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What makes for a good vacation?  The excitement of exploring unfamiliar cities? Savoring the thrill of live music performances?

Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they share their unique vacation styles, blending city adventures with serene relaxation. Hear Deacon Mike recount how he and his wife found common ground in their travel preferences, and listen to Fr. Damian's passionate tales from following Bruce Springsteen on tour. Their conversation not only examines the joys of travel but also draws fascinating parallels between the dedication of top performers and the spirit of exploration.

Ever thought about the powerful impact of a live concert? This episode takes you through the exhilarating experiences of Bruce Springsteen's concerts, including an emotional trip to his hometown of Freehold, NJ. Discover how a spontaneous mass for the deceased coincided with Springsteen's birth year, creating a profound connection. Reflect on the joys of good company, delicious food, and the transformative power of music that revives the spirit and fosters meaningful conversations.

Curious about balancing dynamic vacations with deep-rooted family traditions? Our hosts take you on a memorable trip to Ireland, delving into family history and the emotions tied to visiting ancestral sites. The discussion transitions to family travel habits, contrasting homebodies with avid travelers.

We celebrate a thrilling softball finale, where we honor standout players, and share future plans for possible new sports leagues. Tune in for heartfelt reflections on the enduring legacy of music, camaraderie, and the simple joys of life.

Readings for this Sunday can be found here.

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Hear about Faith on the Field, How a Young Adult Softball League is Transforming Community in Cleveland.  Can a simple game of softball truly transform the way we engage with our faith and community? Join us as Deacon Mike Hayes, Emily Ahlin, and Logan Feldkamp reveal how their young adult softball league is not just a game but a powerful tool for evangelization. Through personal stories and survey results, they share how this unconventional approach has led to increased church involvement and stronger community bonds, making faith more accessible and relatable to young adults who might not typically be active in the church.

Fr. Damian is following Bruce Springsteen on the road throughout Pennsylvannia.

Discover the logistical highs and lows of organizing a church league's baseball playoffs, including the woes of scheduling makeup games with busy people and memorable moments like Logan's stunning home run and Emily's meager single that changed the course of an inning.

We also paint a vibrant picture of the community at St. Christopher's Parish in Rocky River and the readings for this coming Sunday.

Join us for a heartwarming and insightful episode that showcases the unexpected ways softball can bring people closer to each other and their faith.

If you're in the area here are the remaining softball games for playoff week:

8/20:    PLAYOFFS @Roman Park, Westlake, OH
6:30 PM   #4 Big League Chew vs. #5 Parma Peacocks

8/21:  
6:30 PM:   Young Vitus vs. ITE Mighty Doves
7:45 PM     #3 Chosen Ones vs. Seed #6 (winner)

8/25 @St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights, OH
2:00 PM     #2 Catching Flamingos vs. Winner of 4/5 Game
3:30 PM     #1 Westside Whitecaps vs. Winnner of the 3/6 game
5:00 PM     Championship Game

8/25:  All Star Game. (St. John Bosco Field)
6:30PM St Lawrence Flames (Coached by Deacon Mike) vs. Mary's Mantles (Coached by Logan Feldkamp) 

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Could you navigate a day without your phone in solitude to find your true purpose as a child of God? Join us as we dive into an engaging discussion with Mary Kate Glow, a dynamic theology teacher at Walsh Jesuit High School. Mary Kate reveals her innovative approach to guiding students on their spiritual journeys, inspired by an eye-opening retreat in Nashville. We kick things off with some light-hearted banter about recent power outages and tornadoes in Ohio, setting the stage for an episode teeming with faith, vocation, and transformation.

Our conversation takes a deep turn as we explore the significance of discerning one’s vocation and the transformative power of religious life. Mary Kate shares personal anecdotes about her own spiritual journey and the moments of clarity that shaped her path, the importance of baptismal vows and how they inform various vocations. Mary Kate discusses the senior vocational course she spearheads, which marries theological foundations with human anthropology and immersive prayer practices. The highlight? A 24-hour silent retreat designed to foster a deeper relationship with God, challenging students to discover their identity in Him without the distraction of modern technology.

Experience the profound revelations that Walsh Jesuit students encounter during their silent retreat. Initial skepticism gives way to gratitude, self-awareness, and a newfound appreciation for the simple joys in life. We explore how creating space for God through silence, fasting, and prayer can lead to significant spiritual growth. To wrap things up, we switch gears to the local softball league, capturing the exhilarating spirit of the upcoming playoffs. This episode is a blend of faith, personal growth, and heartwarming stories that you won't want to miss.

