When I was in middle school, I used to read Catholic Digest when I visited my grandmother. Sometimes I’d poach her copies … sometimes I tried to do that before she finished reading it!
It’s my privilege now to work with the fine folks at Catholic Digest, since Today’s Catholic Teacher, where I’m the managing editor, shares the same publisher, editorial coordinator, and art director.
And it’s my privilege today to share my first-ever article for the Catholic Digest website — on one of my favorite topics: reading.
If you’re interested in purchasing any of these books, I’ve listed them all on this Amazon page, so they’ll be easy to find. Note that this is an affiliate page, so your purchase benefits me as a writer.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.
At CatholicMom.com
Tech Talk: Listen to Our Writers: Several CatholicMom.com authors have their own podcasts! Subscribe to their shows for encouragement, entertainment and education.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.
At CatholicMom.com
I Played My Best for Him: A meditation on my favorite Christmas song. It’s not a traditional carol, but it sums up what we need to do every day.
2016 Nativity Scene Linkup: Our Celebration of the Creche: Join our Nativity scene linkup! Share a photo of your family’s Nativity scene on your blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget the hashtag: #CMnativity. Open through January 8!
Book Notes for Teen Readers: Romance and Mystery by Cynthia T. Toney: Cynthia T. Toney writes novels for teens that combine Catholic characters, compelling mysteries and a touch of romance. I introduce readers to the “Bird Face” series, which would make great gifts for girls in middle school and up.
Book Notes: “What Pope Francis Really Said” by Tom Hoopes: Tom Hoopes’ book “What Pope Francis Really Said” unpacks the truth behind the media’s rush to judgment. I recommend the book to all Catholics committed to defending and living out their faith.
Book Notes: “Fearless” by Sonja Corbitt: I reviewed a new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Sonja Corbitt. “Fearless” invites the reader to take up spiritual warfare against fear, stress and anxiety.
Tech Talk: 10-Minute Advent Retreat from Catholic Relief Services: For those who don’t think they have time to make an Advent retreat, Catholic Relief Services packs a powerful spiritual experience in a 10-minute online retreat. Here are my impressions of “Holy Family, Refugee Family.”
The beginning of November got away from me, so I’m including 2 months’ worth of articles in this edition of Monday Recap. It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.
My review of Leslea Wahl’s novel for teens, “The Perfect Blindside,” featuring an unlikely couple who team up to solve a mystery and find something more.
Rosa, Sola by Carmela Martino deals with the sensitive topic of infant loss and brings up questions about living out the Works of Mercy. I discuss the book with the author and interview key characters.
YOU, a new Theology of the Body study program for teens from Ascension Press, that challenges and engages teens in the discussion of a difficult subject.
My interview with teenage author Shane Cloonan about Journey to the Cross, a picture book for children that’s perfect for Advent and Christmas reading.
Here’s an easy way to dress up plain baked fish fillets with a 4-ingredient sauce. This dinner takes just minutes to make but looks and tastes fancy enough for company.
My review of two guidebooks that will make great gifts for the young adults in your life, with tips on keeping the faith in college and finding a faithful spouse.
The Benedictine Monks of Norcia, who released a chant album honoring the Blessed Mother last year, have suffered the destruction of their monastery and basilica in this year’s earthquakes in central Italy.
I had a hard time putting down a new Advent devotional by Heidi Hess Saxton. Advent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta offers food for thought and prayer for any reader who is devoted to this fascinating saint.
My interview with Jonathan Sullivan, the creator of “Pray the Year,” a free email service providing liturgical prayer resources for families. Sign up today to receive the Advent email from “Pray the Year!”
Join our Advent wreath linkup! Share a photo of your family’s Advent wreath on your blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget the hashtag: #adventwreathcm
Intercessory Prayer Gets Behind the Wheel. Emergency vehicles don’t have to be the only things that move you to intercessory prayer while you’re driving. Any car on the road can be a reminder to pray.
Book Notes: Works of Mercy Coloring & Activity Book. I reviewed the Education in Virtue Works of Mercy Coloring & Activity Book, which will appeal to parents, catechists and Catholic-school teachers who’d like to supplement their children’s religious instruction with fun and worthwhile educational activities.
Book Notes: Feeding Your Family’s Soul. Has family dinnertime gotten lost in the shuffle of your busy family schedule? I reviewed a new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle that aims to give family dinners pride of place.
St. Jerome, Doctor & Curmudgeon. On September 30the Church celebrates St. Jerome, patron of librarians, scholars, students, translators…and grumpy people. I shared how St. Jerome’s story gives me hope.
