Yes Catholic

Have you ever felt like your faith was put to the test or wondered how to find solace in prayer during trying times? Thomas Hammen's inspirational journey might illuminate your path. Thomas recounts his Florida upbringing, his days as an SPO missionary, and how simple acts, like his daily short prayer, sustain his profound connection with God. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the challenges and triumphs of faith, intended to offer hope and guidance for those navigating their own spiritual journeys. Thomas opens up about the transition from adolescence to adulthood, revealing the missteps and the allure of vices that once distanced him from his faith. An extraordinary retreat and the joy witnessed in a friend named Mike became the catalysts for a profound personal meeting with Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in his life. We then venture deeper, exploring the sustaining role of prayer and its impact on mental well-being within the seminary walls. The conversation extends to practical advice for those experiencing spiritual desolation and the balancing act amidst the distractions of social media. Join us for an exploration of finding God in scripture, the authenticity required in prayer, and the simplicity of making space for divine encounters in everyday life. Thomas Hammen's story isn't just about faith; it's an invitation to weave the divine into the fabric of our daily lives. Support the show

When I sat down with Beth Davis of Blessed is She, it wasn't just a conversation—it was a revelation of heart. Her tale embarks from a childhood steeped in faith, to a simple prayer that forms the cornerstone of her daily life. Ultimately, the essence of our dialogue rests in the profound celebration of the Eucharist. The solace found in daily Mass and the intimate relationship we each cultivate with the sacred heart of Jesus is a gift that transcends time and place. Whether it's feeling at home in a foreign parish or experiencing the kinship of saints both past and present, the global Catholic family emerges as a source of limitless joy and fortitude. Our stories, interwoven with laughter and spiritual insight, invite you to rediscover the Eucharist's role in your journey, and to kindle a faith so radiant it beckons others to its warmth. Support the show

From the echoes of an adoration chapel where a young man grapples with his divine calling, to the joyous embrace of marriage and service beyond the seminary walls, Thomas's narrative is one of profound transformation. He unpacks the complexities of discernment, sharing how the seeds sown during his seminary years blossomed into a fulfilling role in campus ministry. It's a testament to the beauty in the unexpected, the discernment of God's voice amidst life's cacophony, and the courage it takes to follow that call. Our conversation with Thomas doesn't just explore his story, but also extends an invitation to all, highlighting the universal call to holiness that beckons each of us. He lays bare the signs of a vocation lived fully, inspiring us to lean into our talents and contribute to the sanctification of ourselves and others. Emboldened by examples like Father Mike Schmitz and the victory already secured by Christ, we close this chapter hopeful for the church's future, and for the individual paths to holiness we are all journeying upon. Join us for an episode that's much more than a story—it's an exploration of faith, vocation, and the resonance between them. Support the show

Today's episode is more than a conversation; it's an expedition into the heart of a movement driven by faith and innovation. We navigate the digital landscape through the eyes of our guest, a filmmaker and youth minister who found their calling in the beatification of Blessed Carlo Acutis and their passion for storytelling. John recounts his faith journey, from playful explorations of green screen technology to profound moments of prayer in the most unexpected places, like a dusty cave. Witness the transformation from a production assistant navigating the challenges of secular film sets to a visionary embracing the role of a 'digital missionary,' aiming to chart uncharted territories in the pursuit of truth alongside today's youth. Join us as we gather insights on adapting ministry to the pulse of Gen Z, acknowledging the necessity to meet them where they are — online. We probe the essence of impactful digital evangelization, where success isn't measured by numbers, but by the depth of connections made and lives touched. As we conclude, our hearts unite in prayer for the youth, and an invitation to explore the resources at truthcharting.com. Support the show

When Louis Damani Jones speaks, one can't help but feel the warmth of his heart and the depth of his spiritual journey envelop the room. This St. Louis psychotherapist brings to our latest podcast episode a rich tapestry of childhood experiences within an intentional community, the pull of activism, and the complexities of faith that have shaped his life. His candid recounting of this journey reveals the emotional resonance of sacred music and the spiritual guidance received from a Coptic priest, which would ultimately challenge and deepen his understanding of Christianity. Louis' narrative is a testament to the powerful role of tradition and liturgical practices in shaping one's faith and the unexpected paths that lead us back home. As our conversation unfolds, we learn of Louis' internal struggle between the tenets of Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism, a conflict that finds resolution through his study of early church councils and the pivotal Tome of Leo. With a renewed embrace of Catholicism, Louis discusses the integration of Eastern spiritual disciplines into his practice of faith and offers insights into the active role of charity within the church. His reflection on the challenges of reentering the Catholic community, coupled with the practical advice he offers for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey, makes this episode a beacon for anyone navigating the waters of faith, identity, and service. Support the show

