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The Friendship Project: The Catholic Woman's Guide to Making and Keeping Fabulous, Faith-Filled Friends
Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet are busy wives, mothers, and volunteers. They are also friends, Catholic speakers, and the dedicated coauthors of Divine Mercy for Moms , which continues to inspire women to come together to pray, study, and live in friendship around the Divine Mercy devotion. In the midst of their active lives, Faehnle and Jaminet found themselves missing their old friends and searching for new ones. They also realized that they needed to continually work to develop deep, meaningful relationships that would allow them to be themselves, to care for others and be cared for, and to deepen their Catholic faith.
In The Friendship Project , Faehnle and Jaminet explore the cardinal and theological virtues with an eye toward friendship. Focusing on faith, hope, love, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity, and prayerfulness, they help us answer questions such as, “What does it mean to be women of hope, and how does that change our lives and make us more compassionate friends during difficult times?” and “How does prayerfulness teach us how to listen to and talk with both God and our friends, which helps us reach out to those we love?”
Faehnle and Jaminet answer these questions and more by employing Church teaching and telling us stories of their own friendships and those from the lives of saints and biblical women—including the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Elizabeth, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her sister Servant of God Léonie, and Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. Not only will you be drawn closer to friends both new and old but you’ll also be reminded how these friendships—and the virtues you practice to nurture them—draw you closer to God.
Prayers, discussion questions, and a study guide make this a perfect resource for women’s groups
In The Friendship Project , Faehnle and Jaminet explore the cardinal and theological virtues with an eye toward friendship. Focusing on faith, hope, love, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity, and prayerfulness, they help us answer questions such as, “What does it mean to be women of hope, and how does that change our lives and make us more compassionate friends during difficult times?” and “How does prayerfulness teach us how to listen to and talk with both God and our friends, which helps us reach out to those we love?”
Faehnle and Jaminet answer these questions and more by employing Church teaching and telling us stories of their own friendships and those from the lives of saints and biblical women—including the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Elizabeth, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her sister Servant of God Léonie, and Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. Not only will you be drawn closer to friends both new and old but you’ll also be reminded how these friendships—and the virtues you practice to nurture them—draw you closer to God.
Prayers, discussion questions, and a study guide make this a perfect resource for women’s groups
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2017
64 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 8, 2017
The Friendship Project is a thorough resource for Christian women seeking to cultivate friendships with like-minded women who seek to grow in holiness.
Organized by applicable virtues and examples of saint friends, the authors guide the reader in examining her relationships and offering concrete suggestions for both making new friends, deepening spiritual friendships, and being a better friend.
My withholding a star says less about the book than its applicability to my own life. My heart ached at the descriptions of deep, long-lasting, supportive friendships which have been absent from my own life for decades. My dearth of friendships left some of the material irrelevant to me at present.
Unfortunately, there's no magic formula for meeting friends, but The Friendship Project provides some useful tips to find friends which I hope to apply (although I admit that outside of personal prayer, they are somewhat a nightmare for an introvert).
Would make an excellent resource for small groups (for which additional guidance and materials are available).
Organized by applicable virtues and examples of saint friends, the authors guide the reader in examining her relationships and offering concrete suggestions for both making new friends, deepening spiritual friendships, and being a better friend.
My withholding a star says less about the book than its applicability to my own life. My heart ached at the descriptions of deep, long-lasting, supportive friendships which have been absent from my own life for decades. My dearth of friendships left some of the material irrelevant to me at present.
Unfortunately, there's no magic formula for meeting friends, but The Friendship Project provides some useful tips to find friends which I hope to apply (although I admit that outside of personal prayer, they are somewhat a nightmare for an introvert).
Would make an excellent resource for small groups (for which additional guidance and materials are available).
April 6, 2021
I got this book from a dear friend 2 years ago on my birthday. I wish I would have read it sooner!
This book is one full of answers to the questions you have never asked before, but probably should have. It was full of all sorts of information I never knew I needed and plenty of wisdom too.
I found it sweet to see how Saints were friends with each other during their time on earth, and as the pairs of Saints were presented, it was a reminder that we often take on the characteristics of those we surround ourselves with. I always hear Saints Perpetua and Felicity mentioned together, but had no idea that they lived at the same time and were great friends to each other until I read this book.
I really enjoyed the chapter about gratitude, and I found it ironic that a chapter on loyalty was based on the relationship of Ruth and Naomi - I actually JUST read the book of Ruth for the first time 2 days ago!
