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Our Lady of the Laundry Room

There was a mountain of laundry. 

“What a cliché,” I thought as I begrudgingly grabbed some little-boy pants and started to fold. I stood there, barefoot, pregnant with our fifth child, and supremely irritated at the mundane task before me. 

“I’m a cliche,” I thought bitterly as I continued to fold and form large piles of the clothing I’d washed for my family. The negative thoughts about housewifery and motherhood continued to spiral around me as I experienced what I now realize was one of the lowest moments of pre-natal depression. 

Then, as I progressed through little pairs of jeans and t-shirts and mismatched socks, I started to uncover a piece of paper I’d stuck to the laundry room wall months before: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,” read the Memorare in my own handwriting,  “that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided…”  

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Expressing your Catholic Faith

The joy of our Catholic Faith cannot be hidden. It naturally flows from the conviction of the heart and the mind and shows itself in the choices we make and in what others may perceive of us.

Our Lord says in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

Even if we may be persecuted for naturally showing our personal beliefs, we must be ready to show and explain the reason for our hope in Christ... and hopefully, through the way that we love. "But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence." 1 Peter 3:14-15 

While the list below is not exhaustive, we hope it could be a good start for those looking to express their Catholic faith: 

1. Rosary in the car

Hang a rosary on the rear view mirror of your car. Need a spare rosary? You can make your own or pick one up from your parish.

2. Laptop & phone

Have a holy image on your laptop/desktop wallpaper or smartphone's lock screen. Get sacred art from Wikipedia, Catholic Flickr, or a museum like The Met

3. Holy wearables

Wear a brown scapular, a crucifix or any religious medal such as the Miraculous Medal. Check out other holy wearables like St. Benedict's medal.

4. Decals & stickers

Stick a Catholic decal on your car, or laptop! Make your own, or visit With a Joyful Heart (Okotoks), Benedicta Boutique or Modern Catholic Goods (Stouffville, ON)

5. Sacred arts

Display sacred art on your home or office space. Frame old religious calendar pages, visit Sacred Arts Guild of Alberta, TiSpark, Friends in High Places, Castrillo and local Catholic artists.

6. Hang a crucifix

Hang a crucifix in each room of your house and be reminded always with God's sacrifice and salvation. Need a crucifix? Visit Broughton's or St. Andrew's Church Supplies

7. Catholic t-shirt

Wear shirts or face covering with cool Catholic messages. Cool men's apparel at Sanctus Fidelis and Brick House in the City for women. Masks: Faith & Fabric and Diocesan.com

8. Building relief

If you own a commercial building, install a relief of the Mother and Child on a prominent corner of the building similar to what you will find in Italy. More examples here.

9. Front door relief

Install a relief of the Mother and Child or a holy image by your front door. Even when you won't get to evangelize to your guests, your front door will! Get some inspiration.

10. Build a grotto

Build a grotto in your garden. Grotto can be of Mother Mary, the Holy Family, St. Francis, or other saints. Read Jessica's story on her home grotto.

11. Say grace

Pray grace before meals even when you are in public. Don't worry about what others think, and just give thanks to the Lord.

12. Share joyfully

Be open to speak about your Catholic faith, this includes lending a listening ear and speaking words of encouragement.

In memory of Rose

You may be surprised that one of the most hip and artistic Catholic Instagram accounts is run by a grandmother living in Lethbridge, garnering almost 32k followers through the years with her inspiring graphic and quotes of the Saints. What started her ministry and how does she keep it going? Read more

A journey in the sacred arts

"Every stroke is meditative and reflective and prayerful. It is an act of salvation, my connection to the divine." Maria Muszynski, a parishioner of St. Bonaventure, shared how she spent her whole life journeying with the Lord through art. And don't miss her advice for sacred art novices. Read more

Overcoming perfectionism

With Covid-19 quarantine hitting hard and fast, Kathryn Nguyen found herself blessed with too much time and energy. Determined to use this time to work and release her artwork, she learned a very important lesson on imperfection, and how crucial it is in revealing God's mercy and love in her life. Read more

Following the life of St. Dominic

Inspired by the charisms and the life of St. Dominic and guided by the Holy Spirit, a group formed through connections too perfect to be coincidental. Learn about the first Lay Dominican groups in the Prairies under the Canadian province! Read more.

Just in case you missed it... make sure to check out (and watch!) The Chosen, the first multi-season show about the life of Christ. 

Completely funded by viewers, The Chosen is one of the most engaging Bible-inspired productions ever produced. It's also funny and relatable, you will find yourself watching episode after episode because it's just too compelling! Certainly binge-worthy this Summer, every minute of it. 

Watch a complete Episode One on Youtube by clicking the image below. To watch the next episodes, download this app on your phone or iPad - cast to your TV or watch on your device. Completely free!

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