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Hi friend!! I bet this is confusing. Every Catholics Instagram story is filled with white smoke, seagulls, and the Pope in red. The news has been zoomed in on a chimney for the last 24 hours. The memes. The happy tears. The celebration. You might be thinking, "Isn't it all a little much? He's not Jesus. He's just a guy. What's with all the hype?" Let’s back up a bit. Jesus said to Peter, "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19) Peter was the first Pope, and was recognized as such throughout all of history. From the very beginning, Christians knew that Jesus had given Peter special authority and the responsibility to lead the Church. Peter was succeeded by Linus. Linus was succeeded by Cletus. And so on... Until Pope Francis. And now, Pope Leo XIV. So what’s the big deal? First, it’s a celebration of the Lord’s generosity and the fact that Jesus keeps His promises! He gave us a father and a shepherd to guide us, promising that even hell cannot prevail against it. Secondly... It's just really, really exciting!! The Pope is a spiritual Father to the Universal Church and this is such a huge change and moment in our lives and in history. It involves so many big emotions, prayer, unity, and joyful hope for the future. But at the core of it all, behind every "Pope post", and every seagull meme, is deep, deep gratitude to God. For the Church. For His guidance. For his Mercy. For the Papacy and the new Pope who will lead and guide the Church moving forward. If you’re confused or curious, please reach out. We’d love to talk- and yes, we have more seagull memes ready if you want them. 😉 Love, Your Catholic Friend

One thing you might not know about me is that right now I work at a grocery store. For 20 to 30 hours a week, I help customers, make sandwiches, slice meat and cheese, and help clean my department. It's not the most glamarous job. But despite that, I've learned to love what I'm doing. It's not my dream job, of course, and I know it won't last forever- but for now, it's where God needs me for some reason, and so I make the best of it. So for today's feast day, the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, I wanted to talk a little bit about work. Many of us in college (and even high school) find ourselves working in jobs just to make a little extra cash. These jobs aren't the ones we'd think of when we think of "ministry" or as giving us oppurtunities for prayer and evangelization- but I promise you, there are plenty! Here are some ideas for evangelization and prayer within your job. If you have a job that I didn't list here, comment below and I'll put some ideas together for you! BARISTA OR WAITRESS Pray for each customer as you make their drink or take their order Smile as you work and greet customers joyfully Make each person you meet feel like they’re the only person in the world. Give them your full, undivided attention. Wear a Crucifix, Miraculous Medal, or other religious jewelry. Fantastic conversation starters! LANDSCAPING Pray as you work, taking the opportunity for interior silence as the noise of the world is drowned out by machinery. Offer up your manual labor for the sake of the souls in Purgatory or other prayer intentions. Pray for the people who own the home you’re working on. Do small, extra tasks for free if you’re able, as acts of kindness. RETAIL CASHIER Treat each customer as beloved by Christ and greet them with love (no matter their attitude!) Wear religious jewelry. Engage in conversation. Make people feel seen, known, and loved. Smile at people! Pray for each customer you’ll encounter before and after your shift. FOOD SERVICE Embrace the monotonous tasks- dishes, cleaning, etc.- and offer them up for specific intentions. Pray over each dish you serve as you’re preparing it. Stay calm and joyful, even in rushes or stressful situations. Take care to create a clean, sanitary environment to protect each customer you are serving. OFFICE ASSISTANT Create a welcoming environment. Offer a smile and sense of peace to those you encounter or speak to on the phone. Have a mindset of service- even when your work is not recognized. Practice gentleness in your speech, emails, and phone calls Set your laptop background as a Bible verse, Saint Quote, or Sacred Artwork BABYSITTER Pray for the children and families you serve. Give the children you’re caring for your full, undivided attention with love, gentleness, patience, and joy. Put your phone away! Ask the Holy Family for help in difficult moments. Strive to react from a place of love rather than frustration. TUTORING Pray the prayer for students by Saint Thomas Aquinas before your session or with your student. Encouraging the struggling with the love of Christ Practice patience and mercy when concepts are being misunderstood. Wear t-shirts, jewelry, etc. that serve as tools for evangelization and sharing the faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you teach. No matter what sort of job you are working in, you can glorify God and make Him known to those you serve. Saint Joseph the Worker, Pray for us.