We hear words like faith, hope, charity, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity, and prayerfulness pretty regularly. While we know they are “good” we don’t always have a clear understanding of everything they encompass. This book gives plenty of real life examples of each of these things, and sparks ideas about how you can intentionally take on these characteristics to be a better friend. After all, if you want to HAVE good friends, you need to BE a good friend.
My favorite prayer from the book of Sirach was also referenced.
This book is one full of answers to the questions you have never asked before, but probably should have. It was full of all sorts of information I never knew I needed and plenty of wisdom too.
I found it sweet to see how Saints were friends with each other during their time on earth, and as the pairs of Saints were presented, it was a reminder that we often take on the characteristics of those we surround ourselves with. I always hear Saints Perpetua and Felicity mentioned together, but had no idea that they lived at the same time and were great friends to each other until I read this book.
I really enjoyed the chapter about gratitude, and I found it ironic that a chapter on loyalty was based on the relationship of Ruth and Naomi - I actually JUST read the book of Ruth for the first time 2 days ago!
We hear words like faith, hope, charity, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity, and prayerfulness pretty regularly. While we know they are “good” we don’t always have a clear understanding of everything they encompass. This book gives plenty of real life examples of each of these things, and sparks ideas about how you can intentionally take on these characteristics to be a better friend. After all, if you want to HAVE good friends, you need to BE a good friend.
My favorite prayer from the book of Sirach was also referenced.
November 20, 2018
Excellent book about how to make and keep faith-filled friends. Each chapter has a contemporary story that is tied to a virtue and a story about friendships between saints that exemplified that virtue (who knew that there were saints who were friends in real life?) with some pitfalls to attaining the virtue. Finally, each chapter ends with some practical guidance, advice and applications for aspiring to that virtue.
I was blessed to have a group of women with whom to read and discuss the chapters on a weekly basis. The feedback has been terrific and we're on our way to forming a strong foundation of women who feel connected by more than just ordinary mundane things. The supporting documents, videos and blogs were an added benefit. And the accompanying journal led to reflection and many great discussions.
As someone who hunts down books like this, this is one of the best I've encountered in a long time.
I was blessed to have a group of women with whom to read and discuss the chapters on a weekly basis. The feedback has been terrific and we're on our way to forming a strong foundation of women who feel connected by more than just ordinary mundane things. The supporting documents, videos and blogs were an added benefit. And the accompanying journal led to reflection and many great discussions.
As someone who hunts down books like this, this is one of the best I've encountered in a long time.
July 1, 2023
I loved this book so much, I have texted friends passages from the text, and bought at least a couple of copies for others.
The authors, Michele and Emily, completely defined friendship in an Aristotelian sense, promoted growth in virtue, and provided stories about saints I didn’t even know were friends. Each chapter had lots of Scripture and footnotes to reinforce their point, and the book even includes prayers and a study guide to be completed in a women’s group study.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the saints, especially to Catholic women wanting to grow more in faith-filled friendships.
The authors, Michele and Emily, completely defined friendship in an Aristotelian sense, promoted growth in virtue, and provided stories about saints I didn’t even know were friends. Each chapter had lots of Scripture and footnotes to reinforce their point, and the book even includes prayers and a study guide to be completed in a women’s group study.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the saints, especially to Catholic women wanting to grow more in faith-filled friendships.
October 11, 2021
A much-needed book that talks about women's friendships from a Catholic perspective!
April 28, 2022
I was looking forward to this online book club. However, the book was good but I would have liked more information on the frienship between the saints. I did do some research into the female saints but it would have been better in the book. The book discussed faith, hope, charity, prudence, gratitude, loyalty, generosity, and prayerfulness and then incorporated two saints to demonstrate these virtues.
January 15, 2020
My church book club chose this book and simply loved it! We opted to read one chapter every two weeks plus do the "going deeper" for each chapter. Would highly encourage any spiritual book club to try this one.
April 29, 2019
Official Rating: 2.5
A few nice insights, but nothing groundbreaking.
A few nice insights, but nothing groundbreaking.
October 24, 2019
This book has suggestions for making new friends, deepening friendships, and being a better friend. While it targets catholic women, I believe it is helpful for any Christian woman looking for some practical reminders of how to create, nourish and sustain friendships. There are some very practical to-do’s in each chapter … most of which are common sense but great reminders. Hope, Charity, Prudence, Gratitude, Loyalty, Generosity are all very important and social media definitely takes a toil on friendship mindset. I liked the way the authors shared experiences from their own lives and of their friends in the book and then extended that into a short video for each chapter. Also they include in each chapter steps to improve your own relationships, study questions for group discussion and two women in the bible that were friends (mentors) exemplified the trait.
