About Whitney Hetzel

Whitney Hetzel is a wife, mother of nine children, homeschooler, and catechist. Passionate about her Catholic faith and physical fitness, she trains for marathons and triathlons and blogs at 9kidfitness.com to help other women stay healthy and fit while juggling the demands and joys of domestic life.

Articles by Whitney Hetzel

Catholic Father's Day Gift Guide

Aug 26th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had … Read more

My Heart Is Ready, O God. So Where Are You?

Aug 14th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

“People see only the flat surface. Their vision is two-dimensional and fixed to the ground. When you live a supernatural life, God will give you the third dimension: height, … Read more

How Do We Confess Without the Sacrament of Confession?

Aug 14th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in profound ways. We have been affected not just materially, but spiritually. The critical spiritual effect is … Read more

St. Martin de Porres: First Black Saint of the Americas

Jun 22nd 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

St. Martin de Porres was the first black saint of the Americas. He was born on December 9, 1579 in Lima, Peru, to Ana Velázquez—a young freed slave of Native Indian descent—an … Read more

The Wonderful Realness of Motherhood

Apr 27th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

"Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are real you don’t mind being hurt.” —The Velveteen Rabbit I th … Read more

How To Make An At-Home Prayer Corner

Apr 14th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

I have friends whose purses are as well-stocked as a pharmacy. If anyone needs an aspirin, some chapstick, or a band-aid, they are always prepared. I'm not that person. Ev … Read more

How To Do Lectio Divina (Praying With Sacred Scripture)

Apr 9th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

Prayer is a necessity for living an authentic Christian life. In fact, prayer is not only essential—it is also our primary means of communicating with God. Of all the Church … Read more

Seal Your Doorpost With The Divine Mercy Image

Mar 27th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

Most of us are familiar with the Divine Mercy image. Many Catholics pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy frequently, and have this powerful image hanging in their homes or printed o … Read more

Consoling Words From Our Blessed Mother

Mar 20th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

“Am I not here, I who am your Mother?” —Our Lady of Guadalupe There is something special about a mother's love. Now, more than ever, in these uncertain ti … Read more

Give A Spiritual Gift This Valentine's Day

Feb 10th 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

When we think of Valentine's Day, we usually imagine flowers and chocolates and nice dinners out. These outward signs of our love are the typical gifts that express our feelings. … Read more

Nunc Coepi! Begin Again...Right Now

Feb 3rd 2020 by Whitney Hetzel

Many of us believe that new beginnings are one-time opportunities—and if we miss that one-time chance, we think that's it. No turning over a new leaf until a new and specifi … Read more

The Present Moment Is Holy