Week Two Mini-Retreat for Mothers...St. Patrick's day and more...

March 17th Second Week of Lent - Reflections of motherhood - joys, sorrows, etc. some short stories 
Do not forget to go to www.facebook.com/catholicdoula for updates each week! 

Maybe you all do not know me that well, my name is Julia Larsen and I founded Catholic Doula Program and the new BLOOM support program for mothers... (mostly for moms to be) 

Reflection A: My own stories.. "Save the Babies"

I thought I would tell you a few funny things or short stories of my own family and children...

I have one girl and she's the oldest - the rest are boys (3 of them). 
About a year ago or so, I introduced the kids to the Baby Banks we get from our chapel each Lent to collect money to help "save babies". 
They didn't understand. "Why do we need to save babies?" So, I had to explain to them that bad people are killing them. (I didn't get into exactly what abortion was -- but kind of just gave them an idea that bad people want to get rid of babies, etc.) Well, one of our children (do not remember which one) said, "Well, we got to save the babies or there won't be anymore!" Yep, out of the mouth of babes! So, cute. :) So, we are collecting change again this year again as well. I think one of them already put $1 bill in the can! LOL! They are so sweet. I may get them all something special for Easter! Yes, let's raise funds to save the babies! 

Irish Soda bread recipe...

Well, my friend Angela O'Brien from Ireland likes a good Irish bread for St. Patrick's day; and I hope you would like a recipe to make - even if you get this email a day or two after - please try it out: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16947/amazingly-easy-irish-soda-bread/

***Giveaway*** at www.catholicdoula.com (we hope to have info up by March 17th) 
We are going to put together a giveaway for mothers and check back in next issue for more details...
Plus we will be announcing a new website for parents-to-be and parents of any kind...this announcement will come close to end of our newsletter...!! We are going to be offering more things for moms, dads, etc. so you don't have to be a doula to join our new classes!

Lenten promises...what are we doing? 

This second week of Lent is a good time to think back on what we were planning to do this Lent and check our progress...so what were you planning to do? Did you get started on it yet? Yes or no? 
If you wanted to pray more - did you find that extra 10 minutes of time?
If you need time to undwind from everyday did you do that- make time for yourself? 
What if you promised to do more family activities? Did you do that? 
Did you give alms to the poor yet? Think of your favorite charity...
What about fasting? Maybe you cannot fast in literal sense of the word if you are a pregnant mom, but you can do other fasting..."bite your tongue"; "less time gossiping"; "less time on the computer" unless necessary for work, etc. (However, don't forget to check your email! You will miss this retreat!) 
OK, so maybe you need a little bit of hint - get going on your Lenten practices today - make time for that meditation, or half hour in the chapel! I bet you won't regret it! 

Shamrock Stew Recipe and a Quote from St. Therese! 

We thought we would share another Irish recipe with you for a shamrock stew - remember to NOT eat on a Friday since this has beef in it: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/three-s-a-charm-shamrock-soup/ 
OK, enjoy your stew!

One more thing - we love St. Therese so we thought we would share a quote from her! “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” St. Therese of Lisieux

What is St. Therese calling you to do today? If you have a birth story you would like to share with us - please let me know - I am writing my first book "Little Way of Motherhood" and would love to share your story with our readers! Email catholicdoulaprogram@gmail.com with your story! Also, check our Facebook page for giveway information - as long as you are in the retreat you will be entered! If you are not doing social media - I'll try to add in info in the next newsletter :)