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.

Fatima and Francisco: Why so many Rosaries? One Mom’s Perspective

When Our Lady appeared to the children in Fatima, Francisco could not hear Our Blessed Mother but he could see her.
He asked Lucia to ask if Francisco would go to heaven too, she responded: “Yes, but first he must say many Rosaries.”

There has been writing and discussions around this statement, but I feel like I had an a-ha moment regarding this lately, and I feel compelled to share it with you.

I have no theology degree. There is much written about Francisco have a contemplative spirit, and this explains why Our Blessed Mother stressed his need to pray many Rosaries.

I feel like there is another lesson for all of us here. This is from my opinion and heart.

Why would a 8 year old have to say many rosaries to get to heaven?

Francisco was only 8 years old when he saw Our Lady. He was only 8 when she said that he would go to heaven BUT first he must say many rosaries.

That always perplexed me. I researched it and read about how “experts” said it was because he is a contemplative – but still, I remain puzzled.

Until this year.

I am a mother of 3 children. I have two sons and one daughter. One of my sons is quite emotional and extremely sensitive. He experiences anxiety and is stressed by much more than my other two children.

Just recently I wondered . . . could Francisco have been like my son?

This little boy of mine that is extremely emotional also has the most tender heart. He is emotionally intelligent, empathetic and does not want anyone to feel sad or upset.

He has no skills in emotional regulation. His anxiety is debilitating.

As a mother, obviously, I want to help him. I’m not eager to give him medicine. I do know there are things that we can do that will lower stress and calm our souls.

Mediation – saying the Rosary – is one of them.

Our Lady knew the science before we did the research

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. For years I taught Intro to Psychology to Seniors in High School.

When we would get to the chapter on States of Consciousness, we would discuss meditation.

It wasn’t until the 1960’s that scientists started to research the effects of meditation.

Since that time, here are some things they have discovered:

Meditation elicits the relaxation response;

Meditation lowers stress and blood pressure;

Meditation reduces anxiety;

Meditation reduces depression; enhances self-awareness; increased attention span; and generates kindness.

When Our Lady was telling the Fatima children to pray the Rosary for peace, she didn’t just mean in wars that were being fought far away, she was also talking about peace within.

The Rosary is a form of meditation. She knew that this prayer would help all of humanity; but some of us struggle with anxiety more than others.

As I watch my son do things that definitely indicate Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other high anxious stress, I want to help him. I have observed how praying the Rosary as a family relaxes him.

Perhaps, Francisco was like my little boy.

Research since the 1960’s has demonstrated that those who meditate report reduced symptoms of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Read more here: 12 Science Based Benefits of Meditation

Our Lady appeared to the children of Fatima in 1917.

If Francisco’s parents were observing behaviors that I observe in my son, they weren’t talking about calling a counselor to help him.

In fact, Francisco’s father is on record saying this about Francisco:

“ He didn’t always have as much patience; and often, for small reason, he would run around like a young bull calf.“

Did you know that recent studies have demonstrated that meditation can enable people to tame their negative emotions?

In fact, researchers continue to discover more and more benefits of meditation today.

Our Lady knew the science. She knew if Francisco had trouble being still more than the average child. She knew if he had trouble regulating his emotions. She knew if he battled anxiety and excessive worrying.

She also knew that he would be facing death soon. Who wouldn’t be scared or anxious?

Having Francisco embrace the practice of praying the Rosary was a gift from a very loving Mother. She gave him a tool to help him cope with stress and fear. Isn’t this something we all want to give our children?

Let’s help our children battle anxiety with the Rosary

If you look up how to help children with anxiety, guess what’s on the list?

Meditation (here’s an article to read from ClevelandClinic)

There are many spiritual reasons to pray the Rosary. The graces and blessings that come from this prayer are abundant. But the generosity of God and the love of God and His Mother don’t stop there.

This prayer can truly calm our souls.

Friends, we live in a time when a book title The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness is a New York Times Bestseller.

Let’s pray the Rosary with our children.

Let’s teach them to pick up their Rosaries and pray it on their own.

Let’s give them this tool so they can calm their hearts, minds and souls.

The more they can do that, the better they can hear God’s voice.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom; pray for us.

Helping ourselves and our children with anxiety

The Rosary is one incredible way our faith can help us cope with anxiety. Another way we can incorporate our faith into lowering stress is through journaling.

Learn more about journaling: What Does a Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

Grab journals for your children! I wrote Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys

Subscribe to my newsletter and get some free stuff!

See some of my favorite rosaries here: Not Your Grandma’s Rosaries

Please shop from my store and from my friends! Help us keep talking about our faith online!

Click here to see the Catholic Influencers shop page!

The post Fatima and Francisco: Why so many Rosaries? One Mom’s Perspective 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.

How Our Lady of the Rosary Helped Me Meet My Husband

Have you ever NOT noticed a rainbow until someone else pointed it out to you?

Have you ever had to pull a child away from danger –

maybe a car driving quickly in a parking lot, for example?

This is how I imagine one way Our Blessed Mother works in our lives. Our Heavenly Mother often has to point out what is already there – either a gift from God or danger that would lead us away from her Son.

Our Blessed Mother helps us see what God has ready for us

The way my husband Matt and I went on our first date is a much more specific example of how I believe Our Lady of the Rosary helps us.

In a way, he was the rainbow in the sky I needed pointed out to me.

