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Oct 2, 2024
Faith&middot Life&middot Wine and Chocolate

You’re Invited! The 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

PRAYER WINE CHOCOLATE RETREAT
You're invited
Register Today
11.02.2024

Let’s do this again!!!

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

You’re invited to attend the 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!

The Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat is a great Retreat for Catholic Christian Women


Below is a photo from the first ever Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!! The year was 2016!!!

A group of women and one man standing in front of a building that once was owned by Saint Katharine Drexel.

The Retreat began at the Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine (before it moved into Philadelphia from Bensalem, PA).

We have had quite a few since then, and I am so excited to announce we are hosting another one on November 2, 2024!!!

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

Where?

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish sign

Pre-retreat

We have a space on hold for us at Bishop Estates Winery for Saturday evening.

However, to make the most of this retreat, we encourage everyone to go to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for confession (3:15 pm to 3:45 pm) and Mass at 4:00 pm.

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

Schedule of events for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Start Time: 3:15 pm (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church 100 Broad Street, Hilltown, PA)

Confessions begin at 3:15; Mass at 4:00 pm

After Mass, please travel to Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery (2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie)

*Transportation is not included, please plan accordingly*

End Time: 8:00 pm (winery is open until 9, we have the Lounge until 8:00)

Attending Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for Vigil Mass/Confession is optional.

Official retreat is being held at Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, come as early as 4:30 pm and meet us in the Lounge (down by the gift shop!)

2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat schedule graphic

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church

100 Broad Street

Hilltown, PA 18927

I have to share with you, I was feeling like I was not giving you all the full retreat experience when I booked the location at the winery.

I thought, Our Lady Of Czestochowa is about 10 minutes away from the vineyard; maybe they have a 4:00 pm vigil Mass. I looked it up and was disappointed to find they do not.

Then I thought, “maybe there is another church in the area that has a 4:00 pm vigil Mass.” I went to Google and started my search. I found Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and found they have a 4:00 Mass on Saturdays. Then I googled the directions from the church to the winery and like a wink and a smile from Jesus Our Lord – it was revealed to me. This Church is . . . drumroll please

3 MINUTES from the winery! THREE MINUTES!

GOD IS SO GOOD!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church is less than a 4 minute drive from Bishop Estates Winery!!!

After the 4:00 Mass come on over to Bishop Estates Winery. We will be in the Lounge!

So, if you want the full Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat experience; head to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at 3:15 pm, go to confession and attend the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm, then head to Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery.

Please note, transportation will not be provided. Please plan accordingly.

Retreat:

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery 4:45 to 8:00 pm

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery

2730 Hilltown Pike

Perkasie, PA 18944

7 women sitting around a fire pit; these women attended the 2023 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Catered dinner from Steam Pub and wine from Bishop Estate will be provided.

We will pray the Rosary, eat dinner, enjoy each others company, friendship and have some wine.

We will share the future of the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry!

A group of hands holding Rosaries

As always, we have a very laid back purchase your ticket and hold your spot system.

Simply send your ticket purchase or purchase money to my Venmo or PayPal account (see above).

Tickets this year will cost $75.00 (on or before October 15)

Ticket price includes snacks, dinner, bottled water and two glasses of wine.

Prayer Wine Chocolate; retreat photos through the years

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (full address)

100 Broad St, Hilltown Township, PA 18927

*Transportation is not included, please plan accordingly*

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery (full address

2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie, PA 18944

How do I register for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

Space is limited! Register today before the event sells out!!!

Register today! Send $80 to @AmyGouldBrooks on Venmo! (This special offer is for Oct. 16th and 17th only! Register today and save $10!)

  1.  Go to Paypal.com and click “send money” OR contact me about paying via Venmo (email me your Venmo name and the amound of tickets you would like; I send you a request for the payment. Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com )
  2. Send $75.00 to prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com via PayPal or follow directions above for Venmo (if before October 15, 2024 $75.00- if after that date the registration fee is $90.00)
  3. Email me (Amy) at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com with the subject Registered!  Tell me you registered and I will respond letting you know if the payment went through and that you are on the list!  (This event will sell out – don’t wait, register today)!!!
  4. Look for a response from me!  I’ll be giving you more info about dinner and other details!  I’m so excited!

Why attend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

A couple past retreat participants shared their thoughts last week.

Whitney, says this:

“A few years ago, I decided to go on a solo retreat from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania for the prayer wine chocolate retreat. It was so refreshing having my own spiritual time of renewal. Amy helped me find a retreat center close by and I met up with the group. I really enjoyed making new friends, going to confession, visiting different shrines and having a meal and wine together at the end of the day. God placed so much on my heart that weekend and even in hindsight I can see how that time prepared me for the fruit that was to come in my spiritual life. The friends that I made at that retreat have continued to blossom over the last couple of years. We all shared with each other what God had placed on our heart.  It’s been so fruitful praying for these women and seeing God work in their lives over the past couple of years. We continue to stay in contact with each other and support each other in prayer.  The day was so organized and the retreat bag with religious items from small Catholic shops was one of my favorite keepsakes from that trip. I would hands down do it again!“

Katie, who has attended every Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat since the very first, says this:

“The Prayer, Wine Chocolate Retreat has been a blessing in my life.  Spending the day building friendships and connections with like-minded Catholic women is something that we don’t always have. You can feel isolated and lonely in this world, but knowing you are not alone and have women who support you and pray with you is unmatched.”

Don’t hesitate to come alone! Feel free to invite a friend or two as well!

