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

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

Latest

A Great Tradition for Kids! Making Small Sacrifices for the Baby Jesus During Advent

Nov 14, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Advent is known as “little Lent,” and prayer, alms, and sacrifices are an important part of the liturgical season as we prepare for the coming of Christ.To help children participat … Read more

Latest

How to Celebrate Advent Like a Catholic

Nov 13, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

oes it seem to you that each year the holiday season gets busier and busier, and we get further and further away from the true meaning of Christmas?The best way to combat this tend … Read more

Latest

The Advent Wreath Tradition & Meaning

Nov 13, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

For many Christians, Advent wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. Although Advent Wreaths are very popular, many are no … Read more

Latest

Journey Through Advent: Our Top 3 Advent Prayer Books

Nov 10, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

Advent is a truly joyous time of year. We spend more time with friends and family, do more fun baking in the kitchen, attend parties, and listen to Christmas music. While all thes … Read more

Latest

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by St. Gertrude the Great

Nov 09, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

According to tradition, St. Gertrude the Great was told by Our Lord that each time she piously recited the following prayer, it would release 1,000 souls (or a vast number) f … Read more

Latest

ELECTION DAY: Prayer to Our Lady + Tips for Fasting & Sacrificing Today

Nov 08, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

"If evils increase,the devotion of the People of Godshould also increase."- Bl. Pope Paul VIWe are inviting everyone to pray and sacrifice with us today, Tuesday, November 8, 2016, … Read more

Latest

Should Families Discuss Religion and Politics at the Dinner Table?

Nov 07, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

We're in a heated election year and the holidays are fast approaching. Conventional wisdom says there are two topics that should never be discussed at the dinner table, especially … Read more

Latest

Didn't the Catholic Church Do Away with Purgatory?

Nov 02, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

This comment is frequently seen on social media in Catholic circles this time of year, and the answer is no, the Catholic Church did not do away with or change the doctrine of purg … Read more

Latest

Morning Offering to Feature 33-Day Consecration to Jesus through Mary for Feast of Immaculate Conception

Oct 28, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

"When you see the storm coming, if you seek safety in that firm refuge which is Mary, there will be no danger of your wavering or going down." –St. Josemaria Escriva We a … Read more

Latest

Summary of New Vatican Guidelines for Burial and Cremation

Oct 26, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

"In memory of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, the mystery that illumines the Christian meaning of death, burial is above all the most fitting way to express faith a … Read more

Latest

The Story of St. Ursula the Warrior Princess and her 11,000 Companions

Oct 20, 2016 by Gretchen Filz

October 21st is the feast day of St. Ursula, a holy woman and venerated martyr shrouded in mystery. According to legend she was a 4th century princess from Britain who was martyred … Read more

Catholic Company / Magazine

CATEGORIES

About Gretchen Filz

How Advent Teaches Us to Wait for the Coming of Jesus

A Great Tradition for Kids! Making Small Sacrifices for the Baby Jesus During Advent

How to Celebrate Advent Like a Catholic

The Advent Wreath Tradition & Meaning

Journey Through Advent: Our Top 3 Advent Prayer Books

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by St. Gertrude the Great

ELECTION DAY: Prayer to Our Lady + Tips for Fasting & Sacrificing Today

Should Families Discuss Religion and Politics at the Dinner Table?

Didn't the Catholic Church Do Away with Purgatory?

Morning Offering to Feature 33-Day Consecration to Jesus through Mary for Feast of Immaculate Conception

Summary of New Vatican Guidelines for Burial and Cremation

The Story of St. Ursula the Warrior Princess and her 11,000 Companions