Welcome to the latest edition of the weekly Say Yes to Holiness newsletter—designed to help inspire, encourage and accompany you on the path towards holiness.

Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Is there anything more that needs to be said?

In light of this great mystery, I will simply share Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help you meditate and immerse yourself in the great Mystery of the One who became like us so as to help us become like Him.

May these thoughts help you more deeply celebrate the beauty, joy and peace of this Easter week on your journey towards holiness…

Food for the Head ​

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is Risen and you are overthrown. Christ is Risen and the demons are fallen. Christ is Risen and the Angels rejoice. Christ is Risen and Life reigns. Christ is Risen and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being Risen from the dead is become the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.” — Saint John Chrysostom

In the reality of death’s defeat, how will we live out this Easter season so that the First Fruits are evident in our own life?

This week, resolve to live out the Easter season rejoicing with the angels and saints.

Food for the Heart

“Why should we today sing Alleluia, Praise the Lord? Because this day we are fed, freed, assured of the truth, and given promises of being endowed, in our resurrection, with the gifts of clarity, agility, brightness, and impassibility, which Christ showed in his resurrection.” — Saint Vincent Ferrer

As Saint Vincent reminds us, Alleluia means “Praise the Lord”! And why do we praise Him?

Because He has given us everything.

This week, resolve to give thanks to the Lord for all of His graces and blessings.

Food for the Hands

“At Easter, we rejoice because Christ did not remain in the tomb, his body did not see corruption; he belongs to the world of the living, not to the world of the dead; we rejoice because he is the Alpha and also the Omega, as we proclaim in the rite of the Paschal Candle; he lives not only yesterday, but today and for eternity (cf. Heb 13:8).” — Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that Christ is alive, and has been yesterday, today and for all eternity.

Although we are called to live with Christ for all eternity, we must begin now.

This week, resolve to begin living eternity with Christ today.

Food for the Feet

“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints”.—St Claire of Assisi

Saint Claire of Assisi reminds us that in the midst of all of life’s tribulations with its difficulties, challenges and disappointments, we are gaining possesion of an eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints.

This week, resolve to offer all of your sufferings to Christ so you may reign with Him.

One of my favorite ways to offer our sufferings to Christ is allow Mary to help me by praying the Rosary. Try the Daily Rosary podcast by the School of Faith, You can find it by clicking here. ​

Exhortation

”All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection!” — Saint Francis of Assisi

Throughout this Easter week, make the words of Saint Francis your own.

May you continue to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to know Christ, so that together we can tell the Master of Death, "NOT TODAY!"

All the best,

Christina

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Below are the Latest Happenings In the Say Yes to Holiness Community!

Our Lenten Online Retreat has now concluded, but it is still possible to participate!

This retreat saw us read the spiritual classic, Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin by Father James McElhone, CSC. This online retreat included a brief reflection and daily resolution that is designed to help you incorporate the use of a particular examen in your daily life to help you take the next step on our pilgrimage towards holiness.

If you are interested, in using this online retreat during the Easter season, you can simply go to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast (you can also find the podcast on Spotify and Apple) or watch the episodes on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel.

Finally, if you participated in the retreat and would like to make a donation in support of the work associated with this endeavor, you can click the link below.

Subscribe now

Latest Post on the Women of the New Evangelization (WINE) blog:

Harden Not Our Hearts (Mar 9)

Do Not Be Terrified (Nov 16)

Gaining Wisdom of Heart (Sept 9)

Guest appearance on the Equipcast Podcast:

"When God Asks, How Do You Answer?: The Power of 'Yes' with Christina Semmens

Article on Catholic365.com Platform:

We Are All Eucharistic Missionaires!

Latest episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast...

Episode #260—”Helping Your Marriage Flourish—1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League”

​Subscribe to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast!

