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Apr 10, 2017
Catholic Influencers

Catholic Social Media Influencers: Volume 1

Catholic social mediaSocial Media is impacting our culture and history in a way that is undeniable . . . and fast.

If you look at the effect social media has on people of all ages, it can be quite unsettling.

As an adult, studies show the use of certain platforms effect general happiness. For example:

A New, More Rigorous Study Confirms: The More You Use Facebook, the Worse You Feel

For the youth:

The American Academy of Pediatrics established the council in 2007 with the recognition that growing media platforms touch on virtually every health concern pediatricians have about young people: aggression, sex, drugs, obesity, self-image and eating disorders, depression and suicide — even learning disorders and academic achievement.

From: Young people and social media: Docs examine pitfalls

socialmediaoutside.jpg

While these platforms may have some alarming effects, they also have a presence of faith and inspiration.

Catholic Social Media Influencers is a group I created and run on Facebook.  Much more is in store for the future with this amazing community of both men and women who write, own businesses, create products and more.

Each week I plan to introduce you to a few of these incredibly faithful and talented Catholics.  Each of them is doing their best to:

Be who God meant them to be . . . and set the world on fire!

I encourage you to

visit their websites,

follow them on social media

and consider how they can help you grow your faith.

Keep them in mind if your brand desires help in spreading a message or making an announcement.

And consider looking further into the services they provide.

Without further hesitation, allow me to introduce you to:

Sara Estabrooks

Hi! I’m Sara, author of ToJesusSincerely.com. On my blog, I open up my personal prayer life to you, and I hope you will open your heart and pray along with me. My meditations (and blog name) originate from my personal letters to Jesus, handwritten during Eucharistic Adoration. In my monthly Virtue Challenge, we pinpoint one virtue to learn and pray about, and incorporate in our daily lives through the grace of God. I hope to have you join me on this spiritual journey, as we develop closer communication with saraeJesus our Savior.

Where can you be found on social media?
Facebook.com/ToJesusSincerely
Pinterest.com/2JesusSincerely
Twitter.com/2JesusSincerely
Instagram.com/ToJesusSincerely

What type of wine is your favorite?
My comfort drink of choice is a cup of herbal tea: fruit-flavored, please!

What is your favorite chocolate?
Right now, I could really go for some chocolate covered gummy bears… or almonds… or strawberries… or pretty much anything dipped in chocolate.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?
You can learn all about my busy-mom prayer life here. https://tojesussincerely.com/2017/01/16/hey-busy-family-how-do-you-pray/

My favorite quote is from Pope St. John Paul the Great:

“Families become what you are.”

It speaks volumes about the potential of a family to grow together in holiness, expanding, influencing, and changing each other for the better. I also take it personally. I want to become the person I am, the person God sees when He look at me, the person He made me to be.

What services do you provide?
Since my goal is to help you grow in faith, I do my best to provide you with free prayer tools. Check out my monthly Virtue Challenge https://tojesussincerely.com/virtue-challenge-home/, and download some prayer printables https://payhip.com/tojesussincerely!

If you’re interested in having my voice contribute to your website, contact me about pricing for freelance writing.

My husband and I are also an NFP teaching couple, certified through Couple to Couple League in the Sympto-thermal method. You can read our story here https://www.facebook.com/notes/sara-estabrooks/natural-family-planning-our-story/10100415412836566.

Contact info
tojesussincerely@gmail.com (blog)
chadandsaranfp@gmail.com (NFP teaching)

FUN FACT ABOUT SARA’S WEBSITE: HER 11 YEAR OLD BROTHER SOMETIMES WRITES A GUEST POST!

Ginny Kochis

Ginny

I’m Ginny Kochis, a Catholic wife, homeschooling mom, and teaching writer from the Northern Virginia area. I write with honesty, humor, and clarity to challenge the stereotypes surrounding authentic femininity, gifted and twice exceptional homeschooling, and family literacy bonds, seeking to reveal the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith in every piece.

