We are joined by Jen Ricard, Executive Director of TOB CLE (Theology of the Body - Cleveland) as she shares her story of how deep encounter with the Sacred Heart of Jesus brought her from reluctant Catechist, unsure if she was even at home in the Catholic Church, to passionate evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated through the rich teaching of Pope St. John Paul II.

Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Rembering that we sometimes release these episodes out of order, be advised that this is the last episode we recorded (months ago) before connecting with Josh Metzger, who has been our editor ever since. As such, the editing and production value are of a lesser quality than they became once he joined the team. We still wanted to share this episode with you, but it has served as a reminder of how valuable his contribution is. We are blessed to have him and humbled by his participation in this work!

Virtue is not its own end, but rather the means by which we accept our Lord's invitation to travel towards His own Sacred Heart. Like studying a language, the more fully we immerse ourselves in grace, the more readily we open ourselves to it!

Editing by Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

When we ask God why and He gives no answer, He is not absent, but present, asking to stretch and deepen our hearts.

This is Fr. David's homily from October 19, 2025, the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The readings for this Sunday are as follows:

Reading 1: Exodus 17:8-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Reading 2: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm

Editing by Fr. David Chojnacki

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

In this out-of-order publication of a prequel to the recently released story of the hunt, Ben and Fr. David dig into the topic of hunting before Father actually had a chance to get out in the deer woods. Their conversation touches on the realities of mentorship, community and the essential questions of the masculine heart!

Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Tomorrow is Opening Day for Ohio Deer Archery Season and we are bringing you the story of Father David's first successful whitetail hunt, during the 2024-25 season. We discuss the joy of meeting the Lord in His creation and testing ourselves against a creature that has all the biological advantages.

If you're headed into the woods this fall, happy hunting and prayers for a safe, successful season!

Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Father David's homily on September 14, 2025, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Readings:

Reading 1: Numbers 21:4b-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Reading 2: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm

Editing by Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc

In chapter 5 of the Gospel according to St. John, Jesus asks a man who has been ill for 38 years "Do you want to be healed?"

Jesus continues to ask us if we want to be healed, and it's a serious question. We are often attached to our wounds and comfortable in our indignation at those who inflicted them, but Jesus offers another path. In this episode, Fr. David and Ben begin to unpack the healing into which He invites us.

Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fathom the Heart welcomes dear friend and FOCUS missionary Sydney Ebin on to share her story of falling crazy in love with Jesus, and encountering the reality that He is crazy in love with us!

If you want to support Sydney in her mission, please reach out to her at [email protected].

Editing by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fr. David's homily from the 21st Sunday in Ordinary time on how we enter into trials and suffering.

The Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

Reading I: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 20-21

Reading II: Ephesians: 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32

John: 6:60-69

Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082221.cfm

Edited by:

Fr. David Chojnacki and Ben Kroger

Music Licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Again, please note: sometimes we release these episodes in a different order from that in which we record them. This episode makes reference to several slightly dated elements. We here dig even further into the invitation to let Holy Spirit shape our interactions, beginning with prayer and moving through listening and discernment. We hope to continue to learn and grow as we explore the true meaning of Synodality, what it really is, what it really isn't, and how we as the Church can grow in openness and receptivity to the work of the Spirit.

Edited by Ben Kroger and Josh Metzger

Music Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.