Practicing Catholic Show

I know of few things more inspiring than hearing a good conversion story. Sometimes, the Lord’s work of transforming lives is difficult to observe in the day-to-day, but when we look back over the years, we can really see how he has been at work. 

Joining us now is Josh Marshall, who has definitely seen the Lord at work in his life, and he’s come on the show to share that with us and inspire us all in the ongoing work of evangelization: telling the good news of Jesus, and sharing the many ways he has been at work in our lives. 

We’ve said it before here on Practicing Catholic and we’ll say it again: we are so blessed to have such strong leadership in our Archdiocese and the Archbishop’s recent pastoral letter has just proven again that our shepherd cares for us and listens to our needs. 

Part of the newly-revealed synod implementation plan (included in the pastoral letter) includes participation of “the 12” in the School of Discipleship through the Catechetical Institute. Here to give us some more insight into what exactly the School of Discipleship is Jeff Cavins, author, multi-media producer, and creator of the Great Adventure Bible Study and the Bible in a Year podcast with Father Mike Schmitz – both through Ascension Press. 

If you’re anything like us here at Practicing Catholic, you might be on the hunt for some ideas to enrich your Advent this year. What do you do when you get stuck in a spiritual rut? How do you keep Advent Advent in the midst of the Christmas anticipation and shopping craziness? Paul Sadek, Cami Berthiaume, and show host Patrick Conley talk about what makes Advent special to us here at Practicing Catholic.

How’s your Advent been so far? Luckily we’re only a week in so there’s much to look forward to during this time of anticipation. Maybe you’re still looking for a way to give of your time and perhaps material resources this year?  

Our friends at Catholic Charities are back for their 30th year of the Giving Tree at the Mall of America – a place for our local brothers and sisters to pick up essential items and supportive services courtesy of volunteers’ generosity. Joining us this past weekend to share a bit more about how you could volunteer your time in this way was Mike Rios-Keating, Social Justice Education Manager at Catholic Charities. 

Advent is such a unique time in the liturgical year: we’re preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ through generosity to others, service to the needy, and care to those who could use a bit of extra love.  

Our consecrated religious brothers and sisters are both on the giving and the receiving end of this Advent generosity, and here today to chat about one practical way to give back is Sr. Lynore Girmscheid, Archdiocesan coordinator for the “Retirement Fund for Religious.” 

Remember Thanksgiving, 2020? We were in the midst of COVID, and holiday gatherings were at least limited, if not canceled altogether. This Thanksgiving weekend, when we’re grateful not to be amid a pandemic, we’re taking a look back two years ago at an interview with Susanna Parent, former producer of our show and now-stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. Though there’s a fair bit of COVID language in our discussion, there’s also some pretty creative ideas on ways of offering hospitality this year. Let’s take a little walk down memory lane! 

It’s easy to take sight for granted, isn’t it? Many of us go through most days not even thinking of it. Because of that, this weekend we’re talking with two members of the Xavier Society for the Blind - a Catholic organization teaching about the challenges our blind sisters and brothers face and how we can help and learn from them. 

Following the elections from earlier this month, there’s a clear need for us to continue to accompany and support moms, dads and their unborn babies. We’ll chat with Sydney March and Father John Paul Erickson about Options for Women East – and how we can get involved in these local pro-life efforts.

National Vocations Awareness Week wrapped-up earlier this month, but it’s always vocations season in the Church. Coming up, we’ll check-in with Father David Blume – director of the Office of Vocations in the Archdiocese – about the state of vocations and tips on how to talk with our children and grandchildren about answering God’s call.   

From the Holy Days to Sunday readings, Mother Church provides us with ample opportunities in November to contemplate our mortality. It’s a gift because, as Catholic Christians, we know that this Earthly life is not our final destination. Thanks be to God, right?!

Joining us this past weekend to help us do just that (and invite us to this special event) was Amy Miller, author of “Last Life Lesson: A Guide for Aging Adults and Their Families” and Kevin Gearns, a member of the Saint Joseph Business Guild, which is sponsoring the “Dying with Dignity” conference.