You can listen to the latest episodes of the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

You can also watch the podcast on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel

Click Here to Check Out All the Podcast Episodes

The Say Yes to Holiness YouTube Channel

The latest offering is available—the Lenten Book Online Retreat—”Rooting Out Hidden Faults” by Father James McElhone on YouTube—Click here to be taken to the playlist

The content found at the Catholic Leadership Puzzle is now going to be in a book!

Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, April 21st!

The book focuses upon how we each can help to create life-giving communities where we can become the holy men and women that God created us to be.

More information on preordering will be coming soon. In the interim, here is an endorsement of the book for your consideration…

“From my perspective, the value of Solving the Parish Puzzle is that it brings much-needed clarity and integration to a space that is often fragmented. Parish leaders, ministry teams, and disciples are usually generous and committed, but not always aligned around a common mission or framework. This book provides a language and structure that helps unify efforts, ensuring that what we do is not simply activity, but intentional participation in forming missionary disciples and building communities that truly accompany people toward Christ.

As a leader, what stands out is how the book reinforces that healthy ministries do not emerge from isolated talent or charisma, but from a disciplined commitment to principles that can be learned, practiced, and replicated. By identifying the twelve “puzzle pieces,” it gives leaders a roadmap for sustainability. It shifts the focus from short-term success or programmatic growth to long-term fruitfulness rooted in evangelization, formation, relationships, and accountability. That is exactly what is needed to form leaders who can endure, multiply, and build environments where others can flourish.

What I find most compelling is the insistence on integration and the rejection of the “Christmas tree” mentality. That diagnosis is both honest and accurate. Too many of our parishes are doing a lot but not always moving in the same direction. The call to rediscover the “why,” to place everything at the service of mission, and to intentionally build communities where people are known, formed, and sent, is not only helpful but also, urgent. The Church does not need more activity. It needs greater coherence, deeper conviction, and leaders who can align people and purpose toward the work of making saints.”

Cristofer Pereyra

Chief Executive Officer

Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI)

I pray that you will consider purchasing a copy when it becomes available and posting a review on Amazon as well.

To check out more resources; click here: The Catholic Leadership Puzzle

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This is Day 37 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to make a plan (rule) of life in order to live out a life of temperance.

Today is our last day! Know what a joy it has been to journey with each of you this Lenten season. I have offered this work to all of you for free, but if you have found it to be of benefit to you and you wish to support my continued work, please subscribe below if you have not already.

Know of my prayers for each of you throughout the Triduum, and God bless!

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 36 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Reflect upon the last time that you faltered in courage and determine if it was a result of lack of constancy, perseverance or love of God and then resolve to do better next time.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

Welcome to the latest edition of the weekly Say Yes to Holiness newsletter—designed to help inspire, encourage and accompany you on the path towards holiness.

Holy Week has begun.

Yesterday, we celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and then the ridiculous quick turn of events which ultimately led to His Passion.

It is the institution of the Most Holy Eucharist and Jesus’ suffering and death that we commemorate this week as we prepare for His great triumph over darkness, sin and death which we will celebrate this coming Sunday.

It is important that we do not skip over this week and jump straight to the celebration. If we do, then we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn how to live life as Jesus showed us, and the greatest lesson He bestowed upon us—that it is only through suffering and death that we come to eternal life.

Whatever it is that we have going on in our lives, we need to move through it.

So, this week’s Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet will look to help sustain you to walk through this Holy Week so that each of us is truly prepared to celebrate Easter next Sunday…

Food for the Head ​

“The commemoration of Christ’s saving Passion is at hand, and the new, great spiritual Passover, which is the reward for dispassion and the prelude of the world to come. Lazarus proclaims it in advance by coming back from the depths of Hades and rising from the dead on the fourth day just by voice and command of God, Who has power over life and death (cf. Jn. 11:1-45).—Gregory Palamas

The raising of Lazarus was Jesus’ final sign that indicated that God truly was amongst His people. Now, for those who had eyes to see and ears to hear, the reality that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah was evident. But for us, two millenia later, we might miss this reality and we need to be reminded.

We need to be reminded of God’s great love for His creation—of His great love for each and every one of us. And there is no greater reminder than Christ’s saving Passion.

