Our Story
The Heart of the Ministry
Breath of Life Center is a Catholic ministry and life coaching provider dedicated to supporting women — and all who seek deeper faith — in their journey of faith, healing, purpose, and leadership. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the ministry offers retreats, workshops, resources, and spiritual accompaniment that help women and men draw closer to Jesus Christ and discover spiritual support through the Blessed Mother, saints, and holy angels. We also partner with parishes, faith communities, and Catholic organizations to bring renewal and formation.
Through Breath of Life Center, Mary Smith provides Catholic life coaching and ministry accompaniment especially for women on their journey of faith, healing, purpose, and leadership. This ministry is committed to fidelity to the Magisterium and avoids blending Catholic teaching with New Age or non-Christian spiritism. Instead, it focuses on authentic Catholic spirituality, Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the sacraments as sources of healing and transformation. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the ministry offers retreats, workshops, resources, and spiritual accompaniment that help women (and all who seek deeper faith) draw closer to Jesus Christ and discover spiritual support through the Blessed Mother, saints, and holy angels.
Why We Began
Breath of Life Center was founded out of a deep desire to create sacred spaces where women could encounter God’s mercy, find healing from life’s wounds, and discover their unique purpose in Him. After years of accompanying women in their faith journey, it became clear that many were carrying heavy burdens in silence — anxiety, grief, questions of identity, and a longing for deeper meaning.
The ministry was born from a desire to help women encounter the merciful heart of Jesus and to grow in deeper union with Him through healing, prayer, and the sacramental life of the Church. Through retreats, resources such as the Saints & Sanctuary retreat guide, and ongoing accompaniment, Breath of Life Center seeks to offer hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of identity in Christ.
About Mary Scanlan Smith
Mary Scanlan Smith founded Breath of Life Center as an expression of her faith and desire to serve the Body of Christ. She is a promised Pauline Cooperator with the Daughters of St. Paul and strives to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life, in the spirit of Saint Paul, under the gaze of Mary Queen of the Apostles. In addition to her ministry work, she maintains a professional practice in coaching and facilitation. Inspired by St. Paul, who supported his apostolic mission through his work as a tent-maker, Mary continues to serve in both spheres, trusting that each enriches the other.
"Be who you were created to be and you will set the world on fire."
~St. Catherine of Sienna