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Ever wondered how Christians from different denominations can come together in unity? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin as we share our experiences from The Fest—a vibrant mix of Catholics and evangelicals celebrating together. Discover how Deacon Mike felt leading XLT for the first time, and hear about Dr. Megan's excitement over her book sales and the dynamic young adult gathering with the bishop. Plus, we take you through a journey of the Sacred Heart Chapel's history and the recent renovations of the new Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Chapel, both on the Seminary grounds.  We'll also illustrate the Fest's ecumenical spirit and its significance for fostering collaboration among diverse Christian communities and we tackle the balancing act between maintaining Catholic traditions and embracing interfaith inclusivity on college campuses.

Be inspired by Gloria Purvis's conversion story and how Catholic teachings impact non-Catholic students. We also reminisce about the National Eucharistic Congress, highlighting the joy of reconnection and community. For a lighter twist, get updates on Dr. Megan's softball team, the Westside Whitecaps, as they eye the playoffs. We delve into the spiritual nourishment provided by the Bread of Life Discourse and Elijah's story, in this week's Sunday readings, underscoring the Eucharist's profound meaning in our faith practices. With a blend of heartfelt stories, humor, and spirituality, this episode promises an insightful and enriching journey of faith and fellowship.

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What significance does bowing hold in the liturgy, and is it a practice that's still alive in our modern services? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they uncover the historical roots and current observance of bowing at the name of Jesus. They navigate through the intricacies outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and compare how different religious communities like the Benedictines and Dominicans incorporate these bows into their worship. This episode offers a thorough examination of the reverence embedded in these gestures and their varied expressions across different contexts.

But that's not all! We also switch gears to lighter, yet equally engaging topics. From the quirks of daily routines and coffee preferences to amusing tales of drinking coffee in El Salvador, this episode celebrates the rich diversity within communities. Hear nostalgic reflections on family dinners and a father's enduring love for coffee. As if that wasn’t enough, the excitement ramps up with behind-the-scenes preparations for the upcoming Fest, an event filled with activities, a softball league update. This episode has it all—liturgical insights, heartwarming stories, and a bit of community fun.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to attend the National Eucharistic Congress? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Christy Cabaniss as they recount their physically demanding yet spiritually uplifting experiences at this impactful event. Walk with us through the streets of Indianapolis, share in the profound moments of Eucharistic Adoration, and hear about the unforgettable nightly gatherings at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The trio had a deep reflection on the final night of the Congress featuring Gloria Purvis' stirring talk, Matt Maher's joyful worship session, and Bishop Barron's talk.  The diverse representation from our diocese will leave you feeling inspired and united in faith.  Cardinal Tagle's homily at the closing Mass and Cardinal Pierre's opening homily were both centered on unity and equally inspiring. Fr. Mike Schmitz earlier presentation was also quite good.

Discover how a simple walking stick became a symbol of welcome and continuity between clergy members in Deacon Mike's classmate Deacon Mark's captivating story. Experience the emotional highs of the grand procession, where eight deacons from the Diocese of Cleveland received heartfelt support from the crowd, and the impressive opening ceremony that united thousands of attendees in a powerful display of faith. The high-quality production of the event set a new standard, showing that our faith deserves to be celebrated with grandeur and excellence.

Reconnect with old friends and make new ones as the vibrant Catholic community comes alive in our stories. Hear about serendipitous encounters with familiar faces, including a reunion with a couple married a decade ago and a former student now in the seminary. Witness leaders like Bishop Malesic and Bishop Woost engaging with delegates, demonstrating true shepherding spirit. Reflect with us on the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and celebrate the contagious enthusiasm of the Cleveland delegation in their distinctive Ohio red shirts. Don’t miss this enriching episode that captures the spirit of Cleveland and the joy of shared faith.

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Editor's Note:  Recorded on 7/17/24.  There is a slight volume drop on this episode so please adjust your volume.

Ever wondered what it takes to organize an event for 50,000 people? Join us as we sit down with Father Damian Ference and Paul Jarzymbowski, Associate Director for the Laity at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who gives us an inside look at the monumental National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. From the electric atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium to the logistics of "bishop care" for over 200 bishops, Paul shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Cardinal Christophe Pierre's stirring message of unity and the binding power of the Eucharist will leave you inspired and reflective.  We discuss the importance of safety at large gatherings and the need for vigilance, especially given recent global events. 

