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.

Ten years ago I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog and wrote my first Christmas Gift Guide! I called it Spiritual Stocking Stuffers – because I love alliteration and I felt compelled to encourage everyone to give at least one holy gift that reminds the receiver of the reason for the season and the cause of our joy!

Ten years later it seems God has reassured me that the mission I embraced was indeed His will! If you have not yet done so, see what God did by His grace and the holiness of MANY other Catholics. For the 5th year, The Catholics Online Community has come together to produce the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog.

This digital catalog is free and a work of beauty (designed by Mary Claire Scholl, owner of 12th & Blossom.)

The Best Catholic Stocking Stuffers of 2025

Before we dive into the different personalities we are shopping for, let’s just agree that a Rosary is really a great gift for our loved ones. This year, Della Rajda, owner of Della Madonna Rosaries, has gone above and beyond supporting the Prayer Wine Chocolate Ministry. One huge project Della sponsored is the new Parish Leader Kit! Her Rosaries are meant to last and be past down to future generations. If you are looking to gift a Rosary to a man or woman, child or teen, check out Della Madonna Rosaries first! I would like to thank Della publicly for being such an amazing friend to me and the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry! Thank you Della!

Catholic Gifts for Dad’s Stocking

The Novena Rose Company has a way to deliver a practical, useful gift into a laugh, smile and at the same time, gently remind all who see it to remain virtuous!

The Novena Rose Company wants to provide you with custom services, especially with laser engraving and gold leaf gilding. I highly recommend you check out all of this shop’s collections!

Coffee lover? I found a new coffee that is SO GOOD! SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE!

I was sent some sample beans. My friend grounded them up and we had a cup together – it was SO GOOD! Seven Weeks Coffee supports pro-life organizations. I love that idea in general, but I am even more pleased to tell you that the organization they supported in October was Lily of the Valley Ministry! This delights me because I met the Founder, Whitney Whitmore, at a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!!

A Miraculous Medal Visor Clip or a Miraculous Medal to wear around his neck. Telos Art sells both

Depending on your guy, he may not be ready to wear one around his neck. That’s okay, give him a visor clip for His car and Our Lady will start working on him! I stared with a keychain, now I wear one around my neck every day!

When shopping at Telos, use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off!

In short, the Catholic Stocking Stuffers I suggest for Dad and Husband this year are:

Bottle opener

Miraculous Medal

Coffee

Moms and Teen Girls: Catholic Ear warmers!

Mamas Little Loves has a great shop – you can find gifts for the whole family.

But this year I am especially loving the ear warmers!!!

I love a practical gift! Even tweens will embrace this one. Got a daughter that isn’t loving your directions to “put on your coat”!??? Give her an ear warmer!

Moms will love this too (I love mine!). It’s a gift that is practical but has that holy, prayerful, thoughtful element.

Shop Mamas Little Loves for hair bows, headbands, Catholic ties and more!

Catholic Moms and Teens Love Rosary Bracelets and Jewelry

Give Love and Blessings is such a fun shop on Etsy! From keychains, to Rosary bracelets and more, Give Love and Blessings is stylish, fashionable and reminds us to pray!

Another great shop for Catholic women is 12th & Blossom!

My friend requested a tee shirt from this shop one year and I see her wearing it all the time! My friend just bought an Advent welcome mat from this shop and I am almost always seen wearing 12th & Blossom earrings! Highly recommend 12th & Blossom!

Catholic Gifts for Baby’s Stocking

Heavens Handmaid is a shop I love for the tiniest ones on our shopping list! You have got to see the God’s Promise Rainbow rattles and loveys! So perfect for baby’s first Christmas!

A patron Saint block from Almond Rod Toys.

I love these because the child can just add this special block to his or her wooden block set! My 8 year old daughter STILL plays with hers! I have bought these blocks for my own children, my Godchildren and my nieces and nephews. They are super special!

I am going to get one this year for my one year old nephew and I’m also going to give him a wooden block set from Shining Light Dolls!

Catholic Stocking Stuffers for Boys!

To be honest, my two sons AND my daughter all love The Catholic Cartoon Collection from Voyage Comics. I already pre-ordered Volume 3! My sons are 8 and 13!

I can’t take a photo of ours because they are so loved they are falling apart – but trust me, that’s because they love reading them!

A Miraculous Medal from Telos Art or Shining Light Dolls.

Older kids: Telos Art (use coupon code AMY10)

Younger kids: Shining Light Dolls use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off

Also recommend mini-puzzles for stockings from Shining Light Dolls! I just bought two! One was Saint George and the Dragon! Total boy puzzle! These are great gifts and budget friendly!

Another budget friendly idea are the new Scratch Art Nativity Ornaments from Epiphany Catholic Co.!!!

Summary of boy stocking stuffers:

The Catholic Cartoon Books (and other comics) from Voyage Comics.

A Miraculous Medal

Mini-puzzles from Shining Light Dolls

Scratch Art Ornaments

Catholic Stocking Stuffers for Girls!

Catholic Keychains!

These are like the charm necklaces of the 1980’s! My eight year old daughter wrote “lots of keychains” on her Christmas list! Here are some I have either already gotten her or are consider getting her!

Give Love and Blessings keychain(s)

Team Tiny Saints

Playground Saints

Della Madonna Coral Vintage 3 Hail Marys (older girls and teens)

Accessories, accessories, accessories!

