Encounter Grow Witness

Encounter Grow Witness

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Encounter Grow Witness episodes

  • Episode 14: Building Unity in the Church

    Fr. Steve Pullis and Beth Spizarny discuss charity, humility, a heart of evangelization, listening, forgiveness, and investing time in one another. This discussion will inspire you to consider how you encounter those around you, grow together as disciples, and witness to the power of God’s love to bring unity where there is discord. Take a listen.

    (00:04) Fr. Steve Pullis and Beth Spizarny reflect on Lent, Easter customs, and how they live the Triduum. Beth shares that she and her family have created unique traditions surrounding the celebration for the Easter Vigil. Fr. Pullis’ family would all get new socks on Easter- and he remembers this being a special thing. Beth poses the question, “how can we expand the celebration of Easter?

    (04:50) The topic for this episode is introduced: working for unity when there are so many opinions and voices of disunity. Our hosts wish to build a culture of unity in the Church. Fr. Steve Pullis acknowledges the stress and strain of COVID times.


    (6:47) Beth shares a challenge of being a leader during the pandemic and how difficult it can be to lead during times of uncertainty. “Emotions are high and people feel strongly.” This poses new challenges for leadership. Together, Beth and Fr. Pullis mentions that liturgy, care for those experiencing same-sex attraction, and other concerns can be areas in which there are strong opinions and disagreements in parish life. “We don’t need to think of unity as a compromise of truth or scientific realities or beliefs, but unity requires a radical openness to the other person. God is more powerful than our disagreement here.”


    (15:25) Why is unity important? Why should we care about unity? Beth has insights into how unity bears fruit. Without unity, there will be no fruit. Fr. Pullis notes that it is a scandal to proclaim the Gospel with disunity. In the Creed we proclaim, “we believe in one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church.” And that oneness of God must inspire us to work toward unity amongst our brothers and sisters. It is in our identity as Christians to be united because God himself is a unity.


    (19:00) First principle for seeking unity in our Church: charity. We must keep our eyes on Christ and lead with charity. JPII said, “In what is doubtful, we need freedom. In what is necessary, we need unity. And in all things, we need charity.” In our current world, we don’t face as many heresies surrounding what we understand about Christ, but we do have moral confusion right now. Charity must propel us in our missions- we must want all those around us to be with us in heaven.


    (27:09) Second principle for seeking unity in our Church: humility and openness to the other. Do we listen to people who disagree with us? Fr. Steve makes the point that we should limit our time in the digital world in order to grow in relationships with the people close to us. This perspective of seeing another through the lens of their destiny is a helpful posture of heart.


    (31:00) Third principle for seeking unity in our Church: having the lens of evangelisation in moments of disunity. Beth shares that disagreements can blind us to seeing the other person as a soul we need to witness the Gospel to. Out of service to the other person, we must treat others with Gospel love. The way we treat each other reflects our faith. This takes spiritual maturity.


    (33:40) Fourth principle for seeking unity in our Church listening. Beth speaks of “giving someone a good listening.” Do we have time to listen to those who are hurting? We can’t find unity unless we receive the other. ”We can’t offer anything unless we listen.” This also takes spiritual maturity.


    (36:40) Fifth principle for seeking unity in our Church: forgiveness. We must let go of our own hurt and our own anger in order to be available to others. Fr. Pullis says that it can be easy to be locked

