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As disciples of Christ, we have a duty to share the faith (CCC 1816). These are a few simple ways to do that that are easy to understand and put into practice! #1. Smile St. Mother Teresa said that “smiling is our first act of love.” When you smile at someone, you’re not just being polite- you’re showing them that you see them. That they matter. That they’re made in the image of God, whether they know it or not. #2.Wear a Crucifix Not only is jewelry a fantastic conversation starter, it also serves as a silent sign of whose you are and reminds others of Christ. It's incredible to think that your simple crucifix may trigger the first thought someone has had of Christ in months or even years. #3. Shop Intentionally You can get beautiful stuff and evangelize at the same time. A tee shirt with a saint quote , a car magnet , thank-you-notes (use code FOLLOWER10), a candle ( use code THELITTLEAPOLOGIST), a tote bag - those everyday things open doors for conversation and point hearts toward Heaven. Here are some of my favorite Catholic products that are great tools for evangelization... #4. Invite, invite, invite! It can be as simple as, “Hey, want to come to Mass with me?” or “My church is doing this thing tonight-do you want to go?” Even if they say no, the invite plants a seed. And if they say yes, who knows what God will do? #5. Pray before meals  It's countercultural to pray in public, so yes- people do notice. And it’s such a simple way to bring Jesus into everyday moments and remind people that God is real, and He provides. #6. Ask Questions In conversation, ask things that invite someone to think a little deeper: “What’s been giving you joy lately?” or “Did you grow up with any kind of faith?” You'd be surprised at how many opportunities arise to talk about Jesus in everyday non-Church related conversations! #7. Live Liturgically Decorate for feast days, wear liturgical colors, make special meals or have parties for solemnities. People will notice, and they might ask questions. It's a great way to start conversations about the magesterium, the Saints, and the little things you love about being Catholic. #8. Play Catholic Music In the car. While you’re studying. In your room at home. While you have friends over. Praise and worship music sets a tone, sparks curiosity, and helps people encounter God without needing a full conversation. (telling people that your favorite type of music is Gregorian Chant works well, too...) #9. Random Acts of Kindness Text a friend that you’re thinking of and praying for them. Share a quote from a saint or Scripture that reminded you of them. Small encouragements help people to know how unconditionally loved they are. #10. Prayer Ask Jesus to give you opportunities to evangelize and to make your entire life one act of evangelization. Someone shares that they’re struggling? Pray with them. Have a friend who’s sick? Pray over them for healing. Tell people that you’ll pray for them- then do it. Send Spiritual bouquets in your Chritmas or birthday cards. The possibilities are endless!

I can very clearly remember the first time I truly KNEW Christ's love for me. I was 12 and sitting on my bed one night with my new teen Bible open on my lap. I was flipping through, trying to be quiet while my little sister tried to sleep across the room, and I came to the Gospel of John. I randomly started reading. One verse- John 17:24- made me pause that night, and it changed absolutely everything. "Father, they are your gift to me." I remember thinking "Wait, Jesus. Me? I am a gift? But I caused you so much pain." I read and re-read. Traced the line with my finger, wondering if it could be real- this simple prayer of Christ that made everything fall into place. As tears welled up in my eyes, in the stillness of my room, I felt the Love of Jesus in a way that was different and entirely new. It was intimate. Sacrificial. Because He knew what had to happen and what He would endure- and yet, even before it happened, He thanked the Father for us. And even more than that, Jesus saw humanity as a GIFT! He loved us so much that even then, knowing what suffering would occur, He wanted to thank the Father for us- because He knew that His suffering would bring about eternal union with His Bride- the Church. In that moment, something stirred in my heart. The Holy Spirit rushed in, and I was given the grace to see that Jesus was not only saying that the entirety of humanity was a gift- but also that I am a gift to Him from the Father Himself. And so are you, friend. When I saw that this verse was included in the readings for this Sunday, I knew that I needed to share this with you. You are the Father's gift to the Son- loved in every moment beyond all imagining.

