Have you ever met someone so focused on one specific part of the Catholic faith that they forget the rest of it? Whether it’s the pro-life movement, Eucharistic adoration, climate advocacy, or the rosary, it’s easy to turn a beautiful devotion into a "holy little legalism."In Episode 43 of the Trust in God Podcast, Grant and Father Bennett discuss the danger of treating your favorite Catholic pet project as the entire faith. We break down why the Mass is the true source and summit of our faith, how St. Francis and Mother Teresa perfectly balanced their specific missions with universal church unity, and how to avoid the trap of Protestant-style fracturing inside the modern Catholic Church.If you want to know how to perfectly balance your unique spiritual gifts without losing sight of the Body of Christ, this episode is for you.Chapters: 00:00 The Danger of "Holy Little Legalisms"02:16 When Good Catholic Devotions Become a Trap04:40 Why the Catholic Church is Not Monolithic08:57 The True Source and Summit of Faith09:57 Why We View The Mass Backwards14:20 The Cult of the Christian "Pet Project"18:01 What St. Francis of Assisi Did Right20:58 Essentials vs. Non-Essentials in Catholicism28:50 The Non-Negotiable Catholic Precepts38:07 Finding Your Specific Role in the Church43:35 Letting Go of Past Church Ministries47:36 The Mother Teresa Principle54:15 A Closing Prayer for Church UnityFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

In this episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we tackle the messy reality of the modern political landscape. If you've ever felt torn between your faith and your duty as a citizen, this conversation is for you. We dive deep into the Church’s teaching on the dignity of the human person, the "hierarchy of issues," and how to navigate elections without losing your identity in tribalism.We don't just talk about policies; we talk about priorities. Are we putting God first, or are we letting politics become our religion? Join Father Bennett and Grant as we explore how to form our consciences, vote with integrity, and keep our focus on the Kingdom of God.In this video:0:00 - Introduction: The messiness of pop politics1:32 - The Catholic position on being pro-life2:13 - Avoiding the tribalism of Red vs. Blue6:39 - The reality of political compromise11:00 - The hierarchy of social issues15:06 - The role of the informed electorate24:30 - Hypothetical: Can a Catholic vote for a "bad" candidate?36:00 - Saint Thomas Aquinas on political systems40:50 - The proper order: God, Family, Politics46:57 - Closing prayer for wisdom and guidanceFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

If you’re buying flowers for Mother’s Day, you’re missing the point. In this episode, Grant and Father Bennett reveal the one thing your mother cherishes more than any gift card or bouquet.Honoring your mother is a divine commandment, but as we grow into adulthood, that relationship becomes complex. We explore how to honor moms who are struggling, why your faith is the greatest gift you can give her, and how the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as the ultimate model for motherhood in the midst of suffering. Whether your family is "idyllic" or deeply broken, discover how to give the gift of grace and presence this year.In this video:Why Father Bennett says flowers are the "wrong" gift.How to honor parents struggling with addiction or bad choices.The "St. Monica Strategy" for praying your children back to the Church.A deep dive into the Fourth Commandment and end-of-life care.Video Chapters0:00 - The Truth About Mother’s Day1:17 - Honoring Parents as an Adult3:50 - Cooperation with God: The Gift of Life6:08 - When You’re Not "Ready" for Motherhood7:35 - Joseph, Mary, and the "Dysfunctional" Holy Family11:17 - How to Honor a Mom Who Screws Up14:15 - JD Vance, Addiction, and the Fourth Commandment18:50 - When Children Go Astray: A Parent’s Pain24:30 - St. Monica: The Mom Who Never Gave Up26:35 - The Seven Sorrows of Motherhood32:43 - What Mom Really Wants (It’s Not Flowers)40:18 - The Hardest Part of Honoring Your Parents49:31 - A Special Blessing for All MothersFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

If you’ve ever looked out your window and seen four different churches on one street, you might wonder: How can the Church be "One"?

In this episode of the Trust in God Podcast, Grant and Father Bennett dive deep into the Nicene Creed to unpack the four foundational pillars of our faith: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. Many Catholics rattle these words off every Sunday without realizing they are a roadmap for our relationship with God.

Father Bennett explains why the Church is a "hospital for sinners," not a "museum for saints," and how the Apostolic authority given to Peter still guides us today. Whether you are struggling with the Church's history or looking for a reason to come back to the sacraments, this conversation reveals how the Holy Spirit is calling you into a deeper, transformative unity.

In this video, you will learn:

• The difference between "spiritual" and "religious."
• Why the Church remains "One" despite human division.
• The true meaning of "Catholic" (it’s more than just a name).
• How Apostolic succession protects the truth of the Gospel.

