All Blessings Flow

Claire Dwyer comes alongside writers at all stages to help them make a greater yes to their calling, develop their gifts, and discover new possibilities within their creative lives. She believes that our stories extend the message of the Gospel into the world today, and that few things have such potential to reveal God’s loving design and intention. Find out more about how to make your own best yes at YourBestYes.Substack.com.

With thirty years experience in book design and publishing, Mike Fontecchio has worked with many of the most recognized Catholic publishers, authors, editors, and printers in the world today. He is the owner and designer at Faith and Family Publications and co-founder of Write These Words, an online community of aspiring Catholic writers. He is also a certified book publishing professional. Mike has helped hundreds of first-time and seasoned authors achieve their dream of getting their words into print.

Grace Abruzzo is a Catholic writer and speaker on healing, a life of prayer, and God’s ever-surprising gifts. Through honest storytelling, humorous reflections, and spiritual insight, she reveals spaces where grace can be found even in life’s mess. She currently is a caregiver for her mother, and leads pilgrimages part-time for Syversen Touring. She is the Community Manager for the PraiseWriters community.

Mary Beth Giltner is a wife, mom, catechist, and freelance editor. She has edited for several Catholic publications and apostolates, including Our Sunday Visitor, Ignatius, Sophia Institute Press, and Blessed is She, Inc. When time permits, she loves taking her kids on long walks, baking, crocheting, and playing the piano. You can learn more about her and her work at marybethgiltner.com and read some of her writing on Substack @fiatheart.

When Charlotte Galli was fifty-one, her thirty-two-year-old nephew took his life. At the wake, Jesus appeared to her most unexpectedly; two years later, she was received into the Catholic Church. Now she spends her time teaching other converts in OCIA and working on a collection of essays about conversion in the aftermath of suicide and the God who makes all things new.

Nikki Frerker is a wife of 29 years and a mother of four. A former lawyer, she devotes much of her time to leading women’s Scripture studies, speaking at retreats, and supporting a variety of ministries at her home parish in Leawood, Kansas. One of her greatest joys is serving as a Catholic spiritual mentor for women seeking to grow in relationship with Christ through prayer. She is relaunching her blog at RunningTheGoodRace.com and looks forward to connecting with you there.

Amanda Villagomez believes in the value of story—learning from the experiences of others and exploring the themes woven throughout our lives just waiting to be discovered. Through her writing and teaching, Amanda invites you to consider: What is the story of your soul? She would love to support your process of writing and inquiry.

Jenessa Fillipi is a devoted wife, mother of four, and founder of Down Home, a nonprofit serving families emerging from homelessness. Guided by her Catholic faith and inspired by Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of the homeless, she encourages others to live with purpose, compassion, and courage, naming and claiming the miracle moments God places along the journey. Learn more about Down Home and ways to get involved at down-home.org.

Carolyn is a wife, mother, and grandmother who desires to proclaim God's glory and purpose through her writing and life. Blessed to have heard and answered His call to return to the Catholic Church, she hopes to inspire other women to join her on the narrow path home.

Monika Parafiniuk grew up in a Catholic family in Poland and as a young teenager moved to the US without knowing any English. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master’s in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development from Saint Louis University. She and her husband became naturalized US citizens in 2012. They are both entrepreneurs and proud owners of STL Auto Shield. Ever since their children (Nicholas, Maya, and Paul) were toddlers, Monika has traveled to Poland every summer for a few weeks to be with extended family and for the children to practice their Polish language. Monika loves to explore different parts of the world, and has made many friends along the way. She believes that travel teaches, changes perspectives, and helps cultivate her writing.

Jeannine Peters is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and occasional speaker and writer. Through the gift of sacred space and exploration of the interior life, she helps people live more deeply in relationship with the living God and discover greater freedom and wholeness in Christ. Her work invites others to grow more fully into the person God created them to be and recognize His loving presence in everyday life.

Leslie Rowe is blessed to work with Catholic organizations after many years in the corporate world marketing motorcycles and bicycles. She enjoys adventures on the trails near Boulder, Colorado, with her husband Patrick and black Lab Elmo. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Ruth Ann Engelthaler is a wife and mother of three adult children. She received her Master of Fine Arts in playwriting at Arizona State University. Her play, St. Anne: Grandmother of Our Lord, was produced by Fiat Productions at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Gilbert, AZ. She is available for commissions to write plays on the saints or topics appropriate for family audiences. She is also an iconographer. She writes articles on holiness, beauty, truth, and the Catholic imagination.

