Happy Lent! In this essential episode of the Trust in God Podcast, Grant and Father Barnett dive deep into the true meaning and transformative power of the Lenten season. Beyond simply 'giving up chocolate,' Lent is a powerful 40-day journey of preparation for the Paschal Mystery, designed to reorient our entire being towards Christ.We explore the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – revealing their interconnectedness and how they work together to bring about lasting spiritual change. From challenging fasts that reorder your life to cultivating a deeper listening prayer, and discovering how your 'surplus' can bless others, this episode provides practical insights for a more meaningful Lent.Discover why Lent is not just about personal sacrifice, but a communal journey ('Team Lent!') that strengthens our bond with God and each other. We also tackle common pitfalls, like treating Confession as only an 'emergency room,' and offer advice for staying committed to your Lenten resolutions even during spring break or travel.This isn't about Catholic guilt; it's about embracing a season of self-assessment and purification to truly lay down our burdens and prepare for the jubilant celebration of Easter.In this episode, you'll learn:The biblical roots and purpose of the 40-day Lenten fast.How prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are profoundly integrated.Practical ways to deepen your prayer life beyond just 'doing more.'Why more frequent Confession is like preventative spiritual medicine.How to turn your Lenten 'surplus' (time, money, resources) into almsgiving.Tips for maintaining your Lenten commitments even when your routine is disrupted.Don't let Lent be just another tradition. Embrace this season for true transformation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into living a faith-filled life.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!

What happens when everything you thought about the Catholic Church is turned upside down? In this powerful episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we sit down with Isaac Cohen, who shares his incredible journey from growing up Baptist in small-town Indiana to finding his home and calling in the Catholic faith.Isaac candidly reveals his childhood perspective, where Catholics were seen as 'evil' and their beliefs misguided. He details the spark that ignited his search for something more: the undeniable joy and deep faith of a Catholic friend in college. This led him down a path of discovery, wrestling with deeply held assumptions about Mary, the Pope, purgatory, and even the Sacraments.Join us as Isaac unpacks the beauty, reverence, and profound depth he found in Catholicism, from its architecture and art to the truth of the Eucharist and the power of genuine community. This isn't just a conversion story; it's a testament to God's unfolding grace, the importance of sincere invitation, and the transformative power of a patient, prayerful journey into faith.Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, a curious seeker, or wrestling with your own faith questions, Isaac's story will challenge and inspire you to trust in God's unique call for your life.In this episode, you'll discover:How a friendship challenged preconceived notions about Catholics.The surprising truths that led a Baptist to embrace the Eucharist.Why beauty, reverence, and community were crucial in Isaac's conversion.The essential role of patient, incarnational evangelization.And why your invitation might be the spark someone needs for their faith journey!Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if Isaac's story inspires you! Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear it.YouTube Chapters0:00 Intro: From Baptist to Catholic0:41 Meet Isaac: My Faith Journey Begins1:34 Breaking Out: Why I Sought More Than Tradition2:47 My Baptist Upbringing: Scripture & High School3:56 "Catholics are Evil": Preconceived Notions & My Friend Reed5:42 What I Was Taught About Catholics7:12 The Catholic Approach to Other Christians10:02 The Deacon, the Baptist, and the Sinner's Prayer12:57 The "Once Saved, Always Saved" Challenge14:50 "We're All the Same" - Why That's Not True16:27 Why I Chose Catholicism: Beauty, Reverence, Depth17:15 The Beauty of Catholic Churches & Architecture24:14 Debunking the "Sell the Vatican Art" Myth26:19 The Truth of the Eucharist: Scott Hahn & John 628:54 Finding Community at the Newman Center31:21 Don't Start With Mass: The Stages of Invitation33:38 My Own "Deep End" Catholic Conversion37:23 The Three-Year Journey: Patience & Wrestling with God40:48 Faith is Not Just Memorization or Input/Output43:57 From Business to Ministry: Spreading the Gospel46:22 Incarnational Evangelization: Alpha & Lighter Lifts47:49 The Spark: God's Invitation to All of Us50:27 Be Disciples Who Make Disciples53:18 Closing PrayerFor more information about Isaac's church, check out the following:SJE Plussjeplus.org Facebookfacebook.com/sjeplus Instagraminstagram.com/sjeplus Facebookfacebook.com/saintjohnparish SJE Parishstjohnparish.org More infowww.youtube.com/@SaintJohnParish 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!

