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.

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

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.

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!

The post Navigating the Catholic Faith with Your Son: 5 Tips and Tricks appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my “About” page for more details.

According to Emily Ricci, founder of Gloriam Marketing, a Catholic Ministry is

Any organization whose primary goal is some sort of evangelization or service.”

What a beautiful reality it is that there have been SO.MANY.INDIVIDUALS. that desire so much to serve God and others,

that they put their hearts and energy into creating organizations that seek to serve.

Many Catholics are on a mission to move hearts closer to Christ.

I want you to know about them!

You can help a Catholic Ministry by donating your time!  For example:

• Dedicate time to pray for a ministry you know about and feel the mission is important.
• Share a post (like this one) or share a Facebook status, a YouTube video. Re-tweet an event, Pin a product or article (like this one, hint, hint, wink, wink).
• Subscribe to the ministry’s newsletter or follow them on social media.
• Recommend the ministry to a friend that may be interested in their service.

You can also help a Catholic Ministry by supporting them financially.  For example:

• Make a donation.  It could be a financial donation, or it could be bringing gently used clothes to a crisis pregnancy center.
• Purchase a product the ministry sells in order to fund its work.

Would you like to purchase the shirt below or one like it?  Shop here (and use the COUPON CODE “SUMMERSAVINGS” ! Spend $25  and receive a 15% discount!

This is such a vital way missions and ministries continue to function.

It’s so important, that Craig Glantz started a business to help ministries and non-profits provide the funds necessary to continue operating.

I asked Craig to help two ministries I run.  I also asked him to share what his business does and how it got started with you. Here’s a little Q & A with Craig:

 

C. Glantz Consulting is my LLC where I partner with businesses and non-profits to help them create products and promote their brand.

“Uplift By Lily is my actual website where consumers can purchase products as is or customize.

Our mission is “Art should lift up one’s soul!” Our entire mission is to create uplifting, positive gifts that help contribute to the positive side of life. Uplift By Lily is named after our daughter Lily Gianna who passed due to anacephaly after living one hour and 18 minutes. She is our little saint in Heaving, helping us attain our heavenly reward.

I am partnering with about 10-12 non-profits/businesses currently and more are inquiring. I am partnering with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Catholic Women’s Conference,The Thomistic Institute out of Washington D.C., Catholics Online, and Prayer Wine and Chocolate just to name a few.

I have a priests in Africa inquiring about helping his mission and also a young lady who wants to help have a church built in the Dominican Republic. Each organization has it’s own mission statement and I am just doing my small part by designing products and providing an online space for them to sell. I do not charge them 1 penny out of pocket and they make a profit on every item sold. They do not have to hold inventory or ship . . . really they just pick what products they want and get me their image. I take on all of the risk and extra expenses knowing that when things sell it will all work out.

4.  Why should other Catholics and Christians shop at your store? Do you have a coupon code for PWC readers?

Some of the ministries I am helping actually fight human trafficking, help people heal after divorce, help combat pornography, and other noble causes such as businesses who are “merely” supporting their families. Working with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has also been a real blessing as the money they get back goes to help run future Catholic Women events. It has been a real blessing so far., Small non-profits and small businesses pay no money out of pocket for my services.

My items are high-quality and if anyone has any issues with anything they buy I make it right for them. Also, this is the main way I am supporting my family at this time, this is not a side gig, so any promotions others can give would be greatly appreciated. I do have a coupon code for your readers: “SUMMERSAVINGS”. When someone spends $25 they will receive a 15% discount!

 

Just a few years ago, I started a little blog called Prayer Wine Chocolate. What I did not realize, was I was starting a ministry.

My initial goals for the blog were

• to help couples who desired to grow their family through adoption, but felt intimidated by the costs.
• To share stories of answered prayer and faith.
• Inspire and encourage readers to embrace our Catholic Christian faith.
• generate an income without sacrifice being a stay at home mom.

After working several other “stay-at-home” jobs, I finally found work I truly feel passionate about.

The best part – really connecting with people.  It wasn’t long after the website launched that I was planning our first Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat and being invited to speak and give prayer journaling workshops.

I thought I’d help people with adoption, and the other stuff would just be for my enjoyment.

God had other plans!

Since the beginning, I have known that I am not alone in this online Catholic world.  I have been inspired, encouraged and totally wowed by others sharing their faith and encouraging anyone who’s heart is open to pray.  Once I “met” these incredible influencers (I’m looking at you Annie Deddens from CatholicWifeCatholicLife and Jessica Marie at Sweet Little Ones) I felt compelled to share their missions and beauty to the world.

This desire has now blossomed into  CatholicsOnline.net.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post How You Can Help Catholic Ministries: While Looking Cool, Feeling Good, and Not Going Broke. appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.