    49 min
  • Episode 13: Collaboration
    How can we collaborate better together as a church? In this episode of Encounter Grow Witness, Sandy O’Shaughnessy shares how her role as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, Michigan has been transformed through collaboration. Fr. Steve Pullis and Beth Spizarny join the discussion as the three reflect on healthy conflict, listening, and patience. A highlight of this episode is Sandy’s sharing about what her morning prayer time looks like, and some practical things she does to welcome the Lord into her day. Take a listen!
    (00:04) Fr. Steve welcomes fellow co-host Beth Spizarny and the episode’s guest, Sandy O’Shaughnessy. Sandy serves as the Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, Michigan. Fr. Steve asks Beth and Sandy, “Which month is the best month in Michigan?” They discuss changing seasons, and pumpkin spice lattes.
    (04:45) Beth honors Sandy for her receptivity and generosity with her resources and time. Fr. Steve asks Sandy, “What does prayer look like for you today?” Sandy values her morning prayer times, setting her “first fruits” aside for the Lord. She finds reading Scripture daily helps her connect with God. Practically, Sandy sets a timer on her phone, and lights a candle to mark her time as prayer. The Prayer of Abandon by St. Charles de Foucauld is a favorite prayer for Sandy.
    (16:00) “Unleash the Gospel gives us permission to think outside the box.” Shandy shares about collaboration in her parish. Sandy mentions that one of her favorite parts of collaboration is listening and connecting with the other Directors of Religious Education in her family of parishes. She has seen her parish of families connect and grow in trust as they’ve began to meet consistently to collaborate.
    (26:18) The four levels of collaborative ministry: 1. Co-existence. 2. Communication. 3. Cooperation. 4. Collaboration: ownership of a common mission, desire to work together, and decision to unite different gifts.
    (30:08) Mining for conflict and finding differences: Fr. Steve brings our attention to the idea of “conflict done well.” Healthy communication and relationships within collaboration are strong when conflict can be addressed. Fr. Steve says that asking for forgiveness is important to collaboration. Trust is necessary to work through differences of opinions and being truly honest about your ideas.“Learning to disagree well” is a concept Beth brings up.
    (36:0 4) “We need to give ourselves permission to let it be a little clunky.” Sandy adds to the discussion that change isn’t always perfect the first time. And allowing yourself and your team to grow into new collaboration methods takes time.
    (37:50) Beth shares a story of trying to implement change related to RCIA at her parish. Through this experience, she learned how to accompany and listen instead of insisting and quickly changing things. A prayer summit before the pandemic opened Beth’s eyes to collaboration; the event helped her listen and build relationships, and change came from those discussions.
    (41:16) Fr. Steve thanks Sandy for all of her work for her parish, and for the witness of her using her gifts and talents for the Lord. Thanks for listening!
    43 min
  • Episode 12: Finding Grace in Seasons of Transition
    Fr. Steve and Beth welcome guest John Lajiness, former pastoral associate and new Director of Admissions at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, to the podcast for a profound conversation on seasons of transition, maintaining a mission focus while working in ministry, and trusting God's plan for our work.
    1:15 Fr. Steve discusses the blessing it has been for him to begin teaching full time at Sacred Heart this year, as he has had the opportunity to more deeply delve into the subject matters he presents to his classes. Beth shares how she has been finding beauty in the winter season.
    4:30 Fr. Steve opens up the topic of finding graces in challenging seasons of transitions. John shares how his time in ministry as the pastoral associate at St. John Vianney Parish in Shelby township and his profound relationship with the parish’s late pastor, Fr. Tim, shaped his faith journey, reflecting on the graces they were able to share walking through Fr. Tim’s journey towards the end of his life, and finding hope in Jesus’ resurrection.
    16:30 Beth discusses the transitions she has experienced after joining the ministry team at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica when Bishop McClory was moved to become a bishop. She and John discuss the balance of grieving the losses that come with transitions working in ministry while also being a stabilizing force for their parish communities. Noting that the healthiest transitions unfold when parish communities build each other up as a family and help carry one another through the transition season, resisting giving into doubt and fear.
    22:07 Fr. Steve shares how the grieving process can propel us forward, as we honor what we have lost while moving forward confidently in our belief that Christ is still victorious and that God is continuously working all things for our good. Beth challenges listeners to ask “what does my faith say to this?” even in the midst of difficulties and change.
    24:00 John reflects on his devotion to Saint Teresa of Calcutta, seeing her life’s work as a emblem for the grief journey, as we each can use our grieving to “find our Calcutta” and remain ever faithful looking for Jesus even in dark circumstances.
