The GIVEN Institute

St. Joseph reminds us that our homes are a place of sanctity. When the routine of daily tasks feels especially burdensome and monotonous, St. Joseph's life teaches us to find holiness in these everyday duties. His commitment to providing and caring for Mary and Jesus within their home transformed ordinary activities into acts of love and service. By embracing our roles within the family—whether as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers—we participate in God's plan for salvation. St. Joseph's life exemplifies how ordinary tasks, performed with love and devotion, contribute to the greater good of the Church and society. ??Ite ad Joseph ?? In challenging moments, turn to St. Joseph for strength and guidance! Our everyday actions, when aligned with God's will, are meaningful and impactful. Praying for St. Joseph’s intercession can help us cultivate virtues that enhance our domestic lives and strengthen our faith. St. Joseph, Glory of the Domestic Life, pray for us! ??Share with a friend who might need St. Joseph’s intercession especially today ?? ? ? ? #stjoseph #iteadjoseph #domesticlife #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

Meaningful friendships are hard work, but 200% worth it. Friendships with that heart to heart connection reflect the love of Christ, and it’s through these connections that we experience His presence in a real way. But in the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to A) let these precious relationships slip to the back burner or B) grow tired trying to seek out and find good friendship ?? How can we prioritize these relationships? Be intentional about reaching out. A simple message or call can be a lifeline. ?? Create distraction-free space to listen and be present with your friends. ?? Pray together, support each other through life's highs and lows. ?? What else would you add?? Let’s commit to nurturing these bonds, not just when it's convenient, but consistently, because we know that true friendship can strengthen our hearts and help us grow closer to God. ?? Tag a friend who’s been a blessing in your life and take a moment to say “thank you” for the gift of their presence. ?? ? ? ? #HeartToHeart #FaithAndFriendship #Sisterhood #GiftOfFriendship #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

Have you ever sat down at God’s kitchen table? Dr. Carolyn Woo, president & CEO of Catholic Relief Services, shares her favorite prayer habit during her 2016 GIVEN Forum talk “Your Gifts are for Others.” ?? Listen to her wild (and humorous) story growing up in a Chinese immigrant family in Hong Kong to then attending college in the States, receiving her doctorate, and eventually running a global nonprofit. Watch the full talk on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gzvNwRg4 ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader?#catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

This Lent is different - it’s a JUBILEE Lent. Freedom from slavery. The forgiveness of debts. A time for the land to rest. This is the work of our God who brings beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). Even in the midst of suffering, sacrifice, and personal trials - His grace is at work. Through the ashes of our struggles, God can create something new, something beautiful—renewing our spirits and helping us to grow closer to Him. In Lent, we often reflect on our weaknesses and areas of our lives where we need healing. But just as ashes are transformed into the beauty of new life, so too does God offer us His grace and love, turning our hardships into opportunities for spiritual growth. This journey of sacrifice is not in vain; it is a path to renewal and deeper connection with the Creator. ?? ?? To support you during this reflective season, our GIVEN community collaborated to make the Lent 2025 playlist “Beauty for Ashes”—songs that will help you meditate on God’s love, the beauty He brings from brokenness, and the hope we find in Him. Listen now! https://lnkd.in/gDeE5SmV ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

Thirteen-year-old St. Frances of Rome did not want to get married. She wanted to be a nun in order to love, serve, and glorify God as she thought was best. But in the fourteenth century (when Frances lived), fathers provided for and arranged their daughters’ future. Frances’ father had arranged her marriage to a kind nobleman. Distressed, Frances fled to her spiritual director who, after receiving her grievances, replied, “Are you crying because you want to do God’s will or because you want God to do your will?” These words pierced her heart. Unable to change the mind of her father, St. Frances had a choice: give into her misery, or embrace this cross given to her as a call from God. Though we don’t live with the same cultural norms and difficulties that St. Frances faced…we often do find ourselves in undesirable situations beyond our control. Yes, sometimes the strong protests in our heart can be a sign that something is WRONG and we need to do something (like leave and get help!) But these protests are always, first and foremost, an invitation to surrender our will to God’s – who ultimately knows what is best for our flourishing. This question is so key: Am I crying because I want to do God’s will or because I want God to do my will? Do I trust that God is a good father who knows my needs and desires better than me? Frances did get married, had three children, and went on to live a beautiful (though difficult) life of service to her community (which included establishing an order of Benedictine Oblates which she joined after her husband passed away). Her life is a testament to freedom and peace that comes with conforming our hearts to the will of God! ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

Tomorrow, March 8th, we celebrate the precious gift of womanhood. In his 1995 "Letter to Women," St. John Paul II beautifully reminds us that "the dignity of women is deeply rooted in their feminine nature, in the fact that they are called to be a reflection of God's love in the world." As women of faith, we are called to embrace our unique strengths, to love and serve with compassion, and to be powerful witnesses of God's grace in every moment. Whether in quiet prayer or bold action, we make a difference ?? ??SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN CELEBRATE TODAY ?? ??Read John Paul II’s “Letter to Women” or his apostolic letter “Mulieres Dignitatem” ??Reflect on the beauty of your femininity and your unique gifts (What do you love most about your feminine heart? How do you uniquely share your gift of womanhood with the world?) ??Share this reel with a girlfriend & let her know how grateful you are for the gift of her life! If you’re looking for a community of women to help you in this journey, get involved with GIVEN? - visit our website: www.giveninstitute.com Happy International Women’s Day ?? ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