Our Mama Mary, when we faithfully pray the Rosary and grant her a little trust (or a lot of it) points out to us the beauty that God has put in our lives. She also points out the danger that exists and is near us – especially those that would endanger our soul.

God heard my prayer for a husband long before I started praying the Rosary on a regular basis

Matt and I went on our first date in 2004.

However, the suggestion that I meet Matt came about two years before that.

Let me explain.

Around the year 2002, I bumped into an old high school friend. As we caught up, she expressed her opinion that I should “meet Matt”. Matt was her friend Maria’s brother. The only thing I gleaned that I had in common with this guy was that we were both single.

Based on that information, I made no effort to explore this idea and showed no interest in this idea.

Months later, I saw Karen again. This time Karen knew we were going to be together, so she brought a picture of Matt to show me.

Again, I expressed no interest really. I did not hear anything about this guy that made me think, “oh yes, we have lots in common, we should totally meet”.

Again, I did something like smiled, nodded and went along my way.

Something changed when I started praying the Rosary

In 2003, I started praying the Rosary with at least 3 friends once a week.

We would gather at my apartment on Thursday evenings. We often invited others to join us, and there were weeks where 5 to seven of us sat around a living room sharing intentions and praying the Rosary together.

Loneliness, Despair and Infertility inspired a Rosary group

There were 4 women that were there praying the Rosary consistently: Nancy, Siobhan, Kelly and myself.

When we began, Nancy and I were lonely and broken-hearted.

Siobhan was pregnant, but the father of the baby and her were on, to say the least, on a very rocky road.

Kelly was experiencing infertility.

These women became my closest friends. We did other things together besides meet up for Rosary once a week.

Nancy, Siobhan and Kelly were fans of a show called “Sex in the City”. I never watched it prior to meeting them and honestly, felt no desire to watch it. The title of the show didn’t exactly sit well with me.

HOWEVER, sometime in the beginning of 2004, Kelly decided she was going to have a “Sex in the City party”. My guess is the show was in it’s last season, so she wanted to gather friends to watch the last episode.

I agreed to go to this party because, well, I had no other plans and my friends were going to be there.

It was at this party that I met Maria.

Maria, Karen’s friend – who was also friends with Nancy and Kelly.

I quickly realized this was the Maria I had heard about many times and had yet to meet.

And this was the Maria who happened to have a single brother named Matt – who Karen had mentioned to me more than once.

I quickly realized why my mutual friends often spoke so highly of Maria. I immediately liked her and wanted to be her friend.

After we had talked a while, I said to Maria . . . “tell me about your brother our mutual friend Karen has told me about” . . .

Maria’s response:

“Oh I was hoping you’d ask!”

Maria left that party with a picture of me and my phone number. I figured, if his sister was that nice, he was probably a guy I’d like to meet.

I left the party not minding if this Matt eventually called me . . . but also with no high hopes or eager expectations.

Pictured above: Maria (Matt’s sister) is in the red shirt. Siobhan is next to her and Nancy is wearing the striped white and gray shirt.

At the end of May, Siobhan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

In early June, when Siobhan brought her daughter home to her new apartment, Nancy and I went to visit Mama and baby.

While we were visiting, my cell phone rang. I looked at the number calling and said something like,

“I don’t recognize that number. That might be Maria’s brother Matt. I’ll just let it ring and call him back . . “

I think I was going to say later but before I was done speaking, Nancy and Siobhan shouted in unison:

ANSWER IT!!!!!!!!!!!

As a reaction, I answered it.

Sure enough, it was Matt.

We talked a little and decided that we would go out together on the evening of June 17th. That was the last day of school so I thought it would be a good night to go out – I wouldn’t have to worry about grading or lesson planning at that point.

At a much later date, Matt shared with me how that day he called me, he had held his phone and my number in his hand for what felt like hours. It may have actually been hours.

Matt doesn’t like calling people. He even isn’t to fond of calling to order a pizza.

This phone call was a big deal for him to make.

I only recently shared with him what had happened on my end. I figured if I didn’t answer, he would leave a message and I would just call him back. In my mind – no big deal.

When I shared this story with him, Matt said that he really isn’t sure he would have left a message. In fact, he probably would not have left a message.

Matt once again reminded me how

he held his phone and my number and stared at it for a very, very long time.

I was reminded of how big a deal making this phone call was to him.

Then it dawned on me.

The two women who shouted ANSWER IT, were my prayer partners for the past 9 months.

It was those two who were listening to my intention week after week – please Lord let me meet a man I can fall in love with and marry.

It was with those two women who prayed the Rosary with me every week.

Not only was I walking with Our Lady, they also had been walking with her.

I feel like the three of them teamed up in that moment.

ANSWER IT was a direct message from God. That message was shared in stereo.

God had Matt chosen for me, but boy, did I need a whole lot of help to see that answered prayer and gift from above.

Our Blessed Mother Helped Me Open My Heart More to God’s Love

When my friend Karen suggested that I should meet Matt, I totally disregarded the suggestion.

Then, I started praying the Rosary with a group of friends.

That Rosary group led me to meet MARIA (ironic) and I let down my guard. I passed along my phone number.

But the help I needed didn’t end there. When Matt called me, I was not going to answer the phone.

I only answered it because two women, who had prayed the Rosary with me for months, were prompted to shout at the same time, “ANSWER IT”.

