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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

Shop from my Catholic friends here! Shop Catholic

The post Attend the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate become a Catholic blog and a ministry?

Prayer Wine Chocolate the blog got it’s name from an odd sort of Rosary group.

In my mid-20’s, I started praying the Rosary with a few friends regularly. We would meet in my apartment on Thursday nights. Some would bring food, others, a bottle of wine. We would hang out, share our intentions and pray the Rosary together.

We continued to do this for years. Eventually, we started writing our intentions in a notebook and we became very aware that we had many prayers answered. At one point I said, “we should write a book!” (about how our prayers were answered). Another friend asked in response, “what would we call it?” The host looked around and saw our rosaries, our wine glasses and our chocolate so she said “Prayer Wine Chocolate”.

When I started my blog, I found that no one own the domain “prayerwinechocolate.com” and I mentioned the name as a possibility to my husband. His reaction sealed the deal, he said, “That is SO you!”

So with that, my blog had a name . . .

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate transition from a blog to a ministry?

I ended up writing and sharing many stories of faith and I met many people in the online and Catholic world from sharing my blog posts on Facebook.

Early on, one way a person with a blog would promote their platform was through going Live on Facebook.

I decided a way that would serve others through Facebook Live videos would be if I visited various shrines and churches in the Philadelphia area, I could show these places to others who may never get the chance to visit them.

While I was writing blog posts and sharing my Live videos, I came to know about WINE (Women in the New Evangelization). This ministry shares my love of Catholicism, friendship and a nice wine tasting. I saw them advertising a pilgrimage to Italy . . . it was called Wine and Shrine. I looked at the description and the photos and thought, “that sounds AMAZING!”, but I also thought, “There’s no way I can go”.

I felt bummed. But shortly after I also realized there are Saint shrines and beautiful churches in my area -as well as vineyards that offer wine tastings. So, I decided I could organize a one day retreat similar to the WINE pilgrimage. I was motivated to start planning right away because the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine announced it was closing and I wanted to make sure we got there. I was determined to visit the place where Saint Katharine Drexel lived, worshipped and left this world before it was no longer an option.

That first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat day was held in 2015. I’ve planned about one a year ever since.

How did Prayer Wine Chocolate go from a once a year retreat to a parish ministry?

This is where Betsy’s story begins . . .

The First Step in Starting a Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry

Read that here: The First Step in Starting a Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry

You can support this ministry by shopping in our shop! Fun Prayer Wine Chocolate Apparel and more here!

The post Prayer Wine Chocolate: The Journey from Blog to Ministry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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.

Prayer Wine Chocolate Event Series 2025: Catholic Paint and Sip!

Have you ever wanted to attend a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat and just could not? Have you attended one in the past and would like to attend another?

I’m happy to announce that with help from a regular retreat attendant, we are trying to create more opportunities for you and others to experience a Prayer Wine Chocolate event!

The first we have to offer will be on August 22, 2025.

Space is limited. If you would like to reserve your spot, please email Betsy Scafidi at nlchamps93@hotmail.com and put “Paint Retreat” in the subject line.

Celebrate the Queenship of Mary 

Date: Friday, Aug 22

Time: Doors open at 6 

Location: Our Lady of Grace, Penndel PA

Activity: Painting the Immaculate Heart of Mary 

Cost: $35 per person (There’s a 24 person MAXIMUM for this event.) 

Jillian from Omorphia Retreats will walk us through painting Mary’s Immaculate Heart in honor of her Queenship as well as prayer and reflection. 

I’m REALLY looking forward to this event as wanted to let all of you know before the word gets out since we can only have 24 people.

Space is limited. If you would like to reserve your spot, please email Betsy Scafidi at nlchamps93@hotmail.com and put “Paint Retreat” in the subject line.

Do you want to plan events like this?

If yes, check out this guide!

