Podcasts about Loyola Press

Ansel Augustine, D. Min, is a minister, speaker, and advocate for social justice with over twenty-five years of experience serving marginalized communities. Dr. Augustine has integrated his faith and his expertise on Catholic social teaching with an unstoppable passion for justice by casting the service net wide to BlackCatholics, youth, young adults, campus students, and prisoners.Dr. Augustine serves as the Assistant Director of African American Affairs at the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.He joins us today to talk about his book, Praying with Our Feet: Encountering God in the Margins, available at Loyola Press.

The communion of saints is an integral part of the Catholic faith—and I don't just mean in a theological sort of way. What's the name of your parish? Chances are, it's a saint's name. Have you looked closely at that prayer card on your shelf? I bet there's a saint attached to it. How about the stained glass windows or the name of the local Catholic school or that prayer you mutter when you've lost something? The communion saints is engrained in our daily lives, names and half-remembered stories that float just at the outskirts of our memory. It's understandable. There are a lot of saints. We all have our favorites, our go-to team for prayer and inspiration. But for every saint we know well, I'll be there are dozens more we've never even heard of from places we probably can't even find a map. All this to say, the lives of the saints—these great tales of mysticism, faith and works of justice—can be fuel for our spiritual lives for days and weeks and months to come, if we but take the time to delve into their stories. That's why our friend Gary Jansen is back on the pod today. Gary's the director and executive editor at Loyola Press. And he's the author of so many books it's hard to keep track—one literally dropped while we're having this conversation. But today, Gary is here to talk about his encyclopedic book on the saints, aptly called "Saints, Angels and Demons: An A-to-Z Guide to the Holy and the Damned." And hey—if you like what you here, pick up Gary's latest book, "The Healing Power of Pray the Rosary." One more thing: Lent begins next week. As part of our 40-day journey, we're dropping a new and limited podcast series right here in this feed called The Work of Lent. Every Friday, you'll hear me talk with a professional Catholic—someone who makes it their life's work to work on Lent. These are conversations about vocation, about balancing the professional and the personal and ultimately, how all these things can and do conspire together at Lent to give us an opportunity to grow deeper in our spiritual lives and help others along the way. Get Gary's Books: "The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary" https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Power-Praying-Rosary/dp/0829459006/ "Saints, Angels & Demons" https://www.amazon.com/Saints-Angels-Demons-Z-Damned/dp/0762484853/

Whether you're a big New Year's Resolutions person or not, it's never a bad idea to take stock our own spiritual lives. Where might we want to grow in our relationship with God? So host Mike Jordan Laskey invited one of our favorite spirituality experts onto the show: Julianne Stanz. Julianne is the Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship at Loyola Press. She's also an acclaimed author and international speaker. A native of Ireland, Julianne was shaped by that country's deep and distinctive Catholicism. And in line with one of the very best Irish stereotypes, Julianne is also one of the best storytellers around. Julianne came up with three possible spiritual resolutions we might want to try out in the New Year. All three is are both meaningful and accessible. As a mom of three kids, Julianne knows huge time-intensive commitments in the spiritual life just can't work for everyone. No matter your stage of life, you'll enjoy hearing Julianne's ideas and stories. Happy New Year from all of us here at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. Julianne Stanz: https://www.juliannestanz.com/ AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

If you're listening to this episode on the day it drops, then we're just a matter of hours away from celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States. Regardless of whether you'll be surrounded by friends and family over these next few days or you'll be passing the occasion in a quieter, more subdued manner, one thing remains the same: We are all called to cultivate a disposition of gratitude. These Thanksgiving episodes where we reflect on gratitude as a spiritual practice have become something of a holiday tradition all on their own. Gratitude is foundational to Ignatian spirituality. And it's something we're called to on good days as much as on bad ones. Today we're lucky to have Vinita Hampton Wright return to the pod to reflect on these spiritual themes. Vinita always brings with her practical wisdom and deep knowledge of both the tenets of the Ignatian tradition and how to talk about them. Vinita is a veteran editors and writer of countless books and articles on Ignatian spirituality. She worked for many years at Loyola Press, and now gives workshops and retreats on writing, creativity and prayer. Vinita is also the author of this year's 2025 “Book of Grace-Filled Days,” which is currently available from Loyola Press and a wonderful companion to your prayer in this upcoming year. Check it out here: https://store.loyolapress.com/2025-a-book-of-grace-filled-days

Catch up on the Week 3 video with author Julianne Stanz for the Fall 2024 Book Club: Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace. Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. Special Book Club offer! Use promo code BRAVING to receive 30% off the cover price of Braving the Thin Places when you purchase your copy direct from the publisher. Does not include shipping and handling. This coupon code expires November 20, 2024.  Bonus Links: Visit Julianne's website, JulianneStanz.com Follow Julianne on X: @juliannestanz Follow Julianne on Instagram: @juliannestanz

Catch up on the Week 2 video with author Julianne Stanz for the Fall 2024 Book Club: Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace. Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. This week, author Julianne Stanz and our own Allison Gingras discuss the concept of a "crossing the threshold" and how that relates to our relationship with God, prayer, sharing faith with our children, four ways to combat despair, and the importance of encouraging others by calling them toward the light of Jesus. Special Book Club offer! Use promo code BRAVING to receive 30% off the cover price of Braving the Thin Places when you purchase your copy direct from the publisher. Does not include shipping and handling. This coupon code expires November 20, 2024.  Bonus Links: Visit Julianne's website, JulianneStanz.com Follow Julianne on X: @juliannestanz Follow Julianne on Instagram: @juliannestanz

Our Book Club selection for Fall 2024 is Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace by Julianne Stanz, published by Loyola Press. This week, author Julianne Stanz and our own Allison Gingras discuss the concept of a "thin place" and how that relates to our spiritual life, as well as what nourishes us as women and how being together is valuable to us. It's important to remember that there is no perfect balance. Special Book Club offer! Use promo code BRAVING to receive 30% off the cover price of Braving the Thin Places when you purchase your copy direct from the publisher. Does not include shipping and handling. This coupon code expires November 20, 2024.  Bonus Links: Visit Julianne's website, JulianneStanz.com Follow Julianne on X: @juliannestanz Follow Julianne on Instagram: @juliannestanz

Is the Holy Spirit moving us towards a spirituality that is practice-based and practice-oriented rather than faith-based and belief-oriented? This week, Ruth and Fr. Michael Sparough sit down to discuss this question and their own experiences with a practice-based spirituality. Fr. Michael shares the ecumenical spiritual practices that have been the most transformative and the power he finds in praying and acting together across different faith traditions. They also discuss the ways in which a belief-oriented faith leaves us feeling responsible to defend the faith and God above all else. This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Christian spirituality– how the Spirit is moving and how we can align ourselves to participate in the future God is leading us into. Elements she is naming include respect for the role of desire; emphasis on spiritual direction; welcoming and inclusive; committed to justice; and more. This season Ruth will sit down with thoughtful Christian leaders to discuss their thoughts on one of these elements, as it has to do with the future of Christian spirituality. This season was inspired by the Beyond Words series by the same name. Check out those posts here.   Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, is a retreat director, storyteller, itinerant preacher, poet, and spiritual director at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington.  He is also the President of Heart to Heart: A Catholic Media Ministry.  He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL.  A prolific writer and speaker, Fr. Michael has published extensively on prayer. His latest co-authored book is What's Your Decision?  An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making  and is published by Loyola Press.  Each week he sends out a weekly video homily that can be seen on-line at: HtoH.US Join us for our upcoming Online Oasis: When the Road is Dark and Dim:  Navigating the Dark Night, Depression, and Grief on the Spiritual Journey. In this Online Oasis event, Dr. Bob Watson, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins Ruth to explore the differences and the overlaps between the dark night of the soul, depression, and the experience of grief on the spiritual journey. Whether you are wondering about this for yourself,  for someone you love, or  someone you are accompanying as a pastor, psychologist or spiritual director, this conversation will equip you to more wisely discern what is really going on, help you learn how to welcome God's presence into this aspect of the journey, and identify the appropriate resources for each.    It is ideal for:  pastors, spiritual directors, psychologists, individuals, spiritual friends. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 12-1:30 CST. Learn more and register HERE.   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Dusk from Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive special bonus episodes with each guest, guiding listeners on how to pray into these different topics. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! Learn more and apply HERE.   *this post contains affiliate links

Julianne Stanz is a Storyteller, author, and encourager,  an internationally known speaker and retreat leader. She is the Director of Outreach for Discipleship and Evangelization for Loyola Press and a consultant to the USCCB. Julianne is the author of five books, including the award-winning Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace. Her new book, The Catholic Parent Survival Guide: How to Answer Your Children's Toughest Questions, is published by Loyola Press. She is married to Wayne, and they have three children. She was a member of the Executive team for the National Eucharistic Congress and participated in a panel discussion “Rooted in the Eucharist: Living the Mission of the Eucharistic Revival" at the National Eucharistic Revival Congress. We spoke about the things we saw at the National Eucharistic Congress and opined about what Revival looks like after the Congress.

Anne Kertz Kernion, author of Spiritual Practices for the Brain published by Loyola Press, discusses the insights we've gained about spirituality through neuroscience. Anne is an international lecturer and retreat leader and holds an MA in Theology from Duquesne University. Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Have a Talk With God - Stevie Wonder.

Following up on last year's Baptism party episode, the Ladies are once again forming a Party-Planning Committee — and this time, they're tackling confirmation.   In this three-segment Sharathon episode, the Ladies provide friendly advice to anyone hosting a confirmation party. Erin (recipe subcommittee) starts things off with an Apostles' Creed-themed menu, featuring gingerbread, Braunschweiger (a “lost and condemned food”), and red-and-white gelatin poke cake. Sarah (music subcommittee) explores several hymns that are appropriate for confirmation, including “Christ Be My Leader” and “Shepherd of Tender Youth.” Finally, Rachel (subcommittee for interesting conversation) ends the episode with a short Trivia Challenge on the history of confirmation.  Sources referenced in Rachel's Trivia Challenge:    John M. Brenner, “A Brief Study of Confirmation” (BrennerConfirmation.pdf (wisluthsem.org))  A History of Confirmation - About Catholics  The History and Development of the Sacrament of… | Loyola Press  Sacraments? Baptism? Confirmation? - The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville (pclawrenceville.org)  What do I need to know about confirmation in the UMC?  Confirmation Facts for Kids (kiddle.co)  The Recovery of Memorization in Confirmation: A Study of Junior Confirmation at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo, Illinois (lutherancatechism.com)  The Confirmation Slap | Latin Mass Society (lms.org.uk)  Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

In honor of National Poetry Month - which is currently underway during April 2024 - author and editor Gary Jansen returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, "Meditations at Midnight: Poetry and Prose." Gary lives at the intersection of faith and art. He's worked in publishing a long time—both at secular publishing houses editing Catholic authors, and now at Loyola Press, acquiring and mentoring authors that are writing for a Catholic publisher. Gary is an author himself; he's been on this podcast before talking about his ghost-ridden memoir, “Holy Ghosts,” and his self-help book called “MicroShifts.” In 2023, he won the Christopher Award for the children's book “Remember Us With Smiles,” that he co-wrote with his wife. And those are just a few of his books. He's back today to talk about his latest book and to reflect on the lasting impact that good writing can have on our souls. If you want to learn more about Gary, visit garyjansen.com.

