Cause for Joy Podcast

Homilies and Sermons and Talks...OH MY! Giddy up, this week Father Kevin leads us in pulling open what makes for good homilies, sermons, and talks. It takes a different turn that expected, but lots of good stuff! Topic suggestions? Email us at causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

This week, Madison joins us again to talk about a topic very close to her heart. We dive into what it means to defend life in dialogue with others about abortion - all while promoting the dignity of the human person. Check it out!

This week, Madison and Emma share their favorite devotions, struggles with keeping up with devotions, and their order in the spiritual life. Be sure to check us out on Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Amazon Music

This week, Mary Kate guides us through discussing sacramental preparation! We also discuss some helpful tips for parents in continuing to keep the flame alive. Check us out on SoundCloud, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts!

Father Kevin leads us in a beautiful discussion on personal relationship and testimony with our Blessed Mother Mary. We also share some graces and blessings from the Sacred Paschal Triduum and the Easter Octave! Check us out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Squadcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, and Soundcloud!

Three cheers for our special guest this week!! Whoop whoop! Deacon Matthew Gembrowski joins us as we unpack the Rite for the Ordination of One Priest. His priesthood ordination is coming up, so we thought it was a perfect time to have him on to share a bit of his journey and open up the Rite for us. Please join us in praying for Deacon Matt as he prepares for his ordination to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood!

This week we talk about distractions in prayer! Something we all have experienced at one point or another, but the Church can give us great wisdom in overcoming them. Mary Kate, Father Kevin, and Emma all share some ways that they overcome distractions, and how they can tell if it is the Lord or the Enemy speaking during those distractions. Know of our prayers during this most sacred and holy time! Be sure to check us out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and SoundCloud

This week episode is a presentation that Emma gave at a local parish on breaking open the Sacred Paschal Triduum. She gives and overview of the liturgy, sacramental economy, and the three holiest days of the year. If you would like to dive deeper into the three days individually, check out the episodes we recorded in season 1! Holy Thursday: https://soundcloud.com/user-570957399/holy-thursday?si=69c532fe1d204c7f99504d36607bab9b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Good Friday: https://soundcloud.com/user-570957399/good-friday?si=fd257b1d4e3746078ac25b605296ced9&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Holy Saturday: https://soundcloud.com/user-570957399/holy-saturday?si=d8320912d85246eab882dbb32f1b80f9&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Easter Joy:https://soundcloud.com/user-570957399/easter-joy?si=7f28416305ac4d4e8d8fb704043b48d0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

*PG-13 RATING* Recommend children NOT listen to this episode... We were incredibly blessed with a beautiful testimony to the Father's great love and mercy for His prodigal son. With that, there are some nitty gritty details of this young man's journey. It is beautifully blessed with amazing grace from God, but illustrates the reality of how sin can effect one's life. We also see a great conversion in his heart as he becomes more and more open to God. References in the episode: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1 and 27.

Emma leads us in a discussion on Saint Joseph and spiritual fatherhood. Father Kevin shares some insight as to what it is like being a spiritual father. We also discuss the importance of leaning into St. Joseph to grow in virtue to be who we are created to be. Check us out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, and Soundcloud!

This week, Father Kevin leads us in talking about asking God what He wants to do in the life of a parish, diocese, personal or family life instead of just blessing our decisions. God desires to be at work in our lives, and really does have a plan. Do we lean into it? Or, do we try to do things on our own? We also have an audience of one (and third voice!). Check us out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud

This week we have a very special (and returning!) guest with us! Madison Velez poses a great question for us to discuss...why are we Catholic? And what keeps us coming back? It's a great discussion, with plenty of laughs! We are grateful for community! Catholic Resources: Catholic Answers In the Beginning by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger FORMED.org Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension Presents Liturgical/Ritual Books Real Life Catholic Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Rescued by Fr. John Riccardo The Essential Catholic Survival Guide by Catholic Answers

Jonah and Karina got married!! WOOT WOOT! We are so grateful for the tech support that Jonah has provided to the podcast! Please keep him and Karina in your prayers as they begin their life together! This week we discuss what it means to offer our goals and interior lives to the Lord. Particularly, how the Offertory in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is an invitation to give God everything in our lives to be transformed by His mercy. Father Kevin also touches on what to do when we feel discouraged when we do not achieve our goals. Be sure to check us out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and SoundCloud

This week we talk about youth ministry and engaging our young people, fostering community and a relationship with Jesus. AND we open the episode talking about Eastern Byzantine Rite, and other liturgical things...shocker!

