Catholic small business

The Anchor of Faith: Hope, Mary, and the Papacy

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Sacred Anchor Artisans, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

From the earliest centuries, Christians turned to the image of the anchor as a powerful symbol of faith and hope. For sailors, this mooring point was a lifeline: a guarantee of stability amid storms and a safeguard against drifting into dangerous waters. For persecuted Christians in Rome, it became even more than that.

In the catacombs, anchors appeared frequently on epitaphs, sometimes paired with inscriptions like pax tecum (“peace be with you”) or in pace (“in peace”). These weren’t decorative choices. They were confessions of hope — hope that their loved ones, grounded in Christ, had reached the safe harbor of heaven.

The Epistle to the Hebrews gives us the clearest biblical grounding: “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil, where Jesus has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19–20). The anchor became shorthand for that “sure and firm” hope: Christ Himself, our refuge and salvation.

In fact, this symbol often functioned as a “disguised cross” in the first centuries, when the open depiction of the cross was still rare. Some anchors in the catacombs show fish clinging to its flukes, a subtle proclamation of Christ crucified, recognizable only to believers. The symbol was a way of declaring faith quietly but unmistakably, even when open confession was dangerous.

That hidden cross within the anchor reminds us that our faith is always rooted in both hope and sacrifice. To be secured in Christ is to rest not on worldly certainty but on the wood of His Cross.

Mary: The Star of Hope and Foundation of the Soul

Over time, Christian reflection expanded the meaning of the anchor by connecting it with Mary, the Mother of God. The Church has long hailed her as Stella Maris — the “Star of the Sea.” Sailors looked to the stars to navigate treacherous waters; the faithful look to Mary to stay on course toward Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI called her the “Star of Hope,” a radiant sign in history’s often stormy sea. He wrote in Spe Salvi that Mary is a guiding presence for the Church and for every believer, helping us keep sight of the heavenly harbor when waves rise high.

This Marian dimension of the anchor becomes especially clear on Holy Saturday. When the world seemed swallowed in silence and loss, Mary remained steadfast. She kept hope alive, offering the disciples a steady foundation of trust that her Son would rise. Her unwavering faith became a living source of stability for the soul, holding fast when everything else seemed uncertain.

The image of rosaries hanging on an anchor captures this beautifully: Mary, through prayer, moors us securely to Christ. Just as an anchor steadies a ship, Mary’s intercession steadies the Church, guiding us through confusion and darkness.

For a Catholic family cooperative like Sacred Anchor Artisans, this symbolism is not abstract. Their very name reflects this Marian spirituality. The anchor in their home shrine is a reminder that beauty and creativity, offered through art, can be a stable point of grace in a storm-tossed culture.

The Papacy: A Safe Harbor of Truth and Unity

This symbol also carries a deep resonance with the papacy. While the keys of Peter are the most recognized papal emblem, the image of steadfastness and security found in the anchor offers a fitting complement.

Christ designated Peter as the “rock” on which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18). That rock is immovable, a fixed point that withstands floods and storms. The Pope, as Peter’s successor, serves in this same role today, providing stability and unity for the Church universal.

St. Ambrose once wrote: “As the anchor thrown from a ship prevents this from being borne about, but holds it securely, so faith, strengthened by hope.” The Pope, entrusted with strengthening the brethren (Luke 22:32), guards the Church in the truth of Christ, preventing it from drifting with every cultural current.

Think of the Church as a great ship. The seas of history are often turbulent: heresies, persecutions, doubts, divisions. Yet the papacy, rooted in Christ’s promise, functions as a safe harbor for the faithful. The successor of Peter does not replace Christ the Pilot but serves as His visible sign of guidance, keeping the Church moored to Truth Himself.

When we profess our faith, especially in times of confusion, we cling to the same hope as the early Christians in the catacombs. Our foundation is Christ, and the papacy keeps the lifeline of faith secure.

Anchored in Beauty: The Mission of Sacred Anchor Artisans

If the anchor is such a profound Christian symbol, what does it mean for a Catholic family business to choose it as their name? For Sacred Anchor Artisans, the choice is deliberate. Their cooperative is meant to be a steadying presence in a noisy, storm-tossed world.

