Desk job, daily Mass: 7 must-haves for single Catholic women

We aren’t all homesteaders. We aren’t all stay-at-home moms. If you’re like me, much of your time is spent sitting at a desk, attending meetings, or typing on a laptop. I don’t feed pigs,  stretch and fold my sourdough, or have a beautiful Instagram-worthy family. But I can still live my best Catholic life as a single working woman. 

Here are seven essentials to keep you healthy and happy in body, mind, and soul! Check out the links for some of my favorite Catholic products and companies.

Morning prayer

“Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul.” — Psalm 143:8 

Start your day with Jesus. I like to make myself a cup of tea, light a candle, and say the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer. At other times, I meditate on the day’s readings, which I have loaded onto my phone using the Magnificat app. I spend most of my day typing, reading news reports, or analyzing data. It’s important to recognize that even the busiest days are a gift from God and all we do can be offered up for his glory!

Pro Tip: Make time for an early morning Mass — the best way to start your day!

Run the race

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” — 1 Corinthians 9:24

The next essential for a Catholic girl boss is movement! Ladies, sometimes I end the day and feel as though I have somehow become one with my keyboard; my back is  permanently hunched, and my neck muscles are tight. It’s important to take time to get up and move around. I cycle through any number of workouts, but my favorites are a morning Rosary walk, a short afternoon jogb, or an evening Ppilates session. Sometimes I use my afternoon break to stand up and stretch! It is important to remember that we are both body and soul — taking care of physical bodies will help us not only work better but pray better, too. 

Create a desk shrine

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” — James 4:8

As a working girl, I spend a lot of time at my desk. It must look welcoming, inspiring, and even beautiful. My solution to that? A desk shrine! Find your favorite holy images or statues and set them up on your desk! Sometimes I switch out the saints and images depending on the season: the Holy Family for Christmas, pregnant Mary for Advent, or Christ on the Cross for Lent. I like to add some flowers when I have them, or even a candle (like these beautiful ones from Corda!) to keep it cozy, welcoming, and smelling nice. Looking up from your notes or computer screen and seeing your heavenly friends and family reminds you that you are not alone, and that this desk is not your home.

Hydration

“…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” — John 4:14

You may think that when sitting at your desk all day, you don’t need to drink a lot of water. However, hydration is key. Ensure that you have a glass or water bottle ready first thing in the morning at your desk. Bonus points if it’s cute and Catholic, like this Stanley-style cup from Blessed is She, these Holy-wala bottles from Chews Life, or this cute class tumbler from West Coast Catholic! I like to add lemon or lime to mine to keep it interesting, and often use a straw to help me drink more water. Keeping yourself hydrated will keep your skin healthy, your energy up, and your brain dialed in. 

Renew your strength

“…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

Let’s face it, ladies – water alone won’t cut it in the energy department. Whether you’re a tea or a coffee drinker, make sure you have your daily drip! The modern working laywoman will use whatever tools available to her to serve God well. That includes coffee. Fulton Sheen even promoted the beverage, saying about religious sisters, “Let them have coffee before meditation.” 

While you’re at it, put it in a cute mug! I like this one from CatholicVote, check out the Catholic Company for a more humorous note, and purchase this Marian flower mug for a sophisticated, subtle nod to Oour Lady. Even the coffee itself can go towards a good cause! Check out Catholic Coffee or Fiat Coffee for a truly heavenly brew.

All in His plan

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 40:11

Ladies, we all know how hard it is to stay organized. Meetings, deadlines, Mass times, keeping all of these things in our heads at once is impossible. That’s why owning a planner of some kind is essential. After all, how can we follow God’s plan if we forget our 2:30 meeting? In all seriousness, being organized helps with our productivity. Time is a gift, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of that gift. Some of my favorite planners are this one from Blessed is She and this one from Gather and Pray. 

The armor of God

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

When we go to work, we want to look put together and classy. We also, however, want to bring our faith and its protection to the workplace. Enter Catholic jewelry. Where a religious sister has a habit and a priest has a collar, the uniform of the Catholic laywoman should include a beautiful necklace. Personally, I wear a golden Miraculous Medal on a chain around my neck. Those who wear this medal and pray to Mary will receive great graces: healing, conversion, and blessings for the wearer. I got mine from The Little Catholic, but you can also buy one straight from Lourdes!