FINDING GOD ON PARK STREET

Jeth Fogg, a sophomore at Yale, shares his journey to the Catholic Church, sparked by engaging with the Church’s intellectual tradition alongside friends. From the thought-provoking texts of Aristotle and Augustine to the supportive community at Saint Thomas More, Jeff’s story is a testament to the transformative power of intellectual and spiritual exploration. We uncover how his intellectual curiosity guided him to ask questions about the meaning of life, which ultimately led him home to the Church. 

Still, as part of Jeth’s conversion process, he wrestled with what surrender to God meant, as well as how to cultivate an interior life that conforms the heart to God. The sacraments, especially Confession, are a big part of that, as is a daily Ignatian Examen. With a heart and mind attuned to God, Jeth shares how life on campus looks different these days. In his words, it’s “Christ all the way.” Thankfully, Jeth and other students don’t have to pursue Christ alone; STM exists to ensure that we have a community of faith walking together towards Christ. 

Join us as we explore the beauty of continuous learning, the importance of community, and the liberating power of a life centered around Christ. This episode promises to ignite your faith and remind you of the profound freedom found in embracing “Christ all the way.”

Mentioned in this episode: Davenport Pops Orchestra, the Ignatian Examen, the Elm Institute

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Imagine viewing yourself as part of a worshiping community that includes trees and animals, not just the people in the church pews with you. Join us on Finding God on Park Street as we sit down with Teresa Berger, a distinguished professor at Yale Divinity School and the Institute of Sacred Music (ISM), who gives us insight into how she worships God, and with whom. Her faith and scholarship explore questions surrounding creation and communion, which she lays out in her forthcoming book Benedicite. 

But how did this German Catholic dedicate her life to liturgical studies? Join this conversation to hear about Teresa’s journey through various Christian communities and different university contexts until she found a faith home at Saint Thomas More at Yale University. From overcoming institutional resistance to integrating nature into worship, Teresa's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Learn how she navigated personal and professional hurdles and the joys she experiences in teaching and learning with her students. Teresa's reflections inspire us to seek divine encounters in everyday moments, transforming our daily routines into spiritual practices. Tune in to be challenged and uplifted by Teresa’s experiences of the joys and struggles of this life. 

Mentioned in this episode: Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM)

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 Assistant Chaplain David Rivera shares his faith journey, from growing up immersed in Mexican-American Catholic culture in California, to experiencing the strength of community life during college, and ultimately to New Haven, a city he’s called home for a decade. Together with student co-host Zach Moynihan, we celebrate the vibrant start of the academic year, the joy of new and returning students, and the dynamism of life at Saint Thomas More. 

David shares poignant memories from his childhood, where family traditions and treasured sacraments set a foundation for his spiritual journey. He delves into how his personal experiences, including a transformative postgraduate service program in Honduras, have shaped his approach to faith-driven community engagement and his understanding of vocation as a husband, dad, and chaplain serving college students. Furthermore, we explore the critical role of one-on-one relationships in ministry, reflecting on David's transition from a graduate student's spouse to an experienced member of the pastoral team at STM. 

Listen as he brings to life the concept of "faith in action,” illustrating how personal prayer and reception of the sacraments fuels our justice and charity efforts.

Mentioned in this episode: South Bend Catholic Worker, Finca del Niño/Farm of the Child, Saint Martin de Porres Academy

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Join us as Kacie Barrett, a passionate graduate student at Yale Divinity School, shares her remarkable journey from a childhood on the ice in Montana to the study of theology here at Yale. Although she may not have seen it coming for herself, Kacie has been asking theological questions and honing her skills of critical analysis from a young age as a Catholic school student and teen youth ministry leader. Now, she’s putting them to practice as a budding theologian. 

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of Kacie’s spiritual life, particularly her devotion to the Eucharist and Adoration. She reveals how these practices not only nourish her soul, but also inform her academic work and leadership within the Catholic Church. Hear Kacie’s candid reflections on navigating gender expectations as a young woman in leadership roles in the Church, and how the wisdom of mystics and Eucharistic devotion provide her with strength and insight. Her personal anecdotes shed light on the interior wrestling that happens in the life of faith. 

Kacie is currently serving as an intern at Saint Thomas More at Yale, which she sees as a parallel experience to serving in a parish while in college. Kacie offers valuable insights into the intersection of academic theology, practical ministry, and the ongoing challenges and rewards of maintaining a Catholic identity in a diverse academic environment. Don't miss this enriching exploration of faith, academia, and personal discovery.

