017: Open Letter to Parents of Children with Special Needs




Download this episode

Here’s a short open letter to let you know I understand the real struggle of raising a child with special needs.

My dear sister or brother in Christ with a child with special needs,

I’m reaching-out to let you know you’re not alone.  There’s a great number of us that have been blessed by a beautiful child with special needs.  We’re all constantly challenged at every level in body, mind, and spirit.  Sometimes I think back to when times were simpler and hope and pray things will slow down enough to enjoy our baby but it seems like she can’t get a sniffle or tummy bug without some kind of complication. Gigi caught the flu last winter and she was hospitalized and developed several complications.  She recovered over several months and now waiting for the dates of her next couple procedures.  Right now we’re in a good place and cherish every moment to simply enjoy our little sunshine blessed with down syndrome.   It’s difficult with all the doctor appointments, illnesses, and therapies.  I know you get it.  Sometimes it’s unrelenting and its hard to take a breather.  

And it looks different for each of us.  Whether it’s down syndrome, autism, asperger’s, ADHD, or any of the others, mommies and daddies, we were chosen to parent these amazing children.  Children that have had to endure more medical issues than we have our entire lifetimes.  Children who need a little extra help making sense of the world.  It’s a world that’s difficult to navigate even for our typically developing children and for us as adults.  Many of us have lots of great support from family and friends and some of us do not.  We are told how strong we are, but the truth is, we could be stretched to a breaking point when we see our child struggling.  Sometimes being in a dark hospital room holding your child for days on end is nothing more than a cold lonely place physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

Having a child with special needs teaches us just how imperfect we really are and how little control we have over anything.  Many times we don’t have the energy to pray with anything more than tears that stream down our faces and a heart lifted up to the Lord – crying ourselves to sleep.  We tend to blame ourselves and feel guilty because we can’t make it better, easier, or less painful for our kids.  But remember my dear friends, your strength in the Lord will teaches us all how to walk with God in heartbreaking moments.  Yes, we can glorify God just holding a Rosary and signing ourselves as we face some of the toughest moments.  Without words, without long drawn-out monologues of eloquent testimony, it’s simplicity of heart and yearning for God’s love and mercy that gets his attention.  Remember always, you are not alone, you are loved, you deserve to take a break, forgive yourself, you will make mistakes and it’s ok, and trust God. I am with you and praying for you and your family always.  Sending love and hugs…

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father,

You know the exhaustion of my body and the pain in my heart.  Lord, you know many times I fail and feel overwhelmed with raising children with special needs.  Help me to find rest in you and to renew my heart with deeper compassion, love, and patience for my children and spouse.  Send me the grace to find peace in the calling you have for me at this time.  Please help me to see that I am enough for my children.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Our Lady of Sorrows… Pray for us.

Saint Joseph… Pray for us.

Saint Gianna Berreta Molla… Pray for us.

Saints Louis and Zelie Martin… Pray for us.

Saint John Paul II… Pray for us.

Our guardian angels… Watch over us

In the name of the Father…

My dearest Catholic Servants, please don’t hesitate to let me know your special intentions so we can pray for you during our next family Rosary.  My email address is Alexandra@thecatholicservant.com. Share it with someone who may need encouragement.  May God bless you!

016: How to be a Pro-Life Champion & Support the “Shout My Story” Movement with Cynthia Morales


Download this episode

Cynthia Morales, M.Div. Served as Development Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator for Pro-Life Champions and the 40 film from 2012-2019. Recently she assumed the position of Executive Director. She is also the creator of the Shout My Story campaign.

Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge to Pro-Life Champions. She became active in the Pro-Life Movement in 2002 following a deepened commitment to Christ. She volunteered at a Pregnancy Resource Center, began praying outside the abortion clinics, and participated in Face the Truth Tours.

In 2005, Cindy became the Director of Religious Education at St. Philip the apostle parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago. While in that position, she published several studies for Catholic Scripture Studies International, including a study on the book of Amos, the encyclical Humanae Vitae, and three studies on the readings during Advent (for years A, B, and C). She has a BA in Sociology and M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary.

In 2012, Cindy left her position as Director of Religious Education and joined Pro-Life Champions to help produce and distribute the “40” film.

Resources:

Pro-Life Champions Website

https://www.prolifechampions.com/

The 40 Film Website

www.the40film.com

The 40 Film on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/the40film

Shout My Story on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/shoutmystoryorg/

You may share your pro-life story at info@shoutmystory.org

Additional Resources:

Formed

https://formed.org/

Gigi’s Playhouse

gigisplayhouse.org

Karina’s Story on Facebook

 

015: Open Letter to the Catholic Working Mama




Download this episode

Here’s a short open letter I wrote to the Catholic Working Mama.  Just a little encouragement for the rough days and to let you know you are loved. 

Hey Working Mama!

