I’ve written before about my discovery of prayer journaling and how much it has enriched my prayer life. Since then, I’ve participated in online retreats, book discussions, and other practices that are helping me grow in faith–maybe I will share more about some of them in another post. And now I’m ready to try Mass journaling.
Probably about a year ago I started hearing about Mass journals and seeing them online. And I was curious. Then my friend Ginny designed one especially for kids. I thought it was a cool idea but I couldn’t imagine that Lorelei would be interested in such a thing.
Ginny just published her third installment of To Hear His Voice–they’re seasonal–and this time she launched a version for mothers too! When I heard about Until I Rest in You, I knew that this was the journal I wanted to try.
Lorelei saw me looking at it online and asked me what it was. When I explained, she said she thought that sounded interesting and she wanted her own!
So that’s how I ended up having the opportunity to review both the mom and kid Mass journals! (I received free PDF copies and was not otherwise compensated, and my opinions are my own.)
But let’s back up a minute, in case you are wondering what a Mass journal is and what you are supposed to do with one. Ginny’s journals contain the Sunday readings with reflection questions and space for writing and drawing. The journals could be used to read in advance of Mass to prepare, to follow along during Mass while taking notes, or to re-read and reflect afterward–or any combination of the three!
Now let’s talk about some of what makes Ginny’s journals special. First of all, they are visually appealing. The covers are so pretty, and so is all the lettering, and the decorative details throughout the books. Ginny pays attention to detail, and it shows.
The journals are divided by week, and I love that each section starts off with a list of the Feast Days for that week, and is prefaced with an inspirational quote from one of the saints. The kids’ journal also includes Reconciliation and Adoration Journals at the end.
The writing prompts are original and thoughtful, inspiring genuine reflection on the readings and connecting Scripture to every day life. The prompts in the children’s journal are age-appropriate yet challenging. And there is plenty of room to write in both journals, whether you are a mom with a lot to say or a kid with big handwriting!
The journals are available in PDF format or in hardback, and if you need a closer look before you decide, Ginny will even send you a sample chapter. For a more detailed description and explanation of the journals, click here for To Hear His Voice and here for Until I Rest in You. To purchase right now, click below!
If you purchase either book through the links in this post, I will receive a small commission.
