You probably already know that prioritizing exercise will help with your physical, mental, and emotional health but did you know that exercise can also greatly benefit your relationship health too? 

Working out as a couple offers you and your partner a unique opportunity to not only meet your personal health and wellness goals, but also grow together in your relationship. 

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Benefits For Couples

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Improves your workout 

Having your partner present during your workout could help to boost your energy output and performance. Research has found that even the presence of someone else can positively affect your ability to complete a task or perform an activity. 

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Helps you achieve your fitness goals

Accountability plays a major role in ensuring your success with your health and wellness goals, especially when it comes to fitness. A 2015 study from John Hopkins found that couples who worked out together were more likely to reach their fitness goals. 

When both you and your spouse or significant other value and prioritize exercising and maintaining healthy habits, you will feel more supported and will more likely achieve your goals. 

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Makes you a happier couple

Exercise releases endorphins, or your body’s “feel good” chemicals that relieve stress and pain and increase feelings of happiness. It plays a major role in the mental health of both you and your partner individually but sharing in this experience can also help you feel happier in your relationship. 

‍Studies have also shown that after participating in an exciting physical challenge, couples reported increased feelings of satisfaction in their relationship and love toward their partner. 

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Increases your emotional bond

When you work out together and coordinate your movements, like running at the same pace or following the same moves of a workout routine, you create what psychologists call “nonverbal matching” or “mimicry.” 

‍Research has found that nonverbal matching helps people feel emotionally attuned and increase feelings of  “bonding” with one another. 

Of course, every couple is unique and working out with your husband or wife might not be the right fit for your relationship. 

If your schedules often conflict or your fitness levels differ too much, working out together in a traditional sense, might lead to more frustration than enjoyment. Instead, consider other ways to get active as a couple like hiking, swimming, or biking to take advantage of these relationship benefits. 

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Tips for Working Out as a Couple

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If you want to begin working out with your significant other, remember these helpful tips to maximize your workout and more fully enjoy the experience: 

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Don’t be afraid to try something new

If you and your significant other have been into fitness for awhile, you probably know your preferred workouts. And…it might not be the same for your spouse. 

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Taking on this new challenge of working out together offers you the perfect opportunity to try something new. This also offers your partner an opportunity to share something they really love with you; and who knows? You might really enjoy it too. 

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Encourage, don’t nag.

While offering a suggestion here or there can be appreciated, you are not your spouse’s personal trainer. You don’t need to critique his or her form unless your partner specifically asks for guidance or tips. 

Of course, you also shouldn’t make fun of your partner’s attempts at a new form of exercise or of the challenges he or she faces during your workout time. Speak with empathy and love, and build one another up. 

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Don’t compete

While a little healthy competition is good in a relationship, when it comes to working out with your significant other, trying to keep up could be detrimental to your physical health. Trying to go as hard, fast, or long as your partner in a particular activity could lead to injury.

God made each of our bodies beautiful and unique; respect the gift you’ve been given by going at your own pace and modifying the workout to best suit you and your needs.

Treat it like a date

Don’t just pop in your earbuds and hop on the treadmill; treat this workout session as quality time with your spouse. Laugh, chat a bit, and maybe plan to enjoy a healthy post-workout snack together when you’ve finished. 

A couple’s workout won’t replace your actual date night, but it can still provide you both with another opportunity to spend time with one another and grow in intimacy as a couple. 

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Pietra Fitness offers faith-based exercise classes for every fitness level, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Sign up for your 14-day free trial and find the perfect workout for your next at-home, fitness-focused date night. 

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With your already full schedule, figuring out what to eat everyday can feel overwhelming and you might find yourself eating cereal or take out more often than you’d like to admit. But there is an easier way to answer the question: “What’s for dinner?” Meal Planning. 

Meal planning involves creating a weekly menu, or preparing ahead for each meal you plan to make. It particularly benefits people with specific health goals like weight loss, as well as people trying to stick to a budget while feeding a whole family. 