The post Prayer Wine Chocolate Event Series 2025: Catholic Paint and Sip! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Prayer Wine Chocolate: from blog to ministry

Years ago I started Prayer Wine Chocolate to blog about two things:

One: to share our family’s journey to adopting without paying an adoption agency.

Two: to write Catholic gift guides for Christmas.

What’s that saying . . . you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.

God had so much more planned and I feel like I understand the quote, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure” a little better than I did ten years ago.

I hosted a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat because I wanted to make sure I got to visit the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine in Bucks County, PA before it closed. I also hosted it because I was a little pouty that I couldn’t go on a Wine and Shrine Pilgrimage in Italy . . . so I created a way to do something similar close to home.

I can’t help but think of the words of Archbishop Nelson Perez right now:

“Never underestimate the power of God to work in you, through you and DESPITE you!”

Since that first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat, I’ve hosted a few more, been asked to speak at “Prayer Wine Chocolate” nights for women’s church groups and have witnessed the birth of a Prayer Wine Chocolate community in a Catholic Parish.

I am completely dazzled by the work of the Holy Spirit.

But this last one, the birth of a Prayer Wine Chocolate community, only happened because one woman took initiative and action.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Scafidi purchased the How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat: A Guidebook and ran with it.

Betsy was kind enough to write the following description of how the OLG Prayer Wine Chocolate group came about . . .

Wondering how to start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group at your parish? Here’s how Betsy did it:

Several years ago my sister-in-law came across the information for one of Amy’s Prayer, Wine Chocolate retreats. Although my schedule was busy I figured I would just go along with it.

That day changed my prayer life forever.

As I headed home after a beautiful day that included Mass, learning about St. Gianna, Prayer, new friendships and wine, I felt more peaceful and refreshed than I had in a long time. 

I attended a few more of Amy’s retreats walking away from each one saying to myself, “I needed that.”

I began to wonder how many more women need the same things I was getting;

enrichment to my faith life,

an opportunity to pray with other women and

a place to build Catholic friendships.

So I began to ask the Holy Spirit to show me how to move forward.

One Sunday, I casually mentioned to a fellow parishioner that I was thinking about getting some of the women of the parish together. That was all it took. Those casual words took on a life of their own and before I knew it, I was talking with my DRE about my proposal for a Women’s Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Group.

The First Prayer Wine Chocolate Gathering

At our first meeting over 20 women showed up. We shared snacks, paired wine and chocolate and talked about  the retreats that started it all.

The women were given time to write out prayer intentions and we wrapped up the afternoon by praying the rosary. This was almost 2 years ago. Since then we have gathered about a dozen times.

We discuss living liturgically, participate in service projects, share meatless recipes, learn about prayer journaling and discuss Catholic gift giving all while socializing and praying. Each time we all walk away saying the same thing…

”I needed that.”

To those of you thinking about getting started I would encourage you with the words of Pope St. John Paul II, “Be Not Afraid.” Grab a retreat guide, a few friends and jump right in knowing that I’ll be praying for you!  

Prayer Wine Chocolate: Ministry and Mission

Prayer Wine Chocolate is a Rosary group that inspires and fosters amazing friendships

I sincerely hope more women start these communities at parishes. Betsy and I spoke of a mission statement for these parish groups, and this is what we feel the Lord is calling Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry to do:

Prayer Wine Chocolate provides a way to welcome and encourage women of the parish to embrace their faith more fully. By putting God first and nurturing Catholic friendships, it creates opportunities for women to grow spiritually and socially, accompanying each other as the heart of the home and parish. The time spent in communion with each other empowers women to bridge their prayer lives from the church building into their everyday lives.*

Betsy and I would love if you prayed for this ministry – and for us as we hope to encourage women like to you to start this ministry in your parish!

We’ve begun brainstorming, recruiting friends to help and praying that we can make this happen for more women seeking friendships founded in faith.

Grab your copy of the guide, sign up for the newsletter (and get a free Prayer and Pair sheet) and let’s stay in prayer and in touch!