Video Chapters

0:00 The problem with "One" Church
0:01:45 Where the 4 Marks come from
0:03:10 Is the Church actually ONE?
0:06:20 Christ’s prayer for unity
0:13:00 Why the Church is HOLY (despite scandals)
0:21:40 The Vine and the Branches
0:26:10 A hospital for sinners
0:29:40 What "CATHOLIC" really means
0:33:50 All are welcome, but all must change
0:38:20 The power of APOSTOLIC authority
0:45:50 Why Rome holds the Primacy
0:49:15 Your role in the Great Commission
0:54:10 Don’t treat the Church like a hobby
0:58:30 Prayer for your transformation

For more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:

🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/
📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer
📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999
🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973
🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff

To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here:
https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations

Have you ever wondered if God even hears your prayers? In this episode, Father Bennett and Grant reveal why your prayer life feels transactional and how to fix it today.If you feel like you're talking to the ceiling or struggling with spiritual dryness, you aren't alone. Many Christians fall into the trap of "Cheap Grace" or "Vending Machine Prayer," where we only talk to God when we want something. Father Bennett breaks down the ACTS model of prayer (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) to help you move from a transactional relationship to a transformational one.We discuss why God performs miracles for some and not others, how to handle "Catholic Guilt," and what to do when you feel completely empty in your faith. Whether you are a "prayer warrior" or just starting out, this deep dive will help you align your will with God’s.Struggling with a specific prayer? Let us know in the comments so we can pray with you.Chapters0:00 Why God feels silent when you pray2:02 The only truly "bad" prayer4:15 Stop treating God like a vending machine7:50 Why Lazarus was raised (and we aren't)13:36 The "ACTS" model for better prayer19:40 Adoration: Why proximity to God matters23:55 Moving past "Catholic Guilt" and shame31:00 How to trust God when He says "No"40:15 The secret to "Search Everywhere" faith54:55 Mother Teresa and dealing with spiritual dryness1:02:30 A powerful closing prayer for youFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

If you’ve ever found your heart or mind at odds with what the Catholic Church teaches, you aren't alone. Whether it’s a struggle with hot-button moral issues or simply not understanding the "why" behind ancient dogmas, many Catholics feel like they are "hopping over the guardrails."In Episode 38 of The Trust in God Podcast, Grant and Father Bennett dive deep into the difference between "protest dissent" and "faith seeking understanding." We explore the limits of Papal Infallibility, the role of the Magisterium, and how to navigate personal preferences vs. divine law.If you feel lukewarm or confused about your faith, this conversation offers a path back to clarity through humility and inquiry.In this episode, we cover:The definition of the Magisterium (The Church’s Teaching Office).Why the Pope isn't "infallible" about everything (like baseball teams).How to handle disagreements over liturgy and parish "preferences."Navigating hard teachings on contraception and LGBT relationships.The danger of a "Democratic" or "Relative" approach to faith.Challenge for the week:Don't stay in the dark. If you have a question you've been hiding from, email your priest or set up a time to talk. Seek the understanding your faith deserves.Chapters0:00 Why we struggle with Church teaching1:45 What is the Magisterium?4:05 Is the Pope always right?5:40 Dissent vs. Seeking Understanding10:15 Preferences vs. Faith and Morals15:30 Dying to your own preferences19:10 How the Church handles new technology24:45 Navigating hot-button moral issues30:00 The trap of moral relativism38:15 Overcoming difficulty with ancient dogmas43:10 The "Democratic Church" mistake49:40 Legitimate vs. Illegitimate dissent54:40 My Challenge: Talk to a priest1:01:20 Why we shouldn't just go through the motions1:04:45 A Prayer for Clarity and HumilityFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

If you think Easter is just about bunnies and eggs, you might be missing the most significant event in human history. In this episode of the Trusting God podcast, Grant and Father Bennett dive deep into the resurrection of Jesus to explain why Easter is actually the "highest holy day" for Christians—even more important than Christmas.We break down the Passover connection, the hidden meaning behind Easter symbols, and why the Easter season lasts 50 days. If you’ve ever wondered why the resurrection fundamentally changes everything for a believer, this deep dive is for you.Video Chapters0:00 Why Easter is longer than Lent0:49 The problem with cultural Easter symbols2:49 What is Easter really?3:55 Why Easter is more important than Christmas8:46 The history of the Triduum11:48 The hidden meaning of eggs and bunnies13:37 How Passover explains the Resurrection21:55 Why the Easter season is 50 days long26:59 Evidence for the Crucifixion and Resurrection35:36 Why did Jesus have to die?41:54 How to live out the Great Commission50:34 A prayer for the Holy Spirit’s courageFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff To give and support the work Jesus is doing click here: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/donations We’re excited to grow with you!

