Pregnant Pauses: Inspiring Stories for Advent
An introduction
Welcome to our Advent video series, “Pregnant Pauses.” With nearly 50 years each of ministry in the Catholic Church between them, co-hosts Mary Kay Whitacre, DMin, and Debbie Carmody, OblSB, have been deeply inspired by the countless faith-filled individuals who have touched their lives. This series celebrates some of those stories—finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of everyday life. It is our the hope that “Pregnant Pauses” will spark loving memories for you, and that you share those stories with others. Let the storytelling begin and let the love spread!
Filmed in the serene and sacred monastery of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS—Mary Kay and Debbie’s spiritual home—we invite you to pause, reflect, and discover the miracles within your own world this Advent season.
Using This Series
- The holiday season is busy, so tune in whenever it’s convenient. Use the series to set the tone for your week or revisit it as often as you like—it’s yours to enjoy however it fits your schedule.
- Whether for personal reflection or family devotion, this series is designed to inspire loving memories and encourage you to share those stories with others.
- Missing loved ones far away? Share this series with them to create a meaningful, shared experience across the miles.
First Sunday of Advent: Angel Feathers
This week we encourage you to look for the “angel feathers” God leaves you to remind you of God’s unconditional love, and to share those stories with others. You might also ask yourself how you can be a sign of God’s love and an “angel feather” for others.
Second Sunday of Advent: Are You Sure?
This week we are asking you to remember who taught you to believe in yourself. Maybe it would be a good time to tell them what they have meant to you. In return, who are you enabling to believe in themselves?
Third Sunday of Advent: I Need a Hug
Family therapists say that hugs are vital for our mental, emotional and physical health. We need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth. So, this week we encourage you to ask someone if they need a hug. You may be helping them survive or maybe even to grow.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Being the Skin of God’s Love
As Christmas draws near, take a moment to remember who has been the skin of God’s love for you. It would also be a good time to ask yourself how are you using your hands, feet, and eyes (and maybe even your hair) to be God’s blessing on the world.
If this series has been a blessing to you and you would like to show your appreicate through a free-will offering, we would be most grateful. Your support in any amount is instrumental in helping us continue to make spiritual programs available to all.
A special thank you to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, through the ministry of Sophia Spirituality Center, for the opportunity to offer this Advent series. We are also grateful to the incredible videography of Katie Rohlfing, at Dark Horse Digital Media, who without her talent and skills, these videos would not have been possible.
Mary Kay Whitacre
Mary Kay has worked in pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church for more than 45 years. She received a Master’s degree in Religious Education in 1982 and her Doctor of Ministry in 2017 from Seattle University. After she graduated from the Souljourners Spiritual Direction Formation Program in 2005, she joined the Souljourners staff. Currently, Mary Kay is a part of the Souljourners Leadership team. She provides spiritual direction and supervision, and leads a variety of retreats for Sophia Center.
Debbie Carmody
Debbie is retired after 28 years in pastoral ministry at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, Kansas. She has a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola—New Orleans.