Planning your meals for the week helps you save time and money, takes the stress and guesswork out of mealtime, and ultimately helps keep you on track with your health and nutritional goals.

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Tools for Meal Planning

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Before we get into the how-tos of meal planning, check out this list of helpful tools that you might want to have handy. 

‍Food storage containers: When it comes to meal planning, don’t stress about making a new, home cooked dish for every meal, every day. In fact, meal planning works best when you repeat a few dishes during the week. Having food storage containers will keep your previously prepared food or leftovers ready for you to use, or take on the go. 

Glass containers or jars are a food-safe and family-safe storage solution compared to plastic which can release toxic chemicals into your food. 

‍Lunch box: If you and/or your spouse want to prepare food for work or an afternoon at the park, having something to keep your food at a safe temperature will be important. 

‍Journal/Notebook: Some people find that they like to write down their meal plan to refer back to during the week. You could use a journal, a notebook, a whiteboard, a digital spreadsheet or app, or you might even feel more comfortable just making a mental list. Feel free to experiment and decide which method serves you and your family the best.

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Get Started Meal Planning

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Know your eating habits, determine your health goals

When you begin meal planning, you should start by considering your eating habits, as well as your health and wellness goals. 

‍What do you like to eat? Do you or someone in your family have any dietary restrictions? What do you want to change about your eating habits and where can you start making this change? Answering these questions can help make a menu that best suits you. 

If you want to make specific changes to your diet and your health, a dietician or nutritionist can help you create a personalized meal plan based on your body’s needs. 

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Take inventory

Before you start planning, write down the items you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry and use these ingredients as a starting point in this week’s menu.

By doing this, you will save money (and possibly a trip to the grocery store), and ensure that none of your food goes to waste. It also cuts down on the time you’ll spend brainstorming meals. 

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Make your menu

Okay, now to the fun part–choosing the recipes. 

Before you head to Pinterest or Grandma’s old cookbook, be sure to check your calendar to actually know how many meals you need to plan for. Late meeting on Wednesday night? No problem, plan to heat up leftovers that evening. Date night on Saturday? Perfect, leave that spot on your meal plan open. 

When it comes to planning your meals, simplicity is key. While finding new, tasty recipes every week may seem exciting, don’t go overboard. Stick mostly to tried and true recipes, meals you know how to make and can depend on enjoying. 

If you want to add a little adventure to mealtimes, try one new recipe each week. You’ll save yourself potential frustration and disappointment, and might even find a new favorite dish. 

Regularly incorporating a “theme night” like Taco Tuesday or Pizza Night can also help simplify your meal planning, while also leaving room for variety in the dishes. 

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Create a shopping list

After “shopping your pantry,” you may still need to go to the grocery store for additional ingredients or even to stock up on staple foods to get you through the week. However, before you go, make sure you create a list of what you need based on your chosen recipes. 

Having a list can help keep your shopping time intentional and focused, and can help prevent you from filling up your cart with unnecessary (and possibly unhealthy) extras.

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Prepare ahead

Many people who use meal planning also like to incorporate some time into their week for food preparation to simplify their to-do list each day. There are several methods to prepare food ahead of time and you’ll need to decide which method (if any) is right for your schedule and your nutritional goals. 

You might want to cook 1-2 meals at the beginning of the week to simply reheat later. Or maybe you’ll want to make individually portioned meals to easily take with you on the go. 

You could also prepare several ingredients ahead of time (like chopping veggies or making a large pot of rice) so they are already ready when you start cooking. 

Preparing food ahead of your meal time, while an initial, up-front “investment” can really help make your weeks flow more smoothly and is well worth the effort. 

Looking for some inspiration for your meal planning this week? 

Check out these delicious recipes in our blog archives.

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Egg-cellent Recipes for Breakfast
Healthy and Delicious Summer Snack Recipes
Healthy and Hearty Soups to Enjoy the Fall

Easy to Make Snacks that Keep You Full at Work

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The Catholic Church devotes each month of the year to a particular aspect of the faith and the Church dedicates May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

During this month, the faithful should take time to try to emulate Mary’s virtues and recall the important role she plays in Salvation History and in our own lives. 