It’s actually that memory that made me stop and think about how every time I prayed the Rosary with these girls that year, my number one intention was all about my lonely, sad heart that longed for the vocation of marriage.

Maybe some of us need more help to see God’s gifts right in front of us. The fact that I might be one of those people does not surprise me at all.

I mean, it took me like 20 years to put all the pieces of this story together. Yeah, I might need Our Blessed Mother’s help . . . as well as some faithful friends.

And here we are, twenty years later.

Our first date was on June 17th 2004.

Our first child was born on June 17th years later.

God had it planned, I’m certainly grateful Our Heavenly Mother helped me see it.

Want to see some of my favorite Rosaries so you can start praying more? My new favorite Rosary is from Abundantly Yours! Also, check out Not Your Grandma’s Rosaries!

Do you like Prayer, Wine and Chocolate? Visit my shop and grab some gear as well as resources!

Shopping at Prayer Wine Chocolate helps me pay to keep my website up and running – purchases are so appreciated!

Want to see my other work?

Check out CatholicInfluencers.com!

The post How Our Lady of the Rosary Helped Me Meet My Husband 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.

5 Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas You Will Love

Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas

I saw Amazon sent an email with “White Elephant” gift ideas and it made me think . . .

we could totally upscale this with gifts that spark faith and beautiful thoughts about God!

We can do so much better!

Forget Amazon’s suggestions, these Catholic gifts are so much better!

White elephant gift idea #1 – unique band-aids

One item Amazon had on it’s White Elephant Gift List was “bacon bandages”

– forget the bacon bandaids, give Jesus and Mary Bandages from Be a Heart!!! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off!

Ironically, these Jesus Bandages, are also available on Amazon!

White elephant gift idea #2 – novelty socks

Another popular item listed are socks. Amazon suggest animal paw socks??? Forget those and . . .

DEFINITELY consider Sock Religious for your White Elephant gift! So many to choose from – guaranteed to give a smile and some intercessory prayer!

White Elephant gift idea #3 – funny mugs and other drinkware

Amazon’s suggestion – heat changing Gameboy mug.

Catholic alternative: Saint Michael pixel mug

Other drinkware options:

Stainless Steel Tumbler

not so Holy Water Tumbler from Sagely Sparrow – so funny!

Have a little fun while sharing your faith with this (not so) Holy Water tumbler. It makes a great funny gift for the fun-loving Catholic in your life. Fill it with iced tea, hot chocolate, your favorite adult beverage, or plain old (not holy) water.

Enjoy hot or cold drinks on the go with this stylish stainless steel tumbler! This reusable tumbler with a metal straw is a perfect combo for hot or cold drinks at any time of the day.

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler!

You can get a pink or purple Prayer Wine Chocolate Wine Tumbler!

White Elephant Gift Idea #4 – Playing Cards

Amazon had quite a few differing playing card decks on their white elephant suggestion list.

Instead of Harry Potter or World’s Smallest DOS, give Catholic Family Crate playing cards! You can purchase these from Etsy or directly from Catholic Family Crate’s website.

Catholic Family Crate has quite a few card games that our popular in our home!

In fact, many White Elephant gift suggestions were games.

If you want to give a game that a little more unique, check out The Catholic Card Game by Board Catholic

The Catholic Card Game by Board Catholic

THE GAME FOR CATHOLIC ADULTS While other party games make you feel like you need Confession after playing and other Catholic products are either too childish or too academic, the Catholic Card Game provides clean entertainment without sacrificing quality or fun.It’s easy to play, relatable, and hilarious.

White Elephant Gift Idea #5 – a candle

Pax Rosa, a new Catholic Candle Company, has a variety of styles and scents!

You can choose one decorated with some art like the Holy Family hearts candle or

one with script, like the Wedding at Cana candle.

If you want MORE Catholic Gift Ideas, be sure to check out my latest posts:

The BEST Catholic Gifts to Give This Christmas

and

Dynamic Duos: These Catholic Gifts Go Great Together

Did you love the Sears or JC Penny catalog around Christmas when you were a kid? We created a Catholic Christmas Catalog to bring back those feelings of nostalgia while also inspiring you to give and ask for Catholic gifts this year!

Check it out: A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

The post 5 Catholic White Elephant Gift Ideas You Will Love 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.

Some gifts were sent to me so that I could promote them – most of which I specifically asked for because I wanted to recommend them in this list – plus, there’s a giveaway which many listed have contributed to! All opinions are 100% mine!

There are so many AMAZING gift ideas this year! It was so hard to choose. So, since I do not want to overwhelm you, I’m keeping Bibles and Rosaries out of this list because I have two posts dedicated solely to those incredibly important – and forever BEST – Catholic Gifts.

If you are searching for a Bible – go here: 5 People on Your Gift List That Need a New Bible

If you are searching for a Rosary – go here: Not Your Grandma’s Rosaries

The Best Gifts for Catholic Men in 2023

The Hallow App – one of the best gifts to give this year!

This app has revolutionized prayer for the modern man and woman. It’s convenient, it’s relevant and completely accessible. I mean, even Mark Wahlberg likes it, so it’s gotta be a great man gift!

If you have a man on your list that doesn’t know what he wants, I highly suggest giving the Hallow app as a gift!

Catholic Coffee – this is a throwback from last year’s gift guide. My husband loves the coffee and the travel mug I had claimed as mine! Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off.

