Longtime Catholic writer Mary DeTurris Poust is our guest on this episode of Deacons Pod.

A former Director of Communications for the Diocese of Albany, NY, Mary has been a reporter, editor, and columnist for multiple diocesan newspapers.

She also is author of several books on spiritual topics, leads retreats, and serves as a spiritual director.

Her blog and website are called "Not Strictly Spiritual."

"Life Lines" is the name of her column and podcast.

In this episode, Deacon Mike Hayes (one of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates) speaks with Mary about several topics, including a column and retreat day she created called "You Can't Fail Lent."

"Sometimes, maybe where we are being called to go in our Lent is somewhere different than what our agenda was. Maybe God has a different plan for us," says Mary.