catholic books Archives - Prayer Wine Chocolate https://prayerwinechocolate.com/tag/catholic-books/ a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:10:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 MYOB https://prayerwinechocolate.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-editwine-32x32.jpg catholic books Archives - Prayer Wine Chocolate https://prayerwinechocolate.com/tag/catholic-books/ 32 32 99893247 The Best Catholic Christmas Gifts to Give in 2022 (Gift Guide and Giveaway!) https://prayerwinechocolate.com/the-best-catholic-christmas-gifts-to-give-in-2022-gift-guide-and-giveaway/ https://prayerwinechocolate.com/the-best-catholic-christmas-gifts-to-give-in-2022-gift-guide-and-giveaway/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:01:55 +0000 https://prayerwinechocolate.com/?p=29001 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. Up for a dare? I dare you to give a Catholic gift to at least 5 people you are shopping for this year! Let’s really keep Christ in […]

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Close up of a red Christmas ornament on a tree; title of post written up top "The Best Catholic Christmas Gifts to Give in 2022". Gift guide and Giveaway

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.

Up for a dare?

I dare you to give a Catholic gift to at least 5 people you are shopping for this year!

Let’s really keep Christ in Christmas.

Let’s put our money where are hearts are – in gifts that will bring our loved ones closer to Christ through prayer!

Catholic Gifts for Men

A Modern Bible

The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press

My husband has a Bible because his Aunt Betty Ann, who happens to be a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, gave us one for a wedding gift.

Chances are, your husband, dad or brother hasn’t owned a Bible since – maybe high school? Get him this Bible that goes along with the amazing Bible in a Year podcast.

A Masculine Rosary

A WWI Battle Beads Rosary by Rugged Rosaries

My husband and son both have a set of these and really like them.

A Catholic French Press and Catholic Coffee

My husband loves God and coffee. I am so excited to give him some gifts from Catholic Coffee for Christmas this year!

(If you purchase from them, use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Catholic Coffee’s branding and products are just spot on when it comes to the modern Catholic man.

The Catholic Coffee logo is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s simple, beautiful and inspiring.

Each coffee flavor is named after a Saint and the artwork that represents each Saint is extremely impressive.

I am super excited to gift my husband The French Press!

I shared a gift set from this company on Facebook, and my friend’s husband told his wife that he wants one of the gift sets for Christmas!!!

Catholic Coffee has mugs, coffee inspired by different Saints and now – K-cups too! This gift (or gifts) will make those Catholic men in your life jolly this Christmas!

Catholic Mugs

In Catholicism the pint the pipe and the cross can all come together – G.K. Chesterton 

Catholic gifts for men can be really fun!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a unique, masculine and honestly cool Catholic gift!

Give it with some beer and treats made by monks to make this gift “super-Catholic”!

The G.K. Chesterton Stein Mug is a brand new gift idea here this year and I love it!!!

Catholic Coffee has several mugs that will please your caffeine enthusiast!

Don’t forget to use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off!

Would you like to see more Catholic Gift ideas for men? Check out Catholic Gifts for Men (2022)

Catholic Gifts for Women

Catholic Accessories

This silk Catholic Scarf from Studio Senn is lovely! I’ve been wearing mine tied on my purse (inspired by a catalog cover) and I just love it! It has been such a conversation piece too. The Pelican in Piety scarf combines the sacred symbol of a Pelican with fun florals to create a bold and beautiful statement piece!

I’ve been wearing my scarf by having it tied to my purse!

Catholic Mugs and Coffee too!

I love coffee – and I pick the same mugs to drink it from over and over again every morning. I love tall Coffee Mugs! I have two (yes 2) from The Little Rose Shop!

I highly recommend giving the Morning Offering Coffee Cup to a woman you love this Christmas!

I honestly love The Little Rose Shop! There are so many cute mugs, soft and beautiful Catholic blankets, Catholic tees and more! Trust me, you’ve got to go check out this shop!

And don’t forget to give some Coffee from Catholic Coffee too!

use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE and get 15%off!)

