Catholic Espresso

In this episode, Fr. Pawel and Russell check in with each other on how their Lent has been going. Both admit to having some struggles along the way but share how they've tried get back on track. As we look ahead to Holy Week, they also discuss what the events of the Holy Week mean to them and how they are planning to reflect on them this year.

Welcome back to another episode of Catholic Espresso! On this episode, Fr. Pawel and Russell prepare themselves for the spiritual journey of Lent. Following in Pope Francis' message that during this Lenten season we need to listen to Jesus; they discuss how important it is turn off the distractions around us and discover Jesus in the silence. They also look at how Lent is a time to re-evaluate spiritual life by turning away from sin and believe in the Gospel as well as the profound impact fasting has had on them. Material discussed in this episode: The Litany of Trust by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret to Peace and Happiness by Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and St. Claude de la Colombiere Surrender Novena

With Christmas approaching, Fr. Pawel and Russell share how their Advent is going and their plans for Christmas. They also discuss how the very busy time of Christmas at the church can be an opportunity to create a welcoming environment to make new connections as we all come together to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Have feedback or want to suggest a topic for future episode? Email the show at office@smirh.com and put "Podcast" in the subject line. Materials discussed in this episode: To watch the TV series "The Chosen" download the Angel Studios app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

As we approach the feast day of St. Padre Pio, Fr. Pawel and Russell reflect on the life he lived and his love for Jesus. They discuss the profound impact he's had on their personal and spiritual lives, highlighting some aspects of his humility that we can all use to enrich our own faith and love for God. Have feedback or want to suggest a topic for future episode? Email the show at office@smirh.com. Material discussed in this episode: Novena of Surrender to Jesus Christ by Don Dolindo Ruotolo Padre Pio: Stories and Memories of My Mentor and Friend by Fr. Gabriele Amorth Saint Padre Pio: Man of Hope by Renzo Allegri

Recorded on the feast day of St. John Vianney; Fr. Pawel and Russell challenge each of us to take what they dub, a spiritual inventory. They reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and review the "5 Disciplines of Being a Joyful Disciple" sharing how they each include this in their spiritual lives. Our hosts also review Pope Francis' recent penitential pilgrimage to Canada and what they each took away from the Holy Father's visit. Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church with more highlights around the Pope's Canadian visit as well as other news from around the Catholic Church. Materials discussed in this episode: Laudate App for Prayer The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin The Lighthouse by Michael D O'Brien The Devil is Afraid of Me by Gabriele Amorth

With the beauty of summer in full swing, Fr. Pawel and Russell discuss the importance of taking time away from our busy schedules and to recharge our mind, body, and soul. They reflect on Gospel teachings about the significance of the Sabbath every week, where we should switch off and embrace the day as a day of devotion to our faith. During the summer months, it is an excellent time to take this philosophy to the next level and to take time for ourselves to recharge as well as connecting with friends and family. They stress that while taking time away is important, it is not a time to take a break from religion. Instead, they offer tips on how they use this time of rest and relaxation as a way to go deeper in faith and grow closer to God. Materials discussed in this episode: Apostolic Letter Dies Domini of the Holy Father John Paul II Franciscan Friars of Renewal YouTube Video

In this episode, Fr. Pawel and Russell begin by reviewing how their month of May and Marian Devotion they spoke about in our last episode went. They then look ahead to the month of June and the month of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They discuss the powerful message tied to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as well as ways that help them in their devotion. Materials discussed in this episode: Painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus "A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus" by Fr. James Kubicki Episode 9 of Catholic Espresso; interview Fr. James Kubicki "Heart Speaks to Heart: A Pastoral Letter on the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Cardinal Thomas Collins Archbishop of Toronto" by Cardinal Thomas Collins "Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Twelve Ways to Claim Jesus' Promises in Your Life" by Emily Jaminet

In this episode, Fr. Pawel and Russell share their Easter experiences with one another including the moments that really moved them. They then turn their attention to the month May, a month of devotion to our Mother Mary. They reflect on how Mary touches them in their lives, her importance to our faith, and moving stories about their experience in Fatima. They also discuss how important it is for all of us to pray the Rosary, especially during the month of May. And Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church. Books mentioned in this episode: Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri The Contemplative Rosary Conference Russell mentioned: Fullness of Truth

We start this episode with some exciting news; we have a new co-host who will be joining Fr. Pawel on the podcast going forward! Christina is back once again with News of the Church but we are also blessed to have her join our hosts as they discuss how Lent has been going for them. With Holy Week quickly approaching, the team then gets into a deep discussion on what the events of this important week means to them. It's a deeply spiritual conversation with everyone reflecting on different personal experiences during the various events of Holy Week and engaging with our audience to discover the underlying beauty during this incredibly special time of year.