I joined a group of women to discuss this book. Each week we prayed together, watched the study group videos and discussed a chapter. I think that this pace and the discussion from the large group of previously strangers helped to center me in some way. I’m really glad I took the time this fall to join them and learn more about building, renewing and keeping friends.
Videos and study group info: https://www.inspirethefaith.com/group...
I joined a group of women to discuss this book. Each week we prayed together, watched the study group videos and discussed a chapter. I think that this pace and the discussion from the large group of previously strangers helped to center me in some way. I’m really glad I took the time this fall to join them and learn more about building, renewing and keeping friends.
Videos and study group info: https://www.inspirethefaith.com/group...
March 3, 2022
In all honesty, I felt that these women were just bragging about all there holy lives and wonderful faith filled friends. It was mostly stories of praying together, women’s groups, and being involved at church. I mean that’s common, practical, and assumed way of how you make Catholic friends, but I felt it was just very high level and not super meaningful or impactful. These women went to a Catholic college and seem to only be involved with the church and nothing secular.
The stories on the saints were interesting but just quickly glossed over. Maybe I expected this to be a more how-to guide or info regarding finding faithful friends in a secular world. I’m a single, young adult, Catholic women who works full time and all the women’s activities at the parishes around me only cater to stay at home women as all events are in the middle of the work day. So this info could be beneficial to some women, but I knew a lot of this info already as it’s what I’ve been trying to do. I don’t think I’d recommend this to my friends.
The stories on the saints were interesting but just quickly glossed over. Maybe I expected this to be a more how-to guide or info regarding finding faithful friends in a secular world. I’m a single, young adult, Catholic women who works full time and all the women’s activities at the parishes around me only cater to stay at home women as all events are in the middle of the work day. So this info could be beneficial to some women, but I knew a lot of this info already as it’s what I’ve been trying to do. I don’t think I’d recommend this to my friends.
August 2, 2024
Making friends as an adult has its challenges, and this book tries to tackle that. How do you meet like-minded people, and develop close and lasting friendships?
It offers some good insights, even if they seem basic: be loyal and caring; be prayerful. Much of it is geared more toward keeping friends than making them. It offers some advice, like joining church groups, but ultimately it's up to you to put yourself out there and reach out to others, despite our busy lives.
Each chapter has a tale of friendships of the saints, which were a joy to read. I didn't know the story of Sts. Catherine of Siena and Sweden, and that St. Catherine of Sweden's mother is a saint as well. More saints to read up on!
This a good book for a women's study, with group questions in the back as well. It's a kickstart to creating lasting friendships, but you still have to go out and do the work.
It offers some good insights, even if they seem basic: be loyal and caring; be prayerful. Much of it is geared more toward keeping friends than making them. It offers some advice, like joining church groups, but ultimately it's up to you to put yourself out there and reach out to others, despite our busy lives.
Each chapter has a tale of friendships of the saints, which were a joy to read. I didn't know the story of Sts. Catherine of Siena and Sweden, and that St. Catherine of Sweden's mother is a saint as well. More saints to read up on!
This a good book for a women's study, with group questions in the back as well. It's a kickstart to creating lasting friendships, but you still have to go out and do the work.
May 31, 2018
Written by fellow FUS alums (from the MOL household), this is a sweet book about seeking & cultivating christian friendships as adult women based on the catholic virtues.
For fellow FUS alums, this is a good reminder of how we should be living our adult lives. It contains some practical steps on how to cultivate god-centered friendships in the modern world. It is gentle and encouraging.
For non-alums, this might be a peek into a "radical" world where it is normal to attend mass with your friends, have 8 children or a brother who is a priest. But, everyone can gain something from this book, if they desire to grow in christian friendships.
This is a book I would want to own & re-read periodically.
#hardcorecatholic
For fellow FUS alums, this is a good reminder of how we should be living our adult lives. It contains some practical steps on how to cultivate god-centered friendships in the modern world. It is gentle and encouraging.
For non-alums, this might be a peek into a "radical" world where it is normal to attend mass with your friends, have 8 children or a brother who is a priest. But, everyone can gain something from this book, if they desire to grow in christian friendships.
This is a book I would want to own & re-read periodically.
#hardcorecatholic
August 31, 2017
This is a fantastic book about friendship. The authors both friends for the last 20 years and active in ministry, talk about what it means to have a spiritual friend, a friend with whom you can share your faith with and grow with. I loved this because it explains how to look for these friends, the virtues they should have and how it's never one sided. It explains how you have to invest in friendship and that it is a life long journey.
