

An Encouraging Note
Dear Friends, Amidst all this chaos, it's important to remember who we are, and who we're called to be. Please take this time of...
God not only touches us directly through prayer and Scripture, but reaches us through the power of those surrounding us. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is vibrantly moving us in a way that is favorable to God, inviting us to listen to one another and share in God's truth with eachother.
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We have thousands of resources to more fully understand God in our lives; Catholic authors, priests, saints, and even our friends act as vessels for our Lord, messengers of His word. Let us therefore listen to one another and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our paths in touching the lives of our neighbors!
Katelyn Servey is a wonderful friend of mine who started her own initiative, "echo_project_" to share her own Catholic insights and experiences. She offers a beautiful testimony to God's presence in our lives.
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A word from Katelyn about echo_project_:
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"The Echo Project started as a personal way for me to live life with greater trust in God. A couple friends of mine then recommended that I take it a step further and make it public. It is named after echolocation and the idea of sound waves bouncing back....I really think that if we are loving and joyful it will come back in abundance. I also used to have an almost crippling fear of bats. I couldn't look at them or even read about them. That all changed when I read "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins where the main character's best friend is a bat, but a bat portrayed as a good soul. This reading allowed me to get out of my head and rid me of my fear. My mission, then, is to live a life that takes risks to do things that are scary...and through this, allow myself and others to trust in God. For me, this project was about sharing poetry, posting on social media, not wearing makeup....little things that challenged me to face my fears. I realized, then, how my fears really shouldn't be fears, because there is no need to be afraid when you trust God who is guiding you!"
In addition to Katelyn, Jacklyn Kirchner has also been a close sister in Christ. She, too, provides beautiful reflections within her own blog, encouraging and guiding all her readers to the heart of Jesus. Please read her lovely work!
Check out "Chastity Project" to find a plethora of fruitful resources! This site is quite a culmination of super inspiring speakers, authors, and musicians who all offer their insight into Catholic living for young men and women. You will find an array of blogs, books, CDs, videos, and seminars for your benefit.....there is so much to explore!
"Jackie is a full-time traveling speaker, singer/songwriter, and worship leader from Orange County, CA. In 2006, she became an artist with OCP/SpiritandSong.com with whom she has released two albums. She has been involved in youth ministry since she graduated high school, and she now travels the globe speaking to young people about God’s love and leading worship for various events and ministries. In 2013, she married the love of her life, Bobby Angel, and they now have two adorable little girls. Check out iTunes or SpiritandSong.com to get Jackie’s albums 'Your Kingdom is Glorious' and 'Divine Comedy.'"
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"Real Life Catholic’s purpose is to ignite a bold, contagious faith in the heart of every Catholic in America, by building a movement of Catholics who share the beauty, power and truth of the Gospel with a world that has largely forgotten."
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"Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has called Chris Stefanick “one of the most engaging young defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris speaks to over 50,000 teens, young adults, and parents every year."
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"Sarah Swafford is the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries. She speaks internationally to people of all ages on a variety of topics such as: Emotional Virtue, Dating and Relationships, Modesty of Intentions, and Interior Confidence. She is a graduate of Benedictine College and has been involved in ministry for over ten years. For three years, Sarah worked as a Residence Hall Director at Benedictine College, taking care of 142 freshmen women. That amazing experience gave her a front row seat into the hearts of women and men transitioning from high school to college, giving her a deeper look into the struggles facing teens and young adults today."
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~from www.emotionalvirtue.com
"Bishop Robert Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is also the host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking, award-winning documentary about the Catholic Faith, which aired on PBS.
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"Bishop Barron is a #1 Amazon bestselling author and has published numerous books, essays, and articles on theology and the spiritual life. He is a religion correspondent for NBC and has also appeared on FOX News, CNN, and EWTN."
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~from www.wordonfire.org
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Videos -- Reflections -- Blog -- YouTube
"Audrey Assad is the daughter of a Syrian refugee, an author, speaker, producer, and critically lauded songwriter and musician. She releases music she calls 'soundtracks for prayer' on the label Fortunate Fall Records, which she co-owns with her husband. She is also one half of the pop band LEVV, whose debut EP peeked at #17 on the iTunes Alternative chart."
Recently, a couple from my church community established a ministry focused on "strengthening the faith and lives of women, men, and married couples, as well as [helping] them discover their purpose through conferences, missions, revivals, retreats and workshops." They offer a variety of presentations and services to inspire audiences of many ages and backgrounds. Bob and Debbie are some of the most faithful people I know, living with courage and hope in God every day! Check them out at 7milesministry.org!