At Catholic conferences, retreats, and events across the country, Sacred Anchor brings together the work of dozens of Catholic makers — artists, jewelers, woodworkers, and more. They offer gifts that are not only beautiful but spiritually grounding. A handcrafted crucifix, a Marian print, a rosary bracelet: these are not just keepsakes. They are steady reminders of grace, helping families carry their faith home in tangible ways.

The Olsens’ home shrine, dedicated in the Schoenstatt tradition, inspired this vision. Their family’s “Anchor of the Soul” shrine is a Marian devotion, a place where beauty, prayer, and grace steady daily life. Sacred Anchor Artisans extends that mission outward. In effect, they carry their shrine into the world, creating points of stability and faith wherever Catholic families gather.

This is why their work matters. In an age of fleeting trends and disposable products, Sacred Anchor offers what lasts: art rooted in truth, beauty grounded in faith, gifts that moor souls to Christ.

Holding Fast to Hope

This ancient emblem, one of Christianity’s oldest symbols, has always spoken of stability, safety, and hope. For the early Church, it was a hidden cross in the catacombs, a sign of salvation amid persecution. For the faithful through the ages, it has represented the hope of heaven, the intercession of Mary, and the steadying hand of the papacy.

Today, it continues to inspire. To hang a rosary on this symbol, to meditate on Mary as the Star of Hope, to trust the papacy as the Church’s stabilizing guide — these are all ways of saying the same thing: Christ is our anchor, sure and firm.

Sacred Anchor Artisans captures this truth in both name and mission. By supporting Catholic makers and sharing their creations, they help families bring steadfast reminders of faith into their homes. In doing so, they remind us that beauty itself can be a grounding force: steady, hopeful, and sacred.

May we, too, anchor our hearts in Christ. May Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us through life’s storms. And may the Church, grounded in truth, always point us toward the eternal harbor of heaven.

Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Sacred Anchor Artisans today.

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A 1021 Word Interview with Playground Saints

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Sophia Chamblee via phone call on August 9th, 2025. Some of the questions/answers have been rearranged, edited, and paraphrased to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.

What inspired you to start Playground Saints?

I think the inspiration started up around Covid. I noticed people starting up these small businesses. It started as an Etsy stop with bookmarks. The bookmarks were like a humble beginning. I really like stickers and I noticed that other shops prioritized stickers. I wanted to have stickers as my own. 

After I graduated college, I got a printer and cricut. I use an app call Design Space. 

What saints did you begin with for your stickers?

I use the same designs of Padre Pio, and Therese of Lisieux, and Mama Mary as when I began.

Thomas Aquinas and Martin de Porres and Rose of Lima were original saints that I have later upgraded the designs.

Your logo, “Mama Mary and Son,” has such a warm, whimsical feel. What was your inspiration? 

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Totally Yours: What Totus Tuus Teaches Us About Evangelization

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Sponsored: This article is made possible by Totus Tuus Co., supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

The Heart of Evangelization: Totally Yours

Evangelization can sound intimidating. We imagine missionaries in distant lands, theological debates, or complicated catechetical lessons. But at its core, evangelization simply means handing ourselves over to Christ so that He may work through us. In other words, we say to Him what Mary said at the Annunciation: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

That spirit is beautifully summed up in two small Latin words that shaped the life and papacy of Saint John Paul II: Totus Tuus — Totally Yours.

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An 1180 Word Interview with Baritus Catholic

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Chris Lewis via phone call on August 7th, 2025. Some of the questions/answers have been rearranged, edited, and paraphrased to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.

What inspired you to start creating Catholic art?

I had been a graphic designer for a number of years and I was a convert. I converted as a practicality to get married in the Church but eventually I started to have questions about the faith I accepted, and was being pulled to learn the faith for myself which led to a profound and authentic intellectual conversion. However in my 30’s I was diagnosed with lung cancer and this experience shook me spiritually. I learned I was grateful for my gifts and thought maybe I should use these gifts to help share the faith. 

I started doing Catholic art for fun and as a cathartic experience. I used to be an illustrator. And I would hand-draw everything. I went into graphic design for stability. 

When I started out sharing my sketches on social media my art took off. When you started Baritus Catholic in 2018, I was still working at my full-time graphic design job. Two years later, I decided to go full-time with Baritus Catholic. 

