SITES WE LIKE!

A word of caution: When searching online for Catholic information and YouTube videos, you may come across many that are vehemently anti-Catholic, and present false information. Some may be from misinformed Christians (especially pertaining to Mary), some from fallen away Catholics who have been hurt by someone in the Church, atheists who are in reality seeking God but have not found Him yet, and even those within the Church who will not accept certain teachings of our faith. This greatly saddens us. Please pray for all those promoting anti-Catholic information - that they will come to know the truth and fullness of our faith, and thereby encounter the peace and joy of the Risen Christ. St. Monica's blog will always strive to provide links to sites that are are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. We hope they will enrich your faith!

"There are not 100 in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but millions who hate what they think the Catholic Church is." Bishop Fulton J Sheen

THE ROSARY

Come Pray the Rosary -- www.comepraytherosary.org/

Pray the Rosary online with beautiful music -- pray individually or with others from around the world!

How To Pray the Rosary - www.how-to-pray-the-rosary.com/

Pictures and instruction on how to pray the Rosary

The Holy Rosary - www.theholyrosary.org/

Pray the Rosary accompanied by beautiful music

Beginning Catholic - beginningcatholic.com/how-to-pray-the-rosary.html

Great for new Catholics or those just beginning to pray the Rosary.

The 15 Promises of the Rosary - http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/prayer/15promise.htm

Beautiful explanation of the Our Lady's promises for those who pray the Rosary devoutly.

GREAT BLOGS

LIVING CHRIST - God's Mercy Now - www.livingChrist.webs.com/

One woman shares her spiritual journey. Uplifting, inspiring, and informative - includes links to other excellent sites. A wealth of Catholic information at your fingertips.

WORD ON FIRE - www.wordonfire.org/

Fr. Robert Barron is one of the most innovative speakers on Catholicism and the spiritual life. His global ministry Word on Fire offers U Tube videos on many different topics.

TRY THE EXPERIMENT - One woman takes a leap of faith and asks her busy family to pray the Rosary together for 40 days. Powerful! Illustrates the transformative power of the Rosary.

REVERT CONVERT - Reconnecting to the Truth

THE PRACTICING CATHOLIC - Not perfect yet, but practicing hard!

THE CURT JESTER - http://splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/

Pundity, prayer, and puns, from a papist perspective. A previous atheist revels in being a Catholic convert.

AMERICAN PAPIST -  not your average Catholic.  Great information on current events important to Catholics.

ALIVE AND YOUNG - A young and humorous spin on our Catholic faith. Napoleon Dynamite's (yes, the same quirky Napoleon Dynamite from the movie with the same name!) take on Catholicism will have you laughing out loud. Enjoy!

NEED SPIRITUAL DIRECTION? - www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/

For anyone unable to receive face-to-face spiritual direction, this ministry provides it via email or telephone. The spiritual directors are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic faith. Also available on this site: answers to Catholic questions, Catholic books and spiritual reading, links to other sites, and online classes for spiritual formation.

A FRIAR'S LIFE - Franciscan friar Tom loves Jesus, St. Francis and being a priest!

CATHOLIC BLOGS DIRECTORY - Hundreds of great Catholic Blogs at your fingertips!  

MARY

MARY'S TOUCH - www.marystouch.org/

Beautiful explanations of our devotion to Mary, our Mother.

OTHER CATHOLIC SITES:

APOLOGETICS - www.guslloyd.com

Ever been asked tough questions about the Catholic faith, but at a loss for answers? These CD's explain the truths of our faith: why we believe in Purgatory, Peter and the Papacy, Marian Dogma, Sacred Tradition, Catholic teachings found in the Bible, The Sacrament of Reconciliation, why the Church doesn't approve contraception, and more. Learn how to defend your faith!

ENCOURAGE YOUR PRIESTS - www.encouragepriests.org/

We are blessed daily by the kindness and self sacrifice of our priests -- through this site you can give them a shout out, send a thank you, or send a spiritual bouquet. Please pray for our priests - they need our support and encouragement.

THE CATHOLICISM PROJECT -- The Catholic Church is under fire - our Catholic Story is being told by the wrong people in the wrong way. This 10 part TV series offers a vision of the Catholic faith never seen before. It explores the living culture of the Catholic faith around the globe- from the Holy Land, to America, to the heart of Africa and beyond. Experience the beauty and glory of the Real Catholic Church. See the trailer here: http://www.wordonfire.org/The-Catholicism-Project/Trailer-New.aspx

CATHOLICS COME HOME -- Catholicscomehome.org

A site for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, as well as anyone who used to be Catholic, or Catholics who just want to learn more about the truths of our faith.

CATHOLICITY - www.catholicity.com/

The Catholic Faith, Simplified. Outstanding source for over 100 Catholic web sites; simplified Catechism; excellent source of free CDs on The Eucharist, Confession, The Mass, Mary, The Conversion of Dr. Scott Hahn, the Father John Corapi story, and more; Free Catholic novels; monthly catholicity newsletter- quirky, funny and faith filled.