Thank you devoted listeners of Catholic Espresso; it has now been over one year since we launched this podcast. Thank you for your continued support! This episode is all about preparing ourselves for Lent. Fr. Pawel shares why this is such a beautiful time to come back to the church and come back to the scripture to grow closer with our Lord. He stresses the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during the Lenten season. Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church and shares how the Catholic Church is trying to bring peace and compassion to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

It's our first episode of 2022 and Fr. Pawel discusses some New Years resolutions inspired by Pope Francis. We also reflect on the importance of the third Sunday in ordinary time, the Sunday of The Word of God. Instituted by Pope Francis in 2019, this important Sunday in the liturgical year calls on us to go deeper into the scripture and go deeper to reflect on the the Word of God. Fr. Pawel also welcomes the program director for two new programs at St. Mary Immaculate to help people deal with grief and those facing challenges in their marriage. Materials mentioned in this episode: The Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz Little Manual for Spiritual Growth by Fr. John Portavella Walk Humbly With Your God: Simple Steps to a Virtuous Life by Fr. Andrew Apostoli

Happy Second Sunday of Advent to our listeners! Fr. Pawel is back with a special episode dedicated to help you continue to get the most out of this Advent season. On this episode we check in with a parishioner from St. Mary Immaculate on what Advent means to them. Our special guest is Deacon Robert Kinghorn of The Church on the Street in downtown Toronto. Originally from Scotland, Deacon Robert is now making a difference bringing the message of the church and enriching the lives of those on the streets of Toronto. We also learn about a fun Christmas initiative from Catholic Women's League, Taste and See The Goodness of The Lord, a cookbook featuring recipes from parishioners of St. Mary Immaculate!

As we mark this first Sunday of Advent, Father Pawel shares the beauty he sees in the season of Advent and ways we can all embrace the season to bring us closer to our Lord. We are also joined by Fr. Peter of St. Mary Immaculate who shares what Advent means to him. Christina is back with the News of the Church and shares a special Gospel reading from St. Luke.

After a busy summer around the parish, we're back with another episode of Catholic Espresso! Fr. Pawel reflects on these past few months with many people coming through the church to receive various sacraments. We speak to one couple who will be getting married very soon and what it's been like to prepare for the sacrament of marriage during the pandemic. He also goes through some of his favourite books he read over the summer. Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church, highlighted by the recent announcement of Holy Father coming to Canada in the near future. Books mentioned in this episode: A Pope and President by Paul Kengo Matteo Ricci and the Catholic Mission to China by R. Po-chia Hsia Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem by J. Augustine Wetta

As we head into summer, Fr. Pawel discusses how he uses this beautiful time of year to enhance his meditation and prayer life. Books discussed in this episode: Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges Cardinal Collins' Book List for Catholics Who Want to Defend the Faith (https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/news/archdiocesan/cardinal-collins-book-list-for-catholics-who-want-to-defend-the-faith/) As mentioned on the show, we will be taking a little break for the summer and coming back in September with all new episodes. If you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can improve the podcast, feel free to email the parish office at office@smirh.com and be sure to include Podcast in the subject line.

Welcome to episode 10 of Catholic Espresso! As the podcast celebrates this exciting milestone we welcome three women from an organization celebrating an even bigger milestone; 2021 marks the 100 year anniversary of Catholic Women's League. To mark the occasion we welcome Boots, Beatrice, and Patricia from the chapter at St. Mary Immaculate to discuss the organization's history and all of the important work they do around the parish community. Fr. Pawel also reflects on celebrating the Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus mass in front parishioners at the church again as public health restrictions in Ontario begin to lift. We also ask parishioners who attended the mass about their relationship with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We've talked a lot this month about May being a month devoted to our Mother Mary; but in addition to that the Catholic Church recently celebrated the Global Week of Prayer for the Church in China. Fr. Pawel reflects on the importance of this week and his own experiences travelling to China as a priest. We also look ahead to the month of June; a month traditionally dedicated to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To help us prepare for this we are truly blessed to have Father James Kubicki join us this week for a fantastic and enlightening conversation. Fr. James is a Jesuit priest and author of "A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus." His book was recently recommended in Cardinal Thomas Collins' pastoral letter on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As we continue in the month of May - the month of our Mother, Mary - Fr. Pawel recaps a busy few weeks in the life of the St. Mary Immaculate. We hear from a few parishioners about how they have gone deeper in their relationship with Mary during this month's marathon of prayer for the end of the pandemic. Then we welcome the very talented Carissa Douglas to the podcast. Carissa is an accomplished singer, children's author, devoted Catholic, and mother of 14 kids! She shares with us her motivations behind her writing and also how her and her husband manage to make faith a big part of their family life. For more information about Carissa's work and for a link to the children's Rosary video mentioned on the podcast visit www.littledouglings.com