The Passion is the new, great spiritual Passover in which darkness, sin and death are conquered, and the rewards of the Resurrection are possible—merely from the voice and command of God who has power over life and death!

God does have power over life and death.

Yet, we forget this reality because we see and hear death all around us, so we forget that God can bring life out of death—if we have the faith of a mustard seed.

We think that we must believe something is possible before we can move through anything, but the reality is quite different. For it is faith that we can do it that makes the difference. This week, we must have faith that we have what it takes to move through the Passion with Jesus.

If we have but the faith of a mustard seed, it will come to pass.

This week, resolve to step out in faith to accompany Jesus and help Him get through His Passion.

Food for the Heart

“Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven.”—Saint Rose of Lima

All of us want to go to heaven.

Yet, we try to get to heaven by not having to endure any crosses.

How do I know this? Because we all tend to complain, rail against, and battle against the crosses we encounter in our lives.

It takes a lot of time (and grace!) before we understand the wisdom that Saint Rose of Lima offers here. But she gives us what can help us move through the individual Passions of our lives as well as accompany Jesus through His this week.

To recognize that there is no other way to get to heaven except through the cross.

This week, resolve to accompany Jesus on His Way of the Cross this week while accepting the crosses in your own life.

Food for the Hands

“No one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice; no one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death.”—Saint Leo the Great

Similar to Saint Rose, yet Saint Leo’s wisdom can encourage us in the face of those crosses that can be hardest to bear—the crosses of injustice and betrayal.

There is nothing easy about being misunderstood, slandered, or being made the outcast. It could be that someone presumed you meant something else, or someone tells a falsehood about you by twisting your words or actions, or through circumstances where you have been made responsible for something you did not do. Worse is when that “someone” is a person you considered a good friend.

But the result is you are unjustly accused and falsely convicted.

In these situations, we must not be afraid to suffer for the sake of justice, or lose confidence in the reward that has been promised to anyone who is “persecuted for my sake.” Any time that we experience the crosses of injustice and betrayal, we are being persecuted for Jesus’ sake.

And how should we respond?

Saint Leo tells us—to toil through.

This is what he means when he writes, the way to rest is through toil, and the way to life is death.

Jesus shows us how to do that this Holy Week, so let us draw close and observe so we may learn how to toil to gain rest and find life through death.

This week, resolve to observe and walk closely with Jesus to learn how to toil through the crosses of injustice and betrayal to find life through death.

Food for the Feet

“O souls! Seek a refuge, like pure doves, in the shadow of the crucifix. There, mourn the Passion of your divine Spouse, and drawing from your hearts flames of love and rivers of tears, make of them a precious balm with which to anoint the wounds of your Saviour.” — Saint Paul of the Cross

Saint Paul of the Cross points toward a reality which many of us forget. That because of the nature of eternity, the flames of love from our hearts and rivers of tears we offer NOW make a precious balm with which to anoint the wounds of our Savior on the cross.

In other words, anything we do this week to draw close and accompany Jesus during His Passion will bring Him comfort during His actual suffering and death two thousand years ago.

Sounds far fetched, but the communion of saints joined together for eternity makes this possible. We step into the eternal Banquet feast of the Lamb at every Mass, and are present at His suffering and death (therein the language we sometimes hear about the “Sacrifice of the Mass”) because of this great mystery of eternal, or kairos, time.

Therefore, let us resolve to seek a refuge in the shadow of the crucifix. Let us mourn the Passion of our divine Spouse. Let our sorrow draw from our hearts flames of love and rivers of tears so that a precious balm is made with which the wounds of our Savior can be anointed.

We can do this for our Lord! We can make the unbearable, bearable for our Beloved through our love and faith.

This week, resolve to mourn so that flames of love and rivers of tears creates a precious balm that anoints the wounds of our Savior to help Him endure the unbearable.

