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Feb 17, 2025
Catholic Influencers&middot Faith&middot Life&middot Resources

Dare to Be a BETTER Christian For Lent

Dare to Be a BETTER Christian For Lent

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.

Years ago, when I started my first job as a teacher, I heard a quote from Mother (now Saint) Teresa of Calcutta that changed my life.

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

The quote was something like this, “Smile at one another, this will help you grow to love one another”.

I decided to test out this advice. I walked into my classroom and smiled at two students who clearly did not like me. I forced the smile, and I looked ridiculous. Those students looked at each other and laughed at me.

I continued to do this each day and eventually we were all laughing at me.

Those two girls and I developed such a beautiful bond! It worked, Mother Teresa’s advice worked! I write much more about this experience here: Mother Teresa’s Advice for Teachers

This Lent, I want to offer you a workbook that was inspired by that experience.

I want you to put your faith into action and see the amazing results that can and will take place.

Be not afraid! Dare to be a better Christian this Lent!

Sneak peak at the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook!

40 Truth or Dares for Lent

This challenge will work best paired with a prayer journal. In the workbook, there are spaces to write about some challenges, checklists for others. Pairing it with a prayer journal will give you the freedom to dive deep into each experience and really reflect and contemplate these beautiful acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. If you want to learn more about prayer journaling, take a look at my last post: The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025

The Dare to be a Better Christian for Lent Workbook has 40 Challenges listed. Each challenge is inspired by Scripture, Saints and general Christian teachings and beliefs. Here are a few of them:

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Truth or Dare #1: Smile

Truth: How often do you smile at people? Who are the last 5 people you smiled at while looking in their eyes?

Dare: Smile at people today. Intentionally look at people and smile at them. Make it weird.

Truth or Dare #4: Serve

Truth: Describe the last time you served or helped someone joyfully.

Dare: Help at least 5 people joyfully today. If you’re not “feeling it” . . . fake it until you make it as they say!

Dare Inspiration: The words of Saint Katharine Drexel:

“If we wish to serve God and love our neighbor well, we must manifest our joy in the service we render to him and them. Let us open wide our hearts. It is joy which invites us. Press forward and fear nothing.”

Truth or Dare #5: Give

Truth: When was the last time you gave money to a charity? What charity was it? How much did you give?

Dare: Give today. Go to a fast food place and pay extra – tell the cashier it’s for the next person’s order.

Dare inspiration: Sacred Scripture: Acts 20:35

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.“

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Truth or Dare #8: Nourish your relationship with God

Truth: When was the last time you opened up a Bible and read it for 10 minutes or more?

Dare: Spend 10 minutes today reading the Bible. Don’t read it on your phone, pick up an actual Bible and read it for 10 minutes or more.

Dare inspiration: The words of Saint Jerome:

“When we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us.”

Truth or Dare # #15: Fast

Truth: When was the last time you made a sacrifice for God or for poor sinners?

Dare: Drink only water today; offer this sacrifice to God.

Purchase the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent Truth or Dare Challenge now!

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Double Dare Challenge

I want this to be something you can do all Lent. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or not make it through the whole season. However, on some days if you are feeling extra “into” it, I DOUBLE DARE you to do both the truth and the dare.

Use your journal to respond to the TRUTH in the morning and take the dare during the day.

At the end of the day, write how the dare went:

Did you do it?

Was it easy?

Did something unexpected happen?

Recording your response in a prayer journal to the “Truth Question” or the “Dare Challenge” will help you spend more time in reflection and go deeper into your faith and prayer time.

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

Why purchase the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook?

When you purchase this digital product, you will get all 40 Truth or Dare challenges.

The workbook can be printed out, so you have that physical reminder in your sight each day.

Truth or Dares can be fun! Each challenge will allow you to spend time thinking about your faith, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and provide opportunities to show love for God and others!

Purchase the Truth or Dare Workbook here!

40 (More) Prayer Journal Prompts

Printable Catholic Coloring Pages

How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guidebook (ON SALE!)

when you purchase any of those, you will receive a free copy of Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent!

Get it now! 40 Truth or Dare Challenges for Lent!

Free resources for Lent!

The Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook is brand new, but here are some old but good Lenten resources from me for free!

When you sign up for my email newsletter, you receive two free Lenten resources:

  1. 39 Ways to Keep Lent Holy
  2. Lenten Prayer Journal Prompts
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Previous Post: « The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025
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Comments

  1. Cyn Gagen says

    February 18, 2025 at 12:12 am

    Bought the bundle and absolutely love the Dare to Be a Better Christian for Lent workbook. Thanks so much for that! It has so many great ideas in it for Lent and I can’t wait to dig into it even further.