Five years ago today, at the height of the pandemic, I started a blog. That blog, Catholic Teen Life, was meant to reach other Catholic teens and help them in their journey with Christ while navigating a tumultuous world. A few months later, I was journaling and told Jesus, "I have had so many dreams lately. But my biggest desire is to bring young people to You so that they may find the joy that I have found in living with and for You! I wish I could speak to every single teen... I want to keep up my blog. That's going to be my 'little way' of doing that for now." Now, five years, hundreds of posts, hours of research, a small business, a degree, countless twists and turns, new friends, incredible opportunities, and a life that looks drastically different from what I imagined—here we are. My mission and this "Little Way" has shifted to apologetics as He continues shaping me into who He’s calling me to be- but God's will and my desire to reach as many people as possible with the Love and Truth of Christ has remained the same. The Little Apologist is, first and foremost, a labor of love. If even just one person benefits from anything Jesus allows me to do, then these years of writing and designing have been totally worth it. A few years ago, I was on retreat with some religious sisters near my home. Over the weekend, I discovered that one of the other young women there—someone I had never met and had no connection to at the time—was subscribed to and reading and benefiting from the posts I published! It was a total God-moment and such an encouragement. Stories like this remind me why I keep saying "yes." When I first started writing, I was part of a prayer group on the Catholify app. The connections I made there, along with the prayer and encouragement I received, were invaluable. And there have been so many other people who have made a huge impact on this journey, too. 🤍 So, THANK YOU. Thank you for being here, for reading this. The friendships and connections I’ve made as a result of this apostolate are an incredible gift, and I'm so grateful for your prayers😊

Now, you should go to confession all throughout the year, but, especially if it's been a while, Lent is the perfect time to go! Here's why... #1 . The Precepts of the Church The Precepts of the Church (the basic things one needs to do to be a practicing Catholic) state that all Catholics must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per year. Lent is the perfect time to do that, as many parishes have more options for hearing confessions during Lent! #2 . Focus on Repentance One of the "themes" of Lent is Repentance and conversion. Part of repentance from our sins and conversion (turning back to God) is confessing out sins and accepting God's mercy. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the way that Jesus gave us a way to do this and be reconciled with God. What better way to prepare your heart for the joy of Easter than by turning back to God?! #3 . Prepare for Heaven His Resurrection offers us freedom from sin and death and opened the gates of Heaven- confession helps us to accept and live in that freedom that we, God Willing, will one day experience in Heaven! If you haven't been to confession for a while- even if it's been years- it's never too late. Lent is a perfect time to go. Jesus is waiting for you with open arms. He wants to heal the wounds that sin has caused and welcome you back. His Love has never abandoned you. Just turn around, friend. Turn back to Him. He's waiting with incomprehensible mercy and love to forgive you. (Originally posted on The Little Apologist Instagram on 3/19/25)

💜"Why is purple the Liturgical color of Lent?"💜 Mark 15:17-18, one account of Jesus' Passion, reads: "They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" In 1st century Jewish and Roman culture, the dye used for the cloak that was placed on Jesus would have been called Tyrian Purple (similar to the color of the graphic of this post!) This dye was created by crushing certain types of sea snails and was quite costly, usually only worn by people of power and prestige. That being said, historians and theologians aren't quite certain how or why such an expensive cloak was used for Jesus. The soldiers most likely would have had to steal it from someone of a higher power simply for the purpose of mocking Jesus, as the cloth had a similar value to precious metals and was only worn by Kings and government officials In addition to being the color of the cloak Jesus wore, purple also represents repentance and penance, because we remember it as the color Jesus wore as He carried His cross. It reminds us that, through even the most excruciating experience possible was not enough to keep down the King of the Universe. He's King even over death and sin itself, and thus, gives us the strength to turn away from sin and towards Him. Fun fact: It was also referred to as "Tyrian Scarlet"... giving reason for the seemingly conflicting gospel accounts that the cloak was either purple or scarlet! (Originally posted on The Little Apologist Instagram on 3/17/25)

