Roar Like The Lamb

On July 16, Pope Francis issued the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which limits the use of the 1962 Roman Missal. The accompanying letter explains some of his reasoning. With due respect and deference to His Holiness' office, the letter and the document itself are disappointing. We talk about it and how we can respond well.

Check out our conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d0GJAKazkwY 

We need hobbies, we need recreation. But how often do we really find that restorative time that rebuilds us? In carrying out ministry, we need to keep time for prayer and the Lord as a priority. Leisure time needs to be true leisure. Take advantage of summer and examine your own life - this is a perfect time to recognize where we're weak, where we're strong, and how God can work in our hearts to call us to something greater.

Leisure the Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper is a classic examination of how leisure is best used and it's theological/philosophical purpose.

Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hih9p3IlnPU

After a week at Catholic Heart Workcamp, Paola and Fr. Sam reflect on lessons learned, and a refreshed awareness of the challenges facing young people especially going into a post-covid world. The trip was great (in spite of Fr. Sam having bus insomnia and taken the easy way out by flying home on the return leg), and the teens had an amazing week of service and spiritual growth. 

After a year with lots of isolation, our teens inspired by their example, and gave us a lot to think about.

Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PtjFe3-gsio 

Paola is back from Spiritual Director training with FOCUS and the Life Teen national youth ministry convention! In the first half, we talk about lessons learned about spiritual direction and the need for good formation. In the second half, we'll talk about the beauty of youth ministry and Fr. Sam's fool-proof defense against poolside pick-up lines.

Check out the great work done by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and Life Teen!

One of the biggest influences in Fr. Sam's faith journey is a man named Sean Forrest. Sean was the youth minister at St. James in Stratford, CT, where he introduced young people to Jesus in a powerful way. From there, the Lord took him to performing music and speaking on a national level. Sean has recorded and published, and several years ago, founded Haiti 180, an incredible orphanage, school, medical clinic, and charitable outreach to people in need. 

Check out Sean's work with Haiti 180 at haiti180.com

For more on Sean and his ministry, visit www.seanforrest.com

Check out the video of this conversation at https://youtu.be/Ez_q4BlJIRs 

Samantha Kelley is a former Division 1 soccer player for UConn. After college she worked with student athletes for five years through FOCUS and Varsity Catholic. She currently holds a Masters in Catholic Psychology from Divine Mercy University and is pursuing Theology of the Body teaching Certification through the Theology of the Body Institute.

Samantha speaks nationally on topics of Sport, Femininity, Theology of the Body, Prayer, and any other topics that fit within the mission of FIERCE Athlete, Inc.

While Paola is away, Sam was conned by Fr. Sam into recording an episode of Roar Like the Lamb. She's a great person, incredibly talented, and is doing great things to minister to women. 

Please have a look at the great work done by FIERCE Athlete at https://fierceathlete.org. Check out the podcast and social media offerings! 

Check out the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/dg8ubnFRp9g

This one is low on content, high on shenanigans. That's why it's a bonus episode.

We’re making this one up as we go and learning how to be wrong while still trying to be right. And even there, you better believe we’re finding spiritual lessons. Also, summer plans discussed. 

Show notes: The House just voted to make pizza Connecticut’s state food (update: the bill died before the expiration of the legislative session, and there was wailing and grinding of teeth) 

Catholic HEART Workcamp is a great service organization providing opportunities for Catholic youth to put their faith in action each summer, and we’re thrilled to be able to work with them each year https://heartworkcamp.com

Description: In this special audio-only episode of Roar Like the Lamb, Paola is in the hot seat answering questions about evangelization and being a missionary. She and Fr. Sam discuss the best approach to sharing the Gospel and the different ways lay people and priests can be in mission to the world.

Show notes:

If you don’t already know about the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, please do yourself a favor and visit www.focus.org.

We talk about 2 Timothy 2, but the verse Paola was searching for was 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “With such affection for you, we determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but also our very selves, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

Description: How heavy is a cloud? Paola knows! And the leadership lessons we can learn from Joseph (the Old Testament Joseph) and from suffering, and how to start leading others in service.

Show notes: 

(Book) The Catholic Vision for Leading Like Jesus: Introducing S3 Leadership -- Servant, Steward, Shepherd by Owen Phelps

https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Vision-Leading-Like-Jesus/dp/1612788750

Description: We know the world needs mercy, that we need mercy. But how do we become instruments of mercy – how do we bring mercy to the world? Forgiveness is hard, and necessary, and possible! *SPOILER* Paola probably cries a little

Show notes: For an amazing testimony of forgiveness, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkoE_GQsbNA

From the John Paul II Healing Center, prayerful steps for forgiveness