Original episode from Nov. 22, 2024

Fr Cowles helps set the stage for us to start thinking about and preparing for Advent NOW, yep before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into practical and spiritual ways to prepare for Advent before the season even begins. It's easy to get caught off guard and not be fully prepared to enter into Advent with a heart open and ready to receive, especially when it sneaks up so quickly after Thanksgiving! With Fr's practical tips, ideas and encouragement--You'll be prepared to step away from the busyness of the world and reflect on the coming of Christ. Bring on the "Splash of Purple & a little bit of Penance!"

Robyn welcomes back beloved author Emily Stimpson Chapman to talk about her brand-new Catholic Children’s Storybook Bible, “The Story of All Stories”, published by Word on Fire. Together, they explore how parents can gently and consistently immerse their children in Scripture and introduce them to the adventure of Salvation History (God’s love story)—right in the heart of the little church you call home.

Emily shares the vision behind this beautiful new story book Bible (the first of its kind), why storytelling is essential for forming a child’s imagination, and how Scripture introduces our little ones to the God who loves them.

We talk about:

How children naturally enter the world of Scripture through story

Simple ways to weave Bible reading into daily family life

How Scripture forms identity, virtue, and a sense of belonging in God’s family

Practical encouragement for raising kids who know they are part of Salvation History

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, catechist, or godparent, this conversation will inspire you to bring the Word of God into the hearts of the children you love.

find Emily at Home | Emily Stimpson Chapman, Catholic Author & Speaker: https://www.emilystimpsonchapman.com/

The Story of All Stories currently 20% off thru Word On Fire: https://book.wordonfire.org/story-of-all-stories

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn is joined by Ken Ogorek, co-author (with Dr. Scott Hahn) of the Breaking the Bread series — a powerful resource created to help Catholics enter more deeply into the Sunday Mass readings.

Together, Robyn and Ken unpack how Scripture is not meant to be something we hear once and then forget, but a living Word that continues to form, feed, and lead us throughout the entire week. Ken explains how Breaking the Bread is both scriptural and catechetical, helping individuals, families, and catechists not only reflect on the readings, but truly understand and live the faith they proclaim.

This episode will inspire you to move beyond simply going to Mass and begin living from the Mass — allowing God’s Word to shape conversations, family life, priorities, decisions, and habits.

If you long to strengthen your Domestic Church, grow as a disciple, or learn practical ways to bring Sunday’s Gospel into everyday life, this conversation is for you.

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year A - St. Paul Center to find the Breaking the Bread series: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/breaking-the-bread-a-biblical-devotional-for-catholics-year-a

Let’s do a bible study together! You’re invited to slow down, enter into Scripture, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ—right from the comfort of your own home.

In this episode, Robyn is joined by Elisa Cordaro from the St. Paul Center, who shares all about Bible Study Across America, a nationwide initiative inviting families, parishes, and individuals to journey through Scripture together-starting now and through Advent.

The St. Paul Center, founded by Dr. Scott Hahn, exists to help Catholics fall in love with Scripture and live their faith more deeply. Elisa shares how the Center supports Catholics through studies, resources, formation, and encouragement (for the Little Church you call Home).

Together, Robyn and Elisa talk about:

What Bible Study Across America is and how to join

How to easily host or participate from home

Why Scripture matters deeply in preparing for Christmas

And as a bonus, Elisa shares a glimpse into her own newlywed Domestic Church — how she and her husband are building their marriage on faith, choosing to live liturgically in simple, joyful, intentional ways.

This is a beautiful, gentle, hope-filled invitation to let the Word dwell richly in your heart and home as we prepare to welcome Our Lord at Christmas and when He comes again.

Join Bible Study Across America: https://stpaulcenter.com/baa

Learn more about the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: https://stpaulcenter.com/

Follow the St. Paul Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulcenter/

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas one of Emily's amazing recipes for you to try this week. In this episode we’re pulling up a chair at the Catholic table with author, speaker, cook and hostess Emily Stimpson Chapman. Emily has a brand-new cookbook/Hospitality guide out called Around the Catholic Table, and it’s so much more than recipes—it’s an invitation into the heart of Catholic hospitality.

Hospitality is something we all long for and need. It’s what makes our homes warm, our friendships deeper, and our faith tangible. And as Catholics, it’s a reflection of the Eucharist—the great feast where Christ welcomes us to His table.

In our conversation, Emily shares why hospitality matters so much, what makes it uniquely Catholic, and some beautiful, practical ways we can foster it in our own homes—without stress, without perfectionism, and with great joy. You’ll be inspired to open your doors a little wider, enjoy the company of friends and family, and rediscover the sacred beauty of sharing a meal.

Whether you’re preparing a feast or setting out simple snacks, this episode will inspire you to see your home as a reflection of God’s generous love—and to practice hospitality in the little church you call home.

emilystimpsonchapman.com to find Emily

Stpaulcenter.com where you can find Emily's new cookbook/hospitality guide--as well as many other books Emily has written

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas one of Emily's amazing recipes for you to try this week.: https://www.emilystimpsonchapman.com/post/cheesy-chicken-enchiladas?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

It’s time to live November LITurgically!

In this episode of Living LIT—Living in Truth, Robyn walks through the Top 5 Catholic Feast Days of November—and how you can bring them to life right at home.

From the great Feast days of All Saints and All Souls, to the inspiring witness of St. Martin of Tours and St. Cecilia, and the glorious celebration of Christ the King, Robyn shares the meaning behind each feast, why the Church celebrates them, and simple, joy-filled ways to honor them within your Domestic Church-the Little Church You call Home.

Plus—stick around for a special bonus celebration in November: Catholic New Year’s!

Whether you’re new to liturgical living or looking for fresh ideas, this episode will help you and your family live in rhythm with the Church’s calendar, grow closer to Christ, and celebrate the beauty of our faith all month long.

You’ll hear about:

1. Why each feast is significant in the life of the Church
2. 
   
3. Creative and meaningful ways to celebrate them in your home
4. 
   
5. How these days help us live more intentionally and joyfully in Christ
6. 
   

Robyn on Instagram

Celebrating All Saints & All Souls Day in the home | Living Lit

Celebrating St Martin of Tours in the Home Instagram

530: Memento Mori... Remember Your Death! | Ignition

529: The Mercy of Purgatory | Ignition

All Saints Guessing Jars: 12 more for 2024 - Shower of Roses Blog

Prayer for the Poor Souls in Purgatory | EWTN

Celebrating Christ the King - YouTube

In this fun and faith-filled episode of Living LIT—Living in Truth, Robyn sits down with Meg Hunter-Kilmer, creator of the beloved Saints Around the World children’s book series. Meg’s contagious enthusiasm for the saints shines through as she shares how their stories can inspire hearts of all ages—helping us see that there truly is a saint for everyone and every occasion (even the obscure ones!).

Together, Robyn and Meg dive into why the saints matter—not as replacements for Christ, but as radiant reflections of His love and holiness. Through their examples, we discover how the saints can draw us closer to Jesus, deepen our faith, and help us experience the fierce & tender love of the Heavenly Father.

Whether you’re new to the saints or already have a few favorites, this conversation will leave you smiling, inspired, and eager to grow closer to Christ through the lives of our friends in Heaven.

Saints Around the World books: https://stpaulcenter.com/search?q=saints%20around%20the%20world&type=store

Follow Meg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhunterkilmer/

Meg's blog & website Meg Hunter-Kilmer: A speaker and blogger covering Catholic apologetics and Christian morality and prayer: https://www.piercedhands.com/

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Shari from Catholic Paper Goods to chat about one of their favorite saints—Saint John Paul II. Together, they dive into who this beloved and joy-filled pope really was, his deep love for Jesus, Mary and the Church, and how his powerful witness continues to shape our faith today.

From his courage in defending truth and human dignity to his ability to connect with people of every age and nation, Saint John Paul II showed the world what it looks like to live fully alive in Christ. His life and leadership transformed the Church and left a legacy that still echoes through every generation of believers.

Robyn and Shari reflect on his lasting impact and the beauty of his legacy within the Church.

Shari also shares the story of how Catholic Paper Goods came to be—a ministry born from her love for the faith and creativity, helping others bring beauty, truth, and joy into their everyday lives through her designs and products.

Find Shari at Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/catholicpapergoods/

Catholic Paper Goods: https://www.catholicpapergoods.com/

St John Paul 2 bundle Pope Saint John Paul II Mini Activity Bundle: 12 Pages Catholic Kids Printable Games for Homeschool & Classroom - Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4390443311/pope-saint-john-paul-ii-mini-activity?etsrc=sdt

In this episode of Living LIT, Robyn celebrates the life and legacy of St. John Paul II — the Pope of the Family. Discover who he was, what he gave the Church, and how his teachings still speak powerfully to the heart of the home. From the call to live as a Domestic Church (the family), St. John Paul II continues to inspire us to live in truth, love fully, and open wide the doors to Christ.

Join Robyn as she reflects on what it really means to live as the domestic church—where Christ’s light is kindled in the heart of the home and shines outward into the world. It’s a reminder that the renewal of the Church and the world begins right where we live: around our own kitchen tables.

Robyn also shares practical ideas on celebrating his feast day at home, sharing his words with your kids (while enjoying cream puffs), and carrying his “Be not afraid” spirit into everyday family life.

Catholic Cuisine: Kremówka Papieska - Papal Cream Cake: https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2011/04/kremowka-papieska-papal-cream-cake.html

In this episode of Living LIT—Living in Truth, Robyn sits down with Tony Menke, from the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota to talk about how the Foundation serves the Church, supports parishes and ministries, and impacts lives across our diocese.

The Foundation exists to help Catholics live and leave a lasting legacy of faith—connecting the blessings God has entrusted to us with the needs of the Church and our communities, both now and for generations to come. Through stewardship, they help ministries flourish and ensure the light of faith continues to shine far into the future.

Robyn also shares a behind-the-scenes story of how the Foundation is supporting the Living LIT Apostolate through a grant she received—an experience she describes as “a Catholic-Christian version of Shark Tank—only with prayer, discernment, and the Holy Spirit leading every decision.” It’s like a Catholic take on Shark Tank–you share your mission and ministry before a board that prayerfully discerns how to invest in ministries making an impact, and instead of sharks, there’s a board guided by prayer and discernment.

Together, Robyn and Tony reflect on how we can all be part of building a legacy of faith

This episode will open your eyes to the incredible work happening right here in our diocese—and remind you that when we give, we truly live lit, letting the light of Christ shine through stewardship, generosity, and faith in action.

Give back to the Catholic community: https://ccfesd.org/