Embark on a transformative exploration of faith, forgiveness, and the human condition with Dr. Josephine Lombardi, as she reflects on her spiritual journey from a high school chaplaincy leader to her influential tenure as Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at St. Augustine's Seminary. Join us for a candid conversation that weaves through Dr. Lombardi's narratives of her Italian family's devout heritage, her academic pursuit of theology with an emphasis on soteriology, and her balancing act as a theologian, wife, and mother. Through her storied career, she has touched the lives of at-risk youth, inspired seminarians and laypersons alike, and penned the insightful "Experts in Humanity,"—a testament to her passion for scripture and understanding our place in the world. Dr. Lombardi invites us into her heart with tales of perseverance and divine grace, as we tackle the often challenging concepts of forgiveness and self-acceptance, key themes she unravels through her own trials and scholarly endeavors. She casts a light on the distinction between shame and guilt, emphasizing the deep significance of embracing one's worth as bestowed by God. Join us as we navigate the intricate process of forgiving oneself, a journey Josephine knows all too well, and learn how such acts of self-compassion can pave the path toward freedom and emotional healing. As we contemplate the future of the Church, Dr. Lombardi shares her hopeful vision, grounded in the understanding of our identity as reflections of God's image and love. Prepare to be moved and motivated to delve into a deeper relationship with Jesus, as we explore these profound topics with a true expert in humanity. Support the show

Imagine trading the clamor of Wall Street for the serene whispers of a church; this is the life of Father Dan Reehil, who joins us to unravel the tapestry of his extraordinary call to priesthood. Through the lens of Father Dan's story, we glimpse the rigorous discipline of exorcism and deliverance ministry training in Rome and the transformative role these practices have played in his pastoral mission. His commitment to spiritual exercises offers a deeper understanding of how personal faith practices can sculpt one's service to the church. Moreover, the conversation invites us to reflect on the quiet grace of saints like St. Joseph, emphasizing the essence of humility and how it weaves through the fabric of our spiritual lives. Support the show

Have you ever questioned your purpose or how to harness your unique gifts? Crystalina Evert, the inspiring force behind Chastity Project and Women Made New, joins me to unravel these questions while sharing her journey of faith. Within the heart of our dialogue lies a universal call to action: to listen deeply and follow the path of obedience, even when it leads us through the thicket of fears and resistance. Crystalina and I open up about personal transformations, emphasizing the significance of adoration and prayer in our lives. We also navigate the often arduous passage from pain to purpose, underscoring the vital role personal stories play in overcoming challenges. Crystalina's candid recount of a chastity talk that shifted her perspective, her founding of Women Made New, and the impact of a dream that led to a powerful book project, all serve as testaments to the God's grace on the move. Support the show

Embark on a journey with Grady Connolly, the small-town Maine native who's now a beacon of faith in the Catholic social media sphere of Washington DC. The digital realm holds both challenge and promise for the faithful, as we dissect the ethics of content creation and the call for a prudent online presence. As we look to the future, we underscore the need for a quieted social media landscape that allows the Church's true mission to resonate amidst the noise of the online world. Join us for an exploration of faith, fortitude, and the art of living a life guided by purpose and prayer. Support the show

Have you ever wondered how family and faith can shape a person's life? Father Branden Gordon, a Salesian priest, graces us with his incredible journey to faith—one that started in his culturally Catholic family and led him to the priesthood. Father Branden's story is a testament to how strong family values and a service-oriented upbringing, coupled with the power of prayer and religious education, can spark a spiritual transformation. Father Branden explores how the power of invitation lights the way for others to Christ, offering us advice on strengthening one's prayer life via the rosary and Eucharistic adoration. This conversation circles back to the vital role of family, faith, and prayer in one's journey towards eternity. Support the show

