Keepin’ It Catholic

19/06/2021

Today, we recognize which celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. While we celebrate the holiday’s significance, we must continue to work toward eradicating racism in all forms and renew our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.

11/06/2021

COME OUT AND ENJOY THE DAY TOMORROW!!! 🎉🎊

06/06/2021

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”- John 6:51
On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, may we remember Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice, and seek to every day give of ourselves, in love, to our sisters and brothers.

11/02/2021

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

24/01/2021

08/01/2021

Feeling like we could all use this right now, I know I sure do.
To all of my BIPOC friends out there - you are seen. You are beautiful. This is not ok.
Always always standing for you, by you, with you.
My heart is still so heavy.
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Prayerfully discerning and listening for how best to act in this moment. But for now, I’m praying this over my anxious body and mind:
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“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
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O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.”

03/01/2021

27/12/2020

Today is the feast of the Holy Family. I wanted to share one more time this beautiful reflection that Shannon K. Evans wrote to go along with our Holy Family Christmas collection this year.

There are many miracles in our beloved Christmas story — a virgin birth, a mysterious star guiding astrologers, a “mass” sighting of a host of angels in the sky — but none so jarring as the miracle that is the total upheaval of who we understand God to be.

The humility of Jesus’ birth and early years run in complete contrast to the story we ourselves would have written. That story would have been one of power, wealth, and esteem; a story of widespread acknowledgement of our own rightness; a story that we’re still tempted to believe is the better one.

The Biblical Christmas story, by contrast, is a story set in a scene of poverty, suffering, fear, and oppression. Mary, Joseph, and little Jesus became a family in a time when their people, the Jews, were oppressively ruled by the Roman Empire. They were not the victors; they were the terrorized ones, the afflicted ones. And they taught us that the afflicted ones are always nearest to God.

The birth of Jesus — and by extension the brazen declaration of God’s presence on earth — took place in a cave, not a palace. The Incarnation of God drank from a woman’s breasts, not from a gold plated goblet. When Jesus was still very small, Scripture tells us the Holy Family fled to Egypt to escape the threat of certain death. Rather than enthroning God-Become-Man, those in power sought to end his life.

Living as refugees, Mary and Joseph risked their lives to protect their son, just like parents all over the world continue to do to this day. In the faces of the Holy Family we see the anguish and vulnerability of our refugee and immigrant neighbors; but we also see their tenacity, hope, and resolute belief in the possibility of a better world.

Jesus’ birth and life give us the keys to that better world; one in which compassion and justice reign, in which the pursuit of power bows before a preference for the poor. For too long we have told and retold the Christmas story as though it were a nursery rhyme crafted to give us comfort. But what if the real point is for us to become uncomfortable?

This Christmas, may we open ourselves up to holy discomfort. May we believe what the Christmas story tells us about the way we were meant to live, the things we were meant to care about, and the way Jesus still leads us to be present to the suffering of the world today.

This Christmas, may we allow the uncomfortable truths of the story to stir our hearts towards empathy, justice, and action.

24/12/2020

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1: 4-5

23/12/2020

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ❤️

21/12/2020

Happy First Day of Winter ❄️☃️🌨

Blessings on this ! As the weather gets colder, let us remember the warmth of God’s love.

20/12/2020

“May it be done to me according to your word.”- Luke 1: 38
In imitation of Mary, the Mother of God, let us find peace in the will of God, as we draw ever closer to the Savior’s birth.

13/12/2020

12/12/2020

“Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?”
On this of , patroness of the Americas, let us remember her words to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in 1531, and find consolation in her embrace.

11/12/2020

As has provided an and upcoming season unlike any other in our diocese this year, with restrictions changing many annual parish traditions, we are offering Catholics in the faith community of South Jersey a special way to celebrate the Savior’s coming via livestreamed events broadcast on our parish and diocesan social media platforms. See an upcoming schedule published in our latest Catholic Star Herald; experience the Advent and Christmas season wherever you are: catholicstarherald.org/livestreamed-events-because-advent-cant-be-cancelled

Discipleship & Leadership Office, Diocese of Camden

11/12/2020

We wish our Jewish sisters and brothers a very ! May peace, love, and joy come to you and your loved ones during this season.

