SPUC Youth Conference 2018

Ettore (age18 in June)

The day started like any other, it was a Friday and the weekend was coming. I just needed to get through a double period of chemistry and then I was free. But my weekend was going to be very different. I was going to engage in something truly meaningful!

My brother and I met up at home in London then left for the North. After a two hour journey and a taxi ride we arrived to the conference centre, late as Italians  normally are, but better late than never (we unfortunately missed Fiorella Nash’s talk on the fact that women are being told that their babies are hijackers or parasites, which I heard was very good) . We had a quick fish dinner and enjoyed the life themed quiz night, team names were very amusing, the pick of the bunch was ‘should have gone to SPUCsavers’. The prizes were also life themed, for example ‘Cadbury’s marvellous creations’ were the prize of choice as we are all a marvellous creations!

The next day the day started as any good day should, with Confession and Mass followed by another great thing, English breakfast! Then we had many different workshops, I went to the workshop on social media use for the spreading of the pro-life message, it was very useful and told us to avoid the week long flame wars on the comment sections of facebook and instead try and bring it into real life. 

Then we had a talk on the effects of assisted suicide laws given by Prof. David Paton, who warned of the great dangers of implementing an assisted suicide law.

Later we had a talk on the rights of conscience in European and international law, and why British medical staff should be protected. An important talk for those of us who were planning a career in medicine (of which there were many.) He explained the protections under the law which conscientious objectors had in an aspects of medicine, be it doctors, nurses or pharmacists to not perform abortions or sell abortifacient drugs and contraceptives. It was a relatively positive talk on how justice triumphs in this case, giving us the right to object and not face any consequences like being fired. Having filled our stomachs on a lunch of chilli con carne followed by cake we moved on to the next talk. This one was given by Prof. Patricia Casey on mental health and abortion. She's a psychologist who has dealt with many cases of women who have been affected by abortion both indirectly and directly. I particularly enjoyed this talk as she dissected studies done on whether or not abortion causes mental health. She commented on the fact that we do tend to exaggerate the consequences of abortion on women, of course some feel regret,  but many deal with it ‘well.’ In addition she spoke of the risk factors that increase the likelihood of women developing post abortion mental health issues, like being coerced, being a teen, history of previous mental health issues or religious beliefs. Although this may not seem very useful to the apologetics side of things, it does help us to speak the truth more fully. However she didn't leave without giving us ammunition, the studies also said that women who seek an abortion and did not receive one did not have an increase mental health issues. Basically discounting the fact that abortion is a cure for the so called dangers to the mental health of the mother. So the 96% of abortions done in the name of preventing damage to the mother's mental health are carried out for a reason that has no basis in science. But hey what do we know we're just crazy antiscience nuts, for some reason in this case several peer reviewed studies on the topic don't mean anything!

 Then SPUC Scotland gave a talk on the work Project Truth does by spreading the pro-life message and getting to the heart of the issue by having genuine conversations all around Scotland in a tour bus. This was followed by March for Life organisers who rightly said ‘people always ask us why Birmingham, and so this year we decided to do it in London instead, in the capital.’ he urged us to come and do something instead of being bystanders to a genocide. So I invite you all to come, the greater the number the better it will be. We cannot stand and do nothing, especially since we know the extent of the evil that is happening all around us.

Then there was a talk by Prof. Priscilla Coleman who gave a stream of statistics on the effects of abortion on mental and relational health, and good couples that undergo abortion have their emotional and sexual relationships fractured for good

Dinner was next and that was followed by ceilidh a fun night of dancing and socialising with like minded young people, (we even met people via Catholic mothers!) which is refreshing to someone like me who is usually the only one in the room with a different opinion, don't get me wrong I enjoy debating and putting my ideas to the test and an opinion echo chamber is not good, but from time to time it's nice not have to be on your guard.

After the ceilidh we stayed up talking into the early hours of the morning trying to solve the world's problems.

The day started with Sunday Mass and then breakfast. This was followed by a panel of speakers who answered questions about pro-life apologetics, they helped us to answer difficult questions like abortion in the case of rape and the backstreet abortion question. We need to change minds one conversation (or debate) at the time, and we need to give good answers to difficult questions.