This week the trio dives into the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict the XVI. Sharing some of their favorite works of his and the legacy he left. Check out book recommendations below! Fr. Kevin: Deus caritas est https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html Emma: Spirit of the Liturgy Jesus of Nazareth trilogy Mary Kate: Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI

This week Father Kevin leads us in reflection on Proposal 3 in the state of Michigan. We also had problems with Emma's microphone - apologies for the low sound!!

Back at 'em this week with Emma and Mary Kate. They talk about some practical Advent ideas, even in the midst of some annoying thuds throughout the episode. We are happy to be BACK!

***NOT FOR THE KIDS*** This week we hit the ground running by talking about Natural Family Planning. We talk about the beauties, the struggles, and everything in between. Oh, and wait until the end - there is a great surprise! Here are some resources for Natural Family Planning Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love by Dr. Edward Sri ^^ Practical and very digestible, easy to read The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning Book by Simcha Fisher ^^ hilarious, practical, doesn't beat around the bush Link for an NFP Instructor: https://www.facebook.com/FeminineGeniusNFP/ Humanae Vitae - by Pope Paul VI Love and Responsibility - Pope John Paul II Theology of the Body - Pope John Paul II

We have a special guest on this week!! Byzantine nun, Mother Natalia, joins us this week in sharing about her vocation story, Eastern Catholocism, and just the spiritual journey. Emma and Father Kevin also channel their inner Eastern Catholic. Check out Mother Natalia's podcast - What God is Not

We are BACK! This week we share about the joys of Holy Week and Easter. Father Kevin poses a good question to reflect on as we continue to journey through this Easter Season. Holy Spirit activate! Have a topic you would like us to discuss? Email us at causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Welcome to the weight of waiting! We have reached Holy Saturday in our discussion. What does it mean to wait in hopeful expectation, and to be with Jesus even in the waiting. You don't want to miss it!

This week we dive into Good Friday! What makes it good, and what did Mary feel? listen to find out!

This week we dive into communion, solidarity, and servanthood as Emma, Father Kevin, and Mary Kate talk about the beauty of Holy Thursday. The Triduum is all about walking with Jesus, and we are here for it!!

Tis the season of confessions! This week Father Kevin and Mary Kate unpack the sacrament of reconciliation. Lent is the perfect time to clean our souls from all the gunk that builds up through sin. After talking about deadly sins last week, this week we discuss what to do about it!

This week Father Kevin and Emma discuss the seven deadly sins! WOOO! We all struggle with at least one of them, so why not talk about them during the penitential season of Lent?! Don't worry, we also give hope in talking about the virtue that can help overcome each of them.

HAPPY AND HOLY LENT!! This week we talk about Ash Wednesday with one of our seminarian friends, Jacob Hugo! Know of our prayers for you during this holy season! Like for us to discuss a topic? Email us at: causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

This week, the hosts dive into prayer. What does the Church teach on prayer and the different levels of prayer. Just in time for the holy season of Lent!

What brings us together...? Marriage...marriage. This week Emma and Mary Kate are joined by Father Andy LaFramboise to talk about the gift of marriage. We need holy vocations of marriage. The nuptial covenant between man and woman also is present in the Most Holy Eucharist. Listen to find out! Like us to discuss a topic? Email us at: causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

"The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.'" (CCC 1324) This week we are joined by a very special guest, Bishop Robert Gruss! We ask him about his journey and love for the Eucharist. Bishop Gruss also shares his hopes for the Diocese with the Eucharistic revival that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are unfolding. You DON'T want to miss this! Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email us at: causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Have you heard about the art of the WojoDojo? How about the PPK? It's pretty awesome if we do say so. Join us this week as Father Kevin and Emma talk about Baptism and the mission we are called to!

