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.

St. Lucy's Feast Day: Celebrate with Lights and Sweets!

Dec 04, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

December 13th is the feast day of St. Lucy. St. Lucy was a virgin martyr during the earliest centuries of Christianity under its worst persecution at the hands of the Roman Em … Read more

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A Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Dec 04, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Saint Nicholas of Myra was a 4th century bishop in what is today Turkey. He was famous for his generosity to the poor, protection of the wronged, and zeal for orthodoxy. He was als … Read more

Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Book & Craft Idea for Kids

Dec 03, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

The blessing of baby Jesus figurines is an event that takes place at the Vatican each year. Children observe this annual tradition by bringing the baby Jesus figure from their fami … Read more

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St. Francis of Assisi and the Christmas Creche Tradition

Dec 02, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

When you set up your nativity scene for the holidays, you may not realize that you're participating in a Christmas tradition begun by a one of the most famous and beloved … Read more

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St. Nicholas and Your Shoes! A St. Nicholas Day Tradition

Nov 30, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

December 6th is the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which appropriately falls during the Advent season. This feast day is an especially exciting on … Read more

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St. Andrew's Christmas Novena Begins November 30th!

Nov 29, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Advent always begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. Is this just a nice coincidence, or is there deeper significance? … Read more

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Blessing of an Advent Wreath

Nov 25, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

The following blessing of the Advent wreath is taken from the Catholic Handbook of Prayers. Gather your household to pray this blessing together before the first candle i … Read more

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude

Nov 23, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Father in Heaven, Creator of all,and source of all goodness and love,please look kindly upon usand receive our heartfelt gratitudein this time of giving thanks.Thank you for all … Read more

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The Feast of the Presentation of Mary: Popular Piety or Historical Event?

Nov 20, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

November 21st is the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated to God as a young child and wa … Read more

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4 Popular Advent Activities for Kids

Nov 19, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Each winter families all over the world celebrate the Advent season, the four weeks of December leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.Adv … Read more

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Without a Flinch: The Heroic Martyrdom of St. Barlaam of Antioch

Nov 18, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

St. Barlaam of Antioch (also known as St. Barlaam the Martyr, or St. Barlaam of Caesarea) was an early 4th century martyr with a glorious story of fortitude in the face of torture … Read more

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How Advent Teaches Us to Wait for the Coming of Jesus

Nov 16, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

It's hard for us to imagine what the world was like before the birth of Jesus, when our Savior was a only a vague yearning, a far-distant promise. We are blessed to live in the wor … Read more

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About Gretchen Filz

St. Lucy's Feast Day: Celebrate with Lights and Sweets!

A Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Book & Craft Idea for Kids

St. Francis of Assisi and the Christmas Creche Tradition

St. Nicholas and Your Shoes! A St. Nicholas Day Tradition

St. Andrew's Christmas Novena Begins November 30th!

Blessing of an Advent Wreath

A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude

The Feast of the Presentation of Mary: Popular Piety or Historical Event?

4 Popular Advent Activities for Kids

Without a Flinch: The Heroic Martyrdom of St. Barlaam of Antioch

How Advent Teaches Us to Wait for the Coming of Jesus