Need a checklist? Here you go!

1. Purchase a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat/Gathering Guide**
2. Sign up for the newsletter (you’ll get some free resources and you will know about future events, topics to discuss at meetings, etc.)
3. Start talking about starting a Rosary group with snacks. See if anyone is interested, then tell her about Prayer Wine Chocolate!
4. Schedule a meeting with your parish office and offer to run this Rosary group that will benefit the women of the parish in many ways. (*If it helps, share our mission statement above)
5. Pray for this ministry and our ability to provide more resources and support to you! **If after you purchase the guide, you’d like more help, book a consultation call with me here!

The post The First Step to Starting a Parish Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Let’s do this again!!!

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

You’re invited to attend the 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!

The Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat is a great Retreat for Catholic Christian Women

Below is a photo from the first ever Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!! The year was 2016!!!

The Retreat began at the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine (before it moved into Philadelphia from Bensalem, PA).

We have had quite a few since then, and I am so excited to announce we are hosting another one on November 2, 2024!!!

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

Where?

Pre-retreat

We have a space on hold for us at Bishop Estates Winery for Saturday evening.

However, to make the most of this retreat, we encourage everyone to go to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for confession (3:15 pm to 3:45 pm) and Mass at 4:00 pm.

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

Schedule of events for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Start Time: 3:15 pm (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church 100 Broad Street, Hilltown, PA)

Confessions begin at 3:15; Mass at 4:00 pm

After Mass, please travel to Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery (2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie)

*Transportation is not included, please plan accordingly*

End Time: 8:00 pm (winery is open until 9, we have the Lounge until 8:00)

Attending Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for Vigil Mass/Confession is optional.

Official retreat is being held at Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, come as early as 4:30 pm and meet us in the Lounge (down by the gift shop!)

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church

100 Broad Street

Hilltown, PA 18927

I have to share with you, I was feeling like I was not giving you all the full retreat experience when I booked the location at the winery.

I thought, Our Lady Of Czestochowa is about 10 minutes away from the vineyard; maybe they have a 4:00 pm vigil Mass. I looked it up and was disappointed to find they do not.

Then I thought, “maybe there is another church in the area that has a 4:00 pm vigil Mass.” I went to Google and started my search. I found Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and found they have a 4:00 Mass on Saturdays. Then I googled the directions from the church to the winery and like a wink and a smile from Jesus Our Lord – it was revealed to me. This Church is . . . drumroll please

3 MINUTES from the winery! THREE MINUTES!

GOD IS SO GOOD!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church is less than a 4 minute drive from Bishop Estates Winery!!!

After the 4:00 Mass come on over to Bishop Estates Winery. We will be in the Lounge!

So, if you want the full Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat experience; head to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at 3:15 pm, go to confession and attend the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm, then head to Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery.

Please note, transportation will not be provided. Please plan accordingly.

Retreat:

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery 4:45 to 8:00 pm

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery

2730 Hilltown Pike

Perkasie, PA 18944

Catered dinner from Steam Pub and wine from Bishop Estate will be provided.

We will pray the Rosary, eat dinner, enjoy each others company, friendship and have some wine.

We will share the future of the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry!

As always, we have a very laid back purchase your ticket and hold your spot system.

Simply send your ticket purchase or purchase money to my Venmo or PayPal account (see above).

Tickets this year will cost $75.00 (on or before October 15)

Ticket price includes snacks, dinner, bottled water and two glasses of wine.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (full address)

100 Broad St, Hilltown Township, PA 18927

*Transportation is not included, please plan accordingly*

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery (full address

2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie, PA 18944

How do I register for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

Space is limited! Register today before the event sells out!!!