A common question people have about Catholicism is "Why do Catholics have crucifixes?" People say that we don't appreciate the Resurrection. Or that we want to "keep Jesus crucified." Ultimately, both the empty cross AND the crucifix are beautiful reminders of Christ's sacrifice- and either are perfectly fine to use and display! However, the crucifix has an even deeper meaning than the empty cross. The crucifix helps us to remember Christ's sacrifice and WHY He did it. We need Salvation. And that Salvation was won by Jesus' death on the cross and his Resurrection. Jesus being on the cross makes the cross no longer a torture device, but the ultimate symbol of love for humanity. When we wear a crucifix, or display it in our homes, we are also reminded to embrace the sufferings that we will inevitably experience. Jesus gives our suffering purpose. The crucifix, with Christ on the cross, brings to mind that death is not the end and God has power and authority over even death itself! When we gaze at Jesus on the cross, His Love for humanity is on full display. In the darkest moment of human history, Christ still reigned. And He longed for you and for me. You were on His mind. And at the end of the day- I'm in love with Jesus. Why would I NOT want to gaze upon my Love all the time?? Love does not abandon us in our darkest moments- so why would we abandon Him and not want to look at Him in His agony? He doesn't overlook our sufferings. We cannot overlook the sufferings of His that will, we pray, lead to our own Resurrection. (Originally posted on The Little Apologist Instagram on 3/10/25)

Well-maybe they won't say it that way... But as an elementary and middle schooler, there were definitely times that this question was asked! As an adult, it might come in the form of weird looks, "so why do you do the ash thing?" or "What is that about again?" Keep it simple. An extensive theological answer isn't needed here! You main points to focus on are... 1) Beginning of Lent Lent is the time of the Church Calendar where we spiritually prepare to commemorate Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. 2) Repentance One of the key "themes" of Lent is repentance. To repent is to turn away from something. In this case, we are turning away from sin and towards God. 3) Ashes In Biblical times, ashes symbolized this repentance, and the Hebrew people would mark their bodies with ashes to symbolize their repentance from sin. ✨BIBLICAL CONTEXT:✨ Genesis 3:19: "You are dust and to dust you shall return." Job 42:6: "“therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Daniel 9:3: “I, Daniel, turned my face to the Lord, seeking him by prayer and supplications with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” These verses show the historical significance of ashes. They're used during times of repentance and intense fasting and prayer, both of which we practice in the Lenten Season. Here's an example of how you might summarize all of these things: "Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, a season leading up to the celebration of Jesus' death and Resurrection. During Lent, Christians focus on fasting, giving to others, and reflecting on their relationship with God. It's a time to turn away from sin and grow closer to God. The ashes symbolize that repentance, which means returning to friendship with God. It's a historical practice, and is full of meaning. It reminds us of the importance of this season of Lent and of repentance. So, when I receive ashes today, it’s not just an outward sign, but a personal commitment to turn away from sin and renew my relationship with God." Have more questions about Lent or Ash Wednesday in particular? Drop them in the comments!

Today's Feast Day is one that is not commonly talked about or known. It's unique, as it actually celebrates more than one person! Read on for an explanation of the feast day and how to celebrate. "Why are we celebrating a chair?" We're not. But there IS a relic that is recognized as the "chair of Saint Peter"! "So what are we actually celebrating?" The person in the chair! Well, kind of. Jesus told Peter that he was the rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the first Pope- the leader of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, and servant of the servants of God (aka all of the bishops, priests, etc. that serve the needs of the Church). After Saint Peter was martyred, Linus was the next Pope. Then Cletus. Then Clement. Then Evaristus. Then Alexander. Then Sixtus...... all the way up until our very own Pope Francis. It's been an unbroken succession from Peter until now. Pope Francis is pope number 266. All of that being said, it's the "position" of the Papacy that we celebrate- the men throughout history, ordained by God and given the honor and duty of leading and shepherding the Church on earth to Heaven. "How do we celebrate?" Pray!! Pray for the Pope. Pray for the souls of all the Popes throughout history, and ask for their prayers. And today, pray especially for Pope Francis, who is suffering tremendously. Pray, thanking God for His gift of the magisterium of the Church and for Apostolic Succession. Because of Jesus' choice to have Peter as the Rock of the Church, He ensured that the Gates of Hell would not prevail, and that His Bride, The Church, will exist into eternity. 🇻🇦🤍 Have more questions? Ask away in the comments!