Gift collage - 9 pictures.
A Sacred Heart ring, a prayer wine chocolate sweatshirt, a beer stein mug, a coffee mug with flowers on it, a wine tumbler that says prayer wine chocolate, a silk scarf, a plush Saint Nick toy, a comic book and a French press

Catholic Tea

Do you have women on your list that are more interested in enjoying a hot cup of tea than a coffee? This just in — Sacred Heart Tea!!!

I am just loving how Our Lord’s Sacred Heart keeps showing up on this gift guide!!!

Lots of options – including black tea, green tea, organic, herbal and more! This is a new shop for me and I’m loving this option! Not everyone is a coffee drinker – for the Tea Sipping Catholics – check out Sacred Heart Tea!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt and Wine Tumbler

Yes, these products just hit my own shop and I am so excited! I shared the wine tumblers on Facebook and one friend said, “I feel like this is about time!” Haha! Long overdue!

Get one for you and one for a friend this year! For the wine tumblers, two colors are available (purple and rose’ pink).

I love my Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie (mine is black) – probably because of the pocket in the front – perfect for my cell phone!

I also have a few Prayer Wine Chocolate sweatshirts and I wear them often! I love comfy clothes.

If you have a friend who loves being Catholic, but really doesn’t enjoy wine – here’s an alternative sweatshirt: States of Faith by Catholic Concepts

Add NO SHOW SOCKS from Sock Religious!!! I love my Padre Pio ones and I can’t wait to get more! My favorites are the Come Holy Spirit and Saint Joan of Arc pairs!

Catholic Jewelry

A Miraculous Medal Necklace (like this one from Boho Handmaids)

Stud earrings from 12th and Blossom

Our friends at Telos Art are offering a special sale right now.

Highly recommended: One or two necklaces from this shop! The cameos are making a huge impression this year!

Best gift award: The Quarterly Subscription Box

I don’t think I need to write words here – just go look at it . . . I think you’ll agree!

Today through Sunday, November 27 all orders receive an automatic 15% discount.

Orders $150+ also automatically receive free First Class shipping.

Telos Art Jewelry is beautiful, definitely browse the pieces and gift a few!

A Catholic Planner

I’ve been using the Catholic Mothers Planner for a couple years now and this year – I wrote a reflection in the 2023 Catholic Mothers Planner

A Journaling Kit

If the woman you are shopping for loves to prayer journal or bible journal, definitely get her some gifts from Open Journey!

Open Journey, a branch of Ingrid Art Studio, features faith and inspirational art, creative Bible journaling and Bible study kits and devotionals.

A Plan to Pray Together More!

I hear women often saying they wish they had “more Catholic friends”. Nurture the friendships you have and watch the joy of Christ spread to others! Gift a friend a How to Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide and make a commitment to make praying together a regular event! Add a wine tumbler and a Rosary to make this the best gift ever!

More ideas for women? Check out: 5 Simple Gifts Catholic Women Love

Catholic Gifts for Children

A Play Nativity Set

The best way to keep Christ in Christmas with children is to give them toys about the true event! Both Shining Light Dolls and Saintly Heart have toy Nativity Sets!

The Shining Light Dolls Nativity Set (use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off) is so cute and conforms to all ASTM standards for toy safety. It’s perfect for children as young as 18 months but will be enjoyed for years into childhood!

My 10 year old son put the Saintly Heart Nativity Set on his Christmas wish list!

These play Nativity sets will sell out! Please do not wait to order them!

Toys from Shining Light Dolls

When I was 11 years old the one toy I wanted for Christmas was a soft, stuffed bear. I still remember how happy I was to get that! So, if your daughter is growing out of the toy stage – help her hang on a little more with a Shining Light Doll plush. They are so cute! And these presents really are enjoyed by little girls of all ages.

For the little ones, definitely check out the new wooden toys which include Saint George and a dragon and Saint Justine and a Unicorn!