Dive into PART 2 of our compelling discussion about active faith, the true meaning of the Eucharist, and why Catholics need to move beyond passive observance. This episode challenges listeners to understand their faith deeply, engage with scripture, and actively participate in the Church's teachings, and ultimately to TRUST GOD. Learn why these "Sins" aren't real and how to embrace your faith with boldness and understanding as a Catholic.Check out part one here: https://youtu.be/WAMo3ZOBy6I Chapters:0:00:00 Introduction to the Eucharist and Active Faith0:00:09 Debunking "Favorite Sins" and Overcoming Shame0:00:38 Why Blind Trust Isn't Enough: Action & Participation0:00:58 The Dangers of Passivity in Faith0:01:28 Taking Responsibility for Our Faith Journey0:01:53 The Catholic Church as a Communion, Not Just Top-Down0:02:13 Persevering Through Struggles and Seeking Answers0:02:45 Challenge: Share Your Faith & This Podcast0:03:12 Prayer for Boldness and Understanding0:03:46 Father's Closing Prayer for Growth & Sainthood0:05:42 Deeper Dive into Eucharistic Faith (Literal Interpretation)0:59:32 Our Prayer for All Christians to Join the Lamb's Feast01:00:46 Reach Out With Your Questions About Jesus & the Eucharist01:01:08 Recap: "Favorite Sins" and Active Engagement01:01:41 The Importance of Answers & Not Blind Trust01:02:01 Warning Against Being Passive "Lemmings"01:02:31 Responsibility for Ourselves & Our Households01:02:56 Owning Our Faith: Not Just Top-Down Commands01:03:15 Engaging with Struggles: Pray, Seek Scripture, Ask01:03:48 Final Challenge: Share the Podcast & Your Faith01:04:15 Prayer for Boldness and Knowledge01:04:51 Final Blessing for Growth and Being a LightFor 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!

Are Catholics really guiltier than other Christians when it comes to drinking, gambling, and ignoring the Bible? We're opening a can of worms to tackle the most common sins and stereotypes associated with the Catholic faith.In this episode of the Trust in God Podcast, Father Bennett and Grant dive into the nuance of Catholic moral teaching. Discover the biblical roots of wine as a gift from God and learn the crucial difference between temperate use and the sin of gluttony. We explore why the Church doesn't condemn gambling outright, viewing it as a form of entertainment that requires moderation and a rightly ordered heart. Finally, we address the accusation that Catholics don't read their Bibles, explaining the Church's guided approach to Sacred Scripture.NOTE: Our camera literally overheated from the heat of this topic! This is Part 1 of our conversation. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 next week, where we pick up right where the camera melted down!YouTube Chapters (Timestamps):00:00:02 - Confession Time: Our Camera Overheated!00:01:46 - Sin #1: Catholics Love to Drink (Guilty as Charged?)00:04:37 - The Key Distinction: Use vs. Overindulgence00:07:14 - The Virtue of Temperance vs. Self-Righteous Abstinence00:13:32 - Sin #2: Gambling, Poker Nights & Casino Trips00:17:17 - Is Gambling Just Entertainment or a Disordered Attachment?00:23:27 - Sin #3: Do Catholics ACTUALLY Read the Bible?00:28:28 - Why Catholics Prefer a Guided Tour of the Bible00:35:16 - When the Holy Spirit is TOO Real (Camera Meltdown!)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!