You can use these suggestions to celebrate the Mother of God this May in your own home and community: 

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May Crowning

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A May Crowning is a traditional Roman Catholic ritual in which the faithful crown Mary with a garland or a wreath of flowers at the close of a solemn procession. 

Many parishes host their own crowning for you to attend, but you can also organize one for your family and friends. Place a small crown on a Mary statue you already own or place flowers by an image of Our Lady in your home or garden. Sing a Marian hymn or offer a prayer to her. 

Return to the Queen of Heaven throughout the month and ask her and her Son to reign in your heart. 

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Plant a Marian Garden

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Place a statue or image of Our Lady in your prepared plot of land and plant flowers to honor her.

Many flowers and herbs–like roses, lilies, and rosemary– also hold a uniquely Marian significance that you might want to consider when planning your garden. 

You can add a small bench to the area for prayer or other meaningful/decorative accents that honor Our Lady. 

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Read a book about Mary or Marian Spirituality

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Many saints and scholars have written on the life and virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pick up their writings this month to help you grow in your relationship with the Mother of God. Looking for a place to start? Consider one of these titles.

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Make a Marian Pilgrimage

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For centuries, Catholics have undertaken pilgrimages as a sign of faith and devotion. Plan a pilgrimage this month as a sign of love for Mary. 

While an international excursion might not be possible, you could possibly take a trip to one of these domestic destinations dedicated to the Blessed Mother: 

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• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
• Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA.
• Shrine of Our Lady de La Leche, St. Augustine, FL.
• National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.
• Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wis.
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, MD. 
• House of Mary Shrine, Yankton, SD.
• Our Lady of the Sierras, Hereford, AZ.
• Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Long Island, NY. 
• National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Washington, N.J.

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Otherwise, you can create your own pilgrimage experience in your own town. Take a trip to a local parish for Mass (perhaps on the feast of the Visitation) and spend time in prayer before a Marian image. Invite some friends, pack a lunch, and make it a little do-yourself retreat. 

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Meditate on the life of Our Lady 

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The Blessed Mother provides an excellent example for anyone pursuing a life of holiness and a relationship with God. Take time to learn from her by meditating on her life. 

You can pray the Mysteries of the Rosary or the Seven Sorrows Rosary as a way to meditate on the joys and suffering of Mary as she obediently followed the Will of God. You can also use Lectio Divina or Ignatian Meditation to contemplate the life of Mary as written about in Sacred Scriptures. 

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See yourself Temple of the Holy Spirit

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The Blessed Virgin Mary gives us the most perfect example of living as Temple of the Holy Spirit; an example we are called to follow. 

Here at Pietra Fitness, we strive to build up the Cathedral of You by giving you a strong foundation both physically and spiritually, which is why we have consecrated our mission to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Spend some time in prayer and exercise with our Catholic Fitness program to help you see yourself as our Lady did, a living Cathedral built for God’s glory. Sign up for your free 14 day trial today!

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We all know the feeling: 3 p.m. hits and the afternoon slump begins to take hold. You start looking for a snack that will get you to the end of your work day. 

Instead of the processed goodies from the vending machine or donuts from the break room, a nutrient-dense, protein-packed snack will help keep you feeling fuller longer and keep you focused and productive

Try one of these delicious and easy-to-make snacks to finish off the day strong!

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Cookies

Protein plays a major role in helping you feel satiated; however, your body doesn’t store excess protein so you’ll need to eat it throughout the day.  

These Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Protein Cookies from Megan at the Oregon Dietitian include several sources of protein and healthy fats that will sustain you during those long afternoons. 

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Roasted Chickpeas

If you are craving the satisfying crunch of a bag of chips, consider roasted chickpeas as a healthier alternative as chickpeas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. The protein and fiber work together to slow digestion and help keep your appetite under control. 

Roast chickpeas with a variety of spices to add a bit more flavor; check out this flavor-filled recipe from Love & Lemons. You can eat this tasty snack by itself or toss them on to your salad during lunch.

