmas present for any Mom or GrandMom, or Mom-to-be!

Special discount paying button ($3.00 OFF per book!):

GRACE CAFE: SERVING UP RECIPES FOR FAITHFUL MOTHERING only $8.00 per book! That is a $7.00 savings per book! Wonderful Christmas gift for a Mom, GrandMom, or Mom-to-be!

Special discount paying button ($7.00 OFF per book!):

MOTHER TERESA AND ME: TEN YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP (First Edition) Great inspirational gift for Christmas gift giving!

AMAZING LOW PRICE of $8.00 ($7.00 off per book!)

Special discount paying button:

CATHOLIC SAINTS PRAYER BOOK (Hard cover edition) Where else but here can you get a book of this quality (sturdy hard cover and beautiful illustrations inside and information and inspiration about 32 saints) for only $5.00? Excellent for anyone on your Christmas list–child, adult, man, or woman. I have gifted this book to many a child and many an adult.

Inspiration and wisdom from 32 popular saints! Prayers, bios, patronages, and quotes

Special paying button: ONLY $5.00 per book!

Keeping Kids focused this Advent season

December 3, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Are your kids making long Christmas wish lists? Are you trying to figure out ways to get them and to keep them focused on what’s really important?

It might seem like an impossible undertaking, knowing full well that the lopsided messages of the culture are constantly bombarding us. Kids know all about the latest gadgets and toys and exactly where they can be purchased!

Of course, there will always be Christmas wish lists. But, how about making another kind of list this Advent season as well? Sit down with your family and list some things you’d like to do to help others. A wonderful added bonus is that while you’re at it you’ll be growing in your faith life too. Doing Works of Mercy is indeed a win-win situation because when you are helping others you will earn graces for them and for you AND you will grow in holiness when done with a humble heart. God has it all figured out!

And, then, after you’ve made your list, endeavor to carry the acts of love and kidness out during this season of HOPE.

It helps a great deal to pause and take a moment to capture your young ones’ attention. Get them excited about giving and about making crafts and pausing to pray, asking Jesus to come into their hearts more fully this Advent season.

Have a look here for some simple coloring pages to the more elaborate yet not too complicated crafts you can do with your kids to keep them focused on Advent.

Do you have your Advent wreath out? It’s never too late. Well, actually it is if you take it out in February. 🙂 But, don’t worry if it’s not out yet or if you haven’t found replacement candles. Try to work on that as soon as you can. You might find the candles at your local Hallmark store (I have purchased them there) or at a religious store. You can also buy them online. You can have the kids draw a wreath or you can construct one from colored papers if you don’t have an Advent wreath and you can explain what the purpose of the wreath is.

You can take a moment each night all throughout Advent at the dinner table to pray as a family.

How about your creche? Do you have it out and decorated with all of the figurines? You can pause beside it each day to say a family prayer for Advent. Tangible items such as an Advent wreath, a creche, and a Jesse Tree will all help to draw your children’s minds to the holy and off of the secular, even for a time. All efforts to create a holy atmosphere in your home–your domestic church will surely help.

Here’s some wonderful information from EWTN about many Advent and Christmas traditions.

Here’s some information at Catholic Mom. And, some coloring pages here too.

The Catholic Toolbox gives lesson plans for Advent here.

I love this: Fifty Advent Acts of Kindness and how to orchestrate that in your own household. It even includes real cute stuff to print out and hang up to aid you on your journey of giving with the kids through Advent.

Again, I suggest that you make your own list! It will be a lot of fun to do with the kids. Just sit down and do it! Make your list–maybe not fifty things, but perhaps 25 or even 12. Just write them down and endeavor to do them. It’s as simple as that. Keep the kids focused on Christ’s love by doing charitable Works of Mercy all throughout this holy season!

Well, this was just a few starters for now to get you going. Please share your ideas about how to keep your kids focused on the Advent season and the real reason for this season in the comments below. I’ll also add some more ideas later. Right now I have to get ready to go on the radio and talk about this subject! See you later!

CYBER MONDAY SALES today (EXTENDED to ALL week)!

