In this episode we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Fr Mark-Mary CFR.  We discuss the invitation to encounter the presence of Jesus in the poor, our fears that can get in the way, and living the corporal works of mercy with those who are among us.

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     In this episode we begin a two part podcast with our friend Fr. Mark-Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR)!  In part 1, Fr. Mark-Mary shares his journey from growing up in a wealthy family to joining the CFR’s and taking a vow of radical poverty. He talks about his love for the sacrament of confession and shares how spiritual poverty makes room for God to be a Father to us and show us His love and providence.  We often spend so much energy hiding our weakness, but freedom is to be found when we allow God and others to love us in our littleness.

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     In this episode, we talk about the importance of growing in self awareness and understanding our temperament and personality traits.  We chat about how understanding the temperament God has given to us can help us see our tendencies, areas we need to grow, and how to embrace those who are different from us. We also talk about the pitfalls in personality tests that turn into excuses for bad behavior or labels that don't allow for grace and the power of God to change us and restore our brokenness.

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     In this episode, we move beyond the idea of personal holiness and discuss the practicals of how to grow in holiness. Holiness is a unique path of surrender to God and He has provided all that we need to be holy right where we are. We chat about the importance of the will, surrender, fasting, prayer, and being sober and alert. Starting today, we are invited to make the pursuit of holiness - growing towards intimate union with God - a priority.

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     In this episode, we talk about how we are finding the Lord and clinging to Him in a time that is uncertain and wrought with suffering and isolation.  We discuss how these times of difficulty expose how strong our root systems are and the difference between isolation vs solitude.  We also chat about the importance of learning to lament and offer our sorrow to God instead of shutting it down or wallowing in self pity.  The invitation is for us to build our foundation on our unshakeable God.

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     In this episode, we talk about what the Lord has been teaching us over the summer and how we are invited to find our peace by fixing our eyes on Jesus and resting in the gaze of God.  If we can look higher to find a kingdom perspective, we can find security in His Sovereignty.  We talk about the deep realization that in all that has happened and has been taken away in 2020, there is no other answer, no other way forward, than Jesus Christ himself.

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In this last episode of Season 7, we look back at our favorite moments and highlight important conversations from the season. We also talk about unity, using social media wisely, taking a holy pause before we speak, and the invitation to be peacemakers. We must begin with ourselves if we want to be a person of peace and unity. We also check in about how we are doing with our word of the year. Our new season will begin September 14.

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In this episode we interview our dear friend Fr. Dave Pivonka, creator of the Wild Goose Series and President of Franciscan University of Steubenville. We discuss the importance of spiritual fathers, our need for restoration of the image and experience of fatherhood, and a deepening in our understanding of God as Father. We also discuss the characteristics of a good spiritual father.

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In this episode we wrap up Part 3 of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s book In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss how to discern between the voice of the Lord and our own voice or the enemy’s voice. We also talk about practical tools for wielding the sword of truth as well as discernment in vocation, ministry, and life.

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In this episode we continue the 2nd part of our book study on Fr. Jacques Philippe’s In the School of the Holy Spirit. We discuss the practical elements of fostering an environment where the Holy Spirit can inspire and direct us. We also talk about inviting the Holy Spirit to speak the truth into false narratives we believe and to baptize our thought processes.
 

In this episode, we begin our 3 week book study on In the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques Philippe.  We talk about how holiness is not something to be gained by human effort, rather it is a complete surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in us.  We also discuss how we should seek to love God with our whole heart because He is good, not because of what we want Him to give us in return. 

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In this episode we prepare for Pentecost by discussing the importance of the fruits of the Holy Spirit being manifest in our life.  A life in the Spirit must go beyond an experience of spiritual consolation and move to an openness to the refiner’s fire that will burn away all that is not holy.  God promised that He would always be with us and sent the Holy Spirit to be our counselor, advocate, and life giver.  We are invited to open wide the doors to the Holy Spirit in a new way this Pentecost.

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In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with our dear friend Matt Maher!  As a devout Catholic in the world of Christian music industry, Matt shares his heart for unity and God’s desire that we would all be one.  Matt also talks about his marriage and how he and his wife do life together as a Catholic and Methodist. We also discuss practical steps of how to be a bridge builder with people of other faiths and the gift of the sacraments.
 

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In this episode we honour Mother’s Day and talk about some essential things we learned from our mothers.  We discuss what they have taught us about joy and suffering, and how they revealed the face of God to us.  We also chat about how God wants to heal and restore broken relationships with our mothers.



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In this episode, we have the distinct pleasure of having Bishop Robert Barron as our guest.  We talk about everything from how he takes his coffee to experiences of beauty that lift us beyond the natural to a transcendent encounter with God. We also discuss how to engage with the culture and extract what is good, true, and beautiful, so that we can not only relate, but be relevant in our mission of evangelization.

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In this episode, we have brought back special guest Fr. Justin Brady to talk about how to live in the victory of the resurrection. Fr. Justin is a priest and exorcist and shares some wonderful insights into how to live from a place of friendship with God and find victory in our relationship with Jesus as friend and savior. We also discuss aligning our hearts with the truth of who we are in light of God’s merciful love.
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     In this episode we talk about Pope Francis’s Easter homily. We discuss the themes of not being paralyzed in the midst of fear, overcoming self protection, the power in choosing to do the next right thing, and practicing resurrection in our lives. Small acts of love and receiving the gift of hope can be the game changers we need in this season.

     In this episode we talk about the incredible gift of Divine Mercy! We talk a little bit about St. Faustina and our Lord’s revelations to her about his ocean of mercy. We also discuss what a lack of trust looks like and what the stumbling blocks are to trusting in the heart of Jesus.