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Chia pudding

Chia pudding is simple to prepare and very versatile, so you’ll never get bored of this tasty snack. You can even batch make chia pudding ahead of time and store in the freezer for several weeks. 

Mix chia seeds with your choice of milk, then let sit for 15 minutes until the seeds begin to gel. Add toppings like fresh or dried fruit, nut butters, seeds, and cacao nibs. 

‍Lisa of Downshiftology offers large list of flavorful combinations for you to try and tips for preparing your chia pudding ahead of time.  

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Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

Trail mix is a classic choice for sustaining energy levels through the day. While you could buy a bag of trail mix from the store, you could easily make this snack in your own kitchen. Doing this will not only save you money, but will also help ensure that your trail mix doesn’t contain any sneaky additives.

Combine dried fruit and berries, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate chips in a large plastic bag. When stored in a cool, dry place this mix can last for over two weeks so it’s easy to prepare and perfect for storing at your desk. 

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Yogurt parfait

Layer Greek yogurt and frozen berries in a jar. If you want a little more sweetness, you can add some honey. Top with granola right before you eat it for a bit of crunch (adding it too early will make the granola soggy). 

You can easily prepare this snack the night before or even 2-3 days ahead of time so in the morning you can just grab and go. 

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Avocados

Millennials have already embraced the power behind this nutrient-dense superfood. Avocados are especially high in healthy fats and fiber, and work as a spread on a variety of foods. 

Pair with rice cakes, whole wheat/sourdough toast, or even bell peppers for a snack that will leave you satisfied. 

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Apple “Nachos”

Apple Nachos bring a little pizazz to your afternoon snack break. Place sliced apples on a plate, drizzle with warm nut butter, and finish with your choice of toppings. The Simple Veganista suggests chocolate chips or cacao nibs, cinnamon, and/or shredded coconut. 

Cacao nibs and coconut are both good sources of fiber and healthy fats that keep you feeling fuller longer. 

Leftover nachos can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days; use lemon juice to keep the apples from browning during storage.

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Vegetables and Hummus

Nutritionists love hummus (and with good reason!) Made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, this dip is full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You can buy it at your local grocery store or even make your own. 

You can enjoy your hummus with non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, and celery for a snack that will keep you energized and satisfied all afternoon. 

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Charcuterie board

While a pre-packaged string cheese would give you an extra boost of protein, why not opt for something a little more special for your afternoon treat? 

A Charcuterie board is made up of sustaining (and delicious) foods that will give you a boost when you start to feel sluggish. Plus, treating yourself to a fancy snack might also boost your mood. 

Arrange your favorite cheeses, fruits, nuts, veggies, meat, and/or crackers on a plate, or you can place it on a platter and share with the rest of the office. 

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Whether you’re caring for a newborn, chasing after a toddler, or driving your preteen to extracurriculars, you probably feel like you don’t have enough time in the day to do everything, especially exercise.

However, setting aside time for a structured workout will not only help you feel your best–both physically and mentally–but it will also set a positive example for your children about healthy habits and caring for your body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit.

So, how can a parent squeeze a workout into an already full schedule?

While you could get a membership to an expensive gym with childcare services, you can also follow these tips to easily incorporate fitness into your daily life.

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Prioritize it when planning your week

Sometimes, getting in your weekly workout is truly just a matter of prioritization.

First, think about your “why.” Why is exercise important to you? Why is it something you want/need to prioritize in your schedule? If you consider exercise as a foundational part of your life, like prayer or date night with your spouse, you need to choose to set time aside for it.

Find a consistent time in your schedule for your workout (like in the morning before the kids wake up or during nap/quiet time) and write it in pen on your calendar. This time is non-negotiable so you need to treat it as such.

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Find an accountability partner

Firstly, you and your spouse can serve as an incredible resource for one another of help and support in pursuing your goals. Communicate with your spouse and see how you can help one another make time for exercise.

