I'm Glad You Asked

Practicing faith can be complicated, especially when we or someone we love is going through a difficult situation. We ask, "Why me?" "Why would God allow this to happen?" In today's episode, we examine the cross of Christ to gain a deeper, more profound understanding of faith rooted in redemption, leading us to a greater love of Christ.Send us a textSupport the showLet's get ready to practice. Music by Benjamin Tissot and Bensound Royalty Free Music

This is one of the most essential questions in life. How do we know that God is real? The first thing we must respond to is the gift of faith. We must be open to hearing and receiving this grace. Only God can reveal Himself to us. And in choosing to respond, we open our hearts and minds to so much more. Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today, we visited with Daniel, the Program Coordinator and a Young Adult Leader with VMY.  Looking back at the busy summer filled with numerous events, we took the opportunity to reflect on World Youth Day.  World Youth Day 2023 was the first time the VMY SEMO chapter officially participated in this international event.  Today's conversation focused on what it was like and the event's impacts, especially regarding individual faith formation. Let's get ready to practice.Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today is the last episode of the Theological Virtues. What is the difference between love and Charity? On today's show, we come to understand why the Church in the Catechism references the Theological Virtue of Charity Charity is an expression of love that goes beyond simple emotion into action. Christ is the example of true Charity in human history. His call in living the virtue of Charity inspires us to act in a new loving way centered on loving God and our neighbor.  Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today we continue with our discussion on the theological virtues with hope. Hope is so essential to living the Catholic faith. Not only does it sustain us in difficult times, but it also purifies our actions drawing us closer to the Lord. So sit back, listen, laugh, and learn on another great episode of Practing Catholic!Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today we begin a three-part series on the theological virtues beginning with Faith. Faith is an amazing gift God bestows through grace; however, like everything else, Faith requires us to respond. In this episode, we hope to help unlock and encourage you in your faith life to recognize the gift of Faith and react to it more deeply, allowing you to draw closer to the Lord. Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today Mike and Alina talk about the three pillars of the Lenten season.  Learn about their history, importance, and how they are designed to help us grow closer to the Lord during Lent.  So sit back, listen, laugh, and learn on another episode of Practicing Catholic. Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

In today's episode, Mike talks about the Gift of Grace.  This wonderful blessing bestowed helps draw us into union with the Trinity.  Grace emboldens faith, strengthens hope, and purifies charity.  This free and abundant gift, though, requires our response.  So this Lenten season, let us respond to God's grace to draw ever closer to His enduring love. Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today we continue our discussion on the beatitudes.  As we continue to understand not only what these meant to the people of the time of Christ but understanding what it meant to early post-Judeo Christians can help us find deeper and more meaningful applications for our lives. The beatitudes, in essence, become bookends for our own spiritual faith journey. We begin by understanding our need for and desire for God in our lives to one day possibly becoming persecuted for the love we show toward the Trinity. Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

What is one of the biggest struggles in faith life...  CONSISTENCY.   However, we make commitments throughout our lives. We train for sports. We diet. We are committed to working, our studies, and family and friend relationships. Like anything else, we must commit time to get more out of our faith. One way that we can achieve this is through SMART goals. So this lent, stop being lukewarm and let God take you to the next level!Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

We have all heard of the beatitudes. What do we know about them? What would people have understood in the time of Christ? What would post-Judeo Christians take from their meaning? Is there an application for us today? We discuss these topics and more on this episode of Practicing Catholic. Catholic Supply Store of St Louis We a preferred partner of the Catholic Supply Store of St. Louis. 10% of your purchase come to VMY!Support the showLet's get ready to practice.

Today we conclude our 5 part series on prayer. In this episode, we discuss prayers of praise. Praise is our opportunity to praise God for being God and recognize His divine sovereignty and power in all ways possible.   Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Prayers of thanksgiving are powerful for the faith life.  Thanksgiving brings into focus the many blessings we have received from God and, more importantly, reminds us that all we have, all we receive, and all that "is" belongs to the Lord.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

We most likely heard the phrase will you pray for me. Many of us may have even asked others the very same question. From prayers of the Mass to the Rosary, intercessory prayers encourage us to ask for help. In humbling ourselves before God, we show the intentions of our hearts. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