“There is no faith without an encounter, because faith is a personal encounter with Jesus,” Pope Francis writes. He goes on: “One of the things that helps us when we have the Gospels before our eyes is to imagine those encounters with Jesus—recreate them, look at him ourselves, meet him ourselves. In the Gospels, to look and to see are two very important verbs. So let us approach the episodes in the life of Jesus with eyes filled with contemplation.” This is a brief excerpt from the introduction to the new book “The Life of Jesus” by veteran Vatican reporter and current editorial director of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Andrea Tornielli. Andrea is today's guest. And as you'll quickly learn, in his work and his writing, he lives out Pope Francis' words. His new book isn't just a retelling of the Gospel. It's an experience. It's an invitation to immerse ourselves in the story, to use our imagination and bring to life the words of Scripture. We hear, too, throughout his book the teachings of Pope Francis. In short, this book is a compilation of biblical text, imaginative prayer and papal insights. It's very Ignatian. And, as Pope Francis reminds us, we are challenged to approach these key episodes in the life of Jesus with contemplative spirit. And we're approaching one of those key moments now: Christmas, the Incarnation. In the conversation today, Andrea pulls from his book and his own personal prayer life to help us as we journey through these remaining Advent days and prepare anew for Christ. If you'd like to learn more about “The Life of Christ” and pick up a copy, visit the Loyola Press online store: https://store.loyolapress.com/the-life-of-jesus

This coming Sunday, December 3, is the first Sunday of Advent and the start of a whole new Church Year. These days leading up to Christmas and beyond can feel overwhelming: spiritually, emotionally, all of it. So, it's tempting to say, Haven't we already done this? What more do I have to learn from these stories? I'm going to sit this one out. Today's guest, Joe Durepos, is a story expert. He's worked in publishing for more the four decades: as a bookseller, a sales rep, a literary agent and an acquisitions editor. He helped launch Fr. Jim Martin's bestselling book, My Life with the Saints, and Mother Teresa's No Greater Love. He's worked with countless other incredible authors, including Becky Eldredge, Fr. Richard Rohr, Chris Lowney, Joy Loverde and many more. He retired from Loyola Press in 2018 and was inducted into the Association of Catholic Publishers Hall of Fame in 2019. Now, he spends his time coaching writers through his own agency, Durepos Literary. But Joe doesn't just read and edit authors; he's an author himself. And his new work, 2024: A Book of Grace-Filled Days, is the antidote we need to the complacency we might find ourselves in during this season of Advent. Joe shares with us what it was like to prayerfully write a whole year's worth of reflections, what he learned for his own spiritual life and what we might learn, too, as a result. Today, as you listen to Joe share about his own prayer journey, I invite you to consider your own. What might you add during these Advent days? How might the Spirit be inviting you to prepare anew for the coming of Christ? One suggestion: Sign up for our daily Advent reflections. Just head over to Jesuits.org/advent. And while you're cruising around the internet, pick up a copy of Joe's book—I've linked to it in the episode description, as well as info on Durepos Literary. Just a note on today's episode: We recorded last week, November 21, so when Joe mentions the readings of the day, that's the day in question. Sign up for our Advent reflections: https://jesuits.org/advent Learn more about Joe's current work: https://www.dureposliterary.com/ Get a copy of 2024: A Book of Grace-Filled Days: https://store.loyolapress.com/2024-a-book-of-grace-filled-days?quantity=1

In this episode, Gretchen Crowder interviews Vinita Wright.Vinita Wright recently retired from a three-decade career as book editor, the last 22 years at Loyola Press, a Jesuit ministry in Chicago. She has worked with authors such as Kevin O'Brien, Mark Thibodeaux, James Martin, and the late William Barry. She is the author of three novels and various works of nonfiction, including Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living, The Art of Spiritual Writing, and most recently Set the World on Fire: a 4-Week Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church.Vinita and her husband, Jim, now reside in northwest Arkansas, where she continues to write, facilitate retreats on writing, creativity, and prayer, and serves her newest vocation as a spiritual director. She has written numerous articles for the website ignatianspirituality.com.You can find her books here.---If this episode hits home and you feel you have your own story to share, email Gretchen at lovedasyouarepod@gmail.com.Follow along and contribute to the conversation @lovedasyouarepod on Instagram.Find more from Gretchen Crowder @gdcrowder as well as at gretchencrowder.com.

Shemiah Gonzales talks with Jessica to kick off Season 3 of The Scandal of Reading to discuss the edited collection of Joy: 100 Poems. Shemiah is working on her own book called, Undaunted Joy and the pair discuss the constant debate on how to define "joy" that eludes the academic and the lay person.  Joy: 100 Poems, edited by Christian Wiman Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O'Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Shemaiah Gonzalez: Shemaiah Gonzalez is a writer with degrees in English Literature (BA) , Intercultural Ministry (MAPS) and Creative Non-Fiction Writing (MFA). She thrives in moments where storytelling, art, literature, and faith collide. Her work has appeared in America Magazine, Image Journal's Good Letters, Ekstasis, The Curator, and Loyola Press, among others. She is currently writing a memoir, in the tradition of St. Augustine's Confessions, it is written as a prayer. Obsessed with being well-rounded she jumps from Victorian Lit to Kendrick Lamar, from the homeless shelter to the cocktail party. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and their two sons. Learn more about Shemaiah Gonzalez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shemiah Gonzales talks with Jessica to kick off Season 3 of The Scandal of Reading to discuss the edited collection of Joy: 100 Poems. Shemiah is working on her own book called, Undaunted Joy and the pair discuss the constant debate on how to define "joy" that eludes the academic and the lay person.  Joy: 100 Poems, edited by Christian Wiman Information on the Host:  Jessica Hooten Wilson is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum, the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University, and the author of several books, including The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints, Learning the Good Life: From the Great Hearts and Minds that Came Before, and Giving the Devil his Due: Flannery O'Connor and The Brothers Karamazov.  Learn more about Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson. Information on Shemaiah Gonzalez: Shemaiah Gonzalez is a writer with degrees in English Literature (BA) , Intercultural Ministry (MAPS) and Creative Non-Fiction Writing (MFA). She thrives in moments where storytelling, art, literature, and faith collide. Her work has appeared in America Magazine, Image Journal's Good Letters, Ekstasis, The Curator, and Loyola Press, among others. She is currently writing a memoir, in the tradition of St. Augustine's Confessions, it is written as a prayer. Obsessed with being well-rounded she jumps from Victorian Lit to Kendrick Lamar, from the homeless shelter to the cocktail party. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and their two sons. Learn more about Shemaiah Gonzalez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Students and teachers are heading back to school, and Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and experienced catechist Joe Paprocki to give his top 10 formation tips for religious educators. Joe has served as National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press since 2002 and has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. The tips are based off of his book, “The Catechist's Toolbox: How to Thrive as a Religious Education Teacher.”

Lisa Hendey and Allison Gingras are joined by Julianne Stanz, Director of Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, as part of a series from the floor of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California. Storyteller, encourager and author, Julianne Stanz is the Director of Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin and is a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. Julianne has been profoundly influenced by her life growing up in Ireland. She is the author of the books "Braving the Thin Places" and "Start with Jesus: How everyday disciples will renew the Church" published by Loyola Press.  Show Note Links:    Www.juliannestanz.com   Www.loyolapress.com  @JulianneStanz

Advent challenges us to better prepare ourselves for the arrival of Jesus in our world. And this call to transformation resonates especially with the issue of immigration in the United States. Immigration reform has long eluded advocates seeking better policies for how the United States responds to the needs of more than 10 million people in the country without legal status, as well as the many people seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Rep. Norma Torres of California discusses H.R. 8433, a bill that would use a small update in current immigration law to create transformative change in the lives of many people. And Sister Tracey Horan, S.P. shares her experiences ministering to people through the Kino Border Initiative. You can learn more about immigration policy, the Kino Border Initiative, and this episode's guests in these links. Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8433 NETWORK's support for updating the immigration registry date https://networklobby.org/news/catholic-lobby-backs-updating-immigration-provisions-of-the-immigration-act/ Biography of Rep. Norma Torres https://torres.house.gov/about/full-biography Kino Border Initiative https://www.kinoborderinitiative.org/ Biography of Sister Tracey Horan, S.P. https://spsmw.org/sister-profile/tracey-horan/ NETWORK's advocacy against Title 42 https://networklobby.org/news/80-catholic-sisters-and-activists-hold-prayer-vigil-outside-white-house-calling-on-president-biden-to-rescind-title-42-and-end-mpp/ Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press. https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

In today's episode, meet writer and illustrator team, Paul Mitchell and Katie Broussard, a brother and sister passionate about sharing Ignatian spirituality with kids -- their own and others! Their latest project, "The Examen Book" from Loyola Press, doesn't just teach kids how to pray the examen; it invites families to encounter a God of love together. A little more about Paul and Katie: Paul cares full-time for his young sons and writes in the service of lay formation. He taught in Uganda, Chicago, Boston, and Egypt, and studied theology at the University of Notre Dame and the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Katie is an award-winning illustrator of The Examen Book, Audacious Ignatius, Sorin Starts a School, and I'm a Saint in the Making. Buy the book: https://store.loyolapress.com/the-examen-book Find "Audacious Ignatius": https://cordepress.com/ Learn more about Paul: https://paulmitchell.blog/ Learn more about Katie: https://katiebroussard.com/about/

For years, politicians in the United States have invoked the rhetoric of being “pro-family.” But what does that really mean? For justice-seekers, it means policies and policy proposals that would help families to flourish: the Child Tax Credit, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Medicaid expansion, and others. In this episode, we talk to a longtime champion of pro-family policy on Capitol Hill: Rep. Rosa DeLauro. DeLauro, who represents Connecticut's third congressional district, shares why these policies are so important to her and how her Catholic faith informs her advocacy. Being pro-family also means being pro-woman, and Sister Robbie Pentecost, O.S.F. shares about her encounters with women whose lives are touched and transformed by the New Opportunity School for Women in Berea, Kentucky. You can learn more about this episode's guests and pro-family policies in these links: The New Opportunity School for Women https://nosw.org/ South Dakota passes Medicaid expansion https://khn.org/news/article/south-dakota-vote-medicaid-expansion-implementation/ The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act https://networklobby.org/03182021pwfa/ Rep. Rosa DeLauro's book on how her Catholic faith informs her policy positions https://thenewpress.com/books/least-among-us Why Congress should pass the fully refundable Child Tax Credit https://networklobby.org/congress-must-pass-a-fully-refundable-child-tax-credit-before-the-new-year/ Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press. https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