One of my favorite ways to endure what seems unbearable is to pray the Rosary. Try the Daily Rosary podcast by the School of Faith, You can find it by clicking here. ​

Exhortation

”All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” — St. Francis of Assisi

Throughout this Holy Week, we must remember what Saint Francis tells us—that all the darkness can not overcome a single candle.

We can be that single candle for Christ this week to help Him endure the unbearable.

We can step out in faith to accompany Jesus throughout His Passion this week trusting that He will sustain us just as we can help to sustain Him.

To remember that it is only through the cross that we can get to heaven.

To resolve to accept whatever crosses may come in our lives, especially the crosses of injustice and betrayal.

And to be determined to mourn our Lord’s Passion so that flames of love and rivers of tears prepare a balm that anoints His wounds and helps Him get through His Passion so that He helps us get through our own passions.

This most holy of weeks, I pray that you may do WHATEVER IT TAKES to move through the Passion alongside our Lord, so that together we can tell the Master of Death, "NOT TODAY!"

All the best,

Christina

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Below are the Latest Happenings In the Say Yes to Holiness Community!

The Lenten Online Retreat is concluding!

This retreat has seen us read the spiritual classic, Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin by Father James McElhone, CSC.

This online retreat included a brief reflection and daily resolution that is designed to help you incorporate the use of a particular examen in your daily life to help you take the next step on our pilgrimage towards holiness. If you are interested, you can click here to go to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast (you can also find the podcast on Spotify and Apple) or watch on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel.

Subscribe now

The link above will take you to my Substack page where you can find all the latest podcast posts for the Lenten Online Retreat. If you are not subscribed yet, I invite you to do for free—or you can make a donation in support of the work associated with this endeavor.

Latest Post on the Women of the New Evangelization (WINE) blog:

Harden Not Our Hearts (Mar 9)

Do Not Be Terrified (Nov 16)

Gaining Wisdom of Heart (Sept 9)

Guest appearance on the Equipcast Podcast:

"When God Asks, How Do You Answer?: The Power of 'Yes' with Christina Semmens

Article on Catholic365.com Platform:

We Are All Eucharistic Missionaires!

Latest episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast...

Episode #260—”Helping Your Marriage Flourish—1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League”

​Subscribe to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast!

You can listen to the latest episodes of the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

You can also watch the podcast on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel

Click Here to Check Out All the Podcast Episodes

The Say Yes to Holiness YouTube Channel

Watch the Lenten Book Online Retreat—”Rooting Out Hidden Faults” by Father James McElhone on YouTube—Click here to be taken to the playlist

The content found at the Catholic Leadership Puzzle is now going to be in a book!

Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, April 21st!

More information will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a initiative that shares and discusses content from my upcoming book (Soving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time) that will be released on April 21st! The book focuses upon how we each can help to create life-giving communities where we can become the holy men and women that God created us to be.

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This is Day 35 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to make reparation to God and neighbor for a lack of your love by going to confession and seeking to make restitution through expressions of forgiveness and apology.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

Today is the Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.

Today is a DAY OFF from additional content for the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Determine prudently how you might more fully participate in the liturgical celebrations of the Church this week.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Enjoy the Sabbath with God, family and friends.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you with a new video again tomorrow!

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PLEASE share this with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 34 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Examine the opportunities available to you to participate in the liturgical life of the Church during the upcoming Holy Week and resolve to participate as much as possible using prudence to guide your decision.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 33 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Examine your practice of the Particular Examen and resolve to improve upon it in whatever way you need.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 32 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to love God and love your neighbor by striving to be a good example today.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 31 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to love God today by either: 1) living out our vocation well in the ordinary affairs of daily life; 2) zealously striving for perfection; or 3) by helping others strive for holiness and eternal life.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 30 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Reflect upon God’s fulfillment of His promises in your life so as to increase your hope in His eternal promise of life with Him in Heaven.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

Welcome to the latest edition of the weekly Say Yes to Holiness newsletter—designed to help inspire, encourage and accompany you on the path towards holiness.

We have now entered Passiontide.

We are now in the final days of Lent before we enter the holiest days of our liturgical year.

