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Hand crafted rosaries. Shared Stories. A Journey of Faith.
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Our Newsletter is here to share more about our mission, faith and the story behind what we do and what we make. We hope you join us each week to learn more about how this mission impacts our lives and those we serve.
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Moments of Grace
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The first week of our Chosen challenge had us watching Season 1. It was all about being called to follow Jesus. What hit me was something that had not touched me before.
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Rosary Reflection
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This week we take a look at our Small Olive Wood Rosary
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A Thought to Carry with You
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Something to ponder or journal on
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A Prayer for Your Week
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Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Pope St. Callistus, grant us hearts filled with pastoral mercy. Through the wisdom of St. Teresa of Ávila, draw us into deeper friendship with You in daily prayer. Through the intercession of St. Gerard Majella and St. Margaret Mary, protect mothers and anchor our hope in Your Sacred Heart. And through the witness of St. Luke, heal our infirmities and guide our daily work. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Saints of the Week
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A short reflection on the Saints of this week.
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- Wednesday - Pope St. Callistus
- Thursday - St. Teresa of Ávila
- Friday - St. Gerard Majella & St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
- Sunday - St. Luke the Evangelist
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Along the Way
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We hope you are joining us in this challenge to watch all the episodes of The Chosen in preparation for the upcoming season! This week, we completed Season 1. The central theme was being called by Jesus, and seeing the look on His face when He says, "Follow Me," always deeply impacts me.
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I have always been amazed at how the disciples dropped everything on the spot to follow Him. Yet that is exactly what each of us is called to do. Following Jesus doesn't mean listening to Him while keeping our lives unchanged. True discipleship requires transformation. Jesus asks us to let go of what we thought was important so He can show us what truly matters. Before following Him, I surrendered my heart to things that could never satisfy. I thought more possessions meant more happiness, but following Jesus revealed the flaw in that mindset.
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Of all the moments we watched this week, one parable especially stood out to me:
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“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.”
— Matthew 13:47–50
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This struck me in a whole new way. I saw being caught in the net as receiving the call to follow Jesus—or being part of the Church, whose doors are open to everyone. Many of us are inside the net, yet Jesus reminds us that simply being called isn't enough. In the end, the angels will sort through everyone in the net. How could someone spend a lifetime inside the Church, only to be found unprepared? Why isn't being in the net enough?
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This past Sunday's Gospel reading brought clarity. In the parable of the king's wedding feast, a guest is cast out because he isn't wearing wedding clothes. In his homily, our parish priest, Fr. Eric, noted that this guest showed up, but didn't think the occasion was important enough to change for. He assumed he could enter on his own terms.
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While the parable speaks of clothes, for us, it is our hearts that must change. We may be invited to the table, but if we refuse to let God transform our hearts, we risk missing out on the feast entirely. To see the beauty of the banquet hall and smell the feast, only to be cast out, is a haunting thought. We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that passive belief or a formal invitation is enough.
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This dynamic is portrayed powerfully through Nicodemus in Season 1. While Nicodemus is a biblical figure, much of his backstory in The Chosen is fictionalized to illustrate a crucial point: he loves and serves God, yet when Jesus calls him, he hesitates. Leaving his comfortable life behind feels like too high a price.
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I deeply relate to Nicodemus' anguish. Even after following Jesus for decades, there are still moments in prayer when He gently reveals things I am clinging to that I need to surrender—or habits I've picked up along the way that I mistakenly think I rely on. It never seems to get easier to let go. We know intellectually that Jesus is all we truly need, so why do we hold so tightly to things we think we can't live without?
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The Weekly Saint | Reflections for October 12 – October 18
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Welcome to this week's edition of The Weekly Saint. As we continue through October—the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary—our Church calendar brings us a deeply inspiring group of witnesses. These holy men and women remind us that Christ meets us in every walk of life—whether standing courageously for truth, reforming our hearts through quiet prayer, or sharing the Gospel in our daily work and creative endeavors.
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Here are the feast days and saints guiding our reflections for this week
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Wednesday, October 14: Pope St. Callistus I (d. c. 222)
Mercy and Reconciliation in Times of Trial
We begin our mid-week reflection with a shepherd of the early Church who knew firsthand the weight of human struggle. Born into slavery in Rome, Callistus worked in a bank, endured harsh physical labor in the mines of Sardinia, and was eventually freed before being ordained a deacon by Pope Zephyrinus.
