Tag: Allison Gingras

Categories
Ink Slingers Maurisa Of Note Series

Of Note – November 2019

Of Note November 2019

Of Note November 2019

Let’s face it, we are all busy, modern women and we just don’t have the time or the energy to vet or read everything the Catholic blogosphere has to offer. We have streamlined that for you and offer you the most worthy, relevant reads that will keep you informed and in-tune without wasting your precious time. Each month, on the first Friday, you can find Of Note filled with posts that are inspiring, knowledgeable, cover current events, and liturgical living.

We are continually looking for new and lesser known bloggers to feature here on Of Note. If you write a blog or know of one we should take a look at leave a link in the combox or email me at: OfNote@CatholicSistas.com

Are you following our Christmas Shopping Challenge, a series prepping for Advent on Facebook? I sure am! For several years I’ve worked at getting all the Christmas shopping done before the first Sunday of Advent and let me tell you, it makes a huge difference in how I observe Advent. I can’t recommend it enough.

Let’s take a look at what is happening in the world of Catholic blogging.

Liturgical Living

If you are reading this on the day it is published, it is the Feast of All Saints. Kendra of Catholic All Year has a great post on how you and your family can observe All Hallowtide and pray for the dead.

Our own Allison Gingras recently wrote about the beautiful All Souls Novena, which begins today. There is a plenary indulgence attached to this devotion. Check it out here.

These beautiful lace cookies from My Catholic Kitchen are much easier to make than they look and are a lovely way to celebrate the Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria on November 25th.

Hidden Gems

Ginny of Not So Formulaic wrote a wonderful post comparing the shortcomings of secular growth mindset to the truly superior Catholic growth mindset

Kathryn of Team Whitaker blogs about why she’s tabled the Instagram micro-blog in favor of macro-blogging, which is what this series is all about. Her perspective is right on target.

The Professionals

Have you heard Audrey Assad’s new collaboration with Porter’s Gate? J-P Mauro writes about it here and has a link to the song “Nothing to Fear” contained within. Take a listen. It’s a beautifully written song paired with gorgeous music and vocals.

Brad Miner writes a review of the movie “Love and Mercy”–the new film about Saint Faustina. I missed seeing this in theaters but I plan on finding it on DVD or a streaming service when it comes to one of those formats.

The Kingship of Christ was celebrated in the Traditional Latin Rite this past Sunday.  It will be celebrated in the Novus Ordo on November 24th this year. Steve Skojec writes about the very Catholic teaching regarding the social kingship of Christ.

Ink Slingers

I love Michelle’s hilarious Facebook posts. I love it even more when she blogs. This story had me in stitches.

From the Archives

In preparation for Advent, Michelle wrote this fantastic post, including her own examination of conscience, for Catholic Sistas a few years ago.

 

Categories
Books Ink Slingers Martina Reviews

REVIEW: Stay Connected – Journals for Catholic Women

A Catholic Sistas Review:Stay Connected

 

PRODUCT

Stay Connected: The Gift of Invitation Catholic women’s journal by Allison Gingras

COMPANY

Gracewatch Media

SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM 

OVERVIEW

Jesus is constantly inviting each of us to a more abundant life—but in order to receive that gift, we need to accept his invitation. In The Gift of Invitation, Allison Gingras explores Jesus’ invitation through her own story, sacred Scripture, and the tradition of the Church. You can record your own responses to these insights right in the journal, then bring those thoughts to your small faith-sharing group for further discussion. And as with all the Stay Connected journals, guided prayers and space to journal your own prayer helps you forge a deeper, living connection with Jesus.

PRICE AT THE TIME OF REVIEW

$15

FEATURES

DISCOUNTS

Visit Gracewatch Media for the following discounts:

  1. GRACE15 for 15% off your entire cart
  2. GRACE20 for 20% off your entire cart when your cart total is more than $50
  3. GRACE25 for 25% off your entire cart when your cart total is more than $100
  4. Free shipping on all orders over $25

DECLARATIONS

Nihil obstat

Imprimatur

OVERALL IMPRESSION

I think this is the book that kicked off my whole “what to read while in the car rider line waiting to pick up my kids from school” series. I say this jokingly, but honestly, it’s lovely quiet time in the car that I use to pray, answer emails, make phone calls, and sometimes I’ll even bring my laptop and work on things. But the day I received this book, I grabbed my water bottle, my snack, my two unopened mail packages, and a notepad and pen. Once I got settled into the car rider line, I popped open both packages, and inside was Allison’s book, Stay Connected. I immediately started perusing the chapters, one by one until I got a good sense of the layout, what it was trying to accomplish, and was really impressed. You see, there are a LOT of books out there, but not all have declarations. Hers did. And that drew me in. I knew I could read this and not run into any potential theological hiccups and I liked that. Each chapter is laid out similarly and, for me, I love the continuity and familiarity as a result. I love the unique journal aspect, which gives you plenty of space to “spread out” and jot down your thoughts and reflections from what is covered in each chapter. 

So, how is each chapter laid out?