Want to add some humor? This fun mug “Don’t make me have to go to confession” mug or this Saint Nick mug will do the trick!

Books from Ascension Press

As the head of the family, husbands and fathers might enjoy diving deeper into our rich faith and having references on hand when insightful questions are asked.

A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament by Jeff Cavins, Jeffrey Morrow, Biff Rocha and Andrew Swafford

• Now Catholics can be invigorated in the study of Scripture, connect with the story of God’s Chosen People, and uncover new meaning in the Old Testament’s narrative with A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament. This comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the Old Testament seeks to unveil the mysteries of Divine Revelation contained in the Old Testament and unlock the hidden details of this God-given text. With this Catholic guide, readers will no longer wonder how each of the Old Testament’s books contributes to the narrative of Scripture or struggle to understand its main characters, historical context, and literary forms. 
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition
• The Catechism contains the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith’s most foundational teachings applied to the modern day. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition makes the wisdom of this foundational document accessible through the Foundations of Faith color-coded approach. This award-winning, exclusive, specially designed edition clearly shows the ancient roots of the Faith and is the Catechism used with the chart-topping Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast. There has never been an edition of the Catechism so revolutionary for Catholics seeking to understand the teachings of the Catholic Faith.

All time classic: Candy made by the Trappistine’s. My dad says it “tastes heavenly”!

Sock Religious had fantastic gifts! This small business was started by a Catholic husband and is an overall great company. These gifts are practical and bring about a smile to those who receive it. I gave my brother the Saint Anthony ones because he is ALWAYS looking for his keys, phone, wallet . . . He appreciated them and wears them too!

The Best Gifts for Catholic Women in 2023

Let’s start with a few of my FAVORITE CATHOLIC THINGS!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt and/or a Prayer Wine Chocolate tumbler!

I wear my PWC sweatshirts often – just because they are so comfortable! The other day I was wearing it food shopping and another customer looked at my shirt, read it out loud, smiled and said “LOVE IT” and then he said, “my wife would love that”. His smile was contagious. I saw him three isles later and he was still smiling and complimented my shirt again. I said, “always prayer first” and he said “AMEN”.

It put extra joy in my day!

The tumbler is great for BYO events! It’s also nice to have if you like to sit outside around a fire and have a glass of wine

My three “everyday” Catholic products are

my Miraculous Medal necklace from Telos Jewelry

and my belt bag from Be a Heart and

my earrings from 12th & Blossom!

I can honestly say I use and wear these daily!

My favorite new products are:

My brand new Rosary pouch from The Cozy Wife!!!

My rosaries have been haphazardly in my purses for years. I can not wait to give at least on Rosary a home in this adorable pouch (mine is purple with a rainbow on it)! Remember, if you want to gift someone a pouch and a Rosary, check out my Not Your Grandma’s Rosary post!

The Cozy Wife’s shop should win an award for “best stocking stuffer ideas” for Catholics this year! Those keychains and stickers, plus the Rosary pouches and the cozies – yes please!!!

A new book! I highly recommend giving Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You

I am diving in and taking notes right now. I’m learning so much. I highly recommend this book to women who have young daughters. There’s a ton of “styles” out there now that do not reflect the immense beauty God created in each young woman. This book will help when conversations arise that involve modesty and simply making the best decisions, without compromising each individual’s unique identity.

More ideas for women:

Catholic Candle from Pax Rosa

Choose Joy Mug from His Girl Sunday/ Liturgy Market

Sock Religious “no show” socks.

Jewelry from Telos Art! I not only wear it, but I like to gift it too Use code AMY10

The Hallow App! Women LOVE this app. I starting using it about a month ago. Not only do I use it for my own prayer and learning, but my daughter loves listening to the Saint Stories for kids that are also on this app! When she was home sick and I was working around the house, she was so content and peaceful listening and learning about the Saints!

The Best Gifts For Catholic Teens and College Students

For teen girls, think cozy! A blanket, a hot cocoa or coffee mug and a book!!

A blanket and a book are a great gift combo! I found Catholic blankets that teens will love at BlessedBeGodBoutique!!

Since this age can be a challenge with all things, faith is not always their favorite thing. So, I’ve kept that in mind with these gift ideas.

One book I suggest is a new YA novel written by Catholic Author Ginny Kochis. Although she is Catholic, this novel, Blink and We’ll Miss It, is categorized as “clean and wholesome romance”.

“Blink and We’ll Miss It is a poignant, swoon-worthy novel about finding the strength to forgive, the courage to move forward, and the vulnerability to fall in love.”

Just picture your favorite teen all cuddled up in a blanket with a prayer on it, holding her Catholic mug and reading a book that is good for her soul! Love it!

Simple yet faithful sweatshirt! This be not afraid sweatshirt has the right dose of faith for a teen!

Fun Catholic gifts under $25 dollars:

Catholic keychains, these from The Cozy Wife are my first recommendation!

Catholic Friendship bracelets from Refuge Rosaries (know any Taylor Swift fans???)

Saint Andrew Bracelet from House of Love and Laughter. I love this bracelet for two reasons – one, it’s so pretty and two, it may teach the teen about the Christmas novena – which encourages them to pray every day in Advent!