    • Amy says

      February 27, 2025 at 9:32 am

      Thank you so much!! I am so happy to read that you like it and so delighted to see a comment on a blog post – it’s been a while!!! God Bless You friend!

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

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

When I was growing up my friend used to invite me When I was growing up my friend used to invite me to go to “fellowship” with her at their church. That was not a word or idea I was familiar with… 

Later I was taught that faith is a gift… but I didn’t truly understand that until it was faith that was keeping me hanging on…
Having friends to share prayer intentions with and who will not only pray with you but laugh and become your community is priceless,
5 Stars: Highly recommend!

Want more information? Comment friends below!!!

#Catholic #faithandfriendship
Let us pray together for our priests! In the name Let us pray together for our priests! In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Saint Teresa of Avila is credited with this quote: “Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them”.

The parish I have been attending for over 20 years has always been blessed either such wonderful priests. I am so grateful, and if I’m being honest, quite sad to see this one go on to another assignment.

Let us fervently pray for all Catholic priests… for they truly help us know and love Jesus Christ more.

God bless Father Windle … and @irishclan7 we loved the ice cream truck at his farewell. Our twins had actually made up a song they would sing on pancake breakfast days… perhaps one day I’ll convince them to sing it for you or for Father Windle 😉 

If you’ve read this far, comment the name of a priest you are praying for!

#Catholic #Saintquotes #catholicpriest #Catholicpriests #Catholicparish
Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off yo Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off your order from @shininglightdolls 

I catch my daughter using these books often! She’s 9 but has loved them for a couple years now!

#Catholic #Catholicinfluencer #Catholicgifts
If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from heaven… it might say this!

Only about 7 Saints were highlighted in the Be Yourself Journal…. Saint Maria Goretti was one of those Saints.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Comment below if you want me to read the other letters!

#Catholic
Is your child nervous about starting at a new scho Is your child nervous about starting at a new school in the Fall?
Do you want chapter books that are great for beginners and have an element of familiarity th?
If yes, I highly recommend this series by @mariarileyauthor Maria Riley!

My son read the Saint John Bosch book together and we both enjoyed it!

Maria… what are the other titles in the series?
Parents, Godparents, Grandparents and super Aunts… get these for the 1st through 3rd graders you know!

Follow @catholicsonline @prayerwinechocolate and @mariarileyauthor for more posts like this!

#Catholicfiction #Catholickids #Catholicmom #catholicteacher #CatholicsOnline
I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a favorite page of the Be Yourself Journal? Or is this your first time seeing it?

Tag your friends with daughters!

#CatholicChristian #girlbook #tweengirl #Catholic #girlmom
What if we combined prayer journaling with junk jo What if we combined prayer journaling with junk journaling???

Let’s find out together with @wendytownley on Saturday morning!

Join us for a fun workshop- and put some time to be pray and be creative on your calendar this weekend!
Want more info? Type JOURNAL in the comments!
Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling i Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling in love with prayer on a whole new level!!
Join @wendytownley and Amy Brooks @prayerwinechocolate to learn more!

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #prayerjournal #junkjournal #jesusjournaljunkies
Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME!
So thankful @allentowndiocese hosted and organized this beautiful day with the help of Trials to Triumph (T3) a foundation that helps families in the area and created a beautiful space to pray, reflect and enjoy the company of others.

Some highlights:

🙏Over 60 women prayed the Rosary together and I used Julia Miller’s @freshrosary Praying the Promises Rosary guide to lead each mystery. Julia several women came up to me afterwards to ask where they could get a copy… the said it really moved them ❤️

🤗One woman said, “I have no Catholic friends!” to which I responded, “You do now!!” THIS the beauty of Prayer Wine Chocolate! 

🏫 I got to see an old friend from college and it was so much fun catching up with her! Her name is Maria which was one wink from the Blessed Mother - but definitely not the only one!

♥️It was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I shared some stories about IHM nuns… I had met with all but one of the group that resides at our parish convent. The one Sister that missed our gathering… well her Mom and sister attended this event! This place is about an hour and a half from my house! What are the odds??? 

Signal graces are so cool.😎 

I hope women who attended start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group in their parish!

Want more information? Comment below!

#Catholic #Catholicfellowship #catholicwoman #Catholicwomen #Catholicretreat
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:

“No one is asking him for anything!!!”

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;

“The flag of the Holy Spirit is JOY”.

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 ❤️

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 ☺️ 

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. ❤️ 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..
“Look at his white hair!!!”

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 “white hair”

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; “The Lord knows!”
Other woman: He sure does!”

Me to friend who also overheard this; “Oh I LOVE ❤️ this place!!!”

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 ‘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
“Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an “Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.”

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 🍷 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!!! 🥂 

#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 👇🏼

#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 🛍️ spree 😂 
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
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