The topic of Israel is one of the most complex and controversial things to discuss these days, often mixing faith, race, and politics into a confusing tangle. How are Catholics called to view the modern state of Israel, the Jewish people, and the biblical covenants?In this can't-miss episode of the Trust in God Podcast, Father Bennett opens the can of worms. Discover the crucial difference between Israel as a nation, a race, and a religion. We walk through the five great covenants of the Old Testament—from Adam to David—and explain the definitive Catholic teaching: Jesus Christ fulfills these covenants, inaugurating a New Covenant open to all people.This episode also directly confronts the popular but non-Catholic theology of Dispensationalism (the basis for "The Rapture" and "Left Behind"), clarifying why the Church does not teach a separate plan for the Jewish people. Learn how to separate timeless moral guidance from specific foreign policy and understand that our ultimate "Promised Land" is the New Jerusalem in Heaven, not a geopolitical state.YouTube Chapters (Timestamps):00:00:02 - Opening a Can of Worms: Talking About Israel00:02:05 - The 3 Meanings of "Israel": Nation, Race, and Religion00:06:07 - A Crash Course in the Old Testament Covenants00:21:29 - The New Covenant: How Jesus Fulfills Everything00:29:44 - The "Grafted In" Analogy: Salvation is From the Jews00:36:55 - What is Dispensationalism? (The Theology Behind "The Rapture")00:44:04 - The Catholic Stance: Moral Guidance vs. Foreign Policy00:49:23 - The Church's Unwavering Condemnation of Anti-Semitism00:55:04 - Our True Promised Land is the New Jerusalem01:05:00 - The Ultimate Mission: One Body in ChristFor 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!

Do you go to Mass every week, say your prayers, and give to the poor... but still feel like your faith is stagnant? It's a common struggle, and it points to one of the most subtle but serious dangers in the spiritual life: simply "going through the motions."In this episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we tackle the deadly sin of acedia, or spiritual laziness. Discover the difference between a "holy checklist" and a real, growing relationship with Christ. Learn why even good actions, without a heart oriented toward growth and dependence on God, can lead to a dangerous self-sufficiency.Drawing on the wisdom of St. John Paul II, the Parable of the Talents, and the challenging words of Jesus to the Pharisees, we provide a spiritual "litmus test" to see if you've settled for comfort over conversion. Most importantly, we discuss the essential first step to break free from complacency and reignite your journey toward the greatness God calls you to.Chapters (Timestamps):00:00:04 - The Problem: Are You Just "Going Through the Motions?"02:06:17 - Identifying Acedia: The Danger of Spiritual Laziness05:09:07 - The Deception: How Good Motions Can Mask a Stagnant Heart07:53:22 - It's Not Faith vs. Works, It's "Both/And"15:23:06 - The Antidote to Complacency: The Example of St. John Paul II21:22:07 - The Biggest Danger: When You Stop Needing God27:41:00 - What's the First Step to Break Free from the Motions?30:40:00 - Are We the Modern-Day Pharisees?41:45:14 - God's Call to Greatness (Don't Sell Yourself Short)49:52:12 - The Final Challenge: What Are You Unwilling to Change?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!

What is baptism, and why is it considered the first and most essential sacrament in the Catholic Church? Is it just a symbolic gesture, or does something truly supernatural happen when the waters are poured?In this foundational episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we take a deep dive into the Sacrament of Baptism. Discover the crucial difference between the baptism of John the Baptist and the saving baptism instituted by Christ. We tackle the age-old debate about infant baptism, explaining why the Church insists on administering this healing grace to children who cannot yet profess their own faith.Explore the profound biblical roots of baptism through "typology"—from the waters of creation and Noah's Ark to Moses and the crossing of the Red Sea. This episode explains the three types of baptism (water, blood, and desire) and unpacks the powerful, life-changing effects that this sacrament has on the soul. This is an essential listen for anyone seeking to be baptized, parents preparing for their child's baptism, or any Christian who wants to understand this incredible gift more deeply.YouTube Chapters (Timestamps):00:00:05 - What is Baptism and Why is it a Big Deal?00:01:28 - John's Baptism vs. The Sacrament Instituted by Christ00:04:52 - The Big Debate: Why Does the Catholic Church Baptize Babies?00:06:38 - The Catholic View of Grace: More Than Just a Covering00:08:55 - Original Sin: The "Sickness" That Baptism "Heals"00:20:20 - Why Jesus' Own Baptism is a Model for Us All00:27:45 - The Biblical Roots of Baptism (Typology in the Old Testament)00:35:13 - What is a Sacrament? (The Matter and Form of Baptism)00:38:15 - The 3 Types of Baptism: Water, Blood, and Desire00:53:14 - The Powerful & Permanent Effects of Baptism00:59:19 - A Final Invitation and Call to ActionFor 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!