Catholic Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

A Saint Benedict Crucifix

Last year, my friend’s teen son specifically asked for a crucifix necklace to wear around his neck. This year, when I asked for gift suggestions for teen boys, another friend stated:

“My teen boy says a cross necklace, bc every guy wants a chain!“

This seems to be a welcome gift to young men. I chose to highlight the Saint Benedict Crucifix because it also includes a St. Benedict medal!

If you’d like to see another option, check out Studded Silver Crucifix, also available from Telos.

For teen boys, Voyage Comics is definitely a great store to grab a few things from! Not only do they have comics (and artists that have worked for Marvel), but they also have a section called Voyage Classics, non-fiction books, apparel and more!

Mind Quiet Heart Open Adoration Companion for Teens

My friend Holly wrote this and I think it’s awesome! One reviewer shared on Amazon:

My teen son loves the look of this adoration companion. He appreciates the examen as well as the thought provoking pages that help him focus on Jesus while he’s in His presence. Bonus is that it’s not “girly” but can be enjoyed and used by either males or females. It’s a great value for what you get!

Add this fidget pen for extra fun!

Sock Religious is a great gift!

The Best Gifts for Catholic Kids

For older boys:

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys and this pen!!

I am so delighted to share that this book is climbing the charts over on Amazon. Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is close to being in the Top 100 in several categories, which include Children’s Inspirational Books and Children’s Christian Prayer Books!

I wrote this book with boy’s interests in mind. Lots of crossing out instead of circling; a graffiti wall activity; making a plan (instead of writing a list); plus spiritual warfare and spiritual exercises that involve sports. PLUS, you can totally level-up your journal gift with this Upgrade Fidget Pen!

My 11 year old LOVES Voyage Comics! Highly recommend perusing their website and ordering a few things. Totally affordable, definitely a great gift!!!

For older girls (the tween years):

A blanket and a Be Yourself Journal!!! In a world that is sending so many confusing messages, the Be Yourself Journal invites girls to explore their identity with hope and joy! They learn what it means to know, love and serve the Lord and how that is an incredibly rewarding adventure!

The book has plenty of places to color, a “prayer style” quiz, letters from Saints and even a two-page spread where girls can “design a prayer room”. There are some pages that are “just for fun” and others that will help navigate feelings and develop a prayer life. I just talked to an older teen yesterday and she told me when she got the Be Yourself Journal – around the age of 11 – she “used her journal every day!!”

I think the perfect blanket to pair with this journal would be the Fruits of the Spirit blanket by Blessed Be God Boutique!

And the just released Catholic Friendship bracelets from Refuge Rosaries (know any Taylor Swift fans???)

For both boys and girls (ages 3 to 7)

My 6 year old twins love playing with Saintly Heart’s alphabet puzzle! Especially my 6-year old boy!

My daughter loves playing with blocks, and Saintly Heart’s Saint blocks are her favorite! (We add them in to our wooden block collection and it really does increase the fun!!!)

All 3 of my children enjoy playing Catholic Family Crate’s card games and really enjoy their Pray By Sticker Books! Shop Catholic Family Crate for joint family gifts or that child on your list that loves games and the “paint by sticker” activity books!

Sock Religious kid socks! I’m so excited to give my daughter the Saint Therese’ ones this year. Both my sons already have several pairs!

Shining Light dolls – this store just keeps getting bigger and better!

Our twins love doing the puzzles, my older son loves the wooden Mass kit, the rag dolls and re-usable sticker activity books are just a few of the incredible toys you’ll find at Shining Light Dolls!

I bought my niece a plush Jesus doll from Shining Light Dolls and her sister kept taking it. My brother ended up ordering her sister one because it was loved by both of them so much!!!

Their new Advent Wreath for kids is AMAZING! They also have play Saint candles!!

My 6-year-old daughter just came in and gave me another idea (she pointed to this beautiful necklace and said “I want this!!!”. She loves jewelry and keychains. This 12th & Blossom necklace is lovely and since she seems to have a bond with the Little Flower, I might just get it for her!

Books!

Books are such great gifts for kids. My children LOVE being read to and it really can spark some beautiful conversations.

A few months ago, my daughter told me “The Night the Saints Saved Christmas” was her “favorite Saint book”. For my son (and me, let’s be honest hahaha) I just bought the new Saintly Creatures: 14 Tales of Animals and Their Holy Companions book published by Word on Fire.

I have also had my eye on this one:

The Mass and the Manger: My Interactive Christmas Story by Jennifer Sharpe

• This creative Christmas story is designed to guide children ages 6–10 in discovering the profound meaning of Christmas and its connection to the Mass. Beautiful text and pictures tell the story of the first Christmas while full-page flaps unfold a parallel story as a boy and his younger sister meet Jesus in the Eucharist at midnight Mass on Christmas. By interacting with the flaps, children will discover the parallels of the nativity story and the Mass, and enter deeper into Christmas. Featuring rhyming text, vibrant illustrations, and full-page, open-out flaps, this book helps parents make Christmas spiritually meaningful for children.

Catholic Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

Shining Light Dolls has teethers, wooden toys, dolls and more!

The Little Rose Shop introduced the “Where is Jesus Quiet Book” and I thing it’s the most adorable fabric book I have ever seen!

A Nativity Set from Saintly Heart or a simple Crucifix from Rough to Rustic are also great baby and toddler gifts!