A shop I am just loving for girls this year is Peony and June!

Stickers, keychains, hair accessories, suncatchers, lanyards and more! Even phone accessories for the older girls! Check out Peony and June on Etsy here!

Girls will also love the Scratch Off Ornament and Stencils Kit. These Scratch Art books were a huge hit with all my children!

A HeWo Audio Player!

A Catholic Magazine!!

Although the Be Yourself Journal is a great gift – it won’t fit in a stocking as easily as a copy of Rooted will!

Rooted is a Catholic magazine for kids! My daughter and I have done at least one craft from it and it’s fun that comes in the mail every month!

A Catholic audio player: great for boys and girls!

This is a new Catholic gift for our family! I am excited to gift the HeWo player with a subscription to our 8 year old daughter who loves bothering my phone to listen to Saints Alive on the Hallow App and her brother’s Alexa to hear Amazon’s kid stories. Now she will have her own audio player and I think she is going to love it!

Get the HeWo player here!

Catholic Gift Idea for the person who has everything

There is a new gift idea around for home owners – door hinge toppers! Have you seen these? If you want to give a unique gift this year, definitely take a look at these Holy Hinge Toppers!!!

Ginny & Saje’s Holy Hinge Toppers are flying off the shelves!

Ginny & Saje is a great shop for jewelry, ornaments and more. Ginny & Saje contributed to this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat swag bag – each attendee was given a beautiful one decade Rosary suncatcher! My daughter wants to pray the Rosary with it – she also wants the Bread of Life necklace listed in the shop! *(She’s 8 going on 18 when it comes to jewelry!)

Ginny & Saje is also a contributor to the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog – don’t forget to download it today! Ginny & Sage has fun gifts for teens too!

For the Catholic who has it all, or the young adult that is getting a new phone for Christmas, OR if you are shopping for yourself – I highly recommend The Hallow App. Use my link here and get a free trial, plus you’ll help me too! I use it everyday. It helps me start my day with both Scripture and prayer! I use it when I tuck my children to bed too! I definitely recommend it!

For the Catholic Candle lover, candles fit in stockings and are a great gift!

Contemplative Candles is a newer Catholic candle shop on the scene! Made and labeled with prayers, I’m burning one as a type!

This new Catholic Candle Company is owned by Jill Reynolds who many know leads the Rosary each morning over at Many Hail Mary’s at Time! Jill and Kristin have been leading the Rosary Live each morning for years and truly believe in the power of prayer!

I think candles are a great gift and have listed Catholic candles on gift guides before. PLUS some of these candles totally embrace a holy sense of humor!!!

For example, one candle says “More praying, less talking”. That’s the label. That’s probably the first one I purchased hahahal!!!

I’m happy to introduce this newer Catholic candle company to you! Definitely take a look at the unique candle choices you’ll only find at Contemplative Candles!

You can see photos of these candles and so much more in the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog, get yours here!

Extra Gift Ideas for the Hard to Shop for Catholic

Teens: Get them comfy pajama pants and one of these Catholic tees. This way, if they don’t want to wear it out, they can wear it to bed ;). Other fun Catholic tees for teens here and here!

The one on your list that really needs practical gifts: I love the no show socks from Sock Religious. Someone tell my husband to buy me some lol!

The Catholic that is quiet about her faith. You might have one of these women on your list . . . she wants to embrace the faith, but she’s also hesitant.

Enter Telos Art Shop . . . the ring department! One thing I want to stress in this gift guide is the importance of every Catholic to have a Miraculous Medal. Some are not ready or willing to put one around her neck – this ring, or even the visor clips from Telos, are a great option.

That Sacred Heart Ring . . . I want one!

Gift idea for the one who is devoted to the Rosary

Della Madonna Rosaries not only makes heirloom quality Rosaries, but she also sponsored the brand new Prayer Wine Chocolate Parish Leader Kit!

Della Madonna and Julia Miller, joined together to offer a special rosary and a book of meditations that pairs each Mystery of the Rosary with a Promise of the Rosary.

This is the Rosary you will leave to your children. The book, Praying the Promises will be such a gift as you pray for your children!

Praying The Promises Full Size Rosary is one of the heirloom rosaries you can find over at Della Madonna Rosaries.

Be a Heart has a Marian Wristlet/Rosary holder that I love! Someone tell my hubby lol!

*If this list is overwhelming, find a shorter amount of options here!

Coupon code reminder! When shopping from:

Shining Light Dolls, use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE;

Telos use AMY10;

Be a Heart PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

12th & Blossom AMYBROOKS for 15% off

Enter the Giveaway!

One person will win:

A Rosary Bracelet from Give Love and Blessings

A Suncatcher Ornament from Ginny and Sage

An earwarmer from Mamas Little Loves

A Coffee Cozy from Heavens Handmaid

A candle, magnet and sticker from Contemplative Candles

A bottle opener and wine stopper from The Novena Rose Company

Miraculous Medal from Shining Light Dolls

A package of coffee from Seven Weeks Coffee

A Scratch Art Ornament Kit

And one more surprise! Enter to win below!

The post 2025 Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: The Best Catholic Gifts that Fit in a Stocking 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.

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.

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.

Catholic Easter Gift Ideas for 2025

Okay, I’m giving you a peek at some of the gifts going in the Easter baskets at my house!