From today's First Reading: "For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem held by your God. No more shall people call you “Forsaken," or your land “Desolate," but you shall be called “My Delight, “and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you." (Isaiah 62:1-5) This is His Love for you: a love that is unique, personal, and spousal, unlike any other. As part of His Church, the Body of Christ, Jesus longs to unite with you in a love that is infinite, self-giving, and total. Even if your Vocation is not consecrated life as a literal Bride of Christ, or one of a priest who cares for the Church with the love of a Bridegroom, know that Jesus still desires a deep, intimate union with you—a love that mirrors the spousal love He has for His Church. As you hear these words in the first reading for Mass tomorrow, think of this: Your God rejoices in you. He rejoices in you in your most beautiful moments- and your messiest. He rejoices in the you that is attending daily Mass, leading a Bible study, and getting straight A's all at once- And in the you who spends hours scrolling through reels and forgets to do homework and doesn't make it to her holy hour. He rejoices in the you who is confident, boldly sharing your faith- and when you have doubts He rejoices in you when you care for your family, loving them selflessly- and when you are so annoyed and find yourself wishing for just a moment away from the chaos. He rejoices in you when you trust Him completely- and when your anxiety is overwhelming and you don't know what happens next. Your Bridegroom rejoices in you, simply because you are you and He is Him. He's always there, rejoicing over you, calling you back to His loving embrace. There is no love like His—a love that endlessly rejoices in you and calls you back into His embrace. (Originally posted 1/19/2025 on Instagram)

Scroll through the gallery below to learn about the Jubilee Year! (Originally published on @the_little_apologist Instagram on 1/14/2025).

Some Catholic Q&A for today's feast day- save this post to have a simple and quick answer ready to go! //"What was the Baptism of John?" Saint Thomas Aquinas says the Baptism of John had four purposes: To sanctify water for Baptism To announce Christ to the crowds To prepare the Jewish people for Christ’s coming To draw John’s followers to repentance so they would more readily follow Jesus // "How is Christian Baptism different?" John's Baptism was one of repentance and preparation. Christian Baptism has the effects of... Forgiveness of all sins, including original sin and its punishments. Becoming children of God, partakers in the Divine Nature, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Receiving sanctifying grace and justification. Sharing in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and royal mission. Makes us members of the Church, called to obey its teachings, participate in the life of the Church, and able to receive the Sacraments. Calls us to profess our faith and participate in the Church's mission (Matthew 28:19) Unites all baptized Christians, even those who are not yet in full communion with Christ's Church. "Baptism constitutes the sacramental bond of unity among all reborn." Sealing one's soul with an indelible spiritual mark, making their identity as children of God permanent. Baptism is the seal of eternal life. //"Why was Jesus Baptized?" These reasons can be broken down into three ways (thanks to my priest's homily this morning...): Sanctifying the Waters: Jesus, in being Baptized, sanctified water as a means of redemption and renewal. Inaugurating the Kingdom of God: John preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Jesus fulfilled this message in His Baptism, John having proclaimed Him as the "one who is coming." Foreshadowing the Passion: Jesus’ Baptism foreshadowed His Death and Resurrection. The Catechism says, "Immersion in water symbolizes death, purification, regeneration, and renewal." Our own Baptism reminds us of death and Eternal Life. This is a super basic overview, so if you have more questions, drop them in the comments! (Originally posted on @the_little_apologist Instagram on 1/12/2025)

As I explained today's liturgical celebration to my fifth and sixth graders in faith formation class this morning, I realized that I don't think I ever really learned much about The Epiphany of Our Lord, apart from the three Magi. Of course, Epiphany celebrates the three Magi visiting the Holy Family and bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But there's more to it than that. The word Epiphany has Greek roots that mean "manifestation" or "to display." This visit of the Magi, who followed a star to find Christ, represents the coming of Christ as Savior and King of the whole world, not only the Jewish people. The Catechism states in paragraph 528: "The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament." The Epiphany of the Lord is God's revelation of His Son to the entire world, showing that salvation is meant for all, no matter who they are or where they come from, and that all can (and should!) adore Christ and come to know, love, and serve Him. How do you make Christ present to others and allow every day to be a new "Epiphany" for those you encounter, no matter their background? (Posted on @the_little_apologist Instagram 1/5/2025)