Star of the New Evangelization

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Friday, August 27, 2010

“Look, Mommy!  Look Daddy!  Don’t they look like sparkly connect-the-dots?”  We were late getting home and I was in a hurry to get in the house and get the kids to bed, but my four-year-old’s small voice – made big by her excitement – made me look to the night sky.

I had to agree with her.  The stars did look like sparkly connect-the-dots.

I haven’t been able to go outside since without a reminder... READ MORE

Coincidences That Aren't

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, August 02, 2010

The feast of Our Lady of Angels is today, August 2.

I have a habit of nicknaming people, whether in my head or so that they know it. (I do it to myself, too, just to be fair about things.) I was explaining this, some time ago, to a sister-in-law, who was touched by my nickname of her.

“You know, people only nickname those they love,” she said.

Well, maybe. (I’m not always generous in my mental nicknaming... READ MORE

Mary, the Gardener

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, July 12, 2010

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is July 16.

I think of Mary as a gardener throughout human history. Trouble in France? Here comes Mary with rosary in hand and a full dose of prayer. Something’s tough in Russia? Mary’s on her way, pulling a hose behind her for some special fertilizing. They need help in the United States? There’s Mother Mary, clad in gloves, trowel in hand.

There’s no weed in... READ MORE

Seeing Mary in My Husband

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Marriage on Monday, June 28, 2010

In my earlier life, I never wanted to be a mom, but I think my husband has always wanted to be a father. He was a father figure to his younger siblings (and still is) and loves children in a way I admire and that inspires me.

I think he’s probably the reason I love the Blessed Virgin Mary so much too. Of course, if I pointed this out to him, he would say something to the effect of “Aw, shucks” or,... READ MORE

Mary in the Everyday

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Family on Sunday, June 06, 2010

I’ve often encouraged the people around me to picture Mary with them, in their everyday lives. When I discovered Mary’s title Our Lady of Combermere, I found a whole devotion that gave voice to my passion.

It’s a title earned in the most unremarkable way, and yet one that I have a feeling Mother Mary cherishes and saves the way I tuck special drawings and mementos into a remember box.

Combermere,... READ MORE

Mary at Pentecost

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Sunday, May 23, 2010

I find myself turning to Mary quite a bit in my role as mother. What I have found, when I look to her Pentecost example, is a series of lessons that inspire me to seek her Son in every moment of my day.

All women are called to motherhood.

Many aspects of this vocation didn’t feel natural to me at first. Maybe it’s that I didn’t feel that I deserved the many blessings I found coming to me as I went... READ MORE

The Mary Month of May

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, May 03, 2010

Here are a few of my favorite May Marian feasts, perfect if you’re looking for a special way to honor Mary this month:

Our Lady of China – May 9

Mary appeared as 10,000 rioters were attacking Tong Lu, “the place of beggars.” The rioters, distracted, began shooting at the sky and then suddenly turned and fled.

Father Wu later admitted that he had asked Mary for help. It turns out that the rebels were... READ MORE

Finding Mary in an Old Farmhouse

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, April 26, 2010

I didn’t exactly plan to live in an old farmhouse. It just happened to be the house my husband owned. It’s perched on a lovely piece of property, one that continues to woo me with its gentle slopes and beautiful views. The creek bed, the surrounding fields, and even the weeds have an allure.

It was built at the turn of the 20th century, when life was very different. It started as a two-story four-room... READ MORE

Divine Mercy and Mary

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, April 05, 2010

Jesus’ message through Divine Mercy is one of trust and love, one that I need to hear and believe. It’s there on the bottom of the image: “Jesus, I trust in You.” But do I?

Maria Faustina Kowalska was a nun with only three years of schooling. She couldn’t read or write well. But because of her trust in Jesus, she was led to great things and spoke often with Him. Reading her diary, I get the sense... READ MORE

One 'Yes' Can Change the World

Features | Posted by Sarah Reinhard in Faith on Monday, March 22, 2010

All too often, I turn down the opportunity to be like Mary, to say Yes with my arms unconditionally open to embrace God’s will.  So many times, my Yes comes out with a list of Buts:

Yes, but not if it requires sacrifice.
Yes, but not if You need extra effort.
Yes, but don’t make me cry.

Do I say Yes to the small hand tapping me on the leg, or do I ignore it and let her wander away to amuse herself? ... READ MORE

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