Living LIT

In this episode of Living LIT—for the Little Church You Call Home, we celebrate the life and feast day of St. Padre Pio, a beloved saint known for his deep holiness, stigmata, gift of confession, and constant call to prayer. Padre Pio’s simple but powerful words—“Pray, hope, and don’t worry”—still speak straight to our hearts today.

Together we’ll learn who St. Padre Pio was, why the Church holds him up as a model of faith, and how we can bring his feast day alive in our homes with simple, joyful traditions. You’ll never look at donuts the same way again after hearing how his famous phrase has inspired a playful family way to Live LITurgical: “Pray, Hope, and Donut Worry.”

In this episode of Living LIT, I’m joined by Dann Aungst, Catholic speaker, author, and founder of Road to Purity, a ministry dedicated to helping men and women break free from addiction and live lives rooted in God’s mercy and grace.

Dann shares his powerful testimony of redemption and healing from addiction, and we talk about the hope and freedom that comes when we surrender our struggles to Christ. We also explore the practical resources and support his ministry offers for those battling addiction, and how the Church can walk alongside those on the journey to purity.

This episode is a reminder that no matter how heavy our burdens, God’s mercy is greater—and His love can make us new. God’s mercy can transform brokenness into freedom.

Road to Purity | Build an Empire of Purity for more information & to reach Dann: https://roadtopurity.com/

On September 14th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—a day that reminds us of the central mystery of our faith: that through the Cross came our salvation. In this episode, we look at the history of this feast, from the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena to the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and why the Cross is not a symbol of defeat but of victory, hope, and love.

We’ll also talk about simple, meaningful ways we can observe this day in our homes and families—whether by venerating the Cross, praying the Stations, or simply taking time to reflect on how the Cross is present in our own daily lives.

(I forgot to mention in the show that we also celebrate this feast day by eating something with Basil, like pesto; and also make strawberry basil lemonade. It is believed that basil was growing in the place where St Helena discovered the cross. See the connection?! Living LIT with food is always a fun connection!)

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites us to look up, to lift our eyes and hearts, and to remember that every cross we carry can be transformed when united with Christ.

**Robyn on Instagram (@Robynlivinglit) to see how we celebrate and Live LIT: https://www.instagram.com/robynlivinglit/

Offer It Up: Finding Hope in Suffering with Megan Hjelmstad is a great podcast on living with and uniting our daily crosses and sufferings with Christ. How to flourish by cooperating with our Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5KyLl5zra4&list=PLqSqcaJSjAjbntIdwue-lafCDC3rX9hfH&index=3

In this episode of Living LIT, we’re celebrating a very special birthday — the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Join me as we talk about why the Church honors Our Blessed Mother on September 8, how her “yes” changed everything, and simple, meaningful ways you can celebrate her birthday in your own Domestic Church. From prayerful traditions to joyful little touches for your family, let’s make this feast a reminder that Mary always leads us closer to her Son.

Robyn Living LIT on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlivinglit/

Podcast episode with Msgr Mangan Mary isn't just for Catholics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTLIJvQccyA&list=PLqSqcaJSjAjbntIdwue-lafCDC3rX9hfH&index=48

In this episode of Living LIT, we’re kicking off the LITurgical Living side of the podcast—where we’ll explore the beauty of living the Church year in your home, the little church you call home.

We’re starting with a beloved saint whose feast day is September 5: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Join me as we reflect on her simple yet profound call to holiness, creative ways to celebrate her feast day with your family, and how her witness can spark deeper faith and love in your Domestic Church.

This is just the beginning of our “feast day fun,” where each week I’ll share stories, reflections, and meaningful & practical ideas to help you live liturgically all year long. From faith-filled conversations to fun little traditions-let's bring the beauty of the Church year right into your home, one feast day at a time.

Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlivinglit/

Suffering is something every one of us will face, but what if, instead of running from it, we learned how to unite it with Christ for something greater? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Megan Hjelmstad, author of the brand-new book Offer It Up, to talk about her journey through painful suffering and how it led her to a deeper embrace of redemptive suffering.

Megan shares her personal story of struggle, and surrender—and how God used that pain to draw her closer to His heart. Her testimony is a reminder that our crosses, when united with Christ, can become instruments of grace and hope—not only for ourselves but for others.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. Megan’s journey of faith and suffering that inspired Offer It Up
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3. What it really means to “offer it up” in our daily lives
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5. Practical ways we can Offer Up even the smallest things and parts of our day
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7. How to find hope and purpose when life feels overwhelming
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Whether you are carrying a heavy cross right now or walking with someone who is, this conversation will inspire you to see suffering through the lens of God’s redeeming love.

1. Get Megan’s book Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering - St. Paul Center
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3. Megan’s website and learn more about her ministry Home – %
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5. Connect with Megan on Instagram: @Instagram
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7. Follow Living LIT at Instagram

In this episode, I’m joined by Catholic author Shaun McAfee to dive into his newest book—Saint Dominic and the Rosary, the first in his new Saints & Sacramentals series.

We explore:

The inspiring life and mission of Saint Dominic

How the rosary came to be and why it remains such a powerful spiritual weapon

What exactly a sacramental is—and how it differs from a sacrament

Practical ways to weave the rosary into your daily life, even if you’ve never prayed it before

Why praying the rosary offers rest, focus, and renewal in our distracted, digital age

Shaun’s insights will encourage you to pick up your beads—whether for the first time or the thousandth—and discover the peace, power, and protection that come from this timeless devotion.

To order Shaun’s books from this show, use this special link:

https://lddy.no/1l6ff

Use code: “LIVINGLIT15” for 15% off your order

Follow Shaun at:

https://www.instagram.com/shaunmcafee/

https://www.facebook.com/shaun.mcafee

How do we help our children see every person—regardless of abilities—as a beloved child of God? In this episode of Living LIT, Robyn is joined by Maggie Price, Special Needs Coordinator for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD. She shares about the beautiful work of her ministry: creating camps, retreats, and opportunities for those with special needs and disabilities to encounter Christ and belong in the life of the Church.

Together, they talk about how we as parents can guide our children to engage with others- with compassion and understanding, building a culture of dignity, empathy, and inclusion in our homes, parishes, and communities. The conversation also touches on how we as adults can grow in our own comfort and charity when encountering individuals with special needs—learning to respond not with hesitation or fear, but with warmth, welcome, and love.

Whether your family has personal experience with disability or is seeking ways to talk about it more intentionally, this conversation is full of grace, encouragement.

Topics Covered:

1. The mission and ministry of serving individuals with special needs in the Church
2. How retreats and camps open doors for belonging and faith formation
3. Common misconceptions about disabilities and how to reframe them
4. Talking to children about encountering people with special needs
5. How to cultivate empathy and respect in everyday interactions
6. Embracing the Pro-Life call to see Christ in every person

Get in touch with Maggie at: [email protected]

What if faith formation for children could be both deeply contemplative and joyfully hands-on? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn welcomes Jodi Reel, a coordinator and catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), to explore this beautiful, Montessori-based approach to Catholic catechesis.

Together, they dive into what CGS is, how it nurtures a child’s personal relationship with God, and why it’s such a gift not only for children but also for parents, catechists, and parish communities. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about all the buzz with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this episode offers an inspiring look at how the Good Shepherd calls each of us—especially the littlest ones—into His love.

In this episode:

What makes CGS different from traditional religious education

How the “Atrium” becomes a sacred space for children

The powerful impact CGS has on families and catechists

How you can get involved, whether as a parent or parish leader

Come and see how children, in their simplicity, often lead us more deeply into the mystery of God.

https://www.cgsusa.org/ CGSUSA | The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® Method CGS website for more info

https://www.cgsusa.org/product/joyful_journey_continues/ book "Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues"

https://www.cgsusa.org/product/joyful_journey/. book "The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey revised"

https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/begin-cgs/cgs-in-the-school/ CGS in a school setting

In this powerful episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of the Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., to explore how the four foundational pillars of seminary formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic—apply beautifully to forming strong, faith-filled families.

Drawing from his new book, Forming Families, Forming Saints, Fr. Griffin shares deep wisdom and practical insights on what a “formed family” looks like and how to intentionally build one. The conversation covers topics like:

What family formation really means

How to cultivate order and virtue in family life

Grounding children in reality amidst a digital culture

Practical tools for fostering human formation and flourishing

Learning to live in the present moment instead of dwelling on past parenting regrets

Whether you’re just beginning your parenting journey or in the thick of family life, this episode will leave you encouraged, inspired, and equipped to form your “little domestic church” in truth and love.

Fr. Griffin’s gentle wisdom and clear vision make this an absolute must-listen for every parent seeking to raise saints in today’s world.

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Fr Carter Griffin is available to purchase through: https://stpaulcenter.co/FormingFamiliesFormingSaints

Instagram Emmaus Road Publishing: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6nG6JPGtC/

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