The Catholic Servant Podcast

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Here's a short open letter to those persecuted for their Catholic Faith.

My dear brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for being faithful Catholics,

I'm reaching-out to let you know that God is with you and you are not alone. We suffer from all forms of hatred from name-calling, to blatant lies being spread about our character. Many around the world suffer physical persecution such as torture. Then there is psychological persecution with discrimination that includes – loss of job opportunities, workplace or social media bullying, having your website or social media profile shut-down. Then we have the spiritual attacks on you and your loved ones. Our Lady warned us about the attack on the family. Then there's political and cultural persecution, particularly for the pro-life community making gains in saving the lives of the most vulnerable.

But the type of persecution that tends to linger is alienation or ridicule from our children, our spouses, our mothers, or fathers, for speaking the Truth as God requires of us, for courageously living our Catholic faith and casting a divide between ourselves and the pop culture. NO, we won't just go with the flow. We were made for battle in the way our Lady and her Beloved Son have taught us. As it's been said, "preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." By the way, St. Francis didn't really say that. And if you do need to use words, remember 1 Corinthians 13:1 "If I speak in human and angelic tongues* but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal." Speaking with love, that's the hard part, but most necessary. We all know, even the gentlest and loving telling of Truth can incite hatred, so grab your Rosary and shield yourself in humility so our Lady will be quick to guard and guide your precious soul.

Also, remember that there's an eternal congregation of Saints and Angels battling this good fight with efficacious prayers from Heaven. Continue with Faith, Hope, Love, and with a heart that's guarded yet fully open and lifted-up to the Lord. You are not forgotten, your suffering offered to the Lord will not be in vain, and your Love will resound throughout eternity. Sending love and hugs…

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father,

You know the exhaustion of my body and the pain in my heart. Lord, you know many times I fail and feel overwhelmed with being persecuted for my Catholic faith. Help me to find rest in you and to renew my heart with deeper compassion, love, and patience for those who call me their enemy. Send me the grace to find peace in the calling you have for me at this time and to always remember that my biggest defense is the shield of Humility. Please help me to see that I am enough, even in my brokenness, to be your instrument of Peace and Justice. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus… Have Mercy on Us.

Our Lady of Sorrows… Pray for us.

Saint Joseph… Pray for us.

Saint Thomas More… Pray for us.

Saints Peter and Paul… Pray for us.

Saint Joan of Arc… Pray for us.

Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio… Pray for us.

Our guardian angels… Watch over us

In the name of the Father…

My dearest Catholic Servants, please don't hesitate to let me know your special intentions so we can pray for you during our next family Rosary. My email address is [email protected]. Share it with someone who may need encouragement. May God bless you!

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Mary Flores brings to the Culture of Life Studies Program over 20 years of experience in community education, outreach, and activism, as well as her experience as a homeschooling mother of six. Her passion for helping students understand the value of every human being comes from her own personal journey and is rooted in her Catholic faith. After living on both coasts and in the Midwest, Mary and her children recently moved back to the Midwest to care for her elderly parents.

What is the Culture of Life Studies Program?

"The Culture of Life Studies Program provides Catholic, pro-life home and classroom materials, resources, and trainings to educators, schools, and dioceses equipping them to help younger generations bring an end to abortion and other threats against human beings, preserve the sanctity of marriage, and restore the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Our vision is to create a world in which God's word is resolutely proclaimed and willingly embraced; the institutions of sacramental marriage and family are protected and fostered; and all human life is treated with respect, dignity, and love from the moment of creation until death."

CLSP materials teach preschoolers - 12th grade students

• Why a human being is precious from the very first moment of his creation

• Why we should treat others with respect and dignity

• How to articulate the pro-life message

• How to stand up for vulnerable people without exception and without compromise

Resources:

CLSP Website

cultureoflifestudies.com

CLSP on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cultureoflifestudies/

CLSP on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflifestudiesprogram

Email: [email protected]

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Here's a short open letter to let you know I understand the real struggle of raising a child with special needs.

