![]() Hello, This week, as Catholics around the world enter into the passion and sufferings of Christ, I encourage you to get out and go to the beautiful liturgies and partake in the traditions that have been celebrated in remembrance from the time of Christ. I encourage you to walk with Christ up the mountainside of Calvary and not be afraid to carry your own crosses whatever they may be. Place them at the foot of the cross where you gain hope through Christ who died for you. So, are you suffering physically, mentally or emotionally? Are you lonely, afraid, addicted or feeling trapped? Then this is a time you don’t want to let slip by without making an effort to attain the graces. This is the week to find strength in the cross, in death which is overcome by Christ’s rising from the dead. This is the week that all of history (His Story) points to as the new beginning, the moment death was trampled and the gates of heaven were opened. Here is where I need help. Since I'm reflecting a lot about suffering this week, I thought it would be a good time to ask my audience what you're struggling with, how are you suffering, and where do you need help? By sharing this information with me I will first, lift you up in prayer and second, it will help me create content that is relevant, answering your questions and connecting with you where you're at. I'm excited about sharing my story, my knowledge and expertise with you through my efforts here at Fit Catholic Mom. The more I know you, my audience, the better I can serve you. You can send me an email at [email protected] or leave a comment on my blog. I look forward to hearing from you! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Blessings upon your Holy Week, Rebecca Dussault
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So you’re asking yourself, as I am, do we have enough grit to finish out Lent with passion and purpose in our Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving? I just got off the plane from a short weekend trip to Nashville, TN where I had the privilege of speaking at a Catholic women's conference. I challenged the ladies to live differently, to think differently, eat differently and not let slothfulness set in. Essentially taking the disciplined focus from Lent and letting it continue it's impact. Recently I have begun to rebrand from Mass Start to Fit Catholic Mom. Part of this process is fine tuning my message to share with others the importance of nurturing their Catholic faith, exercising and staying fit, eating healthy, and keeping an organized and chemical free home. For far too long, we have been fed lie after lie from our consumeristic secular culture. It’s time to reclaim our faith, transform our bodies, and take charge within our families. This may sound a lot like what I’ve shared in the past, but it will be more focused on Catholic women and mothers. Sorry men! Hopefully, you will get something out of this and be encouraged to support the women in your lives to live abundantly in the Lord. For the remaining two weeks of Lent, I challenge you to push yourself in the areas of your life that need the most attention in addition to what the Church asks of us. All the while keeping in mind, that which we do and don’t do is not about checking something off a list but must take us deeper in relation with Jesus and with others. The measure to which we subject ourselves in these areas is the measure by which we can expect the spiritual rewards. Will we become lazy toward the end of this Lent and fizzle out slowly or will we persevere with a holy boldness towards calvary? Here are 5 steps to make your last two weeks of Lent great! 5 Easy To-Do's: 1. Don't drag your devices into bed. Stare at your husband and reply to him instead. It's hard enough to get to sleep without motion and lights right up to the minute you snooze. Keep your devices charging in another room while you charge up lying still examining your conscience and adoring God. 2. Rise a little earlier and with a prayerful spirit. Don't let the day start making it's demands on you until you've gained clarity and focus. Literally land gently on your knees out of bed and consecrate your day. Give yourself at least a :15 min. head start on the rest of the family. 3. Commit to quality. Rise and dress yourself with modesty, brush your teeth, and do your hair. Yes, sometimes moms need told to do these tasks too. Approach your kitchen with a mind set on quality choices, both in selection of food, preparation and portion. Focus on your best version of yourself from the top of the day forward! 4. Don't become diluted. Don't feel obligated to take on too much which will ultimately dilute your energy, enthusiasm and focus. Lent should be a little intense. If we are going to pray more, eat less or better give more alms, we have to do it with a plan. Every opportunity that crosses your path asks for your choice, to do or not to do, that is the question. Pull back on the frenzied run around and enter in deeper to reap a great grace and blessing. 5. Re-Catholocize your home. Whether the above is an actual word or not is not the point. The idea is to make your home aesthetically Catholic. If you have sacramentals which can make present hidden realities, like icons, beeswax candles, crucifixes, incense, the Sacred Scriptures, etc. bring them out! We decorate for a lot of annual occasions, but at this holiest of Christian times, let us outwardly reflect the deep mystery we are living. Some even my choose purple veils over their statues for these last two weeks of Lent. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (and do them!) God bless you with the richness of being His disciple as you choose the discipline of your cross and the full expression of this holy season. Through Christ Our Lord, Rebecca Dussault Train hard, rest well, pray much! |
AuthorRebecca Dussault Archives
January 2025
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