I’m also giving one of these gifts to our nephew who is receiving his First Holy Communion this year too!

Not all ideas that are mentioned are pictured, so make sure you take a close look at all the suggestions. I don’t include anything I don’t LOVE!

And if your Lent is not what you hoped for, I have something brand new for you! I DARE YOU to check it out here!

If you are thinking “I am still trying to do Lent” no problem, I have help for you here: Revisit Your Lent: 9 Simple Ideas

Keep this ideas in mind for First Holy Communion and Confirmation too!

Easter Gift Ideas: Toys and Dolls

Shining Light Dolls has new toys!

Jesus, The Good Shepherd Doll that is a plush and it prays when you squeeze his hand!!! I predict this will sell out quickly, so grab it before it’s gone!

Remember to use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Check out Shining Light Dolls for it’s new toys and it’s amazing classics!

I love the BIG plushes (all ages),

the wooden toys (boys under 8)

*** Boy, Teen and Men’s Easter Basket idea!!!****

My boys love the Catholic Cartoon series from Voyage Comics! See that here!

You’ll love shopping here!

Don’t forget to use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Easter Gift Ideas: Books

*** Boy, Teen and Men’s Easter Basket idea!!!****

My boys love the Catholic Cartoon series from Voyage Comics! See that here!

Be Yourself Journals are still bringing the faith to life for children and tweens!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls

Just this month a Mom left the following review of the Be Yourself Girl’s Journal on Amazon:

“Amazing! My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed exploring her faith through this journal.”

Another recent reviewer says this:

“My 10yo LOVES the be yourself journal! She says it’s like talking to a good friend who asks questions to know her better I love how it helps her grow in her identity as Gods beautiful daughter and a great thing to do when she’s looking for something to do!“

I don’t have any girls’ journal left in stock, please order from Amazon here!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys

It’s like “make Mad Libs Catholic, add a couple Would You Rather games and guide boys to discover God in a way that is relevant and helpful” . . . it’s that kind of book!

I’m delighted to say that boys actually like this book! Phil , owner of Voyage Comics, says this:

“This journal fills a much-needed gap in devotional books for young boys. The prompts and creative artwork make it an interactive experience and allows boys the freedom to express their true selves . . .”

I only have 2 Be Yourself Journals in stock for boys! You can order them from Amazon here!

I am super excited to purchase this Catholic Cookbook for Kids for both my son and my nephew!

My son is 12 and my nephew is 8.

This cookbook for kids ages 6+ helps parents make the Church’s feast days, holy days, and liturgical seasons a more integral part of their family life.

Featuring 33 delicious recipes, each dish corresponds to a specific time in the liturgical year and is paired with stories of saints, sacred art, scripture, and prayers. From festive celebrations during Christmas and Easter to meaningful meals for ordinary time and feast days of various saints, this cookbook invites families to grow closer to their faith with every meal.

I love how hands on this gift is -it’s not just a book, it’s an experience (actually, it holds the potential for many experiences!!!)

Buy it here: The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook: Holy Days and Heavenly Food

Any other moms sick of seeing Dog Man books? How about Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

My soon to be 8 year old daughter loves to read. She loved the Boxcar Children, she is loving Little House in the Big Woods BUT she is also quite into the above books that I mentioned.

I’m very excited to give her some of the series Sisters of the Last Straw!

Our dear neighbor gave my son one of these books a few years ago and he loved them! There is one that is even Easter themed: Sisters of the Last Straw the case of the Easter Egg Escapades

Catholic Kids Magazine

Rooted is a a monthly magazine just for Catholic kids!

Rooted is filled with wholesome, fun, engaging, Catholic content, and can be used in classrooms, parishes, or with your family!

Rooted is meant to help reinforce Christ’s infinite goodness and love in our children’s lives. The creator of Rooted, Jessica Benfield, believes this:

“We need to keep our kids Rooted. In Faith. In Christ.”

Catholic Easter gifts from Etsy

Catholic keychains

I do not a have a photo to share for each gift suggestion, but PLEASE click over to see each idea! They are so cute!!!

My daughter loves keychains. She puts them on her school bag . . . since she has no keys

I am loving this young creator and her shop. This Saint Therese’ keychain is fun and cool!

(And it’s a sticker too!!! So excited- for me!)

The shop is called: PRAY HOPE DRAW SAINTS

Another keychain option: A “pop-it” keychain (comes in a variety of colors)

For an older girl or teen, this is beautiful, elegant and an invitation to pray! Three Hail Mary Chaplet from Della Madonna Rosaries. It really looks beautiful when clipped to a purse or bag!

More Catholic Stickers!

Nichole Lanthier, a beautiful artist with a fantastic shop, has this sparkly, wonderful Blessed Mother Sticker! Nichole Lanthier also has a “Catholic Pixels” line of stickers, shirts, pillows and more that might be what you’re looking for as you shop for boys and young men this year!

Lindsey Trezza, from Just Love Prints, has this fun ice cream cone sticker!

Jesus and Saint Peg Dolls

These cute little wooden toys are hand-crafted and if you don’t see the Saint you are looking for, you can request a custom made Saint peg doll!

Sensory Play Dough Sets

Easy Doughs It is owned and operated by a Catholic mom. There are Easter sets available as well as other themes. I have bought from her quite a few times and this sets are always a big hit with the kids!

Catholic Etsy Gift Ideas for Men

Saint Benedict Bottle Opener

St. Benedict Medal Magnetic Bottle Opener is a great GIFT for the Catholic man in your life!!!

Catholic Stein

“In Catholicism, the pint, the pipe and the cross can all fit together.” G.K. Chesterton

Made with durable white ceramic material, these stein mugs are both scratch-resistant for long-lasting looks, and dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.

Easter Basket idea: Catholic Jewelry and Apparel

One of my FAVORITE shops is 12th & Blossom. Mary Claire’s art screams Easter with her bright pastel colors! As I type, I am wearing sparkly earrings from this shop right now! And, I have a little Easter gift for you – a coupon code :).

Use code AMYBROOKS for 15% off!

I can’t pick which picture to share, here’s her website link, have fun shopping!

Want to shop more jewelry? Check out Telos! Use coupon code AMY10 over there!

Don’t forget your Prayer Wine Chocolate gifts!

The Prayer Wine Chocolate tees are perfect for Spring (LOVE the blue lagoon – definitely a popular color!!)

Always remember, you can find more gift ideas over here: Featured Catholic Shops

Do me a favor? Share this post! You can share it on Facebook, Pin it to Pinterest or simply email or text the link to friends! Your help enables me to keep doing this work!

Comment below which idea you liked best! Have a Happy Easter! God Bless You!

The post Catholic Easter Gift Ideas for 2025 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.

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.

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!

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:

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.“

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!

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.

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:

The post Dare to Be a BETTER Christian For Lent 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.

The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025

I started this blog to talk about adopting a child (or children) without hiring an adoption agency and to share Catholic gift ideas, especially around Christmas.

But, I think God had something else in mind.

That something else, was prayer journaling.

Since I started this blog (8 years ago?), I have written over 100 posts about prayer journaling. On top of that, God used me to write two prayer journals for young Catholics! I think the fact that I am an author of two books is proof there is a God. I could not do that without Him!

I think it’s time I rounded up the best, and gave you the how, why and when all in one place.

Let’s start with the why.

Why Prayer Journal or Why Pray Using a Journal?

I started using a prayer journal when I was at rock bottom in my life. I was single, heartbroken, lonely and lacked hope. In my arrogance I think one reason why I started writing down my prayers was to “spell things out for God”. Well, God used my act of writing down prayer requests as a way to spell a few things out to me.

Journaling without prayer has been studied and researched in the last 40 years. The scientific findings demonstrate decreased anxiety, improved self-awareness and many other benefits.

I dove much deeper into this topic when I interviewed Catholic Psychologist Dr. Matt Breuninger. You can watch this discussion on YouTube or read the highlights in this post, What does a Catholic Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

This discussion with Dr. Breuninger is really enlightening. He shares many of the psychological and spiritual benefits of using a prayer journal in ways I could never naturally articulate. You can read or listen to this discussion! I share some of the reasons in my own words below, but his insight offers more from an academic and simply a different point of view. Watch or listen here.

I also share my own research in a post I wrote before this discussion titled: 5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling

One of the major reasons why psychologists recommend people to journal is because it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This is really what motivated me to start a prayer journal. I lacked hope.

I did not understand why things in my life were the way the were.

I was sad . . . really sad.

Reasons to use a prayer journal:

1. It really does help with depression and anxiety
2. Using a prayer journal helps you work out problems in your life
3. It slows you down in this extremely fast paced world.
4. It helps you hear God’s voice.
5. It is an act of love for God because you spend more time with Him.

The way I used my journal is “unconventional”. What I mean by that is – I wasn’t taught how to journal. The only piece of advice I had walking in to it was “write 5 things down that you’re grateful for”. This was something a friend had told me her therapist advised – and before I sought professional help myself.

When I started prayer journaling (cough, cough) 25 years ago, I had NEVER heard of Lectio Divina. Years later (and after I started this blog), I attended a class on prayer journaling by a Catholic organization. The woman teaching talked much about this new to me practice.

As I sat and listened, I thought, “wow, she’s really smart”.

I also thought, “I’m bored”.

Don’t get me wrong, Lectio Divina is a beautiful way to pray, but for me, it was one of MANY ways of using a prayer journal.

Although my “why” start a prayer journal began with depression and despair, I found that the hope it could bring me led me to a much brighter place than any other style or method of praying had led me before.

Perhaps I am not wording that correctly. Prayer journaling opened my heart up to see more of God and His Love in my life. It allowed me to dream again. Hope and Faith is powerful stuff, and I enjoy experiencing it.

With God, all things are possible.

I stopped looking in the past and started looking toward the future – with hope.

My prayer time slowed down and I spent more time in prayer because writing takes longer than thinking or talking out loud.

It was a great blessing and I want to share that blessing with you.

How to Prayer Journal or how to pray using a journal

Some people tend to be intimidated by the first page of the journal. I noticed this on a discussion thread in a Facebook group. I chimed in and said, “I just put a picture (holy card) of Jesus on the first page!

I was moved by how many were in agreement with this “first page anxiety” so I wrote a post to help others! Read it here: How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

The first step, after picking out your prayer journal (a cute notebook) is to find a holy card that you love and glue or tape it to the first page. Personally, I pick one with Jesus.

After that, write God a letter. How you start should be how you feel most comfortable talking to God.

Dear God,

Dear Jesus,

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

These are just three examples of how to start your letter.