SUNDAY SOUNDBITES - A weekly 90 second radio homily on the Sunday readings by Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM. Also available at americancatholic.org


WORK OF GOD'S CHILDREN - http://theworkofgodschildren.org/  - An excellent site that provides public domain Catholic images, a public domain Bible, and more. Wonderful resource for home schoolers, catechists, and families!

CATHOLIC NEWS SITES:

SPIRITDAILY - www.spiritdaily.com/

Daily spiritual news from around the world by author Michael Brown. Also offers a wonderful selection of excellent Catholic books for purchase, as well as links to many Catholic sites.

CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY - www.catholicnewsagency.com/

LIFE SITE NEWS - www.lifesitenews.com/

Life, Family and Culture News

LOCAL AND NATIONAL CATHOLIC SITES

THE VATICAN - www.vatican.va/

USCCB - www.usccb.org/

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site -- a comprehensive resource for Catholics -- daily readings and reflections; an online Catechism, daily marriage tips, movie reviews and ratings from the Bishops, and a link to the Vatican website.

Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg - http://www.dioceseofstpete.org/

Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg Florida. Find a parish or school, information on diocese ministries, etc.

ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CATHOLIC CHURCH

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY INFORMATION

FOR YOUR MARRIAGE -- www.foryourmarriage.org/

Excellent resource from USCCB featuring daily marriage tips and helpful articles for all stages of marriage -- from preparation to parenting to empty nest, as well as information on Natural Family Planning, infertility, and many other marriage topics.

EXCEPTIONAL MARRIAGES - www.exceptionalmarriages.com/

Catholic resource for marriage, family and personal issues.

GRACE BEFORE MEALS - www.gracebeforemeals.com/

Father Leo is helping to build stronger families - one meal at a time! The family that eats together, stays together!

Pro Life Natural Family Planning and Fertility Assistance:

THE GIANNA CENTER - www.giannahealth.org/

A natural, restorative, scientifically-based approach to managing your fertility, featuring:

NaProTECHNOLOGY(TM) -- www.giannahealth.org/, and NaProTechnology.com/

New technology to diagnose and treat many of the conditions which cause infertility, with success rates comparable to IVF (in vitro fertilization).*

THE CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITYCARE -- 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Unlike other treatments, which bypass the problem with an artificial technology or suppress the fertility cycle with hormonal contraceptives, NaProTECHNOLOGY(TM) uniquely respects the dignity of women, the natural ecology of their bodies, and the sanctity of human life.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING - information

PRO-LIFE PHYSICIANS -- www.prolifephysicians.org/

National directory, find a physician in your area.

CATHOLIC MOMS -- www.catholicmoms.com/

Celebrates all things Faith, Family and Fun.

House of Mercy and Encouragement
A non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children two years old through adolescence who are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Emotional difficulties ~ Behavioral issues ~ Learning challenges ~ Social problems
Prevention, early intervention, treatment of children’s issues, support for families, and referrals to appropriate resources are among the many services provided by the wellness center. Each child and each family are unique in the eyes of God. Recognizing individual differences, needs, and strengths is key to the mission of the HOME Foundation. Our mission is to faithfully provide quality mental health and educational services that encourage caring, compassion, and a sense of well-being.

CRISIS PREGNANCY SUPPORT

UPPER PINELLAS PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES

http://www.st.ignatius.net/pregnant.html

An outreach ministry of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, located in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Also available at this site:

Rachel's Vineyard (post-abortion healing)

Option Line - 24/7 nationwide pregnancy assistance - find centers in your area, and help for teens with questions on sex, dating, etc.

GIFT OF LIFE ADOPTIONS - www.giftoflifeadoptions.com/

NEED SOME INSPIRATION?

St. Iggy's Spark - Inspiring and Thought provoking! Provides great tips each week for growing in your faith and putting faith into action.

INTERCESSORS OF THE LAMB - Mother Nadine Lamb, founder

Good News Ministries - www.gnm.org

Good News Ministries is a Catholic evangelization ministry offering reflections on the readings for daily and Sunday Mass, and faith formation classes online. Subscribe to receive reflections via email for free.

SACRED SPACE - sacredspace.ie

The prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits, who invite you to make a sacred space in your day - spend 10 minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day.

3 Minute Retreats - a free daily mini retreat right at your computer.

Busted Halo - http://www.bustedhalo.com/

Featuring the daily jolt -- a thought provoking quote and simple suggestion for putting faith into action; googling God question of the day; and more...

Women of Grace - www.womenofgrace.com/

Daily inspirational quotes and mini-meditations from Johnette Benkovic of Living His Life Abundantly. Subscribe to receive daily grace notes for free.

Loyola Press - A Jesuit Ministry - loyolapress.com/marian-resources.htm

Daily inspirations, Marian information and more!

GREAT CATHOLIC RADIO, TV, and VIDEOS

*EWTN - www.ewtn.com/

Eternal Word Catholic Television Network featuring daily Mass, Mother Angelica Live, Catholic news from around the world and more...

