Ave Explores

Teaser: The Next Series on the Jubilee Year

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 began December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. For the next five weeks, _Ave Explores _will look at how an Ordinary Jubilee is a chance for hope, repentance, renewal, and revival in the Church.

Spes non confundit - Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 (9 May 2024)(https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html)

LVIII World Day of Peace 2025 - “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace” (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20241208-messaggio-58giornatamondiale-pace2025.html)

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Ave Explores Teaser Trailer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady introduces Ave Explores, a new project from Ave Maria Press.

This season, we explore Mary, our Blessed Mother, answering some big questions about her and the role she plays in our lives. Why does she matter, and how can we get to know her? What does it mean to pray with Mary, to emulate Mary, to trust like Mary? Who is she, really?

You'll hear stories from a woman who travels around the country, as a "hobo for Christ" and insights from the Editor-In-Chief of Catholic News Agency. You'll learn about a mom of 7 who hosts a morning rosary on Instagram live, a priest who got to know Mary during his years in seminary, and hear the story of resilience and strength from a mom who lost her eldest son to suicide.

All this, and more, on this first season of Ave Explores.

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3rd Week of Lent: Suffering with Christ featuring Mary Lenaburg

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

When we stand at the foot of the Cross, we encounter true compassion—literally, “to suffer with.” Mary Lenaburg knows this compassion intimately. Having experienced profound sorrow and deep joy, she understands that suffering is not a season to escape but a place to remain with Christ. While her life has not been a perpetual Lent, she has learned how to walk through it—standing beside Jesus at the Cross and discovering there a love that redeems every trial.

Get your copy of Witness today, with a foreword by Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen.

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2nd Week of Lent: Friendship at the Cross with Fr. Jeronimo Espinosa and Ali Hoffman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Lent invites us to stand at the foot of the Cross—but never alone. The Christian life is meant to be lived in communion, alongside companions who help draw us closer to the Lord. In this episode, Fr. Jerónimo Espinosa and Ali Hoffman reflect on how friendship and community have shaped their faith over the years. Through their shared journey, they reveal the beauty of growing in intimacy with Jesus through genuine relationships and the transformative grace that comes from encountering the Lord together.

Get your copy of Witness today, with a foreword by Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen.

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1st Week of Lent: Dignity at the Cross with the Sisters of Life

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Rooted in their mission to uphold the dignity of every human person, the Sisters of Life witness to the truth that no one is beyond God’s love and mercy. During Lent, we are invited to stand at the foot of the Cross and encounter the Lord’s loving gaze, even in his suffering. Sr. Cora Caeli and Sr. Magnificat Rose share how they live Lent as religious sisters, reflecting on why the cross is not something to avoid but to embrace—especially as we repent, convert, and cling to Christ throughout these forty days.

Get your copy of Witness today, with a foreword by Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen.

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Ash Wednesday: Starting Lent with a Plan with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, and Tommy McGrady

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Lent invites us to trust God’s providence—but it also calls for intention. In this episode, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, author of Witness, joins Katie and her husband, Tommy, to reflect on approaching the season with purpose. Fr. Patrick shares how writing a Lenten reflection journal helped him contemplate the Cross more deeply and why we’re invited to stand at its foot—ready to receive all the grace the Lord desires to give through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Get your copy of Witness today, with a foreword by Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen.

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NEW SERIES: Not a Fan of Lent? You’re Not Alone with Fr. Gregory Pine, OP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In this teaser episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, host Katie McGrady sits down with Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, to name a familiar tension: many of us resist Lent, even while longing for the work God wants to do in us. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving aren’t ends in themselves—they’re pathways into deeper participation in the divine life and a renewed ability to recognize God in the ordinary.

Fr. Gregory invites us to begin simply, with an honest prayer: Lord, I need you.

This conversation sets the tone for our Lenten series inspired by Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe’s book Witness. Throughout Lent, we’ll walk alongside those who encountered the Passion firsthand, with weekly videos featuring Fr. Patrick and companion podcast episodes with guests including Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Meg Hunter-Kilmer, Ali Hoffman, Fr. Jerónimo Espinosa, Laura Fanucci, and more.

This Lent, don’t get stuck in what you dislike about the season. Let God meet you where you are—and lead you where he is calling you to go.

Get your copy of Witness today, with a foreword by Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Wonder of the Journey with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In the final days of Advent, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, reflects on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem—sudden in appearance, yet deeply intentional and necessary. Their path invites us to consider our own journeys during this liturgical season and throughout life, and to recognize the deeper purpose meant to be received with wonder.

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Third Sunday of Advent: Joy in the Chaos of Advent with Rachel and Jason Bulman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

With six kids, busy schedules, and long to-do lists, Deacon Jason and Rachel Bulman understand what it means to try and slow down in the Advent season, and how even best laid plans to slow down are often thwarted. In today's episode, they share how Jesus actually finds us in that chaotic family life, is present to us, and shows us his tenderness and brings joy even when we feel like everything is moving too fast.

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2nd Sunday of Advent: A Peaceful Aesthetic with Eliza Monts

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Walk into any Target or Home Goods and you'll see nothing but perfectly curated Christmas décor selling you the right kind of holiday aesthetic, all in pursuit of a perfect Instagram post. Eliza Monts, a popular Substack writer and Instagram influencer, shares how we can't let perfect be the enemy of good while pursuing peace and harmony in the Advent season.

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1st Sunday of Advent: Finding Wonder in Advent with Katie Cavadini

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

The season of Advent can become far busier than we'd like it to be, if we aren't careful. Author of Behold the Wonder, Katie Cavadini, offers insights into how incorporating lectio and visio divinia and allowing ourselves to be immersed in the moments of the nativity story throughout the season can provide us numerous opportunities to behold the wonders the Lord wants to show us in this season of hopeful anticipation.

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NEW SERIES! Teaser: The Advent of Christmas with Matt Maher

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Matt Maher takes Advent seriously, not only because he spends the season touring cathedrals across the country leading evenings of prayer and praise, but because Advent invites us to remember the gift and majesty of Mary’s “yes.” In this conversation, Matt reflects on how her courageous response shapes our own call to live the faith with renewed trust, hope, and openness each day.

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Week 4: From Rome to Philly: Archbishop Pérez Shares the News of Pope Leo

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

When Pope Leo was elected on May 8, 2025, Archbishop Nelson Pérez was flying home to Philadelphia from Rome. Mid-flight, he got to share the historic news with his fellow passengers. In this episode, Archbishop Pérez reflects on Pope Leo’s leadership style, his vision for the Church, and his awareness of the world’s challenges—qualities that are inspiring Catholics everywhere to renew their witness to Christ’s love and their commitment to making disciples. And yes, the new pope even has a Philly connection: he’s a Villanova grad with a standing order from Wawa.

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Week Three: Pope Leo, the Missionary Pope with Msgr. Roger Landry of the Pontifical Mission Societies

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Pope Leo is the first missionary Pope since St. Peter, and it is already quite evident how his formation as a missionary in Peru is guiding his papal ministry. Msgr. Roger Landry, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, shares how the Holy Father is walking in the footsteps of his predecessors by first reminding us that we are called to "go out to all the world and share the good news" with a missionary mindset and a willing heart.

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Week Two: The Uniqueness of Each Pope with Inés San Martín and José Manuel de Urquidi

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Katie sits down with José Manuel de Urquidi of the Juan Diego Network and Inés San Martín of the Pontifical Mission Societies to discuss their personal experiences with Pope Francis and Pope Leo. Together, they explore how to understand Pope Francis’s legacy and the unfolding mission of Pope Leo. Reflecting on cultural nuances and the influence of social media, José Manuel and Inés reveal how each pope’s distinct personality and leadership style can be appreciated in light of those who came before.

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Week One: A Dozen Popes with Shannon Wimp Schmidt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Shannon Wimp Schmidt joins Katie to explore the significance of the papacy, highlighting key teachings and defining moments from the past twelve popes—from Leo XIII at the turn of the twentieth century to Leo XIV today. Together they trace how the papacy has evolved through the personalities, styles, and themes each pope brought to their encyclicals and homilies, showing how the Lord continues to guide his Church.

In the end, they consider a personal question: What role does the pope play in our individual faith journeys today?

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Teaser: Leo in the Fisherman's Shoes featuring Katie McGrady

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025, he stepped into the metaphorical shoes of the fisherman worn by 266 men before him. Choosing a name that hadn't been held by a pope in over 100 years, he entered an office held by men with varied personalities, lofty goals, numerous agendas and projects. Learning about those popes only helps us understand this current pope, and when we watch what Pope Leo does, says, writes, and where he'll go, we do so in light of all the ones who have done things in the papacy before. This upcoming series of Ave Explores will take a look at the history of the papacy, and the work of the popes, from Pope Leo XIII at the turn of the century up to Pope Leo XIV today.

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Week Six: Digital Detox with Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP, dives into the intersection of faith and media in today’s digital world. Drawing on the vision of Bl. James Alberione—the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul—she unpacks how we can integrate our faith into the way we consume, create, and share content. Sr. Nancy also invites us to consider the importance of digital fasting—a spiritual detox that helps us reset our minds and hearts amid constant media noise. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on living faithfully both online and offline.

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Week Five: Sharing Faith Online That Leads to Real-Life Encounter Kaylee Stoll of FOCUS

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

As a Catholic convert and Director of Digital Media at FOCUS, Kaylee Stoll knows the power of storytelling online—but also its limits. In this episode, she shares how digital media can reveal the beauty of the Catholic faith while ultimately leading people to in-person encounters with Christ and authentic community. Kaylee discusses the importance of genuine connection, the “look at this” vs. “come to this” balance, and how FOCUS inspires young adults worldwide to grow deeper in their faith.

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Week Four: Standing on Holy Ground Online with the Women of the Abiding Together Podcast

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Michelle Benzinger, Heather Khym, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT—the beloved voices behind the Abiding Together podcast—join Katie to reflect on the story behind their show, their commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into their spiritual journey. They share why they believe online spaces can become “holy ground” when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn’t real and rooted in truth, it’s not worth sharing.

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Check out the Abiding Together Podcast:
https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/subscribe
https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/abidingtogetherpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/abidingtogetherpodcast

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Week Three: Truthful and Trustworthy Content with Montse Alvarado of EWTN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In a world flooded with misinformation and digital noise, how can Catholics use media to evangelize with clarity and credibility?

Montse Alvarado, President of EWTN News, joins Katie to talk about why traditional media—especially television and radio—still matter and what it takes to earn and keep the public’s trust. Together, they dive into the urgent need for honesty and transparency in Catholic media and explore how that same trustworthiness must carry over into digital and social platforms.

This conversation is a timely and inspiring look at how truth, trust, and technology intersect in the mission of evangelization today.

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WEEK TWO: Influencer Culture in the Church with Grady Connolly of The Social Thomist

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Grady Connolly, a Gen Z Catholic influencer and digital strategist, shares key principles for discerning how to use social media well—especially when representing the Church. Drawing from his experience managing multiple social platforms for content creators and apostolates, Grady makes a bold claim: if influencers and digital missionaries aren't Christ-focused, they shouldn't be doing the work at all. In this episode, he unpacks the heart behind authentic digital ministry, tells the story of how he got started, and explains why everyone online has the power to influence others in ways they may never realize.