You can also reach out to another parent to be your fitness buddy. You could offer to trade off babysitting to ensure you both have an opportunity to workout each week, or maybe schedule a playdate for the kids while you work out together.

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Shift your mindset

Getting rid of an “all or nothing” mindset when it comes to exercise can really help you feel empowered to succeed in your health journey. You might not get in a full hour workout all at once, everyday but you can squeeze in exercise in 5-10 minute increments throughout your day.

Do squats while cooking dinner, take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, or park a little further away from the store or library to encourage a brisk walk. Even ordinary household tasks, like gardening or vacuuming can count toward your overall goal.

This mindset will help you see all of the opportunities throughout your day to move your body in healthy ways.

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Join in the fun

Children have a natural inclination toward physical activity. They love to walk, run, jump, climb, dance, and play. And there’s no reason you have to sit on the sidelines while your kids have all the fun. Hop up and join them!

Playing with your children not only encourages daily movement in your home but also provides another opportunity to bond with your kids.

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Workout with your kids

Similarly, you can make your workout time, family time! Invite your children (and your spouse) to join you in your fitness routine.

Studies have shown that children are more likely to enjoy and continue to pursue physical activities when they get to do it with their parents.  Again, it encourages family bonding when you are all having fun and working out together.

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And now, Pietra Fitness offers an exercise program specifically designed for kids! This unique program combines physical exercise, Christian prayer, and meditation, offering an enjoyable and meaningful way for kids to move their bodies.

Parents can use Pietra Kids at home with their children, helping their kids build confidence, get some exercise, relax, and develop a meaningful relationship with God. It’s a win for both you and them!

Get started today with your 14-day free trial.

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Recently, a good friend of mine agreed to exercise with me and we enjoyed an invigorating hour together. The workout went well but at the end she picked up her mat with a frustrated sigh and said, “Ugh. I hate working out because it reminds me how weak I am.” I was surprised because I thought it had gone well. I was also feeling pretty weak but had arrived at a different conclusion: “I love working out because I can identify my weaknesses and will know where to focus my efforts next time.”

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I’m a competitive person when it comes to sport or physical challenges, and so it has generally been easier for me to lean into my physical weaknesses and turn them into motivation. But I have other areas in my life that are not so easy for me to expose and surrender to the light of change. I admire her for being willing to move forward in spite of her discouragement and I told her so. I also encouraged her to see her weakness in a different light. Even while I did so, I was aware of the uglier areas of my life that I would rather keep a lid on… where action exposes my ineptness and fraudulent veneer of strength.

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We all have some weakness which plagues us and from which we are tempted to run. Saint Paul even wrote of his particular “thorn” with which he battled and which the Lord did not remove:

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...to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12)

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We may not know what that thorn was but we do know how Paul responded, and that gives us some insight into our own response to weakness, to frustration, and to a feeling of futility. Even while I happily enjoy my own generally positive attitude towards weakness of fitness, I just as willingly brush aside my less comfortable flaws and weaknesses.

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Ugh. I hate facing this task because it so often results in my failure. I don’t want to look at it. I don’t want to see myself that way. And I don’t want anyone else to see me that way either.

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The truth is that to be equipped to be fully responsive to God’s call on our lives we must be continually engaged, attentive, renewed, and healthy in mind. The Lord’s words to Saint Paul illuminate how we are to embrace the thorn, the weakness, and the crosses which are revealed to be the very solutions to our problems.

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My legs shake when I do squats. I will strengthen them.

My shoulders cannot hold me in plank. I will be attentive to them.

My back is stiff from sitting over my desk. I will make changes to my habits.

My anxiety is high when I do not pray. I will pray.

My love is tepid. I will spend time with my beloved.

My body is lazy. I will take the stairs.

My mind is wandering. I will delete some apps.

I cannot do it. I cannot do it now… but I will work and grow.

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Instead of feeling defeated in the presence of our weakness, we should grow accustomed to delighting in the opportunity to grow into a better version of ourselves. There will still be that twinge of pride when we see ourselves in an unflattering and weak light, and yet that is the moment to surrender it to the Lord, lay it down at the foot of the Cross, and ask Him to help us rise with energy and courage. 