Support the Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry!!!

Each ticket purchase will help us continue to maintain and grow this ministry.

Our new mission statement is:

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 eachother 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.  New mission statement

After one year of watching Betsy Scafidi run a successful and popular Prayer Wine Chocolate prayer group at her parish, we have decided to help other parishes offer this type of faith and fellowship community too.

With the help of Betsy Scafidi and Katie Davis, the Prayer Wine Chocolate community is growing – but we need your help too!

Purchase a ticket! Proceeds will help us create a new Prayer Wine Chocolate Meeting Guide as well as rebuild the website.

You can also purchase some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear to support the ministry!

Sweatshirts, T-shirts, wine tumblers, etc. are great gifts for you and a loved one.

Start shopping here today! Thank you for supporting this wonderful work I so enjoy!

I hope to see you November 2nd!!!

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Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

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GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals @catholicsonline

When I was growing up my friend used to invite me When I was growing up my friend used to invite me to go to “fellowship” with her at their church. That was not a word or idea I was familiar with… 

Later I was taught that faith is a gift… but I didn’t truly understand that until it was faith that was keeping me hanging on…
Having friends to share prayer intentions with and who will not only pray with you but laugh and become your community is priceless,
5 Stars: Highly recommend!

Want more information? Comment friends below!!!

#Catholic #faithandfriendship
Let us pray together for our priests! In the name Let us pray together for our priests! In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Saint Teresa of Avila is credited with this quote: “Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them”.

The parish I have been attending for over 20 years has always been blessed either such wonderful priests. I am so grateful, and if I’m being honest, quite sad to see this one go on to another assignment.

Let us fervently pray for all Catholic priests… for they truly help us know and love Jesus Christ more.

God bless Father Windle … and @irishclan7 we loved the ice cream truck at his farewell. Our twins had actually made up a song they would sing on pancake breakfast days… perhaps one day I’ll convince them to sing it for you or for Father Windle 😉 

If you’ve read this far, comment the name of a priest you are praying for!

#Catholic #Saintquotes #catholicpriest #Catholicpriests #Catholicparish
Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off yo Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 10% off your order from @shininglightdolls 

I catch my daughter using these books often! She’s 9 but has loved them for a couple years now!

#Catholic #Catholicinfluencer #Catholicgifts
If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from heaven… it might say this!

Only about 7 Saints were highlighted in the Be Yourself Journal…. Saint Maria Goretti was one of those Saints.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Comment below if you want me to read the other letters!

#Catholic
Is your child nervous about starting at a new scho Is your child nervous about starting at a new school in the Fall?
Do you want chapter books that are great for beginners and have an element of familiarity th?
If yes, I highly recommend this series by @mariarileyauthor Maria Riley!

My son read the Saint John Bosch book together and we both enjoyed it!

Maria… what are the other titles in the series?
Parents, Godparents, Grandparents and super Aunts… get these for the 1st through 3rd graders you know!

Follow @catholicsonline @prayerwinechocolate and @mariarileyauthor for more posts like this!

#Catholicfiction #Catholickids #Catholicmom #catholicteacher #CatholicsOnline
I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a I think every page is my favorite 😍 Do you have a favorite page of the Be Yourself Journal? Or is this your first time seeing it?

Tag your friends with daughters!

#CatholicChristian #girlbook #tweengirl #Catholic #girlmom
What if we combined prayer journaling with junk jo What if we combined prayer journaling with junk journaling???

Let’s find out together with @wendytownley on Saturday morning!

Join us for a fun workshop- and put some time to be pray and be creative on your calendar this weekend!
Want more info? Type JOURNAL in the comments!
Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling i Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling in love with prayer on a whole new level!!
Join @wendytownley and Amy Brooks @prayerwinechocolate to learn more!

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #prayerjournal #junkjournal #jesusjournaljunkies
Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME!
So thankful @allentowndiocese hosted and organized this beautiful day with the help of Trials to Triumph (T3) a foundation that helps families in the area and created a beautiful space to pray, reflect and enjoy the company of others.

Some highlights:

🙏Over 60 women prayed the Rosary together and I used Julia Miller’s @freshrosary Praying the Promises Rosary guide to lead each mystery. Julia several women came up to me afterwards to ask where they could get a copy… the said it really moved them ❤️

🤗One woman said, “I have no Catholic friends!” to which I responded, “You do now!!” THIS the beauty of Prayer Wine Chocolate! 

🏫 I got to see an old friend from college and it was so much fun catching up with her! Her name is Maria which was one wink from the Blessed Mother - but definitely not the only one!

♥️It was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I shared some stories about IHM nuns… I had met with all but one of the group that resides at our parish convent. The one Sister that missed our gathering… well her Mom and sister attended this event! This place is about an hour and a half from my house! What are the odds??? 

Signal graces are so cool.😎 

I hope women who attended start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group in their parish!

Want more information? Comment below!

#Catholic #Catholicfellowship #catholicwoman #Catholicwomen #Catholicretreat
Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

“No one is asking him for anything!!!”

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

“The flag of the Holy Spirit is JOY”.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #Catholic #Rosary
Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ❤️

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ☺️ 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ❤️ you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
“Look at his white hair!!!”

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means “white hair”

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; “The Lord knows!”
Other woman: He sure does!”

Me to friend who also overheard this; “Oh I LOVE ❤️ this place!!!”

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ‘s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
“Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an “Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.”

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine 🍷 I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! 🥂 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts 👇🏼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping 🛍️ spree 😂 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
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