Ginny can be found on social media at:

Facebook: facebook.com/notsoformulaic ; Instagram: instagram.com/ginnykochis;

 Pinterest: pinterest.com/mrskochis ; Twitter: twitter.com/ginny_kochis

What type of wine is your favorite?

Definitely a Malbec, hands down.

What is your favorite chocolate?

Preferably dark, but I’ll take anything I can get.

What is your favorite prayer and/or quote?

The rosary. I’ve always felt close to Mary, but raising a son after having two girls has meant a huge shift in how I look at her relationship with Jesus. It’s helped me come to know Christ as both God and man.

What services do you provide?

In addition to offering quality writing instruction both online and in person, I am available for freelance writing opportunities, speaking engagements, and sponsored posts. You can see my resume here (www.notsoformulaic.com/resume); a copy of my media kit is available upon request.

Contact info

Find me on the web at Not So Formulaic or via email at ginny.kochis(at)gmail.com

GET READY, GINNY HAS SOME NEW IDEAS BLOOMING THIS SPRING!  One might find book reviews from her young daughters!!!

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Comments

  1. Jeanie Egolf says

    April 12, 2017 at 6:38 am

    Standing. Up. Cheering. Well, in my mind! (In reality I’m sprawled on couch with a box of tissues and the latest nasty cold going aroound, lol!) Yay for starting this group, Amy!

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

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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 🙂

Will you stop and pray with me? Any special inten Will you stop and pray with me?

Any special intentions?
Cheers to Friday! 🍷 I was SO EXCITED when a while Cheers to Friday! 🍷
I was SO EXCITED when a while back THE @stephanieweinert Stephanie Weinert tagged me in her #7quicktakes #sevenquicktakes #fridayintroductions post.

I’m jumping in today! 

1. I recently took my own “headshots”. The first photo is one of MANY photos I took. It was super windy that day. If you need professional photos… give it a try - you can save a ton of $ this way! I used a tripod and my phone!

2. I see a lot of people posting photos of 2016. In 2016 I heard Gianna Emanuela (daughter of Saint Gianna) give a talk. I remember thinking, “her Dad sounds like a saint too!” I got to meet her. My husband and oldest son met her and asked her to pray that we could adopt again. 40 weeks later our twins were born!

3. Gianna Emmanuela is doing all she can to help the world see how holy her Father was. She has made prayer cards with Ecclesiastic approval. I’m asking Pietro Molla to intercede for a special intention. I will post more about this soon! He is such an inspiring man!

4. I have two guilty pleasures. I love getting my hair done and every once in a while I get a box from Stitch Fix. My coat was in one of those boxes.

5. I can’t remember all the pictures I chose for this post. I’m super forgetful. It’s not my age, I’ve always been this way. Saint Anthony is busy with just me most of the time.

6. We are taking our Christmas tree down this weekend. I loved our tree so much this year. My husband, all 3 children and me picked it out. We all agreed upon it and it really is so perfect.

7. I’m not so great at tech. I don’t know how to go back and see which pictures I posted without deleting this whole post. I promised after this post I would play a @saints.alive.pod episode for my daughter. I’m off to listen to another episode for at least the 3rd time. Hoping a new one comes out soon 😉 

Thank you for reading all that! I’m so grateful you’re here! Tell me something about you!!!

Thank you Stephanie for tagging me months ago? ago… This is how behind I am on everything!
Who wants friends that pray behind your back!? Who Who wants friends that pray behind your back!?
Who wants friends that will pray with you and for you?
Let’s bless one another and pray as much as possible!!!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

#Catholicfriends #praymoreworryless
Small prayer groups can be so powerful! I had so Small prayer groups can be so powerful!

I had so much fun attending this Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish gathering!

Even though it was dark before it began…
Even though it cold and raining…
Even though life is so incredibly busy…
These ladies left their homes to pray together and share some time to just be themselves!

Jessica Benfield leads this Prayer Wine Chocolate group in Pennsylvania.

Do you want to lead a parish Prayer Wine Chocolate group?
If yes, comment below!

I can help you make it happen!!

Come Holy Spirit!