Then there was the highlight of the conference (in my opinion) Aisling Hubert ‘counting the cost - a winnable battle. ’ It was a tough talk about the reality of the injustice that is going on all around us. And that we must be ready to lose our life for it. ‘If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.’ (Matthew 10:39) and what is a more just cause than the defence of the innocent. Hubert told of taking some abortionists to court for performing sex selective abortions, but her case was dropped on two occasions because it was not considered to be in the ‘public interest’ and she was stuck with £47,000 legal fees at the age of 20. She was faced with a choice, to go to prison or attempt to pay the fees. After long consideration she did not want to put the burden of the fees on others so was willing to go to prison. A few weeks before she was due to pay a Christian charity came to the rescue and helped her to pay the legal fees, despite her acceptance of going to prison. We saw a harrowing video of actual abortions being performed at different stages of gestation, to show us the reality of what is going on. She compared the pro life movement to the American civil rights movement, and spoke of the horrors that they went through to defend human dignity, and told us this is what is awaiting us, but there is also a great reward: eternal life. So we should take up our cross and follow Christ.

We ended with that rallying cry, a call to arms with Christ as our model and general leading us to battle. ‘with God on our side who can be against us?‘

Mattia (age 16)

My experience at the SPUC youth conference was quite overwhelming. It made me wake up and realise the extent to which abortion is a crime against human rights.

The array of talks that there were from how to be pro life on social media to the psychological effects abortion can have on a woman kept you eager to listen as you were always listening to something different. This was all of course accompanied by good laughs, new friends and a lot of food.

The talk that I will remember the most was the last one where Aisling Hubert showed us a video of an abortion taking place. I was instantly disgusted and teary eyed. However it was necessary to help us understand the horrors that take place within an abortion clinic. Straightaway I realised that I wasn’t doing enough to help these poor innocent and defenceless babies. This really pushed me to think where to go and what do next to further my journey as a pro-life activist and to expose the atrocities that take place within an abortion clinic but are so carefully swept under the carpet by today’s media and our modern day society.

Pull Up a Pew #8 Meet Fr Mike Schmitz

A couple of months ago when yet another great YouTube video from Fr Schmitz was shared on the Catholic Mothers' wall I said to myself... 'He is the next on my list! I am going to interview him on behalf of my Mothers group!' 

Although I was sure he'd be too busy I tried. God granted for this to happen through the help of a great friend and thanks to Fr Mike's kindness.

As a mother of two growing boys I always wonder where God will lead them and what He will ask of them as men. I pray for them, as I do for all our children, that they may say Yes to God when he calls and that they may respond positively to whatever plan He has for them.

Our duty as parents is to lay the foundations of our children's Faith so that growing up they will clearly recognise the voice of the Lord and will leave their nets to follow Him to whatever He asks of them.

A phrase that Pope St Pius X said often comes to my mind: 'A vocation comes from the heart of God, but goes through the heart of the mother'.

Whenever we watch and listen to any of Fr Mike's YouTube videos with my children, my sons especially are full of admiration for him, as for me, all I can think of is how blessed his mother must be.

In the Interview below, Fr Mike Schmitz, answers some of the questions our Catholic Mothers from around the world asked him about his own vocation, the role that his family and in particular his mother played in his vocation and much more.

In our virtual conversation I was touched by Fr Mike's openness, humility and willingness to serve a stranger... I'm full of gratitude to Fr Schmitz for taking the time to give me this interview and share his insights on making a home that nurtures the next generation of priests!

March for Life UK 2018! SAVE THE DATE!

YES! This year we march in LONDON on the 5th MAY 2018!!!

Our family will join the march for the second time and we are so happy we won't need to travel as much to get there.

March for Life 2017 was held in Birmingham (which is quite a drive from London), the weather was really terrible, when the march started the rain came down heavy on us, but that did not discourage anyone. What a sight that was: people from all nations peacefully marching together side by side in defence of the unborn. A beautiful witness for us and for our children, who came home full of great questions.