More gift ideas here: The Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

A Marian Spinner form Studio Senn

 Marian spinners let children discover Mary in a unique and tactile way. Maybe they want Mary to have a beautiful crown, holding baby Jesus, with an angel beneath her feet? Or angels surrounding her, in a fancy dress, and clouds holding her up? All these aspects of Mary work together to create our Blessed Mother.

Please note, older children will “borrow” this toy from time to time!

Studio Senn also came out with a Catholic Seek and Find Book this year!

More gift ideas here: The Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog

Enter the GIVEAWAY!!!

ONE PERSON WILL WIN:

A chrism candle from Pax Rosa

A blanket from Blessed Be God Boutique

3 Books from Ascension Press: The Mass and the Manger, Theology of Style and A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament

Stickers from The Cozy Wife

Several gifts from Shining Light Dolls

A pair of earrings from 12th & Blossom

A card game and a bag from Catholic Family Crate

and MORE!!! (let me surprise you!!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post The BEST Catholic Gifts to Give in 2023 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.

Here are some ideas to use this Lent.

Watch The Chosen.

Yes, watch a television show, about Jesus.

As a former competitive athlete and former coach, I suggest a warm-up before we really stretch our legs so to speak.

This is not a difficult task. In fact, once you watch about 3 or 4 episodes, you’ll want to binge! And to that I say this – go for it, BINGE JESUS!

Maybe you are already watching it. Maybe you’ve watched each episode more than once already. If that’s you, skip to the next suggestion.

If you have not watched all the episodes of The Chosen, I highly recommend to designating one night a week this Lent to watch.

Commit to a Daily Morning Prayer Routine

Lent has three pillars: Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. When you give up a set time of sleep each night to wake up early to pray, you are embracing two of these pillars.

Give 15 minutes to God first thing in the morning.

What time do you normally wake up during the week? This Lent, wake up 15 minutes earlier

Set your alarm and sacrifice 15 minutes of sleep.

Before you even get out of bed, say these words, “Thank you God”. Then . . .

Read the Bible for 15 minutes.

Prayer Journal.

Read a holy book and prayer journal.

Make 15 minutes all about you and God.

Not sure how to start? Give this a quick look: How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

You may have already downloaded my 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent. If you haven’t grab those to get you started. If you would like more ideas and prompts, I created this for you!

40 (MORE) Prayer Journal Prompts

Embrace the Sacraments More – Much More

Especially these two: The Eucharist and Reconciliation

Remember that warm-up- watch a TV Show – this is what it was warming up for . . .

Challenge yourself to go to Confession this weekend. Then dare yourself to go again the next weekend. Then dare yourself to go one more time within the same month.

Do you go to Mass on Sundays – in person? Are you still going virtually? Stop going virtually on Sunday. It became a habit for many during Covid . . . it’s time to go back into the building.

Perhaps you go to Mass on Sunday – but could you go during the week too?

Do you go to daily Mass? Could you add some Eucharistic Adoration time? Could you go to Mass earlier and pray the Rosary in Church?

Whatever you currently do – add one or two more things per month or maybe even per week.

Give yourself to God in a way that involves getting out of your house and into His house.

Almsgiving – make it personal

There’s a thing I’ve seen people talk about called “40 bags in 40 days” and it sounds great. I personally fill up bags to donate pretty frequently – but, it’s not personal.

Almsgiving can be putting money in a poor box or writing a check to a school or charity – and those things are good.

But this Lent, I’m challenging you to make it much more personal.

Do you know a widow? Could you invite him or her over for dinner? Could you mail them a card and maybe even a gift?

Do you know a family struggling with Catholic School tuition, and all the fees that go with music lesson, sports and extra-curricular activities? Perhaps you could offer to pay for soccer or the next month of piano lessons. Tell the person that this is how you want to give alms this Lent.

Are you lonely and feeling left out? Ask God to point you in the direction whose heart aches more . . . and pour out love in their direction. Make it weird.

And if you are the one struggling – this may be how God is calling you – give away your pride and allow another Christian to do this act of love for you.

It’s hard. It’s definitely humbling. But maybe you are allowing God into a heart by being the recipient.

Think of a way to give to someone directly. Make eye contact. Stay for a conversation. Tell a joke. Tell them about a time when someone helped you.

Make almsgiving personal this Lent.

Stations of the Cross

According to Catholic.org:

“The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day. Specific prayers are recited, then the individual moves to the next station until all 14 are complete.“

Praying the Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent is a good way to increase prayer time and develop a better appreciate of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Children can participate in the Stations of the Cross as well. Saintly Heart has just started taking pre-orders for a Stations of the Cross kit that can be used at home and is perfect for little hands!

The post Catholic Lent Ideas for Busy Christians 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.

Unicorns, rainbows, strawberries and stickers – from the time I was a little girl – and even still, these things bring me a joyful smile and a happy heart.

There is wonder to be enjoyed this time of year no matter what age you are . . . and these gifts bring me back to the magic of it all.

I have found myself seeking the perfect gift for my best friend’s daughter – she is in 7th grade and is receiving her Confirmation this week.

My daughter is 5 and I have a bunch of nieces.

I have a wish list too – plus, I love buying gifts for my family this time of year.

So on my search I have found some fun finds – and I just had to share them with you!

Colorful Fruits and the Holy Spirit are always in Fashion

Okay, I have found a Catholic Sticker that I love, a shirt that is the perfect Confirmation or Christmas gift for a Catholic tween and blankets that are cute and cozy all in the same shop. That shop – Stump of Jesse!

