Masha Goepel Archives - Catholic Stand

wonder, universe, creation, ponder, cancer

Thoughts from the Eclipse

Masha Goepel April 24, AD2024 2 Comments

On April 8th, my little family drove north a few hours to greet the eclipse at its totality. We arrived early in the morning and

Marriage Wisdom from St. John Chrysostom

Masha Goepel February 22, AD2024 3 Comments

It’s Lent, my friends! The west wind is blowing cold against my little homestead. Inside, children and dogs curl up on thick sheepskins and sip

Saints and Fairies

Masha Goepel January 21, AD2024 5 Comments

The fairies were of the Old Profession; Their songs were Ave-Maries; Their dances were procession. But now, alas, they are all dead; Or gone beyond

The Advent Ember Days

Masha Goepel December 21, AD2023 4 Comments

This year, the Ember Days fall later in Advent than usual. They always follow the feast of St. Lucy on December 13th, and so are

Warming Wintertime Drinks and Devotions

Masha Goepel November 21, AD2023 1 Comment

It gets dark so early now. Here in New England, the sun is setting well before dinnertime. I wake in the morning to a dark,

Supporting Marriages in Crisis

Masha Goepel October 19, AD2023 4 Comments

“To every thing there is a season,” as King Solomon wrote long ago. It seems like this is the season of discontent for many of

Welcoming Wisdom as a Homeschooler

Masha Goepel September 21, AD2023 3 Comments

The leaves are turning and there’s a bit of chill in the air. The days are slowly shortening – in the early morning, when I

In the Midst of Life We Are in Death

Masha Goepel August 21, AD2023 5 Comments

Media vita in morte sumus Quem quaerimus ad iutorem nihi site domine Qui pro peccatis nostris Sancte Deus, sancte fortis Sancte misericor salvator Amare mortis

Pursuing Holiness in Times of Transition

Masha Goepel July 21, AD2023 4 Comments

I’m turning 40 next month. It feels like more than just another birthday. Older readers may laugh at my enthusiasm, but 40 feels momentous to

The Month of the Sacred Heart

Masha Goepel June 22, AD2023 2 Comments

“The thoughts of His Heart are to all generations: to deliver their souls from death and feed them in famine.” Thunder and rain are rolling,

Mary, Motherhood, and Visitations

Masha Goepel May 21, AD2023 1 Comment

May is the month of Mary. At our parish, early in May all the children are invited to participate in a Mary crowning. They gather

Easter in the Domestic Church

Masha Goepel April 21, AD2023 4 Comments

Here in the Northeast, it seems like the whole world is rejoicing. Warm weather came with the Resurrection. The snows receded, the sun came out,

Thoughts on the Decline of Catholic Marriage

Masha Goepel March 21, AD2023 12 Comments

This past month, my local Catholic radio station has been hosting regular programs asking, “Why aren’t young Catholics getting married?” It seems that Catholics under

prayer, discernment, holiness, praying, intercessory prayer, thanksgiving

Lent – The Season of Renewal

Masha Goepel February 21, AD2023 2 Comments

Spring seems to be coming early this year in the northeast. Our snow is slowly melting, the sap is running, and Lent is just around

Patron of Children – Prayers to the Infant of Prague

Masha Goepel January 21, AD2023 16 Comments

On the recent feast of the Infant of Prague (January 14th), I attended the funeral of a dear friend’s youngest child. Before the Mass, I

Sts. Adam and Eve – A Christmas Feast

Masha Goepel December 21, AD2022 7 Comments

Recently, I was listening to our local Catholic radio station when someone called in with a question about Adam and Eve. The caller asked if

Boundaries and Christian Hospitality in the Holiday Season

Masha Goepel November 21, AD2022 2 Comments

Thanksgiving is coming up quickly, with Advent and Christmas following close behind. With snow in the forecast and decorations in all the stores, it’s time

The Hermit’s Diet – Thoughts on Catholicism and Veganism

Masha Goepel October 22, AD2022 7 Comments

According to many vegans, plant-based diets are growing in popularity throughout North America and Europe. According to my grocery store’s allocation of space, vegetable-based faux