Catherine lives and works from her home in Lake Tapps, WA. where she finds her inspiration for writing. A Small Christian Communities ministry leader at her local parish, Catherine's writing reflects her desire of building community while touching hearts and leading her audience toward greater intimacy with God and His Providence.

Wife and homeschooling mother to five, Becky is a writing instructor, speaker, and co-host of the YouTube podcast Cradle and Convert. In between rummaging through the fridge to figure out dinner, summoning kids to finish math and pick up dirty socks, or planning the next writing lesson, she attempts to carve out crevices in her schedule to create content and pursue pastimes like acting and whatever activity her kids are into. Eventually she'll finish her book and learn trapeze.

Diane Oetken lives in southeast Iowa along the banks of the Mississippi River. She is a parish catechist teaching Confirmation preparation, a busy rosary maker, and is active in the Charismatic Renewal. Her writing has appeared in The Word Among Us.

Katherine Blakeman (née Rosario) is a graduate of Ave Maria University with a Bachelor of Arts in politics. She is a wife and homeschooling mother of four. She previously served as communications director for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and for former Congressman Keith Rothfus and currently writes for Catholic Women in Business.

Carol Eccleston uses her job as a dental hygienist as her mission field. She draws on the fruits of the Spirit and her sense of humor to witness to unsuspecting patients. And it works! Join her in spreading the message of love, peace, and prayers.

Carrie is a Certified Catholic Mindset Coach and Certified SoulCore Leader passionate about guiding women toward the truth of who they are, beloved daughters of God called to encounter Jesus Christ, their one true Love and Bridegroom. A graduate of the Encounter School of Ministry, formed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and grounded in authentic Church teaching, her work centers on inner healing, freedom, and integration of heart, mind, soul, and strength. Through deep Marian devotion and surrender to God's will, Carrie guides women toward inner healing, wholeness, and the freedom of knowing themselves as Christ's beloved.

Natalie Paige (née Navarro) is a wife, mother of three, and caregiver to her mother. She writes on the beauty of the Church's Eastern and Western traditions, Latino culture, and finding blessings in everyday life.

Mary Jo Casilio is a Catholic wife, mother, and writer from Western New York. Besides caring for her tween-age daughter, her husband Paul, and their Cavapoo puppy Tilly, Mary Jo supports area teachers and students as an educational trainer and consultant. In more reflective moments, Mary Jo looks for - and finds! - the fingerprints of the Shepherd everywhere she goes. To connect with Mary Jo, reach out via casiliomaryjo1@gmail.com.

RoseAnn Heisel has published stories in Growing Older with Grace, Cloud of Witnesses, and Crowned with Grace. I enjoy organizing women’s retreats and speaking at women’s events. I love to create community, tell stories of my sacred encounters, and write poetry.

I am retired and living on a hobby farm in Minnesota. In my spare time I am surrounded by grandkids and great grandkids. I love photography and blogging my heartfelt messages from the Holy Spirit. If interested in my blogs reach out to me at roseannheisel@aol.com

Having experienced the healing and restorative power of grace in her own life, Lana Bergeron is blessed to mentor women and help them rediscover and reclaim the sacred space within where God dwells, designing lives of faith and flourishing. She works as a life coach from her home in Ontario.

Alli Koscal is a Catholic wife, mom to seven, author, speaker, and the founder of Finding Havens. With a warm, authentic style, Alli writes to help women discover sacred spaces of peace as they endeavor to calm the chaos while living fully as beloved daughters of God.

A native of her beloved Arizona, Kristin Holford has been involved in various Catholic ministries in the Valley of the Sun. She enjoys hosting events in her backyard, including rosaries, concerts, teen nights, speakers, and fellowship. Her latest undertakings can be found at CorAdore.com™. She is inspired by this sentiment from St. Teresa of Avila: “For the love of God … I am not meant to write: I have neither the health nor the intelligence for it.”

Laurie Ann Pandorf is an instructional coach, Catholic writer, ministry leader, and founder of The Wells of Grace. Inspired by Marian spirituality, she invites women to pause, ponder, and recognize God’s grace unfolding in their lives. Laurie serves as a lector and GIVEN mentor, is completing a Certificate in Theology, and has contributed to Cloud of Witnesses and Crowned with Grace. Visit her at lauriepandorf.com

​Amy Mariana is a Catholic wife and mother writing about seeking God (and union with Jesus) in the beautiful chaos of daily family life. Through honest reflections on the ups and downs of the faith journey, her blog explores how laypeople can grow spiritually in Christ through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the riches of Ignatian and Carmelite spirituality.