We are continuing our journey on the five types of prayer.  The prayer of petition is one of the most powerful forms of prayer available to use in our spiritual life.  In asking for forgiveness, we allow for our hearts and minds to become open to God's grace and mercy through which we are better able to understand his will for our lives.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Prayer is one of the essential parts of our faith life.  However, understanding prayer more intimately can allow us the opportunity to draw closer to God.  Over the next several weeks, we will discuss the five prayer forms: Adoration, Petition, Thanksgiving, Praise, and Intercession.  Today we are talking about adoration and how this form of prayer can positively impact our faith.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Prayer is a wonderful gift! However, sometimes we get stuck in our prayer life. Our journey over the next several weeks will be aimed at helping you discover more about prayer in the hopes of unlocking new and meaningful ways so that you can grow closer to God!  Practice makes perfect.Alina & MikeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Ever wonder what it means to be a Practicing Catholic? Why does the Church make these recommendations?  How can it help you in your faith?  How can you help others by knowing more... well that's what we are discussing today on this great episode.  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

What is a weakness?  Society says it's something to be avoided, not admitted, or even recognized.  However, we learn in scripture that weakness is an opportunity - an opportunity for God to work in our lives.  Whatever you are struggling with God, with it to God.   Also, Jesus the opportunity to heal you and strengthen you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your prayer.  In our most difficult struggles, we will see the greatest gains made not only in our strength but in our own relationships with the Trinity. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

In this week's episode of Practicing Catholic we tackle #4 & #5 of corporal works of mercy: visit the sick and the imprisoned.  We talk about their history and how we can actively live them out in our day-to-day lives. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

In this week's episode of Practicing Catholic we tackle the first three corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and shelter the homeless.  We talk about their history and how we can actively live them out in our day-to-day lives. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Ever wonder when May Crowning began?  Did you ever wonder why the month of May is so important to the Church in her devotion to the Blessed Mother?  Well, this week on Practicing Catholic, we hope to help provide greater insight into this special month in the hopes of bringing more meaning and understanding to this extraordinary time of year. To Jesus through Mary Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Have you ever wanted to know more about Eucharistic Adoration?  Have you wondered if this could help your faith life?  This week's episode helps to do just that.  Learn more about the history of adoration and prayer practices that can help you make your time with the Lord greater!!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

We all know the Our Father.  This ecumenical prayer is found not only in the Catholic church but in all Christian faiths.  Today we are going to discuss some of the hidden elements of this well-known prayer.  We hope that today's episode leads you not only to a greater appreciation of this amazing prayer but inspires you to a more profound and deeper love of God. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Easter is the pinnacle of our liturgical year and, more importantly, our faith.  However,  when we deepen our love and understanding of the passion, we see what Christ accomplished with more profound awe and wonder - leading to greater love and devotion.  We hope this episode helps encourage you in your faith life and helps you understand that what our Lord experienced from Holy Thursday through Him giving up His spirit on Good Friday only He could endure.We will be sharing the Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

We have all heard the greatest commandment... Love thy God with all thy heart, all thy mind, and all thy strength and love your neighbor as yourself. However, this isn't easy in our society today.  With division unrest and so many obstacles in our way, many of us don't even know our neighbor.  We hope this new episode helps show you why this is so important to our faith and how in the end, if done the right way...we can build the Kingdom of God. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Today we discuss the 7 deadly sins. Are they real? Is one affecting your life? Become aware of how these are being used against you - pulling you away from Christ. While some of us may even be struggling, we must always remember that Faith, Hope, and Love remain. God is always calling us back to union with Him, and the Grace can heal all wounds. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Virtues - an often overlooked and misunderstood aspect of our faith. Virtues are not only meant to help guide us but shape our faith in a way that we live morally but lead us to a greater relationship with God and, in the end, true happiness.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

This is a wonderful time in our liturgical year. It is a time of preparation. The key... prayer, fasting and almsgiving. So this year make a plan...practice more and make your LENTEN preparation meaningful. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Struggling with faith is something many people experience. We continue our discussion on how to get more out of the Mass in the hopes of helping members of the faithful coming to know and experience a greater sense of Faith, Hope, and Love. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Do you ever feel as if Mass is on obligation? Are you struggling to feel connected? Today's show helps provide more information to help you get more out of the Mass. The celebration of our faith can truly inspire you to great heights. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

It's that time of year! Each year over 145 million Americans make New Year's resolutions. However, do we ever think about making resolutions to grow in faith? Why should we? What are the benefits? This and so much more on this week's episode of Practicing Catholic. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

Ever feel like you get caught in the secular trap when is comes to Christmas? Well as Catholics Christmas is a season of preparation for something greater. Below are helpful links to our discussion topics. Practice makes perfect.https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/why-december-25https://catholicstraightanswers.com/candlemas-day/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo?fbclid=IwAR0NJtn0g1qSr_nzHErDaktc783HlQF24gum8y1T5EOigsMBK9c-rjZgaFE)