Meet Father Frankie, a dynamic priest from Phoenix, who's on a mission to keep his faith alive and thriving. Listen to his compelling journey towards priesthood, and how he draws inspiration from his cousin's dedicated service to the homeless, drug addicts, and inmates. His profound love for Jesus and his call to serve Him will captivate you, and maybe, even inspire you to greater depths in your own faith journey. Retrace the rocky path of a young man dealing with his father's drug addiction and abandonment. This story sheds light on the transformative power of forgiveness, and how adoration led him to the priesthood. In these challenging times, making connections is more critical than ever. That's why we explore the power of digital media in evangelization, with insights from a pastor who started a digital ministry amidst the pandemic. We also tackle the importance of forging personal relationships with Jesus and how this relationship can guide us through life's struggles. Finally, we delve into the intricate relationship between suffering and hope in the Christian life, encouraging our listeners to remain steadfast in their faith despite the trials they face. Join us on this inspiring journey, reminding you that in times of doubt and challenges, there is nowhere else to go but to Jesus. Support the show

Just imagine being a regular kid brought up in a Catholic home, but not fully grasping the impact of your faith - then finding yourself a devoted missionary in Catholic Christian Outreach. This week's episode shines a spotlight on Andrew Novauer, who went through that very transformation. A chance encounter with CCO on campus led him to a life-altering experience. The support they received during a tough hospital stay and the powerful experience at CCO's Rise Up conference pushed him towards a decision to give God a chance. Andrew's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the positive impact CCO has on the lives of young people. Wrapping up our episode, we dive into a conversation about spiritual conversion, growth, and the distinct impact faith and CCO have brought about in the lives of many. We also touch upon how the younger generation is embracing faith, hope, and God's work. Ending on a hopeful note, we offer a prayer for a renewed love for Jesus during the Advent season. Tune in for an episode filled with faith and hope. Support the show

Raised in a solid, loving home, Kim always felt different and struggled with her identity. But, amidst this turmoil, Kim found solace in God's relentless love and grace. Whether you're grappling with your own identity, trying to understand God, or simply seeking inspiration, Kim's story is a testament to the transformative power of divine love. Kim also shares her hopes for the church, emphasizing the importance of embracing God's truth. She reflects on the healing she encountered through ministries like Dr. Bob Schuchts' Healing the Whole Person and Encounter Ministries. Ending on a contemplative note, Kim shares what she'd tell her younger self and underscores the significance of running to God's love. This episode is as much about an extraordinary personal journey as it is about universal themes of love, faith, and redemption. Support the show

Have you ever wondered how faith can be intertwined with the joys and challenges of motherhood? Join us as we sit down with Katie Warner, a Catholic author, wife, and mother, who beautifully shares her story of faith that is deeply rooted in her roles as a parent and a writer. Through an intimate and candid conversation, Katie offers us a glimpse into her life, journey, and the impactful experiences that have shaped her faith. Our discussion follows Katie's journey from growing up in a deeply religious family to becoming a mother herself. She speaks passionately about the profound influence of her faith on her writing, using it as an avenue to teach Catholic values to children in a fun, relatable, and engaging way. As we explore her children's books, you'll be moved by how they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and her personal family experiences, bringing Catholic teachings to life in a unique manner. Katie emphasizes the importance of cultivating personal relationships with Jesus in children, a step she believes will lead to a generation deeply in love with Christ. You'll be stirred by her thoughts on using art and creativity as powerful means of evangelization and the significance of deploying our gifts for the greater glory of God. Be sure not to miss out on Katie's compelling insights and the wealth of wisdom she shares. Support the show

Ever wondered how faith can be a guiding light even during the most difficult phases of life? Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of Perpetua Charles. We discuss how her writing became a vehicle for her to draw closer to God. As we dive deeper, Perpetua introduces us to Saint Teresa of Avila, her silent retreat, and the 'Interior Castle,' casting a light on her spiritual life. Perpetua's story is illuminating, filled with lessons of faith, resilience, and love. Tune in for an episode that promises an insightful glimpse into her spiritual journey. It's an episode not to be missed! Support the show