Then, remember to be polite. Thank God for something. After that, pour out your heart. Try not to worry about someone picking it up and reading it. If you are concerned about that, I have a few tips and tricks below to help you ;).

After you empty your heart to God, close it and walk away. This is a physical act of “giving it to God” or surrendering to Jesus.

The next time you pick up your journal could be days or weeks later. It could be the next day. You might want to write another letter because you forgot to tell Him this one thing . . .

You do not have to use a journal every day.

I often wonder if people think that’s a “rule”. Who’s rule? It’s your journal! Using a journal to pray doesn’t mean you’ll stop mental prayer, going to Mass, praying the Rosary or Grace Before Meals. It’s there to help you if you want it. It’s not an obligation or another thing for your to-do list.

For me, it’s a way to relax and be creative.

It’s a way for me to be less distracted during prayer.

I use it because my mind wanders and I want to give God the gift of my attention and I want to really try to hear God’s voice in my very noisy mind.

I had a sticker collection as a child and I love that there are so many small businesses creating Catholic stickers. Collecting them and putting them in my journal gives me feelings of nostalgia and joy!

This one below is from Just Love Prints!

I created this free download with you that has 40 Prayer Journal Prompts! You can use it any time of year or for Lent!

I also created a more elegant looking download with more prayer journal prompts. You can get that here.

Prayer Journal Tips and Tricks

This post gave my favorite tricks: 3 Prayer Journal Hacks You Will Love

My favorite is the one where you hide what you are afraid someone may pick up and read.

I have used a coloring page to glue right over a novena intention.

I have also used stickers.

When do you find the time to journal?

You don’t find the time to journal, you make the time to journal.

This is a gift of giving God your time.

I don’t journal every day. I don’t think there was ever a phase in my life where I journaled every single day.

A prayer journal is a way to spend time with the Lord but it’s not the ONLY WAY!

I often bring a journal to Eucharistic Adoration with me. There are many weeks when this might be the only time I write in my journal.

But lately I have been thinking about the quote from Saint Francis de Sales:

“Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer every day, except when we are busy—then we need an hour.”

God often reminds me that is not subject to time. There are days when I have given Him time “I didn’t have” and the day went a lot smoother. He can create time when, according to us, there is none.

Miracles Happen When You Pray (with a Journal)

Miracles really do happen. God gives them to us, but I think when we journal, we notice them more often.

I started my prayer journal when I was heartbroken and hoping for the vocation of marriage. I continued to pray when I went through infertility. I have seen little winks from God by pouring my heart out to Him and telling Him my hopes and dreams.

I want you to experience this too.

Help younger boys and girls start a prayer journal

In this incredibly fast-paced world where kids and teens are “writing” and posting on social media, they need to learn the practice of prayer journaling.

Dr. Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting, Girls on the Edge and Boys Adrift

described in a talk how girls who would go write in a diary were living; but girls who write and post on social media are performing.

These actions are not the same.

If you want to help your pre-teen or young teen to start journaling, I wrote books for them!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are available on Amazon, this website, and many others.

Do you live giving (and getting) Catholic gifts?

If yes, check out this page! 12 Awesome Catholic Shops

The post The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025 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.

Make sure you download this amazing FREE catalog that I helped put together!!! A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog (2024)

Don’t forget about Advent! Here’s the best deal around, but only available for a few days!!

Catholic Advent Bundle

These Catholic shops are Spectacular

Ascension Press

Highly recommend their Great Adventure Bible (See this post for who needs it: 5 People on Your Gift List that Need a Bible)

Ascension has the perfect Stocking Stuffer for you husband, Dad and brother – the newly published

Pocket Guide to Prayer.

Many men know they should pray more or would like to increase their time in prayer, but are not sure where or how to start. This book will help tremendously and simply.

Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful, inspiring book written by Edward and Beth Sri, with contributor Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, that gives anyone confidence in knowing God and building a relationship with him. As an “on-ramp” into understanding the various tools for prayer that the Church offers us, this pocket guide will help Catholics build a fulfilled and deeply satisfying prayer life. 

This short but complete guide helps Catholics enter into prayer with more consistency and devotion. It empowers anyone on their faith journey to prioritize daily conversation with God.

A great new option for tweens and young teens who really want to understand the Bible and feel that it is relevant in their lives: Biblical Heroes: Stories of Faith and Courage

Through exploring these timeless narratives, readers not only gain a deeper understanding of the Bible’s stories and key figures, but also learn valuable lessons about courage, compassion, and faith.

Our family’s favorite kids books from Ascension:

My First Interactive Mass Books (highly recommend for little boys ages 3 to 6)

Donuts After Mass: a Tale About Walking With Jesus (my 7 year olds LOVE this and it was much enjoyed by their older brother too!)

Kolbe & Co. Rosaries for the whole family!

We prayed the Rosary as a family the other day and by the end of it my oldest son held up the string where all the beads WERE before we started. The beads had all fallen off.

I had already been thinking about Kolbe & Co’s fidget Rosary for kids – and this made me think, “YEP, we need those”!

Get the kids you love a fidget Rosary or a Glow in the Dark Rosary!

Use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off when you shop at Kolbe & Co!!!

The owner of Kolbe & Co., Erica Maze, is a Catholic convert, wife and mother who’s goal is to create items to help people remember to take a moment during their busy days to PRAY, and always be able to have their Rosary with them!