Michelle Stavens, a writer and speaker, helps women find hope in their own stories, just as she keeps finding it in hers. Trusting God with every yes, she is humbled to lead women's retreats, conferences, forums, and apostolates, and to serve on North Texas Catholic Women, blending business and ministry training. Married to her best friend, Mama to four, Mimi to many, she treasures quiet coffee with God and a family-filled home, joyful noise and all! She lives by this truth: once we realize we are owed nothing, we can be grateful for everything.

Jennifer Cordovana lives in the Tidewater area of Virginia with her husband and daughters. Taking care of her family while remaining an RN has offered many opportunities to witness God’s providence in everyday life. She is also proud of her Italian American heritage and writes about practicing the faithful traditions given to her as she passes them to the next generation.

Ann Radtke is a joyful disciple of Jesus Christ, Mom, Grandma, Retired homemaker, Spiritual Director grad from Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spirituality, and hopeful agent of God’s love, mercy and peace. Further reflections may be found at spiritualsunpennies.com where she’s been sharing stories of God’s providence now into her 80th decade of receiving His love.

Helen Syski is amazed by the adventures to be had in the wilds of God. A life-long New Englander and Harvard grad, Helen enjoys all four seasons and apple pie with her husband, children, and dogs. She is co-founder of the Kiss of Mercy Apostolate, a Little Way to heal the world from abortion. Helen is a contributor at CatholicMom.com and has published chapters in all the PraiseWriters collections. Continue the conversation at helensyski.com.

Teri Nisser serves on the Board of Directors for K2 Adventures Foundation and is an ambassador for their sister company K2 Adventure Travel. Teri is a Lay Dominican in formation with the Holy Rosary Chapter in Carefree, AZ. She says her five Kilimanjaro summits reflect the five mysteries of the Rosary prayed daily. Teri formerly taught Junior High English and Religion in Catholic schools across the U.S.. She and her husband Dan have been married for 33 years, August 14, the feast day of Maximillian Kolbe. They have three adult children. Teri’s adventures can be followed @sista_nissa Instagram, and Teri Nisser Facebook.

Theresa Eppich helps people uncover their potential in her roles as an educator, author, and coach. She believes that every person has a unique story and a valuable contribution to share in God’s mosaic. Find out more about how to pursue your dream of the season by following her on Instagram @cherishedjoyfulhearts. You can also reach her directly at cherishedjoyfulhearts@gmail.com.

During her 30 years as a journalist, Sheila Murray has written about everything from medicine to food and finance. These days, her writing reflects a more personal interest in Catholic faith, culture and divorce. Going through her own divorce led Sheila to become a divorce and life transition coach. Today she helps women navigate seasons of change to discern where God may be leading them next.

Mackenzie Dlugokinski is rooted in who she belongs to - her Heavenly Father. She discovered how deeply God loves her through His providence and provision in calling her back to the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic faith. A love for uncovering the threads of God's love in the most ordinary ways, and often the biggest messes, keeps her running to Jesus. As a blooming writer who finds inspiration from her God-given vocations as daughter, wife, and mother, she is delighted to answer the long-time call to share His love through words.

Brenda Kostial writes to invite readers to deeper surrender and intimacy with God, entrusting all to Jesus through our Blessed Mother. A teacher and writer, she loves sharing her witness of the peace, joy, wonder, and awe of a life lived for Jesus. Learn more and download consecrations and a printable prayer for intimacy with Our Lord at brendakostial.com.

Julia Kovač is a registered nurse, licensed professional counselor, and Benedictine oblate. When not in her office she can be found in the barn with her equine companions or creating, with the art degree she finally finished.

Raina Gonzalez is a Catholic wife, mother, and founder of Give Love + Blessings, a Catholic apostolate rooted in the rosary and dedicated to sharing the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of God’s love through prayerfully handcrafted creations. Under the patronage of St Therese of Lisieux and inspired by devotion to our Lady of Fairest Love and Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Raina lives by a simple truth: no prayer offered in love is ever wasted. She hopes her story and her work remind every soul of this; You are a gift and you are loved.

Caroline Rood is a convert from the Episcopal Church to Catholicism. She is currently writing a memoir which tells the story of working through amnesia to the light of Christ and Mary. She lives in Vermont. The Lord is undergirding her with his strength to do battle into victory over cancer. Mary has become her mother–a most vital and intrinsic part of her understanding of Jesus and his Church.