December 1, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Take advantage of these CYBER MONDAY sales on a variety of my book titles on special sale TODAY and ALL week! Scroll down to see amazing savings. Get your Christmas shopping done today! By the way, there is more information about each book on the “Book” page of this website.

The NEW ANGELS FOR KIDS is 20% off today! It makes a wonderful Christmas present for children and adults alike.

Angels for Kids

Special discount paying button ($3.00 off per book!):

The NEW The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions is 20% off today! It makes a wonderful and inspiring Christmas present.

Special discount paying button ($3.00 SAVINGS per book!):

Embracing Motherhood is 20% off today! Don’t let the cover fool you–this book discusses all ages and stages of raising kids today. It makes a wonderful Christmas present for any Mom or GrandMom, or Mom-to-be!

Special discount paying button ($3.00 OFF per book!):

GRACE CAFE: SERVING UP RECIPES FOR FAITHFUL MOTHERING only $8.00 per book! That is a $7.00 savings per book! Wonderful Christmas gift for a Mom, GrandMom, or Mom-to-be!

Special discount paying button ($7.00 OFF per book!):

MOTHER TERESA AND ME: TEN YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP (First Edition) Great inspirational gift for Christmas gift giving!

AMAZING LOW PRICE of $8.00 ($7.00 off per book!)

Special discount paying button:

CATHOLIC SAINTS PRAYER BOOK (Hard cover edition) Where else but here can you get a book of this quality (sturdy hard cover and beautiful illustrations inside) for only $5.00? Excellent for anyone on your Christmas list–child, adult, man, or woman. I have gifted this book to many a child and many an adult.

Inspiration and wisdom from 32 popular saints! Prayers, bios, patronages, and quotes

Special paying button: ONLY $5.00 per book!

Sharing a blogger’s reflection on “Angels for Kids”

November 20, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

A blogger homeschooling Mama of five shares about my Angels for Kids book:

We started our next book, “Angels for Kids” by Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle. Let me tell you, I have only read ahead a few chapters (because I am a busy mama and I just don’t have the time or energy to read all the way ahead! I am a self-professed ‘non-reader’ anyway–I prefer to do all kinds of other things before I choose to sit down and read a book. Reading is great, I admit, but I still prefer lots of other things to reading), but I am really impressed with this book.

First of all, Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle addresses the book to her young audience. She speaks to them in her introduction, and continues with a friendly and easy-to-understand tone throughout the chapters.

Second, it is full of beautiful Scripture references and stories of the Angels. Each chapter is full of verses, leaving no doubts that not only should we believe in the Angels, but God has given us His own words about them so that we might believe. I also like that each chapter begins with a short verse. I am using some of them as copywork for my children, and hope to also use them in prayer to help memorize verses.

Third, Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle also references teachings of the saints and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our history is rich in belief about the angels! She helps that young readers understand and appreciate the rich traditions we have, and by the end of the book, have a new appreciation and (hopefully) a deepening respect for (and even relationship with!) the angels.

To date, we have finished the first two chapters. (Chapter Three, “What Angels Look Like”, is on the agenda later today) Chapter One, “A Multitude of Angels”, tells us all about who the angels are and are not, (they are not fairies!), and what they do. In short, the angels are in God’s service, to aid us in attaining salvation. How fabulous is that? To finish up chapter one, I created copywork sheets for my girls with Hebrews 1:14, “Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” I made another for my 5yr old, with his name, “angel”, and “St. Michael the Archangel”.

Chapter Two, “Angels in the Bible”, might be the longest chapter in the book. From creation in Genesis to Revelation, stories with angels are re-told. Even though this was a long chapter to read aloud, and I wondered at times if my kids were beginning to day dream, I loved this chapter. I know the angels are in the Bible; I have heard the stories all my life. Probably everyone can at least name the Angel Gabriel, who announces the birth of Jesus. And yet, I was delighted to be reminded of not only Gabriel, but all the other angels who play a role in the lives of so many. I had many “oh yeah!” moments while reading this chapter. To finish up chapter two, my 5 yr old retold a favorite story and illustrated it, and the girls illustrated their favorite angel story.