The opposition tried to stop the march several times with some success... but we got through in the end  and as the rain came down even harder on us, we offered our little discomfort for those women and children who have suffered and still suffer the effects of abortion.

Last year's experience has left us full of admiration for the people actively involved in the fight, people in the front line always ready to take upon themselves insults and unfair attacks; mothers, fathers, religious, men, women and young adults courageously standing there to give a voice to those who can't speak for themselves.

We feel very honoured that on the 5th May, London will be hosting the march this year and both myself and the older children are hoping the get involved a little bit more. It is the city where we live after all, and like good hosts we feel the need to serve and help as much as we can to facilitate the success of such an important event.

Throughout the morning there will be workshops, live music, a pro life exhibition, opportunities to pray and to meet old and new friends before the March starts. (Click here for more info)

There will be the chance to listened to some great speakers too!

This year's 'March for Life' keynote speakers have lately been announced:


Clare McCullough one of the founders of the Good Counsel Network fighting in the front line of the Pro-life movement for over 20 years.

Noel '
'Noel is Irish born and has spend over 18 years in the NHS where he worked in both psychiatric intensive care and for over 4 years in obstetrics and gynecology surgical theaters assisting in surgical abortions. During his time in mental health he supported more people with post abortion syndrome than postnatal depression and when he made his journey from indifference to pro life he suffered horrendous bullying where he worked as for becoming pro life. His personal testimony is changing minds in the Republic of Ireland where the government are pushing to repeal the 8th amendment and make on demand abortion up to full term.'

https://www.facebook.com/MarchForLifeUK/photos/a.1544262895843793.1073741829.1464101100526640/2045703135699764/?type=3&theater

As with all big events there is an army of people involved behind the scenes to ensure the day will run smoothly. There are many ways in which each one of us can help in assuring the success of such an important day, here are 3 suggestions:



1. GET INVOLVED.



                              

'WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Could you organise a coach, mini bus or simply a group to come to this years March for Life? We can help you!
We can tailor posters that advertise your coach, we can give you our official posters and leaflets, there is a pulpit announcement that you can have along with an insert to a newsletter in your parish. We are here to help you. There is a coach page on our website and also a travel info page which has loads of useful information.
Please contact us if you are bringing a group 

http://www.marchforlife.co.uk/travel-info/

(https://www.facebook.com/MarchForLifeUK/photos/a.1464114467191970.1073741828.1464101100526640/2046226042314140/?type=3&theater)

2. COME TO THE MARCH, just come along, encourage as many people as you can to attend the march. Share the event among the people that you know. Don't hesitate... come! You will not regret it, come and join us. Let's stand together side by side to witness to the dignity of the unborn.

3. DONATE. Behind every grand event there are also a lot of expenses to face and as we all know not much happens if there isn't money available. People's generosity is always surprising and very moving. No matter how small your contribution is, it will make the difference, so don't be shy... DONATE NOW, organise coffee mornings, table sales... do what you can to support the cause, your reward will be greater in heaven where an unfortunately great number of children will be there to open the gate for us.

We are all really looking forward to this and we hope to see you there too! 

Pull Up a Pew #6 ~ The Answer to a Calling ~ Jenna and the 'Blessed is She' Ministry

Next week I will be hosting the third 'Blessed Brunch' in London. I am really looking forward to getting to know the ladies who have signed up,  many of whom I will be meeting for the first time...

Growing up I always used to avoid hanging out with girls as much as I could... I went to an all girls convent school so every day I had no choice, but once the school day ended most of my friends were boys as I enjoyed their company much more and most of all (unlike most of my female friends) I enjoyed playing all sorts of sports. 

Looking back at my life I see God's incredible sense of humour. 

Today my life is very different... I don't do much sport... and not only has God sent me 4 daughters... I am constantly surrounded by women, and what is more I now feel the NEED to be in contact with like-minded women.

Being a mother and especially a Catholic mother in a secular country can be even more isolating...

We are in this beautiful world but we are not of this world and for that reason we Christians  are drawn towards each other and feel the need to form communities where we can grow in faith and help one another to focus on our ultimate goal... Heaven.

Although the world keeps on insisting that there is no difference between men and women, and everyone seems to play along with this 'Emperor's New Clothes' scenario... I've discovered that women's spiritually is quite different from men's and that it is vitally important to build a community of spiritual sisters.

The 'Blessed is She' community was introduced to me by a friend and has already given many of us food for our souls, great material to deepen our knowledge as we explored Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church and has provided many opportunities to live, experience and form little communities of sisters brought together in Christ.

Sitting on my virtual yellow sofa today is Jenna Guizar, the lady who was inspired to start it all...


                             


Tell us briefly about yourself and your faith journey so far.

I am a wife and mother of four girls (one in the womb!). I saw Jesus' face for the first time looking straight at me when I was 16 years old, and I haven't been able to rid myself of that memory since then. He has moved me and transformed my life and who I am in so many ways. The Lord has blessed both my husband and me with free spirits, and we love moving in whatever direction we feel called to as a family. Blessed is She is one of those examples.

What is 'Blessed is She' and what inspired you to start it? 

Blessed is She is a women's ministry that began in September 2014. I was looking around the Catholic Church and wanting to find a good, solid, welcoming women's community, and I kept coming up dry. Where do I fit in? was one of my main questions -- as a young wife and mother, as someone who doesn't work in young adult ministry but also doesn't fit in with beautiful ministries for older women. So the Lord opened my eyes to start something. I reached out to about twenty other writers and bloggers I knew and asked them if they'd like to start this women's ministry with me. A few said no, but a lot said yes, and then Blessed is She was born.

                     
  

How does Blessed is She work? 

Blessed is She sends out daily devotions every single day on our website and in your email, along with the daily readings from the Lectionary every day. We have over 40 writers, and they all read the readings, pray about it, and write based on 1. How the Lord is speaking to them through the readings, 2. their stage and phase in life (we have college students, single women, married women, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters on the writing team!), and 3. How this applies to women everywhere.

Who are the women behind Blessed is She and how were they chosen? 

All of the women are right here: https://blessedisshe.net/the-authors/. They are either the initial group I reached out to three years ago (just ladies I friended on the internet), friends of friends, or women who are writing beautiful words online. I found Erica Tighe, our designer, on Instagram!

Why did you feel it was important to spread this ministry to Europe? 

The Lord really just took it there. It wasn't intentional by any means (not a lot of this was, at the start). We just kept moving where the Lord wanted us, created products women were asking for, helping them find resources to build Catholic female friendships in their own cities and towns.

Why do us women need each other on this journey towards Heaven? 

Catholic female friendships have been life-changing for me. Whenever I am going through a really rough time in my life, I am continually loved on and picked up by my friends. They know me sometimes better than I know myself, they can speak life into me when I though hope was lost, they pray with and for me. Female relationships rooted in Christ are truly going to change our lives, and I deeply desire those friendships for every woman.

Tell us about the new study course ‘Blessed Conversations’. 

Blessed Conversations studies were made out of our desire as a Blessed is She team to meet women in real life. We do not want to be just an online ministry, we want women to meet, to pray together, to hear each other's stories, to be in relationship with each other. We created studies to help facilitate small or large group get togethers for a deepening relationships with the Lord and with each other.

                                           

What would you say to every woman who feels called to starting/leading a BiS group but feels inadequate for the task? 

I am the last person I would have asked to start a women's ministry, let me tell you! I lack organizational skills, I am SO not type-A, I have always sort of started things and then not followed through, I am simple and not so heady with theology and catechetical knowledge. The list goes on and on. The same is true for you, in your own personality that the Lord gave you. You may feel or seem different than what the "perfect" person for the job would be. But nope. If He set it on your heart, then it's for YOU. Not for the girl next to you or in front of you. It's for YOU. He will equip you, just like he did the apostles, just like he did the Saints. None of us will ever feel perfectly adequate. So we take our inadequacies, and we say, "Lord, do with me what You will!"

Are there any plans for a future Blessed is She Conference in Europe, perhaps in London? 

That would be amazing! We are organizing six retreats throughout our main regions of the US for 2018, but it would be a dream to come to Europe! It's just a matter of God opening up the right doors to make it happen. We are always open to where He'd like us to go next.