Comic Books from Voyage Comics

This shop serves boys to men! The mission of Voyage Comics is to create exceptional entertainment, informed by Catholic values, that inspires people to live a heroic life. Through our products, we seek to advance the truth, beauty and goodness found in powerful stories.

Wooden Play Sets and Catholic Bath Toys from Saintly Heart

Saintly Heart makes toys and gifts for children of all ages! Teethers for babies, wooden toys for toddlers, pre-schoolers and elementary aged kids that love to use their imagination!

I have bought several of these toys as gifts and they are so loved by the children and their parents! Definitely grab some and have fun giving them!

Don’t forget to add some fun socks! My 10 year old, after looking through the “A Very Catholic Christmas Catalog” listed several pairs! His wish list included the Nativity Socks and the Saint Benedict socks. We love Sock Religious!

Catholic Gifts for Tweens and Teens

If your child has been asking for a smart phone or Apple Watch – I have a great alternative for you.

The Gabb Watch or Smart Phone!

Gabb Phones have an innovative spam filter for texting, no internet browser, no social media apps, no app store, and no games.

Kids are protected from falling prey to sexual predators, stumbling on explicit content, being victims of cyberbullying, or becoming screen addicted.

This is a gift your older child will love – and that you will feel more comfortable giving.

Gabb is currently running a great offer – a free device with a 2-year contract PLUS a free accessory with each device!

Catholic Books that make Fantastic Gifts

Voyage Comics, Ascension Press and Our Sunday Visitor all produce amazing books for Catholics of all ages.

The Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls continues to impress and delight!

A recent review from Amazon gave it another 5 STARS and reads:

I got this journal for my niece. When I looked through the pages I was blown away by the beautiful artwork, the varied faith activities, and just how fun it looked. My niece is going to love this so much. It is the best Christmas gift she will get. It will help her in her faith formation, get her to be more introspective, and best of all keep her off the hours of TV. I love this. Definitely will be back for more products.

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys has also received some recent positive reviews. One customer stated on Amazon:

Simply beautiful and inspiring. Beautifully achieved. I want to give one to every young man I know. 🙂

Still want more gift ideas? Download A Very Catholic Christmas Gift Guide!

Book suggestions for younger Catholic girls: Women Doctors of the Church and Molly McBride and the Party Invitation.

For Boys ages 8 and up: Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys; The Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles and Donuts After Mass: a Tale of Walking with Jesus

For younger boys: My First Interactive Mass Book, Holy Mysteries: 12 Investigations into Extraordinary Cases and My Catholic Picture Bible.

Enter the Giveaway and you could win:

A Plush Doll from Shining Light Dolls

A comic book from Voyage Comics

A silk scarf from Studio Senn

Saint Nicholas coffee from Catholic Coffee

A Coffee mug from The Little Rose Shop

A Catholic Mothers Planner from Ascension Press

My First Interactive Mass Book by Jennifer Sharpe from Ascension Press

A pair of socks from Sock Religious

A How To Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide (Digital)

A beautiful piece of Catholic jewelry

Tea from Sacred Heart Tea

Saint Wine Charms from Madonna Rose

Surprise gifts from a Catholic Etsy shop and more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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5 Catholic Books for Busy Women: Nurturing Your Faith When You’re Running on Empty https://prayerwinechocolate.com/5-catholic-books-for-busy-women-nurturing-your-faith-when-youre-running-on-empty/ Mon, 19 Jul 2021 17:23:42 +0000 https://prayerwinechocolate.com?p=26691 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. Are you completely spent by the end of the day? Do you go, go, go, until all of a sudden it’s bedtime? It can be difficult to do […]

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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.

Are you completely spent by the end of the day?

Do you go, go, go, until all of a sudden it’s bedtime?

It can be difficult to do any kind of self-care when you are working full-time or when you have young children.

I am so tired at the end of the day.
So reading a book is often the last thing I want to do.

Or I want to read, but I’m so tired, my brain is not exactly in the place to comprehend thick texts that have been written by a very wise Harvard professor.


