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.

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.

A few months ago I spoke to a parish’s women’s group. The women’s Walking with Purpose Bible Study hosted a Prayer Wine Chocolate night and invited me to give a talk about prayer and prayer journaling.

The first story I told was the Spiritual Adoption Miracle story I often share. In the beginning of that story I describe how one day I recall walking up the steps with a laundry basket and wondering,

“do my prayers for women considering abortion even matter? I mean, obviously I don’t love these women as much as God does . . .”

That experience resonated with one of the women attending the event. She had a similar experience years before and as the night was wrapping up, she came over and shared her experience with me.

Ever since I heard this woman’s story I have been thinking – other people need to hear this story!

Does God hear all the details of our prayers?

Have you ever wondered if God hears or cares about all the little things you ask for in prayer?

This woman, we’ll call her Eileen, described how there was a period in her life when she wondered if God heard all the details of her prayers.

She told me that she thought, “maybe God just listens to the big picture, but the little details are not what He is concerned with . . .“

Then, she shared this experience:

Eileen frequently commuted to work on the train and she would often pray the Rosary on her morning commute.

She didn’t mind holding a Rosary or being seen praying in front of total strangers, however, she was very self-conscious about one thing – her eyebrow.

Eileen may have explained to me why one of her eyebrows, in her mind, looked funny – however, I can not remember the details and I also don’t remember noticing anything odd about her face at all!

BUT, because this was something that bothered her, she would use eyeliner on her brows EVERY SINGLE DAY to disguise her flaw.

One morning, she was either in a rush or didn’t have eyeliner.

She realized on the train that she did not “fix” her eyebrow that morning. So, as she was praying the Rosary – and wondering if maybe God did not hear the full details of her heart – she held her Rosary in a way that she could cover her eyebrow with her thumb.

So, that morning on the train she held her Rosary in a way where she could also cover her eyebrow.

She demonstrated this to me with her hand and how she had slumped her head over in a way that maybe it looked natural to the other people on the train.

Almost immediately after getting off the train, she looked down and in a pile of leaves she saw what looked like an unopened eyeliner package.

She stood in disbelief for a moment and thought -God, if this is the color that I use every day, I know that you hear the details of my prayers now.

Shen bent over, uncovered the unopened make-up container and there it was . . . dark brown eye liner – unopened.

Now, she was not praying to find eye-liner – her prayers were much deeper; more emotional, complicated and weaved with sorrow and hope.

But as she was praying about these things, she was also thinking – I need to hide my eyebrow.

God hears it all. The big and the little.

I was so moved by this story she shared. Personally, I look at my life and see that even my unspoken, most private prayers have been heard by God. Details I never spoke to anyone about were wrapped up in big intentions.

The same is true for you and I.

Does God think my prayers are silly?

God hears all that is in our heart.

After hearing this story, I saw this quote shared by a friend on Facebook:

“Our God delights in stooping down to converse with us, and He rejoices when we make known to Him our most trivial everyday affairs.”

Saint Alphonsus Liguori

I had never read or heard that Saint quote before . . . but when I read it, I had been thinking for at least a month about that woman and her eyeliner story. I thought, it’s such a great witness and inspiring way to let others know that we should go to God about everything!

It is so reassuring to know that even what we might think is “little” or “trivial” God delights in and cares about.

Does God hate makeup?

No! But that doesn’t mean he thinks you need to wear it!

God loves you. He cares about what is on your mind and heart. He wants to you to know and feel His love.

And in this time between hearing this story and writing this post, I came across this incredible shirt!

Created Beautiful {but makeup is fun} shirt by Pink Salt Riot.

I love this shirt and think it would such a great gift for a teenage girl! Use coupon code CATHOLICSSAVE and get 10% off!

Why does God care about make-up?

It’s not the make-up He really cares about – what he cares about is you! I often quote Saint Teresa of Avila because she is credited with saying, “You pay God a compliment when you ask big things of Him”. I believe that to be true – but it’s also important for us to know and remember that He knows every hair on our head, and he cares about all that is on our heart and mind.