11/12/2020

10/12/2020

08/12/2020

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women." - Luke 1:28

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which references Mary's conception in her mother's womb without the stain of Original Sin. We also recognize and honor Our Blessed Mother as the patroness of the United States under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

“The uncontaminated beauty of our Mother is incomparable, but at the same time it attracts us. Let us entrust ourselves to her and say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to Grace once and for all.” -

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us!

04/12/2020

21/10/2020

29/09/2020

Diocese of Camden

Diocese of Camden

19th Annual Diocese of Camden Blue Mass

Please join us for the celebration of the Blue Mass as we pray for law enforcement and first responders in the Camden Diocese.

15/09/2020

WE’RE BACKKKKK!!!! 🎊🎊 With this new season, comes a new co-host! We are spreading the Good News double-time!! In our season 2 opener, I welcome co-host Jose Rodriguez, Director of for ! In this episode you get to know us a little better as we ask each other questions about faith + life! You may have seen us working together at a few diocesan events, but we are now teaming up to spread the Good News in a different way! Episode drops today @ 12PM!! Want to get to know us more? Ask us questions in the comments below!!👇🏽👇🏽

22/05/2020

Check us out Liveeee!!! 🎥🙌🏽

14/05/2020

If you haven’t checked out my recent episode, I talk about really meaning when we say . It’s an easy phrase to say to cover your bases when saying it to someone who is going through a fought time. But today of all days, Pope Francis is calling on ALL Christians to pray for ALL of humanity + mean it. Let our hearts + minds be full of intention today for all those affected by the . Remember — During Jesus’ ministry, even up to his death, he tended + prayed for everyone. He didn’t care about their race, creed or religious beliefs. He just cared, whole heartedly + loved without judgement. Let us have the same mindset, today + everyday with everyone we encounter, for every situation. Be 🙏🏽

10/05/2020

Wishing all of the beautiful & loving mothers a Happy Mother’s Day! We especially wish Mamà Maria a Happy Mother’s Day! We are so grateful for your YES and for your infinite amount of love and compassion for your children! Because you said YES, our Lord and Savior was born!

We pray especially for those who have lost a mother, for those mothers who have lost their children & for all moms around the world ❤️

08/05/2020

How’s everyone holding up?! Need something to switch up your day? Want to start something new?! Well if you are living in Jersey, you now have 30 more days to do it! 😂

If you haven’t watched my recent episode, I talked about Lectio Divina and the simplicity of the process! It’s a great way to get yourself familiar with scripture! I used to think I had to have a special understanding of what I was going to read, but it’s as simple as opening the Bible, reading a passage, meditate & pray, then contemplate on what was read! It’s really that simple! All you need is an open heart, mind & time! 📖💭🙏🏽

24/04/2020

Here are some stills on what things looked like behind the scenes from Wednesday’s Easter Retreat Night for the young church of South Jersey! If you missed it, we talked about the Road to Emmaus, how the disciples felt after the resurrection, their encounter with Jesus and how we may be feeling now that Easter is upon us! Just the the disciples did after the resurrection, we find ourselves asking “what now”? Our advice: continue being leaders in your homes, take the initiative to remain active in your faith, crack open your bibles and be !! 👏🏽 want to watch the video, link is in bio 👆🏽👆🏽

P.S. HUGE shoutout to Mike & John who did and continue to do an amazing job behind the scenes to ensure all things flow smoothly! You are AWESOME!

22/04/2020

22/04/2020

TONIGHTS THE NIGHT! 🙌🏽 I will be co-hosting along side the coordinator of for the ‘s Easter Retreat series! Check us out live on Facebook & Twitter at 8PM! Curious to know what we are going to talk about before you watch? Read up on the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35) 🌾 & we’ll take care of the rest! 👍🏽 See everyone tonight!

22/04/2020

CHECK US OUT TOMORROW NIGHT @ 8PM LIVE!!! So excited to bring you what we have prepared!! 🙌🏽

TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!! 8pm Join Star Martinez from Keepin it Catholic and myself for a conversation on “what Now”, with scripture, prayer and song.
We look forward to welcoming you into our Catholic Millennial Ministry meeting space so you get a glimpse into our home away from home!! Can’t wait Talking Catholic

SEE YOU GUYS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8pm!