#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicfriends #missionarydisciples #newevangelization #PraytheRosary
1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption 1. Get more people praying the Spiritual Adoption Prayer…this prayer saves lives!
2. Get more young people copies of Be Yourself Journals! Wondering about identity is normal and common… these books has guidance, answers and it’s fun to use!
3. Establish more Prayer Wine Chocolate parish groups. Women desire friends they can pray AND laugh with!

Which number- or numbers- do you think I should focus on most?!!???

Please comment! I need your help!

Seriously, I have ADHD.

#Catholic #prolife #Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #Catholicmom
Would you love a girls’ night out with women who s Would you love a girls’ night out with women who share your faith, but you aren’t quite sure how to make that happen?

If you’re seeking Catholic friendships without losing fun, a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is exactly what you (and other women in your parish!) didn’t know you needed.

And now, starting this kind of group at your own parish is easy, with the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit! You don’t need to be an event planner, have a background in theology, or know a whole bunch of people in your parish to get started — you just have to be willing to say “yes” to the Lord’s invitation to get the ball rolling, and we’ll walk you through the rest!

We created a digital kit which you can get BUT grab the FREE resource first (huge thank you to Jessica from @sallykpub who designed it, to @vacationlearning_blog who inspired the movement and @dellamadonnarosaries who sponsored it)

COMMENT FRIENDS if you want to learn more!!

This isn’t a formal Bible study that’s intimidating or involves lots of homework you don’t have time for. It’s simply a low-prep, easy to run, and inviting format to gather Catholic women together in fun, conversation, and prayer. Your future faith friends are waiting to meet you — the Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit will help you make that happen!

#Catholic #GNO #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #catholicmom
I LOVE this shop!!! @novenaroseco Whether you’re I LOVE this shop!!!
@novenaroseco 
Whether you’re looking for a personalized gifts, practical gifts with just the right dose of holy humor or a group of gifts for your Board of Directors you will be pleased with the work and options made available by Jennifer and John!

Give @novenaroseco a follow and remember them when you’re shopping 🛍️!

#Catholicpriest #Catholic #Catholicgifts #catholicbusiness #personalizedgifts
Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much . . . Jesus, Mary and Joseph
I love you very much . . .
 
#HolyFamily #JesusMaryandJoseph #Catholicprayer #itsawonderfullife
I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christ I once read that more souls enter heaven on Christmas Eve then any other day of the year.
Jesus wants us all to be with Him… and He’s fun. He loves a birthday party… and a wedding 😉 
💧 —> 🍷 
Should I write more details?

#SaintNick #istillbelieve #christmasisaseason #catholicsofinstagram
Catholic kids Stocking Stuffers! @hewo_store @ep Catholic kids Stocking Stuffers!
 @hewo_store 
@epiphanycatholicco 
@shininglightdolls 
@sallykpub 
@12thandblossom 

Follow
@catholicsonline for more ideas and inspiration!

#stockingstuffers #holygifts #Catholic #Catholickids
A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift! Ide A DIY Catholic Journal Kit is such a FUN gift!
Ideas of what to include:
1. A copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls 
2. A zipper pouch
3. Two or more stickers 
4. A fun pen
5. A holy card 
6. Washi tape
7. Set of fine tip markers, gel pens and/or colored pencils.

Would you add anything!?
I would have LOVED this as a kid…you?

#journalkit #tweenjournal #devotional
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls! I’m sti Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls!
I’m still so excited and grateful I was given the opportunity to write this book!!!
#catholicmom #catholicsonline #catholicchristian #catholic 
Thank you @whispersofloveandfaith Tammi for your recent review!!

“ I bought one of Amy’s journals for my daughter when she was 12. Each page encourages them to be the best version of themselves. I love how this journal appeals to both the introvert/extrovert and the artistic/non-artistic. There’s so much for everyone in this journal.”
This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼 Thanks to my daughter This was a team effort! 👍🫶🏼
Thanks to my daughter for helping me make this reel!

#Catholicsonline #momlife #tweenbooks #author
Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and gr Life has been madness 🌪️ 🤡 but I’m so happy and grateful for the moments that slip in between.
Happy Sunday!
Merry Advent!
God bless you!

