Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

September 11, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Show notes: In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Pat, and Jackie are joined by Susan Potvin to discuss the processes of Discerning the Will of God.

Susan Potvin, worship leader and inspirational speaker, has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than forty years. She and her husband, Urby, who have been married for 45 years, reside in Steubenville, Ohio. They have raised 4 children and have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Susan is the leader of Living Praise Worship Team, which travels nationally and internationally, serving such groups as Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women, where she is the Chair for Praise and Worship…. Women of Grace®, the National Charismatic Renewal and many local dioceses and women’s ministries. With Living Praise, Susan has produced seven worship CD’s. Susan has a passion to speak and teach about praise and worship and inspire others in their relationship with the Lord. Graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.A. in Theology, Susan also has a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the School of Spiritual Direction at Franciscan University. Susan works as a school counselor at a K-12 Christian school.

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Overcome Daily Struggles

September 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Overcome Daily Struggles Episode 52

Is it time to overcome daily struggles? Does it seem that there is always a new daily struggle to overcome? Sometimes the pile gets overwhelming and then we fall under the strain. In this episode of A Few Minutes With God Podcast, we’ll discuss scripture verses that will help as well as the hope that is in store for those who believe.

When I think about ways to overcome daily struggles I remember a book I read years ago I read a book to the kids Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It was published in 1972 and even won a series of literary prizes for children’s literature. The reason? It resounded with the old and young alike. We always have to deal with everyday life and some days are harder than others. Each day we struggle. Each day we fall, each day we do things we are not proud of doing. How do we stand up under the crushing weight that is on our shoulders? It is not easy.

Overcome Daily Struggles

I thought that this was the week that would do me in! There was no way I could overcome my daily struggles. This week has been one of the hardest weeks. Actually the last two weeks. I’ve had ups and downs in my life in dealing with situations out of my control. And I truly think those are the hardest. Those are the ones where we have to throw up our hands and ask the Lord to help us. Recently one of my children was waiting for room assignments in a college dorm and instead of the private room she requested she’ll be sharing one big room with two other girls. She also had a hard time signing up for classes as a transfer upperclassman. Things happen, they are stressful but we make do. My other son twisted his ankle while training, and he is playing a college sport on scholarship – so the stress is that he would heal in time to keep training. Then two days later another son fell off a ladder at work and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. One daily struggle then another, then another. We sometimes wonder when it will stop?

The enemy likes nothing better than to kick us when we are down. To remind us of all the bad things happening in our lives while glossing over all the good that comes out of our struggles. Realize that when we struggle we can suffer real pain. It can come first in the sense of worry, anxiety, stress, tears, anger and then translate into physical ailments such as a stomach ache, headaches, or restlessness and insomnia. Anxiety can lead to depression and yet there is hope.

Scriptures Show Us How To Overcome Daily Struggles

Things will get better. One reason? Because we are promised this in scripture. We have to look no further than the book of Job.

Job 14: 14 “If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait Until my change comes.

A change will come. It can come in the form of others praying with us, understanding our needs and standing up for us in times when we need help. It can come in the form of relief — a change in the situation and a need that comes from the struggle. Sometimes we become so self-sufficient, we are our own worse enemies. We don’t want to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to know what we are going through. Just ask. Friends are there for you in so many different ways!

Trials and struggles can help us to grow stronger. We know that if the Lord denied the cross there would be no resurrection. James 1:2 states -Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…

That is a hard verse to read if you are in the midst of struggling. Joy in the midst of trials? Only with God’s grace and only with the help of Almighty God.

What does Ephesians say about ways to overcome daily struggles?

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Our struggles and our daily walk is not done alone. Remember, you are not invincible and you don’t have to carry the burden yourself. If you are on social media on Facebook I have a page for prayers – you can post them here and I will get a notification to pray. You don’t have to be specific – just saying, “I need prayers,” is good enough. A community of believers can be helpful in times when your struggle.

Recently when my son had to go to the hospital after a fall at work I messaged and posted on several private groups asking people to pray. The prayers came pouring in. He was released from the hospital and all was fine – but of course, before we knew if everything was going to be alright it was filed under the classification of “Oh no!” and the stress level was high!

Psalm 34:18 states The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Thank-you Lord for being close to us when we are broken-hearted. For making crooked lines straight. For helping us in knowing that You hear our prayers.

Psalm 23:4 — Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

No matter what you are going through, no matter how horrible or how sad, the “valley of the shadow of death” in our lives we are told to fear no evil because God is with us and He will comfort us. That my friends is the real key. Understanding that we don’t walk alone.

Let’s Pray for help for help to Overcome Daily Struggles:

Jesus, we trust in you – we trust in your providence for us each and every day. We ask you to bless and keep us safe, for our loved ones to be surrounded by your love and your protection. We ask that you help us daily to know that you are there and that you hear our prayers. Please Lord hear us as we pray for these intentions… and thank you Lord ahead of time for hearing us! In Jesus Name, Amen.

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From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise with Gail O’Brien

September 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise

Guest: Gail O’Brien

Location: Albany, NY

Date: March 2026

In this deeply moving testimonial, Gail O’Brien takes listeners on a chronological journey through her life, illustrating how God repeatedly went before her—even during a year-long period of self-proclaimed atheism.

Gail opens up about her childhood battle with severe shyness and a debilitating 20-year struggle with crippling social anxiety. From her early career at Grumman Aerospace to a dramatic physical healing, a painful divorce after 22 years of marriage, and an unexpected late-in-life romance, Gail shares how surrendering her life completely to Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament transformed her from a trapped introvert into a joyful leader of music ministry and Catholic Charismatic renewal.

Gail discusses growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, as a profoundly shy child.

Outwardly loved by her family, she felt deeply isolated and unable to speak full sentences to outsiders, building a protective wall around her emotions and developing early signs of panic and social anxiety.

While studying computer science in college, Gail stopped praying and declared herself an atheist. However, following the tragic death of a classmate, a profound, desolate emptiness during a memorial service led her to realize God had removed His presence to show her He had been there all along.

After landing a software job at Grumman Aerospace, Gail’s anxiety intensified. Unable to speak to street evangelists, Jesus met her in her living room through a Christian radio program where she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She eventually found community, scripture memorization, and emotional safety within a local Baptist church’s young adult group.

Gail details her 1991 marriage to her first husband, Joe, and her subsequent introduction to the Catholic Charismatic renewal via the Spirit Life Center. She shares a powerful, mystical experience before the Blessed Sacrament that resolved her doubts about the Real Presence, leading to her confirmation.

After discovering an internet-backed dietary solution, Gail experienced a sudden lift of her 20-year anxiety—which turned out to be an intense physical response to artificial hormones in meat. This miraculous healing occurred just two weeks before she needed to step up as the primary caregiver for her dying father.

As Gail found her voice, her marriage dynamics fractured, resulting in a painful divorce after 22 years. Gail reflects on the hours spent in a 24-hour adoration chapel, using the book I Hurt by Ann Costa to weed out bitterness, leading her to pursue a clean slate through the annulment process.

Gail recounts reconnecting with her college friend, Mark O’Brien, leading to a vibrant wedding with 100 guests—a stark contrast to her first private wedding. She details their spiritual battles as a couple and her current fulfillment leading praise with the Joyful Heart music ministry and the Albany Magnificat chapter.

Notable Scripture Quotes Referenced

Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…”

Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged…”

Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

John 6:54 – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life…”

James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Connect & Resources Mentioned

Book Mentioned: I Hurt by Ann Costa

Gail O’Brien’s Testimony was given to the Magnificat Albany Chapter in March, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Gail O'Brien, Magnificat Ministry Testimony, Magnificat Testimonies

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

September 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Deacon David Hockwalt shares how even the best-laid plans can lead to unexpected outcomes and how trusting God’s plan through change can lead to a more fulfilling life. Growing up in a Catholic family, Deacon David attended Catholic schools and colleges, but afterward, he fell away from the faith. Pursuing a successful career in television broadcasting in Washington, D.C. and then in Dallas, Texas, unexpected life events changed his course, leading him back to the faith and eventually to being ordained a deacon, where he has served at St. Francis of Assisi parish in La Quinta, California, since his ordination in 2012.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS on The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and other channels: Magnificat® Proclaims: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry/

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Deacon David Hockwalt, Magnificat Ministry

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

September 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?

Fr. Tom Sparacino starts with the gifts. Those in the Charismatic Renewal have them, he says — the trouble isn’t receiving, it’s using. Each of us has been given something different, and the Lord asks us to embrace it.

Then he tells on his own formation.

Men spend seven or eight years in the seminary, and on ordination day he tells them the truth: “Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.” Books don’t equip a priest. The school of the Spirit does. And that school, he says, is the one all of us are enrolled in.

So what does the Spirit equip us with? Two things. Holiness — not the position of our hands or the clothes we wear, but a focus fixed on one and only one, Jesus. And fear of the Lord — not being afraid, but knowing our lives are nothing without Him, that nothing we could ever want or dream of compares to Him.

That’s where St. Agatha comes in.

She focused on one and only one. She was tortured with hot coals — which is why she’s invoked as a patron of firefighters, and why Fr. Tom, watching the water that morning and thinking about the graces flowing, decided she ought to be a patron of the Charismatic Renewal too. “We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to burn. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.”

He’s honest about how asking works: tell the Lord what you want — he does, all the time, and it usually doesn’t go his way — but trust that He gives what you need, because His grace is always sufficient. The gifts and the fruits begin with fear of the Lord and grow into a life of piety: honoring God, and nothing else.

He closes with St. Paul: “We pray for you always, that our God may make you worthy of His call and fulfill by His power every intention and work of faith.” Live in the Spirit today. Be dependent on Him. And with these gifts, do the one thing we were made to do — exalt God forever.

Key quotes

“We’ve got the gifts. We just need to use them.”
“Congratulations — we’ve prepared you for a priesthood that doesn’t really exist.”
“It’s the school of the Spirit that equips our guys — and equips us.”
“What does holiness look like? Is it the position of our hands, or the clothes we wear? Or is it our focus on one and only one — and that is Jesus?”
“Fear of the Lord: not to be afraid, but to realize that our lives are nothing without Him.”
“We want those hot charcoals to touch our hearts today. We want to be consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.”
“He will give you what you need, because His grace is always sufficient.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr (February 5) — tortured with hot coals; invoked as a patron of firefighters and against fire
2 Thessalonians 1:11 — “that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith”
Isaiah 6:6–7 — the burning coal that touches the prophet’s lips
Isaiah 11:2–3 — the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including fear of the Lord and piety
Galatians 5:22–23 — the fruits of the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you”
Daniel 3 — the canticle refrain, “praise and exalt him above all forever”
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal; baptism in the Holy Spirit

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

In this inspiring collection of nine homilies, Fr. Tom invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through the liturgical year, the Eucharist, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Preached during a Magnificat pilgrimage, these reflections weave together Scripture, personal testimony, humor, and practical spiritual wisdom to encourage believers to live boldly as missionary disciples.

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

Just as the infant Christ was presented in the Temple, believers are called to welcome His presence daily through prayer, Scripture, and especially the Eucharist. Every Mass is an invitation to encounter Christ anew and allow His Word to become the guiding light for life’s journey.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit with confidence and humility. Holiness is presented not as perfection but as complete dependence upon God. Fr. Tom reminds us that every baptized Christian has received spiritual gifts and is called to use them courageously in service of the Church and the world.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

Through moving personal stories and reflections on sunrise prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the beauty of creation, Fr. Tom illustrates how Christ continually invites His people away from the noise of everyday life into intimate communion with Him.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Pride, fear, divided hearts, and the temptation to place conditions on God’s will prevent authentic healing and discipleship. Instead, Fr. Tom calls believers to surrender everything to the Lord, trusting that God’s grace is always sufficient, even amid suffering and uncertainty.

Drawing from the lives of saints including Simeon, Anna, St. Agatha, St. Scholastica, St. Bernadette, and St. Blaise, these messages demonstrate how ordinary people become extraordinary witnesses through unwavering faith and courageous obedience.

One of the most powerful themes woven throughout the homilies is that God does not abandon His people in suffering. Rather than removing every trial, He provides the grace necessary to endure them. Through stories of pastoral ministry, healing prayer, and personal encounters with God’s mercy, Fr. Tom encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and remain steadfast even in life’s darkest moments.

Ultimately, these nine homilies form one unified invitation: to become living tabernacles of Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and transformed by divine mercy, every Christian is called to leave Mass renewed, fearless, and ready to bring Christ’s light into the world.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, charismatic renewal, fear of the Lord, fire of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, holiness, Magnificat cruise, priesthood, St. Agatha

Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment with Fr. Jon Miskin

August 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Fr. Jon Miskin — Emptying Yourself to Find Fulfillment

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fr. Jon Miskin shares the remarkable story of his vocation to the priesthood and the lessons he has learned about sacrifice, obedience, trust, and authentic love.

Ordained in 2019 for the Diocese of Little Rock, Fr. Jon reflects on his upbringing in a faithful Catholic family, where he first learned the meaning of self-giving love through the example of his parents and siblings. As a cradle Catholic, his journey was not marked by a dramatic conversion, but by a gradual transformation of the heart—a movement from simply knowing about God to developing a personal relationship with Him.

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Fr. Jon candidly recounts how he initially resisted any thought of becoming a priest. Like many young people, he envisioned a future filled with personal success, marriage, children, and financial security. Yet through a series of providential moments—including a life-changing retreat experience, a letter from his pastor, and a growing awareness of God’s voice in prayer—he found himself confronting a deeper question: not what he wanted from life, but what God wanted for him.

Drawing inspiration from Philippians 2:6-8, Fr. Jon explains how Christ’s example of self-emptying became the foundation of his vocation. He explores the paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship: that true fulfillment is found not in pursuing our own plans, but in surrendering ourselves to God’s will.

Listeners will be encouraged by Fr. Jon’s reflections on humility, obedience, sacrifice, and trust. Whether you are discerning a vocation, navigating marriage and family life, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement.

Key Topics Discussed

Growing up in a faithful Catholic family
The difference between knowing God and following God
Vocational discernment and listening to God’s call
The transformative power of retreats, Adoration, and Confession
Why obedience is central to discipleship
The connection between priestly and marital vocations
Finding joy through sacrifice and self-gift
Trusting God’s plan over our own desires
The beauty and fulfillment of serving others

Memorable Quote

“What you want may be beautiful things, but what do I want for you?”

Takeaway

Fr. Jon’s testimony reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our own expectations. When we surrender our lives to Him, embrace sacrifice, and trust His guidance, we discover the deeper joy and purpose for which we were created. True fulfillment is found not in holding tightly to our own dreams, but in allowing God to shape them according to His perfect will.

Fr. Jon Miskin’s talk was given to the Cherokee Village Chapter, AR in March 2026.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Catholic faith testimony, Fr. John Miskin, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Testimonies, testimony

Humility

August 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

You have a secret weapon toward greater faith and that is humility. It is often misunderstood. It’s not something that comes naturally—we’ve got to put in some serious effort, even push our own ego aside sometimes, to really follow God’s lead.

The Gift of Humility ~ 344

Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com

Humility is a profound gift—one I’ve come to cherish more deeply through the years and my prayer life. It’s amazing how often I’ll have an idea for a podcast, open my Bible, or flip through my church notebook, only to find the theme of humility staring back at me. Even this morning at Mass, the pastor spoke on it, as if God Himself were nudging me to talk about the topic. Human nature doesn’t naturally incline us toward humility. We’re drawn instead to confidence, pride, or self-assurance—qualities the world often celebrates. Yet, for a Christian, humility is a virtue to pursue, a calling rooted in the very heart of Scripture.

Why should we strive for humility? Because God has given us the ultimate example: Jesus Christ, the all-powerful Son of God, who humbled Himself to enter our world in poverty and simplicity. Philippians 2:5-8 captures this beautifully: read on air. Jesus didn’t come as a conquering king or a wealthy ruler. He came as a helpless infant, born to Mary and Joseph—ordinary people elevated by their humble “yes” to God’s plan. Their trust in Him mirrors the humility we are called to use as an example.

Humility is a powerful weapon against evil, though we often fail to recognize its strength. It dispels darkness because it reflects God’s loving plan—a plan that doesn’t force itself upon us but invites us to surrender. How do we explain this to those who don’t believe? Perhaps by living it out, showing that humility isn’t weakness but a grace that aligns us with God’s will. Friends, I’ve struggled with humility. God has given each of us gifts, and He has allowed us to excel or to be capable. We may think we have no need to be humble. Yet, through the years I’ve witnessed godly people who were blessed or graced in a way that I admired and yet they displayed true humility.

Proverbs 22:4 reminds us, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” It’s not about humiliation—something we instinctively flee from, accompanied by anxiety or embarrassment—but about trusting God’s greater purpose, even when life humbles us.

I’ve seen this in the aging process. As people grow older, they often become dependent on those they once led or cared for. Leaders, parents, and providers find themselves at the mercy of the next generation. As a first-generation Italian, I was raised to honor and care for my elders. My husband and I shared this value, and we were blessed to care for my father in his later years. At first, he took care of us more than we did him, but as time passed, the roles reversed. It’s a humbling reminder that one day, that may be us—needing others, relying on the love we poured into them. In this, humility reveals itself as a gift, not a burden. James 4:6 echoes this truth: “But he gives more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” When we offer our humbled moments to the Lord, they become blessings in disguise.

Consider Jesus again and what He did for us. He could have descended as a mighty ruler, instantly claiming power. Instead, He entrusted Himself to two earthly parents with free will, who chose to follow God’s call. Luke 1:50-53 reflects this beautifully: (Read on air.) Mary and Joseph’s humility paved the way for the Savior, showing us that ordinary people, open to God, can do extraordinary things. This challenges the world’s message of greatness through wealth, status, or self-reliance. The world urges us to climb over others, to delay life’s joys—like marriage or children—until we’ve “made it.” But God’s plan often looks different. He knows our hearts and gently leads us, not by force, but by example.

So how do we live this out? Through prayer—spending time with God, talking to Him as if He’s right beside us, because He is. Through trust—opening ourselves to His will, even when it humbles us. 1 Peter 5:6-7 offers this encouragement (read on air.)

Did you hear that? Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares about you! He does, friends, He really does. The Lord is waiting for us to offer our hearts to Him and one way we can begin is to spend time with Him in prayer.

Humility isn’t about destroying others to succeed; it’s about recognizing that true prosperity—spiritual richness—comes as a gift, not a conquest. When we embrace it, we find peace in God’s control, freedom in His plan, and grace in every humbled step. May God be praised now and forever.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, faith, humility

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

August 28, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Susan Potvin as they explore the value and purposes of praise and worship in various settings.

Get more information on Praise and Worship and order CD’s at www.LivingPraiseWorship.com.

Watch on YouTube

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnificat Ministries, praise, Some Women Podcast, worship

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Look at the Sun and Let Him In

August 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The final homily of the Magnificat Caribbean cruise, preached at a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — the theme, Fr. Tom Sparacino says, that has been running underneath everything since the group first stepped aboard.

He begins with the Gospel of the deaf man, whom Jesus takes off by himself, away from the crowd. That, he says, is what these two weeks have been: getting out of the noise, out of the turmoil, out of “our own stuff.” What the group should leave behind is all of that — not what they’ve received in word and sacrament.

Then he tells them about his morning. Up on the top deck at 4:30, walking in the dark for an hour and a half, praying four rosaries while he waited for the sun. He watched the darkness turn to every color in the rainbow — the sign of the covenant — and then the brightness came up, and he simply stood there in adoration.

That sunrise carried him back two places at once. To his first Mass, where his mother and his aunts sang the old lullaby Heart of Jesus, meek and mild. And to Medjugorje, where a woman from the South Hills of Pittsburgh badgered him for days to look at the sun — until he finally, stubbornly did, and saw a pulsating heart.

From there he prays the litany that carried him around the deck that morning: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world — and then by your word, your birth, your breath, your glance, your footstep upon the earth, your calming of the stormy sea, your peace, your light, your sacred heart, your sweat, your blood, your tears, your whisper. The community answers each one: You have redeemed the world.

He closes with the Eucharist in front of them: where Jesus is, grace is; where grace is, He is washing over you. Whether you realize it or not, he tells them, you are being baptized in the Spirit right now. “Let Him in your heart. Do you have trouble? Look at the sun. Let Him in. Let Him shine bright. For He has redeemed the world.”

He also opens with a small Holy Spirit story: a woman he rode up in the elevator with when he boarded, whom the Lord put on his heart to pray for — and who turned out to be from Pittsburgh, and had already been talking with Karen Sensula about speaking for Magnificat, with no idea Magnificat would be on the ship.

Quotes

“What we have done for the last 14 or so days is we got out of our own stuff. Don’t leave behind what we have received in word and sacrament — but all this stuff, absolutely.”
“I watched the darkness turn to every color in the rainbow. And I couldn’t help but think about the Lord putting that rainbow in the sky as a sign, as a covenant.”
“What floats our boat, it’s Jesus. And the boat is the heart of Jesus, and He wants us all in there.”
“I looked at the sun, and honestly — it was a pulsating heart.”
“Just when you think you’ve abandoned everything to Him, He’s gonna swab you around the deck.”
“Where Jesus is, grace is. Where grace is, He’s baptizing us and washing over us.”
“Let Him in your heart. Do you have trouble? Look at the sun. Let Him in. Let Him shine bright. For He has redeemed the world.”

Scripture & liturgy references

Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mark 7:31–37 — Jesus heals the deaf man, taking him away from the crowd (Ephphatha)
Genesis 9:12–17 — the rainbow as the sign of the covenant
“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world” — Stations of the Cross
Heart of Jesus, Meek and Mild — traditional hymn/lullaby
Baptism in the Holy Spirit; the gifts of the Spirit
Medjugorje — Apparition Hill and the miracle of the sun

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: baptism in the Holy Spirit, Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, Ephphatha, Eucharist, Fr. Tom Sparacino, Magnificat cruise, Mark 7, Medjugorje, miracle of the sun, Sacred Heart of Jesus

Trusting God in Every Chapter of Life with Yvette Helfers

August 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Trusting God in Every Chapter of Life with Yvette Helfers

What does it mean to trust God completely—even through tragedy, uncertainty, suffering, and unexpected blessings?

In this deeply moving episode, Yvette Helfers shares her powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout every season of her life. From a miraculous rescue after nearly drowning as a toddler to the heartbreaking loss of multiple children through miscarriage, Yvette reveals how the Lord has continually drawn her closer through both joy and suffering.

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Raised in a large Mexican Catholic family with a mother devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Yvette reflects on how her mother’s faith and prayers laid the foundation for her own relationship with Christ. She recounts the miracle that saved her life after she was found lifeless in a swimming pool, a moment she believes was made possible through her mother’s unwavering trust in God’s mercy.