However, there have been a few lately that I have really enjoyed reading, even after a long tiring day!

Catholic Books for Tired Moms

These are not parenting books. . . .although I should probably be reading those. These books help us grow in faith with the Lord through His Sacred Heart, His Mother and the Saints.

The first I recommend reading is:

Consecration to Saint Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Personally, I enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t start it in a true effort to “consecrate” myself to Saint Joseph. Honestly, I just love Saint Joseph and was curious to learn more about him. I was not disappointed. I learned a few things about our faith that I don’t recall ever learning about before!

I love how this type of book is set up. Day one – read these pages . . .then Day 2, here are some more pages. This worked for me since it was a short read and gave me time to scroll social media before I passed out from total exhaustion.

Your Blue Flame: Drop the Guilt and Do What Makes You Come Alive

“The Glory of God is man fully alive.”

Saint Irenaeus

Every one of us has a blue flame–a special skill, a personal passion, a gift or talent. But when caught up in life’s busyness, it’s too easy to make a habit of suppressing our most joyful contributions to the world.

I actually read this book last summer. I remember being on vacation with my in-laws and after reading one page – going over to my sister-in-law, handing her the book and saying, “you have got to read this”! It was a great, inspiring story that made me say, “no way” as I read it!

Called By Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

So a little disclosure here – I wrote two of the three hundred sixty five devotions 🙂

This devotional was put together by the women who run WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) . . . I mean, how could I not be a part of such an awesome Catholic ministry!

This daily devotional follows the liturgical seasons and includes major holidays and some feast days. You can begin your reading journey at any point in the year. As with all WINE offerings, you are invited to read, reflect, and respond using lectio divina. Each day includes

  • a Bible verse or passage for meditation;
  • daily reflections;
  • a closing prayer to focus your heart on an important truth or goal; and
  • a tangible action you can carry out each day, such as volunteering, going to Confession, or donating clothes to charity

A Painted Rosary

In full disclosure, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You might notice that this post actually has more than 5 books listed. One reason for this is because this book, is more a prayer aid than a read.

Praying the Rosary is such a gift in my life that feels like constant running and perpetual overwhelm. It gives my mind time to slow down and be still. But, there are always distractions. This book was created to help us focus on the mystery and the meditation. It’s also a nice visual to hand to a hyper child during a family Rosary!

A Painted Rosary cleverly pairs a modern and sleek design with the richness of traditional sacred art to transform how you pray the Rosary. Increase prayerful focus and deepen your meditation as you become immersed in the 20 mysteries of the Rosary through paintings from the 11th – 17th centuries. With limited distractions and containing just enough content without being overwhelming, A Painted Rosary is designed to be used while praying. 

Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus’ Promises in Your Life

This is an easy read with such comforting reminders of how much Jesus loves you. When Emily came out with this book, I reached out to her and said, “Please, can I review this book!”

In Secrets of the Sacred Heart, Emily Jaminet—executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network—weaves personal testimony, teachings, and reflection questions while exploring and applying each of Christ’s promises.

This book is set up like the Consecration of Saint Joseph book . . .Day 1/Promise 1; then next day, next promise, etc. This again is great for a tired mom at the end of a long day.

 Exploring the Catholic Classics: How Spiritual Reading Can Help You Grow in Wisdom (Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women #2) 

I read this book a while back and I have to include it in the “books for busy moms” post!

The Catholic classics are full of wisdom, advice, and inspiration to enrich the lives of modern women, and Exploring the Catholic Classics is a great way to access that wisdom and apply it to your life.

Tiffany Walsh introduces readers to carefully selected excerpts from each spiritual classic and offers her own insights before inviting you to respond to reflection prompt

A chapter of this book inspired the post Saint Francis De Sales’ 5 Practical Tips for a Better Day (free printable included)

What books do you recommend?

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Register today!

