How are doubt and uncertainty experienced in the life and faith journey? For Phil D’Rozario, it is this movement from knowing to unknowing that describes his current expression of spirituality. Whilst not disregarding how uncomfortable this space of searching can be, Phil nevertheless describes this drive to seek out meaning and purpose as part of his next steps to rediscovering newness in his life and faith experience.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

It was from the inspiration of role models and the spirit of accompanying others in need that drew Ailsa Mackinnon to join the Sisters of Mercy. When it comes to formation and human development, she sees that the particular offering of the Sisters of Mercy is the prioritising of meeting people where they are at and empowering women, through education, toward a flourishing of life and service in the wider world. It is this message of empowerment and flourishing that Ailsa regards as timeless priorities for women, enabling them to fully participate in the mission of God’s heart.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

“If I met God face to face now, would God say, ‘I’m proud of you?’“ Kim, Francis & Donnie together ponder the question which was anonymously shared by someone in their mid 20s-40s. Drawing on their own personal experiences on their relationship with God and whether or not such a statement would be said by God. One common theme from their sharing is that perhaps it is the ‘journey’ of engaging with the question of what God would say in a face-to-face experience that says more about ourselves and our relationship with God.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

What does it mean to be called a 'disciple' of Jesus? Alison Ryan takes us on a life & faith reflection on what it means to be a disciple - a student. As disciple-students, a Christian is called to learn a particular way of being: to be a student who invites others to become students as well. Students learn. Students fail.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

James Camden is a young married family man who works as the Head of Mission Engagement in the Diocese of Parramatta. From aspiring lawyer, to journalist, television actor and youth worker, James has found his current expression of professional work through the Church. There’s a theme of ‘legacy’ that he carries through his story, from what his work through Church means for him, to what it means for his children, as well as the future of the Church. What does or can the Church look like in 20-30 years from now?

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

Paul Harris is a man who knows and feels known by a God who is love. It is this relationship that forms his conviction as a gay man to joyfully live a life in faith where all are welcome. For Paul, it is God's vision that no one is excluded from love - and that all may experience life to the full.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

Why is it so hard to talk about our faith & religion today? Donnie, along with conversation partners Kim Chong and Francis O’Callaghan chat about their own experiences as a response to this question.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

Patty Andrew is a local wisdom figure who engages with the world with the heart of a curious learner. As both the recipient and practitioner of an integrative approach to education, she lives her life & faith attentive to the goodness and God-ness already present in the other. As a religious sister, Patty describes her Ursuline community as nurturers of a spirituality that is both contemplative and active. For her, this spirituality breathes the ever ancient, ever new universal call to holiness that has existed in the Christian story; and which is most markedly attributed to Vatican II’s call for renewal in modern times.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

Meet Jane Sio who shares with us her experience of her Samoan upbringing, navigating family, school and faith. Her story of struggle and encountering community through the Mt Druitt Parish youth group provided space for her to ask real questions on purpose, empowerment of young people and her own personal spiritual journey. At the end of her podcast, Jane talks about a moment at her workplace with a surprising colleague whose conversation and faith moves her to tears.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au

Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton once said, “When we’re truly listening, we also have to anticipate that we might become changed by what we’ve heard.” On the theme of "listening", Donnie reflects on an experience whilst working from home during Covid lockdown in 2021. He invites some pondering on the learnings from this experience and how listening with “wonder” can translate into everyday conversation.

Podcast backstory: Over 125 people around Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains were consulted for what they wanted in a life & faith podcast. Overwhelming feedback showed interest for “people’s stories” and “everyday experiences sparking deep thought.” This is what Pastoral Formation wants to deliver through the episodes on the Soul Food podcast.

Come along with the team on this journey of storytelling, listening & discovery! Everyone has a story!

For more works by Pastoral Formation, visit www.pfparra.org.au