    28:00 Fr. Steve asks John where he sees parishes being able to embrace investing in the future when coming out of transition seasons. John shares the importance of maintaining a mission focus while working in ministry in order to best serve the church community. Beth reminds those working in ministry to move away from fear of transitions and instead rest on trust in the Lord.
    34:20 John explores the idea that the Lord is constantly calling us to look to “what’s next” and how we can allow that to propel us forward into surrendering to God’s plans and promises for our lives.
    38:00 Beth asks John what his prayer life has looked like during transition seasons. John reflects on stillness in prayer and the need to listen to God to gain grace and strength in discernment. Fr. Steve shares how trust and humility keep him focused on God in the midst of times of weakness. Beth shares how inspiration from Scripture has carried her through times of waiting.
    43:00 John reminds listeners to take comfort that even when things don’t make sense, “God makes sense” and will not only lead us through uncertain times but bring us out to a better place than we imagined. Fr. Steve echoes with the call that God works through our weaknesses.
    45:00 Fr. Steve, Beth, and John wrap up with a Biblical trivia game!
    50 min
  • Episode 11: Work-Life Balance in Ministry
    Fr. Steve and Beth welcome guest Nicole Joyce to the podcast, where Nicole discusses her journey working for the Church and reflects on the importance of work-life balance for those in ministry.
    (1:10) Fr. Steve and Beth introduce the topic of how we in ministry can make finding a good work-life balance a goal for the New Year.
    (2:35) Fr. Steve introduces guest Nicole Joyce and quizzes Beth and Nicole on trivia from 2002.
    (9:45) Beth asks Nicole about her prayer life and Nicole shares about the ways she gets her whole family involved.
    (12:20) Fr. Steve asks about Nicole’s work in the Church and she reflects on her journey working in ministry, beginning in high school and up to detailing her current work with family ministries for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
    (19:35) Nicole talks about how interacting with different families in the Church has been a grace, especially in seeing how the Church can come together as a human family to go “beyond the pews” in caring for families throughout our communities.
    (22:35) Beth introduces the topic of overworking and burnout for those in ministry and Nicole discusses solutions that can be found through prayer and discernment.
    (26:30) Fr. Steve discusses common challenges faced by those working in ministry and Nicole reflects on her own challenges of overextending in work and the emotional struggles which accompany that. Beth talks about being conscientious of what we ask of our volunteers in ministry.
    (39:00) Nicole details her work with Natural Family Planning and presenting the Church’s teachings as good news through holistic education for families, and the steps parishes can take to put this into practice.
    (43:50) Fr. Steve and Beth thank Nicole and close.
    45 min
  • Episode 10: Innovation in Catechesis
    Fr. Steve and Beth speak to guest Emily Mentock about her project, Real + True, and discuss the impact of evangelization in digital spaces, especially by bringing the catechism to life for younger audiences.
    (1:05) Fr. Steve and Beth discuss Thanksgiving and their most favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving foods. Fr. Pullis introcudes guest Emily Mentock.
    (5:20) Fr. Steve asks Emily to share about her own podcast, Open Door Policy, and invites her to share about the theme of prayer in her own life. Emily, Beth, and Fr. Steve all discuss the role prayer plays in their work and their lives.
    (9:20) Beth asks Emily to share about working in ministry for the archdiocese and Emily shares her insights about some of the most important skills for listening, relationship building, and keeping a mission focus through her work in the communications department.
    (14:08) Emily introduces her project of Real + True, discussing the goal of bringing the catechism into real life contexts using video mediums on digital spaces to reach wide audiences of young people.
    (15:10) Fr. Steve notes that next year marks the 30-year anniversary of the catechism and he and Emily discuss how Real + True seeks to align with the mission of highlighting the catechism for the modern world.
    (20:45) Emily discusses the positive response Real + True has gained already during its first months, and the impact it is having reaching churches and audiences throughout the country and the world.
    (23:20) Emily shares how digital content shaped her own faith journey and how authentically personal digital resources can be, especially for younger audiences, as stepping stones through their faith journey.
    (32:50) Fr. Steve and Beth reflect on their conversation with Emily about Real + True and the ways in which the project offers inspiration and encouragement for the future of the church.
    https://realtrue.org/ (Real+True) is part of The Catechism Project, a global initiative sponsored by OSV.
    36 min
  • Episode 9: The Importance of Prayer
    (0:00) Fr. Steve and Beth discuss the change in seasons, how October is the best month to live in Michigan, and Halloween traditions.
    (8:00) The episode theme of 'prayer' is introduced. Fr. Steve and Beth share their personal prayer routines.
    (12:16) Fr. Steve explains that the best and simplest definition of prayer "lifting mind and heart to the Lord."
    (14:56) Beth discusses the prayer of "Worship," especially praying the Psalms, and how it calibrates our relationship with God. She also shares about her love for the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
