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Aug 21, 2025
Faith&middot Life&middot Wine and Chocolate

Attend the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!

You're invited to attend The 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Saturday, November 15, 2025

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.

The 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat will take place at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal!

THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SHRINE

This Shrine has had a great role in the journey of my life AND in the journey of this blog!

Don’t want to read, just want to register?

Venmo $ to @AmyGouldBrooks

Don’t want to use Venmo? Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

Subject line Retreat Registration

Registration is $150.00 per person

Your registration will include:

A light breakfast with your choice of coffee, tea, and/or water.

A lunch that will probably serve as your dinner :). I like to opt for the hot entrees and salad and some more choices so you don’t have to go home and cook after!

2 glasses of wine – I will have lots of choices

Snacks and dessert.

A tour of some new spaces within the Basilica Shrine

Extra hours at the Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal (with security on duty)
and more šŸ˜‰

When I first began Prayer Wine Chocolate, I was so excited to share a Catholic Christmas gift guide – so I went to the Miraculous Medal Shrine asking them to partner with me! I found myself meeting with the President of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, and he asked me if I was just going to write one article that would feature their Shrine and Gift shop.

That question inspired me and motivated me. From that question, I ended up writing an article that I am pretty sure went viral for ChurchPop!

Five Reasons Why I Wear a Miraculous Medal – and Maybe You Should Too

Later, I wrote another article about why I love to visit this holy place. Here is that one (and I hope it convinces you to register for this year’s retreat!!!)

Eight Reasons Why I Love the The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal Shrine

I hope we have a large number attend this year! I’m so excited to share a day of prayer, grace and fellowship with you!

Here are some details:

When is the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

The 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat will take place Saturday, November 15, 2025

PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT 2025
10:00 AM MEET AT THE SHRINE
10:30 AM OUTDOOR ROSARY WALK
11:00 CONFESSIONS
2:00 MASS

The Retreat is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and will end at 4:00 pm.

The whole Retreat Day will take place at the

Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

500 E. Chelten Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19144*

Here’s a snapshot:

Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

10:00 am: Arrival, coffee, danish, donuts, chat with others, etc.

10:30 am: Rosary walk: Saint Vincent’s Rosary Walk

St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk is an outdoor sacred space at the Basilica Shrine. We will pray the Rosary while we walk along this beautiful prayer garden!

11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Opportunity to go to Confession; self-guided tour of the shrine; visit the gift shop; socialize with others; and/or choose to pray quietly.

12:00 noon: Novena prayers and Mass

Novena and Mass

1:00 pm: Lunch

Lunch provided by Village Caterers

Salad, hot entree, snacks and a choice of a variety of beverages (more information provided once you register)

1:45 pm: Presentation and tour by Program Director Lynda D’Angelo

We will learn about Saint Catherine Laboure’ and the history of the Miraculous Medal and how this shrine came to be . . . lots to learn and see here!

WOMEN ENJOYING LUNCH AT A PREVIOUS PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT

2:30 pm Wine tasting/pairing and Art Museum visit

Let’s pop a few corks and pair some wine and chocolate!

On the retreat day, you will hear about new, exciting happenings within the Prayer Wine Chocolate community! Make new friends and catch up with old ones.

We will also get to explore some new spaces!

The Art Museum of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a great experience for both Marian devotees and art aficionados. The museum contains more than 400 pieces of magnificent Marian and religious art, ranging in date, technique, origin, and subject. One of the largest collections of Marian artwork in one location, the Art Museum at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is for anyone who admires stunning artwork and the myriad artistry of devotion to Mary.

3:45 pm Concluding Prayer and Departure

PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SHRINE IN PHILADELPHIA

Register for the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat today!!

Early bird registration is CLOSED!!!

REGISTER TODAY FOR $150.00 we might sell out sooner than expected!

Save your spot today! Send your payment to Amy Brooks on Venmo (@AmyGouldBrooks)

If you prefer to pay via PayPal, send me an email and I will send you an invoice!

Email me at catholicinfluencers@gmail.com Subject line: RETREAT

Registration between September 13th and October 1st will be $150.00

Registration after October 1st is $160.00

PHOTO OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SHRINE FROM THE PARKING LOT

Exciting News

Lots of new things happening at the Basilica Shrine AND with Prayer Wine Chocolate! I can’t wait to see you so you can learn more!!!

*If you will be attending from another state or plan on staying overnight to be closer in the morning, please contact me before reserving a place to stay! I am from the area and familiar with it, I will help you find a place to stay!

Through the years people have traveled for this one day retreat and that just makes my heart jump for JOY! I’ve been able to pray and enjoy the company with friends from Ohio, North Carolina, New York and New England! I want to encourage you to attend, no matter where you live!

What should you do next?

Register! Email me at Prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com and use the subject line RETREAT. Pay via Venmo or request an invoice from PayPal.

Register before October 1, 2025 for just $150.00

Tell your friends! Share this post and invite them!

Many of the swag bag donations come from my friends over at Catholics Online! Please say a prayer for them and their businesses, and if you are looking for Catholic gifts, shop here!

Catholic Gift ideas
CATHOLICINFLUENCERS.COM

Shop from my Catholic friends here! Shop Catholic

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Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals @catholicsonline

Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

ā€œNo one is asking him for anything!!!ā€

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

ā€œThe flag of the Holy Spirit is JOYā€.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #Catholic #Rosary
Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ā¤ļø

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ā˜ŗļø 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ā¤ļø you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
ā€œLook at his white hair!!!ā€

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means ā€œwhite hairā€

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; ā€œThe Lord knows!ā€
Other woman: He sure does!ā€

Me to friend who also overheard this; ā€œOh I LOVE ā¤ļø this place!!!ā€

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ā€˜s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
ā€œCatholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an ā€œCatholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.ā€

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine šŸ· I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! šŸ„‚ 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts šŸ‘‡šŸ¼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping šŸ›ļø spree šŸ˜‚ 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like th My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like this…
Stop… pause… take a much deeper breath.
Let us make the sign of the cross…

Lead me Lord to the light of truth.
YOU LORD JESUS!
Amen.
Thank you for praying with me!!!