I am keeping it simple as we read and “study” these books this year. Not only to do not have abundant time for coming up with elaborate crafts and activities, but I want our mini family “book club” to be relaxed, casual, and enjoyable. Here and there I’ll come up with a craft or recipe, I’m sure (‘cuz that’s how I roll), but at the same time, it is nice to have a family read that isn’t part of our syllabus and isn’t crying out to be enhanced with Pinterest-worth crafts. It’s the reading together that counts!

Well, that is wonderful, Gina! Thank you for sharing my book on your blog. I pray that your family is thoroughly blessed!

Angels protect us!

November 10, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

A woman named Kerry Bevins recently wrote to me and expressed her happiness over seeing my recent visit on EWTN’s “Sunday Night Prime” discussing the holy Angels. She said, “I have just watched your program on You Tube from last night. The baby slept in my arms as I watched. I learned so much. We see so many angel decorations, people collect angel figures, yet to me they always remained so abstract. Thank you so much for this wonderful program.”

You can see the show on You Tube video here.

Talking about the Angels

Here’s a description of my Angels for Kids book which is available on this website:

The invisible world of angels is so often overlooked, though it has been present since before the dawn of Creation, offering attentive service and protection to humankind. Based on Catholic teaching, Angels for Kids offers proof of the true existence of angels while dispelling prevalent contemporary myths.

This inspiring book will open the eyes and hearts of youth and their families to a greater awareness of the unseen world, as well as provide warm encouragement to keep company with the incredible angelic friends who unceasingly glorify God and who have been a significant part of salvation history; protecting Jesus throughout His life, announcing heaven’s plans, and guiding and protecting the faithful. A chapter of special prayers to the angels completes the book.

Angels for Kids

“Science calls us to believe in the unseeable – black holes in space, which cannot ever be seen. They believe in black holes because of anomalous behavior in space. Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others believe in angels because of anomalous behaviors we experience in life’s events and God’s Revelation in Scripture. We do well to introduce children to these facts, along with astronomical facts, to prepare them for a mature spiritual life. This book is such an introduction, and parents might be reminded of their own angels as they read with their children.” ~Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Just arrived!

November 6, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Bringing Lent Home with Saint John Paul II

Imagine my joy! I just opened a package from my publisher which contained these two very first copies of my book “Bringing Lent Home with Saint John Paul II.”

Here’s a description from the publisher:

This timely new addition to the Bringing Lent Home series focuses on the life and wisdom of recently canonized St. John Paul II. Designed by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle for families with young children, it offers a variety of prayers and practices for each day of Lent.

This family guide to prayer and Lenten devotion is the perfect way to deepen a family’s observance of Lent while also learning about St. John Paul II, beloved pope for more than thirty-five years (1978 -2005) and one of the Church’s newest saints. Structured around a daily quotation from St. John Paul II, a story about his life, and practical suggestions for living the threefold call of Lent–prayer, fasting, and almsgiving–this useful booklet takes the worry and the work out of planning the family’s Lent and can be used with any of the three Catholic lectionary cycles. Parents can enhance their own daily prayer by using the booklet’s reflections for parents. On Sundays, families focus on the themes assigned to that Sunday of Lent, and Cooper O’Boyle suggests a project for the week ahead.

[Available at my website on the “Books” page]

Women’s gifts and prayers

November 6, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

A seventy-six year old woman leaves this very beautiful review on Amazon.
“This book offers not only prayers, but inspiration focusing on the important role and thus the responsibility we share as women. I just wish I had this book to read and ponder before, when I was younger. I think/ know that I would have done some things differently. But even at my age (76), I have received great benefit in reading, praying, and absorbing it’s content.”

Speaks to ALL Catholic women: single, married, mothers, and consecrated Religious, $7.95

Love is powerful

November 6, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I thoroughly enjoy my work and ministry of writing and speaking about the Catholic faith and God’s amazing love for us, as well as meeting the countless fascinating people along the way throughout my travels.

