The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion

This book has 366 short reflections (yes leap year is included) written by women (plus a few men) who contribute to Catholicmoms.com. It's great for moms of all ages.

The months each have a theme, often one related to the month. For example September's theme is life-long learning.

Each entry begins with a quote, followed by a short reflection and a prayer. The entries all end with something to ponder. These give you further insight into the points made in the reflection, something to think about or a way to apply it to your own life.

As one would expect, often the reflections are tied to saints' days or to feasts of The Church. In addition, those 'days' commemorating things in our lives, such as "Give a Hug Day" are also the basis for reflection. I liked to see this in a religious book because it brings home two powerful points. First that we are in the world and must engage it. Second, that all parts of our lives can be transformed by Christ.

It's a lovely book for yourself or to give as a gift.

Like many moms, I struggle to make time for personal prayer. And reflection? Forget it. Somehow The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion makes short daily reflection seem do-able.

I'm a little embarrassed to say so, but I'm so glad the reflections aren't based on bible passages. Making Scripture part of these reflections would, frankly, require too much concentration for me most days. Instead, entries are based on simple, short quotes and informal reflections that I can digest quickly and easily and then return to mentally during the day when I **gasp** have a free moment.

With such a wide variety of contributors from diverse backgrounds, even if one day's meditation doesn't grab you, another will. And another. And another.

I'm already making a list of the all the Catholic moms (such as my children's Catholic school teachers) who will be receiving a copy of the Prayer Companion this Christmas.

Sorry Netgalley and Ave Maria Press for taking so long to write a review on this one. I wanted to get a good sample of it read before I said anything.

The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion is the perfect book for the Catholic mom in your life. Every reflection is only a couple of pages long with a short prayer and a thought to ponder throughout your day. It’s short enough to fit into the most hectic morning.

This collection features the best Catholicmom.com writers (who am I kidding all the writers at Catholicmom.com are good!) and each day covers a very different topic. Often it discusses something appropriate for the time of the liturgical year or a certain feast day, but just as often it’s a simple reflection on the nitty-grittiness of life as a mom. The variety of topics keeps you reading and gives you something to look forward to each day.

I also blew off writing this review in order to have the product fresh in your mind as you start shopping for Christmas. At around 10 to 15 bucks, depending on where you shop, it’s a great gift to give to the Catholic mother in your life. (Note: It is cheapest at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, although it is always best to support the little bookstores when possible.)

Personally, I started this book about midway through the year and I look forward to reading it anew in the new year. Because of the way that the reflections truly all stand on their own, it’s not a big deal if you don’t start at the beginning. I’m just looking forward to reading this on my own without a book review over my head just working through the reflections as part of my morning routine.

Thank you Ave Maria Press for the opportunity. As you probably noticed, I did get the opportunity to read this book as part of my membership in Netgalley. Really, go get this book for the Catholic moms you know today!