Pull up a Pew #4 - Saints and Superheroes

   

It seems that every couple of weeks a new superhero film hits the cinemas, London Buses are permanently plastered with advertisements of muscle-bound heroes and heroines, caped and masked, ready to save the world… again. For us Catholics the idea that there are beings in or from another place, dimension or time, ready and waiting to help us is not so strange – after all, the saints we know, love and pray too also have uniforms, special powers and easily recognizable symbols . I’ve often used the superhero analogy when explaining the communion of saints to confirmation candidates so I was super-excited when I came across Maria Johnson’s latest book: Supergirls and Halos a fun and thought-provoking exploration of the world of lady saints and super-heroines. I recently had a chance to interview the author about her book and her own journey towards super-sanctity!

Tell us about yourself? How do you juggle family life, faith and writing?

Now that I am retired and fully enjoying the benefits of the empty nest, I thought I’d be writing more – but that hasn’t exactly been the case. When the children were little, and even up into their high school and college years, I would set aside special time to write. But now, I find that having all that “extra” time gets filled with volunteering or enjoying spontaneous outings with my husband. I’ve gone back to a writing schedule in the very early morning. I dedicate that first hour or two of the day to prayer and writing, and that way, anything I do later in the day is a bonus!

                                       

                               

What inspired you to write this book?

The idea that the heroes in popular culture have some value for talking about virtue has been on my mind for decades. It’s only been in the last decade or so, with a reawakened faith, that I can see the value of this exercise through a faith lens. When I saw that there was a Wonder Woman movie being made, it hit me like a bolt of lightning! This is a book for our time. So many of us are seeking something…the good…which you and I understand is God. But so many people are seeking and not finding the Truth. I wanted to write a bridge for them. To speak to them where they are in the culture, and point them toward the saints, toward the Blessed Mother, who will lead us to Jesus. I start with Wonder Woman and write about Our Lady of Guadalupe in the last chapter.

Who was your favourite saint and superhero as you were growing up?

My favorite hero was definitely Lt. Uhura from Star Trek, but I can’t remember having a favorite saint. The Blessed Mother was always a presence in our home, especially under the title of Our Lady of Charity, so maybe my favorite was Mary! But really, I probably had an unfavorite saint in St. Teresa of Avila. That’s a long story, but it involved having to attend a lot of my mother’s school reunion lunches. She went to a Carmelite school and so I took it out on St. Teresa when I’d have to give up my Saturday afternoon to visit with my mom’s childhood friends. St. Teresa and I have made up and become friends since those days.

                                

Wonder woman was the first female superhero to star in her own film. What do you think female superheroes bring to the table which is distinctive and helpful to us mere mortal ladies?

The superheroines on the big screen give us a chance to have adventures vicariously. It would be cool to fly, or control nature, or have the strength to throw a railcar across a shipyard. It’s not very useful to me on a daily basis, but it’s cool. But you know, being able to throw a train, and having the temperance or prudence not to do it…that’s meaningful. We see heroines on the big screen control their powers, or use them for good, and we can be encouraged to do the same. I don’t have much use for picking up cars, but really, I have a weapon in how I use words. Modeling that temperance, that self-control, in how I use my words is also a heroic act. I can destroy or build up. The Superheroines teach that. Wonder Woman, especially, because she’s in the culture right now, is an even greater example of how as women, we can lead with love. I’m sure we’ll see it next month in the release of The Last Jedi, where we’ll not only see Rey tackle a hero’s journey, but we’ll see a glimpse of General Organa (Princess Leia) lead with spiritual motherhood. It’s a wonderful time for girls and women to see these heroines on the screen.

Every superhero has her nemesis or weakness, what do you think stops women from becoming saints?

In the book I describe these hindrances to our holiness as capes. Remember in The Incredibles, Edna Mode refused to add a cape to Mr. Incredible’s suit? She said capes got in the way of his work. We put on capes in our lives that hold us back from holiness. Sin, of course, is what I’m talking about. While we might not be able to avoid sin, we do have powerful tools in our faith utility belts. We have frequent reception of the sacraments, reconciliation and communion! We have prayer and devotions! We have the rosary!