My dear sister or brother in Christ with a child with special needs,

I'm reaching-out to let you know you're not alone. There's a great number of us that have been blessed by a beautiful child with special needs. We're all constantly challenged at every level in body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes I think back to when times were simpler and hope and pray things will slow down enough to enjoy our baby but it seems like she can't get a sniffle or tummy bug without some kind of complication. Gigi caught the flu last winter and she was hospitalized and developed several complications. She recovered over several months and now waiting for the dates of her next couple procedures. Right now we're in a good place and cherish every moment to simply enjoy our little sunshine blessed with down syndrome. It's difficult with all the doctor appointments, illnesses, and therapies. I know you get it. Sometimes it's unrelenting and its hard to take a breather.

And it looks different for each of us. Whether it's down syndrome, autism, asperger's, ADHD, or any of the others, mommies and daddies, we were chosen to parent these amazing children. Children that have had to endure more medical issues than we have our entire lifetimes. Children who need a little extra help making sense of the world. It's a world that's difficult to navigate even for our typically developing children and for us as adults. Many of us have lots of great support from family and friends and some of us do not. We are told how strong we are, but the truth is, we could be stretched to a breaking point when we see our child struggling. Sometimes being in a dark hospital room holding your child for days on end is nothing more than a cold lonely place physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Having a child with special needs teaches us just how imperfect we really are and how little control we have over anything. Many times we don't have the energy to pray with anything more than tears that stream down our faces and a heart lifted up to the Lord - crying ourselves to sleep. We tend to blame ourselves and feel guilty because we can't make it better, easier, or less painful for our kids. But remember my dear friends, your strength in the Lord will teaches us all how to walk with God in heartbreaking moments. Yes, we can glorify God just holding a Rosary and signing ourselves as we face some of the toughest moments. Without words, without long drawn-out monologues of eloquent testimony, it's simplicity of heart and yearning for God's love and mercy that gets his attention. Remember always, you are not alone, you are loved, you deserve to take a break, forgive yourself, you will make mistakes and it's ok, and trust God. I am with you and praying for you and your family always. Sending love and hugs…

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father,

You know the exhaustion of my body and the pain in my heart. Lord, you know many times I fail and feel overwhelmed with raising children with special needs. Help me to find rest in you and to renew my heart with deeper compassion, love, and patience for my children and spouse. Send me the grace to find peace in the calling you have for me at this time. Please help me to see that I am enough for my children. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Our Lady of Sorrows… Pray for us.

Saint Joseph… Pray for us.

Saint Gianna Berreta Molla… Pray for us.

Saints Louis and Zelie Martin... Pray for us.

Saint John Paul II… Pray for us.

Our guardian angels… Watch over us

In the name of the Father…

My dearest Catholic Servants, please don't hesitate to let me know your special intentions so we can pray for you during our next family Rosary. My email address is [email protected]. Share it with someone who may need encouragement. May God bless you!

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Cynthia Morales, M.Div. Served as Development Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator for Pro-Life Champions and the 40 film from 2012-2019. Recently she assumed the position of Executive Director. She is also the creator of the Shout My Story campaign.

Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge to Pro-Life Champions. She became active in the Pro-Life Movement in 2002 following a deepened commitment to Christ. She volunteered at a Pregnancy Resource Center, began praying outside the abortion clinics, and participated in Face the Truth Tours.

In 2005, Cindy became the Director of Religious Education at St. Philip the apostle parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago. While in that position, she published several studies for Catholic Scripture Studies International, including a study on the book of Amos, the encyclical Humanae Vitae, and three studies on the readings during Advent (for years A, B, and C). She has a BA in Sociology and M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary.

In 2012, Cindy left her position as Director of Religious Education and joined Pro-Life Champions to help produce and distribute the "40" film.

Resources:

Pro-Life Champions Website

https://www.prolifechampions.com/

The 40 Film Website

www.the40film.com

The 40 Film on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/the40film

Shout My Story on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/shoutmystoryorg/

You may share your pro-life story at [email protected]

Additional Resources:

Formed

https://formed.org/

Gigi's Playhouse

gigisplayhouse.org

Karina's Story on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/shoutmystoryorg/videos/351841099012708/

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Here's a short open letter I wrote to the Catholic Working Mama. Just a little encouragement for the rough days and to let you know you are loved.