*Spirit FM - http://www.spiritfm905.com/

90.5 Catholic Christian radio station in Tampa Florida, featuring contemporary Christian music.Listen live online from anywhere at spiritfm905.com

CATHOLIC DOORS - True Catholic Videos on You Tube

http://www.catholicdoors.com/youtube/index.htm

Offers Catholics You Tube videos that are in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Faith. An excellent link to enrich your faith! Christians seeking the truth about our faith on this site will not be exposed to the large number of anti Catholic videos that are found among you tube Catholic videos.

On the Sirius Catholic Channel:

*Seize the Day - http://guslloyd.com/blog/?page_id=6

Seize the Day with host Gus Lloyd mornings 6-10.

*The Catholics Next Door - http://gregandjennifer.com/

Greg and Jennifer Willits - 10-1

* The Catholic Guy - http://www.linorulli.com/Lino_Rulli/Home.html

Join Lino Ruli for laughs while learning about our faith

*Fully Alive - http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/radio.htm

Dr. Gregory and Lisa Popcak - marriage and family

*The Busted Halo Show - http://www.bustedhalo.com/siriusxm

With Paulist Father Dave Dwyer

Prayer Resources

"We never give more honour to Jesus than when we honour His Mother, and we honour her simply and solely to honour him all the more perfectly.  We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek - Jesus, her Son."  St. Louis de Montfort

MARIAN PRAYERS

Our Lady of Kibeho - The Chaplet of 7 Sorrows of Our Lady

A Treasury of Marian Prayers - Traditional and less well known devotional prayers to Our Lady

That Wondrous Miraculous Medal   

  

Marian Apparitions - An excellent resource on the history of Marian apparitions, detailed information on apparitions approved by the Church, those under investigation but not approved at this time, and those definitively rejected by the Church.  Also gives information on the Church process of discernment and approval. We must always follow the Church's authority on apparitions, because there are many alleged messages that are false.  Catholics are not required to believe in approved Marian apparitions since they are not doctrine or dogma.  However, if belief in them increases our faith & love for Our Mother, be assured she will always and only lead us closer to her son, Jesus.

Magnifikid! -- Bring the Mass closer to the lives of children.  From the publishers of Magnificat - this version is for kids 6-12.

"Prayer is the oxygen of the soul."  ~ St. Padre Pio


GENERAL CATHOLIC PRAYERS

Catholic Online - A collection of Catholic Prayers.

Catholic Doors - A treasury of over 3,000 Prayers

Our Catholic Prayers - Traditional Prayers, Evening Prayers including examination of conscience, Novenas, Aspirations, and many more.  Also provides a plethora of links to many other Catholic prayer resources.

Each time we look upon Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, He raises us up into deeper union with Himself, opens up the floodgates of His merciful love to the whole world, and brings us closer to the day of His final victory "where every knee will bend and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord."  "The reign of God is already in your midst."  The coming of Jesus to us in the Eucharist is assurance of his promise of final victory:  "Behold, I Come to Make All Things New."  ~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Live online Eucharistic Adoration - If your parish does not have Eucharistic Adoration, come and spend time with our Lord and Savior in the Blessed Sacrament - online.

DIVINE MERCY

The Divine Mercy Chaplet in Song - Beautiful contemporary version as seen on EWTN.


Divine Mercy Chaplet - Beautiful sung version by Donna Cori Gibson

join

St. Monica with St. Augustine
workofgodschildren.org

PLEASE JOIN US!

HERE'S HOW:

v No meetings to attend, no signing up (God knows who we are praying for)!

v Each Friday, pray the Rosary anytime that is convenient for you. Traditionally, we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries on Fridays. Need help praying the Rosary? See our How to Pray the Rosary and Sites we Like sections - both are great resources.

v We pray the Rosary for our intentions for our children, and those of the other St. Monica prayer warriors' children.

v How do I fast? Start small - perhaps with a modified fast like we observe during Lent (abstaining from meat & eating two mini meals & one full meal, with no snacks in between). You don't have to fast from food - it can be any little indulgence you enjoy, or perhaps a bad habit you want to break.

Here some suggestions:

*Give up your morning latte (or drink it black)

*Do something nice for someone, even if it's inconvenient!

*Go to daily Mass

*Take a walk. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others!

*If you're tempted to gossip or say something in anger - keep silent!

*Spend an hour with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

*Turn off the computer, I Phone, etc. and spend that time with family.

*Give up chocolate, candy or dessert if you love sweets.

*Give up watching TV and spend that time doing some spiritual reading. (For recommendations see Great Reads and the Recommended Sites link to - Living Christ - God's Mercy Now)

If you do "slip", don't give up - tell Jesus you're sorry and just start over!

v Spread the word - invite others to join us! Anyone can participate - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles & godparents. We pray for children of all ages - from infants to grownups. It's never too late to pray for them. As Fr. John Corapi reminds us - surrender is not an option!