This Holy Spirit sticker – I’m buying several!

I am giving that sticker and this tee to the beautiful 12 year old I know who is getting Confirmed this week. I might be getting one of these Fruits of the Holy Spirit tees for her Mama too! I mean, I want one

And before we go onto the next shop and basket of ideas – can we talk about these blankets?????

I have had my eye on the Saint Clare one for awhile (I was a sponsor to a beautiful young woman who chose Saint Clare for her Confirmation saint a couple years ago). Now, I just discovered this Pop of Flowers blanket and I’m loving that you can literally wrap yourself or someone else in prayer in it!

Please, go browse this shop and tell me what you think (yes, you can comment below!!!)!

Cozy Cuddles, Coloring + Cocoa are not just a treat for Little Girls

My daughter and I often sit on the couch and color together. It’s one of my favorite things!

We are both totally into it. It’s so wonderful to get cozy under a blanket, have a mug of a hot beverage and color! (Or an adult beverage in your Prayer Wine Chocolate Tumbler)

I mean, these mugs form With a Joyful Heart make me want to make Hot Chocolate right now!

If you want more fun Catholic blankets to choose from – definitely check out this Pop of Flowers blanket and Blessed Be God Boutique. While your there, grab a mug for your coffee or tea – or hot cocoa!

Looking for some coloring pages? I have ones that are perfect for adults and kids!

The Be Yourself Coloring pages have inspiring quotes, Scripture passages and even prayers – and the designs look very similar to popular adult coloring books. We print them out often in this house – for me and the kids!

You can give these as a gift by printing them out and putting them in a binder. Add colored pencils and gel pens – maybe even a few stickers – and it’s a really fun present!

If you have a daughter, niece, sister or Godchild between the ages of 10 and 13 – definitely give her the Be Yourself Journal if she doesn’t have it yet! It is made for her!!!

Now, more than ever, we must help our daughters see themselves as God made them – beautiful, unique, unrepeatable and not one hair on her head was a mistake! The Be Yourself Journal celebrates those truths and the Truth!

Stay extra warm in your Prayer Wine Chocolate hoodie!

(Don’t want a hood, no problem, get this sweatshirt!)

Don’t forget to throw on your PRAY HOPE AND DON’T WORRY socks while you relax on the couch!

Catholic Rainbows and Unicorns both new and nostalgic

My daughter is only 5, so toys are still very much an exciting part of our lives. I am so excited about Shining Light Dolls new Saint Justina of Padua and Unicorn Wooden Set!

If you shop from Shining Light Dolls, use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off!

St. Justina of Padua was a young woman that lived around the turn of the 4^th century in Padua, Italy. From childhood, Justina had a deep love of Jesus and wanted to live the life of a religious. In traditional Christian art, St. Justina is portrayed with a unicorn, which is a symbol of her purity and virtue. She is the patron saint of Padua, Italy.

You can also get this Unicorn prints for room decor!

If you want to see more Catholic Toys, definitely check out this new post: The Catholic Toy Shops are Rockin’ 2022!

All the rainbows please!

Cuddle under the blankets on the couch with a rainbow Rosary you keep inside a rainbow rosary pouch.

Cover your journal in Catholic rainbow stickers.

Rainbow stickers are so fun!!! Sweet Little Ones shop has RAINBOW ROSARY stickers!!!

Don’t forget all the sparkles (Catholic jewelry)

And last but not least, my daughter, sister, sister-in-law and me all love Telos Jewelry!!!

I could go on, but I must start actually shopping myself!

Happy Shopping! God Bless You!

The post Catholic Gifts for the Young and the Young at Heart 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 Saint, a Miracle and Your Catholic Christmas Gifts: Plus a Huge Giveaway!

There is an incredible miracle story about Saint Francis Xavier that I learned in recent years.
I told this story on a Live video just a short time ago on Instagram.

You can watch the video here: The Miracle of the Crab and the Crucifix

Saint Francis, a crab and his crucifix

Saint Francis Xavier traveled from Europe to Africa and Asia as a missionary.

During his time, traveling that far was done by ship.

During one voyage, there was a huge storm at sea.

Saint Francis and all the sailors and passengers on the boat were terrified. They thought they were going to meet their Maker that day.

So out of desperation, Saint Francis Xavier grabs his crucifix and holds it up over the sea. He held it and prayed to God that He would calm the storm and spare the lives of all aboard.

The sea calmed, the storm stopped and the lives were spared.

However, in the midst of the turbulence, the crucifix went overboard.

Saint Francis Xavier was grateful his life was saved, but upset that he lost his crucifix.

Once the ship made it to the shore, Saint Francis was walking along the beach.

As he walked along the shore, he noticed up ahead a crab was crawling out of the ocean. The crab was carrying something.

As he got closer, he realized the crab was carrying his crucifix!!!

Saint Francis retrieved his crucifix from the crab and, I imagine, gave great thanks to the Lord.

(I first came across this story in a book my son and I were reading: Saint Francis of the Seven Seas but you can read another version of this story here on The Jesuit Gourmet)

Giving Catholic Christmas Gifts: Why it Matters

I love this story for so many reasons.

First of all – I love a beach story.

Second of all – I LOVE a miracle story.