Hey Working Mama!

It's me Alex, your sister-in-Christ. I know your feet are hurting, your back is aching and you're beyond sleepy, but listen up for a sec. You're home now and the kids are all over you but you're too drained to look into their little eyes because you know they're dying for you to play with them. But please Mama, maybe you don't have the energy to play but know that sitting with them on the couch watching a show together and feeling your hands on their little faces is sometimes all they need. Sometimes it's all YOU need. Like sitting in Adoration in the presence of our Lord, your being present with the kids in those simple little moments is enough….because YOU are enough. Your simple loving gaze and thoughtful attentiveness is better than a full -busy day at a theme park. You don't have to be a superwoman for your children to love you…you just have to BE in the moment. So you're tired, don't worry… rest on the couch and close your eyes, take in the sounds of the kids' busy chatter and the smell of the baby in your arms. Fold the clothes tomorrow and go to bed early with the kids or spend a few minutes with a glass of wine with your husband. I know sometimes it feels unnatural to leave the kids at daycare or a nanny and you say to yourself... "I should be home…I'm failing as a mother" but remember, you've made a decision based on your current circumstances and it's the responsible thing to do…things could change in an instant. Remember, you are not alone, you are loved beyond measure, and there are women across time and distance who understand the same struggle. I am one of those women and I am with you and praying for you. Sending love, hugs, and prayers.

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father,

You know the exhaustion of my body and the pain in my heart. Lord, you know many times I fail and feel overwhelmed with juggling work and raising children. Help me to find rest in you and to renew my heart with deeper compassion, love, and patience for my children and husband. Send me the grace to find peace in the calling you have for me to work at this time. Please help me to see that I am enough for my children. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Saint Gianna Berreta Molla… Pray for us.

Saint Zelie Martin... Pray for us.

Our Lady of Sorrows… Pray for us.

Our guardian angels… Watch over us

In the name of the Father…

Resources:

JoAnna Wahlund's Website

• http://www.catholicworkingmom.com/

Buy JoAnna Wahlund's Book Here

• https://www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/the-catholic-working-mom-s-guide-to-life

Catholic Working Mothers Facebook Group

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/catholicworkingmothers/

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Stephanie Brofford, born and raised near Columbus, Ohio, moved to Albuquerque, Mexico in 2003. She has two beautiful children, ages 16 and 6. She has been passionately involved in the pro-life movement since 2016, serving as a sidewalk advocate outside of the local abortion clinics throughout Albuquerque, also facilitating and linking post-abortive women to healing services in their local areas, as well as serving as both a Mentor and the Community Resource Coordinator for Alongside Ministries located in Albuquerque. This is a ministry that helps come alongside new moms, or moms-to-be, and to work in a mentoring relationship with single women who have made a choice for life for their unborn children.

In this inspiring episode, Stephanie opens her heart and courageously shares one of the most painful events in her life, aborting her first child. She describes how this event caused her to spiral into addiction, but with God's unexpected mercy and love, her heart miraculously converted and was instantly freed from chemical dependency.

Stephanie's willingness to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit has led her to be a loving witness to God's mercy on the sidewalk and save the lives of women and the unborn alike.

How to reach Stephanie:

Sidewalk Outreach Website

https://www.sidewalkoutreach.org/

Freedom for Her on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/healingfromabortion/

Sidewalk Outreach Encounters on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sidewalkoutreachencounters/

Additional Resources:

Alongside Ministries

https://alongsideabq.com/

CareNet Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque

http://carenetabq.org/

Ramah International Abortion Recovery Resources

ramahinternational.org/

Stephanie's tips on how to open dialogue with a pro-abortion advocate, ask:

• If the unborn in the woman's womb is growing, doesn't that mean that he or she is living and alive?
• If the parents are human, doesn't that make the unborn growing, living being also a human?
• If living human beings like you and me are valuable and have dignity and respect, doesn't that mean that the unborn living human being in the mother's womb is also worthy of dignity and respect?