How do you avoid the risk of trivializing the importance of the saints by comparing them with imaginary caped crusaders of various shapes and sizes?

That’s such a great question because, of course, my intent is to inspire! I start each section by talking about the heroine and identifying her human virtues and strengths. These characters exhibit a kind of heroism that is over the top, in your face. They are characters that popular culture hold up as role models. I acknowledge that they have traits that are admirable and worthy of emulating, but then I introduce the saint and discuss the same kind of virtue in the context of the cardinal virtues. I point out  the very human experience of the saint. Heroic virtue, as exhibited in the lives of saints, is presented not only as the ideal, but attainable. We are all made to be saints and are all capable of heroic virtue in our lives.

What are your hopes and dreams for this book?

I hope this book inspires women of all ages to release the capes getting in the way of leading lives of holiness. Too often we think Sainthood is unattainable, that somehow the Saints have some extra ingredient that makes them Super-Holy. That extra ingredient is Grace, and it is freely given to us, not earned. We all have the makings of sainthood. I hope this book shows the way to real heroic virtue. And I hope it entertains, inspires, and brings out the saint in each of us.

Pull Up a Pew #2. Michele, Emily and 'The Friendship Project'

Having a big family (or being a mother in general) means there is very little time for leisure... Finding the time to read, in my case, has become an arduous quest... The pile of books on my bedside cabinet is becoming an increasingly frustrating reminder of how much I'd like to do and how little time I actually have.

Though I lack time (I am sure this is a common problem) and my retirement reading list becomes bigger and bigger, God doesn't stop surprising me... I was given the possibility to read an advance copy of the 'The Friendship Project', the latest book by the authors of 'Divine Mercy for Moms',

'The Friendship Project', just like 'Divine Mercy for Moms' is a book that comes from the heart. Emily and Michele have truly experienced and embraced 'perfect friendship' and together have walked the extra mile to spread the Good News.

As Pope Saint John Paul II said 'In God's plan, nothing happens by chance', and both books landed at my feet at just the right time... the first when I was looking for Christ's Mercy the most and the latter to confirm the importance and the need of pure friendship in Christ.


Christ himself called us friends "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." and told us that giving our life for our friends is where true love lies!

The authors explore friendship through the life of some famous Saints who were friends with each other, proving that sanctity is contagious and that in this journey of faith we need each other, we need to support, encourage and love one another as He has loved us.

Easy to read, the book is pleasant and genuine. Written with a spirit of service Emily and Michele effortlessly manage to create a very intimate friendship with the reader herself, touching their heart and moving them toward the achievement of that friendship that only comes from Christ. 

Just like their previous book, this one asks you to act, it moves you and encourages you to put into practice what you read...  and offers you the great opportunity to fully enter friendship thanks to the study group format which is easy to follow and pleasant to deliver.

The experience of 'Divine Mercy for Mums' study group was a wonderful one and the gift of another study group ready to access is a real blessing. I look forward to starting it soon and walking towards Heaven alongside the wonderful people I have met on this journey of faith and the ones I will meet thanks to 'The Friendship Project'.

"Friendship is complete agreement about all things human and divine with benevolence and affection" (Cicero)

                        

Time to meet Michele and Emily, the authors of the book ... Enjoy!

Can you briefly introduce yourself? 

(Michele)  I am a wife and mother of four, ages thirteen to three.   I work full time as a school nurse, but my greatest passion is evangelization.   I am the co-director of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, an author and speaker.

(Emily)  I am a wife, mother of seven, ages 18 years to 18 months.   I’ve been involved with women’s ministry for over 10 years with my radio apostolate, A Mother’s Moment and I am also part of the leadership team for the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference. I enjoy sharing the message of the gospel as an author and speaker.

Michele,What qualities were you looking for In your most important friendships e.g in Emily?

(Michele) In The Friendship Project, we wrote about eight virtues: faith, hope, charity, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity and prayerfulness.