Why do people in the United States struggle with the idea of calling something racist? Sister Emily, Sister Eilis, Joan, and Colin explore America's troubled relationship with confronting racism, not as a relic of an earlier era but as a present-day evil that is part of both religion and politics in the United States. Since November is Black Catholic History Month, they talk to Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Patricia Rogers, who shares her insight as a Black Catholic sister and a community leader in Milwaukee's Amani neighborhood. This episode also features an extended clip from NETWORK's recent White Supremacy and American Christianity event, in which Just Politics co-host Joan Neal moderated a conversation between Father Bryan Massingale of Fordham University and Robert P. Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute. You can learn more at these links: The Dominican Center in Milwaukee works with Amani neighborhood residents and partners to build a better future. Sister Patricia Rogers served as its executive director for 10 years. https://www.dominican-center.org/  https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2021/06/08/milwaukees-sister-patricia-rogers-retires-nonprofit-amani/7543330002/ Listen to an extended interview with Sister Patricia Rogers. https://networklobby.org/black-sisters-testify-full-length-interview-with-sinsinawa-dominican-sr-patricia-rogers/ Watch the full recording of NETWORK's October 29 conversation on White Supremacy and American Christianity between Father Bryan Massingale and Robert P. Jones, moderated by Joan Neal. https://networklobby.org/actions-to-take-to-after-watching-white-supremacy-in-christianity/  Watch NETWORK's previous half-day conference on White Supremacy and American Christianity also featuring Father Bryan Massingale and Robert P. Jones held in April 2022. https://networklobby.org/uschristianityconvo/watch/  Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press. https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

DescriptionYou know the verses about love in 1 Corinthians Ch. 13? It's the reading that you always hear at weddings. St. Paul starts by saying, “...if I don't have love I am a resounding gong and a clanging cymbal.” 1 Cor 13:1bPeople speaking to Catholic audiences have a similar bar to hit - do we have love in our heart for the people God allows us to speak to? And if we don't, how can we gain that love for them? In my conversation with Julianne Stanz, a world-class Catechist, she shares how to cultivate that love, but also how that love is evidenced in and through ‘encouragement', which meant to literally ‘give heart' to another. This intentionality is so needed in our day. Story-teller, encourager and author, Julianne Stanz is the Director of Discipleship and Parish Life for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin and is a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. She is the author of the books “Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace” and “Start with Jesus: How everyday disciples will renew the Church” published by Loyola Press.Check out Julianne's website right here: www.juliannestanz.comAnd here's an Amazon link to her latest book, “Braving the Thin Places.” Check it out!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join Ryan's email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

Just Politics celebrates Halloween by confronting some of the scariest elements of our pre-election season: election deniers running for the statewide offices that will oversee future elections; threats of political violence; and the embrace of Christian nationalism by many people. Joan Neal discusses these threats with the Rev. Christian Watkins, who leads NETWORK's efforts to defend democracy through policymaking and advocacy. Sister Emily TeKolste peels back the scary resurgence of Christian nationalism by looking at the ugly history of white supremacist political violence in the United States. And on a happier note, we hear from you! Throughout NETWORK's Pope Francis Voter Tour, we heard from hundreds of people of faith and goodwill committed to protecting and building up our democracy. This episode includes a roundup of “Pope Francis Voter” testimonials. You can learn more at these links: Read more about the faith-filled push to save democracy this year. https://networklobby.org/faith-filled-push-save-democracy/  Here's FiveThirtyEight's breakdown of candidates seeking office this year who deny the result of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/republicans-trump-election-fraud/  The Brennan Center for Justice is tracking state voting laws. https://www.brennancenter.org/issues/ensure-every-american-can-vote/voting-reform/state-voting-laws  In addition to Sister Emily TeKolste's reflection in this episode, read what she wrote earlier this year about the need to die to white supremacy. https://networklobby.org/be-alive-in-christ-to-die-to-white-supremacy/  Read Joan Neal's reflection on the importance of voting and democracy. https://networklobby.org/the-theology-of-voting-our-vote-is-our-voice/  From U.S. Catholic: “Government for the people needs to be for everyone,” by Meghan J. Clark. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202210/government-for-the-people-needs-to-be-for-everyone/  From our last episode, revisit Sister Erin Zubal's pre-election prayer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GdW-1TdkvY  Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press. https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

This is a spooky episode. And that makes sense, right? We're in that time of year when both secular and spiritual calendars invite us to reflect on the supernatural, the unknown, those spirits at work in our lives in ways we can't quite put our finger on. We celebrate and remember our beloved dead—but first we masquerade as ghosts and goblins For many of us, the more secular ghost stories that Halloween represents—hauntings and the like—are kept separate from our belief in Heaven and the afterlife, all that All Saints and All Souls Days point to. But for our guest today, Gary Jansen—Director for New Products and Acquisitions at Loyola Press and author of the book, “Holy Ghosts: Or How a (Not So) Good Catholic Boy Became a Believer in Things that Go Bump in the Night—ghosts, spirits, souls and the afterlife all come together in his own story and his own faith. A number of years ago, he found himself living in a real haunted house. He writes about it in his book, and he shares some reflections on the matter with us today. In the end, what Gary really drives home is that any supernatural occurrences ultimately serve to lift our gaze upward at the supernatural world in general—in that world, we encounter angels and demons, miracles and hidden whispers, and ultimately, we come closer to God as we delve more deeply into the mysteries of our faith. If you're interested in checking out Gary's book or learning more about Gary's other works—including an excellent new kids book, “Remember Us With Smiles,” click on the links below. Click here to visit Gary's site: https://garyjansen.com/ Click here to learn more about "Holy Ghosts": https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Ghosts-Catholic-Became-Believer/dp/1585428957/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511371674&sr=1-1&keywords=Holy+Ghosts#customerReviews

As the 2022 midterm elections near, Sister Emily, Sister Eilis, Joan, and Colin discuss the importance of being a “Pope Francis Voter”—a multi-issue voter willing to do the work to build and protect an inclusive democracy where every person can flourish. Pope Francis calls concern for poverty, environmental destruction, and other issues “equally sacred” to the care for the unborn that is central to the political engagement of so many Catholics, especially in the United States. That's why NETWORK is currently traveling to cities across the United States on the Pope Francis Voter Tour, helping spread word that when people of faith limit their advocacy to only one or two issues, they enable the division, extremism, and obstructionism that do so much harm in our politics. In this episode, Joan dialogues with NETWORK's executive director, Mary J. Novak, about the breadth of the vision of Catholic social justice and how Catholic sisters have continually lived it in their ministry in the 60 years since the start of the Second Vatican Council. And Sister Eilis and Colin speak with Sister Pegge Boehm, P.B.V.M., Sister Teresa Wolf, O.S.B., and Cathy Brechtlesbauer, three organizers of the Love Your Neighbor Tour, an effort to get Medicaid expansion passed via a ballot initiative in South Dakota. The sisters on this tour made 25 stops in the span of five days, sharing with their fellow South Dakotans how expanding Medicaid will benefit so many people in their state. Ursuline Sister Erin Zubal, NETWORK's chief of staff, closes this episode with a pre-election prayer, speaking to the anxiety and uncertainty so many people feel in our politics today. You can learn more in the links below. Pope Francis Voter Tour https://networklobby.org/network-launches-pope-francis-voter-tour/ Equally Sacred Checklist https://networklobby.org/equallysacred   White Supremacy and American Christianityhttps://www.mobilize.us/network/event/522133/ South Dakota Constitutional Amendment D to expand Medicaid eligibility https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2022-ballot-questions.aspx  Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

With the help of NETWORK's historian, Mara Rutten, we explore the 50-year history of U.S. Catholic sisters' involvement in political advocacy as part of their vocations. This includes the founding of NETWORK in the early 1970s and continues down to the present day. Sister Eilis, Sister Emily, and Colin also chat with two of NETWORK's past leaders: Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Nancy Sylvester and Sister of Social Service Simone Campbell. These women led the organization for a combined 27 years (1982–1992, 2004–2021). Sylvester describes the cultural currents and influence of NETWORK's early years, including the Second Vatican Council and the civil rights era. Campbell, who recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden, reflects on her time leading NETWORK, including her most famous contribution: the Nuns on the Bus. You can find more information about the history of NETWORK as well as some of the articles mentioned in this episode in these links: The history of NETWORK https://networklobby.org/about/history/  The timeline of NETWORK https://networklobby.org/network50/timeline  “Action of the Spirit” By Sister Mara Rutten, R.S.M. https://networklobby.org/action-of-the-spirit/  Octogesima Adveniens (A Call to Action) By Pope Paul VI https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_p-vi_apl_19710514_octogesima-adveniens.html  “Justice in the World” A document of the World Synod of Catholic Bishops, 1971 https://www.cctwincities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Justicia-in-Mundo.pdf  “‘Nuns on the Bus' protesting Ryan budget” By Sarah Muller https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/nuns-bus-protesting-ryan-budget-flna828789  Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue https://iccdinstitute.org/  “President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom” https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/01/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom/  “Bread and Roses” Performed by SongRise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iOIR_aXX7U Closing theme music by SongRise https://songrisedc.org/  Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

Sister of Providence Emily TeKolste and Sister of the Humility of Mary, Eilis McCulloh are both based in the Midwest and serve on the Grassroots Mobilization team at the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. In conversation with NETWORK deputy executive director and chief equity officer Joan F. Neal and grassroots outreach and education coordinator Colin Martinez Longmore, they delve into the question of how faith is a necessary force for good in politics. While there are plenty of examples of how faith and politics can be mixed badly—the democracy-imperiling rise of Christian nationalism chief among them—NETWORK embraces a vision of Catholic Social Justice for educating, organizing, and lobbying to promote the common good. In this episode, we also hear from Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, a Catholic and the longest-serving woman currently in Congress, on the value of voices of faith in the political process. NETWORK's grassroots mobilization director, Meg Olson, shares her own justice journey into faith-based advocacy. And Laura Peralta-Schulte, senior director of public policy and government relations, offers a survey of the many issues and pieces of legislation where justice-seekers can get involved. You can find further reading on how politics can serve the common good in the links below: “Catherine Pinkerton's Sister Spirit Legacy” By Julia Morris https://networklobby.org/catherine-pinkertons-sister-spirt-legacy/  “Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur Celebrates NETWORK Lobby's Legacy of Connecting the Common Good to Politics” By Marcy Kaptur https://networklobby.org/congresswoman-marcy-kaptur-celebrates-network-lobbys-legacy-of-connecting-the-common-good-to-politics/  “Pope calls faithful to pray, participate actively in politics” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/28058/pope-calls-faithful-to-pray-participate-actively-in-politics  “New Agreement Would Advance Healthcare, Tax Justice, and Climate Protections” By Laura Peralta-Schulte https://networklobby.org/new-agreement-would-advance-healthcare-tax-justice-and-climate-protections/  The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1065  Closing theme music by SongRise https://songrisedc.org/  Just Politics is sponsored by Loyola Press. https://www.loyolapress.com/ 

     Catholic Counseling is a weekly segment of Morning Light where we've assembled a panel of experts to help Catholics maintain good mental health.  This week, Dr. Joe Lipetzky from Cornerstone Psychological Associates shares a new book - "Answering God's Call" by Barbara Lee available through Loyola Press.

