Welcome to our Journey
Lizz and I have created this space as a way to share our Catholic journeys—both personal and shared—as we walk in faith and grow and grow in God’s mercy. As we embark on this new adventure, we felt called to begin by reflecting on our recent pilgrimage experiences during this Jubilee Year.
This July, we traveled on a pilgrimage that deeply moved us. Through this blog, we hope to recount those sacred moments, offering glimpses into the awe-inspiring places we visited and the spiritual blessings we received along the way. These posts will serve not only as a record of our journey, but also as a companion to the book we are writing about the experience.
Our pilgrimage reflections will be interwoven with other posts—snapshots of our ongoing lives as Catholic women, friends, mothers, and wives. We invite you to walk with us, to reflect with us, and perhaps to find in our stories something that resonates in your own faith journey.
Mary and Lizz
Surrender to Love
On a stressful trip to Holy Hill, I was forced to let go of my carefully laid plans and trust in God’s timing. As a Montessori teacher, I see daily how hard it is—for my students and for myself—to surrender control and accept guidance. This experience reminded me that true peace comes when I stop clinging to my way and choose to surrender to love instead of giving in to the noise.
Monday Morning Catholic 9-8-25
This reflection looks at St. Simeon Stylites and how his radical life of prayer reveals that suffering is an unavoidable part of faith. Though his choice to live atop a pillar may seem extreme, it challenges us to see stillness, sacrifice, and endurance as ways of drawing closer to God. His witness reminds us that holiness often involves discomfort and loss, just as Jesus Himself suffered on the cross. In the end, the call of discipleship is to embrace our own crosses, trusting that even in suffering, God is with us and transforming us.
Grieving with Hope: Finding Peace in Scripture and Shared Loss
Grieving with Hope is a heartfelt reflection on how scripture can bring comfort during deep loss. After losing two classmates, Romans 8:28, shared by a friend before she passed, has stayed with me, reminding me that even in grief, God can bring about good. This post is about missing those we love, leaning on faith, and holding on to the hope that we’ll find peace — together.
Monday Morning Catholic 8-25-25
This week’s reflections hit home in a big way—especially around pride and humility. We’ve been wrestling with how to stay confident without letting ego creep in, and realizing more deeply that everything we have is from God, not something we’ve earned on our own. The narrow road Jesus talks about isn’t easy, but it’s where real growth happens—through struggles, discipline, and leaning on His grace (and the people He’s placed in our lives). We’re still works in progress, but we’re learning that humility isn’t about shrinking back—it’s about stepping forward with God at the center, not ourselves.
A Reflection On Humility, Teachability, and The Gospel In Others
Learning from Others: A Daily Practice in Humility
My father once told me to treat the first three people I meet each day like the readings at Mass—each one carrying a message from God. That wisdom has stayed with me, especially when I encounter people who are difficult, unteachable, or resistant to growth. As an athlete, coach, teacher, and friend, I constantly reflect on whether I am coachable—open to correction, willing to grow, and rooted in humility.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux reminds us, “Humility is the foundation and guardian of all virtues.” It's not always easy to stay grounded in humility when others aren't—but it’s where true strength and wisdom begin. Every person is a chance to receive grace, every relationship a mirror. The question is: are we still willing to learn?
Monday Morning Catholic
This season of transition is a time of purification and transformation, where we are called to let go of what was and embrace what God is doing now.
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (Lizz)
We began our pilgrimage with a visit to the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, where the quiet beauty of the grounds and the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin deeply moved us. As a teacher, I found unexpected inspiration in her legacy—her courage, dedication, and faith offered a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have. Starting our journey in the presence of such a devoted teacher and saint set a meaningful tone for the year ahead.
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (Mary)
We began our pilgrimage at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with just trust and curiosity. Following instinct — and each other — we stepped into quiet , small detours, and unexpected grace. Even in the first moments, God was already speaking.
Monday Morning Quarterback Catholic 8-11-25:
Your spiritual recharge starts here. Reflections on homilies and our Catholic week.
Before Crossing the Threshold (Mary’s Version)
I’ve ventured inside and outside that basilica at all hours of the day and night. And every time, I feel the gentle presence of Our Lady and the merciful embrace of her Son. The idea of discovering more places that could offer that same profound sense of solace and spiritual connection was not just appealing—it felt necessary.
Intro to the Pilgrimage (Lizz’s Version)
Have you ever considered going on a pilgrimage? I admit the idea seemed like such a dream to me. Like wouldn’t it be nice to one day make it to Lourdes, France and see where Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to St. Bernadette. But taking a big trip like that, leaving the country just didn’t seem like something in the cards right now in my busy life as a teacher and a mother of younger children. But a girl can dream.