Tired of failed New Year's resolutions and struggling to make positive changes that actually stick? You're not alone. Lasting change is hard, but God has given us a blueprint for success through the concepts of virtue, discipline, and community.In this episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we explore the Catholic framework for building holy habits. Discover why lasting change is less about willpower and more about rooting your identity in who God has called you to be. Learn from the wisdom of St. Thérèse's "Little Way" and see how breaking down massive goals into laughably small steps is the key to building momentum.We also get personal, sharing our own goals for the upcoming year and introducing the "SMART-P" framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely + Prayer) to help you structure your own path to holiness. Whether you want to pray more, conquer a vice, or simply become the person God created you to be, this episode provides the spiritual and practical tools to make it happen.YouTube Chapters (Timestamps):00:00:03 - Why is Making a Lasting Change So Hard?01:16:01 - Virtue vs. Vice: The Catholic Understanding of Habits09:19:00 - The Secret to Change: It's About Identity, Not Just Action16:57:00 - The Power of Discipline for a Disciple18:56:04 - The "Little Way": How to Achieve Big Goals with Small Steps28:24:12 - The #1 Worldly Benefit of Church: Accountability35:19:05 - Our Personal Goals: A Priest & a Director Get Real40:05:16 - The SMART-P Framework for Holy Habits (Plus Prayer)46:48:12 - The Alpha & The Omega: Beginning and Ending with GodFor 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!

Merry Christmas! While the rest of the world might be packing away the decorations on December 26th, for Catholics, the celebration is just getting started. 🎄✨In today’s episode of the Trust in God Podcast, we dive deep into the beauty of the Liturgical Season of Christmas. From the Feast of Stephen to the Baptism of the Lord, we explore why "partying hard" for the next 12 days is a vital part of our faith and how to keep the joy of the Incarnation alive in your home.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Christmas is a season, not just a single day.• The spiritual significance of the Epiphany and the "Hidden Years" of Jesus.• Practical ways to celebrate the 12 Days (including intentional gift-giving).• Why "Keeping Christ in Christmas" means more than just a slogan—it’s a sacramental way of life.• The powerful connection between the Crib and the Cross.Don’t let the post-Christmas blues set in. Join us as we challenge you to stay intentional, keep the lights up, and continue wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!00:00 The Second Day of Christmas: Welcome!01:14 Why Christmas is a Season, Not a Day01:57 Understanding Epiphany & The Three Kings04:40 Family Traditions: How to Celebrate the 12 Days09:50 Practical Ways to Keep the Season Alive13:28 Sacramental Faith: Why Decorations Matter16:20 The Mystery of the Incarnation Explained21:40 What Gift are You Giving Jesus for His Birthday?26:11 The "Pizza Angel" Story: Seeing Jesus in the Poor31:59 Exploring the "Hidden Years" of Jesus34:07 From the Crib to the Cross: The Holy Innocents37:24 Mary, Mother of God & The New Year’s Feast41:00 The Importance of the Octave of Christmas45:55 Closing Prayer & Christmas BlessingFor 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!

Parish Hopping vs. Discipleship: Finding Your Spiritual Home (Ep. 21)Welcome back to Episode 21 of the Trusting God Podcast! Today, we're honored to host Father Mike McKinney, a seasoned priest celebrating 32 years of ministry, to discuss a topic many Catholics grapple with: the importance of our parish community and the challenges of "church shopping."

In this candid conversation, we explore:

The Reality of Pastoral Change: How new priests and consolidated parishes affect parishioners, and the "feeling out" period that often ensues.

What Defines a Parish? Beyond convenience, we dive into the canonical definition and the spiritual necessity of a stable, geographical community.

The Trap of Consumerism: Are we treating our parishes like grocery stores, looking for the "best fit" or most convenient schedule, rather than seeking Jesus?

Making Sacrifices for Faith: Why true commitment to God and community often means letting go of convenience and personal preferences.

When Is It Okay to Leave? Discerning legitimate reasons for a parish change versus snap decisions based on style, personality, or minor annoyances. The Pains of Transition: Understanding the grief that can come with parish changes and the importance of patience – both from priests and parishioners.

Beyond the "Pew Potato": Why active engagement and a living relationship with your parish family is vital for spiritual growth.

The Church as the "Bark of Salvation": A powerful ancient image reminding us of the parish's role in our journey to heaven.

Unity in Ministry: A candid look at how priests collaborate and support each other across parish lines, dispelling myths about "fighting over people."

This episode challenges us to reflect on our relationship with our local church and offers profound insights into building a vibrant, faith-filled community.

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!