Thomas Vozzo has a lite before and after becoming the CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang rehabilitation program in the world. Prior to Homeboy, Tom served as an Executive Vice President with Aramark, a 13 billion dollar revenue leader in the food services industry. Serving as the first-ever CEO of Homebody Industries has taken Tom on a profound spiritual journey, with many lessons about leadership, life and love. Loyola Press just published Tom's deeply moving book about the insights he has gained, The Homeboy Way. The moment I knew I was done with corporate work. What I have learned about the different sides of America. How every human connection has the power to change a life. Why one-size-fits-all solutions are obsolete. https://homeboyindustries.org/ (www.homeboyindustries.org)

Episode 4, season 5 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. "Everything is a spiritual experience, and has the opportunity to provide meaning for you."-Gary Jansen LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, public speaker and author Gary Jansen talks with Sister Julia Walsh about everything from the supernatural to the spirituality of the seemingly mundane. "The fact is that we're spiritual beings. We have a body. We have a soul. They're intertwined," Jansen explains, "so everything is a spiritual experience, and has the opportunity to provide meaning for you." They discuss books, how they helped him discover his vocation and feel drawn to God. And they consider the reality of embracing a life of suffering when we choose the spiritual path. They also talk about the mess of forgiveness, how it's truly difficult and the lessons the difficulty of that journey can teach us. ABOUT THE GUEST: Gary Jansen is a public speaker and author of several books, including the multi-award-winning "MicroShifts," "The 15-Minute Prayer Solution," "Station to Station," "Life Everlasting," and the memoir: "Holy Ghosts." Jansen has appeared on A&E, the Sundance Channel, the Travel Channel, Coast to Coast AM, CNN.com, and NPR. His writing has been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, USA Today, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Angelus, and Religion Dispatches. Jansen worked at Penguin Random House for 25 years where he was the editor on several New York Times bestsellers. He is now the executive editor of acquisitions at Loyola Press. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is produced and hosted by Sister Julia Walsh, and edited by Charish Badzinski. Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com BE SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness

 In this episode, Allison is blessed by a return visit by author, Julianne Stanz to discuss her new book, Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace (Loyola Press). Discussed:Just what is a 'thin place"?Why this incredible book took 20 years to writeThe fascinating Celtic traditions surrounding one's passingWe dive deeper into G.R.A.C.E. — gratitude, rest, acceptance, cultivating hospitality, and embracing stillness.Discovering the difference between a soul friend and the hi-jacked term of soul-mate; do you have someone mirroring God's grace in your life?Braving the Thin Places is one of the most unique and fascinating books I've read in a long time, and given I read at least a book a week for the past 7 years, that is saying something! Be sure to check out Julianne's website: www.juliannestanz.com

Anne talks with Joellyn Ciccarelli, president of Loyola Press on this episode of Sewing Hope.

This week we sit down with fiction author Antony Kolenc to talk about the importance of fiction for Catholic teens and tweens. Antony is a law professor, podcaster, speaker, and author of the award-winning series, The Harwood Mysteries, a medieval historical fiction series for teens from Loyola Press. Learn more about Antony Kolenc's work at his website. Listen to Antony's podcast, The Shepherd's Pie. Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode of the Catholic Momcast! Send any questions or feedback to us at editor@catholicmom.com

This week our guest is Joellyn Ciciarelli, president of Loyola Press. Joellyn shares about two books she has written for children, Leo's Gift and Meredith's Gift. Joellyn chats with Danielle Bean about how to help kids discover their gifts and learn to adapt when life changes and things do not go as we originally planned. These charming books for grade school children will make great gifts for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and Godchildren this Advent and Christmas season. Joellyn also shares about Wanderlight, an adventure-driven, faith-filled Catholic video game that helps kids grow in their faith. Join us for an enlightening and inspiring conversation!

Mystery tales and morality in a medieval setting woven into a charming coming of age story. Join me in my discussion with author Antony Barone Kolenc as he talks about his award winning mystery series  The Harwood Mysteries Series published by Loyola Press.  A three book series that follows the life of a 12 year old boy in 12th century England as he discovers his identity and learns of life, faith, and friendship.   Follow Michele on twitter @MicheleMcAloon1   Antony Barone Kolenc can be found at www.antonykolen.com  

Joe is joined in The Foxhole by John Christensen of Loyola Press, who bucks the appearances and gets real about the challenges of middle age, including not feeling like he has everything in order. Joe and John talk about faith, going through life with others, and about simplifying so that we can see God more clearly.

When Fr. Bill Barry, SJ, passed away late in 2020 at the age of 90 years old, he left behind a long and storied legacy as a spiritual director, author and Jesuit priest. Though he wrote many, many books, mentored generations of Jesuits and guided countless retreatants, there was one consistent theme that everyone who encountered Fr. Barry walked away with: God desires a friendship with each of us. His final book, “God's Great Story and You” – published by Loyola Press earlier this year – returns to that theme and pulls together insights and experiences from Fr. Barry's nine decades of life with God. On today's episode, Fr. James Martin, SJ, editor-at-large for America Magazine, and Vinita Wright, managing editor at Loyola Press, share stories, memories and reflections on Fr. Barry – his life, his work and his legacy. You can purchase a copy of his final book here: https://store.loyolapress.com/gods-great-story-and-you.

Screen time has become very common in the life of children today and now they can use that time to learn the faith through a new innovative video game available from Loyola Press called Wanderlight. Joellyn Ciccarelli shares about the game with Fr. Edward Looney on this week's episode. Wanderlight can be played on desktops, laptops, and tablets with an Internet connection. Download the game on Google Play (https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2887765-1&h=1331236528&u=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.loyolapress.wanderlight%26hl%3Den%26utm_source%3Dpr%26utm_medium%3Dprnewswire%26utm_campaign%3Dwl%26utm_content%3Dgoogleplay&a=Google+Play) or the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1524809529), or at www.wanderlightgame.com

Mark Kennedy Shriver has spent a lot of time with incredibly impressive people. His father was Sargent Shriver, who founded the Peace Corps, was the architect of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, and ran for vice president of the United States in 1972. Sargent Shriver was married to Mark’s mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver -- sister of JFK and RFK -- for 56 years. She, in turn, founded the Special Olympics, among many other accomplishments. The public service values Mark learned from his parents have taken root in his own life. Mark served as a Maryland state delegate for eight years and has been leading the Save the Children Action Network for the last seven. He knows what it means to be a servant leader. And he shares those lessons with a fresh generation in his brand-new children’s book “10 Hidden Heroes,” published by Loyola Press. The book is a vividly illustrated “Where’s Waldo?”-style collection of people serving their communities in big and small ways, meant to show kids that they don’t need a lot of money or superpowers to be a hero in their own communities. Mark talked to AMDG host Mike Jordan Laskey about why he wrote the book, how his Catholic faith and Jesuit education shape his values, and what today’s leaders navigating the coronavirus pandemic might learn from the example of his parents. Get your copy of "10 Hidden Heroes" here, written by Mark K. Shriver and illustrated by Laura Watson: https://store.loyolapress.com/10-hidden-heroes Mark's other two books: https://www.amazon.com/Mark-K-Shriver/e/B006LTJ19A AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

Antony Kolenc is a busy guy. Tony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries--an award-winning medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press. He is also a law professor, and a retired Lt Col of the US Air Force. In addition, he writes a legal column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine. In addition to celebrating his middle grade series Tony talks to us about using books as a way to talk with our kids about faith and his family's choice to home school their five children. Visit Tony's web site here - http://www.antonykolenc.com/ Use this link to support the podcast by purchasing Tony's books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3r99Hxe Visit our website - https://readingwithyourkids.com

Anne is the owner/artist of Cards by Anne, an inspirational greeting card company founded in 1986. Anne's cards, hand-designed in calligraphy and ink, are available online (cardsbyanne.com) and hundreds of stores. For fourteen years, Anne taught “Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning” at Carlow University; for seven years, she taught courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition, to World Religions and Ethics at a local community college. Her new book, “Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body, and Soul, was published by Loyola Press in October. Currently, Anne is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience, positive psychology, and spirituality to groups across the US and Australia. A former Division 1 athlete, Anne teaches a weekly yoga class at a local retreat center and enjoys biking and hiking. Show notes: (00:04:16) What is Anne's Background? (00:06:57) Combining Science with Christian Religion (00:10:23) Creating frameworks for others to build off (00:11:49) Placebo effect (00:12:46) Cornerstone habit (00:15:42) Reframing activities to make it more approachable (00:17:57) Habit Stacking (00:19:20) Technologies impact on us (00:21:42) Shinrin Yoku - Forest Bathing (00:23:11) Awe Walks (00:25:01) Nasal Breathing - Andrew Huberman (00:26:45) Nature to help refocus or when feeling overwhelmed (00:28:59) My Octopus Teacher (00:32:23) How light affects the brain (00:34:57) The health of the forest (00:37:45) How do you know where to put your focus? (00:38:52) Advice to young people (00:41:33) Generalization (00:46:34) Enthusiasm (00:47:21) Creativity (00:50:22) Expanding on meditation (00:51:43) Training the brain (00:59:22) Favorite books (01:00:48) A belief or behavior that has most improved your life? (01:01:42) If you had a giant billboard what would it say? (01:01:58) Where to connect with Anne? For more content head to our website - https://feedingcuriosity.net/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/feedingcuriosity/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/feedingcuriosity/support

On this week's show, Becky Eldridge is here to discuss her new Loyola Press book  as she offers insights and prayer practices to help us grow ever closer to God.   About Becky Eldridge:   Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer, with nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (2017) and The Inner Chapel (2020). Her greatest joy is sharing life with her husband, Chris, and her children, Brady, Abby, and Mary. Visit her at .   About The Inner Chapel:   In her recent book,  Becky Eldredge offers down-to-earth stories, prayer reflections, and encouragement for spiritual growth and a deeper walk with Christ. While offering practices on how to enter the inner chapel, the place within where God meets us, each chapter provides an opportunity to reflect on a certain promise of God.    Check out  and find all of our book and movie suggestions at  For Lisa's speaking schedule visit . Send your feedback to  or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

Children have been known to have a special connection with Angels. In this special Angel story episode, I'm sharing an excerpt from An Angel To Watch Over Me, by Joan Wester Anderson. Thank you to Loyola Press for allowing me to share these stories on the podcast!   This book is filled with true stories from children's encounters with Angels. I'm reading two of the stories today. The first is from a young boy whose Angel comforted him when he needed it most. The second is a story of Angels helping a woman cross over to the Other Side in peace.   You can purchase An Angel To Watch Over Me here: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Watch-Over-Wester-Anderson/dp/0345397738   Do YOU have an Angel story? Email it to juliejancius@gmail.com! We would love to feature you on the podcast.   I am SO excited to share that my Women's Circle Mastermind is here! This is MY inner circle and YOUR inner circle for 2021! No matter where you are in life, this year long course helps you better understand your soul's purpose and create an extensive plan to fulfill it. This mastermind will go for a FULL YEAR from January 22nd, 2021-January 21, 2022! To apply to be a part of this very small circle of women, head HERE.    Resources: If you are in need of an emergency session, you can book at: https://calendly.com/juliejancius/emergency-session Book a 1:1 session with me: https://theangelmedium.com/work-with-me For full show notes and to sign up for an eCourse, head to theangelmedium.com

On this week's show, Becky Eldridge is here to discuss her new Loyola Press book The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God as she offers insights and prayer practices to help us grow ever closer to God. About Becky Eldridge: Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer, with nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (2017) and The Inner Chapel (2020). Her greatest joy is sharing life with her husband, Chris, and her children, Brady, Abby, and Mary. Visit her at beckyeldredge.com. About The Inner Chapel: In her recent book, The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God, Becky Eldredge offers down-to-earth stories, prayer reflections, and encouragement for spiritual growth and a deeper walk with Christ. While offering practices on how to enter the inner chapel, the place within where God meets us, each chapter provides an opportunity to reflect on a certain promise of God.   Check out books by Lisa Hendey at Amazon and find all of our book and movie suggestions at Lisa's Amazon Influencer list. For Lisa's speaking schedule visit www.LisaHendey.com. Send your feedback to lisahendey@gmail.com or connect with Lisa on social media @LisaHendey.

