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Jul 19, 2021
Faith&middot Life&middot Resources

5 Catholic Books for Busy Women: Nurturing Your Faith When You’re Running on Empty

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you completely spent by the end of the day?

Do you go, go, go, until all of a sudden it’s bedtime?

It can be difficult to do any kind of self-care when you are working full-time or when you have young children.

I am so tired at the end of the day.
So reading a book is often the last thing I want to do.

Or I want to read, but I’m so tired, my brain is not exactly in the place to comprehend thick texts that have been written by a very wise Harvard professor.


However, there have been a few lately that I have really enjoyed reading, even after a long tiring day!

Catholic Books for Tired Moms

These are not parenting books. . . .although I should probably be reading those. These books help us grow in faith with the Lord through His Sacred Heart, His Mother and the Saints.

The first I recommend reading is:

Consecration to Saint Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Personally, I enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t start it in a true effort to “consecrate” myself to Saint Joseph. Honestly, I just love Saint Joseph and was curious to learn more about him. I was not disappointed. I learned a few things about our faith that I don’t recall ever learning about before!

I love how this type of book is set up. Day one – read these pages . . .then Day 2, here are some more pages. This worked for me since it was a short read and gave me time to scroll social media before I passed out from total exhaustion.

Your Blue Flame: Drop the Guilt and Do What Makes You Come Alive

“The Glory of God is man fully alive.”

Saint Irenaeus

Every one of us has a blue flame–a special skill, a personal passion, a gift or talent. But when caught up in life’s busyness, it’s too easy to make a habit of suppressing our most joyful contributions to the world.

I actually read this book last summer. I remember being on vacation with my in-laws and after reading one page – going over to my sister-in-law, handing her the book and saying, “you have got to read this”! It was a great, inspiring story that made me say, “no way” as I read it!

Called By Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

So a little disclosure here – I wrote two of the three hundred sixty five devotions 🙂

This devotional was put together by the women who run WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) . . . I mean, how could I not be a part of such an awesome Catholic ministry!

This daily devotional follows the liturgical seasons and includes major holidays and some feast days. You can begin your reading journey at any point in the year. As with all WINE offerings, you are invited to read, reflect, and respond using lectio divina. Each day includes

  • a Bible verse or passage for meditation;
  • daily reflections;
  • a closing prayer to focus your heart on an important truth or goal; and
  • a tangible action you can carry out each day, such as volunteering, going to Confession, or donating clothes to charity

A Painted Rosary

In full disclosure, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You might notice that this post actually has more than 5 books listed. One reason for this is because this book, is more a prayer aid than a read.

Praying the Rosary is such a gift in my life that feels like constant running and perpetual overwhelm. It gives my mind time to slow down and be still. But, there are always distractions. This book was created to help us focus on the mystery and the meditation. It’s also a nice visual to hand to a hyper child during a family Rosary!

A Painted Rosary cleverly pairs a modern and sleek design with the richness of traditional sacred art to transform how you pray the Rosary. Increase prayerful focus and deepen your meditation as you become immersed in the 20 mysteries of the Rosary through paintings from the 11th – 17th centuries. With limited distractions and containing just enough content without being overwhelming, A Painted Rosary is designed to be used while praying. 

Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life

This is an easy read with such comforting reminders of how much Jesus loves you. When Emily came out with this book, I reached out to her and said, “Please, can I review this book!”

In Secrets of the Sacred Heart, Emily Jaminet—executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network—weaves personal testimony, teachings, and reflection questions while exploring and applying each of Christ’s promises.

This book is set up like the Consecration of Saint Joseph book . . .Day 1/Promise 1; then next day, next promise, etc. This again is great for a tired mom at the end of a long day.

 Exploring the Catholic Classics: How Spiritual Reading Can Help You Grow in Wisdom (Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women #2) 

I read this book a while back and I have to include it in the “books for busy moms” post!

The Catholic classics are full of wisdom, advice, and inspiration to enrich the lives of modern women, and Exploring the Catholic Classics is a great way to access that wisdom and apply it to your life.

Tiffany Walsh introduces readers to carefully selected excerpts from each spiritual classic and offers her own insights before inviting you to respond to reflection prompt

A chapter of this book inspired the post Saint Francis De Sales’ 5 Practical Tips for a Better Day (free printable included)

What books do you recommend?