#Catholicblog #Catholic #catholicsofinstagram #catholiccontent
Getting to know God better and learning who you ar Getting to know God better and learning who you are in His eyes can be fun and exciting!

The Be Yourself Journals offer a guide that help 9 to 13 year olds learn introspection and personal prayer.

Order from me this week and get a free surprise gift!
Also available on Amazon and other online bookstores!

Up level this gift by adding gel pens, washi tape and other fun stationary for girls… for boys, include a fidget pen!

Let me know if you need the link or if you have questions!

If you bought one before, share your thoughts in the comments so others can read them!

Thank you for your support!

#Catholicgift #Catholicgifts
Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!??? When I was Why is it that girls can be SO MEAN!???
When I was a “tween” I longed to fit in with the other girls that shared my interests… but, I was not welcomed.

It hurt. It hurt a lot.

I wondered why… why did they not want to be my friend?
Why wasn’t I considered “cool”?

I asked my mom… and her advice to me was, “Just Be Yourself “.

I know she wanted to help me… but I wish she not only said that, but handed me this book too.

That is why I wrote it.

God DOES have plans and talents unique to every person… but when we are young we are still discovering His call for us.

My Catholic faith saved me.

The wisdom of Our Lord and the Saints that surrendered their lives to Him are so helpful.

And the best part… learning this can be enjoyable!!!
If you know a young girl around the ages of 10 to 13 who is struggling… give them this book!

Buy it from me this week and I’ll mail it with a sticker and a holy card!

I highly recommend you add fun pens, markers, washi tape and other things found in a journal kit!
She’ll love it… and you will too!

Move over mean girls… our God is bigger than that drama!

#meangirls #67 #middleschool #tweengirls #faithandfriendship #Catholicmom #Christianmom #dramadramadrama
A Christian gift that will be LOVED!!! Enter @12th A Christian gift that will be LOVED!!! Enter @12thandblossom !

So much fun! So inspiring! So much JOY!

#Christiangift #Catholicgift #keepchristinchristmas
One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter t One person will WIN all of these and more! Enter to win NOW! Contest ends Dec.1

Comment ME if you want the link!!!

#Stockingstuffers #Catholic #Catholicmom
When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a sil When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a silver and blue medal fastened to my school uniform with a pin. My mom put that medal on my uniform. I don’t remember asking any questions, but I still think that blue was so pretty.
Fast forward about 9 years, and another memory surfaces… my Dad took our family to a church in a neighborhood we had to drive to. I remember parking across the street and entering the front doors of the @miraculousmedal Shrine. I recall the pads of paper placed on the marble in front of the different statues. These little memo 📝 pads were notes to God, asking Our Lady to intercede for us. I loved that I could write an intention but that one of the suggestions was “for a Catholic boyfriend” I was 15, I checked that box.
But honestly, I wasn’t a “Mary” person when it came to prayer.
Any personal prayer addressed Jesus or God.
10 years later my friend’s Mom gave me a Miraculous Medal keychain. I put it on my keys and life went on…

And over a decade later… it was that shrine I went to with this big idea about a Catholic gift guide and a giveaway.

But confession, many times in between those years each and every time I was going through something hard,I visited that place.
I poured my hearts desires on those little memo papers.
I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray for me.
I begged God to answer my prayers.

And He did.

Without me knowing the details of the Miraculous Medal.
But that time I went in there with the gift guide and giveaway idea… I was asked if I was only going to write one blog post.

That question inspired a second.
I researched the Miraculous Medal and read that Our Lady promised graces, especially to those who wore it around their neck.

More graces? Yes please 

I wrote a post…” 5 Reasons Why I wear a Miraculous Medal and maybe You Should Too”.
Church Pop @churchpop asked if they could publish it.
It went viral… at least viral for me.

And a few weeks ago, I brought about 30 women there for a retreat.

I didn’t pursue Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… I pursued her Son.
My pursuit was sloppy.
Like any mother, she couldn’t resist helping me a little.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you
No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generos No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generosity and power.

#Hope #yearofhope #empireofhope #Godismerciful
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