Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Interview with Teresa Tomeo on Extreme Makeover

Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Interview with Teresa Tomeo on Extreme Makeover: I have recently had the blessing of interviewing a dear friend, fellow author, and colleague, Tersa Tomeo about her newest book Extreme Ma...

A Whirlwind of Activity in Cincinnati!

After being video-interviewed for the book trailers

I just visited my publisher Servant Books in Cincinnati to produce an audio version of my upcoming book Embracing Motherhood which is due to be released in January 2012. It was a very interesting experience to record the audio version of the book which took a full day and part of the next. Afterwards, I was interviewed for a radio show and then was video-interviewed for a couple of book trailers for this book. I enjoyed being with all of the wonderful folks there.

First day of recording Embracing Motherhood

Second day of recording here with my producer, Sharon



Stay tuned! I'll be back with more information about my upcoming book Embracing Motherhood!

In honor of Blessed Pope John Paul II: A Review of "You are my Hope"

Today is the feast day of Blessed Pope John Paul II. I am blessed to be part of a review team for a special project produced by CCC of America about Blessed John Paul II called "The Man, The Pope, and His Message." It is a re-release of a series of documentaries comprised of a 4-disc DVD series which contains five hours of footage providing an in-depth look at Bl. Pope John Paul II's life, papcy, and message.

CCC of America has made special arrangements with the Vatican and Alberto Michelini, the renouned Italian journalist to produce this series.

The press release regarding the reviewers of this project is here (my review will follow): Ushering in the celebration of Blessed John Paul II’s October 22nd feast day on the anniversary of his inauguration as pope in 1978, CCC of America is partnering with 10 popular Catholics in the Blogosphere for a special project on his legacy. With footage secured through special arrangements with the Vatican, CCC recently released John Paul II: The Man, The Pope and His Message, a Special Edition remastered multi-DVD documentary series providing an intimate portrait of this iconic Church and World Leader. Each of the 10 short films, directed and produced by renowned Italian Journalist, Alberto Michelini, will be reviewed by 10 Catholic leaders in Catholic New Media.

The Blogroll of notable reviewers of this series includes the following:

Lisa Hendey, founder/editor of CatholicMom.com, author, columnist, speaker, podcast and TV host.
Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, author, journalist, EWTN TV Host, Blogger, radio host, and speaker.
Lisa Mladinich, founder of www.AmazingCatechists.com, author, columnist, speaker, creator of catechetical puppet script ministry, and podcast host.
Fr. John Bartunek LC, ThD, news commentator, served as the English-language press liaison for the Vatican’s 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, author, Ethics teacher, founder of RCSpiritual Direction.com, contributor at Faith & Family.
Matt Warner, founder of flockNote.com and FallibleBlogma.com, blogger at the National Catholic Register.
Gary Zimak, Catholic Lay Evangelist, founder of Following the Truth, writer, and Radio Host.
Elizabeth Scalia, the Managing Editor of the Catholic Portal at Patheos, a columnist at First Things, and the blogger known as The Anchoress.
Leticia Velasquez, founder of Catholic Media Review, Causa Nostrae Laetitiae, and Cause of Our Joy, freelance writer, speaker, film and book reviewer.
Steven R. McEvoy, freelance writer, reviewer at Catholic Dads Online, founder of Book Reviews and More.
Deacon Greg Kandra, Roman Catholic deacon serving the Diocese of Brooklyn, veteran broadcast journalist who served 25+ years as an award-winning writer/producer for CBS News in both NY and WA, blogger at The Deacon’s Bench.

Reviews will be posted on each blogger’s site between October 19 – 22, 2011, with links to all 10 on CCC’s Facebook page and the official film website at www.johnpaulseries.com. The 10 volumes within the series provide critical insights into the most central message of this beloved Pope: From rallies with thousands of youth, to critical inter-faith relations, as well as his role with the fall of Communism, the five hours of footage contained in this series unlocks what was in the heart of the Holy Father.