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Week One: Phones Pushing us to Prayer with Alex Jones of Hallow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Katie sits down with Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of the Hallow app, to explore how one of the world’s most popular Catholic apps is transforming lives through digital prayer. Once an agnostic, Alex shares his powerful reversion story and how it inspired him to create a tool that helps people encounter Christ right where they are—on their phones. Hear how Hallow is using technology to make prayer more accessible, engaging, and meaningful in today’s fast-paced world.

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NEW SERIES Teaser: Exploring the Digital Continent: Why the Catholic Church Cares About the Internet

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

The Vatican has begun using a powerful new phrase to describe evangelization in the digital age: digital mission on the digital continent. As people spend increasing amounts of time online—scrolling, streaming, and searching for meaning—the Church recognizes that the internet isn’t just a tool but a place, a mission field where the Gospel can be shared.

In this teaser episode of Ave Explores: Digital Evangelization, host Katie McGrady introduces the theme of this series and unpacks why the Catholic Church is taking digital evangelization seriously. Why does it matter? Who is being reached? And what does it mean to be a digital missionary today?

Tune in as we begin this essential conversation about faith, presence, and purpose in the digital world.

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Let Leo Be Leo: Reflecting on the First Few days of Pope Leo XIV's Papacy

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope.

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Pope Francis with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 06 May 2025 11:00:00 -0400

When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM.

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, share personal stories of meeting him, and discuss what may lie ahead for the Church as the 2025 conclave approaches.

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Lenten Practices People "Hate" the Most

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:45:00 -0400

Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes you didn’t see coming.

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Renewing Your Relationship with Jesus each Lent with Courtney Roach

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationships, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who live their faith, and why turning to Christ before turning to your phone is key to true fulfillment—especially as a young adult.

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Mercy is Waiting

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son.

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4th Sunday of Lent: Finding Healing in Lent by Embracing God’s Love with Brya Hanan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to his abundant and limitless love.

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3rd Sunday of Lent: Lent is Meant for Mercy with Fr. Josh Johnson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional.

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Clearing Out During Lent

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent.

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Vulnerability in Lent

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Katie and Tommy discuss how much we look at our phones, screens, and all sorts of distractions throughout our day, which means we are often unable to be seen by the Lord. Lent is a chance to be vulnerable, and allow ourselves to be seen by Jesus.

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2nd Sunday of Lent: Lent Demands Vulnerability with Oscar Rivera

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

During Lent, when life feels busy, noisy, and overwhelming, making room for the Lord is more important than ever. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Oscar Rivera, host of Ave Spotlight, explores how Lent challenges us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity—not just with God, but with others. When we resist the temptation to close ourselves off and instead open our hearts, we create space for real spiritual growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how Lent serves as a training ground for deeper faith and genuine connection.

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Enter Into Lent with Purpose

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Tommy and Katie McGrady talk about how we can fully enter into Lent with a willingness to let Jesus work on our hearts throughout these 40 days, and encourage listeners to find something they can commit to that will help them grow in a distinct way.

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1st Sunday of Lent: Jesus's Heart is Safe with Mari Pablo

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Being rooted in love is key to thriving in life and experiencing a fruitful Lent. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garett, CSFN, Mari Pablo shares how trusting in Jesus’s love and mercy—and seeking refuge in his Sacred Heart—has guided her through life’s challenges and the depths of her own heart. During Lent, as we intentionally pray, fast, and give, Christ offers us comfort, rest, and transformation.

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Ash Wednesday: Don't Fear the Wilderness with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this powerful episode, Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, author of Wilderness Within, invites us to see Lent as more than a checklist of holy practices. Instead, it’s a season to step into the wilderness of our hearts, where God is ready to work, heal, and lead us to deeper hope in him. Discover how reevaluating relationships, paying attention to God’s movement in our lives, and embracing the unknown can transform your Lenten journey. Don’t fear the wilderness—enter it with faith.

A Word from Sr. Josephine:

I am pleased also to share that we have been granted by the Holy Father the special grace of a Jubilee indulgence for the entire year (from the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024 until November 30, 2025). This plenary indulgence is both for all our Sisters who will pray in the private chapels of our communities, as well as for all those who, during this period, will join us in devotional and liturgical celebrations, particularly in the chapels of our convents, as well as through the recitation of the Prayer to the Holy Family:

O Holy Family, bless and protect all the families of the world.
Safeguard their unity, fidelity, integrity and dignity.
Enable them to live according to God’s law that they may fulfill their sublime vocation.
May their lives be a reflection of yours and may they enjoy your presence forever in heaven. Amen.

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Lent Teaser: Finding Fulfillment: Comedian Shayne Smith’s Journey to Catholicism Through Lent

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Comedian Shayne Smith had everything he thought would make him happy—success, wealth, and recognition—but still felt deeply unfulfilled. His search for meaning led him to a church, where he encountered Christ and Our Lady for the first time and embraced Catholicism. In this episode of Ave Explores, Shayne shares how his first Lent, spent journeying through RCIA with a group of women in Brooklyn, became a crash course in what it truly means to live the faith. Through the sacrifices and lessons of the Lenten season, he discovered that Catholicism isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Panel of the Repentant Women from Luke 7.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the repentant woman who washes Jesus's feet with her hair.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

To meditate on this, see Panel 8: The Necessity of Love at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

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Hope does not Disappoint with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Join Sr. Josephine Garrett, author of Wilderness Within, as she unpacks the virtue of hope and its transformative power. In this episode, Sr. Josephine reflects on how cultivating hope requires intentionality, patience, and radical trust in God’s promises. With the Jubilee Year of 2025 as a backdrop, discover how this sacred time invites us to assess and deepen our hope in the Lord, making it a guiding force in our daily lives.

A Word from Sr. Josephine:

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The Global Relevance of the Jubilee Year with Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, Hungary's Ambassador to the Holy See

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this exclusive conversation, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, discusses the significance of the Jubilee year, not just for Catholics, but for all people who long for peace and justice. He reflects on the deep spiritual and global importance of the Jubilee, and shares insights into his journey to becoming a Vatican diplomat. Ambassador Habsburg also provides a glimpse into his daily work, explaining how world leaders and the Vatican engage on key issues.

Finally, he offers a powerful message on how we can each create a personal Jubilee within our hearts, with the hope of one day making a pilgrimage to Rome.

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Panel that Depicts the Encounter of Jesus and Peter, after Peter's Denial

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the encounter of Jesus and Peter, after Peter's Denial.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

To meditate on this, see Panel 10: Hope in the Face of Sin at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Parable of the Good Shepherd Panel of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Good Shepherd.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

To meditate on this, see Panel 12: The Hope of Being Found at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

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The Surprises of a Jubilee Year in Rome with Elizabeth Lev

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Art historian and professor Elizabeth Lev unveils the fascinating history of the Jubilee Holy Doors and reveals how Rome itself has been shaped by Jubilee celebrations over the centuries. As preparations for Jubilee 2025 unfold, Lev explores the city’s rich traditions and the monumental moments of past Jubilees. Discover how these events inspire us to adopt a pilgrim’s mindset, embracing the unexpected blessings and gifts of a Jubilee year.

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BONUS: Joan Watson Reflects on the Parable of the Prodigal Son Panel of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this first reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.

To meditate on this, see Panel 7: A Father's Heart at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.

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Embrace the Challenges of the Jubilee Year with Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Join Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, as he unpacks Pope Francis’s bold calls to action for the Jubilee Year 2025. Discover how Catholics—and all people of goodwill—are invited to embrace the challenge to forgive debts, disarm violence, and advocate for human flourishing. Cardinal Czerny also reflects on the true meaning of the Church, not as a building or a place, but as the people of God united in living the gospel.

Learn how the holy doors of the Jubilee symbolize a deeper spiritual invitation—one that opens within our hearts, calling us to renewal and unity.

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Introduction: Opening the Holy Door with Joan Watson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Door, explores the rich history and purpose behind Jubilees in the Church, shedding light on the profound significance of opening the Holy Doors in Rome's four major basilicas. She offers practical advice on cultivating a pilgrim’s heart, embracing the mercy, hope, peace, and joy of the upcoming Jubilee Year. Joan also delves into the sacred imagery of the Holy Door, inviting us to reflect on how these symbols can uniquely inspire and move each of us on our spiritual journey.

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4th Week of Advent: Seeing and Showing Jesus with Msgr. Roger Landry

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500

In the summer of 2024, Msgr. Roger Landry embarked on an extraordinary mission as the full-time chaplain for the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. For sixty consecutive days, he and a group of dedicated pilgrims walked alongside Jesus in the Eucharist, journeying from Connecticut to Indiana. Together, they brought Christ to bustling city streets, quiet rural landscapes, and unsuspecting hearts, sparking moments of grace and transformation.

In this episode, Msgr. Landry reflects on the profound impact of carrying Jesus in the monstrance through towns, over rivers, and into the lives of people—both those eagerly awaiting the Eucharistic procession and those surprised by the encounter. He shares how this pilgrimage reshaped his ministry and deepened his approach to Advent and Christmas, inspiring him to see Jesus more vividly and reveal him to others in new and meaningful ways.

Prepare to be inspired by this powerful testimony of faith in action and the beauty of bringing Christ to the world!

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3rd Week of Advent: Scripture Shows us Jesus with Jackie Angel

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Amid the hustle and bustle of this time of year, it’s easy to lose sight of the heart of Advent—and the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. In this episode, Jackie Angel, author of the upcoming Memorize Scripture, shares how immersing yourself in Sacred Scripture—through daily reading and simple memorization—can transform your experience of the season. Discover how slowing down with God’s Word can help you embrace the joy of Advent, prepare your heart for Christmas, and encounter Christ in a deeper, more personal way.

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2nd Week of Advent: Pursuing Holiness Together with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Advent is more than just a season—it’s an invitation to journey together as a Church, pursuing divine life with the Lord. In this episode, Fr. John Burns and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, share their powerful ministry work with priests and religious sisters. They also offer heartfelt encouragement for all vocations, reminding us that holiness is a shared pursuit.

Join us as we explore how Advent calls each of us—whether single, married, or consecrated—to grow in unity and prepare our hearts for Christ.

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1st Week of Advent with Heather Khym

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Advent is a chance to encounter Jesus in a new way, and Heather Khym offers advice on how to settle into the new liturgical season and embrace it as a time of reflection and resolution.

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Teaser: Starting Advent with Fr. Dave Pivonka

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In the first episode of Ave Explores Advent with Heather Khym, Fr. Dave Pivonka, president of Franciscan University, reflects on his favorite traditions of the Advent season and offers practical ways we can embrace the slow and intentional moments in the beginning of the new Liturgical year.

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Week Six: Monks, Nuns, and Their Habits with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Religious orders wear a wide variety of habits, from brown robes reminiscent of Jedi attire to white robes with black capes similar to Gandalf’s. With so many distinct styles, it’s hard for anyone to keep track of them all.

Beyond their attire, religious communities are diverse, unique, and an enriching part of the Church—though they may seem a bit unusual at first. Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, a Dominican of the Eastern Province in the United States, shares insights into the vows, rituals, and histories of these orders, highlighting their profound and beautiful impact on the Church.

