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.

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, not the least of which being that when we recorded it Francis was still Pope. While we intercede for the repose of his soul and welcome the Pontificate of Leo XIV with great joy, we also 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.

As promised and with great joy, we present Father James Parisi telling the story of his Ordination to Christ's own Priesthood on May 17, 2025! Ben and Father David invite Father James to reflect on the liturgical experience, the reality of sacrifice and ontological change, and the invitation of Jesus to become a good shepherd in the Good Shepherd.

Link to Father David's Holy Thursday Homily: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DzaGfZ4rExo9w7jKRr4nL?si=f6uPOZkcSFO-78i8ti4lBQ

Link to the Livestream of the Ordination Liturgy at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Cleveland: https://www.youtube.com/live/JSzbPh5_jxI?si=lSzOpij_-eusx6dn

Recorded on May 30, 2025

Edited by: Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc

Father James Parisi is back to share the rest of his Vocation story! After leaving us with a cliffhanger about a possible military element to the next chapter of his discernment process, Father James takes on a journey into his very heart, sharing the origin of a motto that shaped the balance of his time in the Seminary and will continue to shape his Priestly ministry.

Before he was Ordained in May of 2025, Father James Parisi was Fathom the Heart's first guest, during his year of Transitional Diaconate. This episode was released out of sequence with its recording date so that we could capture the rest of his story and bring to you in order, released over the next several weeks.

In this episode Father James shares the story of his decision to enter Diocesan Seminary, the early challenges that he faced in Seminary life, the love that was awakened in his heart, and how that love drew him more deeply into his calling to the Ministerial Priesthood!

Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben Kroger

Music licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.