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I’m Amy Brooks, I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals 🙂

Wait for it. Discuss ⬇️ #EucharisticAdoration Wait for it.
Discuss ⬇️

#EucharisticAdoration
I needed candles. Yes, I NEEDED them! Jill’s c I needed candles. Yes, I NEEDED them! 

Jill’s candle company is called Contemplative Candles @contemplativecandles 

Jill’s candle company if featured in the @catholicsonline Cozy Christmas Catalog!!!

I definitely bought myself a gift… but it’s for the whole family!

Our homes are domestic churches ⛪️ 

I think the big Catholic influencers call it liturgical living ;)

@manyhailmarysatatime @onehailmaryatatime 

#Catholic #praytheRosary #Catholiccontent #Catholicwife #Catholicgift
“I can’t go this year, but next year I hope to “I can’t go this year, but next year I hope to!”

I hear this every year when I’m planning the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat.

And every year I think…” I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this again next year.”

Each year- each day- is a gift.
Getting to plan a retreat for women that truly serves their minds, their souls and their hearts is truly a gift.
But the truth is, I never know if I’ll be given this gift again.

Jesus reminds us all in the Gospels that we all really don’t know what will happen in the future.
I don’t know what next year will bring…

But I do know that when women attend a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat for a day, they say things like

“I needed this”
“I would have paid you more”
“It’s like Christmas for Moms”

I understand life is busy. I feel strongly that the busyness is a distraction from the stillness Our Lord is calling us to.

If you really can’t attend this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat, may I make a suggestion?

Get out your calendar and schedule a day to go to confession,
A day to go to Mass that is not Sunday,
A day to get together with someone else to pray the Rosary out loud and a day to spend time with another woman that needs your prayers.

All of these things are available on November 15th.
There’s still time to register!

If you want to join us this year, comment “Register “ and I’ll send you the details.

If you definitely can’t make it, drop a prayer intention in the comments- or message me- and we will bring your intentions with us!

Photo credit 📸: my 8 year old daughter 

#busymom #busywife #busywoman #workingmom #Catholicwoman #Catholicretreat #catholicliving
I swear my laundry is multiplying… I need to get I swear my laundry is multiplying… I need to get out as much as anyone..

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” —Lucy Maud Montgomery, Ann of Green Gables

#Catholic #Catholicauthor #beyourself
The 2025 Cozy Catholic Christmas catalog is out!!! The 2025 Cozy Catholic Christmas catalog is out!!! Want to see it?!! Comment ME! And I’ll send it to your inbox… or go to catholicinfluencers.com for it!!!

#earlyshopper #shopCatholic #Christiangifts
I know I NEED one!!! Join us for prayer and holy, I know I NEED one!!!
Join us for prayer and holy, humorous friendship!
Want details? Let me know!

#Catholic #Catholicwoman #Catholicretreat #pilgrimage
I have a LOT of situations! I heard if you revere I have a LOT of situations!

I heard if you reverently bless yourself with the sign of the Cross, demons flee.

Imma gonna go bless myself… a few times!

Who’s with me?

#stopscrolling #sayyourprayers
Tired? Need some peace? Want to refill your cup? Y Tired? Need some peace? Want to refill your cup? Yes to any of these? The good news is you can still register for the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! It’s November 15th… just in time to recharge before the busyness of the holiday season is in full swing.

Schedule time for prayer, sacramental grace, holy friends and a meal you don’t have to cook!

Message me or comment if you would like more details!

Share if you have ever been to a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat and enjoyed it!

#retreat #Philadelphia #Philly #PhillyCatholic #Catholicretreat #holyfriends #catholicfellowship #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen
“We should start our own Rosary group” is what “We should start our own Rosary group” is what my friend here, Nancy, suggested over two decades ago.

We were at her Mom’s friend’s house, where generations of women and their children had gathered for the Rosary. Apparently this was something they had done together for years.

I was so grateful Nancy suggested this! I had always wanted friends to pray with.
And so we started… 4 young women with different intentions and heartaches. 4 young women who had hope that prayers do get answered. 

We often invited other friends too.
Someone would bring wine. Someone would bring food. Often it was chocolate.

Years past. Prayers have been answered.
Unexpected crosses have been carried.
This prayer group was a light in the darkness for me.

Because Nancy suggested we start a Rosary group, prayer wine Chocolate came to be…

Don’t hesitate to turn your GNO into a Rosary night.
We highly recommend it.