But third of all, I think this is a great way to reassure us that our religious gifts matter. They can bring comfort to the receiver when they are scared. They can be used during prayer. They can be very much appreciated by those who are gifted them.

Saint Francis Xavier dedicated his life’s work to spreading the Gospel to people very far from his home. He was a holy man.

I don’t know if he bought that crucifix for himself or if it was a gift.

I don’t know who made the crucifix and who sold it.

But what I know from this story is that he treasured that crucifix. And I also know that God must have heard his prayer that he wished he had not lost it.

For it was God who brought that crucifix back to him . . . he just happened to use the crab to deliver it.

So if you are wondering if it really matters or not that you give someone a Catholic gift . . .

I’m going to say, judging by this story, indeed it does matter!

The person you love may go through a scary, sad or uncertain time – a time when all they can grab or hold onto is that religious object you gave to him or her.

They may pray with it. They may grasp it for comfort.

They may just get to know Jesus a little better because of it.

Give that gift.

And on that note . . .

A Catholic Gift Giveaway Contest

I want to give someone a whole stockings worth of gifts!

Share this post and enter to win the following giveaway!

One person will win:

1. A Rosary from Small Things Great Love
2. Wine Charms from Madonna Rose Designs
3. A pair of socks from Sock Religious
4. A Wooden Wall Crucifix from Rough 2 Rustic
5. A necklace from Relics by Rose
6. A Be Yourself Journal for Girls
7. Various gifts from Pink Salt Riot
8. A Be Yourself Journal for Boys
9. A few more surprises!

Enter below – contest ends soon because I’m hoping they get to you by Christmas!!!

You must enter by Sunday, December 19, 2021!!!!

The post A Saint, a Miracle and Your Catholic Christmas Gifts: Plus a Huge Giveaway! 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 had other title ideas for this post, like:

The Question I’m Not Asking Myself Enough

And

Dear 2021, Saint Vincent de Paul called – it was a WAKE UP call

Saint Vincent de Paul. . . I know this Saint’s name mainly from the charity I pick at the Green Drop when I’m giving away old clothes and toys my kids’ have grown to old for . . .

But this past week, I did some digging on this man who lived a few hundred years ago. I was immediately moved by quotes attributed to him.

I also learned that this Saint became a holy man gradually.

(So for those of us who are “stumbling toward Sainthood, there is hope!)

Here are some of the quotes that impressed me:

“If we make poor use of God’s graces by neglecting our primary duties, God will take these graces from us.” Saint Vincent de Paul

 “We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.” Saint Vincent de Paul

And there were more . . .

But what this Saint was all about in his life as he grew in holiness was giving.

Want to Grow Closer To God, ask yourself this question . . .

If I learned anything from Saint Vincent de Paul this week, it was that I need to ask myself this question many times a day:

“What can I GIVE in this moment?”

or

What is God asking me to GIVE in this moment?

Saint Vincent de Paul said:

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” -Vincent de Paul.

My favorite quote about humility is from C.S. Lewis:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

― CS Lewis

When we stop and think, “what can I give?” our mind has to shift from what we are not getting.

For example, from my own head:

“I’m not getting enough help.”

I’m not getting enough attention.”

“I’m not getting enough time to myself”

Now, if I shift my focus, and ask “what can I give”?

How can I give more help?

Who can I give my attention to right now?

How can I serve and give to others or God in this moment?

“What can I GIVE in this moment?”

Saint Vincent de Paul’s wisdom assures us that there is always something we can give . . .

Can I give a person the benefit of the doubt?

“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.” Saint Vincent de Paul

Can I give money, extra clothes, toys, food or anything to the poor?]

Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another . . .

Oh this one. How much do we need more unity! Here is our answer – charity! Give to the poor! Give to one another!

Can I give thanks to God?

 “We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.”

There is always something to be thankful for! Sometimes we just have to thank God for that last breath we took!

Can I give praise to someone else – God or another person?

“If you do not see any good in these persons, then say nothing, but if you do see some, speak about it to honor God in them because all good proceeds from Him.”

Can I give love to my spouse, children or to whoever is the closest to me in some way? Can I give more effort to a job or role I said yes to either through a Sacrament or a contract?

“If we make poor use of God’s graces by neglecting our primary duties, God will take these graces from us.” Saint Vincent de Paul

Can I give someone more time?

Even Saint Vincent de Paul turned from self-centeredness to a life of service to God and others gradually.

I was particularly moved by these words of Saint Vincent de Paul:

“Even convicts, with whom I have spent some time, are not won over in any other way. Whenever I happened to speak sharply to them, I spoiled everything; on the contrary, when I praised them for their resignation and sympathized with them in their sufferings; when I told them they were fortunate to have their purgatory in this world, when I kissed their chains, showed compassion for their distress, and expressed sorrow for their misfortune, it was then that they listened to me, gave glory to God, and opened themselves to salvation.“

This is not being a weak Christian!

Saint Vincent de Paul once met Saint Francis de Sales – and that Saint asked him to be the spiritual director of Saint Jane de Chantal.

Saint Vincent de Paul is one of the few Saints whose body is still incorrupt.

Surely his holiness is an example of loving God first and serving Him most.

Most importantly, we can give nothing without God. We must give God our attention, our moments, our silence, our praise.

It is through God that we give and that we are able to give anything at all.

Saint Vincent DePaul, pray for us!

The post The Question We Should Be Asking 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.

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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