When there is nothing left to say, say ‘Jesus’
My 1-year-old son has been practicing some new words recently. He loves to look around the house and point and name people and things: “Nana,” “Papa,” “Dada,”’ “Mama,” “Kitty,” “Nana.”…
How Catholics can create more supportive communities
Some of us Catholic women are very fortunate in where we live. We are those who live, by happenstance or by design, in a community of Catholic Christians who are…
The joys of being a godmother
A godmother. There is almost something mystical about the term. Children’s fairy tales are full of these kind, magical figures who always make things turn out right. That enchanting impression…
Experiencing childbirth in light of the Resurrection
A year or so after my first child was born, a pregnant friend and I were chatting about her plans for childbirth. She was unsure whether or not to use…
Memento mori: A good motto for preparing to give birth
Preparing for labor and birth has reminded me of the ancient Latin and monastic saying: memento mori, remembering your death. As I wait through the last weeks of pregnancy with…
When I don’t want to pray: A follow-up
Sisters, I recently wrote to you about this long season I’ve been in — one that feels too long for a self proclaimed Christian and former missionary. It’s the season…
A resource for finding peace in pregnancy
During my last two pregnancies, I was a very nervous momma, and without any specific reason. I just always worried about the “what if?” scenarios. I have no history of…
Fertility is a call to both life and loss
“Heartbreak prepares you for motherhood.” My mentor said something like this to me as I was coming to terms with the end of a relationship. I do not remember her…
A letter to my special-needs son
The day I heard Roe v. Wade was overturned, I felt compelled to write a letter to my son. This is strange because, being only 16 months old, reading is…
My life is not over for choosing motherhood
I had barely set the pregnancy test on the counter when I saw the blue plus sign. The confirmation came with almost cruel speed. This was gut-wrenching news. It felt…