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Navigating the Catholic Faith with Your Son: 5 Tips and Tricks https://prayerwinechocolate.com/navigating-the-catholic-faith-with-your-son-5-tips-and-tricks/ Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:57:35 +0000 https://prayerwinechocolate.com?p=25352 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 This blog post highlights the conversation I had with Phil Kosloski, owner of Voyage Comics and Publishing. If you want to view or listen to the whole interview, […]

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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

This blog post highlights the conversation I had with Phil Kosloski, owner of Voyage Comics and Publishing. If you want to view or listen to the whole interview, here is the link:

This interview reminded me of an episode of The Big Bang Theory. Imagine Sheldon Cooper has a guest on fun with flags and the guest takes a drink of water, and, well . . .watch the video, you’ll see where I’m going with this . . .

Speaking of Big Bang Theory and comic book publishing . .

I described his online store as “everything Catholic Geek”.

Being a geek isn’t exactly uncool these days.

Philip started writing a few years ago on his blog about instances when popular culture linked to Christianity.

And in recent times, popular culture seems to have embraced “geekdom”.

So, if your son likes

the Star Wars films,

Lord of the Rings,

Superheroes,

sci-fi,

fantasy or comic books

I highly suggest you follow Kosloski’s blog and consider making a few purchases in his shop.

And think about how you can show charity in a really fun way by supporting the next Voyage Comic’s kickstarter campaign.

As a female author of a new boy’s journal, I asked Phil to share his insight as a man of faith and how being a young man and now father of five influenced his prayer life and overall dedication to Our Lord.

He said 5 things that really stood out.

Connect the real world with the world of fiction.

In The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker takes refuge on a real island known as Skelling Michael. The Jedi are fictional spiritual warriors – but this place was the home of real spiritual warriors – Catholic monks.

Phil felt really compelled to explore that real world place and what really happened there. Who were the monks that live there? How did that place allow them to do real spiritual battle?

Finnian and the Seven Mountains, Kosloski’s first comic book is “an epic journey that begins on the mysterious island of Skellig Michael, where [ a legendary sword rumored to have the extraordinary power to defeat evil] was last seen. 

Tip/Trick #1: Talk about the movies, films, and popular books that grab your son’s attention and interest. Start by talking about what was really cool, but continue with a truth that was presented, a place that really exists, and maybe a topic that was discussed.

Discuss the desire to fight and who is really behind the bad stuff in the world.

I asked Phil who his favorite superhero is, and he said Spider Man. While defending his answer, he mentioned an ordinary kid doing extraordinary things.

Later in our conversation, we discussed Spiritual Warfare a little more. Phil recommended that we teach our sons to direct his desire to fight in the right direction. There is an invisible world around us but we often forget because we can’t see it.

Who is really behind the bad stuff in the world? It’s easy to get mad at people – but really we could pray more for others instead of getting int actual fights with people.

These conversations can be brought up when discussing popular comic heros. According to one of the posts on Voyage Comics blog:

” DC Comics remains one of the most popular brands of entertainment, with its iconic superheroes, such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Surprisingly, over the years much Christian symbolism has found its way inside DC Comics stories, including many of their latest movies.

Whether intentional or not, truth, beauty and goodness is on display . . .

See more: Top 10 articles on Christian symbolism found in DC Comics

Tip/Trick #2: This is where Phil’s blog can come in really handy. This blog constantly brings the fight against evil in our cinemas back to the true fight we are called to – spiritual warfare. Remind and teach your son how to fight this war and that, in fact, it is a very real battle.

Need a Confirmation gift?
The Be Yourself Journal paired with a Voyage Comic book make a great gift!

Reassure the fact that Catholic Men can – and do – have really cool careers and vocations

First of all, Phil Kosloski works from home writing for Aleita and owns a Comic book publishing house.

If that isn’t impressive enough, consider Jim Caviezal.

Two artists that have made the Finnian series come to be and continue to grow are Jim Fern and Jay David Ramos, both devout Catholics and also employed by both Marvel and DC comics.

Father Peyton was ambitious in his mission and contacted popular Hollywood actors and actresses, such as Bing Crosby and Loretta Young, to help him convince families everywhere, “The family that prays together stays together.”