Why are all Catholic priests men? In this deep-dive episode of the Trusting God Podcast, Grant sits down with Father Bennett to tackle one of the most frequent and "hot button" questions in the Catholic Church today: the male-only priesthood.

We explore the theology of the Incarnation, the concept of In Persona Christi, and why Jesus chose twelve men despite having many influential female disciples. Whether you are seeking clarity on Church tradition or struggling with the idea of equality in ministry, this conversation provides a perspective on the "feminine genius" and the specific callings God has for every individual.

In this video, you will discover:

The ontological difference between the "Male" and "Feminine" genius.

The mystery of the Priest as the "Bridegroom" to the Church.

The immense authority and influence of Religious Sisters (Nuns).

How to trust God with your specific calling even when it feels "unfair."

#Catholic #Priesthood #FatherBennett #TrustingGod #Theology #faith

Chapters (Timecodes)

0:00 Why are all Catholic priests men?

0:46 Addressing the "Female Ordination" movement

3:02 The Incarnation: Why God took a male body

10:21 What is a Priest? (Old vs. New Testament)

13:46 The Ontological difference: Male & Female genius

19:06 The Priest as Bridegroom to the Church

23:30 In Persona Christi: The meaning of ordination

30:34 Why Jesus didn’t choose female Apostles

34:12 Is the Priesthood "Fair"? (Favor vs. Grace)

45:39 The power of Religious Sisters and Motherhood

56:45 Challenge: Finding your specific calling

1:01:06 A Closing Prayer for your vocation

For more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff We’re excited to grow with you!

Have you ever struggled to know what God actually wants for your life? Most of us wait for a "booming voice," but today’s guest, Keira Urbano, shares how she learned to hear God in the smallest moments of silence—even after a life-altering injury.In this episode of the Trusting God Podcast, we sit down with Keira Urbano, a high school junior who recently spoke to 20,000 people at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis. Keira shares her powerful testimony of how tearing her ACL became the turning point in her faith journey, leading her to a deeper understanding of daily discernment.Why discernment isn't just for "big" decisions like marriage or priesthood.How God speaks through other people (even when we are hard-headed).The importance of youth leading youth in the Church today.Practical tips for finding silence in a world full of social media distractions.Watch Keira Urbano's full NCYC Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWx_7N3DUo4 Check out Keira's Church in Demotte: https://stceciliademotte.org/ Video Chapters00:00 Introduction: Meeting Keira Urbano01:19 Speaking to 20,000 People at NCYC02:38 The Selection Process & Coaching04:04 Overcoming Nerves Through Prayer06:49 How a Torn ACL Changed Everything09:23 Hearing God Through Other People11:00 What is Daily Discernment?13:00 The Story of Samuel: Learning to Listen18:14 Why Youth Need to Lead Youth25:00 How Adults Can Support Young Faith35:00 Finding Your Piece of the Puzzle42:19 Advice for Your Faith Low Points43:12 Closing Prayer for DiscernmentFor more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff We’re excited to grow with you!

If you walked into your office and said you hit a semi-truck on the highway, but didn't have a scratch on you, nobody would believe you. Why? Because you can’t encounter something that powerful and stay the same.

In this episode, Father Bennett and Grant dive into the "Psychology of the Encounter." Most of us treat God like a religious routine, but a real encounter is a "pattern interrupt" that shatters our expectations. We break down the stories of the Woman at the Well, the Rich Young Man, and Naaman to show you why you might be missing God in the mundane.

If you feel stuck in your faith, this video will help you identify the 3 signs of a true spiritual breakthrough and how to stop relying on yourself and start trusting in His presence.

Chapters:

0:00 The Semi-Truck Analogy

1:45 What is a "Scrutiny"?5:38 The Woman at the Well: Labels vs. Truth

10:20 Why the Rich Young Man Walked Away Sad

14:45 Why Naaman Almost Missed His Healing

17:15 The Simplicity of the Eucharist23:15 Grant’s Story: Almost Dropping the Host

35:40 Breaking the "Cradle Catholic" Fog

40:50 Father Bennett’s Call to Priesthood

49:30 The Number One Sign of an Encounter

54:00 A Prayer for Your Week

For more information about St. Michael the Archangel Pastorate, visit:🌐 Website: https://stmichaelpastorate.org/📱 Facebook (St. Augustine, Rensselaer): https://www.facebook.com/staugustinerensselaer📱 Facebook (Sacred Heart, Remington): https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartremington📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelpastorate/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelthearchangelpast999🟣 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-in-god-podcast/id1845406973 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7f6OQsJ3gD8mNAZqMyMLaW?si=312994efcd894cff We’re excited to grow with you!