Give it to Him – all of it.

May the Lord Bless You Abundantly!

<3 Amy

P.S. Want to host a Prayer Wine Chocolate Event?

Here’s a guide to show you how!

The post God and Make-Up: Sometimes Miracles Involve Eyeliner 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.

I love buying and giving gifts at Christmas – but, I also love receiving them!
I wanted to share with you what is on my wish list this year!

I have to be honest, this year I don’t want a whole lot because I’m dreaming of a new home. We are feeling crowded in this one and I keep thinking, “in my next house I would love to have . . .”

So, I will share some of those ideas here too.

(I share some favorites on this post too: Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: Catholic Edition definitely check that out!!)

My Catholic Christmas Wish List

Another Catholic Mother’s Planner!

I have been using the Catholic Mother’s Planner all year and I love it! It hasn’t fallen apart like others I have purchased in the past and it is filled with prayers and quotes that really inspire me.

I’d love to use one of these again!

Gifts for the Home

A Visual Grace Face of Jesus Rosary Holder

I love this artist and her depiction of the Face of Jesus.

I also love that she put this art work on a Rosary hanger!

I wrote another post recently titled Catholic Home Goods that are Beautiful, check that out for more home decor!

Gifts for the Homebody in Me

Warm and cozy slippers (I have officially become my mother)

We used to make fun of my mom for asking for slippers every year. Now I totally get it.

I have told my husband that I want slippers several times already!

I LOVE comfortable clothing! New pajamas (love Simply Vera brand and Lauren Conrad sold at Kohl’s).

Love super soft socks and throw blankets, mugs that have prayers on them and hold at least 15 oz. of coffee! I have some listed in my Spiritual Stocking Stuffer post!

Clothes and Fashion

Confession, I sometimes indulge in a Stitch Fix!

I love the idea that a stylist is picking out clothes for me – and that she even looks at what I Pinned on Pinterest to see what I like and what I want in my wardrobe.

I would love a gift card for Stitch Fix for Christmas (and great news, if you sign up – I get $25 shopping credit to use and YOU GET $25 CREDIT TOO!!!)

Want to try it? Yes, sign up for a Stitch Fix!!!

I also saw a cute sweater that was on Annie Dedden’s gift guide this year (Catholic Wife, Catholic Life). I never knew there was something called a “Funnel neck” sweater. I love it. I’ll take one in light grey or navy please lol!

This year I discovered back pack purses. I love them because they don’t slide off my arms and make it so much easier to help my children. I bought one but the strap broke :(. Would love another and maybe a new wallet to match.

This one from Macy’s is super cute!

Catholic Jewelry

I love Telos Design. I think it would be lovely to receive a Trove Box or even a subscription box from this awesome shop!

A new jewelry box

This wooden jewelry box I found on Etsy looks like a great one. Now that I found a love for earrings and Miraculous Medal necklaces, I need an upgrade from the one I got over 20 years ago!

Honestly, I LOVE earrings and Miraculous Medal necklaces (small, dainty and simple).

Beauty and Accessories

New Curling Iron- I’ve asked hair dressers for recommendations and the two that were recommended were the BaByliss and Hot Tools

Honestly, fill a stocking for me – put in a zipper pouch from Meadowcress boutique, lip gloss, stickers from Just Love Prints, MrsTorrescreates, phone accessories from Pink Salt Riot, socks from Sock Religious and whatever I put on this list you can fit in there! Hey, it’s a wish list right?

Gift Cards

Gift Card to a Hair Dresser – one of my favorite guilty pleasures is getting my hair blow dried and curled by someone else.

Gift cards to a Hair Salon, Target, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Ulta . . . are great ideas

I’d love a gift card to Corda Candles since they are sold out for the year!

Want more gift ideas? Check out Spiritual Stocking Stuffers: Christmas Edition; Award Winning Catholic Gifts AND The Ultimate Catholic Gift Guide (free download)!

And Have a very Merry Christmas!

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