As we step into this Lenten season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of doing everything perfectly—fasting, praying, almsgiving, growing holier. But as St. Oscar Romero reminds us: "We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest." This truth is such a gift. It’s about taking that first step and trusting that God’s grace will carry us the rest of the way. We may not be able to do it all, but WE CAN DO SOMETHING, and that something matters. In our spiritual practices this Lent, remember that IT’S A BEGINNING. Whether it’s giving up a small comfort, making more space for daily prayer each day, or working on a certain virtue/habit… It might feel incomplete or imperfect, but it’s not ours to bring to perfection – it’s His. God meets us where we are, and in our efforts, His grace fills the gaps. Let this Lent be a time of embracing where we are, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and making space for the Lord to work in our hearts. ?? ??Share with a friend who might need the reminder ?? If you’re looking for a community of women to help you in this journey, get involved with GIVEN - visit our website to learn more! www.giveninstitute.com ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

“There is a RENEWAL of Catholic arts and the culture happening in New York City – it is alive and pulsating with the fire and heartbeat of Christ’s Sacred Heart.” GIVEN 2019 Alum Erin McAtee is a visual artist and the co-founder & executive director Arthouse2B, a multidisciplinary Catholic arts collective and nonprofit based in New York City. “The seedling for this vision started with my own experiences in my adolescent years and early 20s, as I sought to reconcile my Catholic faith and my artistic vocation.” After finishing her time as FOCUS missionary, Erin came to the GIVEN Forum with a desire more opportunities for friendship with other artists and more opportunities to share her artwork. “I began to realize that I wasn’t alone in this as I met other artists of faith along the way who were striving for growth in holiness and cultivating serious artistic practices, without having to compromise in either direction.” When Erin discerned that Arthouse2B’s growth was such that it needed to become a nonprofit, she was overwhelmed and nervous about the new challenges it would bring. She reached out to Cynthia (our GIVEN Mentoring Program & Alumnae Director) who was able to connect her with a GIVEN mentor experienced in this field. “[My mentor] was able to advise me not only from a logistical perspective in the areas I needed help with, but also at times from a vocational perspective with regards to establishing a work/life balance that would allow time for vocational discernment and personal flourishing as a woman of God in the world.” From 2020 to present, Arthouse2B has featured the work of approximately 225 artists and performers through public-facing programming, and has gathered approximately 500 artists for formation events such as our annual artist retreat, community meals, and group excursions to shows or museums in the city. “The audiences that attend our events continue to diversify and grow each year, and we are increasingly finding more connections with individuals who wouldn’t identify as Catholic yet find an interest in our community and in the work we present.” Many of the artists within the Arthouse2B have expressed the impact of the unique nourishment they feel from being a part of the life, activity, and relationships generated from this community, and the support they receive to go out and share the joy of the Gospel through their artistic vocations. “I cannot believe that I get to be enmeshed in it as an artist and leader and witness this movement evolve and expand, and I give thanks to God for His plans and dreams for my life as they continue to overshadow my own.” Read Erin’s full story on our website: https://lnkd.in/gA5qxrvV

There is a connection with our neediness and the grace of total dependence on the Lord. Dr. Margaret Laracy, a clinical psychologist, expands on the EMOTIONAL POWER of maternal love within each woman in this keynote from 2016 GIVEN Forum. (You can watch her full talk on our YouTube channel.) At GIVEN events, we’re blessed to hear from incredibly inspiring Catholic women like Dr. Margaret. These women in our GIVEN community are living examples of how faith, career, and service can beautifully intersect ?? ?? We invite YOU to get involved with us and experience these incredible talks, mentorship, moments of connection, and opportunities to grow as women of faith. ?? Share with a friend who might need what we have to offer ?? Visit our website to learn more: www.giveninstitute.com ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader? #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute

You’ve probably heard that line from St. Edith Stein: “The world doesn't need what women have, it needs what women are.” Guess what! Your dreams and unique desires are an important part of who you are. Your dreams were not meant to be kept hidden. There is something incredibly powerful about sharing our hopes, ambitions, and struggles with other women who understand our journey. The world needs your heart—the way YOU live out your vocation, the way YOU embody faith, empathy, creativity, and resilience. When we share our hopes & dreams with others, a vulnerability is opened up in our heart that allows God’s grace to guide us in a deeper way. ?? The next time you’re with a friend, consider sharing, “You know, I’ve had this dream on my heart…” (It’s okay if it seems silly or small!) ?? AND take a moment to ask a friend: “What are some hopes and dreams in your life right now?” Share your dreams, offer your prayers and support, and watch God’s grace at work in your friendships. If you’re looking for a community of women to help you in this journey, get involved with GIVEN - visit our website to learn more! www.giveninstitute.com ? ? ? #catholicwomenleaders #catholicgirl #femininegenius #catholicleader #catholicwoman #catholicprayer #catholicism #catholicnetworking #womenmentoringwomen #catholicconference #catholicspeaker #catholicfaith #catholicchurch #catholicblogger #catholicfamily #catholicmama #catholicwife #catholiclife #catholiclifestyle #singlecatholic #GIVENinstitute