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.

Latest

The Three Kings and the Original Gifts of Christmas Tradition

Dec 28, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

We can't imagine a Nativity scene without those three royal travelers wearing jeweled crowns and rich robes, holding out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newbor … Read more

Latest

How Can Families Keep their Christmas Festivities Going through Epiphany?

Dec 28, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

We asked Fr. Leo Patalinghug, author of Grace Before Meals, how families can overcome the temptation to end their Christmas celebrations on December 26th and keep their festivities … Read more

Latest

Litany of the Infant Jesus

Dec 24, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

A litany prayer to the Infant Jesus that offers a beautiful meditation, especially during Christmas season. Pray with a group (responses in italics) or alone. This litany is a remi … Read more

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A Christmas Prayer for the Forgotten

Dec 24, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Dear Lord,As we prepare for Your coming,let us reflect on the journey Yourearthly parents took.They were tired and alone,yet there was no room for them at the inn.There was no on … Read more

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The Story of St. Francis of Assisi and the First Nativity Scene, as told by St. Bonaventure

Dec 20, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Nativity scenes have been a popular Advent and Christmas decoration for centuries, and—like most things glorious, time-honored, and holy—it originated with a Catholic s … Read more

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St. Boniface and the Christmas Tree Tradition

Dec 20, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Christmas is hardly imaginable without the beloved evergreen fir Christmas tree. Did you know this tradition began with a single heroic act of a Benedictine monk turned missionary … Read more

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A Christmas Novena for the 9 Days before Christmas

Dec 15, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

One of the best things about celebrating a Catholic Christmas are the final days leading up to Christmas Eve. There are several long-standing Catholic cultural traditions that take … Read more

Journeying with Joseph & Mary: Las Posadas Christmas Tradition

Dec 14, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

The Christmas Posadas tradition begins!Las Posadas is a wonderful 400+ year old Advent celebration in many Latin countries. For 9 days, from December 16th-24th, the faithful prepar … Read more

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10 Catholic Stocking Stuffers Under $10

Dec 14, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Don't be afraid to stuff something meaningful into a loved one's Christmas stocking this year. It's easier (and cheaper) than you might think. It's more important than you might th … Read more

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The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec 09, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

"Call me and call my image Santa Maria de Guadalupe"December 12th is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, unborn children, and the New Evangelizatio … Read more

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St. Juan Diego, Our Lady's Most Humble Son

Dec 09, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

St. Juan Diego is the first indigenous saint from the Americas. He was a poor and humble peasant from the lowest class of Aztec Indians living in 16th century Mexico. His native na … Read more

America and the Immaculate Conception

Dec 07, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

"The United States of America is indeed the land of Mary Immaculate."The United States Bishops, in the year 1846, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Co … Read more

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About Gretchen Filz

The Three Kings and the Original Gifts of Christmas Tradition

How Can Families Keep their Christmas Festivities Going through Epiphany?

Litany of the Infant Jesus

A Christmas Prayer for the Forgotten

The Story of St. Francis of Assisi and the First Nativity Scene, as told by St. Bonaventure

St. Boniface and the Christmas Tree Tradition

A Christmas Novena for the 9 Days before Christmas

Journeying with Joseph & Mary: Las Posadas Christmas Tradition

10 Catholic Stocking Stuffers Under $10

The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

St. Juan Diego, Our Lady's Most Humble Son

America and the Immaculate Conception