In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina discusses the significance of the Lenten season, emphasizing the importance of prayer, humility, and self-reflection.

Drawing from the wisdom of St. John of the Cross, she encourages listeners to view Lent as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. Christina highlights the need to conquer negative speech and to abandon oneself to God's will, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with the divine.

Takeaways

• Lent is an opportunity for spiritual growth.
• St. John of the Cross offers wisdom for the Lenten journey.
• Prayer is essential for a good spiritual life.
• Conquering the tongue is more important than fasting.
• Humility involves recognizing our own nothingness.
• We should view Lent with gratitude, not obligation.
• Fasting should include withdrawing from earthly distractions.
• The importance of daily prayer and sacraments is emphasized.
• We must change our perspective on Lent to see its value.
• Abandoning ourselves to God's will leads to true fulfillment.

Sound Bites

• "I actually enjoy the Lenten season."

• "Look at Lent as an opportunity."

• "God is God and I am not."

• "You change the world by changing yourself."

• "Lent is such a great gift."

Chapters

00:00 Embracing the Lenten Season

02:23 Preparing for Lent with St. John of the Cross

06:11 Changing Perspectives on Lent

07:36 The Importance of Prayer

13:48 Conquering the Tongue

20:16 Humility and Abandoning to God's Will

Preparation Day Welcome Road to Hope Lent 2025

In this engaging conversation, Christina Semmens interviews Teresa Tomeo about her new book, 'Italy's Shrines and Wonders.' Teresa shares her personal journey of faith, her deep connection to Italy, and the inspiration behind her book, which serves as a guide to sacred spaces and cultural experiences in Italy. The discussion highlights the importance of savoring the beauty of Italy, planning meaningful pilgrimages, and the transformative power of travel and faith. Teresa also reflects on the challenges of writing the book and her hopes for its impact on readers.Takeaways

• Teresa's new book focuses on Italy's sacred spaces.

• Travel can deepen one's faith and connection to God.

• Experiencing local culture is essential when visiting Italy.

• Planning a pilgrimage requires patience and flexibility.

• Italy is meant to be savored, not rushed.

• The book serves as a guide for both first-time and veteran travelers.

• Teresa emphasizes the importance of the saints in her journey.

• Writing the book was a labor of love and a challenge.

• Traveling in Italy can lead to profound spiritual experiences.

• The beauty of Italy can inspire and strengthen one's faith.

Sound Bites

• "It's called Italy's Shrines and Wonders."

• "Italy is very much connected to it."

• "This book is stealth evangelization."

• "You have to experience a slice of life."

• "I love the saints."

• "You could do this."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Teresa Tomeo and Her New Book

01:01 Teresa's Journey and Connection to Italy

05:08 Exploring Italy's Sacred Spaces

09:52 Experiencing Italian Life and Culture

15:01 Planning Your Pilgrimage to Italy

20:12 The Challenges and Rewards of Writing the Book

25:01 Personal Growth Through Travel and Faith

30:07 Conclusion and Where to Find the Book

Summary

In this conversation, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Jubilee year, emphasizing the themes of hope, unity, and forgiveness. She discusses the importance of striving for reconciliation in a divided world, the power of forgiveness in personal relationships, and the responsibility of individuals to engage with their communities. Semmens encourages listeners to root themselves in God's word and to live out their calling to holiness, ultimately presenting a vision for a unified church that embodies Christ's teachings.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

06:03 The Importance of Unity

15:13 Community Engagement and Responsibility

20:52 Living Out God's Will

26:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this heartfelt conversation, Christina Semmens reflects on the new year following the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of hope, change, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace new beginnings and make resolutions that align with God's will. Christina shares insights on the power of small, daily steps towards transformation and the significance of faith in navigating life's challenges. She concludes with a call to abandon oneself to God and strive for an extraordinary life, filled with purpose and love.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 New Beginnings and Personal Reflection

09:55 The Power of Change and Hope

20:03 Daily Resolutions and Small Steps

23:08 Abandoning to God and Living an Extraordinary Life

Taylor discusses the importance of storytelling, the integration of prayer, and the goal of inspiring holiness in viewers. The episode concludes with reflections on personal faith, the significance of patience in the spiritual journey, and the call to conversion.