 How did you decide the name of your company?

I love reading ancient history. I was reading about the fall of the barbarians to the Romans in the 300s. There was a war cry that sounded like a trumpet, it was called “baritus”. That’s actually where we get the word baritone from. The war-cry and trumpeting reminded me of the angels ushering in the end time judgement in Revelation and the war-cry at Jericho in the Book of Joshua. 

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An 818 Word Interview with Nichole Lanthier

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Nichole Lanthier via phone call on May 14th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

Your story includes a 10-year break from visual art before rediscovering it in 2018. What was that moment of rediscovery like, and how has your artistic voice evolved since returning to your creative roots?

It wasn’t so much as a break as I really didn’t pursue art beyond a hobby. I was focused more on music ministry before having kids. 

I pulled out the art supplies and started drawing a picture for my friend’s  (Katie McGrady) daughter for her birthday. 

Drawing was a way for me to pray. I started making prints for people and eventually opened an Etsy Shop. I have taught myself the more technical aspects of artwork and am still trying to learn. 

I’ve noticed your “pixel art” design of the Blessed Virgin Mary fighting Satan (My son and I love our t-shirts!). Could you share the inspiration behind this striking imagery and what message you hope it conveys?

There’s an old illuminated manuscript of a priest who sold his soul to the Devil and the Blessed Virgin Mary was protecting the priest’s soul. The kids and I thought this was a great story and decided this needed to be one of our pixel shirts. 

How does your Catholic faith specifically inform your artistic choices, themes, and the subjects you choose to create?

It is everything I create. It’s what I do specifically, faith-based work. It is impossible to separate my faith from what I’m doing. As someone who creates for a living I feel like I have an obligation to create something that can inspire others and bring them to God. 

What type of music ministry did you do?

I was a singer-songwriter. From 2003-2018 I did ministry music around our diocese. We worked at a lot of the youth events in our diocese. Now I get to sing in our cathedral choir and I prefer this type of music, so it’s been very nice. 

Your art helps support your children’s Catholic education. How has this practical purpose influenced your approach to your business, and how do you balance the commercial aspects with the ministry side?

It’s really hard. Since we got married we agreed that I would stay home with the kids. We also prayed about sending our children to Catholic schools. And once we sent our first child to Catholic school my art work started to pick up. We have had to put a lot of trust in God. 

Interestingly enough, I don’t have a ton of time to draw due to running the other facets of the business. 

It has been a struggle to balance the commercial and ministry sides. I have had a desire to give away my work for free at times, but I have had to tell myself that my work still deserves pay. At the same time there have been various ministries and circumstances to donate. I do try to price my art to be as low as possible to make it affordable. 

Many artists struggle with vulnerability in sharing their work. As someone who describes feeling “very green with art,” how has putting your creations into the world as expressions of faith challenged or strengthened you?

It has definitely challenged me and has been an exercise in humility. I get nervous putting some of my stuff out there. Part of it is vanity, worrying about what others think of me. I start picking myself apart and thinking about what others more advanced in art would say. I have learned to push through those things. Some days it is tough. I follow so many talented Catholic artists and sometimes compare myself to others. 

If you could create a dream project that perfectly encapsulates what your ministry means to you, what would it look like?

I’m always wishing I could do some large oil paintings. I do have a very long list on my phone of things that I want to paint. The crazy thing is it’s tough to find time to create. Honestly, I would really love to get professional art training. 

Have you ever thought about iconography?

I have thought about it, but my husband is much more interested in that. He actually has an art degree, he took his career in a different direction. 

How do you prepare yourself in terms of devotions or prayer before you create an artwork? 

I try to listen to chant and get into as much of a contemplative state as possible. I love Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. I also have a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother of God. I really do enjoy drawing images of the Holy Family in their humanity and in their daily life. 

I have plans in my list of doing more artwork focused on the Holy Family. 

Where is the best place for my readers to find more of your work?

Right now everything is on my Etsy shop. 

About Nichole:

Nichole Lanthier is a wife, mother of five, and artist living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She strives to create pieces that will encourage others to turn their hearts and minds to God. Her work can be found in her etsy shop, at nicholelanthier.etsy.com.