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In this episode, I pick the top 3 practices I want to adopt into my daily spiritual practices from a book Tan Books is circulating on social media called "25 Ways to Become a Saint." It's a compilation from a spiritual classic "The School of Jesus Crucified" by Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist.

Download the book here:

"25 Ways to Become a Saint" by Tan Books

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/25-ways/?___store=default&fbclid=IwAR2WD1VdmhxoW7aFpMr4mOuQak9wH5A86rG9yZdrStw8Km2PVBjj_H8bIcM

Excerpt from the book:

"PRAYER BY WHICH A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN MAY DEDICATE HIMSELF TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN Most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, although most unworthy of being our servant yet inspired with confidence in your extreme goodness, and filled with an earnest desire of serving you, I, (name), this day choose you, in the presence of your Son, of my Angel Guardian, and of the whole Court of Heaven, for my singular Advocate, Mother, and Queen, and I firmly purpose, with the assistance of your prayers, to serve you constantly, and to do all that lies in my power to cause thee to be served by all men. I therefore humbly beseech you, O most compassionate Mother, through the Precious Blood of your holy Son, to receive me as your devout patron and your servant forever, assist me in all my actions, and obtain grace for me, that I may so regulate all my thoughts, words, and deeds, as never to offend your Son Jesus. Forget me not, and never forsake me, either now or at the hour of my death. Amen."

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Martin and Theresa Owen were married in the Catholic Church in 2005. They are proud parents of 7 children. Martin Owen is a family doctor with an focus in fertility, chronic pain and surgical assist. Theresa is an aspiring writer and speaker with a passion in Theology of the Body. As both of them feel a call to Evangelization, they started a Facebook Page called At Home with The Doctor. In this special episode, Martin and Theresa courageously share some of the most difficult challenges that almost separated them, how they learned to transform their marriage, and why the Holy Spirit has called them to their unique apostolate. Their genuine and straightforward approach to reaching married Catholics within the "craziness" of life has touched the hearts of many and drawn numerous viewers to their Facebook Live videos. How to reach Martin and Theresa: Email: [email protected] At Home with the Doctor Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Athomewiththedoctor/ At Home with the Doctor on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkTBfH9HCTUhBsA8GB_t1A At Home with the Doctor on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athomewiththedoctor/ At Home with the Doctor on Twitter https://twitter.com/homewiththedoc

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Amy Voorhees is wife to husband, George, of almost 20 years. Together they have 7 children on this earth, and 4 children awaiting them in Heaven. Their oldest 6 children are all boys ranging in ages from 19 to 4, while the princess of the house is their youngest daughter who's 19 months old. In 2007 Amy founded the San Antonio Coalition for Life after the first successful National 40 Days for Life Campaign. Today, she still stays active in the SACFL and also works as the Director of Music for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg Texas.

In this touching episode, Amy reveals how she and her family found consolation within the beauty of our Catholic faith after a family tragedy. She is also an avid pro-life advocate with a great insight on how having a peaceful, prayerful presence on the sidewalk has helped save souls. Amy also gave us a special treat by singing her lovely rendition of the Guardian Angel prayer called, "The Guardian Angel Song" that she wrote herself.

How to reach Amy:

The San Antonio Coalition for Life website

https://sacfl.org/

The San Antonio Coalition for Life on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SACFL/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 210-737-2235

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During times of illness, we may fail to see the purpose for this type of suffering. Falling into despair, we may believe we're being punished or think that God has abandoned us. However, God is fully present and illness is part of His plan for our salvation and the salvation of humanity if we come to understand what we are to do.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1499-1505 explains how illness, when embraced as redemptive suffering, can be used to save souls, as well as our own, and brings to greater union with Jesus Christ.

Resources:

Prayer in Time of Sickness

https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1825

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Online

http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/files/assets/basic-html/page-I.html#