Supporters of Blessed John Paul II, the reviewers of these films will create more opportunities for the messages of this hero of the Faith to become even more personal. CCC of America is honored to collaborate on such an inspiring project with some of the Church’s biggest movers and shakers in new media.

The trailer and more details on the series, as well as educational resources, are available through the official film site: http://www.johnpaulseries.com/.

ABOUT CCC OF AMERICA: A trusted leader in family entertainment for more then 25 years, CCC (Creative Communications Center) of America is committed to the production and distribution of quality family entertainment that is not only engaging, but also conveys moral values. This media company is determined to provide wholesome fun for families, wherein they discover stories of real heroes of the faith who lived lives of courage, love and truth. Original award-winning CCC productions include: 11 DVDs in the Saints & Heroes Animated Film Series, and a feature film Crystalstone. CCC of America possesses the rights to distribute additional DVD movies and music CDs that are in line with our moral standards and core religious beliefs.

And now for my review of Volume Two: "You are my Hope" John Paul II and the Youth

 Blessed. Pope John Paul II is a hero to me so to see him in this series really warms and inspires my heart. Although, he was a regal pope, he was no stranger to hardship. He understood what it was like to grow up with intense challenge and always wholeheartedly challenged the youth of today to reach for holiness no matter what. His message was often demanding but the youth responded to it with great enthusiasm. The greater the challenge from Bl. John Paul II to the youth, the greater the applause from the youth at all his visits with them.

The young people never failed to exude enthusiasm and great emotion being in the presence of Bl. Pope John Paul II. Their spiritual father told them, "You are my hope. You are the hope of the Church." The youth always came to hear the message of their dear Papa.

"If you want peace open your hearts to Christ." He constantly challenged them to consistently strive for peace and lead lives of holiness. He told them, "Jesus Christ gives hope and meaning to our lives."

"If you want peace, work for justice. If you want peace, proclaim the truth. If you want peace, treat others as you want them to treat you. In short, if you want peace, you must love."

Bl. Pope John Paul II viewed youth as a key stage in every person's life. He understood the restless heart of young people, a heart that unceasingly seeks an answer to the meaning of life and their future. He never cased to set ambitious goals of holiness for youth.

"Be perfect as your Father who is in heaven is perfect" he would tell them.

It was so important for Bl. Pope John Paul II to meet with the youth wherever he traveled. He took more than 100 trips in Italy alone and there was always a crowd of youth waiting to see him.

"Be ready to commit your life every day to transform history."

And, he encouraged them with such loving words, "The future of the world shines in your eyes."

Volume Two of this DVD series shows moving narrated clips of Pope John Paul II with various groups of youth around the world. Pope John Paul II had such an amazing way with youth. His love for them showed immensely through their embraces, their conversations, their repartee, their prayers together.

Bl. John Paul II's words to youth speak to all of our hearts. "To be truly free does not in any way mean to do what I like, to do what I want to do. Freedom contains in itself the criterion of truth, the discipline of truth. To be truly free means using one's own freedom for what is a true good. Therefore to be free means to be a man of upright conscience."

I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful documentary film series and am looking forward to watching it in its entirety along with my family. CCC of America has done a fine job in bringing the fruits of Bl. Pope John Paul II's legacy to life to inspire us further on our journeys of holiness.

We can all put Bl. John Paul the Great's words into practice: "Be strong in your faith. Do not be afraid to bear witness to it wherever you are. Always be ready to give reason for the hope that is within you."

J P 2, we LOVE you! Please intercede for youth and all of us on this your feast day, dear Papa!