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When Callistus was elected Pope in 217, he faced intense opposition for his radical pastoral mercy. He emphasized that the Church was a hospital for sinners, allowing repentant believers who had fallen into serious sin to be reconciled and welcomed back to Holy Communion. He gave his life for the faith during a local Roman riot, giving witness to the mercy he spent his life defending.
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- Patronage: Cemetery workers, bank employees, and those seeking mercy.
- Takeaway for the week: Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance or forgiveness? Ask God for the grace to extend the same merciful heart that Christ shows to each of us.
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Thursday, October 15: St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582)
The Interior Castle and Bold Prayer
On Thursday, the Church celebrates one of its greatest Doctors—a Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic, and reformer. Known for her infectious joy, sharp wit, and profound spiritual writings, Teresa reformed the Carmelite Order alongside St. John of the Cross, founding the Discalced Carmelites.
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In her classic works, such as The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection, she taught that prayer is simply "an intimate sharing between friends, taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."
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- Patronage: People in need of grace, headaches, lace makers, and Spain.
- Takeaway for the week: When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, pause and recall Teresa's famous bookmark prayer: "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes."
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Friday, October 16: St. Gerard Majella (1726–1755) & St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690)
Trusting Providence and the Sacred Heart
Friday brings a double feast of two saints whose lives centered on radical trust in God's love:
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- St. Gerard Majella: A Redemptorist lay brother from Italy known for his quiet humility, obedience, and miraculous intercessions. He is beloved around the world as the patron saint of expectant mothers and unborn children.
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: A French Visitation nun who received mystical revelations of Jesus, who revealed His Sacred Heart burning with love for humanity. Her visions led to the universal establishment of the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the First Friday devotions.
- Takeaway for the week: Offer a special prayer today for expecting mothers, couples trying to conceive, or family members who feel heavy-hearted.
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Sunday, October 18: St. Luke the Evangelist
The Physician and Painter of the Gospel
We close our week with the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. A Gentile physician from Antioch and a loyal companion of St. Paul, Luke brings a uniquely tender, compassionate lens to the Gospels.
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He pays special attention to the healing miracles of Jesus, Christ's care for women and outcasts, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Ancient tradition also credits Luke with painting the first icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus.
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- Patronage: Physicians, surgeons, artists, painters, and bachelors.
- Takeaway for the week: St. Luke used his gifts as a writer and physician to share Christ's healing love. How can you use your daily profession, trade, or talents to glorify God and lift up others this week?
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A Prayer for Your Week
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Pope St. Callistus, grant us hearts filled with pastoral mercy. Through the wisdom of St. Teresa of Ávila, draw us into deeper friendship with You in daily prayer. Through the intercession of St. Gerard Majella and St. Margaret Mary, protect mothers and anchor our hope in Your Sacred Heart. And through the witness of St. Luke, heal our infirmities and guide our daily work. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Have a blessed and beautiful week of prayer!
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Let's Take A Look At Our Small Olive Wood Rosary
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Early on in our rosary business, we were approached by a fellow Cursillista who loved carrying a full rosary in her pocket. She showed us the one she had and asked if we could make something similar. She explained that while it needed to be compact enough to carry comfortably every day, she still wanted it to be a complete, 5-decade rosary. She also shared that whenever the Holy Spirit moves her, she offers her pocket rosary to someone who might need one—and because this happens often, she wanted to order them in bulk.
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I knew right away that olive wood would be the ideal material, though I wasn't sure if we could source beads small enough for the design. I reached out to our supplier in Bethlehem, and they had olive wood beads in a 5mm size—which turned out to be perfect.
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Since she planned to order several at a time (usually 10), we wanted to keep the price accessible while still crafting a piece to be treasured. The metal Sorrowful Mother crucifix was the perfect touch, and we were able to source a smaller version at a great value. While it isn't the absolute cheapest rosary on the market, it is exceptionally reasonable for a genuine Bethlehem olive wood rosary with a detailed metal crucifix.