Tony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries--an award-winning medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press. Author of Shadows in the Dark.  Historical fiction for youth.

It's not shocking to say that the United States is a divided nation. And no matter who you voted for in the 2020 presidential election, you probably know someone who voted the other way. You probably know someone who feels discouraged and angry, just as much as you probably know someone who feels vindicated and hopeful. You yourself likely fall into one of those camps. As we barreled through those last few weeks of the election, guest host Eric Clayton came across a book that he thought might bring a bit of consolation in this otherwise chaotic moment. It’s called "The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness" and it’s by Marina McCoy, a professor of philosophy at Boston College. (You can preorder the book through Loyola Press.) The book raised the following question: If we practice Ignatian spirituality – a spirituality that by its very nature demands that we put into action what we experience of God – how does an Ignatian approach to forgiveness play out in this moment? What does it demand of us? And what does it offer? How might it heal our relationships with one another? In today’s podcast, Eric talks with Marina about answers to these questions – and more.

Joellyn Cicciarelli, the President and Publisher of Loyola Press, talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about Wanderlight, a groundbreaking Catholic video game

Vinita Hampton Wright from Loyola Press presents "The Art of Spiritual Writing"

While Becky Eldredge sat and had one of her last conversations with her grandfather, he asked her for one thing: “Becksa, promise me you'll tell people that they are not alone. Promise me you will not stop what you are doing and will keep sharing the Good News with others.”   Eldredge fulfilled her promise. In her second book, The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God, she shares the gift given to each of us: the inner chapel, and how visiting it allows us to discover the promises of God. The Inner Chapel: Embracing the Promises of God guides readers in entering their inner chapel, a sacred space within us where God resides, through prayer and Ignatian spirituality practices. While offering practices on how to enter the inner chapel, each chapter provides an opportunity to reflect on a certain promise of God. Reflecting on events in her own life, Eldredge writes about the many promises of God present in our everyday lives. These include: We Are Never Alone: God is always with us, even in our times of loneliness and despair. In these times we must embrace God's gift of the inner chapel and be comforted knowing he is always present. We Are Loved—Unconditionally: Eldredge reminds us that we are loved by God and we have to increase our capacity to receive God's love for us. By opening to God's love, we are able to love others in ways we never thought possible, which internally pulls us to share the good news of this promise with others. We Have a Companion in Suffering: Recalling her grandfather's battle with brain cancer, Eldredge discovers our companion in suffering—God. In the same way God companioned Jesus in his suffering, God companions us in ours. We are never alone because Jesus who suffered walks with us. Each of Us Has a Unique Call: We all are invited by God to understand and use the unique gifts he gave us. Through discernment, we are guided in saying yes to Jesus and allowing his gifts to guide our true calling.   In this episode, Valeria Teles interviews Becky Eldredge. Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and author. She invites people deeper in their walk with Christ through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, writing, online retreat experiences, and spiritual direction.  Passionate about Ignatian spirituality and teaching people how to pray, Becky leans on her twenty years of ministry experience to help people make room for God in the busyness and invite then into deeper relationship with God.  Becky lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where she meets with men and women of all ages for monthly spiritual direction and leads people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She directs in-person days of reflections and retreats, as well as online retreats to make the Ignatian retreat experience accessible to all, and is co-founder of the women's ministry, Women of the Well.  In addition, she offers weekly reflections on her own website, www.beckyeldredge.com, as well as reflections on Loyola Press' Ignatian Spirituality blog, dotMagis.  She shares life with her husband and three children.    To learn more about Becky Eldredge please visit her website: www.beckyeldredge.com For Intro-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/aquestforwellbeingpodcast Podcast Page: https://fitforjoy.org/podcast   ** Bio intro and outro one by Heidi Lynn Peters. 

Do you find yourself frustrated with these coronavirus times? Spiritually or emotionally lost or angry or confused or otherwise suffering and trying to find the meaning in it? A book by Gary Jansen called 'Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey through the Stations of the Cross' -- which is currently being offered for free as an e-book -- may help. It is a meditative walk through the suffering of Christ in the Passion. Jansen, executive editor at Loyola Press, with longtime experience in religion publishing, is the latest conversant in this occasional “virus-free” offering with faith, culture, and civil-society leaders during these coronavirus times.

Pengalaman keterpecahan adalah sesuatu yang nggak bisa kita sangkal. Ia ada, nyata terjadi, sekalipun kita sulit untuk menerimanya. Itu semacam bagian yang tak terpisahkan dalam hidup kita. Namun, pengalaman itu perlu dilihat secara lebih luas sebagai proses yang mengembangkan diri kita dan jalan bagi kita untuk memperdalam berkat yang sudah kita terima dalam diri. Episode ini adalah bagian ketiga dari diskusi tentang buku “Diambil, Diberkati, Dipecah, Dibagikan: Spiritualitas Ekaristi dalam Dunia Sekuler” karya Henri Nouwen. Di sini Tim Collokuy! mencoba membahas bab “Dipecah” dengan menjawab beberapa pertanyaan berikut: Apa yang dimaksud dengan kata “dipecah” atau “broken” ? Bagaimana relevansinya dengan kondisi kita saat ini? Bagaimana cara menanggapi keterpecahan tersebut? Di episode ini Fr. Benic juga sempat menyingung tentang “Pembedaan Roh Ignasian”, berikut kami bagikan sejumlah sumber yang dapat disimak oleh teman-teman: · Pedoman Pembedaan Roh St. Ignatius bagi Generasi Digital (oleh Rm. Antonius Widyarsono, SJ) https://psiusd.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/pedoman-pembedaan-roh-st-ignatius-bagi-generasi-digital/ · Discernment of Spirits (dari Loyola Press) https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/discernment-of-spirits/ Follow kami di Twitter & IG: @collokuypodcast maupun streaming services favoritmu (Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, Anchor) untuk mengetahui rilisnya episode terbaru.

Thank you to author Joan Wester Anderson and Loyola Press for allowing me to share this special Angel story in this episode of Angels and Awakening Podcast.  There are many people who say Angels only help with the big things. Friends, that is just not true. No request is too small. You just need to ask God for the support that you need. Today I am sharing an example of the power in prayer from the prologue of Joan’s book, Where Miracles Happen: True Stories of Heavenly Encounters.  Joan Wester Anderson Resources From This Episode:  Where Miracles Happen: True Stories of Heavenly Encounters  Angels and Wonders: True Stories of Heaven on Earth The Power of Miracles: True Stories of God’s Presence Loyola Press    LINKS & FREEBIES Book a Session HERE Book Reiki Healing HERE Check out our Upcoming e-Courses HERE Subscribe to Get a Weekly Angel Message HERE Subscribe to Julie's YouTube Channel HERE Submit a Prayer Request HERE Join the Facebook Group HERE Follow Julie on Facebook HERE Follow Julie on Instagram HERE Have an Angel Story to Share? Email juliejancius@gmail.com MARCH ANGEL SCHOOL March 7-8, 2020 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE Join me for the Angel School where you will become a Reiki Master Teacher and learn to bring through messages from Angels and your loved ones on the Other Side. The Angel School is on March 7 and 8, 2020 in Lisle, IL or online. For details email juliejancius@gmail.com or visit: https://www.jancius.com/courses  WIN A FREE SESSION by rating this podcast 5-stars and leaving a positive review on iTunes (or FaceBook, or Google - see links below), and emailing me a screen shot of your positive review. When you do, I'll enter your name into a monthly drawing to win a free session. Want multiple chances to win? Copy and paste your review to Julie's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/angelpodcast/) and Julie's company on Google, Chicago Energy Healing LLC: https://www.google.com/search?q=chicago+energy+healing&oq=chicago+energy+healing&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61j0j69i61l2.3534j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-   Ask Angels │ Angel │ Higher Self │ Rachel Hollis │ Psychic Medium │ Meditate  │ Shaman │ Energy Healing │ Spirit Guides │ Reiki │ Intuition │ Psychic │ Intuitive │ Angel │ Self Help │ Spiritual │ Rise │ Enneagram  │ Jenna Kutcher │ Oprah │ Chalene │ Chalene Johnson │ Empath │ Goop │ Dr. Phil │ Jay Shetty │ Tony Robbins │ Lauren Conrad │ Joyce Meyer │ Rachel Maddow  │ Catt Sadler │ Lewis Howes │ Dan Harris │ Mallory Ervin │ Ellen │ Tarot │ Astrology │ Soul │ Happy │ Spiritual │ Meditation │ Zen │ Life After Death │ Ask Angels │ Julia Treat │ Light │Spiritual Awakening │Joan Wester Anderson | Power of Prayer | Miracles

January 1 is a day of resolutions, promises, and commitments to form better habits, get back into shape, pick up an old hobby. January 17—more or less—is when all of those commitments begin to fade, and we look accusingly at that new gym membership. New Years resolutions can feel like we’re set up to fail, set up for disappointment. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s guest, Vinita Wright, is a spiritual author and spiritual director, a retreat facilitator and the managing editor at Loyola Press in the trade books department. She’s written fiction and non-fiction, and shares some insights and reflections from her life as a writer that can help us create better habits—and look at the process of creating those habits from a place of love and self-worth, rather than frustration. Vinita is also a student and practitioner of Ignatian Spirituality, so you can bet we spent a good deal of time exploring how St. Ignatius’ insights can help us all as we begin this new year. (Here’s a hint: it has to do with contemplation and action.) Please remember to subscribe to AMDG wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a nice review.

Merry Christmas, Angel Tribe! This brand new episode includes a compilation of Angel Stories demonstrating that God is always listening, always looking out for us, always there to help. Are you asking God for help? Are you asking for what you need? If not, do so! No request is too small. This story is from Joan Wester Anderson book by Loyola Press called Where Miracles Happen. You can purchase the book on Amazon HERE. For more on Loyola Press, CLICK HERE.    Last Chance: Manifestation e-Course Starts January 6th! Manifest your best year yet! Start 2020 out right and make this the year that you step into your Soul self, your authentic power, the person you were created to be! When you understand how energy works and the various factors involved, you can manifest (or better yet co-create) a joy-filled, peace-filled life that you’re passionate about and excited to live. This e-course is for both those who know where they want to go and those who have no clue! By the end, you’ll better know your purpose and intention, and you’ll have a strong, clear, detailed vision of your path. Register at: https://www.jancius.com/shop If you're having trouble, call my office at 630-677-4271.   LINKS & FREEBIES Book a Session HERE Book Reiki Healing HERE Check out our Upcoming e-Courses HERE Subscribe to Get a Weekly Angel Message HERE Subscribe to Julie's YouTube Channel HERE Submit a Prayer Request HERE Join the Facebook Group HERE Follow Julie on Facebook HERE Follow Julie on Instagram HERE Have an Angel Story to Share? Email juliejancius@gmail.com   MARCH ANGEL SCHOOL March 7-8, 2020 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE Join me for the Angel School where you will become a Reiki Master Teacher and learn to bring through messages from Angels and your loved ones on the Other Side. The Angel School is on March 7 and 8, 2020 in Lisle, IL or online. For details email juliejancius@gmail.com or visit: https://www.jancius.com/courses   WIN A FREE SESSION by rating this podcast 5-stars and leaving a positive review on iTunes (or FaceBook, or Google - see links below), and emailing me a screen shot of your positive review. When you do, I'll enter your name into a monthly drawing to win a free session. Want multiple chances to win? Copy and paste your review to Julie's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/angelpodcast/) and Julie's company on Google, Chicago Energy Healing LLC: https://www.google.com/search?q=chicago+energy+healing&oq=chicago+energy+healing&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61j0j69i61l2.3534j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-   Ask Angels │ Angel │ Higher Self │ Rachel Hollis │ Psychic Medium │ Meditate  │ Shaman │ Energy Healing │ Spirit Guides │ Reiki │ Intuition │ Psychic │ Intuitive │ Angel │ Self Help │ Spiritual │ Rise │ Enneagram  │ Jenna Kutcher │ Oprah │ Chalene │ Chalene Johnson │ Empath │ Goop │ Dr. Phil │ Jay Shetty │ Tony Robbins │ Lauren Conrad │ Joyce Meyer │ Rachel Maddow  │ Catt Sadler │ Lewis Howes │ Dan Harris │ Mallory Ervin │ Ellen │ Tarot │ Astrology │ Soul │ Happy │ Spiritual │ Meditation │ Zen │ Life After Death │ Ask Angels │ Julia Treat │ Light .  

