Tommy McGrady, a high school teacher and coauthor of Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, shares ways to intentionally prepare for Advent and enter into the new liturgical year with purpose and a desire to pray daily.

Links:

• Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens
• Follow Tommy on Instagram

Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight.

Links:

• Follow Jessica on Instagram

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times.

Links:

• Christ in the Storm

Fr. David Guffey, C.S.C., shares the story of Venerable Patrick Peyton, the founder of Family Rosary who is famous for the phrase “The family that prays together stays together.” The forthcoming documentary Pray tells the story of Peyton’s life and shows how his wisdom can help families navigate media today.

Links:

• Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton
• Pray Together Movement
• Family Theater Productions

Ann M. Garrido, professor of homiletics at the Aquinas Institute of Theology and author of Let’s Talk About Truth, explains the definition of “truth,” how we determine what truth is, and how we can use truth to engage in civil discourse and grow in relationship with others.

Links:

• Meet Ann Garrido
• "Let's Talk about Truth" by Ann Garrido

Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter.

Links:

• Follow Chenele on Instagram
• Catholics United for Black Lives

Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves.

Links:

• The Religion Teacher
• Meet Jared
• Christ in the Classroom

Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic.

Links:

• Sign Up for Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life

Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer.

Links:

• Meet Chika
• Check Out Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life

Roy Petitfils, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and the author of Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, talks about how to help teens and young adults get back into the routine of the new school year. Petitfils suggests how everyone can achieve a sense of normalcy and balance by keeping their eyes focused on the Cross.

Links:

• Roy's Book: Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
• Roy's Podcast: Today's Teenager
• Subscribe to Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life