The John 3:30 Podcast

Episode 22 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with my two good friends and Brothers-in-Christ, Alan King and Eric Hinojosa. Alan is from El Paso, TX. He is married to Lydia and has one son Brian, who attends the University of Dallas. Eric is from Laredo, TX, married to Anna (who was attending her ACTS Retreat the weekend this episode was recorded!) and has two children: Ashley (She appeared on Episode 7) who currently attends The University of Dallas and Matthew who currently attends UTSA. What keeps Alan and Eric's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? Alan shared that music has played a big role in keeping his fire burning. He has served on many ACTS Retreats as a Drummer in the Music Ministry. He is also a member of a band called Sanctuary Society. They have opened for Christian Artists Steve Curtis Chapman, Building 429 and Matt Maher! Alan also talks about how having a group of Friends that you can share and learn more about the Catholic Faith helps keep his fire burning. Alan shares that he opens the door to evangelizing others by simply asking: "Where do you go to Church?" Eric talks about praying the Rosary and being involved with the Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio. He also sending Morning Prayers to family and friends as a group text. Eris also listens to the Divine Office Podcast as he drives. Both have prayed the Rosary/Liturgy of the Hours over the phone or by Video Call as a way to help each other sustain their Prayer Life. Items mentioned on the episode: Sanctuary Society YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SanctuarySocietyBand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sanctuary-Society-159347470775532/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Schoenstatt Movement of San Antonio: http://www.mountschoenstatt.org/ Divine Office Podcast: https://divineoffice.org/ The Magnificat: https://us.magnificat.net/ ACTS Missions: http://www.actsmissions.org/ A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 21 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Angela. She is a cradle Catholic and a native to San Antonio. She questioned Catholicism before her Confirmation. Angela studied English communication arts, marketing, and theology. At one point in her life, she discerned a Religious life with the Daughters of Saint Paul. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disorder in 2009. What keeps Angela's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? She speaks about how Faith in Suffering, Trust & Accountability have all helped her. Angela also shares the benefits of having both a Spiritual Director and a Confessor. Later in the episode, Angela explains what Scrupulosity is about and opens up about her struggles with it. We learn more about how she deepens her relationship with God thru Scripture and the Sacraments. Angela concludes with sharing some great memories from a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the Fall of 2010 that changed her Spiritual Life. Items mentioned on the episode: Rejoice Counseling Apostolate (They have updated their name since I worked with them.) https://www.rejoicecounseling.com Redemptorist Ministry to the Scrupulous http://scrupulousanonymous.org/about-scrupulous-anonymous A clarification regarding abuse: "Abuse in relationships can happen through means other than physical harm, such as verbal putdowns, controlling or manipulative behaviors. You should never feel 'trapped' in a relationship. Seek help - there is hope!" A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 20 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Nathan Garcia. A former Atheist, now a Catholic, father of two - a 3-year-old and a 2-month-old. He has a BA in Philosophy from St. Mary's College of CA, a Masters in Theology from Boston College. He is currently in year 2 of his PhD studies at The Oblate School of Theology. What keeps Nathan's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? He talks about how Inspiring and Faith-filled Literature help keep his flame lit. Jason learns a new word! Hagiography. Nathan also talks about getting involved with the Church and encourages other to do the same by finding a way to get involved that draws to your talents. Later in the episode, Nathan talks about experimenting with different types of prayer. Nathan gives a great explanation of Lectio Divina. A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 19 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Yvonne Garcia. Yvonne is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the past 20 years. She has a Masters in Counseling and will be transitioning to a fully licensed Counselor with her own Practice, after her retirement from the Fire Dept. What keeps Yvonne's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? She talks about "looking inward first to then look outward." She also talks about Shields of Christ Retreats. These are ACTS Retreats that are specifically for First Responders. Yvonne also shares how Spiritual Readings by Fr. Richard Rohr and Fr. Ron Rolheiser help keep her fire burning. Later in the episode, Yvonne talks about dreams and how this is how the Holy Spirit communicates with her. Jason also shares how he feels how the Holy Spirit communicates with him. Items mentioned in the episode: Shield of Christ – ACTS Retreats for First Responders, http://www.shieldsofchrist.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ShieldsofChrist Spiritual Readings by: Fr. Richard Rohr, Fr. Ron Rolheiser: Falling Upward, Dancing Standing Still, The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation – Fr. Richard Rohr Prayer, Our Deepest Longing – Fr. Ron Rolheiser The Cross Room: https://www.saint-mike.org/library/inspiration/cross_room.html Conspire Conference: https://cac.org/conspire-2017-overview/ A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 18 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with my friends John and Kathryn Packard Ellis. John is a successful Businessman and Kathryn is the CEO of the Ellis household. They have been married for 18 years, they first met back when they were 6 years old! They are parents of 4 boys, ranging in age from 15 – 5. What keeps their fire burning for our Catholic Faith? They talk about attending the first ever Holy Spirit Lovestrong Retreat. John shares the story of them attending the retreat and how much of an impact it made on him and his marriage. Both John and Kathryn share how this special retreat helped them go down a different path with their marriage, giving them fundamental tools to use going forward and how it provided an opportunity to take a step back and look at their marriage completely different than how they had been before. Kathryn talks about how beneficial it is to have an army of support with the Lovestrong Community going forward after the retreat weekend. We learn that they are the "Lead Couple" for the upcoming Lovestrong Retreat, which will be held at The Church of the Holy Spirit in San Antonio TX from September 08 – 10, 2017. Our conversation goes to our children and how Lovestrong and ACTS impacts their Faith. To register for the upcoming Lovestrong Retreats or for more information, please visit: http://lovestrongmarriage.com/ A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Genie Nunez provides the "laugh track" for this episode. Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 17 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with my Brother in Christ, Rafael Saenz. Rafael is a Husband and Father of two. He is a Public-School Teacher as well as a Special Education Case Manager. What keeps Rafael's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? He talks about reading scripture daily, using group text messaging to communicate daily scripture - sending pages of devotionals. He also attends The Men's Faith Group at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX. Rafael shares a great story of how "Prayer on Demand" can made a big impact on others. We let our Catholic Geek Flag fly by exploring the similarities of Star Wars and Catholicism. Praying with Childlike Faith closes out the episode. #HolySpiritOnFire Mentioned during the episode: That Man is You! http://paradisusdei.org/that-man-is-you A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 16 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Mr. Ministry himself, George Campa!! George is a graduate of Texas A&M Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering and two minors in Mathematics and Chemistry. He has a background in engineering and Financial Crimes. In his spare time, he is the current President of The Young Adult Initiative of San Antonio, formerly involved with The Young Catholic Professionals of San Antonio, several Young Adult Ministry in San Antonio - St. Leo's and St. Matthew's (YC3), and is also a catechist at his home Parish, Our Lady of The Angels. What keeps George's fire burning for our Catholic Faith? He talks about being vulnerable and humble. He explains how "Retreating" and praying while in walks or car rides helps him. He opens about his love for the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the St. Michael Chaplet, the Daily Examine and gives insight into the prayers he offers up during the Mass. I learned a great deal during my conversation with George, give it a listen and I am sure you will too! Items mentioned during the episode: Divine Mercy Chaplet: http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/praythechaplet.php St Michael Chaplet https://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/chaplet-of-st-michael.htm 3 Minute Retreat Email: http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer The Daily Examen App: http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/23542/reimagining-examen-app The Laudate App: https://catholicapps.com/laudate/ A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer!! Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 15 is here!! In this special "Milestone" episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Daniel and Abraham Nunez, my two sons!! They are your average 10 and 12-year-old boys growing up in a world that presents many different challenges compared to past generations. How do they keep their fire burning for our Catholic Faith? Daniel talks about learning about his Faith by "connecting the dots,' Altar Serving and listening to other speak about our Catholic Faith (like Matthew Kelly from Dynamic Catholic) helps keeps his fire burning. Abraham shares that he likes he Community aspect of our Faith and Singing at Mass. Later in the episode, they turn the tables and ask our me the "magic" question!! Towards the end, we learn who their favorite Christian Musical Artists are as well. They did a great job!! A BIG Thank you to Dr. Jeff Vista, Executive Producer, and to the Solis Family. Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 14 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Nikko Trinidad. He is a graduate of The University of Incarnate Word, originally from Los Angeles, CA. Nikko is a Parishioner at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, here in San Antonio, TX. We find out what keeps his fire burning for our Catholic Faith. He talks about being a part of a Christian Leadership Class in High School, he also shares how attending a Kairos and a ACTS Retreat have helped keep his fire burning. The phrase: "Thank you, I'm Sorry, and I love You" are discussed and how they impact him and his Faith. One of the ways he shares his Faith with others, is by being an active member of Armor, which is a Young Adult Group at St. Jerome's Catholic Church. Nikko shares how his Polynesian Culture plays a part in his day to day Faith Life. He treats us to a Samoan Version of the Our Father, performed by Jamoa Jam. Speaking of Polynesian culture, Nikko shares a brief lesson on the "Haka." Later in the episode, a debate about In-N-Out Burer & Whataburger turns into speaking about St. Michael the Archangel in Kabuki form. How did that happen? Hit play and let's find out, together. Special thanks to Nikko's girlfriend Morgan, for joining in the conversation as well. Armor Young Adult Ministry Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/stjeromeyoungadults Jamoa Jam - The Our Father in Samoan: https://youtu.be/iYZiyQvoHAI Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted. Like what you hear? Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thejohn330podcast

Episode 13 is here!! In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with Tai Tong. She is a Senior at Texas A&M, pursuing a Degree in Genetics and is currently discerning a Religious Life with the Daughters of St. Paul. While at home in Helotes, TX, Tai attends Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and while at College Station, she attends St. Mary's. We find out how she keeps her fire burning for our Catholic Faith. We discuss her favorite Christian Musical Artists, Liturgy of the Hours, attending Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration and Veiling while attending Mass. She shares how she felt the call to discern a Religious Life and her experiences far. Tia also talks about the Holy Family Institute Chaplet. We round out our conversation with her involvement in being an Extra Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist and her interests in Theology of the Body. More information about Veiling can be found here: https://churchpop.com/2014/12/08/10-reasons-women-wearing-veils-church/ More information about The Holy Family Institute Chaplet can her found here: http://www.hfiusa.org/ More information on Theology of the Body can be found here: http://www.theologyofthebody.net/ **God Loves Science Talk Series** Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 13715 Riggs Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 - Day 1: Sunday, 07/23/17 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm Parish Hall <> Dangers of putting God on trial through Science <> Theology and Philosophy - Day 2: Sunday 07/30/17 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Guadalupe Room <> Creation and Big Bang Theory <> Theory of Evolution Parish Hall -Day 3: Sunday 08/06/17 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm <> Theology of the Body <> Navigating through Science and Technology with a Catholic Compass Special thanks to Philip Strauch III for providing the Outro Music, "He must Increase." Text and Tune copyrighted.