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Week Five: A Baptist Becomes Catholic Because of the Bible with Sonja Corbitt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Catholic author and speaker Sonja Corbitt embraced Catholicism after a lifetime of being a Southern Baptist, and she did so because of the Bible. Her entrance into the Church, which included a deep study of some of the stranger teachings of the Faith, became a source of both inspiration and consternation in her own family, and her love of her faith today is even deeper as a result. Sacred scripture can sometimes seem odd or contradictory, but it reinforces all our weird Catholic beliefs. Sonja explains how in today’s episode.

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Week Four: Big Honkin' Candles and Fun Feast Days with Steffani Aquila

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Why do we bake cakes for Shrove Tuesday or use chalk to mark our doors on the Epiphany? Why do we crown statues of Mary with flowers or sing hymns to the biggest candle of them all, the Paschal Candle, on Easter Vigil?

Steffani Aquila, author of Festive Faith, walks us through the liturgical year and explains some of the most cherished, and oddest, liturgical living traditions and practices to help us embrace living a festive faith in our somewhat odd Church.

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Week Three: The Oddities of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

When we declare that Catholicism is two thousand years old, we must do so knowing that this means the earliest days of the Church were, at times, peculiar and challenging. The liturgy had to be developed, sacramental practices clarified, disputes settled, and the life of the Church established as we now know it.

Mike Aquilina, Catholic scholar and prolific author, discusses the unusual practices of the Church's first few hundred years and how they led to some of today's most cherished traditions.

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Week Two: Unveiling the Mystery of Relics with Sean Pilcher and Sharing Holy Stories with Jonathan Roumie

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Sean Pilcher, from Sacra, an apostolate focused on the restoration and recovery of relics, shares the meaning and importance of relics for all Catholics. Sean discusses how relics are verified, what it looks like to restore relics that have been damaged, and offers insight into how relics impact our spiritual lives.

Then, in a special bonus Ave Explores exclusive, Katie sits down with Jonathan Roumie, award winning actor from The Chosen and executive producer of the new film Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story to discuss how the joy of his Catholic faith guides him in his career and helps him discern good projects to work on, and he tells the story of meeting Pope Francis, who called him “Jesus.”

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Week One: How Saints are Studied and Made with Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Deacon David Keene

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Join Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author and storyteller of saints, and Deacon David Keene, an archeologist and canon lawyer, as they delve into the fascinating process of uncovering the lives of saints. From researching their stories to studying their relics, they explore the challenges and discoveries that bring these holy figures to life.

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Teaser: Embracing the Oddities of Catholicism with Matt Maher

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Matt Maher wouldn’t describe himself as a “peculiar” or “weird” Catholic, but he wouldn’t mind if you described him like that, because he knows that’s just sort of part of being Catholic. World renowned, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, Matt Maher sits down with Katie McGrady to talk about what he loves about his Catholic faith, how he shares it in lots of non-Catholic spaces, and what it means to be your most authentic self in living and loving your Catholicism.

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Katie McGrady Welcomes Oscar Rivera to the Ave Podcast Family

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this bonus episode of Ave Explores, Katie Prejean McGrady sits down with Oscar Rivera, new host of Ave Spotlight. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, and share thoughts on the Olympics.

Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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Week Seven: On Pilgrimage in the U.S. with Tim O'Malley and Chenele Shaw

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Catholicism is incarnational and tactile. We exist in reality, and so does our faith. Remembering that is essential to growing in our Catholicism, and Timothy P. O’Malley explains how “matter matters” in the places and spaces we worship. This summer, Catholics in the United States will have the chance to experience that incarnational reality on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, spanning four routes from coast to coast, converging in Indianapolis in July for the National Eucharistic Congress. Chenele Shaw, former host of Ave Spotlight, shares the story of the pilgrimage and what we can expect along the way.

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Week Six: Forming Young Minds and Serving Those in Need with Fr. Tim Anastos and Kerry Robinson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0400

The Church in the U.S. has made a lasting impact on education and social services. From universities and lay apostolates that educate and form young adults to networks of Catholic Charities offices that provide essential help to those in need, Catholicism in the U.S. is not naval-gazing or self-centered. The Church in the U.S. seeks to serve. Fr. Tim Anastos, chaplain at the University of Illinois, and Kerry Robinson, CEO of Catholic Charities USA, share how the missions of formation and charity are a significant part of the story of Catholicism in this country.

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Week Five: Catholicism on the California Coast and in the Colorado Mountains with Stephen J. Binz and JoAnn Seaman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

St. Junipero Serra evangelized California and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini evangelized Colorado. Their influence extends up and down the West Coast and throughout the Rocky Mountains, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today. In this episode, Stephen J. Binz, a pilgrimage leader to the California Missions, and JoAnn Seaman, director of the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, CO, share the stories of these two remarkable saints and the places where their impact is still felt.

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Week Four: Southern Suffering and Sanctity with Fr. Korey LaVergne and Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

From the inspiring faith of little Charlene Richard, a twelve-year-old girl who died of Leukemia and is now on the path to canonization, to the enduring resilience of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia during the Civil War and the culture wars of today, Catholicism in the South is far from just a cultural norm—it embodies a story of suffering and sanctity. Fr. Korey LaVergne, pastor of St. Edward’s Church in Louisiana and Charlene Richard’s home parish, and Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP, offer profound insights into the vibrant and joyful reality of Catholicism in the Southern United States.

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Week Three: The Holiness of Bl. Michael McGivney and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Brian Caulfield and Amy J. Cattapan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The stories of saints in the United States are diverse and dynamic. The first American born female saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the founder and first chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, Bl. Michael McGivney, show us how holiness is found in a unique way. Brian Caulfield and Amy J. Cattapan share the stories of these two holy American heroes that introduce us to Catholicism on the east coast.

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Week Two: Our Lady in the Midwest with Fr. Edward Looney and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Whether it’s the Lady who appeared in a forest to young Adele Brise or the Lady atop a golden dome visible for miles from a college campus in northern Indiana, the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered, cherished, and celebrated in the American Midwest. Fr. Edward Looney, author and priest in the Diocese of Green Bay, and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, chaplain to the University of Notre Dame football team, share the story of Catholicism in the Midwest of the United States, through the lens of Marian devotion and midwestern grit.

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Week One: The Places and People of the U.S. Catholic Church with Kevin Schmiesing and Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

What places hold significance, and who are the key figures in the narrative of Catholicism in the United States of America? From both a historical and modern perspective, the story of the Church in the US is expansive, diverse, and compelling. Authors Kevin Schmiesing and Meg Hunter-Kilmer share their insights and expertise on the noteworthy locations and influential figures shaping the Church in the United States today. Explore must-visit shrines and churches, delve into the inspiring tales of Americans on the path to sainthood, and embark on a captivating journey through Catholicism in America.

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Teaser NEW Series: Catholic Hope in the US with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, shares his favorite Catholic churches and places in the United States of America. He offers insight into the current challenges facing Catholics, from a perspective of the historical Catholic Church, and reasons for his abundant hope in the Church in America today.

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Lent Makes Us Fully Alive with Fr. Tim Anastos

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Fr. Tim Anastos, author and assistant chaplain at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois, highlights how Lent offers us an opportunity to become fully alive in Christ Jesus. Through our weeks of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we have experienced the love of the Lord in distinct and profound ways. Now, as Holy Week unfolds and we participate in the liturgies of the Triduum, we witness the culmination of these graces and how they reveal that life is worth living with Jesus Christ.

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The Eucharist Can Revive Our Lent with Tanner Kalina

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:30:00 -0400

In this sacred season, our ultimate aim is to draw nearer to Christ. And what better way to achieve this closeness than by physically spending time with him in the presence of the Eucharist?

Join Tanner Kalina, a passionate Eucharistic missionary for the National Eucharistic Revival, as he demonstrates how Lent is the perfect time to seek the Lord's presence. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Tanner reveals how this season offers a unique opportunity for the Lord to manifest his love, mercy, and kindness to us.

Lent is about having—and maybe doing—less to create space for the Lord to pour out his abundance upon us. This episode shares how we can allow the Eucharist to become our ultimate source of what more the Lord hopes to give

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Lent Reveals Our Weakness with Sr. Orianne Pietra René, FSP

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The further we get into Lent, the more likely it is that we have run into some—or many—missteps and pitfalls.

While this can feel discouraging, Sr. Orianne Pietra René, FSP, a passionate social media evangelist, helps us understand how when Lent is “hard” and we feel weak, that is precisely when the Lord shows up to do great things within us. Our poverty in Lent becomes God’s strength and glory.

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Let the Lord Purify You in Lent with Manny Gonzalez

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Join Emmanuel “Manny” Gonzalez, a graduate student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he shows how, despite our best intentions, we can inadvertently introduce a false sense of control into our lives through Lenten spiritual practices or even in our general spiritual journey. Without realizing it, we can squeeze the Lord out of our lives even as we do good and holy deeds. Manny shows us how to avoid this pitfall so that we can walk into Lent willing to let go of everything for the Lord and find ourselves with much more than we surrendered.

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Keeping Lent Simple with Claire and Mike Couche of Finding Philothea

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Do you ever have BIG plans for Lent, only to feel overwhelmed as the weeks go on?

Claire and Mike Couche, founders of Finding Philothea, share how embracing simplicity—through carving out time for prayer, focusing on small acts of fasting, and learning generosity through acts of service—can wield greater impact than grand gestures of repentance and self-denial. When we complicate Lent, our practices can muddy the waters and make this time of prayerful rest overly stressful. When we keep Lent simple, however, we can see that it’s a time to prepare us for Heaven.

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Lent isn't Just for Easter with Mark Hart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

What’s the purpose of Lent? It’s a simple question, and one Mark Hart answers in a very honest and straightforward way: Lent prepares us for heaven. If we view Lent merely as a spiritual bootcamp to get ready for Easter, we will miss out on all the season has to offer. However, by approaching Lent with a broader perspective, we'll realize that these forty days can prepare us not only for the rest of our lives but also for the joys of heaven.

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The Wilderness of Lent with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

When Ash Wednesday rolls around, many of us are ready—even excited—to start our Lenten resolution. However, as the weeks go by, our resolve can wane. What do we do when our Lenten practices become challenging to maintain?

Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, the author of Made for Heaven, offers us a way to enter this season as he explains why he felt called to write about going into the wilderness of Lent with a willing spirit and a ready heart. If we “fight” Lent, we close ourselves off to God’s greater plan for these forty days. If we go into the desert remembering that Jesus went there first, we will see growth in our faithfulness.

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Evaluating Relationships for Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

As we approach Ash Wednesday, the question on every faithful Christian's mind is, "What should I do to make this Lent an intentional time to grow closer to God?" In this episode, Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, offers a new focus to this sacred season by encouraging us to examine the very fabric of our relationships—with ourselves, with others, and most importantly, with God. She provides practical advice on how intentional fasting, heartfelt prayer, and compassionate almsgiving can be tools to strengthen our most important connections. Through this, you will learn that going into Lent “blind” won’t set you up for success, but going into Lent “examined” can lead you to a preview of Heaven.

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Week Four of Prepare Your Heart: Holding Jesus like Mary in Advent with Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, SV

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Mary opened her arms to the child Jesus, and we are called to do the same. Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, a Sister of Life serving pregnant women in Manhattan, reflects on how we can look to Mary as a perfect example of holiness and love of the Lord in the final days of Advent.