This month I’m joining all the cool kids in the #Write31Days adventure! I didn’t pick a keyword or a theme, because just getting something written for all 31 days is challenge enough for me right now.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces, from book reviews and Tech Talk (will I ever get to Inbox Zero?) to recipes and back-to-school tips from none other than Ramona’s mom!
At CatholicMom.com
Image via Pixabay (2009), CC0 Public Domain
Tech Talk: Is Inbox Zero a Pipe Dream? I fight an ongoing battle with my inbox. Are you working on controlling your email? Find out what works for a detail-oriented thinker.
“Beverly Cleary Fandom” by Multnomah County Library (2014) via Flickr, CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0
Book Notes: Works of Love are Works of Peace. My review of the newly-reissued photobook about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: Works of Love are Works of Peace. This book will challenge and change the way you serve.
Book Notes: “Mary’s Way” Encourages Praying Moms. Mary’s Way: The Power of Entrusting Your Child to God is both a testament to perseverance and a guide to surrender. I reviewed this new book by CatholicMom.com contributor Judy Klein.
Book Notes: Alligator Creek. If you’ve ever visited a Civil War battlefield, I recommend Alligator Creek for your next summer read.
Book Notes: Cultivating Empathy in a Selfie World. Summer vacation may be the best time to school ourselves and our children on ways to demonstrate kindness and compassion. I review “Unselfie” and “Pictures of Me,” two books centered on the development of empathy.
Book Notes: Pope Francis Takes the Bus. Rosario Carello’s new book, Pope Francis Takes the Bus, centers on the Pope’s humility as his distinguishing trait. I review the book and explain how children and adults alike can benefit from the stories inside.
Meatless Friday: Father’s Favorites. Need some quick inspiration for a simple, delicious meatless meal? Try one of these recipes, brought to you by three parish priests.
A Taste of Summer (with recipes!). In this guest blog post I share 3 favorite summer recipes, including Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Brownies, pictured here.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.
At CatholicMom.com
Book Notes: Sunflowers in a Hurricane. My review of a new novel by Catholic author Anne Faye. Terrific characters in this one; it’s a great summer read.
Book Notes: Find a Real Friend in Jesus. Gary Zimak’s new book, Find a Real Friend in Jesus, is full of friendly, personal advice from someone who is so invested in his faith that he can’t help but share it with others.
Book Notes: The Creed by Scott Hahn. Scott Hahn’s new book, The Creed, invites readers to consider the importance of affirming their beliefs, and why we still need to do so today.
Book Notes: A Novel for Fathers and Sons. This Father’s Day, consider giving a father-son gift: a novel that fathers and sons can enjoy together. Full Cycle by Christopher Blunt is just such a book.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces. May was a busy month for book reviews, but I found time for a few recipes and a little spiritual writing, too.
At CatholicMom.com
Book Notes and Author Interview with Theresa Linden. Theresa Linden’s novel “Life-Changing Love” released in May from Silver Fire Publishing! I interviewed the author on the subject of courtship as a dating alternative, a central theme in the novel.
Copyright 2016 Barb Szyszkiewicz. All rights reserved.
The Chapel Rosary. Using a rosary belonging to someone else brings to mind a unique connection that is made through prayer.
Book Notes: Learning to Love with the Saints. I reviewed Jean Heimann’s spiritual biography, Learning to Love with the Saints, which explores the how and why of those saints’ personal influence on her life.
Catholic Catalogue Book Club Part II: Seasons of the Church Year (#32-44). We discussed Part Two: Seasons of the Church Year (#32-44) from The Catholic Catalogue, by Melissa Musick and Anna Keating. Reading this book has convinced me of the need to make sure that the observations of both the daily and the seasonal aspects of Catholic life take place on a family level, not just a personal one
Amoris Laeticia, The Joy of Love. A roundup of early commentary on the latest papal exhortation, as well as a link to the document itself.
Book Notes: Blue-Eyed Doll. I reviewed Blue-Eyed Doll, a fascinating historical novel that transports the reader to 1920s California, where students collected dolls to exchange for dolls from students in Japan.
Tech Talk: Texting and Tweeting with Catholic Emoji. Just for fun, I tried out the new Catholic Emoji app for iPhone and iPad. Those new emoji from Apple? Try to find real Rosary beads in there. Catholic Emoji has you covered.
Book Review: Blue-Eyed Doll by Deanna K. Klingel. This fascinating historical novel transports the reader to 1920s California, where students collected dolls to exchange for dolls from students in Japan, and follows the collectible dolls into World War II and its aftermath. Don’t miss Ruth Mary, the gutsy main character–she’s terrific.
Note: All links to books are Amazon affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my website with your purchase!
Color and Pray: At Play in God’s Creation Coloring Book