Using television, radio and film, Father Peyton was a modern-day missionary who went on to encourage devotion to the Blessed Mother and inspire families to pray together. His inspiring life story is now made accessible for the first time in a comic book format.

This comic book and the first of the Finnian series, both bring up the important topic of discernment.

Tip/Trick #3: Discuss the future – what does your son see himself doing as an adult? Has he considered becoming a priest? Does he have a certain career in mind? Once he reveals what he is interested in, try to find him examples of devout, prayerful men who are currently working in that field.

Mention and Encourage Discernment

Phil advised: “Every discerning Catholic young man should go to the seminary.”

He stated the seminary environment is great for discernment. He himself spent 3 years in the seminary before he became aware that his calling was not to become a priest; however, he felt being there was definitely a fruitful positive experience.

Tip/Trick #4: Two of Kosloski’s comic books take a good look at discernment: the first book in the Finnian series as well as The Tale of Patrick Peyton. The question, what does God want me to do is one we often ask – encourage your son to pray about decisions before making them – the decisions he is making right now, this week, and this month. This habit will come in handy when larger questions (like is God calling me to the priesthood) come about.

Embrace driving your son to Youth Group

When I asked Phil about his own journey with the faith, he mentioned going to youth group.

He said he did grow up in a Catholic family and wasn’t to active in the faith but then in high school he got involved in youth group and that sent him on a different path. Being around other Catholics was very influential.

Tip/Trick #5: Find a local Catholic youth group. Volunteer to take your son to one of their events.

Bonus Tip: Get your son this journal 😉

I love reading your comments! What other ways can parents nurture the faith of their sons!??? Leave a comment and let us know what has worked in your family!

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What’s Inside the Boy’s Be Yourself Journal? https://prayerwinechocolate.com/whats-inside-the-boys-be-yourself-journal/ https://prayerwinechocolate.com/whats-inside-the-boys-be-yourself-journal/#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2020 19:24:51 +0000 https://prayerwinechocolate.com?p=25171 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. Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys is designed to meet young men where there are and encourage them to think about themselves as a child of God, […]

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Thank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

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.

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys is designed to meet young men where there are and encourage them to think about themselves as a child of God, made out of love for a purpose.

*** If you are located in the United Kingdom, you can purchase both Be Yourself Journals over at the CatholicMothers Website!

Want to listen to a podcast interview about both the boys and girls journals? Listen here: Not a Lukewarm Catholic Podcast

Introduction: Questions young boys ask about God:

Some questions that a boy might have that are explored in the book are simply listed. For example:

Click here to see some pages through the Amazon listing!

Who is God?

Who am I?

Who does God want me to be?

How do I pray?

Why should I pray?

Are some of the questions listed. Then, there is a page for the reader to simply write questions he has in his mind.

I remember when I taught 7th and 8th grade, two boys loved that I gave them permission to write a quote on the board everyday. One quote or random fact they wrote stated that a large percentage of Popes were Italian. I then remember him questioning that – so even a question like, “why were so many Popes Italian?” are encouraged to be written in this space.

Part 1: Who Are You?

Why did God create me?

Boys can explore this question and find a glimpse to the special mission for which God created him.

Thank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

This part of the journal gives a few short statements from Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church that describe who we are as people.

So God created mankind in his image in the image of God he created them male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

God established you in his friendship. (CCC, 355)

God created you, body and soul. (CCC, 382)

Part 1 guides the reader to think about themselves – at first simply but gradually in a more deep way.

The reader knows his name and age, but is encouraged to think about what he enjoys about God’s creation through a fun “would you rather” quiz. Then, the book gives a list of roles and titles – in on activity they are asked to circle the titles that describe him – and the next activity has a whole new list and encourages him to cross out what definitely does not describe him!

The reader is also challenged to find a saint he has something in common with – and Saints with short descriptions provide options that include being raised by a single mother, having a sense of humor, being a fan of science fiction, someone who enjoyed traveling and more!