It’s me Alex, your sister-in-Christ. I know your feet are hurting, your back is aching and you’re beyond sleepy, but listen up for a sec.  You’re home now and the kids are all over you but you’re too drained to look into their little eyes because you know they’re dying for you to play with them.  But please Mama, maybe you don’t have the energy to play but know that sitting with them on the couch watching a show together and feeling your hands on their little faces is sometimes all they need.  Sometimes it’s all YOU need.  Like sitting in Adoration in the presence of our Lord, your being present with the kids in those simple little moments is enough….because YOU are enough.  Your simple loving gaze and thoughtful attentiveness is better than a full -busy day at a theme park.  You don’t have to be a superwoman for your children to love you…you just have to BE in the moment.  So you’re tired, don’t worry… rest on the couch and close your eyes, take in the sounds of the kids’ busy chatter and the smell of the baby in your arms.  Fold the clothes tomorrow and go to bed early with the kids or spend a few minutes with a glass of wine with your husband.  I know sometimes it feels unnatural to leave the kids at daycare or a nanny and you say to yourself… “I should be home…I’m failing as a mother” but remember, you’ve made a decision based on your current circumstances and it’s the responsible thing to do…things could change in an instant.  Remember, you are not alone, you are loved beyond measure, and there are women across time and distance who understand the same struggle.  I am one of those women and I am with you and praying for you.  Sending love, hugs, and prayers. 

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father,

You know the exhaustion of my body and the pain in my heart.  Lord, you know many times I fail and feel overwhelmed with juggling work and raising children.  Help me to find rest in you and to renew my heart with deeper compassion, love, and patience for my children and husband.  Send me the grace to find peace in the calling you have for me to work at this time.  Please help me to see that I am enough for my children.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Saint Gianna Berreta Molla… Pray for us.

Saint Zelie Martin… Pray for us.

Our Lady of Sorrows… Pray for us.

Our guardian angels… Watch over us

In the name of the Father…

Resources:

JoAnna Wahlund’s Website

Buy JoAnna Wahlund’s Book Here

Catholic Working Mothers Facebook Group

014: A Story of God’s Mercy and Miraculous Redemption with Stephanie Brofford




Download this episode

Stephanie Brofford, born and raised near Columbus, Ohio, moved to Albuquerque, Mexico in 2003. She has two beautiful children, ages 16 and 6. She has been passionately involved in the pro-life movement since 2016, serving as a sidewalk advocate outside of the local abortion clinics throughout Albuquerque, also facilitating and linking post-abortive women to healing services in their local areas, as well as serving as both a Mentor and the Community Resource Coordinator for Alongside Ministries located in Albuquerque. This is a ministry that helps come alongside new moms, or moms-to-be, and to work in a mentoring relationship with single women who have made a choice for life for their unborn children.

In this inspiring episode, Stephanie opens her heart and courageously shares one of the most painful events in her life, aborting her first child.  She describes how this event caused her to spiral into addiction, but with God’s unexpected mercy and love, her heart miraculously converted and was instantly freed from chemical dependency.  

Stephanie’s willingness to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit has led her to be a loving witness to God’s mercy on the sidewalk and save the lives of women and the unborn alike.

How to reach Stephanie:

Sidewalk Outreach Website

https://www.sidewalkoutreach.org/

Freedom for Her on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/healingfromabortion/

Sidewalk Outreach Encounters on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sidewalkoutreachencounters/

Additional Resources:

Alongside Ministries

https://alongsideabq.com/

CareNet Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque

http://carenetabq.org/

Ramah International Abortion Recovery Resources

ramahinternational.org/

Stephanie’s tips on how to open dialogue with a pro-abortion advocate, ask:

  • If the unborn in the woman’s womb is growing, doesn’t that mean that he or she is living and alive?
  • If the parents are human, doesn’t that make the unborn growing, living being also a human?
  • If living human beings like you and me are valuable and have dignity and respect, doesn’t that mean that the unborn living human being in the mother’s womb is also worthy of dignity and respect?

 

013: 25 Ways to Become a Saint by Tan Books


Download this episode

In this episode, I pick the top 3 practices I want to adopt into my daily spiritual practices from a book Tan Books is circulating on social media called “25 Ways to Become a Saint.” It’s a compilation from a spiritual classic “The School of Jesus Crucified” by Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist.

Download the book here:

“25 Ways to Become a Saint” by Tan Books

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/25-ways/?___store=default&fbclid=IwAR2WD1VdmhxoW7aFpMr4mOuQak9wH5A86rG9yZdrStw8Km2PVBjj_H8bIcM

 

Excerpt from the book:

“PRAYER BY WHICH A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN MAY DEDICATE HIMSELF TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, although most unworthy of being our servant yet inspired with confidence in your extreme goodness, and filled with an earnest desire of serving you, I, (name), this day choose you, in the presence of your Son, of my Angel Guardian, and of the whole Court of Heaven, for my singular Advocate, Mother, and Queen, and I firmly purpose,
with the assistance of your prayers, to serve you constantly, and to do all that lies in my power to cause thee to be served by all men. I therefore humbly beseech you, O most compassionate Mother, through the Precious Blood of your holy Son, to receive me as your devout patron and your servant forever, assist me in all my actions, and obtain grace for me, that I may so regulate all my thoughts, words, and deeds, as never to offend your Son Jesus. Forget me not, and never forsake me, either now or at the hour of my death. Amen.”