As her story unfolds, Yvette speaks candidly about marriage, motherhood, and her own journey of conversion. Although she remained Catholic, she admits that she knew very little about her faith as a young adult. Together with her husband, Kevin—who was initially strongly opposed to Catholicism—they gradually discovered the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic devotion, and God’s call to deeper discipleship.

One of the most profound moments of the episode centers on an encounter with Jesus during Eucharistic Adoration. There, the Lord revealed areas where Yvette and her husband had struggled to trust Him, particularly regarding family planning. Through the grace of Confession and spiritual direction, they embraced a path of surrender that transformed their marriage and opened their hearts to God’s plan.

Yvette also shares the emotional journey of experiencing multiple miscarriages. Rather than allowing grief to separate her from God, she found hope through prayer, the intercession of St. Padre Pio, and confidence that each of her children rests safely in the Father’s embrace. She beautifully describes how these experiences strengthened her conviction that every human life is precious and that God can bring extraordinary grace even from profound suffering.

Throughout the conversation, Yvette continually points listeners back to the heart of the Gospel: Jesus never abandons His children. Through prayer, the Rosary, frequent reception of the sacraments, and trust in God’s providence, He provides peace even when life’s circumstances remain difficult.

This testimony is filled with encouragement for anyone carrying burdens, grieving loss, questioning God’s plan, or seeking renewed faith. Yvette reminds us that while we cannot always understand God’s ways, we can always trust His love.

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

The miraculous story of Yvette’s survival as a toddler.
How her mother’s devotion to Our Lady shaped her lifelong faith.
Her husband’s unexpected journey from anti-Catholicism to becoming a Catholic deacon.
A powerful encounter with Christ during Eucharistic Adoration.
The healing grace found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Lessons learned through miscarriage, suffering, and surrender.
The role of St. Padre Pio and the communion of saints in her spiritual journey.
Why complete trust in God transforms marriages, families, and hearts.
Practical ways Catholics can remain faithful through life’s greatest trials.

Memorable Quote

“God doesn’t ask for only part of our hearts. He asks us to trust Him with every compartment of our lives. When we surrender everything to Him, His grace can transform even our deepest wounds into beautiful testimonies of His love.”

Whether you are walking through suffering, seeking healing, or longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, Yvette’s testimony offers hope, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is always greater than our fears.

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” — St. Padre Pio

Yvette Helfers Testimony was given to the Orange County Magnificat Chapter in September 2025.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Catholic testimonies, Our Lady, St. Padre Pio, testimonies

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

August 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

A Few Minutes with God Podcast | Episode 375

Have you ever wondered, “Am I really living the purpose God has for me?”

We all want our lives to matter. We want to know that the ordinary things we do each day are part of something bigger—and that we are following God’s plan for our lives.

But busy schedules, responsibilities, disappointment, distraction, and seasons of weak faith can make it difficult to see that purpose.

In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, Felice Gerwitz shares how living with purpose often begins with something surprisingly simple: choosing God today.

God has already chosen you, created you, and prepared good works for you. Our response is to continually say, “Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

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What Does It Mean to Live on Purpose for God?

Living on purpose doesn’t necessarily mean making a dramatic life change, starting a ministry, or accomplishing something the world considers impressive.

Often, it means faithfully following God in the life you are already living.

It is choosing Him while raising children, homeschooling, working, caring for your family, driving through traffic, doing laundry, running errands, or entering a new season of life.

As Felice shares in this episode, God opened doors for her to proclaim the Good News through podcasting later in life—not necessarily when she expected it.

God’s purpose works according to His timing, not ours.

God Created You for a Purpose

One of the enemy’s most damaging lies is that you have no purpose or that your life doesn’t matter.

Scripture tells us otherwise.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

You are God’s workmanship.

He has given you gifts and talents, and He has prepared opportunities for you to use them. Our job isn’t to measure our lives against someone else’s accomplishments. Instead, we can thank God for what He has given us and ask how He wants us to use it.

Choose God Every Day

Felice shares something her husband often tells the engaged couples they work with at their church:

Every day, he makes a conscious decision to choose God and to choose his wife.

Faithfulness is a daily decision.

When we become trapped in irritation, anger, hurt, disappointment, or distraction, those emotions can consume our attention. Instead of remaining stuck in that cycle, we can turn our attention back to God.

Sometimes the prayer can be as simple as:

“Lord, help me. I choose You today.”

That small prayer of surrender can redirect an entire day.

God’s Plan Isn’t Finished

Maybe you feel as though your opportunity has passed.

Perhaps your children are grown, your career has changed, you’re retired, or life simply doesn’t look the way you expected it to look.

God is not finished with your story.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

There is still purpose in today.

5 Simple Ways to Live God’s Purpose Every Day

You don’t have to completely reorganize your life to begin living more intentionally for God. Start with small, faithful choices.

Offer your day to God.
Begin the morning with a simple prayer: “God, I am here to do Your will. I choose You today.”
Keep Scripture where you can see it.
Place a favorite Bible verse on your desk, refrigerator, mirror, or phone screen as a reminder of God’s promises.
Offer ordinary tasks to God.
Laundry, errands, commuting, homeschooling, caring for children, and serving your family can become quiet acts of love.
Fill your surroundings with reminders of Him.
Listen to praise and worship music, pray throughout your day, and intentionally redirect your thoughts toward God.
Look back with gratitude.
At the end of the day, ask: Where did I see God working today? Where did I walk in His purpose? What can I thank Him for?

Then take it one step further: encourage someone else in their faith. Tell another person what God has done in your life.

Living on Purpose Isn’t About Perfection

Living God’s plan isn’t about getting everything right.

It’s about returning to Him again and again.

It is trusting His timing when yours looks different.

It is remaining faithful in ordinary moments.

And it is waking up each day willing to say:

“Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

God has already chosen you.

Will you choose Him today?

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode

Ephesians 2:10 — We are God’s workmanship, created for good works.
Jeremiah 29:11 — God has plans that give us a future and a hope.

In This Episode

Felice discusses:

How to know whether you’re living according to God’s purpose
Why God’s timing may look different from your own
Choosing God intentionally every day
Breaking cycles of discouragement, anger, and distraction
Finding purpose in ordinary responsibilities
Using the gifts and talents God has given you
Practical ways to keep God at the center of your day
Why age or season of life doesn’t eliminate your purpose
Encouraging others by sharing what God has done in your life

A Question to Consider

What is one area of your life where God may be asking you to simply say “yes” today?

Take a few minutes to pray about it and ask Him to help you recognize His purpose—even in the ordinary moments.

Thank you for spending A Few Minutes with God. May His peace and purpose fill your days, today and always. Amen.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Bible Study, Christian Encouragement, Christian living, faith, God's Plan, God's Purpose, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

August 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Aboard the Magnificat cruise, Fr. Tom preaches on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — the day, forty days after Christmas, when Mary and Joseph carry the infant Jesus into the temple.

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Fr. Tom: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

He sets the scene against Ezekiel’s prophecy that the Lord’s presence was departing from the temple, and then points to what happens on this feast: a young couple walks in with a baby, and God returns. Simeon and Anna, who stayed faithful through the long wait, finally see what they had hoped for — and Simeon prays the words the Church still prays at the close of every day: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Fr. Tom then turns the scene toward the listener.

Jesus is about to enter the temple of your heart, he says — in fact He already has, in the Word proclaimed. A ship stays on course by staying fixed on its heading; we get to heaven by staying fixed on the Word, and the Word is Jesus, and that Word is life and light. We bless candles because the Light came into the darkness of the world — and today that light comes into you.

He closes by making Simeon’s prayer our own: “Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Quotes

“Everything that he waited for and he hoped for and he trusted and he had faith in became a reality in that moment when Mary and Joseph walked into that temple.”
“Jesus is about to come into the temple of your heart. He’s about to take up residence once again in your heart.”
“We are nothing without the Word, because the Word is everlasting life.”
“We bless candles because the light came into the darkness of the world. But today that light is coming into you and into me.”
“Master, you may let your servant go in peace according to your word. For in this Eucharist, our eyes have seen your salvation.”

Scripture & liturgy references

The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) — celebrated 40 days after Christmas
Luke 2:22–40 — the Presentation; Simeon and Anna
The Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32) — prayed at Night Prayer / Compline
Ezekiel 10–11 — the glory of the Lord departing the temple
St. Blaise and the blessing of throats (February 3)
Blessing of candles

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Encountering Christ through the liturgical year and the Eucharist
Living as temples of the Holy Spirit
Receiving and using the gifts of the Spirit
The healing love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Overcoming pride, fear, and spiritual distractions
Learning from the witness of the saints
Trusting God’s grace in suffering
Becoming missionary disciples with holy boldness
Allowing God’s mercy to transform everyday life
Living each day focused on Christ and His mission

Fr. Tom Sparacino’s 9 Homilies were given during the Magnificat Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan. 31 – Feb. 14^th, 2026.

Filed Under: Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Candlemas, Catholic homily, Catholic podcast, Eucharist, Fr. Tom, light of Christ, liturgical year, Luke 2, Magnificat cruise, Nunc Dimittis, Presentation of the Lord, Simeon

Journaling: Proof That God Answers Prayers

August 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Journaling sounds simple — until you try it. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz issues a challenge that she calls life-changing: start writing down what God is saying to you.

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Journaling: Proof That God Answers Prayers

Felice opens her own journal to an entry dated May 2, 2015, where she had recorded Judith 9:11 — “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your power depend upon stalwart men, but you are the God of the lowly, the helper of the oppressed, the supporter of the weak, and the protector of the forsaken, the savior of those without hope.” She had claimed that verse in prayer over her son during what must have been a hopeless situation. Years later, when she showed him the entry, neither of them could remember what the crisis had even been.

That, she says, is the point. When we wonder whether God hears us, a journal answers back. Felice shares how she taught her children that God always hears — He says yes, He says no, or He says not right now — and reflects on the humbling truth that we can only describe God in our own feeble, human words. One of her pastors taught her to pray, “Lord, I praise You and I thank You and I love You as You know Yourself to be.”

She also shares the news she received that day: the passing of a close high school friend who had been ill for twenty years and belonged to a faith that did not believe in medical intervention. While Felice doesn’t share that belief, she was struck by her friend’s unwavering testimony that God could heal her — a reminder that God heals in many ways: through miracles, through the hands of doctors, and through the medicines He created. The episode closes with a prayer of praise and blessing over every listener and their family.

A companion episode covers the practical how-tos of setting up a journal.

Key Takeaways

Journaling lets you look back and see answered prayer you’d otherwise forget.
God always hears — He answers yes, no, or not right now.
We can only speak of God in human words; He is far greater than our understanding.
Praying Scripture over your children is a powerful way to intercede for them.
As Christians, we are never without hope — our hope is God Himself.
God heals in many ways: through miracles, through doctors, and through medicine He created.
Free will means our decisions are our own — trust is what we bring to God.

Scripture Referenced

Judith 9:11 — “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your power depend upon stalwart men, but you are the God of the lowly, the helper of the oppressed, the supporter of the weak, and the protector of the forsaken, the savior of those without hope.”

Quotable

“When you journal, you can go back, you can look at past entries, and then you will be so amazed at all of the times that the Lord answered prayer.”

“He always hears your prayers. And He either says yes, He says no, or He says not right now.”

“Lord, I praise You and I thank You and I love You as You know Yourself to be.”

Connect

Website: afewminuteswithgod.com
Podcast page: afewminuteswithgodpodcast.com
A production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Call to Action

Start journaling this week — even one line a day. Then come back in a year and read it. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more listeners can find A Few Minutes with God.

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Answered Prayer, Christian hope, Christian Podcast, faith and healing, Felice Gerwitz, Hearing God, Journaling, Judith 9:11, Prayer Journal, praying scripture over your children, quiet time with God

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Divorce

August 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Divorce

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Shownotes:

In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie and Pat are joined by Maryann Ridini Spencer as they explore and share experiences and insights discuss divorce from the understanding and teaching of the Catholic Church.

Maryann Ridini Spencer pens award-winning fiction and nonfiction books and writes and produces critically acclaimed projects for film and television that entertain, inspire, educate, and uplift, with themes that revolve around faith, family, hope, healing, forgiveness, timeless friendships, enduring romances, and the wondrous mysteries of life. She has had numerous experiences as a producer, writer, director for television and movie productions.

She founded Ridini Entertainment Corporation with projects that have appeared on Showtime, SyFy Networks, TMC, USA Networks, CBS-TV, Time Warner Cable, and in the foreign theatrical market. Recently honored as Author of the Year by the International Impact Book Awards for Christian Fiction, Spencer’s award-winning, best-selling novels include the Kate Grace novel series and the Lavender Hill Cove novels.

Her nonfiction works to date include The Mary Garden; Simply Delicious Living® with Maryann—Entrées cookbook; and Country Skies: Prayerful Bible Meditations for Morning & Evening.

Visit for more information: https://maryannridinispencer.com[.](https://maryannridinispencer.com.)

Watch Episode 21 on YouTube

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.

Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.

Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him! Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: divorce, Maryann Ridini Spencer, Some Women Podcast

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

August 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness

Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

In this inspiring homily, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, reflects on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, reminding us that every baptized Christian is called to be both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Speaking to members of Magnificat, he emphasizes that discipleship is not reserved for clergy or religious—it is the vocation of every believer.

Beginning with the Beatitudes, Archbishop Gordon explains that Jesus presents a revolutionary blueprint for true happiness. While the world often searches for fulfillment in wealth, power, or success, Christ offers a radically different path rooted in humility, mercy, purity of heart, and trust in God. When we ignore this blueprint, we should not be surprised that our world experiences confusion, brokenness, and moral decay.

The image of salt becomes a rich symbol throughout the message. Salt gives flavor, preserves food from decay, and in biblical times represented value, covenant, and sacrifice. Likewise, Christians are called to preserve society from spiritual decay by faithfully living the Gospel. Rather than complaining about the state of the world, the bishop challenges listeners to ask a more personal question: “Where is the salt?” If society is losing its moral foundation, Christians must examine whether they are truly living as disciples of Christ.

The homily also explores the sacrificial nature of Christian living. Every act of love, every sacrifice made for one’s spouse, children, neighbors, or the poor becomes part of the offering presented to God at Mass. The bishop beautifully explains that our daily sacrifices are united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice, participating in God’s ongoing work of salvation.

Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, he reminds listeners that our light shines most brightly through the Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and caring for those on the margins of society. Holiness is not simply personal devotion, but love expressed through concrete acts of charity.

Speaking directly to the Magnificat community, the bishop affirms their mission as disciple-makers. The true measure of success is not attendance or impressive events but whether lives are transformed and people grow into deeper discipleship with Jesus Christ. Every testimony, every prayer, and every gathering should help move someone one step closer to Christ.

He concludes with the inspiring example of Mother Teresa, whose interior spiritual darkness never diminished the brilliant light she radiated to the world through selfless love. Her witness reminds us that holiness is not measured by feelings but by faithful service.

This episode is a compelling invitation to embrace the universal call to holiness, live intentionally as disciples of Jesus Christ, and become the salt that preserves the world and the light that leads others to Him.

Key Takeaways

The Beatitudes are God’s blueprint for lasting happiness.
Christians are called to preserve society by living authentic discipleship.
Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Corporal Works of Mercy allow Christ’s light to shine through us.
Magnificat’s mission is to make disciples and deepen faith.
Holiness belongs to every baptized believer.
The world desperately needs Christians to be visible witnesses of Christ’s love and truth.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon’s homily was given on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port of Spain with our Trinidad and Tobago Chapters and those attending the Caribbean Visitation Cruise.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Cruise Homilies, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows Tagged With: Beatitudes, corporal works of mercy, discipleship

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 19, Barbara Heil – from Pentecostal Minister to Catholic Evangelist

August 7, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 19, Barbara Heil – from Pentecostal Minister to Catholic Evangelist
Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Barbara Heil, a former Pentecostal minister, missionary, teacher, and evangelist, shares her soul-stirring journey to becoming Catholic. Barbara and her husband, Jeff, have eight children and eleven grandchildren and reside in Iowa.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.
Find out more about Barbara Heil at https://www.fromhisheart.com
Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts
Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts
**
About Magnificat® Ministry
Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Barbara Heil, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims

What floats your boat with the CST

August 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

What Floats Your Boat with the CST

A Conversation on Faith, Community, and Trust in God

As the final day of a memorable retreat cruise came to a close, the women of Magnificat gathered for one last inspiring conversation centered around a simple yet profound question: “What floats your boat?” In other words, what keeps you spiritually afloat through the storms and challenges of life?

In this heartfelt panel discussion, members of the Some Women podcast share personal testimonies of faith, healing, and transformation. Their answers reveal common themes that resonate deeply with every Christian journey.

For some, what keeps them afloat is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—learning to surrender control and allow Him to guide the course of life. Others speak of the power of community, emphasizing that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Through prayer groups, friendships, and ministries, they have discovered the strength that comes from walking alongside fellow believers.

The discussion also highlights the importance of Scripture and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as essential sources of spiritual nourishment. Panelists share how obedience to God’s will, even during difficult and uncertain times, has carried them through life’s storms.

Several touching testimonies underscore the beauty of God’s faithfulness: overcoming fear, receiving answers to years of prayer, witnessing family members return to the faith, and experiencing the peace that comes through complete trust and surrender to God.

Audience members add their own reflections, speaking about the goodness of God, unconditional love, perseverance, forgiveness, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. A special contribution from Fr. John reminds listeners that true intimacy is found not merely in human relationships but in a deep, spiritual relationship with God and one another.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that while everyone’s “boat” may look different, the source of our strength is the same. Whether through community, prayer, the sacraments, trust, or surrender, Jesus Christ remains the One who keeps us afloat.

Key Themes:

Trusting God through every season of life
The power of Christian community
The importance of Scripture and the Sacraments
Learning surrender and obedience
Persevering through trials with faith
Growing in intimacy with God
Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life

No matter what storms may come, this conversation encourages us to ask ourselves: What truly floats our boat—and are we allowing Christ to be our captain?

The Central Service Team (CST) talk was given on February 13, 2026, the 5^th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31^–Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Catholic Faith, Christian community, sacraments, Scripture, Trusting God

The Spirit of Offense with Dr. Carol Razza, Part Two

July 31, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Spirit of Offense with Dr. Carol Razza, Part Two

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Carol Razza as they further discuss a spirit of offense: why we want it removed from our midst, how it endangers a community, family, work place, ministry, etc., the advantage to addressing it individually rather than letting it infect the community, and how to address it within Community.

Dr. Carol Razza was a full-time formation faculty member and professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. She also serves on the Advisory Team for the International Magnificat Ministry and as the Regional Representative for Asia and Australia. Prior to accepting the position at the seminary, she had a full-time private psychotherapy practice for over 25 years. She has written two books, Sonblock, How Christians Unknowingly Shield Themselves from God’s Grace and Parent Me Please, a book helping parents to parent their adolescent children. Carol has been called to bring the awareness of God’s Kingdom throughout the world as an international evangelist. Carol has ministered throughout the U.S., Central America, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia. She lives in the Father’s supernatural joy and encourages others to do the same. Carol’s greatest blessings include her marriage to her husband Paul for over 50 years, their wonderful sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Dr. Carol Razza, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Spirit of Offense

Walking Through the Storm with Susan Potvin

July 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Show Notes ‘Walking through the Storm’ with Susan Potvin

In this powerful and deeply personal message, worship leader and speaker Susan shares an encouraging invitation to trust God in every season of life. Drawing from the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, she reminds us that storms are inevitable, but fear does not have to define our response.

Susan opens with a simple but profound declaration: “Jesus, I trust in You.” She explains that praise and worship are acts of surrender—lifting our hands to God like a child reaching for a loving Father. Trust becomes the foundation that allows us to move from merely surviving life’s storms to walking with Jesus in the midst of them.

Through heartfelt stories, including the adoption of her daughter from the Philippines and the loss of her mother to cancer, Susan illustrates how God often meets us at the end of our strength. In our moments of exhaustion, grief, and helplessness, we discover that Christ has been holding us all along.

One of the central themes of this message is that suffering is never meaningless. God permits trials either to produce a greater good within us or to protect us from a greater evil. Rather than asking only, “Why am I suffering?” Susan encourages listeners to ask, “What is the gift hidden in this suffering?”

She also introduces the concept of “situational awareness” in the spiritual life, reminding us that we live in three realms: the earthly realm, the realm of spiritual battle, and the heavenly realm. As believers, our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus and the realities of heaven, even while we navigate the difficulties of this world.

Perhaps the most moving insight of the message is that the victory is not merely when the storm ends. The true victory is found in the storm itself, when we cling to Jesus as Peter did and discover that He is enough.

Whether you are grieving, struggling with fear, praying for loved ones, or carrying unanswered questions, this episode offers hope and encouragement. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He invites each of us to walk with Him—even on stormy waters.

Key Takeaways:

Storms are a normal part of the Christian journey.
Trust and praise keep our focus on Jesus.
Every suffering contains a hidden gift from God.
We are called to live with our eyes fixed on heaven.
The greatest victory is not escaping the storm but encountering Jesus within it.
Our weaknesses and insecurities can become places where God’s glory shines most brightly.

Memorable Quote:
“Don’t ever separate the gift from the Giver. Jesus Himself is the victory in the storm.”

Susan Potvin’s talk was given on February 11, 2026, the 4th day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: eyes fixed on Jesus, grief and faith, hidden gift in suffering, Matthew 14, overcoming fear, Peter walking on water, praise and worship, Susan Potvin, trusting God in trials, victory in the storm, Walking Through the Storm, Water Walking Women Retreat

Examination of Conscience (Encore)

July 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Examination of Conscience

Episode #41 | A Few Minutes with God

Most of us would rather not look too closely at our own hearts. Slowing down for an honest examination of conscience — asking what we have thought, said, and done, and where we have drifted from God — can feel uncomfortable. But it is one of the most freeing habits a believer can build. In this short episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz walks through what an examination of conscience is, why so many of us avoid it, and how to begin.

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What is an examination of conscience?

An examination of conscience is a prayerful review of your recent thoughts, words, and actions, measured honestly against God’s moral law. Think of your conscience as a kind of spiritual autopilot — the quiet inner sense that steers your everyday choices. Like any guide, it works best when it is well formed and checked often.

Why we avoid examining our conscience

Much of the world has lost its sense of sin, and looking inward can feel like the last thing we want to do. Yet a comfortable conscience is not the same as a clean one. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Corinthians 4:4, NIV). Real peace does not come from our circumstances, or even from feeling fine about ourselves. It comes from being rightly related to God — and that relationship is worth an honest look.

