Our Lady has many titles, but at the heart of it all she is Mother. In honor of Mother’s Day, Kat shares her powerful conversion story and how she embraced Mary as her spiritual mother, and the graces that have flowed from that relationship.

What’s for Dinner

Kat: Fried bologna sandwiches

Katie: Crockpot chicken spaghetti (https://www.eatingonadime.com/crock-pot-cheesy-chicken-spaghetti-recipe/)

Molly: Cream of chicken casserole

1.5 lbs chicken, cooked (about 3 cups shredded or cubed)

4 cups cooked rice

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup + 1/2 cup French’s fried onions

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray 2qt casserole dish. Combine all ingredients (1 cup of fried onions) in large bowl and put in prepared dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until hot. Remove foil and cover with remaining half cup of onions. Return to oven, uncovered, 5-10 minutes or until onions are lightly browned.

As moms it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty for taking care of ourselves. We sit down with Ashley, mom of three under 4, and explore how self-care is actually a response to Jesus’ command to love others as we love ourselves. Get ready for a fun conversation!

Fr. Mike Schmitz video: https://youtu.be/avSSuQJ5rHs?si=xhW3gyK_yBkDz-tF

What’s for Dinner

Ashley: Pizza

Katie: Chicken gyros

Homemade pita (https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/the-easiest-homemade-pita-bread/)

Boredom usually isn’t on the list of what new moms should expect. But especially with babies, the days can be long—filled with boredom mixed with frustration at our limitations. Niki joins us to talk about why we’re so bored, what we can do about it, and when it’s spiritually beneficial.

What’s for Dinner:

Niki: Creamy white chicken chili

https://www.thechunkychef.com/slow-cooker-creamy-white-chicken-chili/

Molly: Burgers and fries

Honey Dijon Sauce

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 Tsp apple cider vinegar

As moms, we live out the works of mercy every day—do we see these as opportunities for grace? Michele Faehnle, co-author of Divine Mercy for Moms, joins us to talk about St. Faustina, the message of Divine Mercy, and how we can share it with our families and beyond.

Connect with Michele: https://www.inspirethefaith.com

Mary’s Meals: https://www.marysmeals.org

What’s for Dinner

Michele: Chicken crust pizza (https://www.wholesomeyum.com/low-carb-keto-chicken-crust-pizza-recipe/)

What are things that keep us from staying awake with Jesus? Distraction, anxiety, pride? Katie and Molly reflect on Blessed Is She’s Lent study, Under the Olive Tree, to enter into Holy Week.

What’s for Dinner

Molly: Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with cornbread

Katie: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup and homemade bread (https://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/one-hour-bread-recipe/)

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups baby spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if necessary.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer.

Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes:

For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water.

We can easily become consumed by our phones and social media. We talk about our experience with Fiat90 and ways we can realistically disconnect from our phones, avoid distraction, and connect with our kids. Plus obscure horror stories of invading flies and pill aspiration to give you something new to think about.

What’s for Dinner

Molly: Tacos

(Katie’s homemade tortilla recipe: https://eatsdelightful.com/homemade-tortillas-soft-flour-tortilla-recipe/)

Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, but that task can be daunting. When are we supposed to start and what should we start with? Katie Ryzenga, Director of Faith Formation for St. Matthew the Apostle in Gahanna, joins us to share ways we can teach the faith, even when we might not feel confident.

What’s for Dinner

Katie R.: Pasta with red sauce and chicken

What are ways we can enter into Lent with little kids? How can we teach them the meaning of Easter? Katie Ryzenga, Director of Faith Formation for St. Matthew the Apostle in Gahanna, joins us to share simple and engaging activities. (Her idea for celebrating Holy Thursday at home blew us away!)

What’s for Dinner

Katie R.: Turkey Reuben (Girls’ night at Schmidt’s)