This week Father Kevin and Mary Kate dive into the sacrament of anointing of the sick. They discuss what the sacrament is, who can receive it, when you can receive it, etc. Mary Kate shares her personal experience of the healing grace of the sacrament just a few months ago! Email us at: causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

WELCOME BACK! We kick off Season 2 sharing how God has been at work in our lives over the Christmas season. We also share about what the goal for season 2 is. Want us to discuss a topic? Email us at causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Happy last week of Advent! Our Lord is near!! This week Father Kevin and Mary Kate are joined by our good friend, Hunter Swogger, as they dive into living out love. Not only in vocation but with our Triune God as well. God is love, and we are called to share that love wherever we go. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Blessed Gaudete Thursday, everyone! Father Kevin shares a reflection on today's readings and how we are all called to point others to Jesus like St. John the Baptist did. Know of our prayers for each of you! causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Gaudeeeee, Gaudeeeee, Emmaaaaanuel! Rejoice! Rejoice! Emma is accompanied by Father Andy Booms to continue diving into the season of Advent by talking about Gaudete Sunday. We are celebrating our podcast feast day(!!!), and learning about why the Church gives us Gaudete Sunday. REJOICE, y'all!! causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Mercy, mercy, mercy, PEACE!! Week two of Advent is upon us and this week Emma and Mary Kate are joined by Madison Velez as they discuss living out peace. Madison is part of an exciting initiative! "The Hopeful Future Scholarship" which is a fund started by Matthew Bartels (who is now an alumnus of Saginaw Valley State University) and Madison Velez (a current student at SVSU) and run through the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan. The purpose of the scholarship is to financially assist pregnant and/or parenting students at SVSU and Delta College in an effort to promote a culture of life. Please prayerfully consider contributing to this fund to assist young parents navigate the many challenges they face in this world by visiting the following link: https://ccfmm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1495. If you have any questions, please direct them to mvvelez@svsu.edu or (989) 293-3295. Pax Christi! causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

HAPPY ADVENT! This week launches our 4-part Advent series and we are SO EXCITED! Father Kevin and Emma are joined by a very special guest, Krista Willertz, as they dive into living out hope in this beautiful season. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

We are in the final days before the new year. Yes, you heard that right...the new LITURGICAL YEAR!! This week we talk about the Liturgy! What is it, why it is important, and how do we live in this great gift. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

While Jason took the Payne kids home and Father went to get pizza, Mary Kate and Emma discussed what it looks like to be feminine and drawing close to Jesus. Free to give, free to receive, we are created for love and life. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

All you MEN! Listen up! The ladies were kicked out, so it is time for real talk. This week Father Kevin is joined by the other Payne as they dive into freely giving and freely receiving as men drawing closer to Jesus. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

ALL YOU HOLY MEN AND WOMEN PRAY FOR US! Accompanied by seltzer water we discuss the return of the Saints! Well...they never actually left us...we are just talking about how awesome they are and why the Church begs the prayers of those who have gone before us. Who is your patron Saint? causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

This week we introduce a new co-host, Mary Kate Payne! She shares a bit about herself, and joins Father Kevin in praying for Emma...who seems to be lost... causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

This week Emma nerds out a bit, and Father Kevin reigns her back in by talking about happiness versus joy. They also talk about joyful healing. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Father Kevin and Emma start to dive into the desires we have and how to allow God to order them. Ultimately, allowing us to find joy in Jesus. causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Get to know Emma and Father Kevin! Where did they come from, what do they like, and some fun facts! causeforjoy.official@gmail.com

Welcome to the first episode of the Cause for Joy Podcast! In this episode we unpack where the idea came from, the meaning of the name and logo, and what we intend for the podcast! causeforjoy.official@gmail.com