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Week Three of Prepare Your Heart: Building a Home like Joseph with Bobby and Jackie Angel

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Jackie and Bobby Angel, authors, speakers, and podcasters, share how the spirit of hospitality and a charism of welcome are essential in order to enter into Advent. When we open our homes to others, and when we work to build a home of love, we are embracing the spirit of St. Joseph.

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Week Two of Prepare Your Heart: Holy Witnesses in Advent with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Meg Hunter-Kilmer offers insights into how the stories of the saints can help us more purposefully enter into Advent, preparing our hearts with the witness of faithful men and women who have spent their lives preparing to meet Jesus.

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Week One of Prepare Your Heart: Preparing for Nazareth Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, author of Prepare Your Heart, explains how the season of Advent is a chance to enter into the heart of Nazareth, a place of respite, rest, and formation. At the beginning of the liturgical year, it’s so easy to become consumed with the busyness of the season, the work that must be done for Christmas, and we can forget how this is ultimately a time to prepare to welcome Jesus. Fr. Agustino explains how when we purposefully prepare our hearts, we are joyfully anticipating the gift of Christmas in the best way possible.

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Simplifying Liturgical Living with Elissa Tiprigan of Catholic Family Crate

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

When Elissa Tiprigan began searching for convenient and ready-to-use resources for liturgical living, she faced a challenge—there was a noticeable absence of such materials. However, undeterred by this, she viewed this gap as an opportunity to fulfill an important mission.

In response to this, Elissa established Catholic Family Crate, a heartfelt initiative designed to assist families, including her own, in easily accessing uncomplicated tools and activities that infuse the joyful spirit of the Church's calendar into their everyday lives.

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Creating a Holy Home with Scott and Elisabeth Williams of Catholic Concepts

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

It all started as an idea to create silly socks for a saint’s feast day. From there, Scott and Elisabeth Williams turned their desire to share creative ways to celebrate something meaningful in the Church into their company, Catholic Concepts.

Listen to the story about how this couple went from fun socks to creating other beautiful products to help Catholics grow in their faith by sharing about saints, planning the week, and decorating a home with subtle references to Church teaching and devotions. Through their story, you’ll be inspired to express your faith and celebrate special days and moments in the Church year in creative, unique, and beautiful ways.

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Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Advent and Lent with Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Advent and Lent, revered penitential seasons, stand as gateways to prepare us for days of rejoicing and victory. These seasons are so iconic that even secular society joins in with traditions including Advent calendars for everything under the sun and seasonal fish sandwiches at your favorite drive-thru. Fr. John Burns explains how the natural ebb and flow of the liturgical year, especially with Advent and Lent as pillars of penance within the seasons, allow us to more fully celebrate what is worth celebrating and repent when we need to repent.

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Living the Seasons of the Moment with Erica Tighe Campbell of Be a Heart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Erica Tighe Campbell established Be A Heart as a contemporary lifestyle brand designed for Catholics seeking elegant ways to practice their faith and commemorate the various seasons of the Church calendar. While crafting her product line and writing her latest book, Living the Seasons, she has uncovered the profound significance of embracing both the present phase of life and the yearly cycle, recognizing them as invitations to align with God's purpose, design, and blessings.

Discover how you, too, can embrace the seasons of the liturgical year to empower your own walk with the Lord and share the reason for your joy with those around you.

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Liturgical Living is for All Steffani Aquila

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Liturgical living isn’t confined to family craft projects or activities for CCD classes. For Steffani Aquila, founder of His Girl Sunday and director of Liturgical Living for the Co-Cathedral in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, liturgical living is an invitation for all faithful men and women to engage meaningfully with the rhythms of the year. Join Steffani as she chats with Katie on what feast days and sacred seasons can teach everyone, regardless of age or background, about Jesus and how embracing these practices helps us discover a joy-filled life based on tradition, hospitality, and togetherness.

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How to Live the Liturgical Year with Kendra Tierney

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Kendra Tierney wanted to teach her children about the depth and beauty of Catholicism and give them a lived discipleship that wasn’t stuffy or boring. In her quest to pass on a vibrant faith, she discovered the rhythms of the Church year—encompassing saints' feast days and the tapestry of liturgical seasons—as a foundation to illuminate, educate, and infuse the everyday with boundless joy and fun. Her exploration led to the creation of Catholic All Year, a one stop blog and shop that helps families embrace the liturgical year and nurture the faith within the home. Experience Kendra's journey to learn practical ways you can also bring your own faith journey alive and pass that joy on to those you love.

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Living Life Intentionally with Steven Lawson of Monk Manual

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

How do we live intentionally, striving not solely for productivity but also for purposeful flourishing?

Steven Lawson, creator and founder of Monk Manual, explores how when we rush through life, we can miss moments that matter most. Steven’s conversation with Katie also offers insights on how to notice God at work in our daily lives and shows how the Church’s liturgical calendar and monastic orders provide a perfect template for intentional living.

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The Eucharist Leads Us to the Poor with Fr. Malachy Napier, CFR

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Malachy Napier, CFR, talks about how the Eucharist compels us to take what we receive and go out into the world to serve those who are forgotten, hurting, and alone by loving them like Jesus.

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The Heart of Eucharistic Revival with Bishop Andrew Cozzens

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston, chairman of the USCCB’s evangelization and catechesis committee, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about the Eucharistic Revival and what can happen when people recommit themselves to Jesus.

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The Work of the Eucharistic Revival with Joel Stepanek

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 31 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharistic Congress, talks about the origin and goals of the movement and previews the tenth National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for July 17-21, 2024,in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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The Eucharist and the Abundant Life with Heather and Jake Khym

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Heather and Jake Khym talk with host Katie Prejean McGrady about how a deeper understanding of the Eucharist can lead to abundant, life changing healing in your life.

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Bringing the Eucharist Home with Scott and Kathryn Whitaker

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Scott and Kathryn Whitaker share how the Eucharist was a key part of the early days of their marriage and remains a root of their family life. Kathryn and Scott also provide practical tips on prioritizing the Eucharist to build a holy and happy culture in the home.

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Adoring Jesus in the Eucharist with Perpetua Charles

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 10 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Perpetua Charles shares her story of finding comfort, home, and community by seeking out the Eucharist in the various places she's lived and worked and offers insight into how she's allowed the Eucharist to be a source of solace by way of taking time for Eucharistic Adoration.

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The Eucharist Renews Our Identity with Timothy P. O'Malley

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 03 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Theologian and author Timothy P. O'Malley talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about the Eucharist as a renewing force in our lives. Because we come to know Jesus stirring our hearts, the Eucharist can renew our communities, families, homes, and personal identities.

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The Eucharist Invites Us to Slow Down and Be Loved with Sr. Alicia Torres

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Alicia Torres, FE, shares how she was drawn to Franciscan spirituality rooted in a love of the Eucharist and seeing Jesus in the poor. She tells host Katie Prejean McGrady that she's come to see the Eucharist as a person who invites us to slow down and be loved intimately, even when things seem busy and beyond our control.

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The Eucharist is Really Jesus with Fr. Craig Vasek

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Craig Vasek, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how this life changed after his first authentic encounter with the Eucharist. Vasek also reinforces that the Eucharist is not a holy object, but a person—Jesus—to encounter and love.

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Finding Ourselves in Easter with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode, Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, talks with Katie about finding ourselves in the Easter story. He says that when we embrace an authentic relationship with Christ, we can see how our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have given space for him to dwell in our hearts.

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Embracing Suffering in Holy Week with Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Holy Week not only should be a time for deep contemplation of Christ's suffering but also an invitation to enter into our own hardship. On this week's podcast, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, discusses how patient suffering is a chance to grow closer to Jesus.

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Hearts Broken for the Lord with Rakhi McCormick

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode, Rakhi McCormick says we can return to the Lord this Lent if we allow the sadness and sorrow Jesus feels for the less fortunate of the world to energize us to work for change.

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Anchored in Lent and Life with Stephanie Weinert

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Weinert, founder of Mother and Home, talks with Katie about losing her young son, Becket, and how his death brought her to a deeper understanding of suffering, the Cross, and how to navigate hardship with an anchor in Christ.

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Leaning into Lent with Paul George

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's podcast, Paul George talks about leaning into intentional prayer and giving generously of our first fruits during Lent. These spiritual practices can sometimes make us uncomfortable, but the Lord can help us grow in that discomfort.

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Giving More in Lent with Fr. John LoCoco

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Fr. John LoCoco, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, shares how Lent is a time of giving more and expecting more. By leaning into the suffering of Lent, in even the small things, we're able to more fully return to Jesus with our sometimes fractured and broken hearts.

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Returning to Dependence with Britt Fisk

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

On this week's podcast, Britt Fisk discusses radical surrender and dependence on God during her battle with cancer. Her season of suffering felt like a perpetual Lent, she says. Britt helps us see that trusting the Lord with the big things in our lives can help us trust him with the small ones as well.

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Why We Return with Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Fr. John Burns, author of Return, talks about why returning to the Lord during Lent is important. He explains that when we pursue the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we place ourselves before God in a healthy way.

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Return to Lent with Mark Hart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

In this special episode of Ave Explores: Lent 2023, Mark Hart, AKA the "Bible Geek," says that we shouldn't start Lent hoping to complete a series of tasks on a list. Rather, we should commit ourselves to growing closer to Jesus.

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The Holy Family with The Bulmans

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rachel and Jason Bulman, contributors to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, discuss cultivating holiness, prayerfulness, and humility in a family. The couple also talks about how your healing journey can be essential to growing in holiness as a family.

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The Child Jesus with Michelle Benzinger

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, explores how childlike wonder is a source of joy and healing during Advent. Michelle says that as we contemplate the infant Jesus, we are brought into the beauty and simplicity of the incarnation. She also shares her own family's growing sense of delight in God's creation and in one another.

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Joseph as Protector with Fr. Josh Johnson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Fr. Josh Johnson, host of the podcast Ask Fr. Josh, reflects on the essential role of fathers in families and in the Church. He also discusses how fathers--through their role as protectors and shepherds--can inspire and transform a family.

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Mary as Healer with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, introduces the theme of each week of her Advent reflection journal, Behold. She also explains how allowing ourselves to gaze at God—and inviting God into our lives—is the most fruitful way to begin the Advent season.

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You Deserve to Be Healed with Heather Khym

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Heather Khym, author of Abide and cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, shares her story of healing and her journey to understand God's love for her. Khym explains why all of us are called to and deserve, an abundant and healed life in Christ.

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Jesus Heals the Whole Person with Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Jackie Mulligan, CEO of Reform Wellness, says healing only happens when we know Jesus, rely on him, and allow him to heal us. We come to be healed through this relationship with Jesus.

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Wounds Can Be a Teacher with Leticia Ochoa Adams

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Leticia Ochoa Adams, author of Our Lady of Hot Messes discusses her experience with childhood trauma and her grief following her son's death by suicide. She offers practical ways to engage with struggle, learn from wounds, and help others as they travel the same road.

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Creating a Sanctuary of Healing with Jennifer Hubbard

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Jennifer Hubbard discusses how she found healing, peace, and new purpose after losing daughter, Catherine, in the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.

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Identifying as a Beloved Daughter with Rachael Killackey

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Rachael Killackey, founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries, discusses pornography addiction by women. Killackey says that naming wounds and identifying the source of trauma can lead to deeper healing and awareness of your identity as a beloved daughter of God.