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It is easy to stay at the edge of our comfort and to move ourselves away from challenges which expose our faults. But without those challenges we would never grow. So it should be with gratitude and a measure of cheerfulness that we step onto our exercise mat, or in front of our unbalanced checkbook, or into a hard discussion, or hold a to-do list, and say…

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Ugh. I’m feeling uncomfortable right now. Embarrassed and ugly. But the full truth is that I am capable… I’m just out of shape. Without this moment, I will not grow. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me this weight to lift. Help me grow strong in Your grace. 

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Part of the beauty of the Catholic Church comes from the richness and significance of our traditions, especially in the days leading up to Easter. 

During Holy Week, the Church helps the faithful enter into the very heart of our faith by inviting us to more fully and tangibly experience the events of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection through unique prayers, special liturgies, and ancient customs.

Whether you’re a Cradle Catholic or just recently begun attending mass, this guide will walk you through the events of Holy Week. 

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Palm Sunday

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Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday in which we recall Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem before his death. So at mass, palm branches are blessed and are carried in procession. You might choose to fashion these palms into the shape of a cross and bring them home as a reminder of your faith in Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of all. 

This day is also called “Passion Sunday” because during this mass, instead of a traditional Gospel reading, the whole congregation participates in a “reenactment” of the Passion Narrative. 

You may also notice the sacred images in your Church (like the Crucifix, saint statues, etc.) have either been removed or covered in a purple cloth. Monsignor Elliott in Celebrations of the Liturgical Year remarks, "The custom of veiling crosses and images ... has much to commend it in terms of religious psychology, because it helps us to concentrate on the great essentials of Christ's work of Redemption." ¹

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Cover the sacred images in your home with purple cloth

-Process around your home (or your church) with the palms

-Wear red in remembrance of the Lord’s Passion

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Chrism Mass

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During Holy Week, bishops bless sacred oils in the cathedral at a special liturgy called the Chrism Mass. Three types of oils are blessed during this mass and are afterwards distributed to the parishes for sacramental celebrations throughout the year.

The oil of chrism is used during baptisms, confirmation, ordination and the consecration of altars. The oil of the sick is used to anoint people during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. And of course, the oil of catechumens is used at the Easter Vigil to welcome the newest members of the body of Christ. 

Traditionally this mass took place on Thursday morning during Holy Week but now many dioceses opt to off the mass on an evening earlier in the week to accommodate more attendees. Check with your diocesan cathedral to determine the schedule for this year’s mass. 

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Spy Wednesday

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The Wednesday of Holy Week is often referred to as “Spy Wednesday” because on this day, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew’s Gospel says of Judas: “And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” 

Traditionally many churches offer a Tenebrae service on this day, though similar to the Chrism Mass it may be moved for the convenience of the laity. Tenebrae combines the chanted prayers of Matins and Lauds from the Divine Office, as well as a centuries-old mourning ritual.

During this liturgy, fifteen candles are placed on the altar and slowly extinguished until the church is in complete darkness. Then, there is a loud clash symbolizing Jesus’ death and the earthquake that followed the Crucifixion.

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Attend a Tenebrae Service (or perform one at home)

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Holy Thursday

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Holy Thursday kicks off the Triduum, or the three most sacred days of the Liturgical calendar, with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. On this day, we remember Christ instituting the Eucharist during the Last Supper with His disciples. We also remember His agony in Gethsemane and the betrayal of Judas. 

The priest, in imitation of Christ at the Passover, washes the feet of twelve parishioners. At the conclusion of the Mass, instead of the traditional recessional, the Eucharist is carried in solemn procession to the Altar of Repose, where it will remain 'entombed' until the communion service on Good Friday². You are invited to continue Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament here, just as the disciples were invited to stay up with the Lord during His agony.