Hello, Angel Tribe! Today we have a brand new Angel Story that demonstrates how sometimes we are called to be Earth Angels for others struggling here and now. When one person's home was vandalized by a hate crime during the holiday season, neighbors on her block stepped in to show their support so that one woman wouldn't feel scared or alone. This story is from Joan Wester Anderson book by Loyola Press. You can purchase the book on Amazon HERE. For more on Loyola Press, CLICK HERE.    Manifestation e-Course Starts Soon! Sign Up Now! Manifest your best year yet! Start 2020 out right and make this the year that you step into your Soul self, your authentic power, the person you were created to be! When you understand how energy works and the various factors involved, you can manifest (or better yet co-create) a joy-filled, peace-filled life that you’re passionate about and excited to live. This e-course is for both those who know where they want to go and those who have no clue! By the end, you’ll better know your purpose and intention, and you’ll have a strong, clear, detailed vision of your path. Register at: https://www.jancius.com/shop If you're having trouble, call my office at 630-677-4271.   LINKS & FREEBIES Book a Session HERE Book Reiki Healing HERE Check out our Upcoming e-Courses HERE Subscribe to Get a Weekly Angel Message HERE Subscribe to Julie's YouTube Channel HERE Submit a Prayer Request HERE Join the Facebook Group HERE Follow Julie on Facebook HERE Follow Julie on Instagram HERE Have an Angel Story to Share? Email juliejancius@gmail.com   JANUARY ANGEL SCHOOL January 11-12, 2020 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE Join me for the Angel School where you will become a Reiki Master Teacher and learn to bring through messages from Angels and your loved ones on the Other Side. The Angel School is on January 11 and 12, 2020 in Lisle, IL or online. For details email juliejancius@gmail.com or visit: https://www.jancius.com/courses   WIN A FREE SESSION by rating this podcast 5-stars and leaving a positive review on iTunes (or FaceBook, or Google - see links below), and emailing me a screen shot of your positive review. When you do, I'll enter your name into a monthly drawing to win a free session. Want multiple chances to win? Copy and paste your review to Julie's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/angelpodcast/) and Julie's company on Google, Chicago Energy Healing LLC: https://www.google.com/search?q=chicago+energy+healing&oq=chicago+energy+healing&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61j0j69i61l2.3534j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-   Ask Angels │ Angel │ Higher Self │ Rachel Hollis │ Psychic Medium │ Meditate  │ Shaman │ Energy Healing │ Spirit Guides │ Reiki │ Intuition │ Psychic │ Intuitive │ Angel │ Self Help │ Spiritual │ Rise │ Enneagram  │ Jenna Kutcher │ Oprah │ Chalene │ Chalene Johnson │ Empath │ Goop │ Dr. Phil │ Jay Shetty │ Tony Robbins │ Lauren Conrad │ Joyce Meyer │ Rachel Maddow  │ Catt Sadler │ Lewis Howes │ Dan Harris │ Mallory Ervin │ Ellen │ Tarot │ Astrology │ Soul │ Happy │ Spiritual │ Meditation │ Zen │ Life After Death │ Ask Angels │ Julia Treat │ Light .  

Joan Wester Anderson was "the Angel Lady" in the 1990's. After her son was saved by an Angel, she started writing book compilations of other people's Angel Stories. These books were read by millions worldwide. Now Joan's book publisher, Loyola Press, is letting us read some of those Angel stories on the podcast! This story is Joan's story ... the way she became "the Angel Lady" after her son was saved the night before Christmas in 1983. This story is from her book Where Angels Walk which you can purchase HERE. For more on Loyola Press, CLICK HERE. Today, Joan is retired and enjoys time with her family.   Register for the Upcoming Manifestation e-Course  Manifest your best year yet! Start 2020 out right and make this the year that you step into your Soul self, your authentic power, the person you were created to be! When you understand how energy works and the various factors involved, you can manifest (or better yet co-create) a joy-filled, peace-filled life that you’re passionate about and excited to live. This e-course is for both those who know where they want to go and those who have no clue! By the end, you’ll better know your purpose and intention, and you’ll have a strong, clear, detailed vision of your path. Register at: https://www.jancius.com/shop If you're having trouble, call my office at 630-677-4271.   LINKS & FREEBIES Book a Session HERE Book Reiki Healing HERE Check out our Upcoming e-Courses HERE Subscribe to Get a Weekly Angel Message HERE Subscribe to Julie's YouTube Channel HERE Submit a Prayer Request HERE Join the Facebook Group HERE Follow Julie on Facebook HERE Follow Julie on Instagram HERE Have an Angel Story to Share? Email juliejancius@gmail.com   JANUARY ANGEL SCHOOL January 11-12, 2020 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE Join me for the Angel School where you will become a Reiki Master Teacher and learn to bring through messages from Angels and your loved ones on the Other Side. The Angel School is on January 11 and 12, 2020 in Lisle, IL or online. For details email juliejancius@gmail.com or visit: https://www.jancius.com/courses   WIN A FREE SESSION by rating this podcast 5-stars and leaving a positive review on iTunes (or FaceBook, or Google - see links below), and emailing me a screen shot of your positive review. When you do, I'll enter your name into a monthly drawing to win a free session. Want multiple chances to win? Copy and paste your review to Julie's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/angelpodcast/) and Julie's company on Google, Chicago Energy Healing LLC: https://www.google.com/search?q=chicago+energy+healing&oq=chicago+energy+healing&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61j0j69i61l2.3534j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-   Ask Angels │ Angel │ Higher Self │ Rachel Hollis │ Psychic Medium │ Meditate  │ Shaman │ Energy Healing │ Spirit Guides │ Reiki │ Intuition │ Psychic │ Intuitive │ Angel │ Self Help │ Spiritual │ Rise │ Enneagram  │ Jenna Kutcher │ Oprah │ Chalene │ Chalene Johnson │ Empath │ Goop │ Dr. Phil │ Jay Shetty │ Tony Robbins │ Lauren Conrad │ Joyce Meyer │ Rachel Maddow  │ Catt Sadler │ Lewis Howes │ Dan Harris │ Mallory Ervin │ Ellen │ Tarot │ Astrology │ Soul │ Happy │ Spiritual │ Meditation │ Zen │ Life After Death │ Ask Angels │ Julia Treat │ Light .  

Sermon preached on 2019-10-27 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen. Worship series, "Imagine." Sermon, "Abundance." Matthew 14:13-21.“Mother Teresa said about Jesus, ‘He uses us to be his love and compassion in the world in spite of our weaknesses and frailties.’ In this miracle Jesus does not produce food out of nowhere. He takes the little that the apostles have, and he multiplies it a thousand-fold. No matter how little I think I have to give, once I freely place my gifts in Jesus’ service, they become limitless. In the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, I am reminded that Jesus can also provide spiritual sustenance beyond my imagining. There is a mysterious disproportion between what I give and what the Lord makes of it.”How do we imagine the crowd reacted to this miracle? Do you think their participation in this event changed them?(From the Sunday, June 23 entry in “Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2019 “ by The Irish Jesuits, Loyola Press, 2018)Support the show (http://tinyurl.com/donatecumc)

  Vinita Hampton Wright joins me on the podcast to talk about writing, reading, and Ignatian Spirituality. Vinita is an editor with Loyola Press, and a prolific and excellent writer. Some of Vinita’s books include, Days of Deepening Friendship (a personal favorite), Dwelling Places (one of several novels), The Art of Spiritual Writing, and her... The post Vinita Hampton Wright-episode 194 appeared first on Anita Lustrea.

Empty nest, downsizing, retirement. These all draw us to wonder, "Who am I now? What's next?" As we see fewer years ahead than behind, it can be easy to question our value or what we have left to contribute to our communities. How can we continue to give back and live with purpose in our later years? We discuss these questions with Barbara Lee, spiritual director and author of "God Isn't Finished with Me Yet" published by Loyola Press. Barbara describes the intersection of aging with the timelessness of Ignatian spirituality. Sponsored by Closets by Design of Nashville.

Having good skill sets and knowledge of your craft is only part of what is needed to succeed in the photography world. Sometimes negotiating with clients and subjects comes to the forefront. With my first foot on foreign soil for the start of a month-long, 7 country photo assignment, creative differences brewed between my on the ground contact and the Art Director over 3500 miles away. Here's a real-world look behind the lens of a photo assignment for the book, Sharing the Wisdom of Time, by Pope Francis and Friends and Loyola Press. Skill, timing and a little humor made for a very memorable photo!

Lost in Europe on a photographic assignment for Pope Francis and Friends and Loyola Press, this adventure takes me from the beauty of Venice to the narrow roads of Slovenia. Go behind the lens and feel the excitement and interest of meeting and photographing people a world away.

We're joined once again by Paul Gallagher, Regional Manager for Loyola Press to discuss the integration of one's spiritual life with personal health.

“Are You Distracted? God calls us to be fully present to the moment at hand, but so often we are lost in another world, lost in the past, lost in the future, lost in our anguish, lost even in our joys. Or perhaps we just get lost in the latest silly game on our smart phones while someone or some task needs our full attention. (Thibodeaux,2015). What are those distractions keeping you from being present to the moment at hand impacting your relationship with Jesus Christ? How are distractions preventing you from experiencing life as God planned for you?   “Distraction”  definition - “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. synonyms - diversion, interruption, disturbance, intrusion, interference, obstruction, hindrance John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. What “Boundaries have you established for your life that is allowing you to make healthy Choices?” How are you dealing with your distractions? Mark 10:46-52 (CEB) 46 Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road.  47 When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!”  48 Many scolded him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, show me mercy!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward.” They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his coat to the side, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see.” 52 Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.   God calls us to be fully present to the moment at hand Expose Your life to Gods’ Examination.    Be Intentional (Be willing, open and vulnerable to God ) Be Strategic (Create a Spiritual Formation Plan for your life. Email me and I will email you a Spiritual Formation Plan Document) Be Accountable! (Prayer Partners. Men to Men, Women to Women.)   Proverbs 28:13 Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.   1. Lost in the past - (What things in your past haven’t you placed on His altar?) 2. Lost in the future - (Luke 12:22 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore, I say to you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 3. Lost in anguish  - (Matthew 11:30 My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”) 4. Lost even in our joys - (Declare that everything You own belongs to God. Luke 12:34 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.)    “The Maximum You are willing to give, will always determine the Minimum You get back.”   God has a plan for Your life!  Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership.” (Cloud,p.29)  “The inability to set appropriate boundaries at appropriate times with the appropriate people can be very destructive.” (Cloud, p.25)   “Distraction”  definition - “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. Synonyms - diversion, interruption, disturbance, intrusion, interference, obstruction, hindrance   John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.   “Get Connected, Stay Connected” My email:  realpurpose.pastorboblenz@gmail.com   References Common English Bible: (2010). A Fresh Translation to Touch the Heart and Mind. New Testament. Common English Bible. Cloud, Henry; Townsend, John. Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No (p. 25). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.  Thibodeaux, Mark E.. Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray from Your Day (p. 18). Loyola Press. Calhoun, A. A. (2005). Spiritual disciplines handbook: Practices that transform us. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible : English standard version. Wheaton, IL: Author. Foster, R. J. (1988). Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth. San Francisco: Harper & Row. Foster, N. (2014). The making of an ordinary saint: My journey from frustration to joy with the spiritual disciplines. Grand Rapids: BakerBooks.

