News from Good News Ministries:
- Back to School: A Return to Routine
- From Our Video Archives: Inspiring Personal Testimonies
- Plus great links to great content!
Back to School: A Return to Routine
At the end of August, my mom had a special tradition: she took each of us back-to-school shopping, one child at a time. We would spend the whole day together on a grand excursion—visiting malls, office supply stores, and department shops—gathering everything we needed for the new school year, from notebooks to new shoes. Each trip ended with a dinner for two at the restaurant of our choice. I have many fun memories from our back-to-school shopping adventures.
One of my favorites is the seventh-grade “toe service” experience. At Nordstrom, a sales associate not only measured my feet and discovered that they were two different sizes (they still are!), but also sold us the shoes in mismatched sizes to properly fit my feet. Her attention to detail didn’t stop there—before letting me try on the shoes, she carefully straightened my socks to ensure a perfect fit in my new Hush Puppies. Mom and I couldn’t stop giggling.
However, the highlight of the day was our arrival home. The rest of the family was always excited to hear the story of our shopping experience and see what we had acquired for the upcoming school year. Sitting in the living room, the family marveled for twenty minutes or so at each pack of #2 pencils we pulled out of the bag. They might have only been school supplies, but you could easily have thought we were showing off buried treasure. These trips were always special and unique because of the great joy we experienced and shared.
Have you done some “spiritual” back-to-school shopping this summer? I’m willing to bet you have. Maybe you read a new spiritual book, enjoyed meaningful time with your spouse or children on vacation, or attended a summer conference, retreat, or mission trip. If so, you’ve gathered some new spiritual tools just waiting to be put to use as you step into the rhythm of the academic year.
As you reflect on the ways you’ve encountered God and grown spiritually this summer, we invite you to share your story with us! Submit a short video, audio, or written testimony by emailing it to wsnyder@gnm.org or uploading it using this secure Dropbox link by September 30, 2025. We’ll compile them into a webpage on the Good News Ministries site and share them on our social media.
Even if you don’t submit your story to us, tell it with joy to your family, friends, or parish, like you’re showing off pearls of great price. Use the knowledge you have gained and the joy you have experienced to build up the kingdom of God. While the routine of the academic year may seem mundane compared to the excitement and relaxation of summer, it is important to remember that this season of sowing, watering, and nurturing our faith is in preparation for the harvest. By witnessing to the truth, you help share the light of the Gospel and inspire others to grow closer to God.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where it gives light to all the house. (Matt 5:14-15)”
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
Explore our Catholic Video Library for Faith Growth
Need some inspiration for your How I Grew Spiritually this Summer video? Check out these witness stories.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Bill Snyder, Executive Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org
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How to Win Victories in Spiritual Warfare
Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well
Lessons from the Blessed Mother
Daily Prayers with the Saints