Healing from Addiction with Scott Weeman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Scott Weeman, executive director of Catholic in Recovery, discusses how twelve-step programs and the Sacraments work together to help people heal from addiction.

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Healing Restores Others with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, says that when we work to restore ourselves to healing we can begin to help heal the world in which we live. Our personal healing can be transformative for others as well.

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Be Vulnerable in Healing with Roy Petitfils

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Roy Petitfils, a licensed professional counselor, discusses how healing occurs when we recognize that we've become disconnected from ourselves and others, and then work to restore those connections by acknowledging our wounds, leaning into our faith, and being vulnerable, especially with ourselves.

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Healing Leads to Joy with Fr. Sean Kilcawley

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Sean Kilcawley, director of the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Lincoln, explains that healing is the process of allowing Jesus to look upon us with love and acceptance. He says that when we allow Jesus to love us, we are able to live a life of abundant joy.

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Healing is Rooted in Hope with Regina Boyd

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Licensed mental health counselor Regina Boyd explains that healing is rooted in hope and a desire to recover and experience resurrection. She said women especially seek answers to questions about worthiness and acceptance, and when they find answers, discover the hope found in healing.

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The Transformation of Healing with Bob Schuchts

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, discusses his journey of healing and the transforming graces of the sacraments as he sought to repair wounds in his life. Schuchts also talks about initial steps toward healing your heart and mind.

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Jesus Leads Us to Healing with Fr. Rob Galea

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Rob Galea discusses his inspiring story of healing, an ongoing journey that has included not only moments of great despair but also profound hope. Galea said that healing must be rooted in love of Jesus and a desire to know him more.

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Preparing for the Mass with Mark Hart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Mark Hart discusses how being open and prepared for Mass—even in the midst of our busy lives—allows us to fully experience the fruits of the Eucharist and to understand the gift of the Mass.

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The Mass as a Weekend Experience with Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—coauthors of the bestselling Rebuilt—discuss how the culture of their parish was transformed when they began to focus on Mass as a weekend experience that begins in the parking lot and culminates in the celebration of the liturgy. The two also share how they help families engage in worship.

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How the Mass Converted a Family with Amber Casey

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

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The Latin Mass and Novus Ordo with Fr. Tim Grumbach

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 27 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

During the pandemic, Fr. Tim Grumbach, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, learned how to say the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, also known at the Latin Mass. He reflects on how saying both the Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo--the Mass most Catholics participate in today--enhanced his appreciation for the liturgy and helped him become a better priest.

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Cultural Experiences in Mass with Fr. Ajani Gibson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 25 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Ajani Gibson, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, discusses how culture can permeate the liturgy in beautiful ways. He says that when we make space for cultural expression in the Mass we elevate our worship and the body of Christ becomes more united.

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Overcoming Distractions During Mass with Shannon Wimp Schmidt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 20 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever been distracted by the many sights and sounds at Mass? Shannon Wimp Schmidt, a mother who also has more than a decade of experience in youth and parish ministry, says you can overcome distractions by building holy habits and engaging in contemplative prayer.

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How the Laity Can Prepare for Mass with Fr. Joshua Whitfield

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Joshua Whitfield, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, provides practical tips for preparing for Mass. He also discusses his conversion from the Anglican Church to Catholicism.

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How the Eucharist Grounds Us with Timothy P. O'Malley

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 13 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Theologian Timothy P. O'Malley provides an overview of the USCCB's Eucharistic Revival and discusses how the Mass should not only be integral to the life of the parish, but also in our everyday lives.

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What is the Mass? with Susan M. Timoney

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 11 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, theologian Susan M. Timoney discusses the history and structure of the Mass. She will help you understand why worship at the altar is the most essential form of prayer for believers.

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Why the Mass Matters with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 04 May 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, says the Mass is important because it is there that we stand at the foot of the Cross and are transformed. It's also the place where we meet in community with fellow Catholics.

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Easter Sunday with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, concludes her Restore reflections for Lent and offers practical ways to fully enter into the celebration of the Easter season.

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Faith, Hope, and Love for the Ukrainian Catholic Church with The Very Reverend Mark Morozowich

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

The Very Reverend Mark Morozowich joins Katie Prejean McGrady and Chenele Shaw, in a special crossover episode of Ave Explores and Ave Spotlight, to discuss the war in Ukraine and provide historical and spiritual context to the conflict, tell the stories of resilient and holy Ukrainian Catholics, and offer insights into how to pray and fast for peace.

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Healing in Holy Week with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, explains that when we seek healing in Christ, the Holy Week liturgies of Palm Sunday, the Triduum, and Easter show us the transformation of suffering and the redemption of the Resurrection.

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Forgiveness Heals All Wounds

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Heather and Jake Khym discuss the Week Five theme of Restore, the journey of forgiveness. The Khyms share their personal story of healing and practical insights on forgiveness, as well as what it means to be open to the miracle of God's restoration of our hearts and minds.

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Generosity can be Restorative with Michelle Benzinger

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the popular Abiding Together podcast, talks about almsgiving as an opportunity to be generous and grateful. She also discusses how you can find restoration when you give your time, treasure, and presence.

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Gently Rooting Out Sin

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, joins Katie this week to talk about sin. Sr. Josephine explains that while sin is the cause of much of our woundedness, we should remember that we weren't created to sin but to be sons and daughters of Christ. Rather than being hyper-focused on sin, we should look for God's healing through prayer and the sacraments.

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The Freedom Found in Uncovering Wounds with Bob Schuchts

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and author of the bestselling Be Healed, discusses the Week Two theme of Restore, freedom of heart. He explains why healing and the work of identifying wounds are both difficult and fruitful, leading to a joy that can only come from Jesus. Schuchts says when we explore our wounds, we are doing the work of restoration; when we're willing to do that work, the Lord heals us and gives us the freedom to live life to the fullest.

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Entering into the Desert with Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Fr. John Burns examines the Week One theme of Restore, the desert. He discusses how the wilderness of the desert is a place where healing can begin and where restoration is found.

Use AVE10 for a 10% discount at https://sockreligious.com/.

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Introducing Restoration in Lent with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, author of Restore, introduces the main themes of healing and forgiveness as you begin your Lenten journey with her. By following Sr. Miriam's guided journal for prayer and meditation, you will find a deeper awareness of God's healing presence in your life as you walk with Jesus for forty days.

Use AVE10 for a 10% discount at https://sockreligious.com/.

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Emmanuel and Christmas with Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. John Burns wraps up our look at the Advent themes in Adore by explaining that his goal in writing the book was to help readers more deeply appreciate Christmas by getting to know the ways Emmanuel comes into our hearts and changes our lives.

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Nearness with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, explains that drawing near to Jesus during Advent provides peace and comfort in times of sorrow and distress, and offers us a glimpse of the Lord's goodness which comes with the joy of Christmas day.

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Heather Khym and Preparedness During Advent

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Heather Khym, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, helps us understand what preparedness really means during Advent: creating a heart that accepts God's promises long after the season.

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Sarah Swafford Reflects on the Advent theme of Watchfulness

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Sarah Swafford says it is important to slow down and embrace peacefulness and simplicity as we enter Advent. Reflecting on watchfulness—the first of the four weekly themes in Adore—Swafford said she has learned to do less so that she can watch for ways the Lord might surprise us during the season.

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Accompaniment as the Model of Evangelization with Paul Jarzembowski

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Paul Jarzembowski, assistant director of youth and young adult ministries at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses {Evangelii Gaudium}, Pope Francis's Apostolic Exhortation on evangelization. Jarzembowski explains how accompaniment and encounter are the key elements of evangelization.

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Finding the Good in Gaming with Jon Blevins

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Jonathan Blevins, founder and CEO of Little Flower Media, discusses his switch from sharing the faith through parish ministry to evangelizing with gaming on the streaming platform Twitch. By embracing gamers and hosting conversations about faith online, Blevins has opened up a new area of evangelization for the Church.

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Sharing Authentic Stories of Faith with Scott Boyle

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Scott Boyle, associate director of recruitment and formation for the Notre Dame Echo and Notre Dame Vision programs, discusses how these week-long summer camps at the University of Notre Dame are life-changing experiences for thousands of young people who have learned to share their faith through authentic storytelling and witness.

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Authentic and Real Evangelization with Chris Padgett

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Chris Padgett, internationally known Catholic speaker and author, discusses how evangelization begins and ends with an authentic witness to the ways Jesus has changed your life. He says stories and humor are especially important when trying to help people encounter the Lord.

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The Sacraments as the Source of Sharing with Fr. Blake Britton

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Blake Britton, a priest in the diocese of Orlando, says that you can begin evangelization at home by immersing your family in the Church's sacramental and liturgical life. He recommends examples such as praying the Liturgy of the Hours or making daily Mass a priority.

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Prayer as the Source of Evangelization with Gloria Purvis

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0400

Gloria Purvis, host of The Gloria Purvis Podcast from America Media, believes that evangelization must be rooted in your personal prayer life. With stories from her life and from her professional experiences as a radio host and internationally known Catholic speaker, Purvis uses examples from her own life and work to explain how tackling tough topics with others should be done with charity and conviction.

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Understanding Your Charisms and Gifts with Mallory Smyth

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Mallory Smyth discusses how understanding our gifts and paying attention to how the Holy Spirit calls us to use them is the first step in sharing the faith. She also shares how her reversion to Catholicism and her work in various ministries has shown her that we are all called to uniquely give witness to Jesus.

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Learning to Listen with Shannon Schmidt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Shannon Schmidt, a pastoral associate in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, discusses how working in parish ministry has taught her the value of listening and meeting people where they are in order to provide them with what they need.

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Evangelization Begins with Relationships with Marcel LeJeune

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Marcel LeJeune, founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples, says forming authentic and honest relationships is the key to sharing the faith with others. He explains that evangelization is not a program to fix people.

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How to Help People Listen to the Bible with Alex Jones of Hallow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Alex Jones discusses the founding of Hallow--a Catholic prayer and meditation app--which came from his desire to read and meditate more on scripture. Scripture is a key component of the app, including audio recordings of books of the Bible, Gospel challenges, and scripture-based sleep stories. Jones said thousands of users have developed a habit of reading the Bible because of Hallow.

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The Book of Revelation with Jeff Cavins

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Jeff Cavins, biblical scholar and a contributor to _The Bible in a Year _podcast, says that the book of Revelation is often misinterpreted as predicting the future. Instead, Revelation reveals that Heaven is a Mass and we are all invited to it.

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The Real Stories Behind the Gospels with Sarah Christmyer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Sarah Christmyer, contributor of The Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible, discusses how she grew to love Scripture and explains how reading the New Testament, especially the Gospels, helps us to know Jesus fully.

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The Jewish Roots of the Old Testament with Andrew Glicksman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Andrew Glicksman, chairman of the theology department at the University of Dallas, discusses his love of the Old Testament and explains how studying the sacred text brings about a greater appreciation for the New Testament and the story of Jesus.

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Praying the Psalms with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, shares her vocation story and discusses how living in community and praying the Liturgy of the Hours have been sources of joy and consolation in her life as a religious sister. She challenges all of us to let scripture--especially the Psalms--become a regular part of our lives.

