In 2015, I became a contributor to Heart of Mary Women’s Fellowship and in 2016 became a part of their executive team before stepping down that same year. Below is a piece I wrote for a series “Getting to Know Heart of Mary Women’s Fellowship.” It was originally published April 26, 2016.
Photo courtesy of The Happy Catholic Box
Meet Liz Outzs of The Happy Catholic Box (now, The Little Catholic Box). If you haven’t heard of The Happy Catholic Box The Little Catholic Box, it’s a subscription box company with a Catholic twist. Each month a box arrives on your doorstep full of items that remind you of how great it is to be Catholic.
When Liz and Jim Outzs lost their second child at just 6 days old, it prompted a renewal of her faith. Not regular church goers at the time, she and her husband witnessed the love and community of her church as they gathered around their small family in prayer and support. During Madeline’s short 6 days, priests came to the hospital everyday and people from the church prayed for them, and their daughter, Madeline. When the time came to remove Madeline from life support, Liz remembers, “I don’t know how I ever did that. I could feel the Holy Spirit in that moment. I can’t put it into words, but a calm came over us and we just held her. And we knew: she’s in heaven now.”
“That,” says Liz, “ was the beginning of my renewal.”
Six weeks later Liz found herself on a retreat and with a sudden realization that “everyone has their struggles. We’re here for each other.” And Liz, moved by her faith, wondered, “how can I take something – take my experience and turn it into something positive?”
That was back in 2011.
Since then there have been more children but never any time. For four years Liz and Jim brought up the idea but the time never seemed right. And in October of 2015 – their anniversary – they decided to take the leap. And in February of 2016 – on Madeline’s birthday – the first Happy Catholic Box Little Catholic Box mailed out.
So what is The Happy Catholic Box The Little Catholic Box?
It’s a subscription box service: a happy box delivered to your doorstep filled with surprise items chosen to help you get excited about your faith again. “I think it’s so easy to let it get boring. Sometimes people just think, ‘I have to go to church.’” But Liz doesn’t feel that way. She says now, “I look forward to going church and see how our faith is so vibrant and there is so much to experience.”
It’s that love that Liz fills each box with before it’s sent out to you. The contents of each box are prayerfully selected as Liz locates artisan items perfect for people in all places of their faith journey. “I love to give pieces of art and jewelry – the Heart of Mary Rosary Project CD; providing people with little things to remind them and get them excited about their faith. That’s our purpose.”
Liz and Jim Outzs are so excited to encourage you in your faith that they have generously offered to give away one of May’s Happy Catholic Box’s The Little Catholic Box. To enter, sign up to receive Heart of Mary’s daily Scripture devotions delivered to your email inbox and you’ll be entered to get the very last May edition of the The Happy Catholic Box The Little Catholic Box. Note: This Giveaway has ended.
In the meantime, visit them at The Little Catholic Box and consider signing up for your own subscription, or even just to purchase a single box. They make great gifts!