"Instilling Prayer in Our Children"

Catholic Bloggers Unite for Blessed John Paul II Project

Prominent Bloggers Unite for Blessed John Paul II Project


I am blessed to be a part of this project. Here is the press release:

LAS COLINAS, TX. – OCT 17, 2011. Ushering in the celebration of Blessed John Paul II’s October 22nd feast day on the anniversary of his inauguration as pope in 1978, CCC of America is partnering with 10 popular Catholics in the Blogosphere for a special project on his legacy. With footage secured through special arrangements with the Vatican, CCC recently released John Paul II: The Man, The Pope and His Message, a Special Edition remastered multi-DVD documentary series providing an intimate portrait of this iconic Church and World Leader. Each of the 10 short films, directed and produced by renowned Italian Journalist, Alberto Michelini, will be reviewed by 10 Catholic leaders in Catholic New Media.

The Blogroll of notable reviewers of this series includes the following:

Lisa Hendey, founder/editor of CatholicMom.com, author, columnist, speaker, podcast and TV host.

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, author, journalist, EWTN TV Host, Blogger, radio host, and speaker.

Lisa Mladinich, founder of www.AmazingCatechists.com, author, columnist, speaker, creator of catechetical puppet script ministry, and podcast host.

Fr. John Bartunek LC, ThD, news commentator, served as the English-language press liaison for the Vatican’s 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, author, Ethics teacher, founder of RCSpiritual Direction.com, contributor at Faith & Family.

Matt Warner, founder of flockNote.com and FallibleBlogma.com, blogger at the National Catholic Register.

Gary Zimak, Catholic Lay Evangelist, founder of Following the Truth, writer, and Radio Host.

Elizabeth Scalia, the Managing Editor of the Catholic Portal at Patheos, a columnist at First Things, and the blogger known as The Anchoress.

Leticia Velasquez, founder of Catholic Media Review, Causa Nostrae Laetitiae, and Cause of Our Joy, freelance writer, speaker, film and book reviewer.

Steven R. McEvoy, freelance writer, reviewer at Catholic Dads Online, founder of Book Reviews and More.

Deacon Greg Kandra, Roman Catholic deacon serving the Diocese of Brooklyn, veteran broadcast journalist who served 25+ years as an award-winning writer/producer for CBS News in both NY and WA, blogger at The Deacon’s Bench.

Reviews will be posted on each blogger’s site between October 19 – 22, 2011, with links to all 10 on CCC’s Facebook page and the official film website at www.johnpaulseries.com. The 10 volumes within the series provide critical insights into the most central message of this beloved Pope: From rallies with thousands of youth, to critical inter-faith relations, as well as his role with the fall of Communism, the five hours of footage contained in this series unlocks what was in the heart of the Holy Father.

Supporters of Blessed John Paul II, the reviewers of these films will create more opportunities for the messages of this hero of the Faith to become even more personal. CCC of America is honored to collaborate on such an inspiring project with some of the Church’s biggest movers and shakers in new media.

The trailer and more details on the series, as well as educational resources, are available through the official film site: http://www.johnpaulseries.com/.

ABOUT CCC OF AMERICA: A trusted leader in family entertainment for more then 25 years, CCC (Creative Communications Center) of America is committed to the production and distribution of quality family entertainment that is not only engaging, but also conveys moral values. This media company is determined to provide wholesome fun for families, wherein they discover stories of real heroes of the faith who lived lives of courage, love and truth. Original award-winning CCC productions include: 11 DVDs in the Saints & Heroes Animated Film Series, and a feature film Crystalstone. CCC of America possesses the rights to distribute additional DVD movies and music CDs that are in line with our moral standards and core religious beliefs.

Mother Teresa and Me article

Here's an article about my book: "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship."

http://catholiclane.com/mother-teresa-and-me-and-me-too/

I hope you enjoy it. God bless!

Donna-Marie

A Mother's Never-Ending Prayers!

One of my segments of my EWTN series: "Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms."

A DVD of Season One which contains 25 episodes is available at my website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

Tomorrow Morning's Radio Interview

Tune in to tomorrow's radio interview:


~Friday, October 14 at 10:00 AM Eastern time


"Blessed John Paul the Great's Leafeaters' Club"


Chatting about my book "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship"
10:00 - 11:00 AM (Eastern)
CST, KFHC, 88.1 Catholic Radio, Sioux City IA.
www.FHCradio.com

The Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa

My recent radio segment on my show "A Cup of Tea With Donna-Marie" is

http://www.donnacooperoboyle.com/audio/donna-marie%2010-7-11.mp3

here if you'd care to listen. Cheryl, Jim, and I discuss the Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa among other things.