And for all you sports enthusiasts, don’t miss our recap of the local softball league, complete with standout performances. This episode is a rich blend of faith, fellowship, and community spirit that you won’t want to miss!

Church search goes out to Maryland this week!

Additonal Note:  We had a technical SNAFU, so this did not get uploaded until 7/22/24.  Tomorrow's regualrly scheduled episode likely will be up in the late afternoon as usual.  

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Can faith and media truly intersect to create powerful narratives of healing? Join us on "Question of Faith" as we unpack the emotional journey of Christy in our award-winning multimedia series.  With psychiatric nurse practitioner Maureen offering her invaluable insights, we explore the complex mental health repercussions of reproductive events and spotlight the Catholic Church's unwavering support for those navigating such challenging circumstances. Christy's story is a testament to the courage required for faith, forgiveness, and healing.

Find both stories here:

Christy’s Faith and healing story:
Part 1:
Part 2:

Eucharistic Revival prayer: Many Voices, One Body


Discover the magic behind our Eucharistic Revival Prayer and the Multilingual Prayer video Project, a beautiful effort to make this prayer accessible to all. This chapter takes you through the intricate process of translating a deeply moving five-paragraph prayer into 16 languages and Braille, involving community volunteers to contribute their voices in their native language. You'll also be moved by the story of a blind woman who found profound meaning in this prayer, illustrating the profound impact inclusivity and prayer can have. The segment also delves into the spiritual significance of the Eucharist and the transformative power of communal prayer.

Wrapping up, we serve up an exciting recap of the diocesan softball league, highlighting the standout performances and thrilling moments.

You’ll get a sneak peek into our upcoming diocesan magazine, featuring inspiring stories of pilgrims preparing for the Eucharistic Congress and students making a difference through ministry work. We also send our heartfelt wishes to Father Damien, who is currently on retreat, and eagerly await his return for our next episode from the Eucharistic Congress.  A production note: next week we’ll be filing from the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis and the episode may not be up on Tuesday.

Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time are here:  

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What happens when the Catholic Church calls for a rekindled devotion to the Eucharist amidst the challenges of a post-pandemic world? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and special guest Christy Cabaniss as they explore this profound question by diving into the National Eucharistic Congress and the past few years of the National Eucharistic Revival. Christy takes us through the origins and the three-year journey of the Revival, emphasizing its crucial role in renewing faith at the diocesan and parish levels. As we look forward to the Congress in Indianapolis, you'll gain fresh insights into the meticulous preparations for the Diocese of Cleveland's delegation, all while balancing efficiency and the "Ruthless Elimination of Hurry."

We talk about our goals for the diocese after the Congress and suggest ways to live a Eucharistic life in today's fast-paced world, integrating faith into everyday actions. Inspired by the Eucharist's call to extend mercy we reflect on Pope Francis' teachings on Mercy and explore the balance of personal salvation and the call of Christ to others on the margins, encouraging listeners to embrace a holistic Catholic mission.

Get ready for our fun game, "Scripture or Swift?" Plus, don't miss out on the latest church softball league updates and Church Search highlights an upcoming event at St. Albert the Great parish.

Scripture for this Sunday can be found here.

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The Catholic community in Akron and beyond came together to celebrate faith and unity at a bilingual Mass in Akron's Canal Park, commemorating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Despite weather setbacks in the past, this event was a resounding success with over 900 attendees. We highlight the importance of this celebration for the Puerto Rican community

Church Search: The stunning architecture and recent renovations at our host parish,  St. Bernard Church, where a Eucharistic procession added a sacred touch to the festivities. Father Rafael Capo gave a stellar homily as he visited us from the Archdiocese of Miami.

We talk about the joyous Juneteenth Mass at Glenview Park and nostalgic memories of childhood processions.

We proudly announce the Diocese of Cleveland’s first-place Catholic Media Award for our multi-language Eucharistic revival video, showcasing our team's dedication. Fr. Damian received an honorable mention for his book, Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist.

Plus check out Fr. Damian on Pints with Aquinas.

Fr. Damian points to this article from the Hollywood Reporter about the movie, Wildcat being named one of the best of the year.