We're joined by Paul Gallagher, Regional Manager for Loyola Press to discuss the integration of one's spiritual life with personal health.

Habits and Living The Life God Planned For You Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle believed that the key to living a good life is to develop good habits.” Nathan Foster, (2014),The Making of an Ordinary Saint…“The truth is that everyone is bored, and devotes himself to cultivating habits.”  Albert Camus1 Webster Define “Habit” as…a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. Welcome to Humanity! Humans, (WE),  are ALL creatures of habit. God did create us with the ability and FREE-WILL choice that we can train our minds, bodies, and souls to habitually, naturally do the right thing. The issue is, we as easily fall into unhealthy habits! We ALL develop habits and patterns we live by.  My first recommendation is that you make a list of your daily habits? Be transparent! Run your list by someone you trust, that you have given permission to hold you accountable that you may consider your accountability partner, that person or persons that you give permission to speak truth into your life that have your life in their best interest and won’t hold back. BE INTENTIONAL, BE STRATEGIC! What are your Attachments?  Practice LETTING GO, Be Intentional, PRAYER, ask God to search your inner being to reveal to you anything that you have not placed on His altar! Spend time telling God what you are attached to! Where do you require GRACE to GET CONNECTED by DETACHING from habits that DO NOT GLORIFY GOD?  Ask God to provide you with opportunities to detach from habits, secondary things, time, to develop new habits.  List what you believe to be your Good and Bad Habits, BE Transparent! We ALL have Good and Bad Habits! Start SMALL, which habits are you willing to give up first toward your transformation in Christ? Which Habits can you you celebrate!  Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. BE Intentional, Strategic and Accountable!  Discovering your purpose and passion in Gods’ plan may require to “UNLEARN” to “DETACH” and Intentionally through  accountability strategically CULTIVATE New Habits/Patterns.  Colossians 3:9-10  9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator John 14:23  Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. For those who belong, “A FOLLOWER”  of Jesus Christ, intentionally CULTIVATING new habits through the indwelling control of the Holy Spirit becomes a NEW and CONSISTENT way of life. These new habits are described by Jesus as loving Him. Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23). Most importantly, we are told, "And whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Simply Attending Church on a Sunday and thats IF you attend 52 Sundays, doesn’t mean you are SAVED, nor does it imply its enough to transform your life. Its a Good start! Church Hopping which is another topic for a future Podcast will only Delay your transformation!  God will lead you to the right Church IF you are searching, being intentional, that its NOT ABOUT YOU! It is ALL about seeking a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ that Will transform your life! Intentional! Strategic! “The Maximum You give will Always determine the Minimum You get Back.” John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Lay those habits metaphorically at the Cross! Invite God in to intentionally give you the strength and wisdom to break old bad habits and to cultivate new habits that glorify Him.    Isaiah 41:10 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “If I do something that makes me feel good, I am likely to do it again! If I keep doing it, and if it keeps making me feel good, I will probably make a habit of its.” (May,2005) How Can I pray for you? Email me:  rev.boblenz@gmail.com   References Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible : English standard version. Wheaton, IL: Author. May, G. G. (2005). Addiction and grace: Love and spirituality in the healing of addictions. San Francisco, CA: HarperOne. Foster, N. (2014). The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines. Ada, MI: Baker Books. Thibodeaux, Mark E.. Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray from Your Day (p. 27). Loyola Press. Kindle Edition.  Email: realpurpose.pastorboblenz@gmail.com    

Lost in Spain on the last leg of year long project for a book, "Sharing the Wisdom of Time" by Pope Francis and friends and Loyola Press, seasoned travel photography, Paul Audia combines experience and life's lessons to help him. The subject, Maria, was a child at the time of the Spanish War when her father left home and was forced to fight. This story puts you behind the wheel, in the mind and behind the lens of Audia in his journey to photograph Maria.

Parents have a very important obligation to teach their children how to pray. Secular Discalced Carmelite, Colleen Sollinger, has much to share with us on this topic. She is a mother of 6 and has homeschooled all of them. 2 of the 6 are in college now. She is also a formatter for the OCDS Community in Dayton. She shares tips on how to set the stage for prayer, providing opportunities for children to pray, and ways to make it personal and relative to their lives. She also gives ideas on how to appeal to your child’s own personality. Many resources are given to help in this most important journey to God through prayer. RESOURCES: BOOKS:“A Spiritual Growth Plan for Your Choleric Child” by Connie Rossini; Four Waters Press.“Loyola Kids Book of Saints” by Amy Welborn; Loyola Press.“A Yearbook of Seasons and Celebrations,” by Joanna Bogle; Gracewing Press.“Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types,” by Chester P. Michael and Marie C. Norrisey; The Open Door, Inc.“Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux,” translated by John Clarke OCD; ICS Publications. WEBSITES:In the Heart of My Homeelizabethfoss.com Catholic All Yearcatholicallyear.com

In this second in a series of two programs on the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Mark and Frances continue their conversation on a book by the Holy Father entitled “God’s Name is Mercy.” In this follow-up conversation, they reiterate the importance of the scripture story of the woman caught in adultery, and how the Holy Father uses this story to demonstrate that Christ does not just apply justice, nor does He merely forgive sin, but indeed, He goes beyond that and actually “forgives with a caress” as the Pope Francis describes it. The Holy Father has built his argument that if humanity is wounded, indeed, as he says, deeply wounded, then forgiveness, though it will lead to salvation, is not enough to heal the wound within the human heart. It is this very wound in fact that impedes our ability to love and to become fully human persons, people made in the image of God who is love. This is really the entire them of the Holy Father’s message about Mercy – Justice is a balancing of the scales, but does not lead to forgiveness, forgiveness does lead to the absolution of sin and salvation, but Mercy is what heals a wounded heart. God’s message of Mercy is about healing and Love. RESOURCESBooks:“The Name of God is Mercy: A Conversation with Andrea Tornielli” from Pope Francis, Trans. by Oonagh Stransky; Random House. “The Church of Mercy: A Vision for the Church” by Pope Francis; Loyola Press. “God’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace and Joy” by Kathleen Beckman, LHS; Sophia Press. “33 Days to Merciful Love: a Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy” by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC; Marian Press. “Angels of the Battlefield: A History of the Labors of the Catholic Sisterhoods in the Late Civil War” by George Barton; Nine Choirs Press.

The Holy Father recently declared this year an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. There are a number of celebration and activities planned for this year, and there are many graces and blessings available for those who take up the Holy Father’s call to seek God’s Mercy. As part of his effort to communicate the importance of this message of Mercy, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, granted an interview with a journalist and commissioned the publication of a book entitled, “The Name of God is Mercy.” In this conversation on the importance of the message of Mercy, Mark and Frances use portions of the Holy Father’s book, key verses from scripture, and some of the quotes of the famous Carmelite Saints to help explain exactly what the Holy Father is trying to tell the Church about God’s Mercy. The most important aspect of this message is that Mercy is that attribute of God, His most important attribute according to Pope Francis, that does more than overcome God’s Justice, and in fact, it does more than allow for the forgiveness of sins, Mercy is what actually leads to the healing of both the effects of sin and the woundedness of our human nature that leads us to sin in the first place. In this important conversation the listener is invited to come to a deeper understanding and a genuine desire to seek out God’s all encompassing Mercy. RESOURCESBooks:“The Name of God is Mercy: A Conversation with Andrea Tornielli” from Pope Francis, Trans. by Oonagh Stransky; Random House.“The Church of Mercy: A Vision for the Church” by Pope Francis; Loyola Press.“God’s Healing Mercy: Finding Your Path to Forgiveness, Peace and Joy” by Kathleen Beckman, LHS; Sophia Press.“33 Days to Merciful Love: a Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy” by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC; Marian Press.“Angels of the Battlefield: A History of the Labors of the Catholic Sisterhoods in the Late Civil War” by George Barton; Nine Choirs Press.

Dinner Lab, Supper Clubs, Pope Francis Documentary, Life Is Meals, Thai Food, quick way to peel garlic, and Alton Brown's Recipe for Turkey Gravy...

Loyola Press kicks off it's Food and Faith series today, celebrating the ways that we express our faith through the culinary arts...

We continue our conversation with Rosemary Lane of Loyola Press about the Food and Faith series, celebrating the ways that we...

Loyola Press is unveiling a new series that celebrates the many ways Catholics express their faith through the culinary arts. The collection of stories, called Food and Faith, explores how we feed our spirituality at the intersection of food and faith, just in time for Thanksgiving. Just last week Rosemary Lane from Loyola Press joined us on the Around the Table Food Show to give us a taste of the of the new Food and Faith series. Full show notes available at http://catholicfoodie.com.