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Receive the Eucharist at Holy Thursday Mass

-Chant or listen to the Pange Lingua Gloriosi

-Spend an hour (or more) in front of the Blessed Sacrament

-Complete the traditional Seven Church Pilgrimage

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Good Friday

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On Good Friday, we remember Christ’s Passion and Death on the Cross. It’s a solemn day on which the Church tells us fast and to abstain from meat.

No sacraments are celebrated on this day; however, many parishes offer a communion service for the faithful to receive the Eucharist consecrated in the night before as well as an opportunity to venerate the cross. 

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Attend the Good Friday service at your parish

-Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

-Pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm (Good Friday also begins the Divine Mercy Novena!)

-Pray the Stations of the Cross

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Holy Saturday

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On Holy Saturday, “...the Church is, as it were, at the Lord's tomb, meditating on his passion and death, and on his descent into hell, and awaiting his resurrection with prayer and fasting.³”  It is a day of quiet meditation. No morning or daytime masses take place and the faithful spend the day looking in anticipation toward the Mother of All Masses–the Easter Vigil. 

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Observe silence

-Fast from social media or other distractions

-Pray Morning Prayer and the Office of Readings

-Meditate on a image of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary

-Prepare your home to avoid unnecessary work on Easter Sunday

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Easter Vigil 

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The entire liturgical year culminates in the Easter Vigil. Through his Death, Christ frees us from our bondage to sin; through His Resurrection, He brings us the promise of new and eternal life. 

This mass consists of four unique parts that differ slightly from the formula of an ordinary mass. 

The first part is called “The Service of Light.” For the Vigil, the Church begins in darkness and the priest begins outside by a large fire. From this fire, the Paschal candle is lit and processed into the Church. Slowly, the light is passed to each member of the congregation by the lighting of their individual candles. 

The second part is of course, the Liturgy of the Word but instead of the standard amount of readings your Mass may have up to nine readings from Scripture. The Gloria is sung just before reading the Epistle, and just before the Gospel, the Alleluia is sung for the first time in forty days. 

The third part is the Liturgy of Baptism. If your parish has any new members coming into the Church this is the point of the mass where the sacraments of initiation occur. You will also renew your baptismal promises and chant the Litany of Saints before finally reaching the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

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Ways to Celebrate:

-If possible, attend the Easter Vigil at your parish. 

-If you are unable to attend, consider doing your own “Vigil” at home. Light a candle, read from the Scriptures, and sing the Alleluia. 

-Host a Resurrection Party after mass to celebrate Christ’s victory over death (and the newly baptized Catholics)

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Easter Sunday

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Easter is the high feast of the liturgical year; it is at the very heart of our faith as Catholic Christians. Easter Sunday kicks off the fifty-day season of Easter as well as the Easter Octave, 8 days of solemnities to keep the party going. 

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Ways to Celebrate:

-Go to Mass, if you didn’t go to the vigil. 

-FEAST

-Don’t forget Easter Sunday is just the beginning of the celebration. Click here for suggestions on how to drink fully of the joy of the Resurrection.

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This season of Lent provides us with an opportunity to contemplate God’s mercy, most perfectly revealed and made present to us in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ reveals God’s great love for humanity and restores man’s identity as a child of God. 

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We respond to this great outpouring of love, not only by frequent reception of the sacraments (especially confession), but also by offering God’s mercy to others through the Works of Mercy. 

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The Works of Mercy–both Corporal and Spiritual–go beyond mere service activities, they offer opportunities to share in the mission of Jesus Christ and to serve Him in those who suffer:

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“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” –Matthew 25:34-36, 40

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Take some time during these remaining weeks of Lent to respond to God’s mercy in one or more of these unique ways:  

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Feed the Hungry

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Serve a meal at a Homeless Shelter 

Contact your local homeless shelter and see if they need volunteers to cook or serve a meal for their residents. While you're there, don’t forget to take some time to get to know the people you are serving. 

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Treat someone to lunch

Is there a friend you haven’t caught up with in a while or someone at your parish who could use a new friend? Invite them to lunch, your treat! Sharing a meal provides a moment of connection with another person and an opportunity to encounter God. 