Have a teenage boy or young adult son? This Everyday Carry Rosary is perfect!

Use coupon code AMY10 for 10% off when you shop at Kolbe & Co!!!

Shining Light Dolls

Whenever you shop from Shining Light Dolls, make sure you include the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

Shining Light Dolls has introduced some new toys this year, and my neighbor and I have decided one of these new gifts is NOT just for kids! There are Jumbo Plushes and I like to call them Catholic Squishmallows! I am going to buy many I think!

Shining Light Doll Plushes are great for all ages. The tiny ones would make a great addition to a tween gift bundle – along with the Be Yourself Journal and some other Catholic goodies!

The newest gift option over at Shining Light Dolls are interlocking puzzle brick sets (called Catholic Brick). They are similar to lego sets and they are for older kids! Do you know anyone who loves playing with Legos? This is a great gift option for him or her! One is included in this giveaway contest!

I am also loving the puzzles for toddlers and my 7 year old son keeps telling me how much he wants the Wooden Catholic Church Playset!

Definitely take a look around the Shining Light Dolls website and grab some really fun toys for your young and young at heart loved ones! (don’t forget the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE)

Be a Heart

Be a Heart has some fantastic gifts for girls who love crafts and for little ones who still tend to put toys in their mouths and definitely still wear bibs!

Plus, I enjoy some of Be a Heart’s products too. I love their belt bag, their standing desk calendar and their journals!

The Marian Wristlet is gorgeous – great gift for teens, young adults and women!

The Catholic Fruit of the Spirit Wooden Puzzle is currently sold out, BUT is included in this giveaway! Don’t forget to enter!!!

When shopping at BE A HEART, use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE

CATHOLIC GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS: DAD AND DAUGHTER

Gifts for Dad and Husband: Prayer book from Ascension

Daughter, age 7: Make your own Rosary kit (Saint Therese’) from Be a Heart and a fidget Rosary from Kolbe & Co.

Kingdom Come Co.

The mission of Kingdom Come Co. is to help children connect with their faith in a fun and meaningful way. This Catholic small business designs and sells high-quality clothing, toys, and other products that incorporate religious themes and messages in a modern and appealing style.

I love the toys for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children! Take a look at this Galactic Glory Starship: Wooden Shape Sorter toy!!!

With its innovative design, the Galactic Glory Starship offers two toys in one. Firstly, the bottom half is a shape sorting toy, perfect for developing your child’s problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Secondly, the top half is an abacus, which encourages counting and helps develop fine motor skills.

The Galactic Glory Starship wooden shape sorter toy features inspiring Bible verses that remind children of God’s power and wisdom. Additionally, one side of the toy displays Psalm 147. The verse reads “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

This shop has SO MANY toys to choose from – plus, fun apparel too! This Saint Nick shirt I plan on ordering today!

12th & Blossom

12th & Blossom is my FAVORITE SHOP for earrings!!!! If you shop from this incredible business, use coupon code AMYBROOKS for 15% off!!!

12th and Blossom creates joyful Catholic designs for a life in bloom. From art prints to jewelry to apparel and more, our gifts showcase the simple beauty of Catholic faith and devotions.

If you have a woman on your list – head to this shop and start adding to cart!

PIETA PAPERIE

My husband and I are swooning over this shop! Catholic wax seals!!?? Yes please!!!

The Founders and creators at Pieta Paperie wants you to know this:

“We create stationery for the sacraments. Our mission is to help Catholics evangelize their loved ones through beauty.”

I met the owners of Pieta Paperie at an event last year and they are just lovely, young Catholics! I love so many of the seals they offer – it’s really difficult to pick just one!

CATHOLIC GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS: MOM AND SON

For Mom: Jewelry from 12th & Blossom and Telos; Prayer Wine Chocolate shirt and tumbler; socks from Sock Religious

For Son: Fidget Rosary (or glow in the dark Rosary) from Kolbe & Co.; Be Yourself Journal and Biblical Heroes book from Ascension; Shirt from Sock Religious; toy from Shining Light Dolls.

Telos Art Shop

My favorite necklace shop – and apparently also my daughter’s favorite necklace shop!

My seven year old daughter chose a necklace listed in the Cozy Catholic Christmas Guide for herself and I think it’s the third year in a row my daughter has chosen to put Telos on her list!

Telos is on my list too :). I have my eye on a necklace and a ring!

The simple, small but powerful, Miraculous Medal necklace I wear daily is from Telos (pictured above).

Sock Religious – not just socks!

If you’ve read my gift guides before, you probably know I love Sock Religious Socks!!! The “no-show” socks are my personal favorite!

But, their shirts are literally THE BEST! I love how this business combines humor with evangelization.

I mean, “Don’t be a loser” on a shirt with Saint Anthony???????? Take my money!!

I find that shopping Catholic for my husband and other men is challenging, but this business makes it easier.

My husband will be getting one of these shirts this year!!!

*** Husband, brother, Catholic man gift idea: Shirt from Sock Religious!!!***

Bonus idea: Give Catholic Christmas Cards out this year with the new business owned by the folks over at Sock Religious!! This new shop: OUR HOLY HOME, have given me a 35% off coupon code for you!

Yes, 35% off is you use the coupon code: AMYBROOKS

These cards allow you to insert your family photos, but unlike the secular businesses that do that, there are a variety of holy messages to choose from. Send a Christmas greeting that celebrates Christ in Christmas!