#busymom #prayalways #praymore #Catholicgirl #Catholicministry
Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks are included!!!

Highly recommend these books from @epiphanycatholicco !

Kid tested, Mom approved!

Follow @prayerwinechocolate and @catholicsonline for more inspiring Catholic content and for a great Catholic community!

#CatholicChristian #Catholicmom #Catholickids #CatholicMass #EucharisticAdoration
I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can… but THANK GOD others are also trying to do this too!
Here are a few people that have helped me see God more in this busy world lately:

1. Kristin Reilly over at @manyhailmarysatatime . I try to pray the Rosary with them in the morning and Kristin offers meditations and little prayers and this one ā€œThank you God for this beautiful life!ā€ resonated with me SO MUCH! The reason why is because of what she said after the prayer… she said ā€œif I turn this camera around you would wonder what are you talking about!?ā€ In other words… there’s a mess… but life is still beautiful and it’s all a gift. I started looking at my family and saying, ā€œThank God for this beautiful lifeā€! And oh the JOY!!!!! Thank you Kristin and Jill!!!

2. @siobhanfallonhogan has a podcast with @ewtnmedia called Catholics and Cappuccinos @catholicapps … the conversation with @patriciaheaton has more than one quote I’d like to share. Watch it and be assured… sometimes God says yes to BOTH!

3. @fatherdanreehil … if you are reading this THANK YOU! Wow, if you know someone who left the faith after the whole priest scandal… watch an interview with this priest. I highly suggest the one with @conorgallaghershow because I shared this clip with thousands of people… I’m not exaggerating… trust me, watch it. You’ll probably go down a rabbit hole like I did and honestly, it’ll refresh your soul.

4. The @catholicsonline community has so many inspiring, prayerful, persevering Catholics saying yes to God daily. Thank you @kyliemhein for turning my attention to Exodus 14:14 last week and @catholicwalkthewayeveryday for helping us increase our prayers for our priests.

Your turn… where have you found God online lately?

Ps. Did you come across any I mentioned?!

#findGod #Catholicsonline #prayerwinechocolate #Catholics #Godisgood
Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN! A screen-free act Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN!

A screen-free activity that children love!

Looking for ways to help the kids you love calm their body and mind plus nurture their hearts šŸ’•?

THIS.IS.IT.

@epiphanycatholicco has created these books that allow Mass time with younger souls to be a more prayerful, peaceful experience.

I have bought at least 5 of these!
I give them to my children; my Godsons and my nieces and nephews!

Comment ARTBOOK if you want more details!
Tag your friends who are awesome Godparents and who would just love these for gifts!!

Share in your stories!
God bless you!!

#Catholic #Sacraments #Holygifts #Catholicgifts #Scratchart
Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary with you.

No matter what is on your heart and mind, you can ask Our Lord for anything and ask Our Lady to talk to her Son about it too.

Nothing is too big or small.

Life is hard, pray harder!
@lifes_hard_pray_harder 
 @prayerwinechocolate 

#prayaboutit #Catholic #prayerworks #praytheRosary #believeinmiracles
Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the sil Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the silence of our hearts. Mama Mary calms me so I can get to that quiet place and listen to and rest in Her Son.

Katie and I have been praying together for years… and 3 years ago she converted to Catholicism.
God does miracles, His mom likes to get involved ā¤ļø

Praying the Rosary out loud with a friend is sooo amazing.

Highly recommend.
10 out of 10 STARS

May the peace of Christ be in your heart ā¤ļø 
Come Holy Spirit!

#faithandfriendship #Catholic #Praymore #MamaMary #catholicwoman
What I have done and what I continue to do… becaus What I have done and what I continue to do… because I need all the help and prayers I can get!

I have a FREEBIE that is perfect this time of year! Use all that You aster candy to host a wedding be and chocolate pairing!
Tell your friends to bring their favorite wine and their Rosary!

Friends can write their prayer intentions or share out loud.

If you want the free wine and chocolate sheet comment FREEBIE

If you want ALL THE INFORMATION comment RETREAT!

Let’s keep getting together!

Tag a friend or share with others and start planning your gathering!

God bless you and Come Holy Spirit!

#Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #prayerwinechocolate #Rosarygroup #Rosary
Jk Baseball āš¾ļø practice in a few hours… #momlife # Jk Baseball āš¾ļø practice in a few hours…
#momlife #Catholicmom #Easter #Catholic #funnyreels
Holy Week with young children - bedtime Masses and Holy Week with young children - bedtime Masses and services are definitely not ideal… at least there weren’t for our family.

I once read or heard another mom suggest washing your children’s feet on Holy Thursday… she I tried it and my kids absolutely LOVED it!

In fact, they would ask to wash my feet!

Last year I took my 3 children (8 year old twins and 12 year old) to a Shrine as a sort of modified 7 churches visit.
It was like a holy adventure!

I had planned on taking them to 2 more churches but we stayed at the first place for awhile so we kept it to that one visit.

Holy Week offers many opportunities and invites much silence and contemplation, but young children make what is do-able different.

We want our children to see and understand God’s great love for us. I feel like these activities communicate that- at least partially.

Do you have suggestions for Good Friday or Holy Saturday?

If this was helpful, please share!
Follow @prayerwinechocolate if you seeking more Catholic content!

#catholic #HolyWeek #catholiclife #Christianmom #Catholicmom
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