So what is Practicing Catholic all about? It's about fun educational programming designed to help all of you (and us) continue our growth in faith. We look forward to bringing you new episodes here in 2021!Thank you, Bensound, for their royalty-free music. Thank you to the Catholic Supply Store of St. Louis for their support and partnership!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

This is one of the most difficult questions that we often want to answer; What is my purpose? This one question can cause so many problems. It can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It can cause us to question our faith. Sometimes it even can make us feel lost. However, there is still hope. While difficult we all have a purpose that has been given to us by God. So as always sit back listen, laugh, and learn on this great episode of I'm Glad You Asked. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today we give a little insight on John 6:30-31. We sometimes question our faith. We sometimes struggle. However, that is okay. It's not if you struggle, God knows you will, it's whether or not you push on forward believing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today's reflection focuses on the first reading from Mass, which is 1 Peter 5:5-14. Remaining steadfast in our faith does not remove the crosses we carry. Grace helps us to bear these burdens that are meant to strengthen, conform, and teach us all. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today's reflection is on the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. There is so much we can learn from this passage especially how Christ is not only enough but more than enough!!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today we focus on the first reading from Mass, Acts 5:27-33. We can learn so much from the apostles about the true gift that faith is to us. Our faith is meant to be shared and it provides us with the strength and resilience to face difficulties with grace. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

I'm Glad You Asked has added a new daily reflection to its Podcast. Today's reflection is on the Gospel reading Joh 3:16-21. While John 3:16 is the most quoted verse of scripture today, verse 20 and 21 offer very important insight into our faith practice. So as always sit back, listen, learn and laugh with I'm Glad You Asked. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Ever ask yourself why you can't hear God? Ever wonder what prevents you from hearing from Him? That is today's topic that Alex and Mike review. So always sit back listen, laugh and learn on I'm Glad You Asked!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today on the show Alina and Mike discuss discipline and its importance to practicing your faith. Discipline helps develop healthy meaningful habits that enable you to grow in your every day faith. Discipline while difficult provides us with a strong foundation from which great possibilities can be achieved. So as always sit back listen, laugh and learn on I'm Glad You Asked. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

On this show Alex, Alina and Mike talk about why bad things happen. This is a tough question to answer. The greatest lesson we can all learn is that even in the most difficult times and challenges God can use the negative to bring us closer to Him so that we can truly experience his grace and mercy. So as always, we invite you to sit back listen, laugh and learn on I'm Glad You Asked!!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today's topic is about being a Pilgrim People and a Pilgrim Church. Understanding that this life is meant to be a journey. Our daily experiences lead us to understanding the will of God and experience Christ in those we meet and serve. So as always sit back listen, learn and laugh with another great episode of I'm Glad You AskedSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today Mike is joined by Alex and special guest Shirley Klump. The group discusses the topic of dicernment. What is it? How can it help you in your spiritual life? Can discernment be used in every day decisions? To learn the answer sit back, listen, learn, laugh with another great episode of I'm Glad You Asked.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today Alex, Alina, and Mike disucss why it is so difficult for us to overcome sin? What are the reasons that prevent us from overcoming those temptations we often times desire not to give into. Just like every other episode the gang asks you to sit back, laugh and learn on "I'm Glad You Asked."email topic requests or questions to mikevmy@gmail.com.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

This week on the show Mike and Alina a joined by Morgan Mueller, a VMY SEMO young adult. The group discusses one of the most important prayers in our faith, the Creed. Why is it important to our faith? What is its purpose? How can it help you grow in your faith? Why is it said during Sunday Mass? So as alwsys; sit back, listen, laugh and learn on "I'm Glad You Asked."Special thanks to our guest Morgan Mueller for being our guest today. To see her daily reflections please visit her YouYube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/mnm925.Special thanks to Kevin MacLeod for his royalty free music found at https://incompetech.com/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Mike & Alina are joined by Monsignor Jeff Knight from St. Joseph parish in Zell. Today the group discusses why scripture is so important to our faith, its development, and how it can help you come to know Christ better... so sit back, listen, laugh and learn with another episode of I'm Glad You Asked.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Today Alina, Alex and Mike talk about contraception. Why is it bad? Why is it something the Church does not support? This is one of the most difficult topics Catholics, especially teens are faced with today. As always, the gang asks you to sit back listen, laugh, and learn becuase I'm glad you asked. For questions you would like to have answered please email show topics to vincentianmarianyouth@gmail.com. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)

Alex, Alina and Mike continue to discuss the topic of why contraception is against Church teaching. Why is it bad? Why is it something the Church does not support? This is one of the most difficult topics Catholics, especially teens are faced with today. As always, sit back listen, laugh, and learn becuase I'm glad you asked. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/vmysemo)