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The Surprising Parts of Scripture with Rev. William L. Burton, OFM

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:30:00 -0400

Fr. William L. Burton, OFM, says that many Catholics are hesitant to read Scripture because they assume they'll get it wrong, but even scholars sometimes make mistakes. Burton explains there are surprises on every page of the Bible and encourages every Catholic to keep God's Word as their constant companion.

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Reading Scripture Daily with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Author and itinerant missionary Meg Hunter-Kilmer says daily reading of Scripture inspires a greater appreciation of Church tradition and a more robust understanding of Christ. Hunter-Kilmer has shared her reflections on daily Scripture on Instagram for two years. She explains how her life of faith has been changed by using the Bible as an anchor of her daily prayer.

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The Jewish Roots of the Old Testament with Andrew Glicksman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

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Why Scripture Matters and Why It is Not Optional with Mark Hart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Mark Hart began sharing scripture reflections with teens in his youth group in the mid-1990s. Now "The Bible Geek" is executive vice president of Life Teen International and travels the world sharing his passion for God's Word. Hart offers encouragement for those who want to meet Jesus through the Bible and tips for becoming a better reader of scripture.

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Made for More with Leah Darrow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:45:00 -0400

Leah Darrow, a speaker, author, Season 2 contestant on America’s Next Top Model, and founder of Lux U, shares about her struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, “mom guilt,” balance, and explores ways one can find peace and strength through spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, regularly attending daily Mass, and “recalibrating” one’s routine.

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The Universal Church with Cardinal Napier

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, archbishop of Durban in South Africa, discusses the Church's global diversity, which is rooted in love of Jesus Christ. Napier, who went to seminary in Ireland, also talks about the early days of his priesthood during apartheid in South Africa and eventually voting in the conclaves that elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

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Science is a Mission Field with Chris Baglow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Christopher T. Baglow, director of the science and religion initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, discusses how faith and science approach truth. He says that by exploring science with the eyes of faith and approaching faith with a desire to understand science, the Church can evangelize in new ways.

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At the Foot of the Cross with Leticia Ochoa Adams

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady visits with Leticia Ochoa Adams, a wife, mom, and speaker from Texas, who shares about grief, hope, and faith following the suicide of her son and how we can look to Mary as mother and comforter during the darkest days.

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Helping Teens Be Mentally Healthy with Roy Petitfils

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Roy Petitfils returns to join Katie Prejean McGrady to talk about crises teenagers face today and how to have honest conversations about mental health.

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Ending Racism in America with Fr. Josh Johnson and Sr. Josephine Garret, CSFN

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Joshua Johnson and Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, share their experiences as Black Catholics, discuss why racism is sinful, and explore how Catholics are called to advocate for change.

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Broken Saints for Broken People with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of the forthcoming Pray for Us, loves to tell stories of the saints, especially those who are not as well known. She shares how growing close to holy men and women has helped her to love Christ more. Hunter-Kilmer says each saint she’s grown close to has been a unique match during particular challenges in her life.

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The Stuff of Our Faith with Mike Aquilina

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Mike Aquilina, bestselling and award-winning author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects, relates how Catholics are a sacramental people, and objects such as the chains of St. Peter and the dome of the basilica named for him are significant to our understanding of faith. Aquilina also shares how ancient locations central to Christianity’s early development have helped him grow his love for the Lord.

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The Power of Healing with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT and Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Popular Catholic speakers and authors Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr. John Burns join Katie Prejean McGrady to talk about forgiveness and healing.

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Mary and the Pears with Jeannie Gaffigan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

A pear-sized brain tumor helped director, producer, and comedy writer Jeannie Gaffigan draw closer to the Blessed Mother. In this first Ave Explores podcast, Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, talks about praying the Rosary alone and with her family and how her illness helped her grow in her faith. Gaffigan’s book, When Life Gives You Pears, was released in 2019.

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From Atheism to Catholicism with Leah Libresco Sargeant

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 14 May 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Leah Libresco Sargeant discusses her conversion from atheism to Catholicism, highlighting how she used math and science to reconcile the ideas of objective moral truth and God's existence. She reflects on how we can help others to convert by answering questions, opening our homes, and being a witness to faith in everyday life.

How to Talk About the "Tough Stuff" of Faith and Science with Tod Worner, M.D.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Dr. Tod Worner, editor of the Word on Fire Institute's Evangelization and Culture journal, talks about how to tackle difficult topics of faith with skeptics and non-believers. He suggests starting from a place where each side can acknowledge their human dignity and a shared desire for truth and the ability to explain the natural world.

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The Ethics of Vaccines and Health Care with John Brehany

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 07 May 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Bioethicist John Brehany addresses the debate about whether it is ethical for Catholics to receive the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. He also reflects on how answering questions concerning bioethical issues—ranging from end-of-life care to medical intervention and from contraception to vaccination—is a form of accompaniment and ministry, critical in the life of the Church today.

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Answering Bioethical Questions with John A. DiCamillo

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 05 May 2021 05:00:00 -0400

John Di Camillo, a staff ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, offers moral principles to guide decision-making in bioethics and discusses how to answer common bioethical questions about such issues as vaccinations, infertility, abortion, and end-of-life with charity and Church teaching.

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Recognizing How Small We Are with Paul Giesting

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Geologist Paul Giesting discusses how working as an environmental regulator has helped him to contemplate mankind's tiny place in the colossal universe. Giesting says studying the planet through its geology has expanded his faith and given him a deeper appreciation of God's power.

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Science is a Mission Field with Chris Baglow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Chris Baglow, director of the science and religion Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, discusses how faith and science approach truth. He said that by exploring science with the eyes of faith and approaching faith with a desire to understand science, the Church can evangelize in new ways.

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Caring for Creation with Kathleen Hoenke

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Kathleen Hoenke, a spatial ecologist and program director at the St. Kateri Conservation Center, discusses growing native plants and building rain gardens on church properties. She says her faith came to life when she realized the grandeur of God in the natural flowers that grew in her own backyard. As a result, how she manages her household, what she grows in her garden, and what she teaches her children have changed.

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The Catholic Climate Covenant with Elena Gaona

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Elena Gaona discusses the mission of the Catholic Climate Covenant, highlighting how the organization works to bring solar power to parishes, create climate care teams for dioceses, and encourage the faithful to care for the earth and slow the effects of climate change.

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Why Faith and Science is Worth Talking About with Brandon Vogt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Brandon Vogt, senior content director of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, explains that faith and science are not only compatible but also necessary to understand the mysteries of creation. He also offers strategies to best explain how faith and science work together to those who have serious doubts.

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Faith Alive in Rome with Mountain Butorac

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0400

The Catholic Traveler Mountain Butorac discusses the vibrancy of parish communities in Rome and how pilgrimages help people grow deeper in their faith and understand the beauty of the universal Church.

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Pilgrims in Ireland with James and Catherine McLoughlin

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0400

James and Catherine McLoughlin have lived and worked in England, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. They discuss Catholicism in each country, explain how faith comes alive on pilgrimages, in small groups, and through acts of service, and look ahead to the future of the Church in the United Kingdom.

The Church in Haiti with Sean Forrest

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Sean Forrest, founder of Haiti180, discusses his international mission that serves the impoverished of Port Au Prince. Forrest, who travels to Haiti frequently to work with missionaries and operate an orphanage, says Catholicism is an anchor in the Haitian culture.

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From Kenya to Rome with Samuel Maina

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Samuel Maina, a seminarian in the Diocese of Nyeri in Kenya, shares his vocation journey and how his love of the Church in Africa and the vibrancy of the African culture in worship, community, and study led him to discern the priesthood.

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The Vibrant Youth of India with Percival Holt

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Percival Holt, former president of the Youth Council of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, discusses the vibrant Church in India, especially within youth and young adult ministry. Having traveled throughout India advancing the youth worker movement, Holt also explains the diversity within Indian Catholicism, where liturgical worship is an expression of local regions and communities.

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A Faithful Fight for the Environment with Joe Moeno-Kolio

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Joe Moeno-Kolio, a climate change advocate in Samoa, discusses how the Catholic faith is thriving in the South Pacific, especially in small village communities that are grounded in family life. Moeno-Kolio also explains how working to fight climate change, and care for God's creation is critical work for every Christian.

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The Universal Church Close Up with Brenda Noriega

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Brenda Noriega reverted to Catholicism when she moved to the United States from Mexico. She discusses how to end division and create unity and build community within our local parishes and throughout the world.

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This Church is Your Church with J.D. Flynn

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0500

J.D. Flynn, cofounder and editor-in-chief of Pillar Catholic, discusses how the Church in America is responding to divisions caused by the sex abuse crisis, opposition to Pope Francis, politics, and online forums.

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The Church Down Under with Malcolm Hart

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0500

Malcolm Hart, director of the Center for Evangelization for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, discusses how the Church in Australia is addressing increased secularization and rejection of the faith.

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The Universal Church with Cardinal Napier, O.F.M.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Cardinal Wilfred Fox Napier, O.F.M., archbishop of Durban in South Africa, discusses the Church's global diversity, which is rooted in love of Jesus Christ. Napier, who went to seminary in Ireland, also talks about the early days of his priesthood during apartheid in South Africa and eventually voting in the conclaves that elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

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It's Still Christmas with Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, authors of bestselling Messages series for Advent and Lent and the award-winning [ital] Rebuilt, discuss how to celebrate the entire Christmas season and stay connected as a parish community.

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All Things in Charity with Heidemarie Peterson of Reliquary Supply

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Heidemarie Petersen, owner of Reliquary Supply, says that charity means little if it isn't rooted in your heart. She practices charity personally and through her Catholic small business, giving to other organizations and hiring people from marginalized and oppressed communities.

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Living with Joy with Kelly Wahlquist

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Kelly Wahlquist, founder of WINE: Women in the New Evangelization, says that joy is ultimately rooted in peace. She offers encouragement on ways to maintain joy during Advent in the time of coronavirus.

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Hopeful Anticipation with Bishop William Wack, C.S.C.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Most Rev. William Wack, bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, reflects on spending the Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus with a joyful, hopeful, and generous heart.

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Hope Looks Different this Year with Justina Kopp

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Justina Kopp explains how she grew in faithfulness and hope while pregnant with her now-four-year-old quadruplets. Kopp says that although hope may feel different in light of the pandemic and the social unrest in the country this year, it is still valuable to look for the light that only Christ brings.

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Encouraging Kids to Think About Holiness with Lisa M. Hendey

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Author Lisa M. Hendey discusses writing children’s books about the lives of the saints and shares advice on how to talk with kids about becoming holy in their everyday lives.

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The Cause for Canonization of Fr. Patrick Peyton,C.S.C., with Fr. David Marcham

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. David Marcham, the vice postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C, tells the story of the Irish immigrant priest who was on a mission to encourage families to pray the Rosary and grow closer to Jesus through Mary. Marcham also explains how the canonization process works and why the Vatican is so thorough in its investigations.

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The Life & Legacy of Sr. Thea Bowman with Fr. Robert Boxie, III

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. Robert P. Boxie III, discusses the life, legacy, and Cause for Canonization of Sr. Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who lived and worked in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi. Her cause was opened in November 2018. Boxie also shares his vocation story.

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Diversity of the Saints with Gloria Purvis

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Gloria Purvis explains that learning the stories of black, indigenous, and other diverse saints helps to expand the understanding of holiness in the world. She also shares about the lives of several diverse men and women with open causes for canonization.