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

1.  Go to Paypal.com and click “send money” OR contact me about paying via Venmo (email me your Venmo name and the amound of tickets you would like; I send you a request for the payment. Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com )
2. Send $75.00 to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com via PayPal or follow directions above for Venmo (if before October 15, 2024 $75.00- if after that date the registration fee is $90.00)
3. Email me (Amy) at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com with the subject Registered!  Tell me you registered and I will respond letting you know if the payment went through and that you are on the list!  (This event will sell out – don’t wait, register today)!!!
4. Look for a response from me!  I’ll be giving you more info about dinner and other details!  I’m so excited!

Why attend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

A couple past retreat participants shared their thoughts last week.

Whitney, says this:

“A few years ago, I decided to go on a solo retreat from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania for the prayer wine chocolate retreat. It was so refreshing having my own spiritual time of renewal. Amy helped me find a retreat center close by and I met up with the group. I really enjoyed making new friends, going to confession, visiting different shrines and having a meal and wine together at the end of the day. God placed so much on my heart that weekend and even in hindsight I can see how that time prepared me for the fruit that was to come in my spiritual life. The friends that I made at that retreat have continued to blossom over the last couple of years. We all shared with each other what God had placed on our heart.  It’s been so fruitful praying for these women and seeing God work in their lives over the past couple of years. We continue to stay in contact with each other and support each other in prayer.  The day was so organized and the retreat bag with religious items from small Catholic shops was one of my favorite keepsakes from that trip. I would hands down do it again!“

Katie, who has attended every Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat since the very first, says this:

“The Prayer, Wine Chocolate Retreat has been a blessing in my life.  Spending the day building friendships and connections with like-minded Catholic women is something that we don’t always have. You can feel isolated and lonely in this world, but knowing you are not alone and have women who support you and pray with you is unmatched.”

Don’t hesitate to come alone! Feel free to invite a friend or two as well!

Support the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry!!!

Each ticket purchase will help us continue to maintain and grow this ministry.

Our new mission statement is:

After one year of watching Betsy Scafidi run a successful and popular Prayer Wine Chocolate prayer group at her parish, we have decided to help other parishes offer this type of faith and fellowship community too.

With the help of Betsy Scafidi and Katie Davis, the Prayer Wine Chocolate community is growing – but we need your help too!

Purchase a ticket! Proceeds will help us create a new Prayer Wine Chocolate Meeting Guide as well as rebuild the website.

You can also purchase some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear to support the ministry!

Sweatshirts, T-shirts, wine tumblers, etc. are great gifts for you and a loved one.

Start shopping here today! Thank you for supporting this wonderful work I so enjoy!

I hope to see you November 2nd!!!

The post You’re Invited! The 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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.

Two Speakers in the Philadelphia Archdiocese are not just bringing refreshing, incredible talks to events, but also holy experiences.

You can find speakers all over the globe by going to Catholicinfluencers.com!

Kate Capato: Sacred Presentations that bring Truth Through Beauty

Book a presentation with Kate Capato, owner of Visual Grace, here!

Taking to heart the concept of leading with beauty, Kate Capato brings a unique event with original paintings and collaborates with husband with live music to share the truths of our faith. It is powerful to see the Holy Spirit working through beauty! 

These are not your typical talks!

Kate’s talks include an immersive experience, an in depth explanation of the language of beauty, instruction about how God communicates with us and a total new way to pray using Visio Divna (a way of listening to God through art).

*** Book an event with Kate Capato here****

Each event is rooted in Church teaching and includes:

• time of Eucharistic focused prayer
• Live music
• original Sacred Art

Amy Brooks: Prayer Journaling Workshops, Confirmation Retreats and the Prayer Wine Chocolate Experience

“Amy’s contributions to the planning and execution of our Confirmation Candidate Retreat resulted in a spiritually enriching and very enjoyable Retreat Day for our seventh through ninth grade youth. Amy is gifted with creative genius and an energetic, joyful personality, which is captivating to both youth and adults.
I strongly recommend Amy as I am certain she will plan an excellent, unforgettable Retreat experience for you!“

–Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM 

The Power of Prayer and Prayer Journaling: a talk and experience for Catholic Adults

When I hit rock bottom, prayer journaling saved me.