“Paula Huston wrote literary fiction for more than twenty years before shifting her focus to spirituality. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Daughters of Song (Random House, 1995), which the Baltimore Sun called “far and away the best book yet” about life in the classical piano world at Peabody Conservatory. Nominated for the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco’s Gold Medal for Best First Novel, it was also chosen by the Christian Science Monitor for its first “Novelist’s Debut” review and selected by the Music Book Society and Performing Arts Book Club. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary quarterlies, including American Short Fiction, North American Review, Missouri Review, Massachusetts Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Story, MSS, and Image, and were twice selected for the Best American Short Stories list.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Huston for over an hour about her new book A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life (Loyola Press, 2012). We discussed the importance of purpose vs. the never-ending search for happiness, the importance of spiritual practices for deepening into the second half of life, and what monastics have to teach us about living a fulfilling life. Huston’s words are filled with gratitude and hope. You’ll fund Huston’s honesty and humility to be very touching and very inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Paula Huston wrote literary fiction for more than twenty years before shifting her focus to spirituality. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Daughters of Song (Random House, 1995), which the Baltimore Sun called “far and away the best book yet” about life in the classical piano world at Peabody Conservatory. Nominated for the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco’s Gold Medal for Best First Novel, it was also chosen by the Christian Science Monitor for its first “Novelist’s Debut” review and selected by the Music Book Society and Performing Arts Book Club. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary quarterlies, including American Short Fiction, North American Review, Missouri Review, Massachusetts Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Story, MSS, and Image, and were twice selected for the Best American Short Stories list.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Huston for over an hour about her new book A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life (Loyola Press, 2012). We discussed the importance of purpose vs. the never-ending search for happiness, the importance of spiritual practices for deepening into the second half of life, and what monastics have to teach us about living a fulfilling life. Huston’s words are filled with gratitude and hope. You’ll fund Huston’s honesty and humility to be very touching and very inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Paula Huston wrote literary fiction for more than twenty years before shifting her focus to spirituality. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Daughters of Song (Random House, 1995), which the Baltimore Sun called “far and away the best book yet” about life in the classical piano world at Peabody Conservatory. Nominated for the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco’s Gold Medal for Best First Novel, it was also chosen by the Christian Science Monitor for its first “Novelist’s Debut” review and selected by the Music Book Society and Performing Arts Book Club. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary quarterlies, including American Short Fiction, North American Review, Missouri Review, Massachusetts Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Story, MSS, and Image, and were twice selected for the Best American Short Stories list.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Huston for over an hour about her new book A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life (Loyola Press, 2012). We discussed the importance of purpose vs. the never-ending search for happiness, the importance of spiritual practices for deepening into the second half of life, and what monastics have to teach us about living a fulfilling life. Huston’s words are filled with gratitude and hope. You’ll fund Huston’s honesty and humility to be very touching and very inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Paula Huston wrote literary fiction for more than twenty years before shifting her focus to spirituality. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Daughters of Song (Random House, 1995), which the Baltimore Sun called “far and away the best book yet” about life in the classical piano world at Peabody Conservatory. Nominated for the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco’s Gold Medal for Best First Novel, it was also chosen by the Christian Science Monitor for its first “Novelist’s Debut” review and selected by the Music Book Society and Performing Arts Book Club. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary quarterlies, including American Short Fiction, North American Review, Missouri Review, Massachusetts Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Story, MSS, and Image, and were twice selected for the Best American Short Stories list.” I had the pleasure of interviewing Huston for over an hour about her new book A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life (Loyola Press, 2012). We discussed the importance of purpose vs. the never-ending search for happiness, the importance of spiritual practices for deepening into the second half of life, and what monastics have to teach us about living a fulfilling life. Huston’s words are filled with gratitude and hope. You’ll fund Huston’s honesty and humility to be very touching and very inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What an exciting show! On Friday, May 10th we interviewed Robin Davis, author of Recipe for Joy, recently published by Loyola Press. I recently wrote a review of the book (and posted a podcast interview with Robin over at CatholicFoodie.com). We also welcomed Sherri Hansen on the show to talk about her work with Culinary Kids. I love what she has to say, and I just want to go hang out and have fun over at her place in Mandeville, LA. It sounds like so much fun! I shared a recipe for fish tacos... Yes, the same recipe we promised to give you last week when we ran out of time. So, you can finally hear it on this show!

Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr Mark O'Connell Today's guest(s): Fr John Sassani, Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Newton Today's topics: Priest Profile: Fr John Sassani; the importance of a healthy prayer life, this Sunday's Mass readings Summary of today's show: Fr John discusses his vocation story and past assignments with Scot Fr Mark, as well as the new high school forming next year in Newtown. The group also discusses the readings for this Sunday, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 1st segment: Scot welcomed Father Mark to the show, and said it felt like they had been together all day. They discussed that the Cardinal's Cabinet had met today, as is the custom on the first Friday of every month. Scot said they covered many important topics, especially a discussion of how to follow up on the Catholics Come Home campaign and continue to increase Mass attendance. Fr Mark added that with the wide variety of people that make up the cabinet, it adds a great wealth of opinion to the discussions. Scot mentioned that the Cardinal could not be present at the meeting but will get a full report - Cardinal Sean was at the funeral Mass for Msgr Stanlislaus Sypek this morning. Fr Mark pointed out that Msgr Sypek was still a pastor at 96 years of age - showing his legendary dedication. Scot said that people of the Archdiocese may remember Msgr Sypek from his work at St Adalbert parish and as a professor at Emmanuel College and Boston College. 2nd segment: Fr John Sassani joined Fr Mark and Scot on the show. Scot asked Fr John to describe how he heard the calling to the priesthood. Fr John explained that when he was in the 2nd grade, Fr Dick Little came to Swampscott as a new priest, and caught Fr John's attention and had great influence on his life. Fr John also said that the Sisters of St Joseph, who taught at his school, gave him a sense of what was important in their lives and how their vocations affected it. He attended St John's Prep in Danvers, and entered St John Seminary College Division when he was done with high school. He would speak with his dad, who had been a seminarian for several years in New York, and supported him greatly through his seminary years. Scot asked Fr John what things his parents did to create a culture of vocation and openness to a priestly vocation. Fr John said that his parents were people of great faith - even if they didn't say prayers before dinner every night, their faith came into play every day of their lives. Scot asked Fr John to speak about his early priestly assignments, the first of which was at Sacred Heart in Roslindale. Fr John said that while he had requested a parish north of Boston, as a second or third priest and without a school, he was sent south of Boston to Roslindale as the sixth priest and a large, thriving school. He said that being in Roslindale gave him a wide variety of experiences with different people over the three years he was there, until he was asked to do graduate studies in liturgy in Rome. Fr John said that he spent a year there, but it wasn't a good match, so he came home and served at St John's in Winthrop. Fr John continued that St John's was a great place to be and had a solid history and active parishioners. After Winthrop, Fr John was assigned to the Office of Spiritual Development along with Msgr Dennis Sheehan. They also managed St Jean's, a small parish in Newton. Fr John explained that the Office of Spiritual Development was founded by Bishop D'Arcy to help parishes renew themselves in a spiritual way. He worked during the academic year, and spent his summers at Creighton University studying spirituality. It was at this time that he and Maryann McLaughlin created the "Meeting Christ in Prayer" program, which eventually was published by Loyola Press. Scot asked Fr John what was involved with spiritual renewal at the parishes. Fr John said all of it was rooted in prayer - the sessions were about helping people experience personal prayer in a communal setting. Small group and large group sessions would follow in the parishes. Fr John explained that Meeting Christ in Prayer was an opportunity provided by the Cardinal to encourage small-group spiritual renewal leading into the year 2000. Fr John said that the goal of the program was to deepen the faith in the parish, but to instill the desire to continue growth in prayer and faith lives instead of a momentary renewal. Sometimes, Fr John said, we think other people pray better than we do, but are still willing to learn to pray better. Prayer should come to be second nature to us - we are made for God, so having a connection with Him is something everyone can do, not just monks and nuns. Fr Mark said he was struck by the thought that people think other people pray better - he said we need to remember that we are all called to our own personal relationship with God. Fr John agreed that the personal relationship is a major theme in Christian spiritual life. We are invited to work with God's grace to become the person he wants us to be through prayer, moral decisions, and our everyday relationships. Mostly though, Fr John continued, it's through knowing that God desires a relationship for us and knows who He wants us to be. Scot asked Fr John for a few thoughts about how people can pray better. Fr John said people don't take enough time to be relaxed in order to pray - most of us are used to prayers that we learned or memorized. Those are fine, Fr John said, but we need to take a few silent seconds to prepare for them. Scot and Fr John discussed that a good second step is to say what you want to say to God, and then listen for God's response. Sometimes, Fr John said, it may be a deliberate thought that comes into his head that wasn't there a moment before, other times it is being challenged by someone or something in our lives. Fr John also said that we need to develop confidence in our faith lives about our tangible experiences with God. Fr John said the last thing was to stay for a specific period of time every day in prayer, even if you think you're finished - whether it be an hour or just five minutes, having time set aside for God is important. 3rd segment: Scot asked Fr John about his transition from one of the smaller parishes of the Archdiocese (St Theresa's in Sherburn) to one of the larger parishes, Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton where he is the parish. Fr John said it was a big difference, but the neighborhood nature of the parish, active outreach, and great location made the transition great. Fr Mark noted that the parish was also beautifully renovated - Fr John agreed, and said that the open sanctuary and the Baptismal pool make it a very hospitable and welcoming environment. Scot said that Our Lady's has one of the most involved parish communities in the Archdiocese. Fr John said that one of the things the ministries offer is not just service to the larger community, but an opportunity for people to feel connected to the parish community as well. He explained that new parishioners are encouraged to find a ministry that they want to contribute to and become excited by, because it will not only be ministry being done by more people, but people in the parish getting to know one another in a deeper way. Fr John described the Bereavement Ministry that met just last night - a group of 40 people who volunteer to help families of deceased parish members plan funeral liturgies and provide support in prayer. Scot mentioned that the parish roster holds over 20 zip codes at Our Lady's, a real testament to how connected the parishioners feel they are. Some parishes seem to be very good at building a community, Scot noted, and asked Fr John what things Our Lady's does to promote this feeling. Fr John said the core of the parish being a neighborhood parish and the family nature and closeness of fellow parishioners has carried through to a hospitable community. He also said that the location of the Church and Fr Walter's reputation for welcoming people helped as well. Fr Mark noted that some people are shocked by the community - he said that at times it seems some Catholics want to go to Mass but not be talked to! Fr John said that while the welcome is appropriate and heartfelt, it's never coercive. Scot said that last week there was an announcement that Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Trinity High School will be merging, a significant moment for Our Lady's and the Catholic Community in Newton. Fr John said it was a pastoral challenge to help people along with the transition, but ultimately will allow both schools to continue providing a financially stable and academically rigorous education to the communities. Fr John said that when the announcement was made to the students, some of the young people started asking for a retreat with the students from the other school so they could start the process of integration and get to know people. Fr John said that he felt it was a clear sign that the new enterprise, while not pain-free, is full of hope and desire in the new purpose. 4th segment: Scot read the first reading from Isaiah, and Fr. Mark read the Gospel, from Matthew. Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain. Second Reading: Philipians 4:12-14, 19-20 Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen. Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, "Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen." Scot noted that Jesus often described Heaven as a banquet in parables, as in this Gospel reading. We all get an invite to Heaven, but we don't always receive it, and sometimes might even put to death the people sent to invite us. Fr John agreed, saying that Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the goal of Salvation History with this parable - there is the eternal feast in Heaven, but also many feasts on Earth that we are invited to as well. Fr John also noted that the king in the parable invites people a second time - very much like how we are inviting our brothers and sisters to come back to the faith. Fr Mark pointed out that there are people, like the man who wore the wrong garment, that are present at the feast but not totally into it. There are people who think they are going to Heaven, Fr Mark said, because they are walking a certain line, but there are parts of their life that are completely inconsistent. God is constantly inviting us in this life, he continued, to come back to Him. Scot said the end of the Gospel might be misunderstood as fashion advice - it may point to the lesson that we cannot just show up at the Heavenly banquet unprepared and have God accept us anyways. One of the ways we can prepare, Scot concluded, is to take part in the sacraments and receive those graces.

KU coach Bill Self met with the media following his team's 90-60 non-conference finale win over Loyola. He discussed Sherron Collins' push towards full health, Mario Chalmers' healing process for a tweaked groin and again needing to ask Brandon Rush for some aggressiveness on the offensive end.

KU coach Bill Self met with the media following his team's 90-60 non-conference finale win over Loyola. He discussed Sherron Collins' push towards full health, Mario Chalmers' healing process for a tweaked groin and again needing to ask Brandon Rush for some aggressiveness on the offensive end.