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Small Pilgrimages: Evangelizing Your Kids One Step at a Time

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Pockets of Heaven, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

Evangelizing children isn’t always about complex theological lessons or far-off mission trips. Sometimes, the most powerful encounters with God happen right in your own backyard or even your living room. Just as adults benefit from pilgrimages that draw them closer to God, children can encounter Christ through small, intentional “journeys” of faith that fit within everyday life.

Let’s explore how these small pilgrimages can help pass on the faith to your kids while strengthening your domestic church.

new evangelization

The Domestic Church: Where Evangelization Begins

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the parents’ vital role:

“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule… Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children” (CCC 2223).

In many ways, the home itself becomes a sort of permanent pilgrimage site, a sacred place where children encounter God daily through prayer, forgiveness, service, and love.

As I’ve written before, even small actions like having holy images in your home, praying before meals, answering questions during Mass, or visiting a local Catholic bookstore create micro-moments of evangelization. One of my daughters, for example, loves flipping through pamphlets about the Eucharist. That small curiosity leads to natural conversations about the Real Presence. These little moments plant seeds that the Holy Spirit can grow over time.

Adding sacramentals and liturgical resources to your home can also help foster these everyday encounters. Catholic businesses like Pockets of Heaven provide beautiful, handcrafted tools that help families create prayer spaces, celebrate feast days, and make the liturgical year come alive for kids in simple but meaningful ways.

You don’t need a master’s degree in theology to evangelize your kids. What matters most is creating a loving environment where faith is part of daily life, where Christ is present in both words and actions.

Pilgrimages Teach Kids That Life is a Journey Toward God

Father Dave Pivonka wisely reminds us that “Every single one of us is a pilgrim on a journey. For us Christians, as Pope St. John Paul II said, this journey should ultimately lead us to the heart of the Father.”

Pilgrimages, whether big or small, teach kids that faith is not static. It’s a living, breathing adventure toward God’s heart. And this journey doesn’t require international travel. While trips to Lourdes, Fatima, or Rome are beautiful, they’re not necessary to experience the graces of pilgrimage.

Small pilgrimages could include:

  • Visiting your diocesan cathedral for Mass.
  • Spending an hour in adoration at a nearby chapel.
  • Walking as a family to a local Marian shrine.
  • Going on a nature walk while praying the Rosary.
  • Visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead on All Souls’ Day.

These intentional acts pull kids out of their daily routines and help them encounter God anew. As Fr. Pivonka puts it, “Do something intentional that takes you out of your ordinary routine. Seek to encounter Jesus. You will be amazed what God can do in your heart.”

The Sacraments: Theological Rest Stops Along the Journey

Life is exhausting. I’ve written before how my own fatigue nearly led me to despair. Yet, in that weakness, I was reminded of Bishop Paul Swain’s beautiful words:

“Sacraments are not the end or graduation of the Catholic life, rather sacraments act as theological rest stops to give us strength.”

Confession, for example, is like a pit stop where we release burdens and receive grace to keep walking. As the Catechism explains, “The sacrament of Penance repairs or restores [fraternal communion]” (CCC 1469).

The Eucharist provides nourishment for the journey ahead — our manna in the desert:

“The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus… Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet” (CCC 1391).

And marriage? It’s not simply a contract but a covenant of mutual sacrifice. As I’ve joked before, marriage often feels like a holy war against pride, impatience, and selfishness. But it’s also a place of peace, where we strategize, rest, and receive grace for the road ahead.

When we bring our children into these sacramental rest stops by taking them to Confession, preparing them for First Holy Communion, and witnessing the beauty of a sacramental marriage, we’re showing them how to draw strength for their own pilgrim journey.

Penance, Solidarity, and Thanksgiving — Lessons Even Kids Can Learn

Pilgrimage isn’t always comfortable. Fr. Pivonka shares stories of pilgrims enduring blistering heat, unexpected thunderstorms, and travel mishaps. Yet these struggles become opportunities for offering penance, teaching kids a profound lesson: suffering can be united to prayer.

On a small pilgrimage to a local shrine, a child might get tired or frustrated. That’s a chance to gently explain:

“You can offer this tiredness for Grandma who’s sick, or for a friend who’s struggling.”

Solidarity is another beautiful fruit of pilgrimage. Whether walking together as a family or participating in parish events, kids learn that they’re not alone in their faith. They belong to the wider Body of Christ — a Church filled with fellow pilgrims, saints, and sinners all journeying home.

Finally, pilgrimages naturally lead to thanksgiving. As Fr. Pivonka writes about his own Camino de Santiago:

“Going on pilgrimage does something to our hearts and to how we see the world… We begin to see [God] in places where we didn’t before.”

When kids see the beauty of God in creation, family, sacraments, and community, gratitude becomes a habit that sustains their faith long after the pilgrimage ends. Even creating little “pockets of heaven” in our homes — through prayer corners, seasonal decor, or feast day celebrations — can help foster that spirit of gratitude.

 Biblical ABC Book published by Parousia Media

Start Small, Start Today

Evangelizing our kids doesn’t require perfect words or elaborate plans. It begins with small acts of intentionality, small pilgrimages of the heart, the home, and even the neighborhood.

As parents, our job is to guide our children toward Christ through daily witness, sacramental life, and occasional small pilgrimages that draw them deeper into God’s presence. With each little step, they’ll discover that their whole life is a beautiful, lifelong journey toward the Father.

As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Buen Camino.

Thanks again to today’s article sponsor! Visit Pockets of Heaven where you’ll find resources to help your children journey with Jesus, Mary, and the Saints in the pockets of everyday life.

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Catholic Financial Advisors: Where Faith Meets Finance

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Sponsored: This article is made possible by Campos Financial Group , supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

Faith-Based Alignment and Understanding

A Catholic financial advisor understands the values and moral teachings that shape Catholic life. Unlike solely secular advisors, they are equipped to guide clients in making choices that reflect Church doctrine, such as avoiding investments in industries contrary to Catholic teaching (e.g., respect for life, pornography, gambling, or arms manufacturing). This alignment ensures your financial plan supports both material well-being and spiritual integrity.

Stewardship and Generosity

Catholic tradition emphasizes stewardship: the belief that all we possess is ultimately a gift from God, entrusted to us for wise use and for the good of others. As Saint John Chrysostom taught, “The rich man is not one who is in possession of much, but one who gives much.” A Catholic financial advisor encourages generosity, helping clients incorporate charitable giving and support for the Church and community as essential elements of their financial strategy.

Guidance Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching provides a moral framework for economic life, emphasizing human dignity, the common good, and a preferential option for the poor. Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate, offers a profound reminder:

“Charity goes beyond justice, because to love is to give, to offer what is ‘mine’ to the other; but it never lacks justice, which prompts us to give the other what is his, what is due to him by reason of his being or his acting. … Justice is the primary way of charity or, in Paul VI’s words, ‘the minimum measure’ of it.”

A Catholic financial advisor helps clients navigate these teachings, ensuring that financial decisions are not just profitable, but also just and compassionate.

Ethical Investment and Legacy Planning

A Catholic financial advisor is uniquely positioned to help clients pursue “faith based investing”-choosing portfolios that exclude companies whose practices conflict with Church values and prioritizing those that promote human dignity and the common good. They can also guide families through estate planning, ensuring that wills, trusts, and end-of-life directives respect Catholic moral principles regarding life, death, and the afterlife.

Professionalism: Licensed and Fiduciary

It is essential that your Catholic financial advisor is not only faith-aligned but also properly licensed and acts as a fiduciary. A licensed professional has met rigorous education and ethical standards, ensuring they are qualified to advise you on complex financial matters. As a fiduciary, your planner is legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first, offering unbiased advice and transparent recommendations. This combination of professional integrity and faith-based guidance provides the highest level of trust and accountability.

Practical and Spiritual Benefits

Working with a Catholic financial advisor provides peace of mind, knowing your financial journey is guided by both professional expertise and a commitment to faith. It fosters a holistic approach-balancing prudent planning with trust in God’s providence, and integrating generosity, responsibility, and purpose into every decision.

A Catholic financial advisor does more than manage money—they help you live out your faith through your finances, leaving a legacy that honors God and serves others.

Thanks again to today’s article sponsor! Visit Campos Financial Group to find your trusted independent fiduciary advisor. 

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