Well, it was one of the things that saved me. I felt so alone. So sad. I wondered if God heard me. Reaching out to Him on paper made His love, His “realness” more real to me.

When there is no one around – Our Lord is still there. Writing Jesus letters in a notebook made my relationship more tangible.

I share the power of prayer with others now. Years later I witnessed an absolute miracle. God showed me that He does indeed hear our prayers.

Starting with this Spiritual Adoption Miracle, I assure others that God does hear what we say to Him in the silence of our hearts, in our persistent prayers and in our daily lives.

When I was in my mid-twenties, I often felt like I had nothing to look forward too

Then, a few friends and I would get together on Thursday nights – and during our small gathering, we would pray a Rosary.

I now had something to look forward to. I not only had friends coming over to give my loneliness a retrieve, but our prayer intentions and group Rosary gave me HOPE!

Hope is an incredible gift. Praying with others is so powerful. It’s also incredibly comforting.

These gatherings were the origin of Prayer Wine Chocolate. I share that with anyone and everyone who will listen.

After I share stories of hope and faith – and even some laughs, I help people start their own prayer journals.

Book a call with me here!

We can discuss a Live event, a virtual one or I can help you plan your own event!

Confirmation Retreats with Amy Brooks

Whether you need a DIY Guide or your are looking for a Keynote Speaker, I can help!

Today, more than ever, our children are searching for their identity.

Each of us are made in the image of God. God made every person unique and unrepeatable.

His plans for every single soul are incredible, meaningful and spectacular.

My books, Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are made for the age where your children are growing into adulthood. It’s a confusing time – it has always been a confusing stage of life. Our children are witnessing more confusion and mixed messages than we could have imagined.

Our Lord has a clear message to them and I am here simply to be His mic – maybe His bullhorn.

I would love to visit your parish and speak to both the students and their parents!

If you would like help planning a retreat – take a look at my digital guides:

From God’s Plan to Your Plan: a Bible Study for Boys

and the Be Yourself: Journal Club Guide

These guides give you the freedom and flexibility to plan more than one event – or the inspiration to choose activities and reflections for a one day retreat.

Where can I find more Catholic Speakers?

There are incredible Catholics sharing inspirational stories all over the U.S. and beyond.

Find Catholic Speakers and more over at catholicinfluencers.com

The post Catholic Speakers Bring Experiences as well as Inspiration to Your Parish appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Do you and your friends enjoy prayer, wine and chocolate?!

For those of you who have a great appreciation for getting together with friends that share your love for Christ, here are some great gift ideas!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler

What’s an outdoor party without a wine tumbler to keep a drink fresh and at just the right temperature? Forget breakable glasses—give this uniquely shaped wine tumbler a chance and have fun with friends without worry.

The best part about this wine tumbler is that it has the potential to inspire a conversation about prayer and faith – over a relaxed atmosphere!

Wine tumblers are available in pink and purple!

These tumblers are perfect for outdoor parties and BYOB events!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Tees now in stock!!!

Choose from pretty pink, blue lagoon and lilac tee shirts – perfect for the summer!

I also am loving the baseball feel of the Raglan 3/4 sleeve shirts!

Two styles of those available! Browse all the options here!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirts

My sister-in-law Maria bought one of these recently and says she LOVES IT! Then she followed up with, “seriously, it’s my favorite sweatshirt – it is sooo comfy!”

You can totally rock this classic sweatshirt silhouette with ribbed crew neck, long sleeve cuffs, and a flat hem. Layer it up or wear it on its own for a contemporary streetwear look. With the soft fleece inside and comfortable fit, it’s sure to become your favorite everyday sweater right away!

Navy is a favorite color!