Ever wondered what it takes to let go of personal ambition and wholeheartedly pursue God's plan for your life? Join us in our conversation with Alex Dee, co-founder of Saints Alive, as he shares his inspiring journey navigating the glitz of Los Angeles, battling OCD, and finding solace in prayer and storytelling. From his days growing up on a horse farm in Upstate New York to his foray into filmmaking, Alex's path is a testament to the transformative power of faith. He shares candidly about his personal struggles, the impact of Father Peyton, and how his decision to align his life with God's plan led to the beginning of Saints Alive. This is not just a podcast episode; it's an invitation to witness the transformative power of faith through the lens of personal struggle and surrender. Support the show

Let me introduce you to Tanner Kalina, a man who has a story so captivating that it mirrors the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. We navigate the winding roads of his faith journey, starting from his baptism as a young boy, through his mother's influence and his love for Jesus, and culminating in his decision to become a missionary. Tanner's story isn't just about discovering faith; it's about embracing struggles with scrupulosity, and finding solace in Our Lady. Finally, Tanner shifts the spotlight to the Eucharistic revival, sharing his first encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and how it shaped his faith. You'll listen as he reminisces about a significant conversation with friends in college that deepened his understanding of the Eucharist. He also recounts his experience at Father Mike's inspirational 'The Hour That Will Change Your Life' talk, which confirmed his beliefs about the Eucharist. This episode isn't just about Tanner's faith journey; it's a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the beauty of an authentic relationship with God. Support the show

Kelly Colangelo takes us through her unique journey of faith and ministry, and shares her deep admiration for St. Teresa of Avila. Join us as she describes her transformative experience at a Steubenville Youth Conference, the life-altering commitments she made thereafter, and the impact it had on her perspective on life and faith. Kelly delves into her passion for ministry, and her yearning to share her faith journey with others. She speaks about the concept of holiness in our daily lives and the ripple effect it has on those around us. With her, we learn that authenticity is not only attractive but contagious too. This episode is truly a must-listen for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of faith, personal growth, and ministry. Support the show

Meet Aneelia, a young woman who embarked on a journey of faith. From her multicultural roots steeped in Buddhism to her experimental phase with New Age spiritualism and the occult, Aneelia’s quest for spiritual fulfillment has been nothing short of fascinating. Her story takes a turn when she met her first Catholic friend, whose joyful spirit piqued her curiosity about Christianity. Aneelia soon found herself drawn to the beauty of Catholicism - from the mystic allure of incense and Marian statues to the intellectual depths of the faith. As she immersed herself more in Catholicism, she began attending daily Mass and started her transformative journey under the guidance of her Catholic friend and Father Reed, an exorcist. Her spiritual voyage deepened with the attendance of adoration, mass, and confession, culminating in her baptism, confirmation, and reception of the Eucharist in 2022. However, Aneelia’s journey doesn't end there. She continues to grapple with her past traumas while staying steadfast in her faith. As she shares her experience, learn how the act of surrendering to Christ helped her grow closer to Him. Discover how she incorporates prayer into her daily life and how constant surrender to Christ has played a crucial role in her faith journey. Aneelia's story isn’t just about her discovery of the Catholic faith, it’s about her courage to face, embrace, and overcome her personal challenges on her spiritual journey. Support the show

Have you ever grappled with the big questions of purpose, faith, and transformation? Our guest for this episode has journeyed through these questions and emerged on the other side, fortified by resilience and grace. We invite you to tune in as we engage with Bobby, an extraordinary individual who has battled drug addiction, been touched by grace, and found faith in the darkest corners of his life. He has turned this faith into action and started a non-profit organization, You Are Loved Mission, using apparel to share messages of love. Growing up in Ohio, Bobby was entangled in a web of sin, brokenness, and drug addiction. He speaks candidly about his struggles, his run-ins with the law, and how a chance encounter with a fellow inmate became the turning point in his life. In the concluding part of our conversation, Bobby takes us through the heartwarming work done by his non-profit, You Are Loved Mission. He shares how they’ve used clothing to spread messages of love to the homeless, those in correctional facilities, and the youth. Bobby also opens up about his marriage, becoming a father, and how it’s helped him experience God's love in a completely unprecedented way. This episode is brimming with faith, transformation, and a testament to the power of saying yes to God. Support the show