#Rosary #praytheRosary #prayer #wine #chocolate #catholicfriends
Last night we attended a BEAUTIFUL event for Marti Last night we attended a BEAUTIFUL event for Martin Saints Classical High School @msc_highschool 

I’m so grateful that this joyfully Catholic HS exists and is growing and thriving.

I also want to thank @leah.darrow for posting about @projectrunway a few years ago! I had never heard of this business before and they saved my day yesterday! I still had no idea what I was going to wear to this formal event an hour before leaving… and this dress showed up right on time!

Catholic influencers are necessary and important. Catholics sharing their faith online AND sharing life hacks are helpful and truly serve! 
Thank you Leah! Thank you @msc_highschool !
Thanks @projectrunway !

#Catholics #Chesterton #classicaleducation #catholiceducation #JoyfulSaints
Not to be dramatic… but something amazing is on Not to be dramatic… but something amazing is on its way and @dellamadonnarosaries is helping make it possible!!!

Stay tuned!
#prayerwinechocolate 
#praytherosary
Go to a place where you can be still. Go to a chur Go to a place where you can be still.
Go to a church that is surrounded with art that tells the story of salvation.
Let Jesus see you where He is physically present in the Eucharist.
Know Jesus, know peace…

There is a hymn called Hosea and it starts like this:
Come back to me, with all your heart; Don’t let fear keep us apart…

God bless you!!!

#Catholic #Christian
I don’t believe in accidents. I was thinking abo I don’t believe in accidents.
I was thinking about posting this prayer and I got a call from “Peoria, Illinois “.
For those of you wondering why that means anything… that where Archbishop Fulton Sheen grew up. Fulton Sheen wrote this prayer!

I never answer calls from random places but I couldn’t help it. I answered it.

I said hello… and heard nothing.
I waited… still nothing.
No voice. No recording. No dial tone.

So I hung up and now I’m posting this.

Type MIRACLE OR PRAYER in the comments and I’ll send you the link for the download.

The prayer takes less than 30 seconds to pray.

3 year olds can memorize.

I’ve witnessed it save lives! Yes, plural… LIVES!

Thank you for sharing your photo Nelly!! @nellysosarmz @elarbolmenta 

#prolife #saintsandscoundrels #FultonSheen #Adoption #spiritualadoption
False. Prayer is powerful. Bless your self reveren False.
Prayer is powerful.
Bless your self reverently and call upon Our Lord Jesus confidently and frequently!
I sent an email newsletter out to subscribers toda I sent an email newsletter out to subscribers today!

I gave a link to try Hallow for FREE!

I shared the newest blog post from Catholics Online

AND I reminded all interested to register for the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!

Which link do you want? 

A. The one where you get all my emails.
B. The Hallow link
C.  The new blog post that has some super awesome Halloween ideas in it or
D. The Retreat blog post!!!

PS how beautiful does my sister look in her Prayer Wine Chocolate raglan tee?!

#hallowapp #stayprayedup #prayerwinechocolate #Catholicwomen #Christiansisters #Catholicretreat #MiraculousMedal #tojesusthroughmary 

Tell me in the comments!
Cheers! Jesus is Lord! #Catholicfaith #Catholicwo Cheers! Jesus is Lord!

#Catholicfaith #Catholicwoman #CatholicChristian #prayerwarriors #spiritualbattle #ComeHolySpirit
This is 50. So many thoughts I could share… but This is 50. 
So many thoughts I could share… but for now, here are some pictures of my family… and a guest appearance of one amazing friend, the great @dr.monique.ruberu :) AND The Golden Girls theme song because it reminds me of old ladies, laughter and great friendships.
The greatest gifts are the people God has put in your life.
*****
If you’re 50 or over, write the best advice you’ve ever received in the comments please!***
“Laughter has been implanted in our soul, that t “Laughter has been implanted in our soul, that the soul may sometime be refreshed.” - St. John Chrysostom 

#Catholic #praytherosary #livelaughlove #prayerwinechocolate #stayprayedup #patrinsaints #holyhumor #OurLady #BlessedMother #Catholics #Catholicsonline #prayhopeanddontworry
Emergency novena: part 2! #pray #Catholiccommunit Emergency novena: part 2!

#pray #Catholiccommunity #bekindanyway #OurLady #MiraculousMedal #Memorare
Part 1:Emergency novena… In the name of the Fath Part 1:Emergency novena… In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

#praymore #pauseandpray #Godfirst #prayunceasingly #Catholic #Novena #Catholicmom #Catholicwoman
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