Prayer Wine Chocolate Hooded Sweatshirt

I have one of these Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodies and I absolutely love it – I think it’s because the pouch is the perfect place to put my phone when I’m busy with so many other things!

The hoodie is soft and the warm hood is such a gift on chilly evenings – even in the summer!

Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate Event!!!

Prayer, Wine, Chocolate started as a Rosary night in my apartment when I was single. Years later the name “Prayer Wine Chocolate” came up when the women that I had prayed with for years (over wine and chocolate) were talking about all our answered prayers – and saying jokingly, we should write a book. We wondered, what would we call it?” And someone said, “Prayer Wine Chocolate” (instead of Eat, Pray, Love)!

That name came to me as I began thinking about starting a blog – and here we are!

I created a DIY Digital Guide so you can start planning your own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat right away!

The guide covers 4 different types of “events” – some very low key, some more involved but all so much fun!!!

Recently a woman used this guide to start a regular prayer group in her parish!

Here is what she has to say about How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guidebook:

I just used Amy’s retreat guide to help me plan a mini retreat for the women in my parish. It was super easy to do following the guide and the response was incredible. For anyone who feels the pull of the Holy Spirit to plan something like this….Get the guide and DO IT!!!! Every single woman at the event said the same thing…We NEED this. I now have a team of women working on our next gathering.

Are you on the fence? Not sure you can do it without a little help?

I am here to help you get started!

You can book a 30 minute call with me and I’ll walk you through how I planned events that embraced our beautiful Catholic faith and invited women to enjoy praying together, sharing intentions and developing friendships strong in faith.

Do you want me to help you plan the event or come to speak at your parish, women’s group or school?

Let’s book a call and discuss available packages!

I’m still booking for 2023 and have already started booking 2024! Don’t delay, let’s talk today!

Would you like to shop some more? Browse the whole Prayer Wine Chocolate store!

The post The Prayer Wine Chocolate Gift Guide (for Catholic Women) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

You’re invited to attend the 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!

When: November 5, 2022 (Saturday)

Time: 7:45 am – 3:00 pm

Schedule of events for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

Arrival: Nativity of Our Lord Church/ Saint Gianna Shrine (605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA)

7:45 am: arrival at Saint Gianna Shrine located at Nativity of Our Lord Church

8:00 am: Mass

8:30 – 9:30 – Saint Gianna talk and veneration of relics

The canonization of Saint Gianna is the first of its kind. Many mothers have been beatified for their heroic virtues but they entered religious life after becoming widowed. In St Gianna’s case, the very condition of her being a spouse and mother is being exalted and highlighted. St Gianna is the first canonized woman physician and professional who was also a “working mom”.

A presentation will be given and you will be able to venerate Saint Gianna’s gloves.

9:30 am: break

10:00: Travel to Our Lady of Czestochowa (654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA)

travel is provided and included

10:30: Rosary walk with group; then free time at the Shrine

We will take some time to experience quietness, tranquility and spiritual nourishment at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

11:30: Leave National Shrine of Czestochowa and travel to Crossings Vineyard

12:00: Lunch and wine tasting at Crossings Vineyard

Crossing Vineyards’ lovely grounds, located less than a mile from the place where George Washington crossed the Delaware in 1776.  A dozen different grape varietals are grown on the 20 acre vineyard.

2:00: Explore vineyard, socialize, purchase wine, etc.

3:00: Retreat ends upon return to the Shrine of Saint Gianna

How do I register for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

Space is limited! Register today before the event sells out!!!

1.  Go to Paypal.com and click “send money”.
2. Send $185.00 to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com (if before September 10, 2022- if after that date the registration fee is $195.00)
3. Email me (Amy) at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com with the subject Registered!  Tell me you registered and I will respond letting you know if the payment went through and that you are on the list!  (This event will sell out – don’t wait, register today)!!!
4. Look for a response from me!  I’ll be giving you more info about lunch and other details!  I’m so excited!

*Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Due to the transportation portion of this retreat and the preference of small groups at the local wineries space is limited!!!

Ticket price includes:*

• Light breakfast and all retreat activities
• Lunch and wine tasting at Crossings Vineyard
• Transportation from shrine to shrine to vineyard
• A special gift for you 

Can’t make the retreat? Host your own!

The How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guidebook guide will provide all you need to start small and hold a simple prayer group in your home and also equip you with plans to “go bigger” with one day pilgrimages and/or a day of reflection that is reverent as well as refreshing. Get started today . . . plan an event that will lift your spirits and your soul towards heaven!

There are 4 main types of “Prayer Wine Chocolate” Retreats

1.The Micro-Retreat

2.The “Prayer and Pair” Party

3.The Tour the Shrine then Taste the Wine Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

4. The Prayer Wine Chocolate Day of Reflection

This guide explains how to plan all four types!

Click here to purchase: How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Would you like to stay connected to find out about future events?

Yes, add me to your email list!

The post Register for the 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

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

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

Registration to this event is CLOSED!

Take some time out of the busy fall season to reconnect with the Lord;

enjoy the faith and friendship of others

and recharge your soul with prayer, wine and chocolate!

When is this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

Registration to this event is CLOSED!

When:  Sunday, October 17, 2021

Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Rosebank Winery

 258 DURHAM RD., NEWTOWN, PA  18940 

Join us for a light breakfast, prayer, Mass in the Vineyard. lunch, wine tasting and more!

Tentative Schedule

10:00 am – arrival, coffee, donuts, light breakfast.

10:30 – 11:30 – Social hour, shopping & browsing from a few Catholic vendors; self-tour of the vineyard and a few fun surprises .

11:30 – Official welcome and opening prayer.

Brief talk on the theme of the day: REST, RESET AND SERVE.

Distribution of retreat packets; time to spend in quiet and contemplation around the vineyard.

12:15 – Pray the Rosary as a group.

1:15 – Celebration of Sunday Mass with Father Christopher Walsh*

2:15 – Lunch: a “High Tea” with tea, coffee and an assortment of tea sandwiches will be provided and served by the caterers from Steam Pub .

3:00 – Wine tasting, self-tour of the vineyard; socializing.

4:40 – Closing Prayer

5:00 – Departure

• *Please bring a chair for outdoor Mass. Also, a folded beach towel might make a good outdoor kneeler!

We will spend the entire day at Rosebank Winery and have a beautiful room reserved.

Mass will be outside in the vineyard weather permitting!

Bring a chair for the outdoor Mass that is being said by Father Christopher Walsh!

How do I register for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

1.  Go to Paypal.com and click “send money”.
2. Send $115.00 to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com (if before September 10, 2021- if after that date the registration fee is $115.00)
3. Email me (Amy) at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com with the subject Registered!  Tell me you registered and I will respond letting you know if the payment went through and that you are on the list!  (This event will sell out – don’t wait, register today)!!!
4. Look for a response from me!  I’ll be giving you more info about lunch and other details!  I’m so excited!

Registration to this event is CLOSED!

****************There are only 25 spaces available!*****************

ONCE AGAIN, THIS RETREAT HAS SOLD OUT!!!

• The retreat will begin with our group meeting at the Rosebank Winery  258 DURHAM RD., NEWTOWN, PA  18940 
• We have been given permission to have Mass in the vineyard. Father Christopher Michael Walsh will be the celebrant.
• After Mass we will eat lunch at the winery.  More information on what lunch options are will be available once you register!
• Bring your Rosary and a lawn chair! More details for the day are still being finalized. We will be spending time in prayer and Catholic fellowship.

The Retreat will end between 4:30 and 5:00 pm.

We are still working out the agenda! I will keep you posted on more details as they fall into place!