I also included a coloring page – because to my surprise, I had more than one tween boy tell me they like to color!

The coloring page in this section is quote from actor Chris Pratt:

Part 2: You and God

How does a young man develop a relationship with Jesus?

This portion of the book talks a lot about prayer.

Boys are shown a variety of ways to pray and shown how he can “pray unceasingly”.

Some fun activities include:

Does God Speak in Code?

hank you to Jen Frost for this awesome Photo
check out faithandfabricdesign.com

Boys are encouraged to look up passages in Scripture and choose one to put on a billboard. They are also given a blank billboard to design.

A Time Travel Prayer

A Gratitude Exercise

A “Spiritual Exercise” DARE!

Spending time in silence in order to hear God’s voice.

Part 3: Who Does God Want You to Be?

This portion of the book helps each young man to think about being a peacemaker, a fisher of men, a spiritual warrior, a friend and a saint.

Some of my favorite activities and are in this section! Those include:

A space to design a church.

Working for Peace: a discussion on bullying and a chance to write in dirt 🙂

A “Wreck It” Scavenger Hunt

Designing a Bumper Sticker and place to talk about your favorite car.

Ninja Catholicism

Another Would You Rather Activity

and a Virtue Grafitti Wall

Part 4: Make a Plan

When I was in the early stages of writing this book, I reached out to a friend of mine, Mark, who has been teaching Theology in a Catholic High School for about 20 years. I was telling him some of my ideas and when I said, “make a list” he stopped me right there. Mark said, “girls make lists; men need a plan”.

HOW DO YOU BECOME THE MAN YOU HOPE TO BE IN THE FUTURE?

So, I listened and this last part of the book helps the reader to make a plan.

As the author, I do my best to help the young man start making a plan for his life. I ask him to think about a few adults they really admire and to write down why they admire them.

The reader will also be led to envision Jesus with Saint Joseph in the workshop; and to think about what discussions might have happened while woodworking.

Then I ask the young man to choose from a list who they would like to work with and learn from – some choices include a priest, an IT professional, a mechanic and an architect.

There is also an exercise where the reader will imagine how he would be introduced to a crowd at the age of 30.

Want to know how to use both the boy’s and girl’s journals in the classroom? Check out: 3 Ways to Use the Be Yourself Journals in the Classroom

Want more ideas on how to use this journal in a youth group setting or at home? Sign up for my newsletter to see future posts!

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Be Yourself: A Catholic Journal for BOYS! https://prayerwinechocolate.com/be-yourself-a-catholic-journal-for-boys/ Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:05:32 +0000 https://prayerwinechocolate.com?p=23766 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. Ever since the Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls was published, I have been asked the question, “Is there one for boys?” This question, asked over and over […]

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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.

Ever since the Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls was published, I have been asked the question, “Is there one for boys?” This question, asked over and over again, made me realize two things:

  1. There wasn’t one for boys. In fact, what is available for boys is scarce and frankly, not that impressive.
  2. There needs to be one for boys.

So, with the help of many, I wrote one.

I’m excited to announce that, Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic is available for pre-order today!

Officially, Be Yourself: A Catholic Journal for Boys will be released on June 5, 2020 by Our Sunday Visitor.

But you can pre-order your copy today and be one of the first to have this book!

Here is the description of the book found on Amazon:

“You are a thought of God, you are a heartbeat of God. To say this is like saying that you have a value which in a sense is infinite, that you matter to God in your completely unique individuality.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys was designed for boys to understand their identity and individuality, with the help of their Catholic faith.

Packed full of great art, quizzes, journaling questions, quotes from the saints, Scripture verses, and passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Be Yourself journal helps boys become the men God created them to be.

Ages 9 and up.

Wondering how your tech loving teen might start journaling? Check out How to Get Your Tech Loving Teen to Prayer Journal

Want to start a prayer journal yourself? It’s easy, here’s how: How to Start a Prayer Journal (in 3 Easy Steps)