Maria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras discuss Ash Wednesday and practices for Lent.

Allison and Maria dive into the traditions of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, exploring both time-honored devotions and some non-traditional practices that can deepen our faith. Their lively banter mixes humor and heart while sharing stories and dipping intpo the Catholic Mom vault to rediscover articles.

Jump Start Your Lent by Tina Mayeux

Catholic Central: Ash Wednesday

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Meigs Sturgeon, Special Assistant to the President at Holy Cross Family Ministries.

Meet Meigs Sturgeon, Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C., at Holy Cross Family Ministries. Meigs joined HCFM from Austin, Texas where he most recently served as Assistant Director of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University and Adjunct Professor of Christian Theology. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Duke University; is an expert in Holy Cross Charism and Spirituality, a prolific writer and speaker on different faith-based topics.

Holy Cross Family Ministries

Heidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson interview Morella Carta, founder of St. Jospeh's Little Stars in Jinga, Uganda.

Morella Carta is the founder of “St. Joseph’s Little Stars” in Jinga, Uganda. Born in Venezuela and educated in New York City, Morella retired from corporate life in order to dedicate her life to service, most recently abused and abandoned children. In three years of operations, StarsUganda has saved the lives of 40 children and supported over 100 children in the community. They were recently granted two acres of property by the Diocese of Jinga, and are in the process of building a self-sustainable community in order to expand the reach of their ministry.

Links for show notes: ·

Day to day donation page: · “Build with us” construction of new house.

Maria Morera Johnson interviews CatholicMom.com contributor Tami Urcia.

Tami is a Western Michigander who spent early adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her bachelor’s degree in Western Kentucky. She loves finding fun ways to keep her five kiddos occupied and quiet conversation with the hubby. Tami works at Diocesan and does Spanish/English translations and guest blogs.

Read all articles by Tami Urcia.

Looking for faith-filled ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Maria Johnson and Allison Gingras have a fun conversation about love languages and romantic love, and being God's beloved. And you get a peek at A Beautiful Second Act (Ave Maria Press), which will be featured in the March Catholic Mom Book Club. Love isn’t just for one day—it’s a call we live daily as Catholic moms. 

• Simple Ways to Connect with Your Spouse This Valentine's Day
• Love: Scriptures to Pray This Valentine's Day
• St.Valentine's Day Prepares Us to Love

Heidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson discuss the transitions in the second half of life  and how praying with the saints accompanies us in that change.

Maria Morera Johnson is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital missionary passionate about encouraging women to embrace the beauty and purpose of midlife and beyond. Her books, including A Beautiful Second Act and My Badass Book of Saints, inspire readers to deepen their faith and live with boldness and joy. A lifelong educator and storyteller, Maria brings humor, wisdom, and a deep love for her Catholic faith to her writing, speaking engagements, and podcast

• A Beautiful Second Act
• Maria's author page
• Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Catholic Mom contributor Kimberly Novak, author of Bella's Beautiful Miracle.

Kimberly Novak is a wife, mother, author, and spiritual director. Her passion for inspiring and motivating those on a spiritual journey has bloomed into various ministries. Kimberly’s mission is to enhance each journey by guiding others where the light of strength is…God’s love. Find out more about Kimberly’s life and work at KimberlyNovak.com. Additionally, Kimberly welcomes prayer requests at A Little God Time.  

• Author of Bella's Beautiful Miracle, A Caterpillar's Journey
• www.kimberlynovak.com
• www.outofthechrysalis.com
• Read all articles by Kimberly Novak.

Maria Morera Johnson, and guest Inés Huber Mersch sit down for a chat about the busy-ness of our lives and living for God's will in our lives.

• The Grace of Yes by Lisa Hendey

Maria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras open up about their personal journeys as caregivers, sharing the joys, struggles, and unexpected graces they’ve encountered while caring for their loved ones. Drawing inspiration from articles in the Catholic Mom archives, they explore practical tips, spiritual insights, and the unique challenges that come with this loving responsibility.

• The Seven Sorrows Rosary for Caregivers by Barb Szyszkiewicz
• Mom, Grandmother, Caregiver: It's Not Easy by Amanda Lauer
• Better than Self-Care by Kate Moreland

Maria Morera Johnson and CatholicMom.com contributor Karen Estep talk about the joys and challenges of snow days.

Karen Estep is a Catholic speaker and writer who brings wisdom and humor to her reflections on faith, life, and the unexpected moments in between. Today's conversation reminisces about snow days, eating snow cream, and avoiding cabin fever.

- Instagram: Stand, Kneel, Now What? - Stand, Kneel, Now What Podcast on Spotify - Read all articles by Karen Estep