    (20:45) Fr. Pullis opens up about the challenges of a prayer life, including spiritual dryness.
    (27:00) Our hosts explain how important pray is for people who work in ministry, especially. It starts with just showing up to prayer and putting aside distractions.
    (37:30) Fr. Pullis explains that God wants more for you, not just from you. And then best way to receive that from him is in prayer.
    41 min
  • Episode 8: The Importance of Conflict
    Beth and Fr. Steve discuss the importance of conflict in our mission as Christians and explain how to engage in healthy conflict with our superiors, peers, and those we lead.
    Show notes:
    (00:38) Beth and Fr. Steve catch up with each other and debate whether or not it’s too early for Fall things--from pumpkin spice, to football, to pies, and even cider and donuts.
    (09:33) Fr. Steve introduces the need for healthy conflict, explains the good that can be produced from it, and the dangers of poorly executed conflict/passivity. He states the importance of not being passive members of the Church so as to not “sell the Gospel short.”
    (12:32) Beth and Fr. Steve reflect on the concept of conflict as a means to more fully share the gifts that Christ has given us. Fr. Steve speaks on unity vs. uniformity, identifying the beauty behind being united as a Church in our vast differences, gifts and unique talents.
    (19:18) The question arises of how one is to have healthy conflict. Fr. Steve and Beth respond, establishing the need to acknowledge the good will of the other, approaching their thoughts and feelings with empathy, compassion and wisdom.
    (23:30) Beth identifies a variable that affects how healthily we handle conflict: burnout. She notes that when we are overworked and exhausted, it’s considerably more difficult to be charitable to one another.
    (25:55) Fr. Steve presents the question of how we are to have healthy conflict with three different groups of people: (1) our superiors, (2) our peers, and (3) individuals we are leading.
    (26:36) They begin with the first group, superiors. Beth shares the tip that conflict with this group should always be done in a private, non-group setting, and Fr. Steve shares the conflict tips of knowing the superior’s temperament, being direct with them and charitable.
    (30:25) Next, they address how to have healthy conflict with the second group: your peers. Beth asserts that directly going to the person you have conflict with is the best way to have healthy conflict and evade gossip. Fr. Steve adds that approaching our peers with “radical candor” can be a fruitful method in navigating healthy conflict and building solid bonds with others.
    (36:54) Lastly, they discuss how to handle conflict in the third group: as a leader. Fr. Steve voices the importance of treating others under your authority with love and charity; Beth adds her method of ‘winning people over’ through increased trust and growth in friendship, along with practicing directness, humility and the willingness to make mistakes.
    45 min
  • Episode 7: The Beauty of Truth
    Beth and Fr. Steve examine Archbishop Vigneron’s June pastoral note The Beauty of Truth: A Pastoral Note on Communicating Truth and Love in the Digital Age and how we can implement these ideas in ministry.
    Show notes:
    (0:50) Beth and Fr. Steve catch up and talk about the joys of Michigan summer. They share vacation updates, and then introduce this episode’s topic, Archbishop Vigneron’s pastoral note The Beauty of Truth.
    (4:17) Fr. Steve introduces the first element of the pastoral note for discussion: the importance of not only what we say to people, but how we say it. Beth reflects on the “us vs. them” antagonism that exists in media, including among Catholics.
    (6:40) The two reflect on the attitude and negativity people use on social media and refer to the Archbishop’s recognition that the internet is not a system of wires, but rather a connection of real people. Fr. Steve and Beth discuss the importance of learning how to disagree well and with civility.
    (12:59) Beth addresses the interest young people have in ‘likes’ and calculating popularity through metrics, and she and Fr. Steve discuss how this problem can be solved. Beth suggests that more in-person relationships, general self-awareness, and increased prayer will combat this problem.
    (17:44) Fr. Steve and Beth discuss the five “warning signs” Archbishop Vigneron identifies in the pastoral note, beginning with propositions that are out of harmony with the Church’s teachings. They encourage people to refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church to confirm what the Church teaches and how we’re called to respond.
    (20:39) They talk about unsubstantiated claims or allegations and how pervasive of a problem this is today. Fr. Steve discusses our obligation as Catholics to the words we use and, rooted in the eighth commandment, to not bear false witness.
    (23:38) Beth introduces the third warning sign, which is the manipulation of facts to deceive or cause harm. Fr. Steve mentions our call as Catholics to presume goodwill in others while still thinking critically. The two also talk about our obligation for the content we consume.
    (28:59) Moving to the fourth and fifth warning signs, Fr. Steve and Beth discuss ad hominem attacks and the spirit of division, and the need for us to be apostles in this day and age.
    (34:57) For the end-of-show quiz, Beth tests Fr. Steve on the most popular dog breeds, and Fr. Steve successfully guesses seven!
    Links from this episode:
    https://www.unleashthegospel.org/pastoral-notes/the-beauty-of-truth/ (The Beauty of Truth)
    40 min
  • Episode 6: The Call to Holiness
    Fr. Steve and Beth discuss the universal call to holiness through the lens of Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate.
    Show notes:
    (0:56) Fr. Steve and Beth catch up and reflect on the movies they watched and loved growing up that always remind them of summer, like The Sandlot and Independence Day.
    (5:05) Fr. Steve introduces this episode’s topic of the call to holiness. Beth also introduces Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, and mentions the richness of the document that she looks forward to sharing in this episode.
    (7:06) To begin the conversation, Beth offers a definition of holiness, and Fr. Steve refers to Gaudete et Exsultate to offer the Pope’s reflection on the meaning of holiness. They also offer definitions of holiness from Popes Emeriti Benedict XVI and John Paul II.
    (10:57) Fr. Steve reflects on the evangelical nature of holiness, that it’s a call to go out and witness to the Lord. He and Beth reflect on everyday, ordinary examples as well as some examples in the lives of the saints of what holiness we can live out when we say yes to the Lord.
    (20:48) Beth and Fr. Steve address the two dangers to holiness that Pope Francis introduces in the document, Pelagianism and Gnosticism. They define Gnosticism and discuss what makes it such a challenge to holiness.
    (25:04) They transition to Pelagianism, discussing what it is and why it’s a ‘subtle enemy’ of holiness. They discuss where they see Pelagianism in the life of the Church today, like in our tendencies to turn away from prayer and towards action.
    (30:57) Beth and Fr. Steve explore the third chapter of Gaudete et Exsultate, where Pope Francis examines how to live out the universal call to holiness. They talk about the Beatitudes and how they personify holiness and holy indifference, and they revisit Novo Millennio Ineunte.
    (36:45) The two discuss the fourth chapter of the Exhortation and discuss: how can we live a life of holiness? What does that look like? They then transition into chapter five to discuss spiritual combat, vigilance, and discernment.
    (42:22) Fr. Steve quizzes Beth on English names of Vatican documents, and they wrap up their discussion.
    Links from this episode:
    https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html (Gaudete et Exsultate)
    https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html (Evangelii Gaudium)
    https://paulinestore.com/ (Pauline Books and Media)
    https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20010106_novo-millennio-ineunte.html (Novo Millennio Ineunte)
    https://tanbooks.com/sanctification/spiritual-direction-books/the-soul-of-the-apostolate/ (The Soul of the Apostolate)
    https://www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/forming-intentional-disciples-path-to-know-and-follow-jesus (Forming Intentional Disciples)
    https://www.christianbook.com/postmodern-skeptics-taught-about-their-jesus/don-everts/9780830836086/pd/836086 (I Once Was Lost)
    https://intervarsity.org/ (InterVarsity)
    https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen (The Chosen)
    48 min
  • Episode 5: Seasons of Transitions
    Fr. Steve and Beth discuss transition, coping mechanisms, and how seasons of change can help us be more successful in mission and ministry.
    Show notes:
    (1:07) Beth and Fr. Steve share favorite summer memories and introduce this episode’s topic: transition. They discuss Fr. Steve’s upcoming transition to a new role doing priestly formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and Beth also mentions the transitions her parish underwent with a new pastor and the pandemic shortly after she arrived.
    (12:07) Beth introduces a discussion on the unhealthy ways people cope with transition, such as indulging in comforts that aren’t necessarily positive or “good for us,” or shutting down and avoiding things that help us grow. She and Fr. Steve also discuss the bad habit of complaining that Archbishop Vigneron mentions in Unleash the Gospel.
    (21:21) They then discuss healthy ways to manage transition: surrendering to God more deeply, remaining hopeful, turning to Mary for help, and asking questions to stay open to learning more. Fr. Steve reflects on how people frequently ask questions of Jesus in the Scriptures and how Jesus always responds.
    (33:43) Fr. Steve and Beth talk about our universal call to mission and how God is using this season of our lives to help rid us of old habits and form new ones. They discuss what it means to be successful in mission, and how we can calibrate ourselves to be open to the opportunities God places in our ministry.
    (37:50) Beth relates a parable to remind us of our missionary identity as people of God. She discusses the use of transition periods to shed our bad habits and reclaim our missionary energy. Fr. Steve mentions the importance of the virtue of hope in our intimacy with God, and that intimacy in God is what drives our mission.
    Links from this episode:
    https://dioceseofgary.org/office-bishop-1 (Bp. Robert McClory)
    https://frjamesmallon.com/ (Fr. James Mallon)
    https://amazingparish.org/ (Amazing Parish)
    https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain (Hidden Brain Podcast)
    47 min

About Encounter Grow Witness

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Hosted by Fr. Steve Pullis and Beth Spizarny, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Encounter Grow Witness is a podcast for ministers on…