In each chapter along with examples there are also pairs of saints who were great friends. The quotes are powerful and it will make you crave a spiritual friend once done. And if you have one it makes you realize how blessed you are.
In each chapter along with examples there are also pairs of saints who were great friends. The quotes are powerful and it will make you crave a spiritual friend once done. And if you have one it makes you realize how blessed you are.
September 12, 2019
While this book is targeted to catholic women, I believe it would be helpful for any Christian woman looking for some practical reminders of how to create, nourish and sustain friendships. There are some very practical to-do’s in each chapter - most of which are common sense but great reminders. I found myself trying to reach out to some old friends and have been trying to put into action some of the ideas in the book. I think this is an excellent and easy read and particularly if you are catholic and interested in some historical friendships amongst the saints as well. Definitely worth the time spent!
January 3, 2021
I want to rate this book five stars because I enjoyed 95% of it. I just really didn’t like the homeschooling chapter. No judgement on the author for choosing to stop homeschooling, but I have been in her shoes before and felt like quitting. I don’t think the chapter adequately gave hope to readers in her same shoes to keep persevering if they feel God is calling them to homeschool. Her witness of choosing other options is good for those who want to do choose other options as well, but I thought more could’ve been added as encouragement for those who want to keep going. The rest of the book is fantastic!
August 28, 2017
This is a fabulous book that winds you through the makings of great friendships in the saints. Each chapter is dedicated to two powerhouse saints who demonstrate a virtue that emulates in solid spiritual friendships.
Not only was The Friendship Project a great reflection on friendships, but it also has a study guide in which one can gather with friends and acquaintances and break down each chapter more, helping to build such friendships as it highlights in its own writing.
A wonderful, wonderful read!
Not only was The Friendship Project a great reflection on friendships, but it also has a study guide in which one can gather with friends and acquaintances and break down each chapter more, helping to build such friendships as it highlights in its own writing.
A wonderful, wonderful read!
July 17, 2020
The friendship Project is not only the title of the book, but it describes the genesis of this guide for building and maintaining friendships. Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet have been friends since college and learned how to nurture their friendship through thick and thin, sharing most of their lives' momentous occasions together. If you're looking to build new friendships, revive old friendships or nurture a tried and true friendship, particularly with other Catholic women, this is the book for you.
July 30, 2018
This is a great study to do with a group of women you "know", but with whom you would like to cultivate closer relationships. In the book there are personal stories, inspirational examples from the lives of saints and women of the Bible, and practical suggestions for strengthening your friendships. And there are many prayers included. Video sessions to go along with each chapter are available on DVD or via the book website.
April 29, 2018
This book is a fantastic resource for any woman looking to develop lasting, meaningful, faith-filled friendships. I was inspired reading this book and made many notes throughout and held many personal prayer sessions after reading it. It's changed the way I'm treating my friendships and sheds a whole new light on what it means to put Christ at the center of our friendships.
January 5, 2022
The narrative is pervaded with a sly kind of Christian humble brag. "Look at me and my awesome friends! God loves me sooooo much! Let me tell you more about how awesome my friends are! Let me tell you how they are so wonderful and faith-filled and inspirational. They're just the best! God loves me and my friends soooo much."
May 4, 2019
I enjoyed the structure of this book - each chapter a virtue with a set of women saints who exemplified this and some practical how to’s. I felt like the writing lacked some organization yet. It was a good read to discuss with friends but nothing spiritually rocking.
August 4, 2019
This was our summer study book for Ft Bragg CWOC and even though I could only attend one meeting this summer I actually made it through the entire book and loved it. It's one I'll pass on to other women for sure.
January 4, 2020
Our small women’s group completed this book and we all LOVED it. It helped us grow in friendship tremendously, and inspired me to make my friendships a priority in my life. I was sad to finish this study!
September 3, 2018
Excellent group Bible study,
October 20, 2019
Friendship. Best friends Michelle and Emily talk about their friendship based on their Catholic religion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
This book was a wonderful study to do with friends. It uses the friendships of some female saints to draw out different virtues to discuss and reflect on. We really enjoyed this book.
June 17, 2020
Enjoyed reading about some saints who were friends and their relationships, and the perspective on the virtues as seen in friendship. Would recommend!
September 18, 2021
What a great book on virtues, friendships, real life examples and saintly examples! A must read book!
November 22, 2024
DNF
Church book club pick.
Church book club pick.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews