A Seeking Heart

 Allison speaks with a very special guest to talk about three of her favorite subjects — Adoption, the Catholic Church, and Deaf Culture! Lana Portolano's new book Be Opened! The Catholic Church & Deaf Culture(Catholic University of America Press) is a fascinating look at Church History, Evangelization, and the beauty of the Church through the eyes of a vibrant culture with a beautifully expressive language. Allison and Lana discuss their shared experience of adopting daughters who are deaf, the desire to bring them the Catholic faith, and the unexpected powerful lessons God had in store for them, as well as their precious daughters!Learn more at www.icfdeafservice.org/beopened

 "No Such Thing as Ordinary: Unlocking your Extraordinary Life through Everyday Encounters with Jesus," is the topic of this episode. Allison and Rachel dive into:Latest season of "The Gist" on www.catholictv.org/the-gist.htmlWhy the woman at the well, St. Photina, is the vehicle for this book.What brought Rachel to the brink of a good snot cry during MoanaHow accomplishing all the world has to give will still leave you thirstySome of the difficult things God calls us to — trust, surrender, healingThe Problem with ComparisonFeatured NOW as the CatholicMom.com Summer Book Club! Learn more about Rachel Balducci on RachelBalducci.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram; the book can be found on AveMariaPress.com 

 In this episode:What makes someone a good friend?What makes Allison think she's a sucky friend?How friendships remind us of ChristWhy Healing First, Seeking Friends SecondChloe Langr's new book, "Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship" is available now from Our Sunday VisitorLearn more about Chloe at LettersToWomenPodcast.com 

 Allison talks with Christy about the amazing, powerful, and inspiring story behind her new book: Awakening at Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith (Ave Maria Press). Christy takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions, as you travel with her to Lourdes, into the baths, through the streets of France, and back home. The struggle, navigating the highs and lows of parenting a sick child, all while wrestling with your faith. Our conversation opened my eyes and heart to what God can do when your prayers are answered according to His perfect plan instead of ours!**Recommended by Christy: Don't have a bookstore local? How about supporting bookshops by shopping with www.bookshop.orgAlso shared during the podcast: Are you a Catholic parent of a child with special needs? Don't miss this invaluable resource: www.acceptingthegift.org/Learn more about Christy, her continuing story, and how to purchase her book at: www.christywilkens.com 

 A podcast typically centered around Catholic books. In this episode, Allison reaches out to listeners to ask what spiritual guidance they are seeking. How can this podcast better serve you!Connect with Allison: ReconciledToYou.com 

 In this Episode, Allison spends time chatting with, Lorelei Savaryn, Children's Author, about her new YA fiction book "The Edge of In Between" available NOW:  https://loreleisavaryn.com  A fantabulous book choice for any Catholic school or parish summer (or anytime) reading program! Lorelei frames difficult subjects like redemptive suffering, Purgatory, and Theology of the Body, in ways Middle School/YA readers can make sense of and make a connection with.  #HighlyRecommend

 In this episode, Allison is joined by Mary Amore to discuss Every Day with St. Joseph, a 365 Daily Devotional from Our Sunday Visitor.  A year of reflection broken into twelve chapters covering twelve of St. Joseph's virtues. Each day includes scripture, reflection from one of 45 Mayslake Ministries contributors, a question to ponder and take with you throughout the day, and a short prayer. Since Mayslake Ministries specializes in spiritual direction each reflection is like a mini spiritual direction session!  Learn more on www.mayslakeministries.org

 Merridith, author of Draw Close to Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to Eucharistic Adoration, joins Allison to discuss the beauty and blessings of Eucharistic Adoration. Both share how discovering this Catholic devotion transformed their faith, and continues to bring them closer to Jesus. Scripture, Invitation, and How MUCH God adorest the heck out us all...also discussed! Learn more about Merridith's new book and ministry here: www.MerridithFrediani.com

 This Ain't the Lyceum blogger and author of Better than OK: Finding Joy as a Special Needs Parent, Kelly Mantoan joins Allison for this week's Podcast. Allison and Kelly share their experiences as mothers of children with special needs—most especially the graces, blessings, and lessons our children teach us! As we considered the "never will or can't" of their disabilities, with childlike innocence and hearts, they focused on the joys and the things they were able to do. Parents facing any type of parenting challenge will find hope, inspiration, and practical tips. Kelly also shared her experience with the OSV Institute Challenge and her new online apostolate AcceptingtheGift.org for Catholic parents of children with special needs.

 Allison and Alyssa share WINE: Women in the New Evangelization's sweet new book for children (which is also a story adults will enjoy as well), The Mother of Jesus is Wonderfully Real by Fr. Paul Murray, OP.  Exquisitely and breathtakingly illustrated by Bernadette Gockowski, this based on a true story picture book opens hearts to how very real Mother Mary truly is! A little girl's heartbreak consoled by a poetic priest has become a book that will be treasured for years to come. Endorsed by Bishop Robert Barron. Learn more at www.CatholicVineyard.com.