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Patron Saints for the Family with Karianna Frey

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Karianna Frey, author of A Brief Overview of Diversity, discusses how patron saints can bring spiritual depth, personal healing, and comfort to a family. Frey shares which saints have been particularly inspiring to her own family and how she has chosen to entrust each of her four children to a saint.

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Broken Saints for Broken People with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of the forthcoming Saints Around the World, loves to tell stories of the saints, especially those who are not as well known. She shares how growing close to holy men and women has helped her to love Christ more. Hunter-Kilmer says each saint she’s grown close to has been a unique match during particular challenges in her life.

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The Saints in our Lives with Maria Morera Johnson

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Maria Morera Johnson discusses her family’s immigration to the United States from Cuba. Johnson, the author of Our Lady of Charity, shares the journey that led her to a relationship with the saints, especially St. Teresa of Avila, and a deeper prayer life.

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Saints 101 with Doug Tooke

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Doug Tooke, vice president of mission at ODB Films and host of the Renovo podcast, explains canonization, the process the Church uses to declare a person a saint. He also shares how each of us can strive for holiness.

Links:

Sign Up for Ave Explores — Sign up to receive free email content direct to your inbox for each Ave Explores series
Ave Explores: The Saints - Week 1
ODB Films
Renovo Podcast: Incorruptibles
Renovo Podcast: U.S. Saints
Renovo Podcast: Weird Saints

A Family’s Saint with Mary and Jerry Lenaburg

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Mary and Jerry Lenaburg share the story of their daughter, Courtney, who died at the age of 22 after living her whole life with profound disabilities. The Lenaburgs explain how Courtney continues to be part of their life today, and explore how their faith carried them through the challenging years that were also marked with goodness and joy, sharing how in her time on earth, she was a witness to God’s goodness and is a remarkable gift to so many today through her prayers and intercession.

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Eyes Fixed to Heaven with Sr. Bethany Davis, F.S.P.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Sister Bethany Davis of the Daughters of St. Paul sits down with Katie Prejean McGrady to explore what it means to be holy and keep our eyes fixed to heaven, not just because that makes us “a good Catholic,” but because it’s what Jesus wants for our lives. Sister Bethany tells her vocation story, explores the charism and mission of her congregation, and also shares about the new book of saints from the Daughters of St. Paul, In Caelo et in Terra: 365 Saints, and how this project ten years in the making is finally coming to fruition.

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Cultivating a Culture of Grace with Danielle Bean

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Danielle Bean, author, speaker, podcaster, and the brand manager of CatholicMom.com, talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about the challenges of parenting, and offers advice on how to stay grounded throughout the stages of family life. Bean also shares how cultivating a “God will give me the grace” attitude is the best way to form a healthy and holy family culture.

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Welcoming Jesus Into Your Family Life with Emily Jaminet

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, mother of seven, and the executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network. She talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about how family prayer and welcoming Jesus into your home can transform your family dynamic. Jaminet also explains how the ability to pivot in the midst of life’s changes is a mother’s greatest strength, sharing how when a mother is centered in prayer, she’s able to change course with grace and patience.

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Fruitfulness & Infertility with Timothy P. O'Malley

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Timothy P. O’Malley, director of McGrath Theology Online at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about he and his wife Kara’s struggle with infertility. A professor who also teaches a course on marriage, O’Malley offers insights into discernment and dating for young adults, and ways that we can encourage prayer as a family.

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Forming Families & Finding Joy with Marcia Lane McGee

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Marcia Lane McGee is a birth mother with an open adoption and a foster mom who lives with six teenage boys at the Mooseheart Home near Chicago. She tells host Katie Prejean McGrady that we are all called to creatively foster family life based on our unique state of life and vocation. Lane McGee also explains how we must invest in people, even when they are at their worst, to help them find joy and to lead them to a fullness of love in Christ.

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Heroic & Empathetic Fatherood with Brian Greenfield

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Catholic speaker Brian Greenfield talks with host Katie Prejean McGrady about a father’s role as provider and protector, and as an affirming, empathetic, healing presence in the lives of his wife and children. A theology teacher at an all-boys high school, Greenfield also shares how walking with young people through their wounds and helping them to find peace and love is a key role that all men can play in helping to heal a broken and selfish culture.

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Lighting a Fire within your kids with Damon and Melanie Owens

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Damon and Melanie Owens, founders of Joyful Ever After Ministries, talk with host Katie Prejean McGrady about finding healing within a marriage, especially when working through resentment and frustration. The couple also shares about raising their eight children in the faith, ultimately entrusting their hearts to the Lord and his will for their lives. The Owenses also offer insights into the ups and downs of married life, homeschooling, and finding balance at home.

Links:

Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life
The Catholic Marriage Summit 2020
Listen to Ave Spotlight — A new podcast from Ave Maria Press with Fr. Dennis Strach, C.S.C. and Katie Prejean McGrady

A Twitter Romance & a Covid-19 Wedding with Nick & Riley Sciarappa

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Newlyweds Nick and Riley Sciarappa talk with host Katie Prejean McGrady about meeting online and about their lives while dating and discerning marriage and what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown in trust throughout their engagement. The Sciarappas also share what it was like to plan a wedding in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Making Marriage Abundantly Joyful with Jackie Francois Angel & Bobby Angel

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Jackie Francois Angel and Bobby Angel, authors, speakers, and parents of four, explain to host Katie Prejean McGrady that marriage must be rooted in friendship, attentiveness to the other’s needs, communication, and a dedication to prayer. The Angels say that marriage is meant to be abundantly joyful, established in a love of Christ that flows into family life.

Links:

Sign Up for Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life — Get the weekly content emails right to your inbox! Sign up for free.
Learn More about Jackie & Bobby Angel
"Forever" by Jackie & Bobby Angel

Regroup and Let it Go with Jeannie Gaffigan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:30:00 -0400

Jeannie Gaffigan, author of the bestselling When Life Gives You Pears, wife to comedian Jim Gaffigan, and mother of five, talks candidly with host Katie Prejean McGrady about balancing family life, her Catholic faith, and maintaining a sense of sanity and fun in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City. Gaffigan shares practical tips on how Catholic family life can thrive by lowering your expectations and letting stressful things go so you can focus on your family’s health, happiness, and holiness.

Links:

Sign up for Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life
Subscribe to Ave Spotlight — Our new Ave Maria Press weekly podcast with Fr. Dennis Strach, C.S.C. and Katie Prejean McGrady. Monday mornings, with short interviews, commentary on current events, and a word of hope for each week.
Jeannie Gaffigan
Follow Jeannie on Twitter
Have Dinner with the Gaffigans
The Imagine Society

Finding Ways to be Generous with Beth and Dr. Edward Sri

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:30:00 -0400

Theologian Edward Sri and his wife Beth talk with host Katie Prejean McGrady about how marriage and parenting is meant to be centered in love of God and a couple’s call to mission— to generously love, serve, teach, and proclaim the Gospel. With stories of raising their eight kids (ranging in age from nineteen to four years old), the realities of balancing work, home, and travel, and how to find healing from past wounds, the Sris explain how generosity is the key to thriving within Catholic family life.

Links:

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Dr. Edward Sri
Born To Do This with Beth Sri

Introducing Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady's parents, Marie & Garland Prejean, introduce the upcoming Ave Explores series on Catholic Family Life

Links:

Subscribe to Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life — Receive articles, videos, latest podcast episodes, and Facebook Live interviews right to your inbox when you subscribe!

Restoring Justice with F. DeKarlos Blackmon

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0400

F. DeKarlos Blackmon, director of the Secretariat for Life, Justice, and Charity in the Diocese of Austin, Texas, explains why people of faith should be concerned with advocating for justice, especially in prison systems and in the ongoing fight against racial inequality.

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A Personal Mission Field with Fr. Michael Thomas, C.S.C.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Fr. Michael Thomas, C.S.C., a teacher and campus minister at St. George’s College in Santiago, Chile—a K-12 school apostolate of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross— explains what led him to mission work in Chile. Thomas says that much of our mission work will occur within our own families, workplaces, and parishes.

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Using Our Gifts to Help Those in Need with Steve Camilleri

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Steve Camilleri, executive director of the Center for the Homeless in South Bend, Indiana, explains how each of us are called to use our gifts to help those who need food, shelter, clothing, and financial assistance, not only tangibly, but also by loving and engaging them.

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Defending Life with Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, S.V.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei., S.V., joined the Sisters of Life thirteen years ago, choosing the order because of its charism to protect and defend life. She shares how advocating life is not so much being “against” something, but being “for” the goodness of life.

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Bringing Hope to At-Risk Youth with Kris Frank

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Kris Frank, vice president of Vagabond Missions, shares how the Steubenville, Ohio, ministry expanded across the country by focusing on sharing the Gospel with at-risk, inner-city youth, helping them break the cycle of abandonment and hopelessness.

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Ending Racism in America with Fr. Joshua Johnson and Sr. Josephine Garrett, C.S.F.N.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Fr. Joshua Johnson and Sr. Josephine Garrett, C.S.F.N., share their experiences as black Catholics, discuss why racism is sinful, and explore how Catholics are called to advocate for change.

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Advocating for the Common Good with Fr. Kevin Sandberg, C.S.C.

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Fr. Kevin Sandberg, C.S.C, former executive director of and current professor of Theology at the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, shares how advocating for the common good helps to end social isolation and oppression.

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Hope, the Resurrection, and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy with Scott Hahn

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:15:00 -0400

Scott Hahn, a theologian and founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, explains how the virtue of hope can help us understand the glory of Christ’s Resurrection, and encourage us to love the poor, serve the marginalized, and preach the Gospel. In Hahn’s new book, Hope to Die, he explores how pain and suffering unite us with the Cross of Christ and help us to live out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Links:

Sign Up for Ave Explores: Faith in Action — Sign up for the latest series exploring the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and the social justice principles of the Church
Hope to Die by Dr. Scott Hahn with Emily Stimpson Chapman
Enter to Win the Ave Explores: Faith in Action Giveaway

The New Renaissance with Anthony D'Ambrosio

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 06 May 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Art and creativity are the driving forces behind Anthony D’Ambrosio’s writing and his consulting business. The poet and designer is the cofounder of Catholic Creatives, an international community of artists who want to bring about a new renaissance of beauty within the Church. D’Ambrosio believes even if they don’t realize it, all people are creative and pursue creative work.

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Faith in the Magic Kingdom with Fabiola Garza

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 05:30:00 -0400

Fabiola Garza, author of The Boy Who Would be Pope and an artist for Disney, shares how her Catholic faith influences her work. Garza shares how her identity as a Catholic gives life to all she does, both professionally and personally.

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The Soul of the Artist with Christine Valters Paintner

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 07:30:00 -0400

Christine Valters Paintner is a Catholic author and online abbess at the Abbey for the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She explains how we are called to see ourselves as artists in the world, not because we have marketable talents, but because the Lord is inviting us to create. Paintner explores how God surprises us with art in every form.

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Art Draws Us In with Liz Lev

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Elizabeth Lev, an art historian, author, tour guide, and college professor living in Rome, shares how art—especially the art of the Church—is the ultimate path to understanding what we believe and helps us see the continuity of the faith throughout history. Lev explains how art ultimately invites us to be drawn into its beauty and to contemplation of the divine.