The Cozy Catholic Life

I have been admiring Rosary hangers at The Cozy Catholic Life all year! I think my favorite is the Divine Mercy one (it says “Jesus, I trust in You”, but they are all gorgeous!

I like this gift because I would hang it in my own home and it could be given as a family gift or to a newly married couple.

I also love the sweatshirts, and right now my favorite is the “Ugly Advent Sweater“!

The Cozy Catholic Life Shop has done a great job creating apparel for the whole family and resources that will help you this Advent and all year long. You’ll love the mugs too! Browse the whole shop and have fun filling your cart!

The Shop at Prayer Wine Chocolate

The Be Yourself Journals are still getting fantastic reviews!

William Hemsworth just wrote a whole article about the journal, in it he said:

“Amy did an incredible job of creating reflections that are not only challenging, but engaging. To be honest, the most seasoned Catholic can also benefit from the reflections. The book challenges our boys to become a saint, and challenges them to think about how that can happen. In addition to that, there is great material on how to apply Catholic theology in the real world.“

(Read the whole article on Patheos here)

Purchase a boy’s Be Yourself Journal here!

And Whitney, owner of Abundantly Yours Rosaries, (new Rosary called the Vine Grower!!) left this review on Amazon last week:

“This journal is exactly what I would have spent hours using as a kid. It has tons of different Catholic resources to encourage prayer & help young girls establish a relationship with God. This is my new go to gift idea for first communion, and holidays!!“

Purchase a Girl’s Be Yourself Journal here!

The journals are truly GREAT gifts for the kids you know and love!!! I have people tell me their daughters have two!!!!

For adults, don’t forget Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirts, tee shirts and wine tumblers are available and perfect for teachers, friends and relatives!

I honestly wear my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie, sweatshirts and t-shirts all the time! They are so comfortable!

Ask for one for Christmas, or just treat yourself!

Wine tumblers are great gifts – fill them with chocolate for an added sweetness!

And just so you know, the Hallow App will help you honor Advent while you prepare for Christmas! Give this gift to yourself, use my link! Hallow (Prayer Wine Chocolate)

Enter the Catholic Gift Giveaway!!!

ONE WINNER WILL WIN THE FOLLOWING:

Pocket Guide to Prayer (new book published by Ascension Press) – one copy (retails for $24.99)

One Glow in the Dark Rosary from Kolbe & Co. (Retail price $12.00)

Catholic Brick: Saint Michael the Archangel from Shining Light Dolls (Retail price: $39.99)

Fruit of the Spirit Chunk Puzzle from Be a Heart (Retail cost: $28.99 and currently sold out!!)

One Galactic Glory Starship from Kingdom Come Co. (Retail price $35.00)

A pair of earrings from 12th & Blossom (one of a kind, but earrings in this shop range from $12 to $22)

A surprise gift from Sock Religious

A Wax Seal Making DIY Starter Kit with the gun from Pieta Paperie (Retail cost: $65.00)

One copy of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls

A physical copy of the Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

And more surprises!!!

Enter the GIVEAWAY BY CLICKING HERE!!!

YES, I WANT TO WIN OVER DOLLARS OF GIFTS!!! LET ME ENTER NOW!

The post The Best Catholic Gifts and Spiritual Stocking Stuffers to Give in 2024 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Faith is a Tremendous Parachute

As I walked into my grandparents apartment I would greet my Grandpop with a Hi, how are you?

His answer would either be:

TREE-mendous

or

SPEC-tacular!

Using the word tremendous is a tribute to him. Not only because he would say the word, but also the lesson he provided with that simple one word response to a question we hear often.

How are you?

How do you respond to that question?

You would think all these years later, I would be better at responding to it. I’m guilty of saying,
“good” or “well” or even worse . . . just saying okay and listing a complaint!

As I reflect upon my Grandfather’s response, I immediately realize how incredible this man was.

You see, my Grandfather had to have both of his legs amputated. When I was asking him, “how are you” he was bound to a wheelchair- because he had no legs! And that was just one thing in his life that would give him license to say, “eh, I’m okay”.

I’ll keep the other things he was balancing in his life to myself out of respect for my family, but trust me, no one would have faulted him for giving a humdrum answer.

I want to share with you how our Catholic faith has been a gift to me my whole life, but I recognized it most when I suffered from depression in my mid-20’s.

Our secular world understands the power of an attitude of gratitude. Our faith directs us to give thanks. I think that this advice – to be grateful, was only the beginning of how my firm belief in God prevented me from doing the unthinkable.

Gratitude is the first step, not the end in a life of a Christian.

It’s a good first step, but that alone would not have been enough to help me climb out of my season of despair.

Can a Catholic really suffer from depression?

Even though I earned a BS in Psychology, I hesitated and fought with every fiber of my being the idea of going to speak with a counselor.

I mean, when I was feeling down in college, I went to the counselor’s office once or twice, but grown up world? Seeking out a therapist? No way, I didn’t need that.

But thankfully, at the age of 25, when almost all of my friends were engaged or married, I met a couple new friends.

One had a therapist she liked so much, she waited tables to pay her because she wasn’t covered by our insurance. It was this friend that suggested every night I write down 5 things I was grateful for.

Some nights, I had a hard time.

Once I thanked God for Sprite.

At least one other night I stopped at three things.

I was in a rough, dark place.