Yesterday, I posted an Instagram reel that was a fun take on a popular trend but essentially had the message, "Instead of telling women that abortion is their only logica option, we should get them the resources, support, and love that they need." Seems simple enough, right? The people in the comments didn't think so. I woke up this morning to comments telling me to "shut up" and that I've been brainwashed, don't care about women, etc. All of which, of course, are not true. That being said, I thought it might be helpful to talk about some of the practical steps we can take when helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy or difficult situation. As much as we love to have conversations and logically convince people to see that abortion is morally incorrect and a grave evil, often it's the practical support that changes hearts and minds and enables a woman to choose life for her baby. Be Positive In most situations, when someone tells you she is pregnant, the proper response is always, "Congratulations! " No matter how a child has come into the world, he or she is still a child and a blessing. Every life is a miracle- no matter what. In cases of rape or incest, "congratulations" may not be the most tactful reaction, even though the child is still a gift. In that case, you could say something like, "I don't know exactly what to say that will help right now. I'm sure this is so overwhelming. I'm here for you and here to help with whatever you need." then, LISTEN! See what she truly needs and how she's doing, and connect her with professional help. Even if you can't be upbeat in every situation, at least be sympathetic. Empower her and let her know that you genuinely believe that she can do this. She can have her baby. And whether she chooses adoption or to raise her child, make sure that she knows you will be with her through it all. Be Available Like anyone in crisis, one moment to the next can be more difficult than another. While you certainly still need to live your own life and take care of your current responsibilities, it's important to let this new mom know that you're there for her- to talk, listen, or be with her. Quality time with supportive friends can do a world of good. Online Resources These are quick articles, helplines, and other resources you can send to any mamma facing an unexpected pregnancy. They provide financial assistance, help with any questions she might have, and so much more. This is an easy way to support someone even when you can't physically be present with her. These links are not categorized or ordered in any particular way. Adopthelp.com Adoption Services Inc. Birthright International Embrace Grace Feeding America College Grants for Single Mothers Maternity Housing Coalition 2-1-1 United Way Sisters of Life Human Defense Initiative Leap for Joy Inc Mercy Housing National Domestic Violence Hotline National Life Center National Safe Haven Alliance Once Upon a Child Option Line Project Cuddle Safe Haven Baby Boxes SNAP The Nurturing Network Rideshare Safety and Sexual Abuse Prevention Sally's Lambs ... and Standing With You has so many more! Accompany Her to Appointments and Classes Medical appointments can be intimidating as is, even without the stress of being a mom without a sound support system. You can help by recommending her a good pro-life ob-gyn, finding parenting classes, offering to accompany her or give her a ride, driving her to appointments, etc. Even if she already has reliable transportation, having someone along to talk to after an appointment can be helpful. Purchase Supplies and Giftcards Purchasing pregnancy or baby supplies, grocery cards, gas cards, or even just providing a meal can mean so much. Financial struggles are one of the biggest reasons for women to feel like abortion is their only option. A few dollars toward groceries or a box or two of diapers can help to relieve that burden. In the past, I've done gift card drives for a mother in need. Things like that that involve numerous people rallying around one mother (even if she chooses to remain anonymous to everyone but you) can be so effective. A meal dropped at her front door, an offer to help set up the baby's crib, or even just a care package full of her favorite treats can mean the world on a difficult day. Provide Financial Assistance This goes along with the gift cards! You can connect women with resources at your parish (ie: Saint Vincent de Paul Society), or other community resources that provide grants to those in need. Some of the online resources listed above also have financial assistance programs. Provide Shelter Not everyone has the space or capacity to safely bring another person into their home. But when a pregnant woman needs a place to stay to escape an abusive situation or unsupportive home, there are options. If she is facing homelessness, many communities have programs where churches take turns hosting people while they get back on their feet and find a new place to stay. Some places (though more urban areas than rural ones) have maternity homes where women can have a safe place to stay for the duration of their pregnancy and a few months after birth. Connect Her with Local Resources Think food pantries, pregnancy care centers, reliable doctors, affordable clothing options for maternity and baby clothes, etc. Pregnancy Care Centers are also a fantastic option. Many have programs that allow women to attend parenting classes in exchange for free clothing, supplies, and other resources. They're a great place to turn if you don't know how to help a woman in a particular situation or don't feel equipped to help meet her specific needs.

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