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Thriving as a Family with Tommy Tighe

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Catholic counselor Tommy Tighe shares ways we can help our children cope with the current crisis and how couples and families can continue to thrive with routine, prayer, and facing their feelings of uncertainty together.

Links:

Ave Explores Art and Architecture
Tommy Tighe's Books — On sale for $10 each now!
Follow Tommy on Twitter

The Stuff of our Faith with Mike Aquilina

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Mike Aquilina, bestselling and award-winning author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects, relates how Catholics are a sacramental people, and objects such as the chains of St. Peter and the dome of the basilica named for him are significant to our understanding of faith. Aquilina also shares how ancient locations central to Christianity’s early development have helped him grow his love for the Lord.

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Addiction and Recovery with Scott Weeman

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how to help those who struggle with addictions when they are unable to attend support-group meetings in person and are tempted to fall back into old habits as their routine and structure shift.

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Hold Fast to Hope with Leah Darrow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Leah Darrow, Catholic author, speaker, and founder of Lux U, invites you to look to the Cross for comfort, inspiration, and solace in the middle of COVID-19. She tells Katie Prejean McGrady that hope is the virtue we need most while facing this pandemic.

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The Way of Beauty with Andrew Petiprin

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Andrew Petiprin, fellow of popular culture at the Word on Fire Institute, explains how beauty and Catholic art and architecture can lead us to a deeper faith and understanding of the truth. A convert to Catholicism, Petiprin shares his conversion story, highlighting how the way of beauty ultimately led him to Catholicism and a life committed to evangelization through art, music, film, and pop culture.

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Holy Week with Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

How can we more fully enter into the celebration of Triduum and Easter, the holiest days of the Church year? Fr. John Burns, author of Lift Up Your Heart, explains the liturgies for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday and offers ways we can experience these sacred days at home, even with public masses suspended because of COVID-19.

6:47 - Holy Thursday
16:55 - Good Friday
28:13 - Holy Saturday
40:36 - Holy Week at Home

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Helping Teens through Quarantine with Roy Petitfils

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Catholic psychotherapist Roy Petitfils talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how to help teens find structure and rhythm in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty. As schools shift to online learning, colleges close, and teens and young adults are at home, Petitfils will tell you how to help them process what's happening, live with their anxious feelings, and maintain a sense of normalcy.

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Suffering goes Hand in Hand with Joy with Mary Lenaburg

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Mary Lenaburg, author of Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God during the Most Difficult Days of My Life, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how suffering and joy go hand-in-hand, especially during Lent. With a heart for hospitality, Lenaburg shares how her family joyfully lives life while always celebrating the memory of her daughter Courtney.

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Being Honest and Grateful, with Sr. Miriam James Heidland

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T., Catholic speaker and author of Loved as I Am, explains that social distancing is an opportunity for us to see that God is inviting us to slow down and be grateful for all the things he has given us. She tells Katie Prejean McGrady that when faced with times of solitude and quiet, we’re called to honestly face our feelings and past hurts.

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Our Mental Health Reboot

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Let’s face it: We can all probably use a reboot right now.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues around the world, more people are working at home, kids are attending classes online, we’re watching Mass on TV or the internet, and we could be suffering from the disease, quarantined, or sheltering in place. No doubt you’re mentally drained from the ever-changing crisis.

Ave Maria Press wants to help with a new Ave Explores podcast mini-series that focuses on mental health. Host Katie Prejean McGrady revisits some of our panel of stress, anxiety, and mental health experts to help you cope. Leah Darrow, Roy Petitfils, Tommy Tighe, Scott Weeman, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T., will help you end up mentally and spiritually stronger on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

Our Common Humanity with Joyce Rupp

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Joyce Rupp, author of Jesus: Friend of My Soul, shares how the season of Lent is an invitation to love other people in more intentional ways, just as Jesus loves us. Rupp also relates how the COVID-19 crisis is a chance to be more aware of our common humanity, seeing Christ in each person we encounter.

Sponsored By:

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Lent is a Launchpad with Tommy McGrady

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Tommy McGrady and Katie Prejean McGrady, coauthors of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, discuss how young people can fully invest in the season of Lent. McGrady shares how fasting, prayer, and almsgiving can be the foundation of a fruitful spiritual life for teenagers long after Lent is complete.

Sponsored By:

Ave Maria Press: Get 25% off your entire order, plus free shipping Promo Code: EXPLORELENT

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What God Wants us to Do with Joel Stepanek

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Joel Stepanek, author of Chasing Humility: 8 Ways to Shape a Christian Heart, joins Katie Prejean McGrady to discuss how Lent can be fruitful if we pay attention to what God wants us to do with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Humility is the golden thread that ties together these Lenten practices.

Sponsored By:

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Carrying Your Cross with Emily DeArdo

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Emily DeArdo, author of Living Memento Mori: My Journey through the Stations of the Cross talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about her battle with cystic fibrosis and how it deeply affects her friendships, family life, and faith. Emily shares how carrying this cross helped her gain new insights into how to walk through any desert, especially the forty days of Lent.

Sponsored By:

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You Can't Mess Up Lent with Gary Zimak

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Gary Zimak, “worry” expert and author of "Give Up Worry for Lent! 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ" chats with Katie Prejean McGrady about how to avoid becoming over scrupulous and reassures us that we can’t really ruin the forty days of Lent if we keep our priorities straight.

Sponsored By:

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Giving Up Starts with Giving with Deacon Greg Kandra

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Deacon Greg Kandra talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about how the practice up giving up something in Lent actually starts with giving. Kandra also shares insights into the Lenten devotional Daily Devotions for Lent 2020 and what he’s going to focus on doing during Lent this year.

Sponsored By:

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Links:

The Living Gospel: Daily Devotionals for Lent 2020
Lenten Resources from Ave Maria Press
The Deacon's Bench — Deacon Greg Kandra's Patheos Blog
Ave Explores

The Power of Healing with Sister Miriam James Heidland & Fr. John Burns

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Catholic authors and speakers Sr. Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T., and Fr. John Burns talk about the basic need everyone has to seek healing. Whether it’s from wounds, slights, or deep and long-lasting trauma, the need for healing is directly tied to living a mentally healthy life. Our conversation explores ways to rest in the healing power of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love.

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Finding Hope in the Midst of Loss with Tommy Tighe

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Tommy Tighe is a counselor, author, and podcast and TV host, but he would tell you his most important title is husband and father. In this episode, Tighe shares about the struggle of losing a child and how he, his wife, and their four other sons have lived with their grief, maintained their faith. and remained mentally healthy. Tommy also offers insight on how to help those who are struggling with grief, what it means to "feel your feelings," and how faith has been a foundation upon which healing has been found.

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Helping Teens be Mentally Healthy with Roy Petitfils

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Roy Petitfils counsels teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and stress. In this episode, he gives an overview of what teens are facing, how screens and social media are influencing teenagers and their mental health today, and how all of us can have open and fruitful conversations about mental health challenges.

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Give Up Worry with Gary Zimak

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Catholic speaker, author, and "worry expert” Gary Zimak discusses what it’s like to live with anxiety, and helps explain ways chronic worriers can find peace, comfort, and relinquish control to Jesus.

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Made for More with Leah Darrow

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 01:00:00 -0500

Leah Darrow, a speaker, author, Season 2 contestant on America’s Next Top Model, and founder of Lux U, shares about her struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, “mom guilt,” balance, and explores ways one can find peace & strength through spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, regularly attending daily Mass, and “recalibrating” one’s routine.

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Introducing Season 2 of Ave Explores

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Katie Prejean McGrady gives a snapshot of the topic for the upcoming season of Ave Explores, taking a look at stress, anxiety, and mental health.

This season includes interviews with Leah Darrow, Roy Petitfils, Tommy Tighe, and more, along with articles from professional counselors, psychologists, and doctors.

Subscribe to Ave Explores: Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health here:

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Episode 8: Mary on the Journey with Us

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Katie summarizes the Ave Explores Mary series, highlighting the key points made by all the guests on Season 1 of the podcast and insights gained about the role Mary plays in our lives.

Links:

Read all the Ave Explores Content

Immaculate, Miraculous Mary with Michael O'Neill

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Katie gets a master class in the 3 most well-known Marian apparitions from the Miracle Hunter himself, Michael O'Neill. With wisdom and insight, Michael unpacks Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, telling the stories fo these Marian apparitions, the miraculous healings and moments surrounding these profoundly beautiful moments in Marian history, and helps us understand why these apparitions occur.

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The Miracle Hunter

Many Hail Marys at a Time with Kristin Reilly

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie visits with Kristin Reilly, a working mom with 7 kids, a career in finance, and an online ministry that brings hundreds of people together on Instagram Live every morning to pray the rosary together.

Making a Holy Family with J.D. Flynn

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie sits down with J.D. Flynn, Editor-in-Chief of Catholic News Agency and co-host of the popular Catholic podcast, The Editor's Desk from CNA, to talk about the Blessed Mother's importance to his family, how praying a rosary every evening has helped him be a better husband and father, and he puts on his "Canon Lawyer hat" to help give tips on how to explain Mary to non-Catholics.

At the foot of the Cross with Leticia Ochoa Adams

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie visits with Leticia Ochoa Adams, a wife, mom, and speaker from Texas, who shares about grief, hope, and faith following the suicide of her son and how we can look to Mary as mother and comforter during the darkest days.

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Read Leticia's Ave Explores Article
Visit Leticia's Website

Mary in the life of a priest with Fr. Anthony Sciarappa

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady and “Pittsburgh’s Okayest Priest” Fr. Anthony Sciarappa, host of the popular Catholic podcast "Clerically Speaking," chat about how his devotion to the Blessed Mother grew while he was in seminary and how we can all welcome Mary into our prayer life.

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Clerically Speaking
Fr. Sciarappa's Twitter

Trusting Providence with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady and Meg Hunter-Kilmer talk about what it’s like to travel all the time (especially when living out of your car), how to trust in God’s providence, and how Mary is an example of what radical trust in God can, and does, look like.

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Mary and the Pears with Jeannie Gaffigan

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:00:00 -0400

A pear-sized brain tumor helped director, producer, and comedy writer Jeannie Gaffigan draw closer to the Blessed Mother. In this first Ave Explores podcast, Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, talks with Katie Prejean McGrady about praying the Rosary alone and with her family and how her illness helped her grow in her faith. Gaffigan’s new book, When Life Gives You Pears, was just recently released.

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When Life Gives You Pears
The Imagine Society

Introducing Ave Explores with Katie Prejean McGrady

katieprejean@gmail.com (Ave Maria Press) — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0400

Katie Prejean McGrady, author, speaker, and project manager of Ave Explores, gives an overview of this new initiative from Ave Maria Press and reflects on the role Mary has played in her own life.

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Sign up for Ave Explores — Have you ever wondered why Mary holds such a prominent place in the Catholic Church, but not in other Christian Churches? Perhaps you want to learn more about who Mary is and why she matters? Or, how you can grow to love her more? Ave Explores Mary would like to help you find the answers to these questions and more. Sign up here!
Win a Marian Gift Basket — Ave Explores Mary begins October 15. To celebrate, we will be giving away some awesome Marian swag to ONE lucky winner. This amazing gift basket includes art from Jen Norton, a beautiful Mary tea towel, Mystic Monk coffee, a rosary, a Catholic planner, a few of our bestselling Marian titles, and much more!