It is the month of May, a month devoted to our Mother Mary, so what better way to start off this month than with an episode all about our dear Mother Mary and the Holy Rosary. Fr. Pawel shares why the month of May is so special to him and also why in May of 2021 we need our Mother more than ever. We will also welcome three parishioners from St. Mary Immaculate who are involved with the Rosary Apostolate; Laura, Nadia, and Louise. They share with us what this movement is all about and also how Mary and the Holy Rosary has enriched their own personal lives. Here are some links to material referenced in this episode: The English-language list of shrines and prayer intentions can be found at https://bit.ly/3gMANYS Pope calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic https://www.catholicnews.com/update-pope-calls-for-monthlong-global-prayer-marathon-for-end-of-pandemic/ Books referenced in this episode: Fatima for Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope by Fr. Andrew Apostoli 10 Wonders of the Rosary by Fr Donald Calloway

This episode of Catholic Espresso is all about giving back. Not just to our church, but to our community, and neighbours in need. Father Pawel shares how blessed he feels at St. Mary Immaculate to have so many people willing to share their time and talent in so many different ways around the parish. Among them being the parish's ShareLife Committee. ShareLife is an organization based in the Greater Toronto Area whose aim is to live the Gospel by attempting to bring the hands of Christ to those in need. We welcome the head of ShareLife Committee at St. Mary Immaculate, Pauline McLaughlin, as well as the Executive Director of ShareLife at the Archdiocese of Toronto, Arthur Peters, to learn more about the history of the organization and the incredible work they do around the community. For more information on ShareLife and how you can help the organization fulfill its mission visit the parish website at smirh.com or Sharelife.org.

The Lord is risen! We hope all of our listeners have a beautiful and blessed Easter. As we celebrate this important day in the Catholic Church, we also look ahead to a feast that Fr. Pawel feels so connected to in his priesthood; Divine Mercy Sunday. We are privileged to be joined this week by Sister Inga from The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Washington DC to learn about the life of St. Faustina and her connection to Divine Mercy. Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church, and Fr. Pawel shares with us how he knows that spring is right around here in Richmond Hill! To learn more about The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy visit sisterfaustina.org. Divine Mercy books discussed in this episode: Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalski: Divine Mercy in My Soul Dives in Mesaricordia by St. John Paul II The Life Faustina Kowalski by Sr. Sophia Michalenko 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy by Vinny Flynn Understanding Divine Mercy by Fr. Chris Alar Divine Mercy movies discussed in this episode: Faustina The Ocean of Mercy

After 33 days of preparation and spiritual meditation, the feast day of St. Joseph finally arrived. Fr. Pawel reflects on the tremendous impact these past few weeks have had on parishioners who joined him in these daily meditations and weekly readings in preparation for the special consecration mass to St. Joseph. Christina is back with another edition of News of the Church, providing us with a recap of Pope Francis' historic trip to Iraq. Fr. Pawel is then joined by a special guest from the Society of St. Vincent De Paul to learn about the incredible work they do in the community and remind us of Holy Father's message to all of us on the importance to help those in need.

It's not just a cup of espresso that has Fr. Pawel full of energy on this week's episode; parishioners were welcomed back into St. Mary Immaculate as lockdown restrictions eased in Richmond Hill! We talk to a few of them on what it meant to be able to celebrate mass in person during this spiritual season of Lent. It is hard to believe that we are coming up on one year since the pandemic started and changed our lives in a number of different ways including working from home. We welcome three guests to the show to discuss how they've been able to balance their work, family, and spiritual lives while working from home. Christina Doyle is back to bring us up to date with News of the Church, including the latest on Pope Francis' historic visit to Iraq. That's all on this episode of Catholic Espresso!

On this episode we're going to reflect on some major events that took place in the Church during this first week of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Marriage Sunday. Fr. Pawel discusses the importance of Ash Wednesday and spoke with parishioners of St. Mary Immaculate on what it means to them as they embark on their own individual journey during this season of Lent. Christina Doyle will join us with her regular segment called "News of the Church." Fr. Pawel then welcomes Deacon Joseph and his lovely wife Violet to the podcast and learns what's made their marriage so successful after so many years. They also offer advice to other couples who are preparing for marriage as well as those currently going through their own challenges amid the pandemic.

Welcome to the Catholic Espresso Podcast! In our premier episode, Father Pawel discusses how to have a spiritually fulfilling season of Lent in 2021. Book discussed in this episode: Give up Worry for Lent: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ by Gary Zimak