 

012: Strengthening Catholic Marriages Through Candid Evangelization with Martin and Theresa Owen




Download this episode

Martin and Theresa Owen were married in the Catholic Church in 2005. They are proud parents of 7 children. Martin Owen is a family doctor with an focus in fertility, chronic pain and surgical assist. Theresa is an aspiring writer and speaker with a passion in Theology of the Body. As both of them feel a call to Evangelization, they started a Facebook Page called At Home with The Doctor.
 
In this special episode, Martin and Theresa courageously share some of the most difficult  challenges that almost separated them, how they learned to transform their marriage, and why the Holy Spirit has called them to their unique apostolate.  Their genuine and straightforward approach to reaching married Catholics within the “craziness” of life has touched the hearts of many and drawn numerous viewers to their Facebook Live videos.
 
How to reach Martin and Theresa:
 
Email: athomewiththedoctor@gmail.com
 
https://www.facebook.com/Athomewiththedoctor/
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkTBfH9HCTUhBsA8GB_t1A
 
https://www.instagram.com/athomewiththedoctor/
 
https://twitter.com/homewiththedoc

011: How to Save Souls with a Peaceful, Prayerful Presence with Amy Voorhees




Download this episode

Amy Voorhees is wife to husband, George, of almost 20 years.  Together they have 7 children on this earth, and 4 children awaiting them in Heaven.  Their oldest 6 children are all boys ranging in ages from 19 to 4, while the princess of the house is their youngest daughter who’s 19 months old. In 2007 Amy founded the San Antonio Coalition for Life after the first successful National 40 Days for Life Campaign. Today, she still stays active in the SACFL and also works as the Director of Music for St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fredericksburg Texas.

In this touching episode, Amy reveals how she and her family found consolation within the beauty of our Catholic faith after a family tragedy.  She is also an avid pro-life advocate with a great insight on how having a peaceful, prayerful presence on the sidewalk has helped save souls.  Amy also gave us a special treat by singing her lovely rendition of the Guardian Angel prayer called, “The Guardian Angel Song” that she wrote herself.

How to reach Amy:

The San Antonio Coalition for Life website

https://sacfl.org/

The San Antonio Coalition for Life on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SACFL/

Email:  info@sacfl.org

Phone:  210-737-2235

 

010: What Jesus Calls Us To In The Face of Illness




Download this episode

During times of illness, we may fail to see the purpose for this type of suffering.  Falling into despair, we may believe we’re being punished or think that God has abandoned us.  However, God is fully present and illness is part of His plan for our salvation and the salvation of humanity if we come to understand what we are to do. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1499-1505 explains how illness, when embraced as redemptive suffering, can be used to save souls, as well as our own, and brings to greater union with Jesus Christ. 

Resources:

Prayer in Time of Sickness

https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1825

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Online

http://ccc.usccb.org/flipbooks/catechism/files/assets/basic-html/page-I.html#

009: How the Fire of Faith, Hope, and Love is the Catalyst for Evangelization with Jason Nunez




Download this episode

Jason Nunez, creator of The John 3:30 Podcast, is 38 years old, Catholic husband and father of two children. He was born and raised in El Paso, TX and now lives in San Antonio, TX.  Jason and his Family are active Parishioners at The Church of The Holy Spirit.  He credits his “reversion” to Catholicism due in part to attending an ACTS Retreat in October of 2012. He currently serves as a Catechist in the RCIA Program at his Parish. Jason has a BIG Devotion to Padre Pio and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He truly believes he has been called by God to spread the word about how other keep their fire burning for our Catholic Faith.

In this episode, Jason discusses his many trials and how the graces of Faith, Hope, and Love, have fueled his apostolic work through his podcast.  He encourages us to ask for the courage to evangelize when the Holy Spirit calls us to do so for the glory of God.

How to Reach Jason:

Jason’s Email

john330podcast@gmail.com

The John 3:30 Podcast on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TheJohn330Podcast/

The John 3:30 Podcast on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thejohn330podcast/

The John 3:30 Podcast Twitter handle @john330podcast

The John 3:30 Podcast on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWbHrdjIyF5zmrpENywribg

If you’d to inquire about being a living kidney donor for Jason, click here or the link below to apply.  Enter his name Jason Nunez and d.o.b. 06/26/1980.

http://utclivingdonor.com/