This is the time to remember our need for the Lord and ask for the an increase in the graces of faith and love so that we may be ready to rejoice on Easter Sunday morning.

Therefore, this week’s Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet will inspire, encourage and accompany you in preparing for the hope that is the Resurrection on our journey towards holiness…

Food for the Head ​

“Faith is the light that dispels the darkness of ignorance.” – St. Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas reminds us of the power of faith.

Faith is so powerful that it dispels the darkness of ignorance. A darkness that seems to be consuming much of our world today.

Ignorance of truth. Ignorance of goodness. Ignorance of beauty.

Ignorance of God.

There is a reason the world is a very dark place.

Yet, we have darkness within as well. Places where we do not allow the light of Christ to shine—our wounds, petty rivalries, jealousies, and worldly ambitions. We remain in darkness so that we may hold on to these dark spots within us.

But faith is the key to dispelling all the darkness within ourselves as well as what we see around us. Faith becomes the key to opening the door to Heaven for those who believe in the One whom has the power that overcame darkness, sin and death.

As we prepare for Holy Week, let us be mindful of our own ignorance. Let us examine our minds and hearts to see if darkness is creeping in, and if we need the power faith has to dispel it.

This week, resolve to make an act of faith each time you encounter darkness in your mind, heart or soul.

Food for the Heart

“Healing comes when we recognize our need for God.” – St. Therese of Lisieux

All of us are wounded.

There is not a person alive who can honestly claim they have gotten through life without being hurt or injured in some way—be it physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually.

Our wounds color our perception and then cause us to hurt others out of our own pain. But Saint Therese gives us the path we must follow if we desire to be healed of our wounds.

We recognize our need for God.

Particularly, we recognize our need for Him to heal us of all of our wounds and be whole again. When we are whole, then we do not have a need to harm others, but rather, we seek to love as we have been loved.

So, in this week prior to Holy Week, make it a point to go to the sacrament of Confession to be healed of your wounds.

This week, resolve to be healed of your wounds by availing yourself of the graces found in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Food for the Hands

“The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives. As he said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: “come forth.” Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth.”—Thomas S. Monson

What does the resurrection of Lazarus say to us? That every person can be changed through the power of God.

Jesus told Lazarus to “come forth” from death. He tells us the same. To come forth from the despair of doubt, the sorrow of sin, death of disbelief into the newness of life.

This is what Passiontide is for. To enter further into the dark so we can be called forth into new life.

So what parts of you need to be brought to life again?

It is those parts of you from which the Lord commands you to come forth.

This week, resolve to enter more deeply into Passiontide to prepare for the new life the Lord longs for you to come forth.

Food for the Feet

“For He raised not Lazarus alone, but the faith of all; and if you believe, as you read, your spirit also, which was dead, revives with Lazarus.”—Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose captures the essence of the power of Lazarus’ being raised from the dead. Through Lazarus’ resurrection we are all given faith in our own eventual resurrection.

The sister of Lazarus, Martha, expressed her faith in Jesus as Lord, and that she believed that her brother would be raised on the last day. Jesus affirmed her faith, but then told her that her brother would be alive again that very day.

I can only imagine how that must have increased Martha’s faith. And it shoudl increase ours as well—if we believe.

For that is what Passiontide is preparing us for —to deepen our faith in the midst of seeming hopelessness. To remain faithful when all seems lost. To declare faith when that faith seems foolhardy.

With each moment that we remain faithful, our trust grows and is magnified in the Lord. And as our trust grows, so does our capacity for hope. For the Resurrection is about hope. Let us prepare for hope during these final days of Lent by remaining faithful to all that we have promised.

This week, resolve to remain faithful to your Lenten promises so as to prepare for hope.

One of my favorite ways to prepare for hope is to pray the Rosary. Try the Daily Rosary podcast by the School of Faith, You can find it by clicking here. ​

Exhortation

”I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”—John 11:25

As we enter into the final week of Lent before Holy Week, we should strive to keep this pronouncement that Jesus made to Martha prior to His raising of Lazarus.