20/04/2020

Check me out on Wednesday 4/22 along side the Coordinator of the Diocese of Camden Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministries LIVE tomorrow @ 7PM for a mini-retreat! Holy Week is over, Easter is upon us and if your finding yourself asking yourself , well, we’ve got the answers, how relates to scripture .... and maybe some laughs 🤷🏻‍♀️😂!

Wednesday night! 8pm Join Star Martinez from Keepin it Catholic and myself for a conversation on “what Now”. Great talk with scripture, prayer and song. We look forward to welcoming you into our Catholic Millennial Ministry meeting space so you get a glimpse into our home away from home!! Can’t wait Talking Catholic Diocese of Camden

16/04/2020

Two questions that Jesus asked his disciples after meeting them after the resurrection: 1. Why are we still troubled + 2. And why do we still have questions. We are human right, when we have questions we want answers. And I’m sure the disciples felt the same way after finding out that their Lord has risen — but how? Why? Of course, this doesn’t mean they didn’t believe in His promise, but they needed reassurance, and Jesus delivered. He reminded them that it was written that He would suffer, rise from the dead, repentance would be preached in all nations + that the DISCIPLES would be witness to this. It was part of their purpose! To bear witness and share the good news! So if you are feeling like you’ve forgotten your purpose + need some reassurance, call out to Jesus. He’s going to challenge us with questions, give us the answers if we are willing to receive them, brush us off + get us back on our feet so that we can fulfill OUR purpose for HIS glory!

15/04/2020

Happy Easter Everyone! 🙌🏽✝️ How did everyone make out during Holy Week? Anyone else feel like we are still in Lent? I almost forgot I could jump back on the things I gave up 😂

BUT Easter is upon us & our Lord is risen! Hallelujah! 🙌🏽✝️ Those 40 days were probably the most meaningful + impactful days we’ve endured together as one church! And to keep that momentum going I’ve partnered with the the for a new online programming specifically focused on our this Easter season! Curious to see what we have lined up? Well, if you’ve seen how Jose + I keep up our dynamic going, you’re in for some laughs, singing + great reflections! Check us out LIVE on April 22nd @ 7PM! 🙌🏽

Be sure to check out the other programs that have gone live!

07/04/2020

07/04/2020

In today’s gospel, Jesus let’s his disciples know that he is aware that he will be betrayed by someone in the room. Of course, most of the disciples were probably like “What?! Betray you?! Deny you?! Who would do such a thing?!” 😱 But it was true, someone would betray him + someone would deny him THREE TIMES. Peter literally said “I will lay my life down for you”. But did he the moment he acted like he didn’t know Jesus? Would WE give up our pride, our selfishness, our greed, our doubts, our fears for Jesus? He gave it all up for us, so that you + I could be right here, in this moment. Let’s not take these next few days for granted. Take the time to sit back + remember why we take this whole week so seriously. If you’ve been finding it hard to focus with the inconveniences around you, I get it. But it’s in those moments we need to hold onto his promise the most 🙌🏽 •
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Keeping you all in prayer and for an end to this virus! 🙏🏽

01/04/2020

If you say a prayer today, let one of them be this one! I can’t stress enough how important prayer is during this time! It’s clears our worries our anxieties & our endless thoughts of the unknown as we lift up our prayers! Continue to do your part in as we by remaining steadfast faith & follow all protocols in place!

I’m praying for each of you and for your safety! If you have any specific prayer intentions you can leave them in the comments below or send a DM! 👇🏽👇🏽 I will offer those intentions as I pray the rosary tonight! 🙏🏽

01/04/2020

Checkout this impromptu video me & Jose Rodriguez did for Diocese of Camden Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministries!! If you enjoyed the video, give it a like & share!!!

31/03/2020

I’M BAAAAACK! Well — I haven’t actually been “gone” but this virus has me & I’m sure all of us, in different directions 😅! How is everyone making out during our 5th week of Lent?! I’ve been using this simple list from to keep me in check to remind me to , & !