To reserve your ticket, send an $115.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

Cost of the entire day is NOW 115.00 per person Pay via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com if you purchase your ticket by September 10th!  Tickets purchased after September 10th will be $115.00 (if seats are still available)

*Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Due to the transportation portion of this retreat and the preference of small groups at the local wineries space is limited!!!

Ticket price includes:*

• Light breakfast and all retreat activities
• Late Lunch (early dinner) inside the Buckman Barn
• Wine tasting at the Rosebank winery
• A special gift for you 

Sign me up!

*Please note a refund can NOT be guaranteed.  Deposits are already made to Rosebank Winery. Please make sure you mark your calendar before you save your seat!

To reserve your ticket, send an $105.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com 

Don’t forget to pray the Rosary!

I am so looking forward to seeing you at the Retreat!

Make sure you are subscribed to this newsletter so we can stay in touch until then!!!

The post You’re Invited to The 2021 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

There are affiliate links in this post. Thank you so much for your support!

******** This EVENT IS SOLD OUT!!!!!**************

To reserve your ticket, send an $80.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

Take some time out of the busy fall season to reconnect with the Lord;

enjoy the faith and friendship of others

and recharge your soul with prayer, wine and chocolate!

******** This EVENT IS SOLD OUT!!!!!**************

To reserve your ticket, send an $80.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

Let’s tour the shrine . . . then pour the wine!

******** This EVENT IS SOLD OUT!!!!!**************

To reserve your ticket, send an $80.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

When:  Sunday, November 4, 2018

Where: Part 1: Saint Gianna Shrine at Nativity of our Lord (605 Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974)

Part 2:  Two Bucks County Vineyards

Time:  11:00 am to 5:00 pm

There are only 12 spaces available!

• The retreat will begin with our group meeting in front inside the Saint Gianna Shrine (which is located inside Nativity’s Church) at 11:00 am.
• We will hear about St. Gianna, venerate her relics and pray, then attend the 12:00 noon Mass.
• After Mass we will go to the church hall for lunch and for wine glass painting!!!
• There will also be a chance to shop Catholic Jewelry from Relics by Rose.  Rose will also be available for consultation if you need a old Rosary repaired!

This year, lunch is included!

After lunch and wine glass painting we will be driven to two local vineyards for wine tasting!

Unlike the previous two years, we will not be attending a formal vineyard tour.  We will wine taste and explore in a more relaxed setting.

We will return the Nativity (the Saint Gianna Shrine) between 5:00 and 5:30.

Cost of the entire day is 80.00 per person Pay via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

*Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Due to the transportation portion of this retreat and the preference of small groups at the local wineries space is limited!!!

Ticket price includes:

Transportation to and from two Bucks County wineries (pick up and drop off at St. Gianna Shrine)

Lunch at the shrine

Wine glass painting and a wine glass

Wine tasting at two wineries

A special gift for you

******** AS OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018 THERE ARE ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!!!**************

To reserve your ticket, send an $80.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

Come enjoy a day to 

• reconnect with Our Lord
• relax your mind, body and soul
• enjoy time with friends (old and new)
• take in the beautiful Fall views of changing leaves
• Learn new wine facts while tasting and toasting to all of God’s gifts
• Experience Catholic fellowship and community in a whole different way

Please don’t wait to reserve your spot!  This event has sold out each year!!!

To reserve your ticket, send an $80.00 payment via PayPal to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com

As soon as I get your payment, I will send you an email confirming your payment and reserved seat.

Once the retreat is sold out, this post will be updated and will state “event sold out”.

I look forward to praying with and you and wine tasting with you!

May the Lord bless you abundantly!!! Cheers!

Amy

Want to learn more about Saint Gianna?  Check out this book available on Amazon: The Journey of Our Love: The Letters of Saint Gianna Beretta and Pietro Molla Paperback – January 8, 2014

Make sure you are the first to hear of events like this; subscribe to prayerwinechocolate by clicking below (and enjoy the free coloring pages too)!

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The post You’re Invited! The 2018 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.