About Gretchen Filz

Gretchen is a Lay Dominican with a passion for fostering an increase in Catholic faith and devotion. After receiving her M.A. in Christian Apologetics, she converted to the Catholic Faith in 2011. She lives and works in the Diocese of Charlotte.

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In His Own Words: Excerpts from the Confession of St. Patrick

Mar 16, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Every year on March 17th we celebrate the feast day of the glorious Saint Patrick. St. Patrick is the famous "Apostle of Ireland" who converted the entire island to Christianity, o … Read more

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The Patron Saints of Beer

Mar 15, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Is there such a thing as patron saints of beer? Yes! More precisely, patron saints of the brewers who brew the beer. Check out the below article from BeerHistory.com:"How did impor … Read more

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Praying Through Lent: A Prayer to the Blessed Mother

Mar 12, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

There is no better companion for our Lenten prayer journey than our Blessed Mother. During this season of penance, she who witnessed her Divine Son suffer and die for the sins of m … Read more

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Celebrating St. Patrick: An All-Things-Celtic Gift Guide

Mar 08, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Spring is in the air, and here comes the green! With the ushering in of the season comes the feast day of St. Patrick of Ireland on March 17th. In honor of the season, … Read more

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Praying Through Lent: The Litany of Humility

Mar 04, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Humility is the prize of all the virtues, and practicing it well is the key to obtaining all the rest. Penance, fasting, and almsgiving, all highlighted during the Lenten sea … Read more

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Why Do We Do Penance for Lent? The Two Big Reasons

Mar 03, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

In the Catholic Church, the season of Lent is a time for increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the greatest feast on the Church calendar: Easter.Prayer, fast … Read more

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How Do I Explain Lent to Non-Catholics?

Mar 01, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Have you ever struggled to explain why you participate in Lent? If you have friends or family members who are not Catholic, they may notice something a bit different about you … Read more

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A Prayer for Ash Wednesday: A Different Kind of Fasting & Feasting

Feb 28, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Penitential prayers are an important Lenten devotional practice. Here is one to get you started on Ash Wednesday to help you have the right disposition of heart as your 40+ day jou … Read more

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Lenten Season 101: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know

Feb 25, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Lent is the time of spiritual preparation prior to the Easter season, just as Advent is for Christmas. Jesus taught us clearly that there is no resurrection without the Cross, and … Read more

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How Can We Learn to Listen to God's Answer to Our Prayers?

Feb 24, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Prayer is not easy, and neither is coming to understand when and how God may be answering our prayers. My two big pieces advice:1) Remember what God has already done for you (in th … Read more

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A Guide to 4 Popular Devotional Tools for Lent

Feb 22, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Christmas and Easter are the two principle feasts of the liturgical year. On Christmas our Savior was born, and on Easter, the Church's most important feast, our Savior accom … Read more

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What Happened to Francisco & Jacinta Marto After Fatima

Feb 20, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

St. Francisco (1908-1919) and St. Jacinta Marto (1910–1920) were siblings and the youngest of the three shepherd children, who, along with their cousin, Lucia Santos, witnesse … Read more

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About Gretchen Filz

In His Own Words: Excerpts from the Confession of St. Patrick

The Patron Saints of Beer

Praying Through Lent: A Prayer to the Blessed Mother

Celebrating St. Patrick: An All-Things-Celtic Gift Guide

Praying Through Lent: The Litany of Humility

Why Do We Do Penance for Lent? The Two Big Reasons

How Do I Explain Lent to Non-Catholics?

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday: A Different Kind of Fasting & Feasting

Lenten Season 101: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know

How Can We Learn to Listen to God's Answer to Our Prayers?

A Guide to 4 Popular Devotional Tools for Lent

What Happened to Francisco & Jacinta Marto After Fatima