In this conversation, Father John Nepil shares his journey of faith, the writing of his book 'To Heights and Unto Depths', and the profound lessons learned from nature and suffering. He discusses the importance of seeking spirituality in creation, the challenges of modern technology, and the need for authentic relationships in faith. Father John emphasizes the significance of suffering as a means of learning and the necessity of awakening questions about God in a secular world. He also reflects on the beauty of celebrating Mass on Colorado's 14ers and offers insights on maintaining faith in everyday life. Father John's dramatic conversion led him to the priesthood. The book intertwines hiking experiences with theological reflections. Nature can be a profound source of spirituality. Suffering prompts deep existential questions. Writing a book is a long and often torturous process. The target audience for the book is young Catholics seeking connection. Awakening questions about faith is crucial in today's secular culture. Faith should be presented as a way of life, not just a set of beliefs. Technology can be both a challenge and a tool for spirituality. Finding God in everyday life is possible, even without mountains. Mentioned In This Episode: From Heights And Unto Depths Colorado Trail Wisdom 13:5 Camino to Santiago Steubenville Conference Miracle Hunters - Hallow Catholic Stuff You Should Know Podcast Connect with Laura K. Beck:  Website  Instagram Facebook YouTube [email protected]  

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. In John chapter 6, Jesus explains what us Catholics understand as the real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus proclaimed that when blessed, bread and wine became something much more…the flesh and blood of Christ himself. It's a truth we stake our lives on as Catholics. There is possibly no more important teaching. Enter Carlo Acutis, the first Milennial Saint. The Eucharist was so important to him that he dedicated his short life to communicating this miraculous blessing to the world. Wouter DeBrie discusses Carlo, his mission and his legacy…from how he started as a normal teen but was later canonized after his death because of his love and dedication to Jesus Christ.  Wouter DeBrie is a part of Stichting Acutis, otherwise known as the Acutis Foundation. The group's mission is to revive passion for the Eucharist in the Netherlands through social media and online information.  There is a petition for Carlo Acutis as a patron saint. Saint Isidore is the current patron saint of the internet. Carlo Acutis is seen as a better fit for modern users. The need for a patron saint reflects current digital challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of digital safety. Carlo Acutis represents a contemporary figure for internet users. The idea of a patron saint can provide guidance in digital ethics. The role of saints can evolve with societal changes. The discussion highlights the intersection of faith and technology. The speakers advocate for a more relatable figure for today's challenges.   STICHTING ACUTIS CAN BE FOUND HERE: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok   FOLLOW LAURA K. BECK HERE: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube    

In this conversation, Laura Beck speaks with Jennifer Stavinoha about her book, "Sacred Chaos: Finding Joy and Jesus in the Messiness of Motherhood." They discuss the challenges mothers face in balancing prayer and motherhood, the importance of inviting children into prayer and practical advice for maintaining a spiritual life amidst the business of everyday life. Jennifer emphasizes the difference between joy and happiness, the significance of a peaceful mother in the family and offers insights on how to create a meaningful prayer routine. The discussion highlights the beauty of finding God in everyday moments and the transformative power of prayer.  Main Points Prayer can be challenging for mothers, leading to feelings of guilt It's important to invite children into personal prayer time Setting aside just two minutes for prayer can be impactful Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on circumstances A peaceful mother positively influences the entire family Creating a prayer asket can help engage children in prayer The structure of the retreat is designed to be accessible for busy moms Accepting chaos as part of motherhood can lead to peace Everything in life can be seen as grace if we choose to look for it Finding God in everyday moments is essential for spiritual growth   Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Sacred Chaos 01:23 The Struggles of Motherhood and Prayer 06:13 Finding Time for Prayer in Chaos 12:07 Creating a Prayer Basket for Kids 14:54 Sacred Chaos Retreat Structure 21:33 Understanding Sacred Chaos 25:47 The Impsac of a Peaceful Mother 32:09 Joy vs. Happiness in Motherhood 53:05 Practical Advice for Moms 55:28 Resources for Moms Jennifer's Website Follow Jennifer on Instagram The Everyday Fiat Podcast

The woman said to him, " I know that Messiah is coming; when he comes he will show us all things. Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. This story of the samaritan woman from John chapter four may be familiar to you. But how familiar? Do you see yourself in the woman? The one looking for Jesus…the one being sought by Jesus? In today's conversation I talk with Catholic author and professor Stephanie Verni about how recognizing Jesus and opening her heart to him has changed her life.This is the Word On Purpose Podcast. Stephanie Verni is the author of nine works of inspirational fiction, including her latest release, The Ones Closest to You from 2024. She is also a co-author of the textbook, Event Planning and Management, Communicating Theory and Practice. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University online, she instructs graduate communication courses. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, and they have two grown children. She loves her time in Bible study and enjoys boating, blogging, and traveling.  In This Episode:  Stephanie's Website Find Stephanie On Instagram Walking With Purpose BIble In A Year With Father Mike Schmitz The Bible In A Year Bible Study Book: A Guided Scripture Reading Journey For Women "29 Days" Homily Hallow App Novel: The Ones Closest To You Novel: From Humbug To Humble Novel: The Letters In The Books   Connect with Laura: Website  Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost. That's Matthew 18:12-14. God doesn't will that any one of us be led astray. Neither does any mother that raised her child in the faith. That's why today's guest has made it her mission to help others return. In this conversation, Catholic wife and mother Sheila Thielen will explain the Saint Monica ministry and talk about why she felt called to start one in her local parish. To start a St. Monica Ministry for your parish:  https://celestebehe.com/stmonicaministry/   Books mentioned in this episode: Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, by Brandon Vogt The Saint Monica Club, by Maggie Green What Would Monica Do?, by Patti Maguire Armstrong & Roxane Beauclair Salonen   Email for our ministry: [email protected]