If we had to boil it down to just a few, we’d say we would want all of our friends to be faithful and faith-filled. As we wrote in The Friendship Project,  “a loyal friend is faithful to her word….looking through the eyes of our loyalties reveals a lot about our hearts.”   True friends are there in good times and bad, showing support in difficultly and also celebrating the good times.   However on top of loyal and faithful, having a friend whose eyes are fixed on Christ and helping you grow closer in your relationship to God is the most important quality.

At which point did you decide that your friendship was of value and one worth investing in? 

(Emily) We both realized in college as we had our own awakening and deep conversions of heart that spiritual friendships were important to invest in.  As we continued to grow in our faith in our adult lives and work in ministry in our adult lives together, we also realized we were spending our time focusing on doing good things and spreading the Gospel instead of gossiping or making idle talk.  We quickly came to realize how God was using our friendship to sanctify us and push us along in our faith journeys.

What do you think Christianity added to Aristotle's concept of friendship? 

(Michele) Christianity added the art of spiritual friendship, or inviting God into the friendship.  These friendships, according to St. Aelred of Rievaulx must “begin in Christ, continue with Christ, and be perfected by Christ” and are true friendships.  It is through these friendships that lead us closer to God that our friendships can last into eternity!

How do you stop friendship from becoming cliquey ?

(Emily) It’s hard when you are satisfied with the dynamics of a group of friends to invite others in, but it’s important to be open to new friendships and deepening friendships with friends who you may only be an acquaintance with.   One thing we both really strive to do is be inviting to our bible study groups or women’s groups to invite everyone.  One thing my mom ingrained in my upbringing was to be hospitable and that “all are welcome – the more the merrier!”  She has been a great example to me to open up my home and my heart to others and I have been so blessed by that in my life.

When did you realise friendship is an important part of our journey of faith?

I think both of us realized early in our adult lives the difference it made having good friends who encouraged us in our walk as Catholics.  As we read what the saints wrote about friendship, we came to understand it more fully. St. Francis deSales shares that we live in a world that is indifferent, even hostile at times to our faith, so it is not only helpful to have spiritual friendships, but necessary!

Why did feel it was important to write a book about friendship? 

(Michele) As we travel around the country speaking about our first book, Divine Mercy for Moms, women often approach us and share that their favorite part of the book is when we talk about our friendship.  Emily and I have been blessed to know each other for over 20 years, since college.  I met my husband at Emily’s wedding and we have worked in Women’s ministry together over the past 15 years.   Many women shared with us that they too desired to have a close friendship in faith, so we knew that this was a topic women wanted to read more about.   As we researched friendship, we were overjoyed to see the amount of writing that the saints have done on the topic of friendship and its importance.  Friendship isn’t optional, but necessary!  St. Augustine writes “In this world two things are essential: life and friendship.  Both should be highly prized and we must not undervalue them.  Life and friendship are natures gifts.”  We also began to read about many of saints who had other saint friends while here on earth.   It was really eye opening to see that many of the great saints had close friendships on earth, and because of their mutual desire to serve God, they were able to help each other grow in holiness.

What did writing this book teach you?

(Emily)  We booth took a serious look at how we were living the virtues in all our relationships and made a conscious effort to grow in each of the eight virtues we wrote about.  We also realized how many relationships that we have let grow cold or die because of lack of attention.   While we can’t have deep and close relationships with everyone, we have learned that a little time and attention to relationships can bring new life into them.  We’ve both had the joy of reconnecting with old friends in the past few years while working on this project.  Writing about the saint friends was also very inspirational, and we both hope that we can be the type of friend that helps others get to heaven!

What advice would you give to ladies who are considering starting a Study group?

We promise you will be blessed!  We lead a group of over 30 women from across our diocese in the pilot study of The Friendship Project this past fall.  Most of the women in the group didn’t know each other, but many wonderful and beautiful new friendships were made.   We’ve made it easy for you with free invitations, ice breakers, recipe ideas, a downloadable journal and videos you can stream right online at www.thefriendshipprojectbook.com! Not only is it easy, but also, all you need to purchase is the book – no extra charges for journals, videos or leader materials.   We feel so strongly about helping you develop these friendships, we want you to be able to lead a group without an extra financial burden. Check out our “quick start guide” for simple instructions on getting started.