Faith Fondue

The third week of Advent begins with Gaudete Sunday. We light a rose colored candle to signify JOY and remind us that Christmas is near. Haley offers a joy-index. Where are you on a scale of 1-10?

Anne encountered joy at a fundraiser celebrating a new school community that has a wonderful name: Nativity. The keynote speaker Father Mike Schmitz is naturally effusive and engaging…bring joy to the world and the Bible in a year! I

He reminded the audience and now all of us to prepare our hearts and our homes for Christmas! You wouldn’t run a marathon without training. What are we doing, what faith training has we exercised this Advent? No time to taper, there’s still one week to go!

Both Anne and Haley traveled south for the long Thanksgiving weekend; Haley avoided the cold by escaping to Florida to be with family, while Anne ventured into enemy territory with friends to see Notre Dame play USC in a season-defining game. But hey, did you know there is a new Catholic Church/Center on USC's campus? Hear what Anne has to say about. 

After digesting football (college team won; NFL teams not so much), we enter into Haley's favorite time of year: no, not Christmas - it's ADVENT folks. And the theme this week is HOPE.

Last weekend was a big weekend for movie openings: Wicked and Gladiator 2. Haley and Anne haven't seen either one..."which" one will you see first? Wicked discusses timeless themes, one of them being "inclusion." What does it mean to be truly inclusive...Haley and Anne discuss this as well as the miraculous medal. We are all over the place; a melting pot of topics!

t's not what you think! Yes, the election happened this week. But in today's Gospel we think about the question "Why?" in a different way. Also, Why was Haley so stressed this week? Why are sports stressful? Why do we enjoy one particular athlete over another? Why do we pick up a book and stay with it? So many Whys out there to be discussed! Join us!

This weekend wrapped up four straight days of "holidays" (some made up) and kicked off the trifecta of holidays that is the last two months of the calendar. In other words, there was lots for Haley and Anne to talk about that does not include Election Day: honoring loved ones, candy corn, the ethics (and popularity) of sports betting, peacemakers, and apostles. Do you know what the Calavera Catrina is? Take a listen and learn!

Anne and Haley gather around the flame where a lot is hot—or was in the Bay Area with a recent heat wave. Fortunately, it subsided and feels like Fall. This new season is a busy time and a tough time for many in our country. Recent events prompt questions like “Are you prepared? If so, how?” Jesus asks this question in our spiritual lives too.

The spiritual stew speaks to the question: What must we do to inherit eternal life? Jesus gives a provocative answer with a poignant question, leaving Anne and Haley with plenty to chew on.

Haley commits to reaching our goal of 24 for 2024 and not to let so much time pass before she reconvenes with her family of origin. Anne speaks to revisiting discipline so as not to be disappointed. Together, they will discuss the author of that quote in a future episode. Listen up and listen in….

Anne and Haley reflect back on Labor Day—what it means and where the long weekend took us. Still licking our wounds from a devastating Notre Dame loss (double whammy for Haley as a Ravens' fan), while tying this week's Gospel to gossip (gasp!) and the humility of Jesus. As 9/11 approaches, both Haley and Anne share ways to reflect, remember, and keep life (and football) in perspective. Next episode Anne and Haley will discuss Monk Malloy's book on leadership. Before, Anne reflects back on books that made her laugh and cry. Haley shares a few examples you might not want to miss! 

So much happens when we gather around the table: for meals, for prayer, for the Eucharist, to listen and to learn. This is not something to take for granted. Let us look to our homes, work places and other spaces to make room at the table.

Football Season is upon us and with that comes the emotions that unite us - and divide us. Once again, Haley strives to not become to attached to her teams. And in the Spiritual Stew, Anne keeps us grounded in the historical context of the week's readings.

This is the 15th episode in our "24 for 2024," recorded on the 15th of August—the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The gift of this holy day brought Haley to mass, which was led by a familiar, important and much needed voice—Father Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C. (former Notre Dame President). Anne adds yet another chapter to one of her favorite stories, vis a vi her experience at St. Francis Parish up in Lake Tahoe (Incline Village). 

Anne and Haley recap the joys and lessons from the 2024 Olympic Games. From victory to patriotism, talent to sportsmanship—what we saw in Paris is not to be forgotten. We are ready for LA! Haley addresses a tough topic as it applies to collegiate swimming and rulings from the NCAA. Anne shares a word from the Gospel to guide all teachers this school year. Lots cooking in the Fondue pot, Enjoy!

During a historic time in our country, it's more important than ever to have leaders in our lives to shepherd us in a positive way. Haley shares her shepherds; who are yours? Experience is a valuable teacher, but only if we learn the right lessons. Speaking of teachers, Anne heads back to school soon with a Leadership 101 goal of her own, while Haley is enjoying her month of self-care (while still working)... tune in!