Another friend I made had gotten married, and by the time her honeymoon was over, her husband was already gone and with someone else. She had married her high school sweetheart, and it ended very quickly.

This heartbreaking situation led her to a therapist. My friend and I would go for walks and talk about our broken hearts and undesirable place in life. Eventually, this friend convinced me to go see her therapist.

I went.

It was HORRIBLE. I did not gel with this woman at all. I felt worse when I left.

But that therapist saw that we were not compatible, and recommended I go see HER therapist!

Which I did. Eventually this new counselor suggested I take medicine to help lift my spirits.

I refused.

I honestly wondered, “is it okay for me to get medication to feel happier?”

I thought, “no one living in Jesus’ time was getting medicine because they felt really sad. What is wrong with me that it’s come to a point where even the therapist can’t help me – she’s just telling me to take medicine??”

I went to a priest and asked him,

“Is it morally wrong for me to take medicine for depression? I mean, no one living in Jesus’ time was looking for a pill to make them feel less sad!”

Father John answered me with words like this:

“Let me tell you what my mom said to me. She said, ‘this world is so fast’. The world today is so much faster than the world Jesus and the Apostles lived in. Our culture and the speed of our modern day technology is affecting our mental health. It’s okay to take medicine if you need it to help you with depression. There is no sin in that.”

I don’t remember his exact words – except him quoting his mother and how she said, “this world that we live in today is so fast . . .” THAT I remember.

And friends, this was before we had smart phones.

Our world is even faster now.

Why refer to your faith as a parachute?

So, I was questioning why I use the term parachute, but as I reflected on this topic, I realized . . .

What do parachutes do?

A parachute slows the body in motion.

As I type this I can hear cars, motorcycles and trucks traveling between 40 to 60 miles an hour down a major road not so far away from my house. In the earlier hours, if the train goes by about a mile away, I can hear that too.

Not more than two feet from where I sit is a small rectangle that can enrapture me in a world of TikTok videos, Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and more.

The speed at which we can physically travel and the speed at which we are observing visual stimuli is like nothing before in human history.

Yet, if we pick up Scripture, God’s word tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

God knows what we need. God knows what is good for us.

Good and evil are real things.

There was a time when I felt so incredibly sad, that I just wanted to jump off my roof.

But our faith teaches us that God does not want us to take our life. That simple thought is one way my faith slowed me down.

But that was only the beginning.

We live in an age where psychology is a science.

In our culture and time many people see the value and the need to seek mental health. Research has been done that proves actions, such as meditation,

elicits the relaxation response,

decreases depression

and improves over all health.

Research also has found that writing feelings down in a journal can decrease anxiety and increase self-awareness.

But our faith was teaching these things long before scientists, therapists and college professors were.

Our Lady, years before psychologists conducted experiments proving the positive impact mediation has on the mind and body, suggested that we:

“pray the Rosary every day for peace”.

In a world that doesn’t stop, our Scripture says over and over again: “Be still”.

How to battle depression as a Catholic Christian

During my twenties, I started doing two things that were so good for my soul and my mood.

I started praying the Rosary out loud with friends and I started prayer journaling.

These two things (along with the help of an antidepressant) slowed me down and helped me as I wrestled with my broken heart.

Prayer Journaling

I’ve explored the topic of prayer journaling many times since I started this blog. One helpful article that you might find interesting was my conversation with Catholic Psychologist, Dr. Matt Breuninger

What does a Catholic Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

In this conversation, Dr. B points out that:

Prayer journaling allows us to:

• create a space where we invite God in and ask Him for His safety and comfort
• courageously approach dangerous topics

One statement made by Matt Breuninger in this talk was one he made after this point. He said:

Journaling really gives us the space to approach very difficult and painful material. It can reduce our avoidance. It can reduce our anxiety, our stress and our overwhelm. When we journal we are approaching instead of avoiding.

Starting a prayer journal, to some, is a challenge. I urge you, just start.

This post was inspired by a talk I gave on the feast of Saint Teresa of Avila, who is credited with saying, “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of him.”

Copy that quote and ask for big things.

Thank the Lord for the last breath you took.

Today is the feast of Saint Pope John Paul II. If there is one quote I want my children to always know, especially when they are feeling sad, it’s this one:

“I plead with you — never, ever give up on hope; never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”

Write it down. Ask God to restore your hope.

If you would like more help with starting a prayer journal, here is a post for you!

How to start a Prayer Journal in Three Easy Steps

Praying the Rosary will bring comfort to your hurting heart

I feel like the Rosary is like Neosporin. It’s a little something to put on a wound that is not an instant cure, but it helps.

Praying the Rosary out loud allows those physical benefits modern researchers have been able to discover and measure.

Praying out loud with at least one person is so incredibly soothing. Don’t be shy. Find a friend or a relative and ask them to pray with you.

As I write this I am preparing for the 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat. One thing we do at every PWC Retreat is pray the Rosary as a group.

This retreat is for women – so if you fit that description, join us!! Find out more here!

The Rosary is a powerful prayer. Our Lady of the Rosary wants to pull us closer to her Son.

She’s literally throwing us a rope and pulling us up closer to heaven with each prayer.

Grab the rope. Keep praying.

One day, someone will need you to tell your whole story.

Trust me.

Until then, hang on and look ahead.

May God Bless You Abundantly,

Hugs and Prayers,

Amy

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