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

9 Practical Tips to Help You Stay Focused at Mass

Sep 13, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Let's face it, keeping distractions at bay during Mass is a difficult task for just about everyone.We're human. We live in a fast-paced world. We have so many things bouncing aroun … Read more

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7 Quotes from the Saints on the Holy Name of Mary

Sep 11, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

On September 12th the Church venerates the holy name of the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her unique privilege as the Mother of God, the holiest of all God's creatures, the Qu … Read more

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Holy Smokes: Why Catholics Use Incense in Worship

Sep 09, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

At Mass and other liturgical services we see priests and altar servers swinging censers, sending clouds of incense wafting through the air. In Catholic liturgy, everything symboliz … Read more

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A Simple Prayer to Offer Your Day to the Blessed Mother

Sep 06, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

The best thing you can do to start off your day is to offer it up in prayer to the Blessed Mother, traditionally called a "Morning Offering." Below is a classic Morning Offering pr … Read more

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Praying to St. Bartholomew for Physical Healing

Aug 23, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

There are many go-to saints for physical ailments and medical conditions, but little-known among them is St. Bartholomew the Apostle.Read 30 Healing Saints for Common Ailments … Read more

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The Dignity and Qualities of a Holy Priest by St. John Eudes

Aug 18, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

St. John Eudes (feast day August 19th) was a priest and parish missionary in 17th century France, the most renowned and effective preacher of his day. At the age of 14 he con … Read more

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The Story of St. Roch, Patron Saint of Dogs and Dog Lovers

Aug 16, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

St. Roch, also known as St. Rocco, was a nobleman from Montpellier, France, the only son of the wealthy governor of the city.St. Roch (c. 1295–1327) was born with an unusual and de … Read more

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Prayers & Blessings for Safe Travels

Aug 16, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Whether heading out on your daily commute, a business trip, vacation, or a visit with loved ones, it's important to always pray before traveling to ask for God's blessing a … Read more

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The "Great American Eclipse" and the Catholic Liturgical Calendar

Aug 05, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

People from all over the world are traveling to the United States to witness a rare and phenomenal astronomical event. A total solar eclipse will pass across the length of the enti … Read more

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Reagan Speech: Prayers of Fatima Children Have "More Power than in all the Great Armies and Statesmen of the World."

Aug 02, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

On May 9, 1985, President Ronald Reagan gave a rousing speech before the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal in Lisbon. In this speech he spoke of the historic greatness of the na … Read more

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A Prayer to Dedicate Your Family to Mary

Jul 31, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

The below prayer of dedication of a family to Our Lady was composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori. St. Alphonsus is a Doctor of the Church and author of one of the classic theological w … Read more

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Create An Outdoor Prayer Spot in Three Easy Steps

Jul 27, 2017 by Gretchen Filz

Did you know that intentionally creating an attractive space for prayer at home will encourage you to spend more time in prayer? Here's a simple way to take this idea outdoors!We a … Read more

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About Gretchen Filz

9 Practical Tips to Help You Stay Focused at Mass

7 Quotes from the Saints on the Holy Name of Mary

Holy Smokes: Why Catholics Use Incense in Worship

A Simple Prayer to Offer Your Day to the Blessed Mother

Praying to St. Bartholomew for Physical Healing

The Dignity and Qualities of a Holy Priest by St. John Eudes

The Story of St. Roch, Patron Saint of Dogs and Dog Lovers

Prayers & Blessings for Safe Travels

The "Great American Eclipse" and the Catholic Liturgical Calendar

Reagan Speech: Prayers of Fatima Children Have "More Power than in all the Great Armies and Statesmen of the World."

A Prayer to Dedicate Your Family to Mary

Create An Outdoor Prayer Spot in Three Easy Steps