It starts with a prayer centered upon the chapter’s theme, followed by space to journal your thoughts and reflections from the prayer. After you’ve entered into that prayerful state, the chapter moves into the invitation, which is a short reflection by the author. Once you ponder and journal a bit, you take the invitation and connect it to Sacred Scripture, both reading through and then journaling your thoughts on each of the Scripture verses. Lastly, you are drawn in more closely through a series of questions that get to the heart of the chapter’s content. The chapter closes with a beautiful prayer. 

I know you’re probably wondering what that other package was that day! I often peruse books to read and to find content, so I purchased some page markers. I love that this set included numbered bookmarks, which made tracking the chapters a breeze as I moved throughout the book. If you like them, you can order them here.

I think what I appreciate most about this book is it’s not just something to do individually, but it’s also a great way to connect with other Catholic women, using the book as a tool as part of a book club or prayer group. Have you journeyed through this book? What were your thoughts on it? Please share in the comments.

PHOTOS

DISCLOSURE AND ACCURACY OF REVIEW

Catholic Sistas was not paid to do this review – the author sent free products in exchange for an honest review of this product. All reviews are current as of the publish date. If you notice that a review contains information that is no longer accurate, please email Martina@CatholicSistas.com and we will be happy to amend this review.

Categories
Colleen Giveaways Ink Slingers Martina Resources

The Official Catholic Sistas 2018 Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway!

We are so excited to be sharing our SIXTH annual Catholic Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway! As in the past two years, we are primarily featuring small, Catholic-run businesses. 

Here are some of our favorites – a list of 52 of our favorite small businesses, plus we are giving 4 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS a total of 22 prizes (a value of $832.17!) thanks to our amazing sponsors! You can find the giveaway at the bottom of this post; but first, the gift guide:

(Need more gift ideas? Check out the gift guides from 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. See a repeat from a previous year’s gift guide? It means we double love it!)

THE GUIDE

This year we opted to do something a little different, creating an interactive Christmas Gift Guide, which allows you to scroll through and click on all underlined items listed. To view all the goodies featured – prizes and nominated products – click on the guide below to get started OR download the Catholic Sistas Christmas Gift Guide PDF version.

GIVEAWAY

For our fantastic giveaway, we will have FOUR grand prize winners who will win a prize bundle from our wonderful sponsors!

 

PRIZE BUNDLE #1

DAYBOOK by Catholic Sistas

Saint Lucy print, notecard set, and prayer card set by Dovetail Ink

Print of Watercolor Painting of the San Damiano Cross by Luminous Moments by A

Handmade Pendant Our Lady of Good Counsel by BC Inspirations

TOTAL  BUNDLE VALUE: $132.25

PRIZE BUNDLE #2

The Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (Vol 1 – 3) by author Allison Gingras

Three 8×10 Simple Saint Prints by Catholic Box

ONE Leather scapular by Caritas Dei

Cable Beanie, Slouchy Fit Hat with Faux Fur Pom Pom, 100% Wool by Holy Knitters

4” tall Handmade Hand painted Wood Ornament of Saint Nicholas by In The Loft

Blue Agate Silver and Enamel St. Benedict Rosary by Sea Cottage Design

TOTAL BUNDLE VALUE: $374.95

PRIZE BUNDLE #3

1 Modern Catholic Embroidery Pattern of winner’s choice! by Happy Nest Home Goods

Fishing for Saints + Fishing for Saints Prayer Book by My Catholic Kids

An 8×10 print of the Fruit of the Spirit pineapple & 1 set of five A2 size of Spiritual Bouquet cards by Sweet Little Ones

Miraculous Medal Cuff Links by Relics by Rose

Metal Stamped Rosary Cuff by Bay and Bees

St. Andrew’s Chaplet by Come Holy Spirit Rosaries

TOTAL BUNDLE VALUE: $118.97

PRIZE BUNDLE #4

Mama Mary bleach dyed t-shirt by Pyconocline

HopeisanAnchorforMySoulJumboCoffeeMug by Grace & Grit Design Co.

2019 Liturgical Calendar by Telos Art & Design

DIGITAL PDF Marian Coloring Collection II AND  9”x12” fine art print “Mystical Rose” by Delphina Rose Art

One “Family Crate” by Catholic Family Crate

Everyday wear Leather bracelet by Mary with You

TOTAL BUNDLE VALUE: $206

 

THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* Winners will be drawn randomly using Rafflecopter. CS will email the winners. Once they confirm they will be publicly announced on the blog. 
* Sponsor is responsible for contacting the winner of the prize they won in order to work out details of delivery.
* Eligibility: Prizes are available to residents of the U.S.A. only, unless otherwise stated.
* Catholic Sistas reserves the right to alter the giveaway terms or items at any time.
* This giveaway is not associated with Facebook.
* The companies who have donated these items are solely responsible for delivering prizes. We trust and have a solid relationship with each sponsor of this giveaway; however, sometimes things happen outside our control. We are simply hosting the giveaway and putting the winners in contact with the sponsors; it is up to them to follow through, and CS cannot be held liable for a prize not delivered.
* Giveaway ends promptly at 8:00pm CST on November 12, 2018.

Thank you so much for reading; this blog wouldn’t exist without YOU! Good luck!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway