What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition.

Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the foundation of patriotism. They reflect on God's providence, civic responsibility, and how Catholics can love their country without idolizing it.

The conversation also offers practical ways to contribute to the common good through family life, local communities, and charitable engagement in an increasingly divided culture. Plus, they answer a listener question about maintaining relationships with family members who have left the faith.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

Get American Pilgrimage by Dr. Christopher Shannon here:  

https://catholic.market/books/american-pilgrimage/?srsltid=AfmBOopYpTM47rxVjDIxQo7yk3uu7RIJMFnrwvg7mreqtcS6ev9Lp0XJ

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp explore how to participate more deeply in the Mass, even during seasons of distraction, dryness, or spiritual fatigue. Drawing from their own experiences as parents and pilgrims in the faith, they discuss why the Mass is not primarily about what we get out of it, but about entering into Christ's sacrifice and allowing the liturgy to form us.

The conversation covers practical ways to listen more attentively, the relationship between confession and the Eucharist, the importance of thanksgiving after Mass, and how learning more about the Liturgy can deepen our love for it. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or a recent convert, this episode offers encouragement to bring your "five loaves and two fish" to the Lord and trust Him to transform even your imperfect offering.

To learn more about the show, visit http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him.

They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, showing how discipleship begins with hearing Christ’s call (“Follow me”), continues through surrender and transformation (“I will make you”), and culminates in mission (“I will make you fishers of men”).

Along the way, they explore how modern life—especially distraction, technology, and comfort—can pull us away from that pattern of discipleship. They offer practical ways to return to the basics: daily prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and intentional habits of attention that keep us rooted in Christ.

This conversation also highlights a central truth of the Christian life: discipleship is not primarily our achievement, but our response to God’s initiative in us.

-Watch Sacred Art with Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1140847

-Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637

-Watch Littlest Saints on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622

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We pray the Our Father so often that it can become easy to say the words without really hearing them. But this prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is more than a familiar Catholic prayer—it is the perfect prayer, teaching us what to ask for and how to order our hearts toward God.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the depth of the Our Father, the gift of rote prayer, and how this simple prayer can shape our desires, strengthen us in distress, and lead us more deeply into trust, surrender, forgiveness, and communion with God.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight.

Drawing on Joseph Pieper, St. John Paul II, Scripture, family life, and the rhythm of Sunday, they explore how Catholics can reclaim leisure as a way of becoming more present to God, family, creation, and the good things that restore the soul. From keeping Sunday holy to embracing boredom, taking pilgrimages, reading, praying, playing, and simply watching the sunrise, this conversation offers practical ways to make summer more restful, intentional, and joy-filled.

Support the Augustine Institute by joining Mission Circles: Heralds, and get exclusive content like this live Practicing Catholic episode! https://give.augustineinstitute.org/campaign/745239/donate

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Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surprising path by which God called him to become a priest.

Fr. Ken also offers practical wisdom for Catholics seeking holiness in ordinary life: learning to love the process of sanctity, investing in one’s vocation, building faithful community, and quieting the noise of distraction in times of change. Through his story, listeners are reminded that God works patiently through grace, friendship, integrity, and daily fidelity.  

Learn more about Fr. Ken Geraci and the Fathers of Mercy here: https://fathersofmercy.com

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Pilgrimage is more than religious travel. It is a concrete act of faith that helps us step away from ordinary life, bring our bodies and souls before God, and remember that the whole Christian life is a journey toward him.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the tradition of pilgrimage, from major destinations like the Holy Land, Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, and the Camino to small local pilgrimages close to home. They discuss how pilgrimage can involve sacrifice, fellowship, prayer, spiritual warfare, surrender, and the humility of receiving from God rather than trying to achieve holiness on our own terms.

Whether you have the opportunity for a major pilgrimage or simply want to make a small visit to a local shrine or adoration chapel, this conversation offers practical encouragement to begin. Watch to consider where God may be inviting you to make an intentional journey of faith.

Come on Pilgrimage with the Augustine Institute! https://web.cvent.com/event/10dfe3ea-33f6-4e3f-aaea-054b2c3bca3b/summary

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Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood.

Whether you are a mother, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone grateful for the mothers in your life, this episode offers encouragement to see motherhood as a powerful path of love, discipleship, and grace.

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Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture.

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What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—and love—as Catholics.

Along the way, they discuss:

– The fascinating history of coffee and its unexpected link to the Church

– How rituals (like your morning cup) can shape your spiritual life

– Why conversation and friendship are essential for evangelization

– The beauty of craftsmanship and “amateur” work done for love

– How ordinary, repeated actions can lead us closer to God

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about living your faith more intentionally, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding holiness in the everyday.

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