It is His promise to each one of us that if we believe in Him, then we will live.

If we believe, then we make acts of faith to increase our belief.

To increase our belief, we seek to be healed of our wounds.

We seek to discover the parts of ourselves that are in darkness, so can set them adie and come forth into the light.

And we remain faithful to all of our Lenten promises to prepare for eternal hope.

This is what we do during this Passiontide time.

I pray that you may do WHATEVER IT TAKES to prepare for hope, so that together we can tell the Master of Death, "NOT TODAY!"

All the best,

Christina

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Below are the Latest Happenings In the Say Yes to Holiness Community!

The Lenten Online Retreat continues!!

This retreat has us reading from the spiritual classic, Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin by Father James McElhone, CSC.

This online retreat includes a brief reflection and daily resolution that is designed to help you incorporate the use of a particular examen in your daily life to help you take the next step on our pilgrimage towards holiness. If you are interested, send me a message by clicking below.

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The link above will take you to my Substack page where you can find all the latest podcast posts for the Lenten Online Retreat. If you are not subscribed yet, I invite you to do for free—or you can make a donation in support of the work associated with this endeavor.

Latest Post on the Women of the New Evangelization (WINE) blog:

Harden Not Our Hearts (Mar 9)

Do Not Be Terrified (Nov 16)

Gaining Wisdom of Heart (Sept 9)

Guest appearance on the Equipcast Podcast:

"When God Asks, How Do You Answer?: The Power of 'Yes' with Christina Semmens

Article on Catholic365.com Platform:

We Are All Eucharistic Missionaires!

Latest episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast...

Episode #260—”Helping Your Marriage Flourish—1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League”

​Subscribe to the Say Yes to Holiness podcast!

You can listen to the latest episodes of the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

You can also watch the podcast on the Say Yes to Holiness YouTube channel

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The Say Yes to Holiness YouTube Channel

Watch the Lenten Book Online Retreat—”Rooting Out Hidden Faults” by Father James McElhone on YouTube—Click here to be taken to the playlist

The content found at the Catholic Leadership Puzzle is now going to be in a book!

Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time is scheduled to be released on April 21st.

More information will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is a initiative that shares and discusses content from my upcoming book () that focuses upon how we each can help to create life-giving communities where we can become the holy men and women that God created us to be.

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This is Day 29 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Reflect upon whether you would be definitely convicted if you were put on trial today for your faith. If not, do something about it.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

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PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

Today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

Today is a DAY OFF from additional content for the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Same as yesterday—resolve to live a “perfect day” with deliberate sin or deliberate imperfection.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Enjoy the Sabbath with God, family and friends.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you with a new video again tomorrow!

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PLEASE share this with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

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You acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 28 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to live a “perfect day” without deliberate sin or deliberate imperfection.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 27 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to make a daily resolution that is small, concrete and doable today.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 26 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Resolve to persever in asking God for the graces you need to combat sloth whereever it is present in your life—spiritually, mentally or in action.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 25 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• To resolve to give perfect service to God with your whole heart, mind and soul in your daily activities

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 24 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Practice charitableness today by presuming the best of someone regardless of what they may say or do.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle

This is Day 23 of the Say Yes to Holiness Rooting Out Hidden Faults: How the Particular Examen Conquers Sin Online Lenten Retreat.

Today’s resolution suggestion is:

• Any time I find myself comparing myself to others, to practice charity—either towards myself or the person to whom I am comparing myself.

I invite you to post how your resolution goes in the comments below so we can hold one another accountable to growing in holiness. Also, please feel free to post any comments/questions you may have, too.

Know of my prayers for you, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Subscribe now

PLEASE share this online retreat with anyone you think might benefit as it is ALWAYS more enjoyable when you have good friends along for the journey. :)

Share

You can acquire a copy of the book on Amazon. Just click the link and it will take you to the book page on Amazon: The book is available in paperback and on Kindle