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Organize or participate in a Meal Train

Know someone that recently had a baby or is recovering from illness/surgery? Bring a meal to them or organize a group of friends to help keep their fridge stocked during this season. 

Give Drink to the Thirsty

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Carry extra water bottles

Keep water bottles in your car or in your bag to offer a homeless person your may encounter. 

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Donate baby formula to local pregnancy center

Help a new mother (and their sweet baby) by donating formula to a nearby pregnancy center. Or if you are a breastfeeding mama, consider donating some breast milk to another mom who needs to supplement or a family with a recently adopted infant.

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Help bring clean water to a poor country

Water is critical for maintaining life; it’s needed of course for drinking, but also for helping livestock and crops thrive. However, many people around the world lack a clean and readily available water supply. Donate to one of the many organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, working to improve the water supply in poorer countries. 

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Shelter the Homeless

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Volunteer cleaning/maintenance services to a homeless shelter

Help create a beautiful and safe place for those experiencing homelessness by volunteering your time to clean or maintain a shelter. 

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Support an foster family/adoption fund

Approximately 400,000 children are in the foster care system in the United States and are in need of a stable place to live. If you personally know a foster family, you can support them in caring for the child(ren) entrusted to them, or you might also consider becoming a foster parent yourself. 

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If you have friends looking to adopt a child, you can help them bring this child home. Offer to host a fundraiser for them, make a donation, and/or share their efforts with your friends and family. 

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Support refugees

Millions of men, women, and children have fled their homes in recent years because of war and violence. Donate money, supplies, or even your time to support these individuals and families seeking out a new home. 

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Clothe the Naked

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Donate your new/gently used clothing

Do you have any clothes (in good condition, of course) that you no longer want or need? Donate them to a local thrift store that supports the poor. You can also donate your clothes to another organization that can get your clothes right into the hands of those who need them most. If you have a lot of business attire, a local homeless or women’s shelter could give them to people interviewing for jobs. If you have maternity or baby clothes, a crisis pregnancy center can help give them to new mothers. 

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Host a clothing drive

Organize a clothing drive at your parish, office, or within your community and collect clothes for those in need. Research local organizations that can benefit from these donations. 

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Make clothing for those in need

Put those sewing/knitting skills to good use by making articles of clothing, blankets, hats, scarves for others. Donate handmade baby blankets and hats to a local pregnancy shelter or winter weather wear to a nearby homeless shelter. 

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Visit the Sick

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Volunteer at a Nursing Home or Hospital

Do you have any special talents you could share with others? Maybe you are musically inclined or love calling Bingo games? See if the hospital or nursing home needs volunteers to bring a little cheer to their patients. 

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Send flowers or cards

If you know someone who has been struggling with illness, send them a little pick-me-up of flowers or a handwritten card. You can deliver them in person or, if you live far away, can have them sent directly to their home. 

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Give Blood

Hospitals rely on donations of blood to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Giving blood doesn’t take much time or effort and is a truly life-changing way to reach out to someone fighting illness or injury. 

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Visit the Imprisoned

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Volunteer at a Prison

Prisons, with the help of volunteers, often offer educational and spiritual support to incarcerated people. If you have a skill you can teach, like a trade/vocational skill, resume writing, financial smarts, or if you are interested in leading a Bible Study or retreat, reach out to the closest prison to see how you can get involved. 

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Write to a prisoner

Many incarcerated people feel immense loneliness during their time in prison. Letter-writing is a safe and easy way to alleviate some of their suffering and to allow them continued communication to the outside world that many will one day rejoin. 

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Bury the Dead

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Attend a wake/funeral of someone you knew

If a family member, friend, or even another member of your parish community passes away during this season, take the time to attend the wake or funeral to remember their life and to pray for their soul. 

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Help with funeral expenses

Donate to an organization that helps financially with Catholic burial expenses for families unable to afford it. Pray for the soul of the person who will be buried thanks to your financial donation. 

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Visit the grave of a loved one

Bring flowers or take the time to clean up the area where a loved one is buried.

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