One such captivating encounter occurred in an airport as I was traveling to do a speaking event. I ended up chatting with a woman (I’ll call her Sally) who shared a remarkable story with me. It happened as I was about to make my way through the airport security and Sally, who was one of the airport staff indicated that my suitcase was a tad overweight. While that was not what I wanted to hear, being that it was a bit of an inconvenience to quickly try to figure out how to reconcile the difference in the weight while stuffing some of the extra things into my carry-on so I wouldn’t have to pay an extra fee (and knowing I’d be stuck lugging that around all day traipsing through a few airports), it gave us a little chance to chat. God has a way of providing these unplanned and totally unexpected opportunities!

Somehow Sally and I got to talking about the faith and about God’s love. The woman suddenly seemed compelled to tell me that her daughter Chelsea has autism. Sally explained that when her daughter was not quite three years old she was only just beginning to toddle around, being a late walker. One day when they were out, all of a sudden her little daughter started to toddle faster and faster—she shot off to almost running. Chelsea seemed to be on a mission and her mother couldn’t keep up with her! But, she knew she had to chase her because Chelsea seemed like she was headed for trouble!

Chelsea was running straight toward a disheveled homeless man who was sitting on a sidewalk. Sally feared what most mothers would fear when their little wobbly child was toddling almost out of control. First of all, she didn’t want her to fall and get hurt so Sally quickly ran after her daughter who was now in danger of falling off the curb.

Secondly, Sally was very worried about what could happen if her clean little girl got too close to the dirty disheveled stranger. Sally quickly picked up the pace.

Before she could catch up to her daughter though, her sweet innocent child had thrust her little arms around the man in a great big spontaneous warm hug. This mom was passionately retelling the story to me that morning at the airport and explained how she was totally beside herself with mixed emotions. She was naturally worried about her daughter falling and getting hurt as she tried to catch up with her and then she was even more intensely worried because not only did her daughter get close to the man, her little one had hugged a dirty stranger! At first, Sally could not quite grapple with these emotions. But, she stood there stunned and also quite impacted by the occurrence and what happened next.

Sally continued with her story and I intently listened as I continued to sort out my belongings, now over on the side of the line of people at the airport. Sally explained that as soon as she reached the man and Chelsea, the man immediately looked straight up at her and with tears in his eyes and streaming down his face, he told Sally that her precious little girl had not simply made his day. He slowly and clearly articulated that she had made his LIFE! He went on to say that he could not even remember the last time he had been hugged or even touched for that matter. He said he was absolutely sure that he would never forget the beautiful gesture that day—the warm miraculous hug of love. The innocent little girl unknowingly had changed this man’s life forever. I suspect this mom was changed forever as well because I noticed how passionately she recounted this story to me as tears glistened in her eyes. I was very touched as well upon hearing it.

I had no doubt that God had arranged these beautiful encounters—the little girl and the man, as well as Sally and me. Now, I can tell it to you! Sally gave me permission to retell her story, knowing that I am a writer who loves to inspire and encourage.

Mother Teresa, whom I was so very blessed to know, preached often that we don’t need to do extraordinary things to please God and to help others. Rather, she taught that we should do ordinary things with extraordinary love. That beautiful “ordinary” little girl’s innocent hug became an extraordinary life-changing experience for that man who no doubt is someone whom Mother Teresa would consider to be, “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.”

Mother Teresa lived her life to serve the poor and the needy, seeing Jesus in everyone, wholeheartedly living the Gospel of Matthew of “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me” (Matthew 25: 40).

Let’s learn from Mother Teresa and that sweet innocent child who allowed Jesus to love a complete stranger through her.

How might we show a gesture of Christ’s love to a complete stranger today or soon? Opportunities are awaiting us—ready to unfold. We need to simply open our hearts and our eyes. God will do the rest.

[This story was the subject of the recent “Real Life Dose” newsletter.]

You can see it here too.

The TV series and contests continue…

November 4, 2014 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Hello!

Lots of buzz lately. Have you seen yesterday’s first show of my brand new Catholic Mom’s Cafe series? It’s about kids, modesty, and fashion. When EWTN re-airs the show I’ll be sure to let you know. Take a look at this blog post about tonight’s new show which is about kids and the culture (airing at 6:30 PM ET) and the cool contests you can enter to win just by watching the show.

Kids and the Culture

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Take good care!

God bless!
Donna-Marie