Come as You Are

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In this episode of Come As You Are, guest Valerie Petrzelka shares her lifelong journey of faith and service, from a 40-year career in education to her impactful work in senior care ministry. 

Valerie discusses The Gathering Place, a free monthly program hosted at Christ the Redeemer in partnership with Care Partners that provides structured activities, socialization, and fun for individuals with early to moderate memory loss while offering vital respite care for family caregivers. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how her devotion to Mary and Mother Teresa shapes her daily work, and discover how serving others, stepping away from technology, and quietly listening to God can transform your faith.

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In this episode, meet Paola as she discusses her profound journey from atheism to the Catholic faith. She opens up about finding God during her darkest moments, recounting a miraculous healing from a health crisis through the intercession of St. Charbel. She also shares her new book of poetic prose, The Womb Before Heaven, which explores the beautiful intersection of science, scripture, and God's divine pattern. Ultimately, she leaves listeners with an inspiring reminder: even in life's most difficult trenches, God is always holding your hand—you just have to look up.

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In this episode, meet Carrie Taylor, former Director of Communications at CtR, as she reflects on faith, family, and parish life.  Carrie shares how daily prayers like the Hail Mary ground her home with her three children, what inspired her decade of service in the church choir and funeral ministry, and how volunteering during Hurricane Harvey led to a transformative career at the parish. 

From discerning religious life as a young adult to stepping into full-time motherhood and couple mentorship, Carrie offers an honest, uplifting conversation on navigating modern parenting and discovering that God desires connection over perfection. 

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In this inspiring episode of Come As You Are, vibrant new youth minister Kennedy Roer shares her journey of surrendering her own plans to follow God’s call. From a life-changing encounter in Eucharistic Adoration to navigating the deep longings and trials of the spiritual life, this conversation is a powerful testament to the beauty of total trust, the warmth of Catholic tradition, and the transformative power of daily prayer.

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 In this powerful episode of Come as You Are, we turn the microphone on our host, Angela Xavier, as she steps into the guest seat to share her moving journey of conversion and radical trust. After navigating seasons of deep brokenness, anxiety, and depression, Angela completely surrendered her will to God, discovering a love that radically rebuilt her life through the Rosary and the sacraments. If you are currently walking through a dark season or feeling distant from your faith, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that God’s love always prevails, His timing is perfect, and He is waiting to meet you exactly where you are. 

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My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

What happens when your greatest struggle becomes your greatest connection to God? In this episode, Bryan Bradburn shares his personal journey of moving from the Baptist faith to Catholicism, all while learning to navigate addiction and depression. With refreshing honesty, he talks about how these mental health challenges have become a "thorn in his side"—an ongoing reminder to lean on Christ every day. Join us for an encouraging conversation about faith, mental health, and finding peace exactly where you are.

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Meet CtR's Youth Director, Kendall McCrystal about how to really connect with students. Kendall shares how she moves past basic small talk to truly understand what life is like for kids today. It’s all about meeting students where they’re at, instead of just waiting for them to come to you.We also dive into her personal faith, as Kendall shares how her favorite saint, St. Rita has been a constant source of strength and guidance through the ups and downs of life and ministry. 

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In this episode, meet Alberto Gonzalez from CtR’s Homeschool Connect and Trail Life. He shares his journey of vocational discernment and how, through prayer, he realized God was calling him not to the priesthood but to marriage and family.

 What he once sought in that priesthood, he now finds in the everyday grace of fatherhood and family life. His story is proof that God’s plans often surprise us with unexpected, deeply fulfilling turns. A moving reminder that true vocation isn’t always what we first imagine… but when we listen and follow, it leads to an abundant life.

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Luisa Guzman, Spiritual Director at Christ the Redeemer, shares why she was drawn to this ministry: after encountering God’s personal, merciful love during her own trials, she now helps others experience the same transformative grace.
Deeply shaped by St. Faustina’s Diary, she embraced radical trust and discovered the boundless, tender reality of Divine Mercy—God’s relentless love for every soul.
Tune in for her inspiring story!

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In this heartfelt episode, cancer survivor Mary Jones shares how facing cancer twice deepened her faith and transformed her prayer life. Through surrender to God’s will, she discovered He was always with her, even in the darkest moments. A moving story of trust, listening, and God’s quiet, constant companionship.

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