Enjoy!

Carving Out Time for Prayer

EWTN has published one of my episodes of "Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms" on You Tube. You can see it here:

http://youtu.be/1T3NUN09IN4

Or just click below:

A Little Boy's Explanation of God

A Little Boy's Explanation of God --


It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista , CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to "explain God."
EXPLANATION OF GOD:

One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.

God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.

God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.

Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our church.

Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.

His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.

You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.

You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.

If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.

But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.

And...that's why I believe in God.

"A Cup of Tea with Donna-Marie" Airs Today!

TUNE in today! Check it out below...

Here's a bit of information posted previously (and new information below)...I'm happy to tell you that I'll be doing a new radio show on a regular basis. I'm calling my show "A Cup of Tea with Donna-Marie." I'll be discussing all kinds of Catholic family issues with Cheryl and Jim Manfredonia of Domestic Church Media Foundation. It will be at 4:15 PM Eastern time on the first Friday of every month.
Our first couple of segments are on my website http://www.donnacooperoboyle.com/

Here's some information to help you tune in today and in the future...

Listeners can tune in through the website http://www.domesticchurchmedia.org/ and click on LISTEN NOW for STREAMING LIVE.

Listeners can also tune in to 1260 AM is for the Trenton/Princeton/Bucks County area
And 89.3 FM is for Freehold/Colts Neck/ Spring Lake area
Blackberry and i-phones have a free APP; simply search for WFJS

On any other hand held type phone, one can go to

http://www.tunein.com/ and search for WFJS and listen that way...also free.

I HOPE YOU CAN JOIN ME!

My next segment for "A Cup of Tea With Donna-Marie" will be TODAY Friday, October 7th, Feast of the Holy Rosary at 4:15 Eastern time.

We'll be chatting about the Blessed Mother, the Rosary, and Blessed Mother Teresa!

Join us for a soothing "cup of tea!"

Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Teresa Tomeo's "Extreme Make Over"

Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Teresa Tomeo's "Extreme Make Over"

Marie Bellet's new CD!

Have you heard about Marie Bellet's new CD?

I have really enjoyed her music.. I am looking forward to listening to her newest CD. Here's a short press release and words from Marie explaining her music...


(Nashville, TN) In August of 2011 music artist, Marie Bellet, once dubbed the Queen of Catholic Pop, will be releasing her long awaited fifth album. A stay-at-home mother of nine, Marie once defied industry expectations by selling nearly 40,000 albums without the help of a record label or a marketing team. Now, a popular speaker at Marriage and Family conferences, Marie Bellet inspires thousands of housewives and husbands throughout the United States and Canada by sharing her profound perspective on life and family.

“In the past I’d written mostly about everyday family life, raising kids at home where everything was sweet and secure. Now that three of mine have left home, and one of those is in the military about to be deployed, these new songs are about learning a more detached love. Detached love doesn’t always feel good and it asks so much more of us. Many of these songs are to encourage my kids as they make their way out into the world. Some are to encourage myself and other parents who are in the trenches, doing the same thing. When kids leave home it redefines everything you’ve been doing for the past 20 years. It makes each day so much more important, and each face so much more beautiful. And, I must admit, it puts you in your place.” says Marie Bellet.

Exciting Announcement: DVD now Available!

Back and front of new DVD

I am very excited to announce that my DVD (Season 1) of my EWTN TV series: "Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms" is now available for purchase. I am having a sale at my website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com on the "TV" page and the "New and Exciting" page.

St. Therese of Lisieux: A Close Friend and Powerful Intercessor

St. Therese of Lisieux: A Close Friend and Powerful Intercessor

Happy feast of St. Therese!