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Keep in mind that 5mm beads aren't for everyone—those with larger hands or fingers may find them a bit tricky to pray with. But if you’re looking for a compact rosary that easily slips into a pocket or purse so you always have one on hand, this is the perfect fit. And who knows? The Spirit might just move you to pass it along to someone who needs it.
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If you want to get one for yourself (or a few of them) we will include a link at the end of the newsletter.
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John and I are in a different season of life, one filled with health challenges and the many other things that come with a leave of absence, including making changes and adapting our home to meet our needs during this time.
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Over the past year, I have learned that there are many different treatments available for people who have undergone back and spine surgery and who live with chronic pain. I have done a great deal of research, tried some traditional approaches, and learned along the way what works for me and what does not.
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Part of my ongoing treatment now includes acupuncture and physical therapy specifically focused on the back and spine. I am praying that, over time, these treatments will help my recovery and provide some relief from the chronic pain and flare-ups that have become part of my daily life.
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My beloved has had his own health challenges, and we have been walking through those together as well.
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After several difficult days this week, I had an acupuncture appointment. I have found a wonderful therapist who provides a peaceful, calming environment. Although I have not yet experienced significant changes, I have begun to notice small improvements, and I believe that acupuncture, together with targeted physical therapy, is a positive avenue to continue exploring as part of my recovery.
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One of the blessings of these appointments is the uninterrupted time they give me for prayer. In that quiet space, I pray the Rosary, the Chaplet of St. Michael, and other prayers that are dear to my heart. I talk with the Lord. I offer myself to Him and pray for those I love who are suffering, for those I have promised to pray for, and for those I do not know who are in need of prayer, both the living and the dead. Jesus knows who they are.
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Sometimes I silently sing songs and hymns. Sometimes I place myself in the presence of Jesus or the Blessed Mother. Before I know it, an hour has passed.
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But this week's appointment was different.
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After several particularly difficult and painful days, with very little sleep interrupted by cramps, spasms, flare-ups, and unrelenting pain in my back, legs, and feet, I arrived at the therapist's office completely exhausted.
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My heart was heavy. I was there because I made myself go, not because I wanted to, but because I knew I needed to.
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As soon as I settled onto the table, I began to pray the Rosary. But I kept starting and stopping. I couldn't concentrate. So I simply began repeating the name of Jesus.
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I could feel the tears coming, and I was trying not to cry. Then something within me gave way. Not the tears, but everything I had been carrying over the past couple of weeks, especially the past few days.
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I wanted to surrender it all to Jesus. I wanted to cleave to Him, lay my cross at His feet, and simply rest in His embrace. As I thought about God the Father, my guardian angel, the Blessed Mother, and St. Michael, I was swept into the most vivid and beautiful image. I saw God the Father with His arms outstretched, and Jesus resting against Him. My head was resting on Jesus' shoulder, as St. John the Apostle rested close to Jesus at the Last Supper. At our side, the Blessed Mother was holding my hand. On the other side were St. Michael the Archangel and my guardian angel.
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And there was the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove. It was the sweetest, most beautiful image.
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I don't know how long I rested there. I may even have fallen asleep briefly.
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Then I brought my beloved and his guardian angel into the image, and I remained there for the rest of the session.
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The pain did not disappear.
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But the heaviness in my heart was gone.
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In that quiet moment, I felt surrounded by the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—the Most Holy Trinity—and by the loving presence of the Blessed Mother, St. Michael, and our guardian angels.
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I carried that image with me when I left. And when I got into the car, I couldn't wait to share it with my beloved. At the very same time, he shared with me an image he had experienced. But that is his story to tell, and he will share it with you someday in his Moments of Grace.
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The challenges are still here.
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And as I reflect on that beautiful moment, I cannot help but think of the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew:
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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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A Thought to Carry with You
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What am I holding on to that Jesus is asking me to let go of?
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Until Next Week
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Wherever this newsletter finds you today, whether your heart is full of joy or carrying a burden known only to you, know that you are remembered in our prayers. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus fill you with His peace, the Immaculate Heart of Mary wrap you in her loving mantle, and the humble and chaste Heart of St. Joseph guide and protect you this week. Until we meet again, may God bless you and those you love.
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Links for this week's Newsletter
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