What if the thing you’ve been chasing in church—reverence, belonging, and the nearness of Jesus—was waiting just around a corner you never planned to turn? That’s the tension Tori Reimschisel, Mary Queen High School Youth Minister,  names as she traces her path from a Bible‑saturated Protestant childhood and youth ministry volunteering to a surprise call toward Catholic life and a vocation serving teens.

If you’ve felt disenchanted yet still love Jesus, or if you serve young people and want a path beyond programs and hype, this conversation offers both a map and courage. Listen for practical ways to foster belonging, integrate Scripture with sacrament, and cultivate the kind of mentorship that endures.

If this story resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s discerning, and leave a review so others can find these conversations.

Kabby Akers, Father Miguel, and Greg Williams share their experiences with BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action). 

The conversation explores BUILD's intentionally diverse network of congregations, their focus on listening to community needs—especially around elder care, housing, and transportation—and their process of organizing to find real solutions through actions like the annual Nehemiah Action event. The guests emphasize that working for justice is a core part of Christian faith and share impactful stories of how BUILD has driven positive changes, such as the creation of affordable housing and mental health programs. Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and become part of this community-driven mission for justice.

Have you ever wondered about the hidden struggles of homeless children in our community? It's a heartbreaking reality that often goes unnoticed, but there's hope on the horizon. In this episode of Mary Queen Stories, we're shining a light on an incredible initiative that's making a real difference in the lives of these vulnerable kids.

Join Jennifer Longworth as she sits down with Lee McGrath, a passionate Mary Queen parishioner and member of the Social Concerns Committee. They'll explore the Give Kids a Home program, a community-wide effort supported by our parish to provide safe, temporary housing for homeless children and their families.

Why This Matters

Lee shares eye-opening insights into how homelessness impacts children's health, education, and overall well-being. You'll learn about:

• • The surprising number of affected children in Fayette County
• • How unstable living situations disrupt learning and development
• • The critical importance of a safe, clean place to sleep each night

How You Can Help

Discover simple yet powerful ways to get involved and make a tangible difference:

• • Financial support options (even small amounts add up!)
• SECOND COLLECTION COMING IN AUGUST
• • The power of prayer for families in need
• • Spreading awareness in our community

A Call to Action

As followers of Christ, we're called to serve the most vulnerable among us. Lee reminds us of Jesus' powerful words in Matthew 25 and how this initiative aligns perfectly with our parish mission.

Listen in to be inspired and learn how you can be part of this vital effort to give kids the stability they desperately need. Together, we can make a lasting impact on young lives in our community.

Our episode features a heartfelt interview with Father Miguel, led by parishioner Carl Nathe. Father Miguel shares his inspiring journey into priesthood and his experience as the pastor of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish. He speaks with passion about his hopes and visions for our thriving community, emphasizing the power of generosity and faith.

🙏 The Give 10 Program: Introduced by Father Miguel, this initiative encourages us all to perform "10 Acts of Love" and devote "10 Seconds of Surrender" each day, coupled with the invitation to consider contributing an additional $10 to the parish weekly or monthly. These small gestures are designed to transform lives and support our parish in its mission to grow and serve.

🏢 Capital Campaign Success: Thanks to the incredible response from our parish with nearly 800 pledges, we are on track to eliminate our long-term debt and enhance our parish facilities. Father Miguel expresses gratitude for this overwhelming support and invites us to continue our journey together, ensuring that Offertory giving keeps up with our needs and ambitions.

✝️ Community Outreach and Education: Our parish is a beacon of hope and learning. Father Miguel highlights our growing school and various ministries that foster spiritual growth among young families and individuals. He also shares the success story of the Little Mountain School in Guatemala, a reflection of our parish’s spirit of global generosity and outreach.

We invite you to listen to the full episode for deeper insights and inspiration from our cherished parish leaders. As we embark on this path of faith and service together, we thank you for your continued support and commitment to Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish.

P.S. We encourage you to visit our website for more information and ways to get involved: mqhr.org

Chrissy Heren and David Agtarap, representatives of the young adult ministry at Mary Queen, are the featured guests for this episode.

What's Happening in Young Adult Ministry?

The young adults at Mary Queen are actively engaged in nurturing their spiritual growth and building a supportive community. Here's a glimpse of current activities:

• Bible Study and Adoration: Every Tuesday evening, they gather at the Lighthouse from 6:30 to 7:30 PM for Bible study. Following that, there is Adoration from 7:30 to 8:30 PM in the church. It's a perfect mid-week spiritual recharge!
• Book Club: Join MQ YA every fourth Thursday of the month for our book club. They recently finished "The Fulfillment of All Desire" by Ralph Martin and are starting a new book, "Men, Women and the Mystery of Love" by Edward Sri.
• Fellowship Events: Social gatherings include bonfires, trivia nights, board games, and bowling nights. These events foster meaningful connections among young adults from different walks of life.

Get Involved:

Are you or someone you know interested in joining our vibrant community? Feel free to drop by the Lighthouse on Tuesday nights or email us at [email protected]. You will be welcomed with open arms, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

Brennan and Benny Towles join Jennifer for this episode to discuss the importance of young adult ministry, personal growth, and the power of community in faith development. Here are three key takeaways:

• Community Building: Brennan and Benny emphasize the importance of having a strong community. Being a part of a group helps share joys and challenges and can make individuals feel seen, supported, and valued in their faith journey.
• Inclusion and Connection: Benny's approach to being inclusive teaches us that opening our circles to diverse individuals can lead to unexpected friendships and personal enrichment. This inclusivity extends beyond large events to personalized interactions, such as inviting someone for coffee or dinner.
• Serve and Grow Together: Both guests highlight how their involvement in young adult ministry and their photography business have deepened their faith. They emphasize how serving others joyfully can bring personal growth, joy, and a sense of purpose.

Catch the full episode for more insights on cultivating a vibrant young adult community and faith-driven entrepreneurship.

James Nelson shares his heartfelt journey from a life filled with materialism and addiction to finding peace and transformation through the Catholic faith. James recounts his initial skepticism and atheism, his supernatural encounters with malevolent forces, and how a Christmas Midnight Mass catalyzed his spiritual awakening. He details his inquiry & OCIA process into Catholicism, the support he received from the Mary Queen community, and the significance of meaningful worship and joyful service. Emphasizing the importance of humility, gratefulness, and the sustaining power of Jesus, James discusses how his newfound faith has led to profound personal changes and offers encouragement for others seeking a spiritual path.

• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Birth of Jesus
• The Presentation
• The Finding of the Child Jesus

• The Resurrection
• The Ascension
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit
• The Assumption of Mary
• The Coronation of the Blessed Mother

• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Birth of Jesus [The Nativity]
• The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
• Finding Jesus in the Temple