Takeaways

Taylor Kemp transitioned from a professional soccer career to theology.

Symbolon serves as a vital resource for faith formation.

The series emphasizes the call to holiness for all individuals.

Revamping Symbolon focuses on American Catholic history and local stories.

Each episode integrates salvation history, pilgrimage, theology, and prayer.

The goal is to deepen devotion to the Eucharist and the Catholic faith.

Patience is essential in the journey of faith and holiness.

The series aims to inspire viewers to live out their faith heroically.

Personal experiences shape the way faith is taught and shared.

The Augustine Institute supports parish leaders in their ministry efforts.

Sound Bites

"I had a pretty radical and powerful conversion."

"Symbolon is a beautiful entry point."

"Every single one of us is called to sainthood."

"I felt so privileged to be a part of it."

"Patience is the fundamental virtue for you."

"The work of holiness is an act done by God."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Taylor Kemp and His Journey

05:47 The Symbolon Series: A New Initiative

12:42 Revamping Symbolon: Focus on American Catholic History

17:51 Structure of Symbolon: Integrating Faith and Prayer

22:05 Goals of the Revamped Symbolon Series

25:24 Personal Reflections on Faith and Holiness

32:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on her personal journey of grief following the passing of her husband, Paul. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving, and how it aligns with the beginning of the liturgical year. Christina discusses the significance of Christ the King and the Kingdom of God, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God. She draws inspiration from saints and highlights the need to live by principles rather than feelings, ultimately urging everyone to find gratitude amidst life's challenges and to trust in God's plan.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Gratitude

05:46 Understanding Christ the King

11:44 The Kingdom of God and Intimacy with the Father

17:25 Inspiration from Saints and Community

24:03 Living by Principles, Not Feelings

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens and Dave Plisky discuss the ongoing impact of a study on intentional discipleship, the importance of spiritual direction, and the launch of the Religion to Reality webinar series. They explore the findings of the study, including the barriers to evangelization and the need for community and ongoing formation. The conversation highlights the significance of integrating faith into daily life and the generational differences in discipleship, emphasizing the need for in-person community engagement.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth

04:14 Understanding the Study and Its Findings

09:52 Religion to Reality Webinar Series

17:49 Insights on Spiritual Direction

23:57 The Importance of Community and Ongoing Formation

31:59 Generational Differences in Discipleship

39:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens shares her personal journey of faith and grief as her husband battles lung cancer. She reflects on the significance of the liturgical feasts of All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and the Communion of Saints, emphasizing the importance of striving for holiness, deepening one's love for God, and the power of prayer and intercession for the departed. Christina discusses the necessity of real effort in faith, the role of sacrifice, and the impact of indulgences, encouraging listeners to live in the present and act with intention to fulfill their spiritual mission.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Journey Through Grief and Faith

06:06 The Importance of Real Effort in Faith

11:51 Intercession and Sacrifice for Souls

22:11 Living in the Present and Seizing the Day

Takeaways

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Catholic Talent Project

06:29 Thomas Carroll's Faith Journey and Background

11:19 Strengthening Catholic Identity in Education

16:09 Recruiting and Cultivating Talent in Catholic Schools

21:56 The Importance of Witness in Catholic Education

28:08 Challenges Facing Catholic Education Today

33:46 The Future of Catholic Education and Leadership

41:31 Inspiration from the Next Generation of Catholics

46:43 Getting Involved with the Catholic Talent Project

51:36 Leaving Suggestions for Upcoming Podcasts

To learn more about The Catholic Talent Project, go to: https://catholictalentproject.org/