About Gretchen Filz

Gretchen is a Lay Dominican with a passion for fostering an increase in Catholic faith and devotion. After receiving her M.A. in Christian Apologetics, she converted to the Catholic Faith in 2011. She lives and works in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Articles by Gretchen Filz

Latest

Lenten Season 101: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know

Jan 20, 2025 by Gretchen Filz

Lent is the time of spiritual preparation prior to the Easter season, just as Advent is for Christmas. Jesus taught us clearly that there is no Resurrection without the Cross, an … Read more

Latest

A Guide to 4 Popular Devotional Tools for Lent

Jan 17, 2025 by Gretchen Filz

Christmas and Easter are the two principle feasts of the liturgical year. On Christmas our Savior was born, and on Easter, the Church's most important feast, our Savior accomplishe … Read more

Latest

How Do I Explain Lent to Non-Catholics?

Jan 16, 2025 by Gretchen Filz

Have you ever struggled to explain why you participate in Lent? If you have friends or family members who are not Catholic, they may notice something a bit different about you … Read more

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8 Ways To Use Holy Water

Jan 14, 2025 by Gretchen Filz

“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the Cross, but retur … Read more

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Ways For Catholics To Celebrate St. Nicholas's Day

Dec 06, 2024 by Gretchen Filz & Rachel Shrader

December 6th is the feast day of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which appropriately falls during the Advent season. This feast day is an especially exciting one for … Read more

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Pray Our Novena for America

Jul 15, 2024 by Gretchen Filz

This novena prayer was composed by The Catholic Company staff. It is directed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the United States of America.Se … Read more

Latest

10-Step Checklist to Self-Examine Your Soul by St. Francis de Sales

Jan 24, 2021 by Gretchen Filz

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them—every day … Read more

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The Symbolism Of The Three Christmas Masses

Dec 23, 2020 by Gretchen Filz

Christmas is the holiest day of the year. Just as we celebrate Easter with a triduum of liturgies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil), Christmas is celebrated wit … Read more

Latest

Was Jesus Really Born In Bethlehem On December 25th?

Dec 21, 2020 by Gretchen Filz

You've probably heard it before: the claim that December 25th was originally an ancient pagan festival. Yes, many people say that December 25th was the day on which … Read more

Latest

Praying the O Antiphons: An Ancient Advent Tradition

Dec 15, 2020 by Gretchen Filz

During the final days of Advent, anticipation heightens as the birth of the Savior draws nearer. This anticipation is marked by something special in the prayers of the Liturg … Read more

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The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec 11, 2020 by Gretchen Filz

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a beloved devotion that fascinates both believers and non-believers. Millions of pilgrims travel across the world to visit the Basilica of Our La … Read more

Celebration Ideas For The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec 11, 2020 by Gretchen Filz

Many parishes with large Hispanic populations have special celebrations and processions leading up to the December 12th feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At some point in your life … Read more

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About Gretchen Filz

Articles by Gretchen Filz

Lenten Season 101: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know

A Guide to 4 Popular Devotional Tools for Lent

How Do I Explain Lent to Non-Catholics?

8 Ways To Use Holy Water

Ways For Catholics To Celebrate St. Nicholas's Day

Pray Our Novena for America

10-Step Checklist to Self-Examine Your Soul by St. Francis de Sales

The Symbolism Of The Three Christmas Masses

Was Jesus Really Born In Bethlehem On December 25th?

Praying the O Antiphons: An Ancient Advent Tradition

The Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Celebration Ideas For The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe