From Ordinary to the Extraordinary
- andreabearauthor
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving is over and we are winding down the Ordinary time, but this season has been more extraordinary as we prepare for a new liturgical year. This is the perfect time to share several updates and changes coming up, as well as connect with everyone in what most seem like one of the busies times of the year.
Book Updates
Early this year, Grieving Daughter's Club was made available as an audiobook. Now you can listen to the characters and the storyline in addition to reading the book. A dear and beloved friend and relative, Sandy Nord, narrates this unabridged version.
This is Sandy's first project in audio recording, but she uses her beautiful voice to capture the essence of my characters. She and I have both learned a great deal from this undertaking, and I'm grateful for her love and patience. Let us know what you think!
Some of you keep asking when is the next book coming out?
While Grieving Daughters' Club has a special place in my heart, I have placed it on the back burner to work on some other exciting projects. One of those very projects has been in the making the past few years and has finally come to fruition! It's been a collaboration I cannot fully take credit for, but feel so honored and humbled to have been included in.
Some of you may remember Deacon Joseph Artesi, from St. Luke's parish in Stockton, who served the Diocese of Stockton from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. A few years ago, his son, Alan Artesi, approached me to help compile a collection of Joe's homilies.
Recently, with the Bishop's endorsement and imprimatur, Deacon Joe's work has now become a reality.
A Walk with Jesus: Sermonettes from Holy Scripture is now available for purchase.
We will host a Book launch and reading for his beautiful 40-day devotional on Sunday, December 7, after the 10:00am mass at St. Luke's Parish in the Social Hall. Stop by to pick up a copy.
Pre-orders are being taken in the parish office as we speak. This project is very humbling, and I was honored to be a part of it. Deacon Joe's example, as well as his words, have taught me a great deal about walking with Christ.
Advent Happenings
As we prepare for the extraordinary time of year, I wanted to share some places I'll be bringing in this season.
Saturday, December 6,
The Fruits of Advent
2:00pm
Annunciation Gym
400 W. Rose St.
Stockton Ca. 95203
Sunday, December 7
11:00am
St. Luke's Social Hall,
3847 N. Sutter Steet
Stockton, Ca. 95204
Saturday, December 13
5:00-9:00 pm,
440 La Gonda Wy, Danville, CA 94526
I'll be selling books and faith-based handmade jewelry.
As we start the Advent season, a time of busyness and happenings, let's also center our time on prayer, quiet moments, and being present. One way I am doing this is through prayer, and what better way than focusing on the Holiest of families.
33 Days to the Holy Family is a meditation and consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Written by Fr. Donald Calloway and Scott J. Smith. Centered around the holy family the authors take you through prayer and how the Holy family truly helps us naivagate the world today.
I hope the start of this new Liturgical year is a fruitful one for all of you and pray you grow deeper in love with Christ each day.
If you want to share what is touching your heart this coming season, send me a message and let me know so we can keep the conversation going.
God Bless,
Andrea
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