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; That's 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Lisa Duffy has come to believe that after dealing with the emotional turmoil that comes with infertility issues and divorce. In this episode of the Word On Purpose podcast we'll talk about how Lisa navigated the aftermath of the end of her marriage, found love again and experienced miraculous healing and life-changing blessings while maintaining her Catholic faith.  Lisa Duffy is a Catholic author, speaker, and divorce recovery expert who experienced the tragedy of an unwanted divorce in the early 1990s. She has nearly 20 years of personal experience helping people rebuild their lives after divorce. Author of many books on divorce recovery, most recently, Mending The Heart: A Catholic Annulment Companion, she has also instituted the Journey of Hope program for Catholic divorce support groups in parishes across the US and in Canada. Aside from her dedication to her family, Lisa speaks at conferences, appears on television and radio, coaches one-on-one and in groups and holds online events. She resides in South Carolina with her husband and three children. Lisa's Website Lisa On Facebook Journey Of Hope Parish Program Mending The Heart A Road To Healing The Catholic Guide To Dating After Divorce Divorced. Catholic. Now What? Divorced. Catholic Now What? Workbook   Quotes and Mentions: For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. ~ Hosea 6:6 The value of human life does not lie in its external appearance, in the fact that it is living or that it has achieved a measure of fame or success. The value of human life lies in the fact that it is a person. ~ Saint John Paul II Surprised By Life Book by Patrick Madrid

Surviving stage 4 cancer can seem like an insurmountable feat on its own. But, what if that's not the greatest test you go through in life? In this conversation, Cancer Survivor Jenny Leavitt shares her story of healing after the tragic loss of her teenage son to a drunk driver. From pastor's wife to grief counselor, Leavitt has discovered her purpose in helping others through trauma. Her book, GodPrints chronicles her family's story and shows readers how finding God in the everyday gives life-giving hope in difficult moments.  GodPrints Book GRIEF RESOURCES:  How Grief Impacts Marriage Family Grief Activities Coping with Grief: A Guide for Parents & Grandparents Children's Grief Support FIND JENNY LEAVITT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Instagram Patreon Pinterest Website

In this conversation, John Sandy shares his journey of faith from childhood through his experiences in youth ministry and law. He discusses the transformative impact of the Steubenville conference on his life, emphasizing the importance of encountering Christ and the role of youth ministry in fostering faith. John reflects on the challenges of parenting in today's society, the significance of meaningful dialogue about faith, and how his Catholic upbringing informs his work as a judge. He also highlights the mission of Catholic Passage in promoting adult faith formation and the necessity of living out one's faith authentically. CHAPTERS 00:00 John Sandy's Faith Journey 13:00 The Impact of Steubenville Conference 21:18 The Role of Youth Ministry in Faith Formation 27:11 The Importance of Consistent Spiritual Encounters 33:56 Discerning God's Will in Everyday Life 39:59 Faith Formation Before College 48:26 The Importance of Dialogue and Independent Thought 56:48 Parenting with Faith in a Secular World 01:05:23 Catholic Passage: Passing on the Faith 01:11:28 Scripture and Suffering: A Reflection on Faith   Philippians 2:7  

In this conversation, Father Paul Kelly shares the importance of language, culture, and personal connections in effective communication and outreach. He discusses the challenges of unity within the church and the need for individuals to engage with their faith actively. Mentioned in this episode: The Diocese Of Sioux City Our Lady Of Guadalupe

Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it. That's Proverbs 22:6. Today's guest Jamin Trautman is here with practical advice on how to do that. Plus, useful tips on living a faith filled marriage.  Jamin Trautman is a wife and mother who lives out her faith in all that she does. Jamin and her husband, Scott, have called the Lakes area home for the past 17 years. Raising four active children—ages 17, 15, 10, and 9— keeps them  busy with a full schedule of sports and activities. As lifelong Catholics, the Trautmans are active members of St. Mary's Parish in Spirit Lake, where their faith and community involvement are central to their lives. Jamin is known for her creative spirit and passion for putting faith into action, often dreaming up new ideas and programs to bring to life. She loves to travel, read, and spend quality time with family—but most weekends, you'll find her cheering from the sidelines as her kids' biggest fan. Professionally, Jamin serves as the Field Director and Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Buena Vista University. She brings energy, dedication, and heart to her work with students and the field of social work. Born and raised in Nebraska, Jamin and Scott are proud Husker fans—standing strong in a sea of black and yellow! Jamin is here to share about how to keep faith in marriage and build a strong Catholic family. Mentioned in this Podcast: Walking With Purpose San Lucas Mission The Daily Rosary Mediation Podcast Fr. Mike Schmitz homilies Hope For Right Now Podcast