Mentioned in this episode:  Catholic Youth Coalition Board

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 Growing up in a secular household to becoming a dedicated Catholic catechist is a journey sure to be full of unexpected twists and turns.  Join us as alum, Kay Perdue Meadows, takes us through her remarkable journey of falling in love with Christ and seeing the beauty of this world with the eyes of faith, especially as a current producer at Yale Repertory Theatre. 

Raised in an intellectually curious, non-religious environment, Kay discovered the world of theater as a means to overcome her shyness. Her love of stories played out in a new way on stage, cultivating compassion and empathy for others’ struggles and experiences. As she progressed through college and graduate school at Yale, Kay found herself wondering what it meant to let love and self-gift, rather than achievement, shape her life and her goals. This propelled her towards the Catholic Church, where she discovered the ultimate story of creation, redemption, beauty, and love. Not long after, Kay entered the Catholic Church at STM’s Easter Vigil. 

Her transformative visit to a Cistercian monastery and her encounter with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program offered her profound insights into God's love and the integration of faith into every aspect of life, from family life to professional endeavors.

Join us as Kay reflects on living out her faith in a secular environment at Yale and the daily practice of surrender that she continues to pursue as a wife, mom, and catechist. This episode is a testament to how faith, knowledge, and human experience can intersect beautifully, offering pathways to spiritual fulfillment and community engagement.

Mentioned in this episode: Yale Repertory Theatre, St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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Have you ever wondered how to keep a place like Saint Thomas More up and running? Join us as we sit down with Joe Connolly, the Executive Director of Saint Thomas More Chapel & Center at Yale University, who shares more about his day-to-day work leading Saint Thomas More and the providential path that led him here. 

Discover how he sees his work as part of his vocational call to serve God and serve the Church, which is a call that he's been discerning for most of his life. Joe regales us with heartfelt and humorous stories that shaped his spiritual path. Learn about the profound impact of his faith growing up in a large Irish Catholic family and hear about his time at Boston University, despite its secular nature, offering a vibrant and inclusive faith community that played a pivotal role in his development. Through his reflections, Joe seamlessly weaves his personal faith with his professional endeavors, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of experiences.

Navigating life's unpredictable turns, Joe opens up about his professional transition from the field of Catholic healthcare to his current role at Saint Thomas More. He highlights the significance of spiritual discernment, the influence of supportive mentors, and the unexpected places where he finds God. This episode offers a profound exploration of humility, love, and faith, encouraging listeners to seek God's presence in all aspects of life. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that kicks off Season 3 of the podcast and encourages us all in our own spiritual journeys. 

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We are honored to welcome Professor Paul Kennedy, the esteemed 2024 recipient of the Saint Thomas More Medal, as our guest on this special bonus episode before the premiere of Season 3 of Finding God on Park Street. Sharing stories from his four decades at STM, Paul reflects on the role of this faith community in his life as a father, professor, and believer.

Journey with us as we explore a central theme of Paul’s life of faith--service. As the STM Soup Kitchen begins its 41st year, Paul talks about the origin of the Soup Kitchen and what he remembers from its very first day. Still volunteering on Wednesdays at the Soup Kitchen, Paul believes he’ll be asked by God at the end of his life how he served the poor. So, he will never stop serving. And, he hopes that our students make that same commitment when they leave Yale. 

Finally, we tackle the ways in which Saint Thomas More has changed, and remained the same, since the 1980s. Prayer and peace continue to be foundational, especially as Yale students, faculty, and staff rush from one commitment to another. Paul reminds us all to “take a breather” and spend a few moments in conversation with God. For Paul’s wisdom and witness, we are grateful and, for his service, we are honored to recognize him. Tune in to learn more about the legendary man receiving the Saint Thomas More Medal this year. 

Mentioned in this episode: Guido Calabresi, Sam and Miriam MacDowell, The Rev. Richard Russell Years, Tom Golden & The Expansion of Catholic Ministry at Yale, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), Columbus House

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Dive into the life story of author and professor Liam Callanan, a Yale College alumnus from the Class of 1990. As we sit down with Liam, listeners will traverse Yale's hallowed halls (and some of the lesser-known spots on campus!), where his daughters now leave their mark as students. After Yale, Liam found professional success before personal tragedy changed the trajectory of his life. He and his wife turned to faith as they ventured into the unknown, trusting God's call. To this day, Liam trusts that call and continues to follow it as he writes, teaches, parents, and grows in faith. 

 Liam's voice brings a resonance to the conversation that only someone who has experienced both profound sorrow and enduring peace could achieve. Listeners will gather insight into the transformative power of embracing one's true calling as they enjoy Liam's wit and banter, from tales of his large Irish Catholic family to the discovery of his passion for writing and teaching. The power of storytelling and fiction shine through as Liam reveals the ways in which his faith animates his writing. Hear about the inspiring stories and global adventures behind his most recent novel, When In Rome. 

 Liam's anecdotes of student life at Yale, his latest literary endeavors, and the significance of Saint Thomas More on his life all contribute to a rich conversation on discovering God's grace in unexpected places, even in loss.
 
 In this final episode of Season 2, be moved and inspired to find God seeking you, too, in your everyday life.
 
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 Show notes: 

Learn more about Liam’s work on his website: https://www.liamcallanan.com/ 

Mentioned in the episode: Catholic Imagination Conference, La Civiltà Cattolica, When in Rome: A Novel, The 2017 George W. Hunt, S.J. Prize Ceremony, Abbey of Gethsemani, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, For Love of the Broken Body: A Spiritual Memoir

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When resilience meets unwavering faith, life's unexpected twists and turns can bring occasions of remarkable grace. Our guest, the First Secretary at the Embassy of Cameroon in Washington, D.C., Ines-Cyd Oyono, unveils the path that led her to a life of service and diplomacy anchored in her Catholic faith. Each day, in the sacred quiet of her morning time with the Word of God, Ines recalls the role of her father's devotion in her life and the eternal truths contained in Scripture that continue to serve as beacons for her amidst the bustling halls of the Embassy and the demands of her life as a diplomat.  

 The process of making faith one's own often begins in the face of adversity and, for Ines, it was no different. The loss of her father as a teenager could have shattered her, yet instead it forged a new path bathed in God's grace and steady accompaniment. Whether she was home in Cameroon or living in Paris or studying in New Haven at Yale University's Jackson School of Global Affairs, Ines learned to draw close to the Blessed Mother and to rely more and more on her heavenly Father to guide her. 

 As a student at Yale, Ines drew close to the Saint Thomas More community, too. Studying in the Golden Center, leading events for Grad Council, spending time with the Chaplains, and meeting peers from other schools across the university allowed the Body of Christ to come alive for Ines in a new way. Not just a place to go to Mass, STM became a home that nourished her intellectual, social, and emotional life, too. That foundation of faith and community gave her the strength to surrender her plans to God's Providence, saying yes to whatever the future holds and to wherever she is called to serve. Her story inspires, convicts, and encourages all who listen to this conversation to trust God with their plans, too.

Show Notes:
Psalm 91
Ines’s father, Ferdinand Oyono
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

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Have you ever started over in a new place and experienced feelings of isolation or uncertainty? How did you move forward? Muriel Wang, a Yale College graduate from the Class of 2020, shares her compelling story of relying on her Catholic faith amidst the skyscrapers of New York City and the rigors of a high-stress career. Abruptly cut off from her community at Yale due to the pandemic, Muriel found herself alone in NYC and struggling. Yet, she knew where to turn: her Catholic faith. 

 Muriel beautifully invites us into her story that traverses Singapore, New Hampshire, New Haven, and NYC. Finding a Catholic community at Saint Thomas More was a highlight for Muriel when she came to Yale and a stark contrast from her high school faith experience. Experiences like spending Spring Break on a silent retreat at Taizé in France continue to impact her, especially in the fast-paced environment in which she works. The encouragement and model of faith witnesses, like her mom, Fr. Bob Beloin, and peers at STM, strengthened her foundation of faith in college. And, when her time at Yale ended and her next chapter began in New York City, Muriel had a foundation to rely on to steady her amidst total upheaval. 

 All listeners, but especially our recent graduates, will resonate with Muriel's story of trying to do it all on her own and coming face-to-face with her own limitations. Only through struggle did she recognize that she needed God, a faith community, and the sacraments to anchor herself in the often-turbulent transition from college to post-graduate life. Her story is a shining beacon of hope that God is with us always, whether we're in college, graduate school, or a small studio apartment in a lonely city. Muriel's perseverance in cultivating Catholic community is a reminder to all that we need each other for this journey. So, tune in to celebrate another alumni story of faith and resilience.

Show Notes:
 
Mentioned in the episode: Taizé Ecumenical Community

What Muriel is reading: The Patron Saint of Liars (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1992) by Ann Patchett

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