Join me for an Afternoon or Evening of Reflection on my book Grace in Tension: Discover Peace with Martha and Mary

I’ll be singing and selling books after each event.

To arrange for me to come to your church, book club or group (in person or virtually), email me at clairemcgarrywrites@gmail.com.

— Upcoming Events —

Tues., May 23rd at 7 pm
St. Peter's Church Hall
567 Manchester Road
Auburn, NH

Sat., June 3rd, 
11am-1pm
Rectory of St. Joseph's Cathedral
145 Lowell Street
Manchester, NH

— Sacred Hearts Parish, Haverhill, MA –—

“Claire brought an evening of needed peace to a room full of tired and overwhelmed parents, grandparents, employees, and a variety of other stations. We had a good turnout, which shows the extent to which parishioners are thirsty for moments of respite from their busy lives.“

Dr. Elizabeth Woodard, Ph.D., Pastoral Associate – Sacred Hearts Parish, Haverhill, MA

— All Saints Parish, Haverhill, MA –—

— Corpus Christi Parish, Portsmouth, NH –—

“Our morning reflection, Grace in Tension, provided the women of our parish with a guide to finding God in those trying times of our lives. Claire introduced G.I.F.T. as a tool to unwrap those areas of our lives when we might find ourselves struggling to be in God’s presence. By unwrapping the Gospel stories of Martha and Mary, Claire drew us into an encounter with God. Claire led us in prayer, witnessed her faith, and invited us to a time of sisterhood. Thank you for making this a day that has planted many seeds for the women of our parish.“

Dr. Lisa Bald, Ph.D., Director of Families of Faith – Corpus Christi Parish, Portsmouth, NH

— St. Patrick’s Church, Stoneham, MA –—

— Parish of the Transfiguration, Wilmington, MA –—

“The parishioners who came to hear Claire give her perspective on Grace in Tension were delighted they decided to attend. Claire gave some real good advice while speaking about her own life experiences and how she was able to reflect on the tensions there and come to find grace with the help of Martha and Mary. She is a wonderful speaker and conveys her feelings and experiences in a very personal way.”

Father Walter Carreiro, Pastor – Parish of the Transfiguration, Wilmington, MA

— St. Robert Bellarmine Women’s Group, Andover, MA –—

— Women of St. Matthews, Billerica, MA –—

“We at the Saint Matthew Women’s Club were moved by Claire’s talk on her new book Grace in Tension. Everyone was able to relate to what Claire was talking about. This is the season to open up and ask for God’s help. Everyone who joined us was able to do just that. Claire is a wonderful speaker and writer. I came home and started to read her book and had a great deal to think about. I knew Jesus was always with me, now I believe it more than ever. Thank you, Claire, for inspiring us all.“

Ann Doherty, President – St. Matthews Women’s Club – Billerica, MA

— Prepared to Serve Workshop, Pembroke, NH –—

— Sts. Mary & Joseph Church, Salem, NH –—

—– First Parish Congregational Church Book Group —

— Derry, NH –—

— Women of Mary – St. Marie’s Church, Manchester, NH —

“Claire came out on a subzero day to warm our women’s group meeting with her steadfast faith. Her insights on coping with tension reflect God’s fidelity to all of us in transforming suffering for good.”

Laura El-Azem, Coordinator – Women of Mary – St. Marie Church, Manchester, NH

— St. Kathryn’s Church, Hudson, NH —

— St. Anne’s Church, Hampstead, NH —

— Blessed Sacrament Church, Manchester, NH —

“For anyone who thrives on discernment in the spiritual life, Claire McGarry’s presentation is a must attend. She uses the biblical story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament, contrasting their approaches to holiness which include strengths and growing edges. A wonderful reflection for the different seasons of the Church’s calendar.“

Father John Bucchino, Pastor – Blessed Sacrament Parish, Manchester, NH

— St. Matthew Church, Plymouth, NH —

— Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Concord, NH —

“Anyone who is preoccupied, distracted, anxious, worried, or upset – and seeking the path to inner peace and joy in their life – this talk is for you! Claire’s reflections on the story of Martha and Mary are insightful and provide practical advice for integrating and balancing the contemplative and active dimensions of life.”

Father Raymond Ball, Pastor – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Concord, NH

— American University Women for Life, Needham, MA —

“What a beautiful ‘gift’ Claire has! Everyone was drawn in by her words, which were so meaningful and will remain with us daily as we all go about being Marthas and Marys, sometimes in the same hour, never mind the same day.”

Mary Elizabeth DeWinter, President – American University Women for Life, Needham, MA

— St. Mark’s Church, Londonderry, NH —

— St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Book Group – Londonderry, NH —

— St. Joseph’s Church, Wakefield, MA —

“I believe this topic is very important, especially now. There are so many people living in stress and not processing their emotions. Claire’s presentation was well received and helpful for many. “

Fr. Ron Barker, Pastor – St. Joseph Parish, Wakefield, MA

— St. Michael’s Church, Exeter, NH —

— St. Christopher’s Church, Nashua, NH —

“Claire did a wonderful job in leading us into the mystery of God’s Word and giving us practical ways to apply it to our daily lives. Her clear and personal approach made the content engaging and understandable. Thank you for visiting our parish and sharing such a grace-filled message.“

Fr. David Harris, Pastor – St. Christopher Church, Nashua, NH

— St. Kathryn’s Church, Hudson, NH —

— Windham Presbyterian Church Virtual Book Discussion Group, Windham, NH —

“It was such a joy talking with Claire and hearing the process she used in writing Grace in Tension. We are all so excited to read the book, to learn more about the GIFT system and then to reconnect with Claire to share our thoughts! Thank you for writing this book!“

Mary Beth Goodall, Virtual Book Discussion Group Coordinator – Windham Presbyterian Church, Windham, NH

— St. Patrick’s Church, Pelham, NH —

“Claire did a beautiful job highlighting the usual tensions we experience in life and showing us how they are GIFT — leading us deeper into the heart of the Father. Everyone loved the presentation, and it gave us a chance to slow down in this high-paced world.“

Rev. Von DeRosia, Pastor – St. Patrick Church, Pelham, NH

— God’s Girls Christian Store Book Signing, North Hampton, NH —

— St. Charles Borromeo Church, Meredith, NH —

— St. Veronica Parish, Burlington, MA —

“It was a joy to welcome back Claire McGarry to her childhood parish. Her words were very well received and many left with a new awareness of God’s incredible ‘Grace in Tension.“

Rev. James Mahoney, Pastor – St. Veronica Parish, Burlington, MA

— St. Lucy’s Church, Methuen, MA —

— St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Derry NH —

“Thank you again for coming and presenting to our parish — everyone loved it!! You really blessed our community.“

Fr. Joseph Powell, OFM, Pastor – St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Derry, NH

— St. Matthew’s Church, Windham NH —

“Grace in Tension’ is a thoughtful reflection on the practical human and spiritual dimensions of faith through the lens of Martha and Mary and how their own experience of friendship with the Lord Jesus can help us find divine grace and peace in the midst of everyday tension and stress.“

Rev. Msgr. Anthony R. Frontiero, S.T.D., Pastor – St. Matthew Parish, Windham, NH