How to examine your conscience — five steps

You do not need a complicated method. These five movements, drawn from the episode, are enough to begin:

Form your conscience. A good conscience is not automatic; it is taught. Fill your heart with what is true through Scripture, sound books, and trustworthy teaching so you can tell right from wrong before the moment of choice.
Recover a sense of sin. Naming sin honestly is not shame — it is the doorway to grace. Our freedom can also shape others, for how we live can either wound or strengthen a fellow believer’s conscience (1 Corinthians 8).
Look back honestly. Set aside a few minutes to reflect on your recent thoughts, words, and actions in light of God’s moral law. Where did you fall short in love of God and love of others?
Name and turn from temptation. Notice the patterns that pull you away, and step around them by God’s grace. As Paul assures us, God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but will also provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Guard your heart daily. We would never leave a child near danger without watching; our souls deserve the same care. A regular examination of conscience is how we keep watch.

What Scripture says about examining yourself

The practice is woven through the Bible. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NIV). The psalmist prays it as an invitation rather than a dread: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV). And when we bring what we find into the light, we are met with mercy, not condemnation, for Jesus sent His followers out with the ministry of forgiveness (John 20:21-23).

A short prayer to examine your conscience

If you are not sure how to start, borrow this: Lord, quiet my heart. Show me where I have wandered today in thought, word, and deed. Thank You for meeting me with grace, not condemnation. Guard me from temptation, and lead me one more step toward You. Amen.

Or begin a daily practise of examining your conscience.

Frequently asked questions

What is an examination of conscience?
It is a short, prayerful review of your recent thoughts, words, and actions, held up honestly against God’s moral law, so you can confess what needs confessing and grow closer to Him.

How often should you examine your conscience?
Many believers do it daily, often in the evening, looking back over the day. Even a few minutes is enough to make it a habit.

What questions do you ask during an examination of conscience?
Start simply: Where did I fall short in loving God today? Where did I fall short in loving the people around me — in my thoughts, my words, and my actions? What do I want to bring to God and leave with Him?

Is examining your conscience biblical?
Yes. Scripture invites it directly, from “Examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5) to “Search me, God” (Psalm 139:23), to Paul’s call to examine ourselves before the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28). The 10 Commandments are also a useful guide.

Related episodes from A Few Minutes with God

If this encouraged you, sit with one of these next:

Combating fear — standing on God’s promises when worry creeps in.
Peacemakers — what it means to be a peacemaker in a world that needs peace.
Faith time capsule — looking back to see how far the Lord has brought you.

Replay

Examination of Conscience

When was the last time you paused to look honestly at your own heart? In this short but searching episode, Felice gently walks through what an examination of conscience is, why so many of us avoid it, and five simple steps to begin — a quiet practice that can set you free. A few honest minutes with God may be exactly what today is asking of you.

Listen Now →

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: daily examen, examination of conscience

Why Catholics Choose Life | Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast

July 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Why Catholics Choose Life | Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Wanda Franz as they discuss why Catholics Choose Life.

Wanda is a developmental psychologist and professor emerita at WVU where she taught from 1973 to 2003. She authored the textbook, Early Childhood Development, Prenatal Through Age Eight. She has also written chapters for several books on fetal development,

post-abortion syndrome, post-abortion trauma in adolescents, and the cognitive implications of arguments regarding abortion.

She served as the President of the National Right to Life Committee for 20 years, in between two terms as President of WV for Life. Among her many accomplishments and accolades, she has spoken on abortion and euthanasia across five continents and presented at the Third World Congress of Pro-Life Movements given by the Pontifical Council on the Family at the Vatican in Rome.

Dr. Franz was married to Gunter N. Franz for 53 years prior to his passing.

Together they had 3 children and now 12 grandchildren.

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Getting Out of the Boat – Dr. Carol Razza

July 22, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Getting out of the Boat with Dr. Carol Razza

In this powerful and Spirit-filled message, international evangelist Dr. Carol invites listeners into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and a renewed awareness of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. Speaking from decades of ministry experience around the world, Dr. Carol shares that God is releasing a “tsunami” of living water—a fresh movement of renewal that is meant to refresh hearts, change lives, and ignite the Church once again.

Drawing from the Gospel account of Peter walking on water, she challenges believers to step out of their “boats” of fear, insecurity, and false identity and fix their eyes firmly on Jesus. Fear, she explains, grows when we focus on our circumstances rather than on God’s perfect love. Through personal stories, Scripture, and prophetic insight, Dr. Carol reminds us that our true identity is not defined by the world but by our baptism—we are beloved sons and daughters of the King.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, surrender, and daily encounters with Christ. Dr. Carol emphasizes that Christianity is not merely a set of ideas or religious practices but a living relationship with Jesus, nourished especially through the Eucharist and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

She also shares remarkable testimonies from her missionary journeys in Africa and the Dominican Republic, illustrating how God equips His people with supernatural grace when they respond to His call. These stories serve as reminders that every believer has been gifted and commissioned to participate in God’s work of evangelization and transformation.

The message concludes with a powerful prayer of healing, deliverance, and renewal, inviting listeners to surrender every burden, allow the Holy Spirit to heal old wounds, and rekindle the gifts received through Baptism and Confirmation.

Key Takeaways:

God’s love casts out fear and reveals our true identity.
Encounters with Jesus are meant to happen daily.
The Holy Spirit is renewing the Church and calling believers into deeper faith.
We are invited to step out in courage, trust God’s voice, and become instruments of His love.
Through prayer, surrender, and the sacraments, God desires to bring healing, freedom, and transformation.

This episode is an inspiring call to leave behind fear and complacency and to enter fully into the adventure of walking with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and transformed by His love.

Dr. Carol Razza’s talk was given on February 9, 2026, the 3rd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31– Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Dr. Carol Razza, Evangelization, Jesus, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, prayer of healing, Water Walking Women Retreat

Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

July 20, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

Episode 22

Time well spent makes us happy. If we feel accomplished, if we do things on our “lists,” it makes us feel that we’ve spent our time well. Most of us say we need more time each day, we can’t finish out tasks, we run out of time. How can we add more time to our days?

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When I look at my day I think, “What is the best use of my time each day?” Other than with my friends and family the best time is with God. How can you fill up without the One who truly gives us that grace to get through each day? Who do you spend time with and is that time well spent? In this episode, we explore how you can make the time. Let’s strive to make the most out of every minute of every day.

Look at your day, how can you incorporate time well spent? We all say we don’t have enough time each day!

Identify the time wasters. Relaxing is wonderful for everyone and we don’t need to “produce” every day! However often we say we don’t have enough time for prayer because we don’t use our time wisely.
- What are the things in your day that waste your time
- How can you avoid the time wasters
- Does making a list help you
- We all waste time, and often we all need a break, so enjoy
What is the one thing you can avoid? Is there something on your list that you can eliminate or reschedule in your day so that you can make more time?
- Social media
- Emails in the morning or afternoon
- Shopping without a list
Can you make 5-10-15 minutes or more to spend with God in prayer? Look at your lists above and see where you can add more time to your day. Five, ten or fifteen minutes helps tremendously! Time well spent with God is so helpful in our day. Often we leave prayer time to night time. Praying in the morning, the first thing you do — will change your life and is truly time well spent.
Who do you spend the most time with? Is it family, friends, virtual friends? Ist it fictional characters in books? Truthfully, sometimes we let virtual friends take the place of real ones. I have good friends online, some I’ve never met in person. Nurture your friendships but remember the one who will fill you with faith, love, and joy.
How can you make that time productive? Spending it with God first will increase your productivity all day long.
Can you be a witness or a blessing from the Lord to someone in your life? Do you ask God to use you each day? Do you see the people in your life as a blessing? How can the Lord use you? How can you be an example of God’s love to others?

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows Tagged With: biblical wisdom, Christian living, redeeming your time, Spiritual Growth, time management

Keeping your Eyes on Jesus – Dr. Elizabeth Kim

July 14, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus with Dr. Elizabeth Kim

How do we keep our eyes on Jesus when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or filled with fear? In this inspiring retreat message, Dr. Elizabeth Kim shares a faith-filled teaching rooted in the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14). Drawing from Scripture, her professional experience as a psychologist, and decades of ministry, she encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper trust in God and live with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim begins by reflecting on her visit to the Sea of Galilee, where she experienced a vivid reminder that Jesus is just as present with us today as He was with His disciples 2,000 years ago. Using Peter’s experience of walking on the water, she explores what it means to keep our focus on Christ instead of the storms surrounding us.

Throughout the message, Dr. Kim examines the relationship between faith, fear, and doubt. She reminds listeners that biblical faith is not merely intellectual belief but a living, active trust that produces courage, healing, and obedience. Using examples from Scripture—including Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua crossing the Jordan River, the woman healed from years of hemorrhaging, and the faithful witness of Mary and Joseph—she demonstrates how God works powerfully through those who place their confidence in Him.

The talk also addresses the many forms fear can take, including fear of failure, rejection, suffering, the future, trauma, and even success. Dr. Kim offers a hopeful perspective by distinguishing healthy reverence for God from the unhealthy fear that keeps believers from fully embracing their identity as beloved children of God. Referencing Romans 8 and 2 Timothy 1:7, she explains the difference between living with an “orphan spirit” driven by anxiety and self-reliance versus living with a spirit of adoption that trusts in God’s fatherly care.

As a licensed psychologist and board-certified neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Kim briefly discusses how trauma affects the brain and emotional responses while emphasizing the healing available through Christ. She encourages listeners to pursue both spiritual growth and healing, recognizing that God desires wholeness in every area of life.

The message concludes with practical ways to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus every day:

Develop a consistent daily prayer life.
Spend time listening for God’s voice.
Stay rooted in Scripture.
Receive strength through the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
Remain connected to a faith community.
Live a Spirit-filled life, continually open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim closes the retreat with a beautiful prayer inviting a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, asking God to remove fear, heal wounded hearts, renew faith, and empower believers to walk courageously with Christ.

Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper faith, or longing for renewed spiritual confidence, this encouraging message reminds us that when our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, He is always faithful to reach out His hand, strengthen our faith, and lead us through every storm.

Key Takeaway:
When fear threatens to overwhelm us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, fix our eyes on Him, and walk forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as we deepen our relationship with Christ, allowing His perfect love to cast out every fear.

This talk, by Dr. Elizabeth Kim, was given on February 2, 2026, the 2nd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise, Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, Dr. Elizabeth Kim, Eucharistic Adoration, faith over fear, healing and wholeness, Holy Spirit, Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Matthew 14, overcoming fear, prayer, Spiritual Growth, trust in God, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking on water, Water Walking Women Retreat

Some Women Podcast: The Gift of Healing

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Gift of Healing

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Lynn Marlin as they discuss her miracle of healing and the healing power of God for His people.

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Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

Guest: Jimmy Seghers, Author of The Fullness of Truth

Episode Summary

In this moving and deeply spiritual episode, renowned scripture scholar and apologist Jimmy Seghers shares profound insights on the journey toward true holiness. Drawing from the Song of Songs and the wisdom of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Jimmy breaks down the stages of spiritual growth—the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways—and challenges listeners to fully surrender their wills to Christ.

Through personal anecdotes of conversion, historical saintly examples, and a striking nautical analogy, Jimmy explains that holiness is not about our own spectacular actions but about allowing Christ to live and love through us in the present moment.

Key Themes & Takeaways

The Three Kisses of Spiritual Life: Utilizing St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s 87 homilies on the Song of Songs, Jimmy explores the developmental stages of faith:
- The Kiss of the Feet (The Purgative Way): The stage of intense repentance, turning away from mortal sin, and entering life from death (symbolized by Mary Magdalene).
- The Kiss of the Hand (The Illuminative Way): A period of spiritual adolescence where love shifts from emotional and selfish to a committed, self-sacrificing will (symbolized by Peter being pulled from the waves).
- The Kiss of the Mouth (The Unitive Way): The way of perfection and spiritual adulthood where our entire being is united with God’s will.
The Danger of Attachments: Many Christians get “stuck” in the illuminative way because of earthly attachments. Like Gulliver tied down by tiny strings, we are often held back from wholehearted love by small, subtle attachments rather than a desire for grievous sin.
The 211° vs. 1° Misconception: Jimmy shares a personal realization about his own spiritual life. He thought he was “hot water” at 211° needing just one more degree to become a powerhouse. Instead, he realized he was at 1°, and Christ is the 211° powerhouse we must surrender to.
Holiness in the Ordinary: Authentic love is an act of the will, not a feeling. True transformation happens when ordinary, mundane actions (like changing diapers or cleaning toilets) are done strictly out of love for Christ.
The Danger of Being Two Degrees Off: In navigating a ship from Los Angeles to Hawaii, being a mere 2 degrees off course means being completely lost at sea. Regular course correction through scripture and grace is essential to stay aligned with God’s will.

This talk by Jimmy Seghers was given on February 1, 2026, the 1^st day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31^st– Feb. 14^th 2026.

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Filed Under: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Water Walking Women Retreat Tagged With: Caribbean Visitation Cruise 2026, Catholic Faith, Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, Evangelization, Holy Spirit, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, prayer, Spiritual Growth, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Spirit of Offense Part 1

July 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Spirit of Offense Part 1

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Dr. Carol Razza as they discuss the definition, identification, and dangers of a spirit of offense

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Freedom in Christ

July 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Freedom in Christ

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 18, Kitty Cleveland -Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

July 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 18, Kitty Cleveland -Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Kitty Cleveland shares her moving story of learning to surrender to God’s will.

Kitty has been delighting audiences from around the world, having appeared on TV, radio, in concert, and keynote speaker throughout North America and in Europe. She launched her music ministry in 2000, previously having worked as a lawyer, university instructor, and career counselor. She and her husband live in the New Orleans area with their daughter, whom they adopted from China in 2005.

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Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Catholic podcast, Catholic women, conversion story, Episode 18, faith not by sight, God's grace, Holy Spirit, inspirational speaker, Kitty Cleveland, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, Maryann Ridini Spencer, Monique Moussot, singer songwriter, surrender to God, testimony, trust in God, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking by faith

10 Commandments Conscience Check

June 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Can you use the 10 Commandments for a Conscience Check

Episode #43

In this podcast, we’ll examine if the 10 Commandments can help you check your conscience. How do we know if we are on the right path? Are we doing great? Of course! We don’t sin! That is until you take a look at the list below. I’ve listed each of the 10 Commandments and questions to ask yourself.

First, begin with prayer, ask the Lord to allow us to see what is in our lives that need to be forgiven and perhaps if it is an area where you struggle.

Sin causes us to put off doing what is right and what we should do, and it allows us to make excuses for all the times we are not doing what is right. Are the Ten Commandments just suggestions or are they something we should look at when we examine our conscience? I know that we all struggle because we think, “Well, I’m not an ax murderer so therefore I am a good person,” however, that line of thinking is truthfully not accurate.

Thankfully we do not commit murder but there are other things to look at under the “Thou shalt not kill” commandment.

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Using the 10 Commandments helps us form a good conscience.

The commandments are not suggestions, they are serious. The commandments are so serious that after Moses came down from the mountain and saw the sin happening to the people he had left behind, he broke them. God then gave him the Commandments again!

The first three commandments all deal with the way we consider God. Do we put him first, do we blaspheme His name? Do we keep holy the Sabbath?

Here is a look at the Ten Commandments and ways to consider how you have sinned against God…

I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
1. Have I denied God in any way?
2. Have I taken part in non-Christian ceremony or service?
3. I have agreed with heretical or blasphemous anti-Christian literature?
4. Have I been faithful in my prayer life?
5. Have I made fun of God or His teachings?
6. Have I presumed upon God’s mercy or doubted it?
7. Have I placed more importance on any person or creature before God?
8. Have I cared about material goods over God?
9. Have I been guilty of irreverence – jokes or other conversations that are anti-God.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
1. Have I sworn against God?
2. Have I complained against God?
3. Have I broken a vow made to God?
4. Have I angered others so that it makes them swear against God?
5. Have I blasphemed?

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
1. Have I missed Mass or church?
2. Have I been distracted during church?
3. Have I been late to church or left early (not due to an emergency).
4. Have I made others miss church?
5. Have I done unnecessary work on Sunday?
6. Have I bought or sold things not of necessity on Sunday?

Honor thy father and thy mother.
1. Have I been disrespectful or disobedient to my parents?
2. Have I been irreverent to others in positions of authority?
3. Have mistreated my spouse or children?
4. Have I mistreated the elderly, the infirmed or the handicapped?
5. Have I been disobedient or disrespectful of a loved one, a family member?
6. Have I been disrespectful or irreverent toward the clergy or someone in authority to God.

Thou shalt not kill
1. Have I desired or hastened the death of someone, or caused bodily injury to another person?
2. Have I oppressed or did I seek revenge on another person?
3. Did I cause others to fight?
4. Have I argued with another(s)?
5. Did I injure anyone else?
6. Have I been jealous, envious, entertained evil thoughts or hatred against another?
7. Have I entertained thoughts of suicide, etc.
8. Do I abuse my body in any way?
9. Have I harmed my soul by intentional exposure to temptations?

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
1. Have I abused my role in my marriage, (marital rights, practicing birth control, or other contraception such as sterilization?)
2. Have I committed sins against purity?
3. Have watched indecent movies or internet photos, etc.?
4. As a single person have I had sex outside of marriage.
5. Have I worn suggestive clothing, or had thoughts that were impure.
6. Have I used indecent language, told indecent jokes.
7. Have I prayed at once to banish bad thoughts or intentions?

Thou shalt not steal
1. Have I stolen anything?
2. Have I damaged or been negligent with someone else’s property?
3. Have I refused to repay debt?
4. Have I cheated my employer or employees?
5. Have I cheated or defrauded anyone?
6. Have I gambled to the point that it is an obsession?
7. Have I refused to pay a bill

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
1. Have I lied against anyone, causing them harm, spiritually or materially, or ruined their name?
2. Have I judged others without evidence?
3. Have I gossiped about other people even if it is true?
4. Have I been uncharitable in my talk or actions against another?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
1. Have I wanted someone who is otherwise committed?
2. Have I had unpure thoughts about someone else?
3. Have I remained alone in another’s company unnecessarily of the opposite sex that is a temptation to me?
4. Have I been in lewd company and listened to indecent jokes or stories?
5. Have I boasted or taken delight in past sins?
6. Have I caused others to sin?

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
1. Have I wanted something belonging to someone else?
2. Have I acquired something I know is stolen?
3. Have I failed to return something I borrowed?
4. Have I neglected to help someone in need?
5. Have I failed to make restitution for something I’ve taken?

These sins all boil down to sins of pride, vanity, envy, lust, anger, covetousness, envy, laziness or apathy, gluttony… they lead to boasting, duplicity, ambition over others, contempt for others, anger, and resentment and revenge, stubbornness and obstinacy.

Yes, I feel convicted in researching this and sharing this podcast with all of you to change my own life for the better.

Let’s Pray!

Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you sinful and sorrowful and I ask that You help me through an infilling of the Holy Spirit to stay on the path that leads to You. I know Lord this path is difficult but with Your Divine help I know You will be with me every step of the way. Dear Jesus help keep me from pride, envy, lust, anger, covetousness, envy, laziness, apathy or gluttony. Please help me to do what is right and to hunger for righteousness. I thank you for all the ways You have intervened in my life and I give you permission to be a greater part of my life. Thank you and praise You Jesus! And, I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Shows

The Freedom of Forgiveness | Some Women Podcast

June 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Freedom of Forgiveness | Some Women Podcast

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Sara Ford in sharing personal experiences with forgiveness.

Sara is married, a mother of two, and the grandmother of two granddaughters. She has lived in Las Vegas since late 2007. She attended Magnificat Meals for 20+ years and is a past CST member. She currently serves on the Formation Team and is the Chapter Coordinator for the Las Vegas Magnificat Chapter, aka Our Lady of Miracles Chapter.

Shownotes:

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Sara Ford in sharing personal experiences with forgiveness.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic podcast, Catholic women, Ephesians 4:32, forgiveness, freedom of forgiveness, Grace, growing in holiness, healing, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas Magnificat, letting go, Luke 8, Magnificat, Magnificat Ministry, Our Lady of Miracles Chapter, panel discussion, prayer life, Sara Ford, Some Women, testimony, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Speaker Forum- Rise and Walk Conference 2025

June 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Speaker Forum

In this dynamic panel discussion moderated by Bishop Toups, Catholic leaders and lay speakers share profound insights on living the Gospel authentically, navigating family struggles, and the power of spiritual discernment. The conversation centers on the “squeezed” moments of life—how our true nature as Christians is revealed during times of suffering and pressure.

Key Discussion Points

The “Squeezed” Analogy: Bishop Toups poses a vital question: When life “squeezes” you through suffering or stress, what comes out? Is it the “scent of the Gospel” or something that repels others?
Authentic Witness in the Home: Janice Charbonnet reflects on how children don’t need perfect parents; they need to see parents who respond to suffering with faith, prayer, and a strong sacramental marriage.
The Power of “Normalcy”: Sister Briege McKenna shares humorous stories from her travels, emphasizing that joy, common sense, and being “normal” are often more effective tools for evangelization than formal preaching.
Transform or Remove: Carol Razza introduces a powerful prayer for difficult relationships and situations: “Lord, transform this person/situation, or remove it.” This prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty in bringing about the best outcome for all involved.
Practical Discernment: The panel discusses how to hear God’s voice—whether through the “illumination” of silence in Adoration or the persistent guidance of the Holy Spirit in daily decisions.

Memorable Quotes

“Perfection is not the goal… what’s more important is how Mom and Dad are responding [to suffering] through the lens of faith.” — Janice Charbonnet

“If you love Jesus and if you have a good sense of humor and common sense, it’s amazing what Jesus can do.” — Sister Briege McKenna

“Take people where they are and bring them along. Love them where they are.” — Bishop Toups

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Adoration, authentic witness, Carol Razza, Catholic parenting, Catholic speakers, Christian Podcast, Evangelization, faith in hard times, Holy Spirit, joy, living the Gospel, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, panel discussion, prayer, sacramental marriage, Speaker Forum, spiritual discernment, suffering, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Rise, Walk, and Run: Becoming the Good Samaritan – Bishop David Toups Sunday Homily

June 19, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Sunday Mass with Bishop David Toups

Theme: Rise, Walk, and Run: Becoming the Good Samaritan

Presider: Most Reverend David L. Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont

In this moving conclusion to the conference, Bishop David Toups presides over the Sunday Eucharist, centering his homily on the profound call of the Good Samaritan. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke and the first reading from Deuteronomy, Bishop Toups challenges us to move beyond “ignoring” those on the peripheries and instead to adopt the “Holy Spirit heart” of Christ.

He shares vulnerable, personal stories—from his own moments of missed connection to his ministry in the Diocese of Beaumont and recent mission work in Cambodia—to illustrate that the Word of God is not “too mysterious or remote,” but is already in our hearts, waiting to be lived out.

Key Takeaways

The Anatomy of Compassion: Bishop Toups breaks down the actions of the Good Samaritan: having an open heart, approaching the victim proactively, and practicing “sacrificial generosity” by pouring oil and wine to heal.
Seeing Christ in the “Least”: A reminder that Jesus is both the Samaritan who rescues us and the “man left half-dead” on the side of the road. To serve the lonely, the immigrant, and the suffering is to minister directly to Christ.
The Power of Recognition: Sometimes, being a neighbor is as simple as acknowledging someone’s human dignity—a smile, a prayer, or a moment of eye contact can be a profound act of mercy.
“Go and Do Likewise”: The Mass ends not with a conclusion, but a commission. We are called to “rise, walk, and run” into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Notable Quotes

“The Gospel should sting all of our consciences… Jesus is showing us how to live and how to love.”

“Treat them with the human dignity that they deserve… Have the heart and mind of Christ at the store, on the road, at work, and in our ministries.”

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Bishop David L. Toups, compassion, Rise and Walk Conference 2025

Unworthy Of God

June 15, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Feeling unworthy of God or God’s love? You’re not alone. In this episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast, Felice Gerwitz explores God’s mercy and how it transforms our hearts. Learn how to overcome feelings of inadequacy with these powerful scriptures and practical steps. Don’t miss this uplifting message—read on and share with a friend!

Unworthy of God? Discover His Boundless Mercy ~ Episode 353

Welcome, friends, to a reflection inspired by the latest episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast! Today, we’re tackling a topic that many of us know well: feeling unworthy of God. If you’ve ever felt like you fall short or wondered if God could possibly love you despite your flaws, this post is for you. Let’s explore the beauty of God’s mercy and how it lifts us up, no matter where we are. If you love this message, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast for weekly encouragement! I also want to remind you to take out your Bible and prayer journal if you have one.

Do You Feel Unworthy of God?

As a Christian, I often wonder if God is frustrated with me. I try to serve Him through prayer and obedience, but let’s be honest—I’m human, and I stumble. Maybe you feel the same way. You want to live for God, but those moments of doubt or failure creep in, making you feel insignificant. The good news? God doesn’t need our perfection; He desires our hearts. His mercy is boundless, and it’s available to us every single day. Praise God for that! Every day is a new day.

There are four powerful scriptures that remind me of God’s love and mercy, even when I feel unworthy, which is often. As I get older I feel less worthy, but the good news is that when this happens I rebuke it in the precious Name of God! The enemy does not want us to think or believe that God is merciful, and often this misinformation creeps in. So, today I’ll share practical ways to embrace His grace and love into your daily life.

Scripture 1: God’s Mercy Is Steadfast

Let’s begin with a verse that shows us the character of the Almighty God. In Psalm 103:8, we read:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

This verse is a reminder that God isn’t quick to judge or condemn us. Yet He is a merciful and just God. He is there, waiting for us, ready to meet us no matter where we are in our faith walk. Maybe you are just getting started in your faith journey, or maybe you’ve been on this road a long time. Either way, we can feel like we have fallen short. When you feel unworthy, hold onto this truth: God’s love for you is unwavering.

Application: Write down Psalm 103:8 and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily, like your mirror or workspace. Let it remind you of God’s patience and love.

Scripture 2: You Are Valued by God

In my little corner of the world, I sometimes feel so small. But God sees me, and He sees you. Our efforts, no matter how small, matter to Him. Luke 12:7 says:

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

God knows every detail about you. You are never insignificant in His eyes. When feelings of unworthiness creep in, remember that you are precious to Him. I love this verse because it reminds me that we are not only important, but we are seen. That is a big buzzword right now: “feeling seen” and recognized for who we are. But how much more important is it to be the person God created you to be? And how wonderful that God sees us. Sure, we all need to improve, yet He is there waiting.

Application: Take a moment to thank God for His personal love for you. Journal about a time when you felt seen or valued by Him. If you can’t think of anything, thank Him for the gift of life!

Scripture 3: God is Waiting

Can you believe that? God is waiting for you and me? And the best thing is we don’t have to earn His love. The image of the Father running to us, as in the Prodigal Son, or Jesus knocking at the door, waiting for us to invite Him in, reminds us of His relentless love.

A fitting verse is Revelation 3:20

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

This verse beautifully captures the imagery of Jesus, knocking at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to open it. The handle is on our side, symbolizing our free will to invite Him in. God’s love is always there, but He waits for us to respond, to show we care by opening our hearts to Him. When we do, He doesn’t just enter—He comes to dwell with us, sharing an intimate relationship. God is a gentleman. He doesn’t push Himself on us; instead, He is patient and kind.

This scripture reminds us that even when we feel unworthy, God’s arms are open wide. We don’t have to earn His love; we simply need to turn to Him. For more on God’s constant presence, check out my episode Not Abandoned, where I explore how God never leaves us.

Application: Take a moment to pray and ask Jesus to help you open the door of your heart. Journal about what it means to you to know He’s waiting to come in.

Scripture 4: Mercy Brings New Life

Finally, let’s look at Ephesians 2:4-5:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.”

God’s mercy doesn’t just bring us forgiveness. It gives us new life, a spiritual life of abundance and grace. When you feel like you’ve failed, His grace restores you. This is the heart of the Gospel! God’s love for us is renewed daily and when we are open to it, wonderful things happen.

Application: Each morning, pray a simple prayer of gratitude for God’s mercy. Ask Him to help you live in the freedom of His love.

How to Respond to God’s Mercy

So, how do we live in light of this incredible mercy? For me, it’s through prayer and striving to obey God’s teachings, even when I don’t get it right which is more times than I care to admit. Another verse, 1 John 1:9, offers hope:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse is like a reset button. When we mess up, we can come to God, confess our sins, and trust in His forgiveness. Feeling unworthy doesn’t disqualify you from God’s love—it’s an invitation to lean into His mercy. How often? Daily.

Next Steps:

Pray: Spend a few minutes each day thanking God for His mercy. Use my book, A Few Minutes with God, for guided reflections.
Journal: Write about how God’s mercy has shown up in your life. What scriptures encourage you?
Connect: Join our A Few Minutes with God Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/AFewMinutesWithGod) to share prayer requests and praise reports.

More Encouragement from A Few Minutes with God

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode, Unworthy of God, at ultimateradioshow.com. For more on God’s constant presence, check out these favorite episodes:

Not Abandoned: Discover how God never leaves you, even when you feel far from Him.
Calm in the Storm: Learn how God’s peace sustains you through challenges.

These episodes, along with others at The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, are designed to encourage your faith journey.

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s close with a prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that never fails. When I feel unworthy, remind me of Your love and forgiveness. Help me to trust in Your grace and live for You each day. Amen.

Thank you for joining me, friends! I pray this post has encouraged you to embrace God’s mercy and let go of feelings of unworthiness. If it blessed you, please share it with a friend and follow us on Instagram. For more resources, visit mediaangels.com.

Call to Action: Subscribe to A Few Minutes with God Podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast app. Let’s grow in faith together!

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Bible verses about mercy, Catholic podcast, Christian Encouragement, feeling unworthy, God's mercy, overcoming doubt

Rise and Walk – Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

June 12, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Rise and Walk – Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

In this powerful and humorous episode, Sister Briege McKenna shares her extraordinary journey from a “stubborn as a mule” young nun in Ireland to a world-renowned minister of healing. With her trademark wit and deep spiritual insight, Sister Briege reflects on her 65 years of religious life and the transformative power of saying “yes” to God’s unconventional plans.

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Key Highlights

The Miracle at 24: Sister Briege recounts her instantaneous healing from crippling rheumatoid arthritis during the Eucharist—a moment that changed the trajectory of her life forever.
The Gift of Healing: Discover the “Hound of Heaven” story of how she resisted the gift of healing, fearing it was too sensational, only to have God confirm her calling through a series of undeniable encounters.
Writing Your Own Gospel: Sister Briege challenges every listener to move beyond “remote control” Catholicism. She explains that through our Baptism, we are called to be “walking scriptures,” writing the Gospel according to our own lives.
The Grace of Courage: Reflecting on the theme “Rise and Walk,” she emphasizes that spiritual growth requires the courage to fail, get back up, and trust in God’s infinite patience.
Unique Personalities in Grace: Using the analogy of water filling different shaped bottles, she explains how the Holy Spirit fits into our individual personalities rather than forcing us into a mold.

Memorable Quotes

“Every one of us is supposed to be the walking scriptures of today. We are living in the Acts of the Apostles because we are the apostles.”

“Gifts don’t make you holy… gifts are to bring glory to God, not to yourself.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic healing ministry, Christian Encouragement, faith and healing, Rise and Walk Conference, Sister Briege McKenna

Pleasing God

June 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Pleasing God – Episode 183

Pleasing God is easier than you think! Is there any way that we can be pleasing to God? Is there anything we can do to earn God’s love? Is this something we should even attempt? In this podcast, we will discuss several ways.

Thanks to our sponsor… CTCMath – this is a curriculum company that can help a child to really understand and learn math in a way that will not bog them down! Visit CTCMath.com for a free lesson and pass this on to a friend.

Okay – pleasing God, can you do it? Should you do it? IS this attainable. Pleasing God seems like a formidable task. But the good news is if you do not believe in God is that you can’t.

Hebrews 11: 6 states … And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

So, let’s say for the sake of argument you want to please God … the first place to begin is with your relationship.

When you look at our relationship with God what do you think? If you can stop this audio to think about this for a minute please do… okay so what came to mind as you considered this question?

Maybe you said:

Pleasing God is doing what is right and just.
Pleasing God is not doing anything I want to do.
Pleasing God means having self-control.
Pleasing God is impossible. Or…
Pleasing God is like is like trying to please a parent.

When we talk about faith there is room for feelings and for some of us, we feel like we are a lost cause and swimming against the flow. Here is the thing…

When was the last time you tried to please a parent? As a parent (if you are one) when was the last time your child did something that was pleasing for you?

We don’t think in those terms, do we? We do not act out of respect, or concern or even of love just to please someone we do it just because. If we love someone we want them to be happy, we want to share the love we have for them with time, with gifts or with giving of ourselves. When we love God how do we show the Almighty our love for Him? This may be something you have never considered before because we are so caught up on the Thou Shall Nots instead of the amazing gift of life and freedom that God has given to us.

When we look at the Fall – the Garden of Eden and the beautiful world God created without sin, we only see the sin – we think about that tree – of Good and Evil. God did not want us to suffer, He wanted us to live in paradise. And, we hope and we pray that this is what heaven is – a paradise that has been created for the righteous which can only be justified by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Christ asks us to turn from sin and to follow Him. That’s it.

That is why Hebrews 11:6 starts by laying the groundwork of faith. Praising God isn’t as hard if our faith is at the center, and with faith comes what? The Holy Spirit is our guide. Not in the new age way of spirit God, please!! Heaven forbid. But in the third person of the Trinity – sent by God – After Jesus rose from the dead and spent time with the various disciples and Mary his mother and Mary Magdelene he rose up to heaven. We read about this in Acts 1-9 [on air]

God sent his Spirit – and this was called Pentecost. Today, we can receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts, in church Sacramentally or in prayer. Again we read about this in 1 John 3:24

We know by the Spirit HE gave us!

When we think about things in our life we can see that pleasing God is not as difficult as we think. Think about the joys of your life. Are you content? Is there an issue in your life if it could be handled or changed that would make you happy? Or how about happier? Of course, in each of our lives, there is something that could add to our happiness. But, the true things that bring us happiness are the things that money can not buy. Buying more things usually brings a short-term happiness, contentment or joy but not long-term!

Romans 8:9

You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Pleasing God starts with faith and after that, it is way easier than you think – pleasing God is something we want to do – no, we crave doing because of our relationship with HIM – there is an old saying about trying to outgive God, we can’t. It is impossible, the more we give God the more we receive.

Lately, my life has been filled with miracles some big and small – one is a serious surgery we thought my husband would need concerning his spine – not only is the surgery unnecessary, but the doctor’s words were…. Well, you had a serious problem, but your body healed itself. Wow, how does that happen? It is a miracle. And the small things like a toothache and when calling that day, an opening for a dentist appointment was available later in the afternoon. That never happens!

Pleasing God, friends is living our lives and worshiping the creator and it can’t get any better than that!

Let’s pray. Dear Lord thank you for all the blessings and the miracles that surround us each and every day, those we see and those that happen in our lives without us even knowing. I praise you and I thank you and I ask that you help me to be pleasing to my family, my friends, and most of all to you dear God. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. We praise you and are in awe of your gifts. Dear Lord, I ask for the following needs: and I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Magnificat® Proclaims , Episode 17, Elyse O’Kane – Heavenly Melodies through Praise & Worship

June 5, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 17, Elyse O’Kane – Heavenly Melodies through Praise & Worship

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Elyse O’Kane, a former speech therapist and reading tutor, explains her faith journey. Raised a practicing church-going Catholic, during her college years, Elyse began questioning her faith and attending Mass was no longer a priority, only to return when she was inspired and tended to by a group of ministering women who helped her through a difficult pregnancy and then experienced a miracle.

Elyse has witnessed many miracles in her life. One day, in 1991, a melody inspired by Mother Mary’s Magnificat came to her spontaneously after Mass, and it has since been used in many Magnificat Chapters and churches across the United States. Elyse has continued to compose and write music, including two CDs, “With all my Heart” and “A Time to Heal.” In addition to writing music, she is involved in the ministry of intercessory prayer and healing and enjoys speaking to groups about her faith journey. Elyse is married to her husband, John O’Kane, and they have three grown sons and daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren.

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Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: Magnificat Ministries Presents

From Diagnosis to Deliverance: Testimony of Floredenis Brown

June 5, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

From Diagnosis to Deliverance: Testimony of Floredenis Brown

Principal of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School

In this powerful and high-energy testimony, Floredenis Brown shares her journey of defying the “lies of the enemy” through radical faith. Born with sickle cell anemia and later diagnosed with lupus, Floredenis was told by doctors that higher education was unlikely and motherhood was impossible.

Today, she stands as a wife of 20 years, a mother of two “miracle” boys, and a decorated educational leader holding four degrees. Floredenis recounts her “falling in love” moment with Jesus at a Magnificat luncheon and how that relationship fueled her to navigate high-risk pregnancies, NICU scares, and professional shifts. This episode is a masterclass in replacing panic with prayer and standing on the promises of God when the world says “no.”

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Watch the video presentation.

Key Takeaways

The “Lover of My Soul”: Floredenis describes the pivotal moment she moved from a “sacramental” faith to a personal, charismatic relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Defying Medical Reports: Hear the miraculous story of how she was healed of lupus and how her son—once labeled a “vegetable” by doctors—became a gifted student leader.
The Principle of Multiplication: How God turned a career in public education into a calling to lead and “clean house” in Catholic schools, bringing the Holy Spirit back to the forefront of the classroom.
Faith Over Fear: Practical encouragement on how to maintain peace during “911 moments,” including a chilling story about a school intruder drill and the peace that surpasses understanding.

Notable Quotes

“The devil said I couldn’t have it, but God had His way… I don’t care what diagnosis that doctor gave me. Doctor Jesus said I’m going to be a mommy.”

“I am going to be the Jesus freak of the century because that’s the biggest compliment you could ever give me—that I am in love with the lover of my soul.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic education, Catholic Testimony, Christian testimony, faith over fear, Floredenis Brown, From Diagnosis to Deliverance, miracle healing, overcoming diagnosis, power of prayer, Rise and Walk Conference 2025

Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

May 29, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

In this warm and practical session, Janice Charbonnet—a missionary, mother of five, and leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal—shares how to move from a spirit of timidity to a life of “holy swagger.” Drawing on her personal journey from a “Sunday Catholic” to a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, Janice explains that anointing is not about personal talent, but about resting in the Father’s love.

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Janice uses the imagery of “New Shoes” and “The Gaze” to illustrate how we can walk out our unique callings. Whether you are leading a ministry team or serving at a local breakfast, Janice provides actionable tips for staying “in the gaze” of Christ to avoid the trap of self-critical “mirror-gazing.” This episode is a call to put down the magnifying mirror of insecurity and step through the doors of newness God is opening for you.

Watch on Vimeo

Key Takeaways

The Spirit of Aaron: Just as God provided Aaron to speak for Moses, He provides us with the specific graces and “pitch-hitters” we need to overcome our fears.

Humility vs. Timidity: Humility is recognizing that everything good in us comes from God. Timidity is an insecurity that actually hinders the Kingdom.

The Power of Praise: In ministry meetings, Janice advises “hitting the road running” with praise. Praise isn’t a feeling; it’s the vehicle that brings you into the “Throne Room” of the King.

“Papa Said I Can”: Evangelization is simply “one beggar showing another beggar where they found bread.” Your authority to share the Gospel comes directly from your identity as a beloved child of God.

Memorable Quotes

“The timidity and the insecurity have to die, because it’s not serving God and it’s not helping the Kingdom.”

“Put the magnified mirror down and get back in the gaze. Lock eyes with Christ; that’s the only reflection you need.”

Practical Tips for Service Teams

Don’t Dilly-Dally: Start your meetings with immediate, high-energy praise to shift from a “situation room” mentality to a “throne room” reality.
Don’t Sit on Prophecy: In safe environments like team meetings, practice sharing small prophetic nudges. Don’t wait for “perfect” confirmation; help paint the full picture.
Lay Out a Fleece: For big decisions, give the Lord a specific timeframe (e.g., six months) to see if a desire grows or diminishes.
The 60-Second Rule: If a meeting gets stuck on small details, stop everything for one minute of silence to ask, “Lord, what do You want?”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Catholic podcast, christian leadership, Evangelization, faith and courage, Holy Spirit empowerment, holy spirit ministry, identity in Christ, janice charbonnet, overcoming timidity, power of praise, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, Spiritual Growth, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, walking in your anointing

Peacemakers

May 26, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Who are the peacemakers? Are you a peacemaker, and do you find yourself in that role? What does the Holy Bible say? This podcast discusses being a peacemaker and how we can all strive to do our part.

Peacemakers ~ Episode

Fr. Erik Villa Saturday Homily- The Healing Power of Scars

May 22, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode: 03 Saturday Mass – Healing Power of Scars – Fr. Erik Villa

Title: Saturday Mass: Healing, Scars, and the Gift of Encounter

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This special Saturday liturgy from the Magnificat Conference in Tampa is a profound exploration of healing, fraternity, and the providence of God. The session opens with a moving moment of solidarity as Bishop David Toups invites the assembly to pray for the families in his diocese grieving the victims of recent tragic floods in Texas.

In the homily, Fr. Erick Villa shares a deeply personal “testimony of magnification.” He reflects on his childhood in the Philippines, his 16-year separation from his mother, and the physical scars he carries from his youth. Fr. Erick reframes these marks not as signs of trauma, but as “reminders that the wounds actually healed.” Drawing parallels to the life of Joseph in Genesis, he encourages listeners to see how God intertwines our paths—even through betrayal and displacement—to fulfill a divine plan.

Key Takeaways

Building the Body: Bishop Toups emphasizes the essential nature of the “lay priesthood,” noting that the love of the laity is what strengthens and holies the ordained clergy.
Bitter or Better: Fr. Erick discusses the choice we face when dealing with dysfunctional pasts or family separations. He argues that our experiences can either harden us or prepare us for a unique mission.
The Theology of Scars: Physical and emotional scars are proof of God’s healing power. They serve as a “normalizing” force that proves we have lived, struggled, and been restored.
A “Global” Church: Fr. Erick highlights the beauty of the universal Church, sharing how a Vietnamese seminarian invited a Filipino to minister in the United States.
Proclaiming from the Housetops: A call to live as “tangible expressions of love,” moving from the interior “domestic church” to the public square with boldness.

Scriptures Referenced

Genesis 49-50: The burial of Jacob and Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers (“Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good”).

Matthew 10:24-33: The call to fearlessness and the reminder that we are worth “more than many sparrows.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Bishop David Toups, Catholic Faith, Catholic healing, Catholic homily, Catholic spirituality, Christian testimony, domestic church, emotional healing, forgiveness and healing, Fr. Erik Villa, lay priesthood, Magnificat Conference, overcoming trauma through faith, proclaiming the Gospel, providence of God, spiritual healing, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, universal Church

Combating Fear | A Few Minutes with God Podcast

May 18, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Combating Fear

Podcast # 27

Combating fear is something we all want. Do you worry about things? Join the club – don’t we all? But in this episode I am going to discuss fear, the result of worry and how we, as Christians, armed with the promises of God can combat the fear and turn it to victory!

Thanks to our sponsors, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins + CTCMath.com

Show Notes: Combating Fear

Fear gets us nowhere. It is a dead-end street that has us walking the same path again and again. It is the place that the enemy would like us to remain in because let’s face it — fear is a bondage. Fear is from the enemy.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Yet, God built us to fear if we sense danger. Fear does in essence help to protect us – if we sense something instinctively it can help us to survive. Fear is natural, it keeps us away from those things that could hurt us or bad choices.

The bible also tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of all understanding,” how do we take that verse? What we fear is the judgment of the Lord. If you are a follower of Christ and want to do His will – you should not fear judgment, but you should remember it as you live your life.

God is our light – He is the guiding beacon in the midst of our fears. We can have the courage to deal with the things that happen in our lives and what that takes is praying to overcome the fear. Prayer and reading Scripture verses and memorizing some can help. Another help is using acronyms to help us.

When speaking about fear in the spiritual sense, when we allow worry to cloud our thoughts and overtake our lives realize we are giving the spirit of fear permission to reside in us. The first step is in renouncing the spirit of fear.

In the Name of Jesus, I come against the spirit of fear and I renounce it – I do not give fear dominion in my life. I break any chains of fear in my life and offer it to you, Lord. Lord, I give you permission to come into my life with joy, the joy that surpasses all understanding and that reigns in the knowledge that you are in control of my life.

Here are some wonderful scriptures to write in your journal under the title of “Combating Fear” and pray, say, and memorize these wonderful scriptures:

1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Matthew 10:31 “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk in the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.”
Psalm 91:14 – “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
Romans 8:30-31 – “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?”
Luke 1:30: “But the angels said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.”

If you are fearful and have never repented of the spirit of fear, let’s pray! (Prayer at the end of the audio.)

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Exercising Your Gifts – Alicia Hartle

May 15, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Exercising Your Gifts – Alicia Hartle

In this powerful and personal presentation, Alicia Hartle, Executive Director of Pentecost Today USA, invites us to dive into the “deep end” of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from her unique upbringing in the “fire of the renewal” in Pittsburgh, Alicia explores the essential nature of charismatic gifts and the urgent need for every believer to move from stagnant waters to a life that is constantly poured out.

Key Highlights

The Authority of the Gifts: Alicia grounds the exercise of charismatic gifts in the authority of Jesus Christ and the historical tradition of the early Church. She highlights that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is not a peripheral movement but is formally integrated into the hierarchical structure of the Church.
Stagnant vs. Living Water: Using a poignant metaphor of a pond from her childhood, Alicia warns against receiving sacramental graces without “pouring them out.” To remain spiritually fresh, we must exercise our gifts for the building up of the Church.
Overcoming Barriers: Whether it’s fear of being “undignified,” past experiences with spiritual immaturity, or modern skepticism, Alicia encourages us to bring our lack of desire to the Lord and allow Him to transform it into zeal.
A Call to New Evangelization: Alicia shares moving stories from her ministry, including her journey into Unbound Deliverance Ministry, emphasizing that the world is hungry for the supernatural reality of God’s love.

Memorable Quotes

“Some of these people know Jesus and some of these people do not… This too is our mission field.” — Alicia’s Father

“Why has no one ever told me that I could have a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit like this?”

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: alicia hartle, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, catholic christian conference, catholic podcast episode, Catholic Women Ministry, charismatic gifts, christian evangelization, christian leadership women, christian women conference, exercising spiritual gifts, exercising your gifts, Holy Spirit empowerment, holy spirit gifts, Holy Spirit lifestyle, pentecost today usa, prayer and worship, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, spiritual gifts podcast, supernatural faith, women of faith

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Value of Community

May 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

In this Episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie, and Pat are joined by Janice Charbonnet in sharing personal experiences showing the value of community to growth along the spiritual journey.

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Janice was born and raised in Canada. She worked in various public relations positions across the country, ending with a position as PR coordinator for a Canadian politician. In 1996, she felt called to quit her job and serve as a missionary with NET Ministries, traveling with a team across the US preaching the Gospel to teenagers.

After a life-changing encounter with the writings of Pope John Paul II, the Holy Spirit put a passion deep in her heart for ministering to women.

She serves on the women‘s team for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans, speaks at marriage retreats with her husband, Jean, and loves to draw from her life as a mother of five children when teaching and preaching. She lives outside New Orleans, LA. She preaches freedom in the power of the Holy Spirit! Psalm 18:20 “He sent me free in the open; He rescued me because He loves me.”

About Magnificat

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: catholic spiritual growth, catholic women fellowship, Catholic women podcast, christian women community, Holy Spirit lifestyle, janice charbonnet, Magnificat Ministry, prayer and holiness, scripture and faith, women following Jesus

Dr. Carol Razza- Prayer Meeting

May 8, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 03 – Dr. Carol Razza – Prayer Meeting

In this powerful session, Dr. Carol Razza—international evangelist, author, and retired professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary—leads a traditional prayer meeting centered on reclaiming our identity as children of God. Moving beyond the “counseling session” model, Dr. Razza refocuses the gathering on pure worship, teaching that when we prioritize Jesus, our burdens and brokenness naturally fall away. She challenges the “spectator” mentality and calls every believer to step into a life of supernatural fruitfulness.

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Key Takeaways

What a Prayer Meeting Is (and Isn’t): A prayer meeting is for Jesus, not for us. It is a time for praise, worship, and building up the Body of Christ—not a therapy or discussion group.
The Power of Identity: We are “1 in 600 billion.” Dr. Razza emphasizes that understanding our identity as sons and daughters of the Most High is the only way to live an abundant life. Without this, we praise God through our wounds rather than the truth.
Supernatural DNA: As baptized Christians, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Our “natural” state should be the “supernatural.”
Spiritual Fruitfulness: Based on Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 25, we are created for increase. Dr. Razza argues that passivity is not an option; we must use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and expand the Kingdom.
Praying for the Priesthood: A call to action for the laity to pray for priests and seminarians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to lead the Church into “the deep.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:4-5: “You have not passed this way before… Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
John 20:21-22: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruits of the Spirit.
John 15:16: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.”

About Dr. Carol Razza

Dr. Carol Razza is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience and a long-time faculty member at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. She is the author of SONblock and Parent Me, Please, and serves on the advisory team for the International Magnificat Ministry.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Talks Tagged With: Catholic evangelism, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, Christian worship, Dr. Carol Razza, fruits of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, identity in Christ, Magnificat Ministry, prayer and intercession, Prayer Meeting, Rise and Walk Conference 2025, Spiritual Growth, supernatural faith, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 16, Judy Zelden – The Power of Faith and Prayer

May 1, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 16, Judy Zelden – The Power of Faith and Prayer

Magnificat® Ministry presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Judy Zelden, wife of Mike Zelden, is a mother of three and grandmother of nine.

She helped found Magnificat in 1981, moved with her family to Baton Rouge in 1983, and served as a guidance counselor at Catholic schools. Judy returned to Magnificat’s Central Service Team (CST) from 1991 to 2008 and has since been on the CST Advisory Team. She authored a women’s Bible study called Woman, Called By Name which debuted in 2015 and released another Bible study in 2021, “Woman, Called and Sent for Such a Time As This.” Both studies received an imprimatur and were featured in popular webinars.

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Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

The Podcast is a platform for inspiring testimonies that showcase God’s goodness, greatness, and grace in our lives. These testimonies not only inform and educate but also encourage and inspire us to develop, deepen, and cultivate our relationship with the Triune God. The show hosts are Monique Moussot and Maryann Ridini Spencer.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims, Shows Tagged With: catholic podcast episode, Catholic Women Ministry, christian testimony podcast, holy spirit faith, judy zelden, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, power of faith and prayer, prayer life encouragement, spiritual growth testimony, women bible study christian

Christian Unity (Replay)

April 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Christian Unity ~ Uniting God’s People

Episode 310: Exploring Christian Unity based on Ephesians 4:1-6

How can we have Christian unity when we can’t even get along with those we live with and love? The same goes for world peace. How can we expect World Peace when we argue with our spouse or friends? If we can’t get along with those we like, how can we find common ground among various nations? Our world is falling apart, friends. Right before our eyes, today is the day to pray like never before.

Thanks to CTCMath.com for sponsoring this episode. CTC is a math curriculum found online for grades K-12.

Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. (Psalm 118:24) So we begin with praise, rejoicing in the day and giving God all the glory. As I’ve shared many times on this podcast, we praise God and thank Him even in the midst of trial and adversity. Things are falling apart all around us, and we praise God. One of the reasons is because, yes, God is worthy of praise. The other is because it helps remind us that we are not in this alone. Even if you are driving by yourself, taking a walk, or at your home alone, God is with you.

Once we have praised God, we put on God’s armor. Ephesians 6:10-18. Don’t just read it, pray it. Slowly and with meaning. We ask the Lord for protection against evil one. Why? Because he is the disrupter and the one who causes the division. This began in the Garden and continues today.

Christian Unity Starts Here:

Where does Christian unity begin? It begins with me—right here, right now. It doesn’t start with my neighbor, my friend, or my spouse. I don’t stop to pick up the phone and say, “Hey, you really need to get with it and be united.” It won’t work. For there to be peace, it starts with me. Mother Teresa famously said this about peace: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

So, it starts with me: what can I do and how can I do it?

A friend posted an article from a website, and I am posting the link here. The topic is the importance of Christian Unity. It goes on to explain the importance of doing our part (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to not be the cause of division, which means to guard us against temptation, guarding our mouths and what we say, and, more importantly, your social media posts.

When I read the title of the article, I was convicted to watch my words, especially among my family and friends.

As I write this, we are currently in an election cycle, and it can be horrible to read what people say and watch neighbors and friends become enemies. I lost friends during the last election cycle because I would not engage in conversation or be swayed by the beliefs of those who contacted me. They “unfriended” me on Facebook which truthfully hurt my feelings tremendously. In retrospect, while I had many champions for my cause, and the majority of friends agreed with me, I found that those who did not were steeped in a way of thinking I could not identify or understand. I am steeped in prayer this election cycle, making an effort to set aside time daily for our country and the disunity. And for the disunity in our world as well, with countless wars!

Jesus wants us united, yet He is well aware that the evil one is trying to wreck our lives. We read of this in

Ephesians 4:1-6 (read on air).

We are called to be “forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” How can we do this? There is only one way, with an infilling and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is something like this, “Dear Holy Spirit, come and fill me with to overflowing with your love, your peace, and your joy. Please fill me with love for my children and my spouse (name anyone close to you here). Fill me with love and compassion for those who I don’t like, and I don’t care to know. Help me to be faithful to you, my Lord, and help me never to be parted from unity with You. Holy Spirit, come.”

Create your own prayer or version of asking the Holy Spirit for help bringing unity and peace to your life and the lives of others.

The only way for us to have Christian unity is to pray and ask God for a deeper desire for peace in our hearts. Another thing the article said that resonated with me was to ask the Lord to keep us away from “every temptation of the enemy to rip us apart.” These are very wise words. We must avoid the temptation to get in the last word or to say something that might be considered funny yet hurtful. We must rally the troops and let your family and friends know what you are doing. This is not bragging (oh, look at me praying here); this is explaining a way of thinking that I believe most Christians will rally around and unite.

God loves us; He loves this fallen humanity of which we are a part, and He knows our needs before we even ask. Yet ask we must today. Begin now. Ask the Lord for peace and unity, and let it begin with me. May you be blessed now and forever.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Mind of Christ and Psychology

April 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Mind of Christ and Psychology

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Kim joins Angela, Jackie, and Pat in discussing the Mind of Christ and Psychology. The panel will explore how to know the mind of Christ vs our own minds as we discern the will of God, consolation vs desolation, and the importance of spiritual direction and professional psychological healing service.

Listen to additional Some Women Podcast episodes.

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As a Director of the Brain Fitness Center in Orange County, California, Dr. Elizabeth Kim’s multi-ethnic, dynamic practice as a licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and a board-certified Neurofeedback practitioner, is the perfect setting for her vast experience in the healing arts which she places under the Lordship of Jesus, the Healer.

Elizabeth received a miraculous healing after the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and 54 Day Rosary Novena. In experiencing Abba Father’s tremendous love pouring into her heart and encountering The Living Jesus, she had a radical conversion. This began the most profound and meaningful journey of transformation of a whole person in the grace of the Most Holy Trinity.

Dr. Kim has served the Church in various positions including Youth and Healing Ministry, Prayer Team Ministry, as a member of the Board of Directors for SCRC (Southern California Renewal Communities), and as a speaker at conferences. Her love and zeal for spreading the Good News brought her to speaking at numerous Magnificat Chapter Meals. Her testimony has aired on EWTN Radio. She appeared on EWTN TV’s Women of Grace featuring “Magnificat Proclaims”. Presently, she is a coordinator for the Orange County Chapter of Magnificat Ministry.

“What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37)

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: biblical mindset, Catholic podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christian growth and transformation, Christian healing, Christian psychology, consolation vs desolation, emotional healing through faith, faith and psychology, healing through Jesus, Holy Spirit transformation, Magnificat Ministry, mental health and Christianity, mind of Christ, overcoming anxiety with faith, psychology and faith integration, renewing your mind, Scripture and mental health, spiritual direction, spiritual discernment

Homilies: Episode 03 Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

April 24, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 03 Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

In this spiritually uplifting episode, we join the Magnificat Ministry for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes welcomes attendees and offers a profound reflection on the Feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia.

The episode explores the intersection of ancient monastic wisdom and modern spiritual life, emphasizing how the Holy Spirit guides us through “dark periods” of history and personal turmoil. Bishop Parkes reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the few, but is a daily calling for every believer.

Listen to additional Homilies.

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Takeaway

“The Holy Spirit wants to make us Saints in the middle of our daily life… May the Spirit form in each of us a little monastery—a place where Christ is loved, where peace dwells, and where holiness grows.”

Key Highlights & Themes

A Father’s Blessing: Bishop Parkes welcomes the Magnificat Ministry and its founder, Marilyn Quirk, acknowledging the global “fruitfulness” of this apostolate.
The Legacy of Saint Benedict: A look at the “Father of Western Monasticism” and how his response to a crumbling Roman Empire provides a blueprint for finding peace in today’s noisy world.
Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work): Understanding the Benedictine balance. Bishop Parkes discusses how to integrate a “rhythm of holiness” into our daily chores, schedules, and relationships.
The Power of Silence: Why silence is not an “emptiness” but a “sacred space.” The Bishop challenges listeners to reclaim quiet moments to hear the “whisper of God” amidst the distractions of social media and modern anxiety.
Walking with Mary: A reflection on our Blessed Mother as the ultimate model of Benedictine stability—listening, obeying, and treasuring the Word in her heart.

Scripture References

Genesis 46: Jacob’s migration to Egypt and his emotional reunion with Joseph.
Matthew 10: Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” in the face of persecution.

Magnificat® Ministry

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: Benedictine spirituality, Bishop Gregory Parkes, Blessed Mother Mary, Catholic faith formation, Catholic homily, Catholic inspiration, Catholic podcast, Catholic teaching, Christian living, Diocese of St Petersburg, Eucharistic celebration, Feast of Saint Benedict, Friday Mass, holiness in daily life, Holy Eucharist, Holy Spirit guidance, Magnificat Ministry, Marian devotion, Ora et Labora, prayer and work, Saint Benedict of Nursia, silence and prayer, Spiritual Growth

God First (Special Replay)

April 20, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

God First – Episode 226

When was the last time you put God first? Is God in your first thought of the day? No? How about the last thought? The struggle is real especially when life is overwhelming and seems to get in the way. Join Felice Gerwitz as she shares how she puts God first and the way she accomplishes this daily.

Our wonderful sponsor who helps bring this network to you for free, visit CTCMath.com for a great math curriculum for grades K-12

An elderly friend once shared that as she grew older, her understanding and awareness of her sinfulness increased. This self-awareness should not be limited to age, but due to the nature of most of our lifestyles, this unfortunately is the norm.

If we take time to reflect we will all realize we fall short. Yes, it is difficult to admit but true. We all have shortcomings but the way we handle them is the difference between living a life for God or against Him because somewhere in the middle does not count. The Scriptures remind us that G0d will spew us out of his mouth! In fact Revelations, 3 verses 15-22 will give you so much to unpack. There are five main themes that we hear in entire sermons based on this scripture. First let me share it with you. (Read on air.)

Unpacking Revelations 3 -A Few Points

Lukewarm faith
Don’t need God – own ability
Refined by fire
Repent
God knocking at the door
Ability to hear God’s Word

Let me read the verses in Revelations 3:15-22 (Read on air.)

Lukewarm faith – going through the motions. There is a song that really resonated with me for some time, the song’s title is The Motions by Matthew West. This was a song that hit hard because one of the lines says: (read onair.)

Matthew West was quoted as saying “The song is about complacency and a desire to “break free from the average, ordinary, lukewarm Christian life” – and that is what we need to do, break free of complacency. The thought is there is always tomorrow to pray, to read the Bible to attend church. But the saying goes that today is the “first day” of the rest of your life. We should look at each day as an opportunity not only to grow closer to God but to ask the Lord how to best serve Him.

Is this true of you? Don’t need God – own ability. There is a popular saying, “we make our own luck,” and I think I have always hated that phrase because to me it means I don’t need God. Yes, we should work hard, strive to do the best we can, get up and get going and not wait for handouts. However, we need God in the same way that we need air to breathe. That too is a Christian song, you may know it by its title “Breathe” (The Air I Breathe), and the original author Marie Barnett didn’t even mean to sing the lyrics (as a song leader) but was led to sing it spontaneously in church one Sunday. *You can read here story here. It made it to a Vinyard’s album and later was recorded by many artists such as Michael W. Smith. The words go like this (read on air). (Lyrics here.) Without God we would not even have air to breathe, so all the glory and honor go to Him! (Read Onair.)

Refined by fire – Interesting the Scripture states – counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich – we are refined by fire but usually, that is a painful process and if we do not learn anything from the pain we will suffer again and again. In order to be rich we must learn from this refinement and praise God in all things, even those hardships.

Repent – The obvious here is to ask the Lord for forgiveness, but I want to take it one step further… we stay away from deepening our relationship with the Lord and putting God first when we are in sin. Like Adam and Eve were afraid to show their faces to the Lord, because of their sinfulness and their lack of repentance at that point, so too we are afraid of the justification for our sins. For every sin, there must be a payment. And sin, unfortunately, affects us all not only the person in sin.

God knocking at the door – We have discussed this in many other podcasts and it calls to mind a photo I have of the Lord knocking at the door, but the handle is on my side. God is the Almighty and can do anything, but God wants our hearts only when we give it to Him willingly. Unbelievers will say that religion is forced and there are all these rules and hoops to jump through — however, God has given us free will for a reason and a choice to follow Him, to let Him, to put God first or not.

Ability to hear God’s Word – recently in a prayer ministry meeting a friend recounted a story and said over and over again, “But I told this person specifically…” and she said this more than one time. It is interesting that we can talk to people and they do not hear or comprehend what we say even when we think it is crystal clear. The same with God’s word. It is crystal clear if we have our minds and hearts open to putting Him first.

There is so much more to unpack in those few lines of Scripture and I urge you and challenge you this week to meditate upon the words and make a plan, today to put God first in your life and to get yourself out of complacency and fire for the Lord, the Creator of Heaven and Earth! May God bless us today and always.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Episode: 03 – Maria Vadia- Rise Up, Dry Bones

April 17, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode: 03 – Maria Vadia- Rise Up, Dry Bones

In this high-energy and prophetic session, renowned author and speaker Maria Vadia delivers a stirring call to the “Pew Potatoes” of the Church to wake up and embrace their identity as a “Kingdom of Priests.”

Drawing from the powerful imagery of Ezekiel 37, Maria explores the valley of dry bones—a humanly impossible situation—and demonstrates how the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can bring dead things back to life.

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Maria shares her radical transformation from a materialistic “Sunday Catholic” to a missionary traveling to over 30 nations.

With her signature wit and boldness, she challenges listeners to stop acting like “orphans” and start living as sons and daughters of the King, equipped with the dunamis (miraculous power) of the Holy Spirit to heal the sick, cast out demons, and even raise the dead.

Key Takeaways

The Power of the Tongue: We carry the power of life and death in our speech. Maria reminds us that the Kingdom is “voice-activated”—we must stop grumbling and start prophesying the Word.
Renewing the Mind: While our spirits are reborn at baptism, our minds must be manually “reset” through Scripture to dismantle the “House of Lies” built by the enemy.
Normal Christianity: Miracles, signs, and wonders aren’t just for the saints of old; they are the standard credentials for every believer today.
A New Perspective: We are seated in “heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). When we look down from the throne room, every problem is under our feet.

Memorable Quotes

“The Lord never intended to leave behind a church that looked like an audience.”

“I’m a weird specimen of a Catholic… because I’m doing what Jesus told us to do.”

Resources Mentioned

Books by Maria Vadia: Firepower, There is Power in Your Tongue, Healing is for You, and No More Orphans.
Ministries: The Glory of God Foundation, Glory House of Miami.
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 37 (The Valley of Dry Bones), Acts 2 (Pentecost), and John 14:12.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Shows, Talks Tagged With: biblical teaching, Catholic inspiration, Catholic speaker, Catholic talk, charismatic renewal, Christian Podcast, dunamis power, Ezekiel 37, faith revival, healing ministry, Holy Spirit, identity in Christ, Kingdom of Priests, living in the Spirit, Maria Vadia, miracles signs and wonders, power of the tongue, prophetic message, renewing the mind, Rise Up Dry Bones, sons and daughters of God, spiritual awakening, spiritual transformation, valley of dry bones

God’s Love is Sufficient (Replay)

April 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

God’s Love Is Sufficient – Episode 182

Uncertainty surrounds our lives yet with God we know that His love is sufficient for all of our needs. In this podcast, learn how you can live a life that is free from worry, stress, and anger.

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath for all of your children’s (grandchildren or friends and neighbors) math needs. Check out CTCMath.com for more information.

If you know your scriptures you are probably thinking – why is she talking about God’s love being sufficient when the scriptures say, my grace is sufficient: Read: 2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s grace is his love and his forgiveness – it is empowerment by the Holy Spirit that makes us strong in, as the scriptures say our time of weakness. Seriously God’s grace and love is sufficient? Really? When are we weak? When are we scared? When we have infirmities – illnesses?

God’s Love IS Sufficient

No one thinks their life is ideal. But if I asked you to take some time to design your ideal life what would be included? Would it be a house on the beach, listening to the waves crashing on the seashore? Or would it be a mountain retreat? What about an unlimited bank fund or maybe good health and happiness in your family? Each of our lists would be very, very long. But for most one of the missing elements is a relationship with God. Our ideal life surrounds our health and welfare, our temporal or temporary needs. We are often more interested in taking care of today, the right now rather than the forever.

We hold on tight to the things that don’t matter in the end.

An ideal life is free from worry, stress, anger, and heartache, to be free from illness … and the only way for this to happen is to have confidence in Almighty God. A stress-free – worry-free life is almost unimaginable. In fact, it is a difficult concept to grasp. Yet God’s love is all we need to live a life that is fulfilling.

This may be again, easier said than done. God is the God of Creation – He is after all the Creator God. Before original sin our lives would have been more astounding than our greatest dreams. One of the things that our first parents shared with the Creator was the gift of communication with Him. Communication is a form of relationship – communion is beyond speech, it is beyond what we can explain with words. This is what was recovered by the life – the example Christ gave to us, His death for redemption and the resurrection. The miracle. God is the only one who can restore us. This communion with God takes us to a level where we can let go of the things of this world. As a Catholic, I believe Holy Communion is the key because it is healing.

Recently we had a medical scare concerning my husband. We thought he might need surgery on his back – the neck region… and we know how back surgery can be – it can be great or the worse nightmares can happen. Well after months and months of tests, MRI, more scans, and even some he still has to go to later this month, we are at peace. The neuro-surgeon basically said my husband had a major issue but that his body had repaired itself, and the vertebrae he would have had to fuse in surgery was already done for him! What a miracle! What a gift from God.

It also turned out – which shows God’s sense of humor, that the surgeon and I chatted about his hometown which is also my hometown (I’m one of these people who read a doctor’s bio on their website), and it turns out he knew me, and I was his teacher in the 4^th grade when I was a college student and student-teaching in his classroom. Of course, I was blown away, and we laughed about the chances of meeting up again.

God is amazing and in this life, we can either praise God for all things – those we are scared and uncertain about and those things that are truly happy and amazing blessings in our life. God cares in everything we do even if we think that only bad things happen.

We are called to love God and realize that His grace and His love are all we need, but without a relationship, we cannot love someone we do not know. How do we know someone? We communicate with each other. Some may feel speaking to God is a one-way street. We talk, He listens. We hear nothing back. This takes practice and it takes the Holy Spirit. Have you availed yourself to the Holy Spirit? I attended what is called a Life in the Spirit Seminar in the 1990s and this changed my life. Here I learned that God not only wanted a personal relationship with me but that He wanted to pour His Spirit into my life in a way that I could experience, more fully what it means to be a Christian. People talk about finding faith and the honeymoon period. That is a period when they can’t get enough of reading the Bible or spending time in prayer or just meditating on the goodness of the Lord. They are so excited to share their faith and everything that God has done in their life with anyone – and I mean anyone who will listen.

The Holy Spirit allows Scriptures to become alive. When we read about Jesus healing the Lepers we think about this in terms of being there on the side roads and watching this take place. We feel the elation of those healed and we want to shout from the rooftops – God is a God of miracles. Everything else pales by comparison. We also realize that the things of this world are fleeting.

Sure we need money to live, to buy food, to pay for our bills – but that is not enough for most. Everyone has big dreams that include bigger homes, cars, and vacations, and a bigger, deeper relationship with the Lord is not necessarily high up on the list.

No wonder we are depressed, defeated, and feeling like no one cares or listens to what we have to say. So what can we do? Put aside all of our world aspirations – of course not, but maybe intersperse them with other goals and focuses.

First, when you read Scripture always pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of knowledge, and ask that the Lord allows you to see the parts that really speak to you. Our lives have a way of refining all of the impurities and all of the things we need to release, but our strength is in that grace from God and that Knowledge that God’s love is all we need.

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord we thank you for all of the miracles in our lives for those things we see and for all of those things that are unseen. I praise you for the grace you give us and that is indeed sufficient and I thank you for the love you give for that is sufficient as well. I ask you Lord to bless those I pray for now and provide for all of their needs.. and I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Homilies: Episode 2- Face to Face with Jesus- Fr. Michael Voithofer

April 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 01 Face to Face with Jesus Fr. Michael Voithofer

In this high-energy opening session, Fr. Michael Voithofer challenges listeners to move beyond merely “living” to becoming truly alive in the Holy Spirit. Drawing from his journey as a priest and his ministry, Ablaze, Fr. Michael explores the transformative power of the Ruah (the Breath of God) and the necessity of a “mental renewal” to align our souls with the reality of our identity in Christ.

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He dives deep into the concept of Present Moment Living, arguing that we cannot access the Kingdom of God if we are tethered to the guilt of the past or the anxiety of the future. Through a blend of humor, scripture, and raw exhortation, this session serves as a prophetic call to stop living as “orphans” and start living as beloved sons and daughters.

Key Takeaways

Living vs. Being Alive: There is a fundamental difference between biological existence and the supernatural life found in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The “Already” vs. the “Not Yet”: We often focus on our flaws (the not yet) rather than the finished work of the cross (the already). Faith means believing how God sees us right now.
Identity Over Performance: You cannot serve well if you are constantly checking your “adoption status” with God. We must live from God’s love, not for it.
The Danger of Self-Reliance: Fr. Michael identifies self-reliance as a “primary sin” that numbs us to the Kingdom and traps us in an “orphan” mindset.
The Power of the Gaze: Like Peter walking on water, our ability to do the impossible depends entirely on locking eyes with Jesus and receiving the Father’s affection.

Scriptures Referenced

Genesis 2:7: The Lord breathing the Ruah into man.
John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
Philippians 3 & Romans 8: Leaving the past behind to strive for what lies ahead.
Matthew 10:8: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.”

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Rise & Walk Conference, Rise & Walk Homilies, Shows Tagged With: becoming alive in Christ, Catholic homily, Catholic inspiration, Catholic teaching, charismatic renewal, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, discipleship, faith awakening, Faith Journey, Fr. Michael Voithofer, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit empowerment, living in the Spirit, Magnificat Ministry, prayer life, renewal in the Spirit, Spiritual Growth, spiritual transformation

The Mind of Christ in Scripture: How to Renew Your Thoughts Biblically

April 10, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

What does it really mean to have the mind of Christ—and how do we actually live it out in everyday life?

In this episode of Some Women, host Angela Rizzo is joined by Pat Higginbotham, Jackie France, and guest Judy Zeldin to explore how Scripture transforms our thinking, renews our minds, and equips us to resist fear, anxiety, and spiritual attack.

Together, they unpack how aligning our thoughts with God’s Word leads to peace, clarity, and deeper trust in Him.

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Key Takeaways

The mind of Christ is countercultural—it challenges worldly thinking and priorities
Scripture is essential for renewing your mind and transforming your life
You can take every thought captive and align it with God’s truth
Fear, worry, and anxiety often stem from false beliefs or lack of trust
God’s Word is not just helpful—it is powerful, active, and effective in spiritual battles

What Is the “Mind of Christ”?

The mind of Christ means thinking, responding, and perceiving life the way Jesus does.

According to Scripture, this involves:

Surrendering your thoughts to God
Rejecting lies and replacing them with truth
Living in humility, trust, and obedience
Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

Practical Ways to Develop the Mind of Christ

1. Study Scripture Daily

There is no substitute for knowing God’s Word. It shapes how you think and respond.

2. Take Thoughts Captive

Not every thought is from you—or from God. Learn to identify and reject lies.

3. Replace Lies with Truth

Don’t just remove negative thinking—fill that space with Scripture.

4. Pray with Scripture

Use God’s Word in prayer, especially when facing fear or anxiety.

5. Build a Relationship with God

Transformation isn’t a formula—it’s the result of a growing relationship with Him.

Spiritual Battle: The Battlefield of the Mind

This episode highlights a powerful truth:

The mind is the primary battlefield of spiritual warfare.

The enemy uses fear, condemnation, and doubt
God equips us with truth, peace, and authority through Scripture

“Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.”

Old Testament vs. New Testament: Why Both Matter

The Old Testament reveals God’s character and foreshadows Christ
The New Testament fulfills those promises through Jesus

Together, they provide a complete picture of how God thinks—and how we should think.

Featured Guest

Judy Zeldin

Original Magnificat Service Team member (since 1981)
Former guidance counselor
Author of two approved Catholic Bible studies
Longtime teacher and speaker in women’s ministry

Final Encouragement

Renewing your mind is a process, not a one-time event.

The more you immerse yourself in Scripture and relationship with God, the more your thoughts—and your life—will begin to reflect Christ.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Shows, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Bible Study, biblical thinking, Catholic teaching, Christian Encouragement, Christian Podcast, faith and mindset, Magnificat Ministry, mind of Christ, overcoming fear, renewing your mind, Scripture study, Spiritual Growth, spiritual warfare, taking thoughts captive, trust God

Challenge After Easter

April 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Challenge After Easter ~ Episode 249

What is the challenge after Easter? Have you even considered this a question? In this episode, Felice explores the idea of embracing each day with the remembrance of the Resurrection and living our lives as true Christian sons and daughters.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC math! Visit the website at CTCMath for more information about a great math curriculum.

Before Easter, many of us take the time to seek God in a deeper way as we consider His ultimate sacrifice. This time is called Lent, and it is the 40 days before Easter. Jesus spent 40 days in prayer in the desert before what is called his public ministry. It is an amazing example to us. Jesus spent this time in preparation, and He was tested.

The Easter season is always special, especially if you practice fasting, almsgiving, reconciliation, or confession. We examine our lives and look for ways to improve. Maybe we realize there are sins in our lives, and we make a point of changing for the better. Lent is practiced widely in the Catholic Church and begins on Ash Wednesday, a time of receiving ashes on the forehead at church with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” This a reminder that we do not live forever, and while God is merciful, He is also just.

Perhaps you focused before Easter on prayer, journaling, or made a concentrated effort to renew your relationship with the Lord. This time is beneficial; if you did not have time to do this in the past, there is always today to begin. It is never too late to increase your faith and your time with God. Each day is a new beginning, and with it comes new hope! I love the word hope – it is inspiring and gives me the confidence that all will be well. Maybe not as I will it, but as the Lord wills it to happen.

During Easter, we celebrate the fact that God has conquered death and opened up a way to heaven and that we, as His followers, have a path ahead that is an invitation. Easter day may include worship, attending church, and celebrating by sharing a meal with friends and family. It is a wonderful time of connection.

What about after? Do we lose that Easter glow? Do we forget about rejoicing the day after HE has RISEN? Unfortunately, that is a yes for many of us. Each day after, we continue on with our lives and forget what God has done for us. However, the challenge is to remember Jesus daily.

Here are a handful of ideas to keep the Lord front and center:

Praise and thank Him each day for the simple things. In a future podcast, I will discuss everyday prayer, but for now, know that our lives can be used as a prayer. If we dedicate our concerns to Him, the burden is often lifted. Maybe not totally, but in some way, we know we are not alone.
Meditate on one scripture each day. For example, Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Think about the words, and focus on what impacts you. The overarching theme here is that God’s protection for those who follow Him will not overwhelm us. It does not mean life is easy, only that He will give us the grace to handle it. By meditating on this concept, we will be renewed.
Realize that you are not in this life alone. As a follower of the Almighty God, the King of the Universe, you are never alone. John 14;25-27 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Advocate,^[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Again an amazing verse to ponder.
Use song as a prayer. Praying through the verses of your favorite Christian songs helps us to be placed in the midst of God. Praying through song is considered by some, praying twice. Here is a podcast I created sometime back on Christian music and using it for praise, here.

Can you add to the list above? What are some ways to keep God the focus of your life? Take some time and consider this question, maybe right now but afterward. We have different ways of worshiping God, but keeping God at the forefront of our lives takes work and a concentrated effort. Our lives would be so much better if we could remember to do this, and not just during the Easter or Christmas season but all year long.

For many of us, our lives are divided into compartments. There is work time and family or friend time; there is time for recreation, whether it is social media, a book, the television, or an online source. There is time for worship which may be one or more days a week. However, if we include God in all we do, if we did this, our lives would not only be richer but more in the sense of keeping us from sin.

When we get busy or our focus is on the wrong thing, we stumble, and we fall. In trying to do our best or make everyone else happy, we discover that we have lost something of ourselves. Many of us are “other-focused,” which means we place our family and friends above ourselves. This is not a bad thing, but we forget to fill up our own tanks with the hope that Jesus is the only important thing and that His life, death, and resurrection give us hope of eternal life. This is the essence of the Easter message. Understanding that God made us for Himself and that our dedication and prayer to Him daily is for us, not for Him. Nothing we can do can earn us salvation, but in the same way, we should give Him our very best. By doing this, we can release the burdens that keep us tied down to Him in the midst of worship.

How will you keep the Easter season alive in your life? Only you know the answer to this, and I pray that you are motivated to make take the message to heart; you are loved so much, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Amen and Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: after Easter, Christian Podcast, easter, Easter challenge

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 15, Father Bao Thai – A Witness to Heavenly Miracles

April 3, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 15, Father Bao Thai – A Witness to Heavenly Miracles

Can God still work miracles in the middle of fear, loss, and uncertainty? In this moving episode of Magnificat® Proclaims, Father Bao Thai shares his extraordinary testimony of growing up in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, enduring hardship, and experiencing the grace and protection of God in deeply personal ways.

From miraculous moments to his family’s conversion to Catholicism and their eventual journey to America, Father Bao’s story is a powerful witness to God’s goodness, greatness, and grace.

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Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

In this episode, Father Bao Thai, born in Saigon in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, witnessed, firsthand, the terror and horrors of war. However, despite overcoming many hardships, the family received many graces which led Father Bao and his family to eventually convert to Catholicism. Father Bao shares his many miraculous experiences and explains how the Holy Family provided and protected the family, ultimately leading them to America.

Fr. Bao earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Saigon University and taught high school for a year in Vietnam before his family’s relocation to Orange County in July 1993. In the US, Fr. Bao earned a bachelor’s in philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and was ordained in 2003. Since July 2022, Fr. Bao has been serving as the Rector of Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California. Fr Bao Thai is the Spiritual Advisor of the Orange County Magnificat chapter.

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

The Magnificat® Ministry Podcast is also heard on EWTN’s Podcast Central (scroll to our Podcast Icon) on this page: https://www.ewtn.com/radio/other-podcasts

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Who is Father Bao Thai?

Father Bao Thai is a Catholic priest who was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. He later immigrated to America with his family, discerned a vocation to the priesthood, and now serves as the Rector of Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California.

What is this episode of Magnificat® Proclaims about?

This episode shares Father Bao Thai’s personal testimony of surviving the hardships of war, experiencing heavenly miracles, and seeing how God led his family to convert to Catholicism and eventually come to America.

What makes Father Bao Thai’s testimony powerful?

His testimony is powerful because it combines the reality of suffering with the hope of divine intervention, family perseverance, conversion, and trust in God’s providence.

What is Magnificat® Proclaims?

Magnificat® Proclaims is a podcast from Magnificat® Ministry that features inspiring testimonies of God’s goodness, greatness, and grace, encouraging listeners to deepen their relationship with the Triune God.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic conversion, Catholic podcast, Catholic Testimony, Catholic Women Ministry, Christian Podcast, faith in suffering, Father Bao Thai, God’s protection, heavenly miracles, Holy Family, inspiring testimony, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Proclaims, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network, Vietnam War testimony

Transformed Family (Replay)

March 30, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Family Transformed – Episode 217

Are you ready for a transformation within your own family? How about a challenge for a transformed family? This is a follow-up to the last episode of Heart Transformed

Thanks to our sponsor, CTC Math a wonderful math curriculum for kids K-12

Why is it we can see the faults in other people so much easier than we can see the faults in ourselves? Did you know when we focus on ourselves first (the opposite of what we have been taught), and get our own spiritual house in order, the rest of the family will see the change and want to be a part of what you have? If you didn’t catch the last episode, Heart Transformed be sure to check it out.

St. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:1-4 [ Read on air]

When our family is at peace, when we are serving the Lord as a group, we will all get along so much better. I taught my children that God put us together as a family on purpose. There are no mistakes in Lord’s plan for family life. Each person was selected to be together because of what they could learn from each other. It is a beautiful thing when it works the way God designed. If we focus on the things above we are so much happier.

The best teacher is the example we set If we want our family to read the Bible, we need to read the Bible. If we want our family to pray, we need to lead in prayer. Years ago I wanted my husband to be the spiritual leader of our home, and he is in so many ways, but not in the way I wanted him to be. I wanted him to lead the Bible studies and the prayer sessions we had as a family and while he contributed to these, he is not a leader. So we became co-leaders, I would initiate the studies and he and I would contribute to the discussion. We can become upset or bitter because things do not go our way rather than take on the leadership ourselves if that is what God leads us to do. Don’t box yourself in with your own ideas, but rather what works best for your family. Never, never compare your family to other families. That will surely set you up for failure. Many people put up a good front when everything is falling apart. So don’t judge by exteriors.

Here are some simple things to do, for yourself if you do not have a young family and with a family, if you do:

Start each day by giving thanks. By doing this we are giving God all the glory (Colossians 4:4 – When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”) That is enough for us to rejoice daily.
Family prayer. Begin each meal with thanks to God. Keep it brief. Have a nighttime routine that includes prayer.
Encourage each member of the family to have their own time to pray.
Participate in helping. Whether it is each other or contributing to the family needs. Meals, cleaning up, helping when needed.
Participate in ministry outside of the home. Volunteering, visiting the elderly (neighbor), etc.

Talk to your family members and add to this list. As the children grew and left home we had a big gap in our lives, and my husband and I found we were no longer praying together because our nightly routine was changed. Even when our children were younger, the two of us would pray each evening together. This habit changed as our lives became busier. For anyone who has children, you always think you will have so much time when the kids grow older, but soon find that our lives just change and often become even busier. We must make the time to pray together.

If you are alone in your home and have a good prayer life, that is wonderful, now invite a friend. I pray with my friends often. Sometimes it is in church, sometimes it is a friend in need. I am part of several email prayer groups that send out prayer requests. I set up a Facebook group – A Few Minutes with God years ago for prayer requests. It was used to help people who needed prayers and also to post their praise reports.

And that is really the crux of the transformed family, and that is you will have so many praise reports! A praise report is where we thank God for the blessings in our lives. My son was hit by a falling object that was large and metal off of a single-story roof. The injury could have been so bad, but it turned out that while it bled profusely, the damage was minimal and mostly a scrape. That was a miracle. No swelling, no concussion, no brain damage, or worse! So thank you Lord for your blessings. If you think about it each day you can come up with so many things to thank the Lord for and to praise His Name. But, it takes time to stop and think.

What do you do when you enter a church? Is it a time to be social, or is it a time to listen and pray? Can we pray and be social? Of course! But I feel that often church is used as a social outlet rather than a time of worship. Going to church for me is a time to get on my knees, for as long as I am able, and begin by thanking and praising God, asking His forgiveness for the ways I have offended Him, and petitioning Him in prayer. However, you serve to worship it is an individual choice.

This week I challenge you to work within your own family no matter how big or how small and make positive changes. Small to begin with and grow as your family grows and adapts to a time of prayer, worship, and growing closer to the Lord. I pray this is a blessing to you and your family.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, Christian Podcast, Family, Family Transformed

The Thorn in Your Side: What God May Be Doing in Your Weakness

March 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The “thorn in your side” in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness God allows for spiritual growth, humility, and dependence on His grace. While we may not know exactly what Paul’s thorn was, the passage teaches that God’s strength is often revealed most clearly in our weakness.

In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie and Pat are joined by Mary Powell in a lively discussion of what it means to have a thorn in the side and personal experiences of carrying one. Mary has been a longtime Magnificat Ministry member and Servant Leader. She currently serves as the first voice to women inquiring about starting a Magnificat Chapter in their diocese and is a powerful intercessor on their behalves.

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Why does God allow a thorn in your side?

That’s the hard question, isn’t it?

And if we’re honest, most of us don’t ask that question theoretically. We ask it because something hurts.

According to this passage—and the wisdom shared in this conversation—God may allow a thorn for several reasons:

1. To keep us humble

St. Paul had experienced extraordinary revelations. Without some kind of humbling limitation, he may have become spiritually prideful.

Sometimes our thorn reminds us:

we are not self-sufficient
we are not in control
we are not God

And while that can feel painful, it is also deeply protective.

2. To keep us dependent on Him

Many of us only discover how much we need God when something in life stops “working.”

A diagnosis.
A betrayal.
A fear we can’t outrun.
A body that doesn’t cooperate.
A loved one who suffers.

The thorn often becomes the place where prayer becomes more than routine. It becomes survival.

3. To increase compassion

Pain has a way of softening us—if we let it.

A woman who has walked through suffering often becomes the one who can truly sit with another person’s pain without offering shallow answers. Hardship can make us more tender, more understanding, and more useful in ministry.

4. To reveal His power

When life is easy, it is tempting to think we are strong.

But when we are weak and still somehow sustained?
When we keep going and know it is only by grace?
When peace shows up in the middle of chaos?

That is often where the power of God becomes unmistakable.

What could a “thorn in your side” look like today?

A thorn is not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s not a mountain. Sometimes, as one speaker beautifully put it, it’s “the sand in your shoes.”

Your thorn might be:

a difficult season in marriage
a spouse’s illness
caregiving responsibilities
body image struggles
aging and physical pain
divorce or family brokenness
fear of the future
recurring emotional or spiritual battles
the ache of unanswered prayer

And yes, your thorn may change over time.

The thing that was hardest ten years ago may not be the thing God is using today.

Can your thorn actually become a gift?

Not because the suffering itself is “good.”
But because God is good in it.

That’s the difference.

A thorn can become a gift when it:

drives you to prayer
strips away pride
teaches surrender
exposes false dependencies
deepens your faith
opens your heart to others
keeps you close to Jesus

That doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it.

St. Paul didn’t say, “This is fun.”
He said he learned to boast in weakness because it became the place where Christ’s power rested on him.

That’s a very different thing.

What if God doesn’t heal it?

This is where faith gets real.

Because many of us believe God can heal… but we are living in the tension of the fact that He hasn’t done it yet.

And that can be heartbreaking.

But Scripture gives us a holy reframe:

God’s unanswered prayer is not always God’s absence.

Sometimes God is answering with:

sustaining grace
daily strength
deeper conversion
greater trust
spiritual transformation
an invitation to holiness

Sometimes the miracle is not immediate removal.

Sometimes the miracle is that you are still standing.

A Catholic perspective on suffering and sanctification

In Catholic spirituality, suffering is never meaningless when united with Christ.

That doesn’t make it easy.
But it does make it redemptive.

Your thorn can become:

a place of surrender
a place of intercession
a place of purification
a place where Jesus meets you intimately

The sacraments, prayer, anointing, Scripture, community, and the Holy Spirit all become lifelines in seasons where the thorn feels heavy.

And often, suffering strips away illusions and brings us face-to-face with what matters most:

eternity
dependence on God
the condition of the soul
the faithfulness of Jesus

How should you respond to the thorn in your side?

If you’re in a hard season right now, here are a few faith-filled responses:

1. Name it honestly

You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt.

God is not asking for polished spirituality. He is asking for truth.

2. Pray boldly

St. Paul asked for the thorn to be removed. You can too.

Faith does not mean silence. It means bringing your full heart to God.

3. Ask what God is doing in it

Instead of only asking, “Why won’t You take this away?” try asking:

“Lord, what are You forming in me here?”
“What are You showing me?”
“How do You want to meet me in this?”

4. Lean into grace, not self-reliance

This is not about gritting your teeth and surviving on your own strength.

It’s about learning to live from His.

5. Stay close to the sacraments and community

Isolation makes suffering heavier.

Stay connected to prayer, the Church, trusted believers, and people who will carry faith with you when yours feels thin.

When I am weak, then I am strong

That line from St. Paul is not inspirational fluff.

It is spiritual warfare language.

It is the testimony of someone who discovered that weakness does not disqualify us from holiness.

In fact, it may be one of the places God does His deepest work.

Your thorn may feel like interruption.
But in God’s hands, it may be invitation.

Invitation to trust.
>Invitation to surrender.
>Invitation to deeper intimacy.
>Invitation to heaven.

And while you may never choose the thorn…
you may one day thank God for what He grew through it.

Final Encouragement

If you are carrying something heavy right now, this is your reminder:

God has not abandoned you in your weakness.
He is present there.
He is working there.
And His grace really is sufficient.

Not always for the next ten years.
But for today.

And sometimes today is enough. 💛

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

FAQ’s

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?

Why and how do we follow and serve Him today? In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

What is the thorn in your side in the Bible?

The thorn in the side in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness described by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. God allowed it to keep him humble and dependent on divine grace.

What does “My grace is sufficient for you” mean?

It means God gives enough strength, mercy, and help to endure hardship even when He does not immediately remove it.

Why does God allow suffering?

God may allow suffering to deepen faith, increase humility, develop compassion, and draw people into greater dependence on Him.

Was Paul’s thorn physical or spiritual?

The Bible does not say exactly what Paul’s thorn was. Some believe it was a physical ailment, while others think it may have been emotional, spiritual, or relational.

Can suffering bring you closer to God?

Yes. Many Christians find that suffering becomes a place of deeper prayer, surrender, healing, and spiritual growth.

Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 12, Biblical encouragement, Catholic encouragement, Catholic spiritual life, Catholic suffering, Catholic women, Christian perseverance, Christian suffering, faith in suffering, God’s grace in weakness, hope in trials, My grace is sufficient for you, Some Women Podcast, Spiritual Growth, St. Paul, suffering and sanctification, suffering with Christ, thorn in the flesh, thorn in your side, trusting god in hardship, weakness and grace

10 Lies We Believe

March 23, 2026 by radioadmin 2 Comments

Ten Lies We Believe ~ Episode 128

We all do it we believe lies. There are ten lies we believe! The worse thing? The lies we believe are by definition not true! We give the enemy credit when all the credit should go to Almighty God! In this episode, we explore the most common lies and ways to combat them.

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath.com

Visit Media Angels, and the books A Few Minutes with God and One More Child

Why do we believe lies? Because many of us are wounded in some way or like to think of ourselves as broken. We are shaped by so many of life’s events. Sometimes it is our own sins, the sins of others, the death of a loved one, or a tragedy within a family. These things shape us and how we consider the future choices we make. God predestines no one to hell! God is the creator, he is love, truth, goodness, beauty. When we see those things in our world they originate from God. Sin is the refusal to live in the beauty that is God. God’s mercy allows us to choose. God never forces His love upon us, he respects human dignity and our free will.

Think about this. Hell is a testimony to God’s respect to our freedom. Love redeemed us and won heaven for us. God will not violate our capacity for choice. So if we want to believe the lies of the enemy we have freedom to do this. The only thing we can give ourselves credit for is sin – every good thing comes from God!

Remember the song, “…and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love…” I use to think that it was an injustice that I was not showing others God’s love because I did not feel His love myself. I was under a false impression. I believed the lies of the enemy. In my steps as a Christian, I had learned about God’s unconditional love – meaning we don’t need to work at it or earn it, yet I believed that God’s punishments were very real and the thought was depressing. Lies these are all lies. It took me years to undo and become free from these lies! And, friends, this freedom is amazing and I pray this for all of you listening today as well.

Jesus spoke about Satan in the Holy Bible, he said the enemy is the “Father of lies.”

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:45-47 Jesus continues… “Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

If we can not hear what God says in the Word, from our pastors and from our prayers, the bigger question is, “Who DO you belong to?” The first step in combatting the lies of the enemy is to recognize them. Evil is frightening and how do we respond to evil? First by recognizing it! We often credit the evil one with the things that belong to God. At the root of evil is pride – the root of all sin.

Top Ten Lies of Satan

Satan is a myth. Does Satan really exist? The enemy likes people to believe he does not exist – God is a myth and all of this “penance” or “fasting” or “being good” or “faith” is a tall tale. My question is to people who do not believe in God, “If you believe in God and there is no heaven, you are assured a life where good is called good and evil is called evil. There is no confusion. But if you do not believe in God, and you follow the ways of the enemy (because of course, you are following Him – he has already duped you in believing he does not exist) and then you die and learn there is God. What is the alternative? A life in eternal damnation because a person who denies God and lives a life without God in it will turn their back on God eternally. Our pastor calls it the fundamental option.) I feel sorry for those who do not believe because they are missing an amazing joy! The joy of the love of a benefactor, a Father who loves us not matter what! We have the choice of obedient love or self-seeking which often leads to destruction. What I am is God’s gift to me and what I become is my gift to God!
Not good enough – false pride- You are sinful and therefore not good enough to follow God. God made us on the sixth day of creation and He said it was “very good” therefore, God made us good. I know there are plenty of people out there that will argue with this statement. So, let’s look at Genesis 1:26-31

²⁶Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ³⁰And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. So the question I have for you to think and pray about is this, if God made us good why do we think we are destined for evil, yes we adopted a “sin nature” as the term goes from Adam and Eve but that is why Jesus came! To take on our sins. Think about it.
You must be perfect to be a Christian, and if you are not you fall short. First, there is no perfection outside of heaven but that does not mean we do not try. Secondly, we can not be perfect again this doesn’t mean we are lazy Christians but we don’t become holy by the way we dress or act toward others. Instead, the way we dress or act is an extension of our love of God and His goodness within us. It is a flow-through not a doing it on our own strength.
Doubt — don’t believe what God says. Satan wants us not to believe what God says. Read Genesis 3:1-4

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

²The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, ³but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

⁴“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. ⁵“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

We must believe that when God says it, He means it. And do not believe or doubt God!

5. God Punishes You –– If you are a Christian nothing bad can happen to you. (So when bad things happen to good people, obviously God let you down or there is no God. God punishes you for your sin. Sin does have a consequence and a recourse but we must believe that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!

6. Guilt, Envy, Infidelity – The evil one will tell you that these things are not bad but they are serious. Guilt can eat us up and make us focus on the problem or the issue rather than the solution. Envy is another one of those sins that takes our eyes off of God. Infidelity – well, enough said. Sins may start small but then it snowballs, and as you’ve heard there is no small sin.

7. You can’t trust God you have to do things yourself. This is such a lie, we can trust God and we can ask God for help. You know you are believing this lie if you do not ask the Lord for help throughout the day! Do you say, “I need your help Lord. How do I do this? or How can I carry on?” Or is it that I must take charge and take care of the issue without God’s help? God gives us the ability to handle things but a little prayer can go a long way to finding a solution.

8. Small Sins are not bad. Everyone sins – and your sins are just not that bad compared to everyone else. This is a truth I have heard people say! We are living a life after the fall is a battle. It is good against evil. Good is the promise of everlasting life and evil is the promise of a wonderful life on this earth without any thought of an afterlife.

9. God can never forgive you for your past sins, so why try. Your past does not define you. We are stuck in the past or worried about the future but miss that God is here now. And today? He gives us grace for today! Not for yesterday, or for tomorrow. This can cripple you and make you depressed. You may feel that God has punished you in some way due to past sins. You are a child of God! God lived, died and rose again to give us eternal life. He shouldered that pain and burden when He carried the cross. By His stripes, we are healed. Christ died for you and for me and now lives to give us abundant life! Ask for forgiveness, if you can go to your pastor – if you are Catholic go to confession and let it go!

10. Judgmental – We see the sins and failings of others and use that as an excuse to say that all Christians are hypocrites. Of course, some are and ruin it for the rest of us, but the majority of Christians that want to love and serve the Lord are too busy with their own lives to worry about the lives of others. This goes for our adult children. We can pray for them but must allow them to make their own mistakes. Intervention time is when they live under your roof! Christians do not put each other down or point out each others sins – not unless someone asks you! Committed Christians also give don’t flaunt their “holiness” in fact you will know someone is a good Christian if they don’t believe they can ever outgive God and they give God all the glory!

So how do you combat the lies?

Pray. Keep your eyes focused on God. The #1 Satan buster is prayer. Even if it is just, “Jesus.” or “Jesus help me!” God hears us.
Arm yourself with the power of Scripture – pray this verse daily! Ephesians 6:10-12 – I love Ephesians 6:10-12 ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Surround yourself with like-minded Christians. This is so important!
Go to church. I go to Mass each day as much as I can. By the time I get home, and I feel joyful!
Listen to praise and worship music. It is difficult to believe the lies of the enemy when we are infused in a joyful atmosphere.

Friends, every day we have a choice. We can be obedient and love the Lord with our whole hearts and ignore those lies or be self seeking which leads to death! Often we chose the world over God! God wishes that we do not rest upon anything other than the infinite goodness of God!

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit please hear our plea to help us to combat the lies of the enemy who is fighting for our soul. We know you have won the battle by your life, death, and resurrection. You are so much greater than the forces of darkness. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the Name above all Names and we claim the healing power of You God in our lives. We ask that you help us to combat those lies that we hear in our minds and instead give us words to praise and worship you. I pray for those that are in need of your healing and I lift up the following prayer intentions … and I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: Catholic spiritual warfare, faith, lies we believe

Forgiveness

March 16, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Forgiveness

Episode #10

Show Notes: Episode 10 – Forgiveness

Forgiveness – that is such a beautiful word – in this episode, we will explore the difference between forgiveness as a feeling and as a decision.

Please help us out – Please help share this episode with your friends! And, please give this show a star rating on iTunes (search for AFMWG) or any podcast app on your smartphone. Thanks so much for helping share this show with your friends!

Show Notes: Forgiveness:

Misunderstandings, lies, and false accusations bring hurt to both parties. No one is left unwounded.

I had to make a decision to forgive.
Once you can make a decision to forgive you ask the Lord to help you.

The prayer I prayed asking for forgiveness:

Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner and only redeemed by your grace and what you did on the cross and resurrection for me. I know that only through your grace can I forgive my friend. I know you love this person and I ask you to give me that love – the love you have for them, because Lord I cannot do this on my own. I pray to forgive this person as you have forgiven me, and to love this person, and I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

Forgiveness became a feeling.
Praying a blessing on our “enemies” works!

Another Prayer:

Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner and only redeemed by your grace and what you did on the cross and resurrection for me. I know that only through your grace can I forgive my friend. I decide in the Name of Jesus to forgive – because I’ve been forgiven. I know you love this person and I ask you to give me that love – the love you have for them because Lord I cannot do this on my own. I pray to forgive this person and to love this person, and I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

Do you have people in your life that have annoyed you – that have hurt you? And you know in your heart that you have been wronged? Let’s pray – let’s give that to the Lord today and allow the Lord to free you as He has freed me!

Let’s go forth – you and me, together proclaiming as the apostles did – what the Lord has done for them!

Scriptures on forgiveness:

Colossians: 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew: 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

What are your favorite forgiveness scriptures? Make a list of these and pray them when you have difficulty forgiving.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: forgiveness

Magnificat Presents Some Women The Power of Praying Women

March 13, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Some Women Podcast

The Power of Praying Women

In this episode of Some Women, the hosts explore the transformative power of prayer and the profound impact praying women can have on families, communities, and the world. Through personal stories, Scripture reflections, and faith-filled encouragement, the conversation highlights how prayer—both personal and communal—deepens our relationship with God and opens the door to spiritual breakthrough.

Hosted by Angela Rizzo of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island, New York, this episode features regular panelists Pat Higginbotham of West Virginia and Jackie France of Ohio, along with special guest Maria Luque Raucio of Miami, Florida, coordinator of the Jesus Is Lord Magnificat chapter.

Together they share powerful insights on perseverance in prayer, trusting God’s will, and the role of faith-filled communities in strengthening our spiritual lives.

Opening Prayer

Pat Higginbotham opens the conversation with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and teach listeners how to pray with gratitude, faith, repentance, and trust in God’s will.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Prayer Is a Relationship

The hosts discuss how prayer goes beyond traditional forms such as novenas and the rosary. While these are beautiful expressions of faith, prayer is ultimately a relationship with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Praying Through Breakthroughs

Maria shares a personal experience of a spiritual breakthrough through persistent prayer and fasting. Sometimes prayer requires perseverance and deep trust in God’s timing and purpose.

The Power of Perseverance in Prayer

Pat reflects on the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18) and how God sometimes delays answers—not out of indifference, but out of patience and love as He shapes our hearts.

Faith and God’s Perfect Timing

The panel discusses how prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. While we may ask for what seems good, God always desires what is best for us.

Personal Prayer and Listening to God

Jackie shares how prayer has always been an ongoing conversation with the Lord and how God sometimes challenges our expectations—especially when praying for loved ones.

The Role of Community in Prayer

Praying with other believers strengthens faith and helps us persevere. The women share how prayer communities provide encouragement, support, and spiritual strength.

The Gift of Prayer in the Spirit

The discussion includes reflections on praying in the Spirit and the gift of tongues, highlighting how this form of prayer allows the Holy Spirit to intercede when words fall short.

Praise as Powerful Prayer

Even when answers seem delayed, praising God and trusting His plan shifts our focus from our problems to His faithfulness.

Key Scriptures Mentioned

Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”
Luke 18 – The Parable of the Persistent Widow
2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience and desire for repentance
John 10:10 – “I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Daniel 10 – Spiritual warfare surrounding prayer

Encouragement for Listeners

The hosts invite listeners to grow deeper in their prayer lives by:

Spending time in praise and worship
Joining a prayer group or community
Trusting God’s will even when answers seem delayed
Persevering in faith and hope

Prayer is powerful—and when women come together in faith, miracles, healing, and transformation can occur.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Magnifcat Ministry for Women, Some Women Podcast

Holy Reliance (Special Replay)

March 9, 2026 by radioadmin 2 Comments

In the middle of our troubles, we can rely on only one person to get us through: God. Today’s podcast is about holy reliance, and we will delve into ways to trust in God even when we feel like things are hopeless!

Holy Reliance ~ Episode 314

What is your first reaction when you are struggling? Today, I had a perfect opportunity to practice what I “preach” and failed miserably! Yet, with God, we get a do-over, a chance to change, repent, and sin no more. We have a chance to see the areas where we need work and to make a decision. Changing is difficult, especially because we want our results to be instantaneous. But change takes time, and it is hard work, consistent work, showing up and rolling up our sleeves, and expecting the best from ourselves and those around us.

I volunteer—a lot! I was very good at one point in time at saying, “No!” when asked. But something happened, and I’m not sure what. I often feel overwhelmed and that there is no more to give, yet God keeps showing up and showing me that I am not in charge. He is in charge, and when I give Him my yes and my life, He makes everything work out!

Do you rely on the Lord for everything? Do you ask God for a parking space? Do you pray when you need help with your finances and to pay your bills? When my two youngest were going to college, I prayed that the Lord would provide scholarships, and He did! We can ask God for the mundane as well as an increase in our spiritual life and an increase in our faith.

Holy Reliance – The Prophet

Scripture talks about prophets and how they did the work of the Lord. Each of them had challenges. Some, like Jonah, were not very good prophets, but one that stood out was Ezekiel. Ezekiel is a prophet, and he is being called by the Lord with a warning. Ezekiel 2:1-2 – He said to me, “Son of man,[a] stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” ²As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

In verses 3-4 the God states: I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. ⁴The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn

He goes on to explain the hardships Ezekiel will have, yet the prophet does not turn his back on God. Why? Because he has Holy Reliance. He knows his strength comes from the Almighty. How can he speak to the Israelites otherwise? Even knowing the hardships, he continues on. Can we do that? Can we persevere even when we know there will be hardships?

Holy Reliance – The Psalmist

The Psalmist knew this as well – in Psalm 121:1-8 (read on air), we read.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
²My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
⁸the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Read those verses slowly, pray them, and add them to your prayer journal. Mediate on the words, “Where does my help come from?” Many times, we think our help is from ourselves. We are the ones who get things done. We can only rely on ourselves because others let us down! But that is not true. The next verse tells us, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Do we realize that God, the Creator of the Universe and everything in it, cares about us in an intimate way? He knows everything about us, and yet we rely on ourselves or perhaps those closest to us. On a practical level, when I work, I rely on the tools I use, the computer, the internet, and a microphone to record. But if the internet goes down or my computer shuts off midstream, I’m stuck, I’m frustrated, and my peace is shaken. It really does not take much. In our lives, we can quit or continue on.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve saved one finished recording over another, and I’ve had to re-record a podcast. But I don’t—okay, I try not to let it get me down because I feel that the Lord has something so much better for me to say! I’ll get a thought or an inspiration, some idea that hits me, and I will be glad that I had an opportunity to do it again.

What about spiritually? What about those times we know we’ve let ourselves down or the Lord down? This is where we can repent. We can once again call upon the Lord. We can ask him to help us. And when we do, He shows up in a mighty way! In previous podcasts, we’ve discussed miracles. Do we expect miracles in our daily lives?

Friends, we don’t do it alone – in fact, we can’t do it without the help of God! When you are struggling, turn to Psalm 119:7-8

I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

I love that! Do not forsake me, Lord. I need you now more than ever. We must have trust, and this trust must come with a humble heart. Our hearts ache because we fail to see the goodness around us and focus on the hardships or our failures. Even in our failures, we must trust that God has a righteous plan and will turn it around. Think of the book of Ruth. God turned around a tragedy, the death of her husband and her sister’s husband, and she left her home and went with her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel, where she later remarried and had a child. Ruth was the grandmother of King David, which led to the lineage of Jesus Christ. Our King and Savior!

God has a plan for our lives. What can we do? We can trust. We can rely on Him, we can ask God to give us more of Him and we can ask for an abundance of faith and strength to traits we can always use in our lives. Amen~

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, faith, Jeus, reliance

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 14, Bernadette Patrick

March 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 14, Bernadette Patrick

Bernadette Patrick shares her powerful testimony of baptism, reconversion, the Eucharist, and returning to the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Episode Summary

In this powerful and grace-filled episode of Magnificat Proclaims, hosts Monique Mousseau (Our Lady of Grace and Joy, NYC) and Marianne Ridini Spencer (Our Lady’s Desert Roses, Palm Desert, CA) welcome special guest Bernadette Patrick from Trinidad and Tobago.

Bernadette shares her deeply moving testimony of baptism, near death as an infant, her journey away from the Catholic Church, and her dramatic reconversion through a Catholic retreat experience that changed her life forever.

Her story is one of humility, grace, sacramental fullness, and missionary discipleship.

Magnificat® Ministry’s YouTube Channel Video Link :

https://youtu.be/UIN4LUKuFjE?si=7QYxGiuLp6hL-Wzj

Opening Prayer

The episode begins with the Flame of Love Unity Prayer, revealed to Hungarian mystic Elizabeth Kindelmann:

“My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together…
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen.
O Blessed Lady, spread the effect of the flame of love over all of humanity. Amen.”

About Our Guest: Bernadette Patrick

Born in Trinidad and Tobago
Serves pastorally and professionally in the Church
Co-founder of Towers of Strength Community
Established a thriving lunch-hour prayer group in Port of Spain
Caribbean Regional Representative for Magnificat
MBA in Financial Management
Conference speaker and leader in women’s ministries
Describes herself as a “missionary disciple”, inspired by Pope Francis

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The Power of Baptism

Bernadette shares how:

She was born premature and critically ill.
Doctors believed she would not survive.
Her parents rushed her to baptism.
She received both Baptism and Anointing of the Sick.
Her twin brother passed away — but she lived.

For Bernadette, baptism was not symbolic — it was life-giving.

She reflects on:

The grace of baptism
The importance of not delaying the sacrament
The beginning of sacramental life (Baptism → Confirmation → Eucharist)

Leaving the Church — and What Was Missing

As a young adult, Bernadette:

Was drawn to Pentecostal communities
Experienced vibrant worship and strong teaching
Spent nearly 10 years away from the Catholic Church

Yet something was missing.

She describes:

A deep spiritual hunger
Feeling spiritually malnourished
St. Augustine’s words: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

She compares leaving the fullness of the Church to:

Eating candy instead of a full, nourishing meal.

A Dramatic Reconversion

At a Catholic youth retreat, Bernadette:

Went reluctantly (and ready to argue!)
Challenged God on three things:
- The Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church
- The Real Presence in the Eucharist
- The power of the Rosary

During the retreat:

She witnessed charismatic prayer and healing
Experienced Eucharistic Adoration profoundly
Encountered the power of the Rosary in a personal way

In humility, she surrendered.

That retreat marked the beginning of her return to the fullness of sacramental life.

“The Full Plate” of Catholicism

Bernadette beautifully describes Catholicism as:

A full plate of spiritual nourishment
Organic, rich, complete food
Sacraments as essential nutrients
The Eucharist as central

She emphasizes:

Reconciliation
Confirmation
Eucharistic life
Marian devotion

Missionary Discipleship

Inspired by Pope Francis, Bernadette lives her baptismal call as a missionary disciple.

For over 30 years, she has:

Led women’s ministries
Served in Magnificat
Encouraged reconversion and deeper faith
Helped others encounter Christ

She credits:

Her mother’s persistent prayer
The intercession of Our Lady
Ongoing sacramental grace

Encouragement for Listeners

Bernadette offers hope:

Don’t stop praying for loved ones who have left the Church.
God creates opportunities for encounter.
Humility opens the door to grace.
No one is beyond God’s reach.

Closing Prayer

Bernadette closes with a beautiful prayer for those who have grown distant from the faith, asking:

Jesus the Good Shepherd to seek the wandering
The Holy Spirit to remove obstacles
Mary, Mother of the Church, to intercede
A return to the Eucharist and Reconciliation

“May they know they are never forgotten, never unloved, and always welcome in your Church.”

Learn More About Magnificat

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims Tagged With: Bernadette Patrick, Magnificat Ministries Presents

Taming the Tongue Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Taming The Tongue – Episode 18

In James 3:3 he talks about the power of the tongue. In this episode, Felice discusses how some of us need a good dose of taming the tongue in our everyday lives. Can you imagine a world where we are encouraged and uplifted, it can be done and it begins with us.

How often have you said something you regret, to your spouse, your children, or someone else close to you? Why is it that we hurt the people we love the most? Often, as parents we often find ourselves saying things in anger, frustration and then wished for a do-over? The good news is we do get a do-over each and every day, but truthfully our frustrations often occur in direct correlation to our experience and relationship with God.

Recently I was in church and praying. As I was praying to the Lord, a strong thought of anger came over me of an injustice that happened in my life. It wasn’t a big thing but it was something that hurt me. In my mind, I knew it was silly to be upset because I understood the action behind the cause of my pain was not intentional, yet the more I thought about it the angrier I became. So angry in fact that I almost got up and left the church!

I realized my mistake, repented and asked the Lord for forgiveness and the Lord relieved me of the burden of hurt. When we talk about taming the tongue, the same goes for words that are left unsaid. Sometimes we don’t know what to say and even our silence can cause harm to those we love.

God said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. These are what I call heart issues. We know things in our heart but our minds are a different story.

Faith changes our heart. It fills our heart with every good thing. If God’s will is in your heart you will know what to do in difficult situations, and in times when there is nowhere else to turn but to God for the answers. Life often throws us into situations where we feel totally out of control. Ask any parent of young children. One minute everything is going well and the next minute chaos! You can’t help but cry out to God in times such as this rather than losing your temper. It never helps.

I use to say, I have to yell because I’m Italian, and once I yell I feel better. This might be true, but I can guarantee while I felt better my kids didn’t.

Taming the Tongue: Great Scriptures:

Colossians 4:6:
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 15:4
Matthew 15:11
Psalm 34:13
Proverbs 15:1-2
Proverbs 6:16-19

So, how do you apply this to your life? Taming the Tongue 101:

When you want to lash out, take a deep breath – pause.
Prepare a statement – I’m so angry I don’t know what to say right now, but let me pray about it and I will let you know later.
Avoid confrontation – yes, you need to address bad behavior (with your kids) but, avoid arguing. Start with – what you did is not right, Avoid character assassination. Address the sin, not the person.
What is really going on here?
Relationship – it is all about love, the love of God within us and the fruits of the Holy Spirit – the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the peace and joy that only God can give.

I believe that many times when we lose it and we are upset many times it is because of what we believe the problem is rather than what it actually is – what I mean by this is often when we listen, (which we don’t want to because we are angry!) then we realize much of what we were upset about really isn’t valid. And if it is, take a breath and use a prepared statement!

Listen, no one said life is easy, there are often ups and downs in each person’s life that is a struggle, but if we take the time and make a plan, we can sure work toward taming the tongue and having fewer regrets in life!

You won’t want to miss the next upcoming episode – with Deanna Bartalin who wrote a book on the topic and has a wealth of great ideas that are applicable

Thank you to our Network Sponsor: CTCMath.com

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Filed Under: One More Child Podcast

Practical Tips on Being Kind Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Kindness is good

The world can always use another person to spread kindness. Why shouldn’t it be you? I know it’s not always easy, let’s face it – you’ve got just as much going on as the next person. How can you be kind when it’s not easy or you’d rather treat the person the way they are treating others?

3 tips on how to be kind

Remember this: we don’t know what burdens other people are carrying.
Avoid the mentality that says you give back what you get.
Say or do the kind thing when people are unkind, it often disarms them and hopefully makes them think.

What if you don’t have it in you

Take a long pause before you respond to negativity and consider not responding at all if you know what you will say is not kind.
Take a break and refill however is most helpful to you. Take a walk, grab a drink with a friend, pray, read a fun book, sit in silence, play in the leaves, snow, sand (depends on the season and where you live).

This may be a bit (ahem, okay, very) obvious, but be kind to others this week, especially to those who are unkind to you or others.

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Filed Under: Not LukeWarm Podcast Tagged With: budren, care, concern, kind, kindness

Introduction to Trauma Series: Avoiding Spiritual Identity Theft Replay

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode #2 – Introduction to Trauma Series (Avoiding Spiritual Identity Theft!)

Have you or someone you love endured sufferings in which you continue to feel stuck? Does this leave you feeling confused or even fearful, perhaps even rejected or abandoned by God? Unfortunately, there are so many types of trauma and such experiences are so prevalent that it’s difficult to imagine someone who hasn’t been traumatized at one time or another.

Have you ever been told or thought that if you only had greater faith you’d be able to overcome feelings of abandonment, rejection or insecurity? In this series Margaret will help unpack how the neurophysiology of trauma can leave us trapped in the emotions from traumatic experiences regardless of how great our faith is. Come to a deeper understanding of what happens in the person during traumatic experiences and deepen in your sense of God’s love. Grow in compassion for yourself and others.

Due to a very specific biological reaction during trauma, even decades later we can default to a mode of fear leading to cortisol (a stress hormone) and shutting off oxytocin (a feel-good hormone associated with love, trust, and friendship) when we encounter reminders of those traumatic experiences. Knowing the body responds in this way can help us to cling to the truth and not give into a skewed perspective that is fear-based.

The evil one wants to divide you off within yourself, disconnect you off from others, and even give you a sense of separation from God by spiritual identity theft! He wants you to think that your symptoms of feeling fearful and rejected are really who you are. The truth is they aren’t who you are. They are only how you are doing in a moment. Understanding where those feelings come from can help unmask the lies we can take on and operate out of and even more it can help us stay grounded in the truth of our identity as God’s beloved children!

My first book, More Than Words: The Freedom to Thrive After Trauma, is available on Amazon.com and will provide you with more information about how traumatic experiences can impact us even decades later.

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Filed Under: Wholeness and Holiness Podcast Tagged With: cortisol, identity, oxytocin, trauma, Wholeness and Holiness

Historical Roots of Secular Humanism (Replay)

March 4, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Historical Roots of Secular Humanism ~ Episode 35

What are the roots of secular humanism? Where do they come from and why should they matter to Christians? Listen as Father David explains the roots and how this humanism has entered the lives of those even in the church.

The stress and process of the current pandemic place many unexpected challenges in our lives that are not always easy to handle. Shutting down of churches, government mandates, confusing reports, fear of infection, and lastly our own personal faith responses to name just a few. We did not just arrive at this cultural dilemma recently; this societal breakdown has been coming for some time. What are some of the significant movements that have contributed to our current “state of affairs”?

Roots of Secular Humanism

What are the roots of Secular Humanism? It begins in Europe.

In Europe, in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, a major movement emerged entitled the Enlightenment. This social event happened in strong reaction against the mandates, prescriptions, and controls of Christian belief systems, especially Catholicism. For some academic professionals, this was an honest attempt to search for the truth beyond the rules and regulations of current society. Acting against the societal faith norms in control, it eventually led to an abandonment of essential established ways of life producing a complicated ferment against the peaceful balance of the age. In short, it consisted of an aggressive attempt to separate the principles and values of humanism from their Christian foundations. This movement emphasized a purely scientific and rational approach to human realities and the truths of life.

The Enlightenment held and promoted an exclusive approach to truth that did away with biblical revelation, supernatural beliefs, the Ten Commandments, and no need for God to live a moral, meaningful, truth-filled way of life. If God remained in the picture He was pushed off to the outer margins of existence. Of course, the Church soundly resisted this movement, sometimes violently. This movement impacted all the domains of human reality. Specifically, in the French Revolution, its aggressive momentum ignited the fire of violent rebellion against the Catholic Church. Bishops, Priests, religious, and many laypeople were brutely put to death. Even though several Popes and Church leaders proclaimed their errors this philosophy of life caught on significantly affecting the thinking and lifestyle of Europeans, and by the way made major inroads in the emerging way of life of many Americans.

The European brand of the Enlightenment influential among the French tended to fuel the thinking and ideals of the Foundering Fathers of our Country, along with the ideas of Deism. The beginnings of the American ideals, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were encouraged by France who supported the Founding Fathers in their efforts to be free from English domination. The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France. Benjamin Franklin made frequent lengthy visits to France. He was very comfortable with the more modern view of an enlightened life and personally espoused those principles in his lifestyle. Many of our Fathers really held the belief system of Deism, which is the core of the Unitarian faith. This religion holds to faith in unity in the One God, however, we are left to develop a humanistic spiritual or religious way of life without any or very little demands on the individual. One is pretty much free to carve out a good and moral life stance by humanistic efforts alone while placing our efforts in deciding our own truth about life or one’s self enlightened humanism. Thus, the principles and values of the Enlightenment and Deism infiltrated the spirit and reasoning of our Nation.

Over a relativity short period of time, the spirit, principles, and values of enlightened human liberalism captured the social atmosphere, the thinking, and development of “the American Dream.” Wealth, and attitudes of comfort, affluence, scientific advancement, social, and economic control infused and infiltrated the American way of life. Over the last seventy years, these accepted and promoted realities have nurtured and matured in our society expanding and deepening among the peoples of our Country. All the while infiltrating the minds, hearts, and relationships of our citizens and our young people and subtlety producing a new religious or spiritual humanism called secularism humanism.

Secular Humanism is a world view and way of life. It believes God is not necessary to be moral. As a spiritual state of being it presumes that human beings are capable of being ethical or moral without being religious or believing in a deity. Along with this is an understanding and conviction that secular humanism is a way of life that continually adapts searching for truth through science and human experience and various philosophies. It consists of a world view that is primarily concerned with the promotion of human welfare in this world. Secular humanism denies the subordination of human dignity and happiness to supernatural realities. It would reject religious faith and hold distrust in absolutes when they are religiously proposed, rejecting moral absolutes in any form. Our moral sense of which concluded in a blind alley leading to mental confusion. Secular humanism would lead to moral relativism, ethical bankruptcy, and religious indifference.

In the later part of the 19^th Century, secular humanism emerged in the world and specifically in the Church as a movement entitled Modernism. It was a strong effort to liberalize the “tight” laws, principles, and practices of Catholic life. The Popes of the time engaged in an aggressive effort to eliminate its influence from Catholic life. Pius X took a fearful shut down approach to this invasive cultural influence. Leo XIII who followed him in the Papacy was more open to defeat this cultural disintegration by opening the doors to evaluation, study, and constructive adaptation. This approach encouraged an intellectual reassessment of scripture, liturgical development, and a review of pastoral theological considerations. This was an honest attempt to curtail the negative effects of the Enlightenment and its brainchild modernistic secular humanism. Some would say that this effort would unintentionally open the door for its advancement in the 20^th Century and its 21^st Century maturation. For example, a case where a prominent official publicly referring to the grace of God while supporting and promoting the practice of abortion and the enterprises of Planned Parenthood.

Roots of Secular Humanism started long ago.

Years of study and planning transpired before Pope John XXIII announced the opening of Vatican II in 1961, which concluded in 1965. The Documents of the Council are a sound presentation of teaching designed to move the Church into a fresh authentic adaption of the Church in the modern world. The aftermath in the Church a major struggle. Pope Paul the VI did his best to steer the ship in a positive and fruitful direction, but the inroads of the Enlightenment and Modernism caused controversies so that this positive effort would not be the case. Eventually, confusion, reaction, and misrepresentations emerged, which we still suffer from today with even an increased intensity. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI firmly promoted a “hermeneutic of continuity” as a standard for the implementation of the authentic traditional teaching of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is committed to the teaching and values of Vatican Council II. His approach appears to be on an emphasis to adapt the Council’s teaching to the areas in the Church and world where human life is taking place, and where justices are ignored, and the poor suffer the consequences. Therefore, without compromising authentic traditional Catholic teaching he attempts to move the Church where human life is happening. In this regard, he appears to be a supporter of meaningful and just socialism. Obviously, this approach is not going down well with some members of the Church led by some members of the hierarchy. This opposition has become an intense battle that has reached the position of a new scandal. It has become a complicated mess. This battle has some relationship to society’s struggle and adherence to the pseudo-spirituality and religiosity of contemporary secular humanism. Pope Francis’s hesitation to present clear Catholic moral teaching, especially in the areas of sexuality and family life is very upsetting to some sincere members of the Catholic Church. This concern needs significant attention.

May we ourselves do a life review to discern if we have been influenced, adopted, or caved into some aspects of the religion and spirituality of secular humanism; even if we unintentionally ingested these discordant values to some degree into the ambient, environment, or culture of our American life.

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Filed Under: Evangelizing Catholic Culture Tagged With: Evangelizing Catholic Culture, secular humanism

New Eyes of Faith (Replay)

March 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

New Eyes of Faith – Episode 263

As a Christian, it is important to practice our faith. But what does your faith look like? The new eyes of faith is an awakening. In this episode, we explore the meaning of faith and how we sometimes deceive ourselves.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math – visit the website at CTCMath.com

Faith can be subjective. Your faith is naturally based upon your experiences, your understanding, and even your denomination. Even two people sitting next to each other in church can have a different take on faith. This lends itself to an interesting question. Where is your faith, and can you say you practice what you believe?

This may be a hard question to answer and one that will take some time and thought.

Do we love the One who gave us life? The one who loves us beyond anything we can imagine. Let’s take a moment and think about that. You. Are. Loved. That alone should open our eyes and give us new eyes of faith. That should fill us with such love that we want to share this love with others.

That is the crux of the issue that many of us face in our world today. Those who say they have faith and those who do not practice what they supposedly believe. Listen, we all fall short, but by the grace of God, we flounder. Thankfully Jesus came into the world to redeem us. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Read on air).

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

When our eyes are opened, we see evil for evil and good for good. That is why so many of us are upset by what is happening in our world today. Many people, they have been desensitized, and they can not see evil for evil.

Our eyes can be opened to greater faith and a deeper walk with the Lord, and at times it takes something catastrophic to happen before we can see the light, so to speak. Many things we consider important no longer are, and those things we hold onto, we find we can do without. Has that happened to you? You find that what was previously important is no longer an issue or of great concern. It is as if the blinders were removed; now, we can see clearly.

In Genesis 3:5, the tempter tells Adam and Eve a lie; the scripture reads: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

So, what did they do? Genesis 3:6-7 (read on air).

What did they receive? New eyes of faith, but it was not a positive outcome for the pair. The eyes of Adam and Eve were opened when they ate the forbidden fruit. God warned them. His perfect will was for them to live with Him forever in the place He had created for them. Instead, they made a choice, and we see it perfectly in hindsight –

Scripture often talks about finding “favor in your eyes,” with many references to finding favor in God’s eyes. That should be our goal, to find favor in the eyes of God. How do we do this? How do we deepen our love for God? One way is by spending time in His presence. We have many reasons why this can’t happen. We have family responsibilities, work, school, and other obligations. And, it is a choice.

New Eyes of Faith

Just like Adam and Eve had a choice. This is the first lesson we learn in the Bible about good vs. evil. It is the enemy against us, the evil one. He hates what God created. God created and said, “It is good,” and that is what the evil one wants to destroy. He wants to destroy our families and us. An increase of faith helps us weather the storm of life, but we need that connection to each other and God.

Faith is a connection to the Almighty. We are made for connection. One of the podcasters on this network, Margaret Vasquez, who hosts the Wholeness and Holiness Podcast, talks about connection. As a trauma specialist, she knows that a lack of connection often causes dysfunction.

We can become disconnected from ourselves, those around us, and those we love the most. And a disconnection from God can lead us to other less desirable things! We can find we lack direction, and worse. Who we are is important, but who we are in Christ is important to renewing faith. Do we witness the gospel message? How can we when we are struggling ourselves? It is time to take a deep refreshing breath and look at our faith with new eyes.

As a business owner, I know that I better fulfill that promise when I promise to do something. No one cares about our excuses. Thankfully my job is not life and death, but it is important to keep websites up, bills paid so that the podcast stream doesn’t stop on your app and other things that we do to keep the business running. All of our behind-the-scenes work is invisible, but it is necessary for our customers. Many of my decisions were based on troubleshooting better options.

The worse thing we can do is not admit when we are wrong. We can all improve. Isaiah 2:10-12 (Read on air). Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. (Talk about humility)

Isaiah 5:20-21 (Read on air)

In this way, we should troubleshoot our options when it comes to renewing our faith and praying to the Lord to open our eyes.

We can ask that the Lord gives us the new eyes of faith to:

Identify areas where we have sinned.
Make better choices.
To choose God first above all others.
To make time to pray.
To get our priorities right

Remember, faith is a choice. It is a free-will option given to us by an Almighty God who loves us and who loves you beyond anything we can comprehend. It is perfect love, and no one can love you the way God can. We are created in His image. We were created for a specific purpose. We were created to love and serve Him, but He gives us so much more than anything we can do for Him. Our challenge this week is to pray that the Lord opens our eyes to areas we need to improve and gives us a deeper faith.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Some Women Podcast Walking in Community

February 27, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Finding Community | Episode 10 – Some Women Podcast (Luke 8:1–3)

In this episode of the Some Women Podcast, the Magnificat® Central Service Team gathers once again to reflect on the meaning and power of Christian community. Through personal stories drawn from family life, friendships, and involvement in Magnificat Ministry, they share how authentic community—while not always comfortable—leads us closer to God and helps us grow in holiness.

This heartfelt conversation explores how God uses relationships to refine us, strengthen our faith, and draw us into deeper trust in Him and one another.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

How Christian community helps shape and strengthen our spiritual lives
Why growth in holiness often happens through relationships
The challenges and blessings of living faith in community
How God works through family, friendship, and ministry to draw us closer to Him

📖 Scripture Inspiration: Luke 8:1–3

This episode is part of the Some Women podcast series, inspired by Luke 8:1–3, which highlights the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples. Their example invites us to reflect on important questions:

Who were the women who followed Jesus?
How are we called to follow and serve Him today?
What role does community play in faithful discipleship?

🎙️ About the Some Women Podcast

Presented by Magnificat®, the Some Women Podcast features panel discussions—along with occasional guest panelists—on topics relevant to Catholic women today, including:

Growing in holiness
Building Christ-centered community
Living a Holy Spirit–led life
Spiritual warfare
Nurturing a vibrant prayer life

Each episode reflects on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, inviting listeners to pray, learn, and experience what God can do when we open our hearts to Him.

🌸 About Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Founded in 1981, Magnificat® is an international Catholic nonprofit with over 70 chapters worldwide. The ministry exists to evangelize and encourage women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Inspired by Mary’s words in Luke 1:46—“My soul magnifies the Lord”—Magnificat® gatherings include:

Praise and worship
Personal testimonies of God’s transforming grace
Faith-sharing in a welcoming, community-centered environment

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for all Christians—especially women.

🔗 Learn more at: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic women discipleship, Catholic women podcast, Christian community Catholic, Finding community in faith, growing in holiness Catholic, Holy Spirit community, Luke 8:1-3 women of the Bible, Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast, women following Jesus

Testimony of Karen Jedrzejewski

February 18, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Karen Jedrzejewski

Magnificat Podcast – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode of the Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Karen Jedrzejewski shares her extraordinary journey from a painful and abusive childhood to complete surrender to Jesus Christ. What began as a lifelong love of horses ultimately became the path God used to draw her into healing, faith, and redemption.

Karen’s testimony is one of perseverance, recovery, and God’s transforming grace—even in the most broken places.

Karen Jedrzejweski- A Story: From Brokenness to Belonging

Karen grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a deeply dysfunctional and abusive home. By the age of 14, she realized she could no longer remain with her family and began moving from one household to another.

At 16, she dropped out of school, bought a motorcycle, and moved to a ranch in Ohio. While horses were her passion, they were not enough to stop her descent into addiction and self-destruction.

In 1992, after entering a treatment facility, Karen began her road to recovery—and it was there she encountered Jesus Christ in a life-changing way. Following a devastating horse accident that nearly took her life, Karen experienced a moment of complete surrender to the Lord.

Life After Surrender

Today, Karen is:

Married for 36 years
A mother of three adult children
A grandmother
Fully devoted to seeking and serving God

Her faith journey didn’t stop there. Karen’s musical gift as a drummer was recognized within her prayer group, and she has faithfully served as a drummer with the Living Praise Worship Team for over 20 years.

About The Testimony of Karen Jedrzejweski

Recorded: August 2025
Location: Pittsburgh, PA Magnificat Chapter
Length: 34 minutes, 31 seconds

This episode is a moving witness to how God redeems suffering, restores purpose, and calls His daughters into deeper relationship with Him.

Listen & Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 https://www.magnificatministrypodcast.com

💙 About Magnificat – A Ministry to Catholic Women
Learn more about the mission, chapters, and events of Magnificat by visiting:
👉 https://www.magnificat-ministry.org

🛍 Magnificat Store
Looking for meaningful Catholic gifts? Explore rosaries, books, apparel, jewelry, Bible studies, and more:
👉 https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic testimony podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christian conversion story, Christian testimony, healing through Christ, Magnificat Ministry, recovery and faith, surrender to Jesus, women’s faith stories

Evil Tactic (Replay)

February 9, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Evil Tactic – Combatting Evil ~ Episode 225

What is an evil tactic? It is something employed by the evil one to take souls to hell. Harsh? Maybe. But, this is something that few of us want to talk about or consider. In this podcast, Felice will explore the tactics used and how to prevent being led to the dark side.

Visit this month’s wonderful sponsor who helps bring this network to you for free, visit CTCMath.com for a great math curriculum for grades K-12

Few people realize the greatest tool of evil is to convince people that evil does not exist. Everything is fine, it’s good, there is nothing to worry about. Everyone gets a free pass to go to heaven. Don’t worry, proclaim God once, claim Him and go on and live your life in whatever way you see fit. I realize we all come from different faith walks. Some are non-denominational and others adhere to a specific denomination. Some teach it is faith alone and others that it is faith and works.

In the previous podcast, I cited James 2:14-26, Faith without works is dead. With this thought, we must look at the ways that evil sets to destroy not only others but specifically our lives.

Here is a short list of things that are considered evil tactics:

Not believing evil or satan exists. John 8:44 (read)
Fearfulness (in a minute I’ll read from Matthew 10 which helps us to combat fear)
Deception and lies, Confusion, Twisting of words – reproductive freedom, no big deal, not for us to judge
Division – because when we are divided we are weak. John 17:20-24 (read)
Diversion – an overload of information, social media, anxiety, and distractions of everyday life Matt 10:26-32 (read)
Discouragement and depression – personal setbacks, always wanting more, if “this” happens, I’ll be happy. (humility)

There is so much packed into these verses, first, we have nothing to fear, the next is that we should not fear the body because what is most important is our soul, and the only person to fear is what can destroy us -that is giving into evil tactics and ultimately hell. Then there is the wonderful verse about the Father’s intimate knowledge about each one of us because he even knows the number of hair on our heads. We have value to God, my friends more than we know! We must also acknowledge God, we must not be afraid of our Christian faith or deny him unless we want to be denied before the Father in heaven. Powerful words!

5. Humility – the key to discouragement and depression is humility. Realizing we can do nothing without God. This is not a way to push off blame or alleviate our guilt, it is a way however to realize that when we do things under our own steam we are setting up ourselves for failure. Have you ever wondered when your life falls apart, and you can’t seem to handle anymore that you are “doing” it yourself and without God? Sure, we are all gifted in some way, but those gifts should be attributed to the Almighty.

In our humility we ask the Lord for help, to come into our lives in a deeper way (I know – I must sound like I repeat myself over and over) but it is a truth that when we grow closer to God we find things that are so important in our life or that we think are important fall way. All the people who suffer loss realize in the end that these are things they can not take with them when they die. That is why we are taught to look to the end, to look at our lives and when we do, when we grow closer to God we can see the areas where we have sinned.

Evil tactics are lost on those who are grounded, who surround themselves with like-minded Christians, and who immerse themselves in all that is good and holy, beginning with your relationship with Christ and the Scriptures. This week make a list of the evil tactics aimed at you and work at ways (with God, Scripture, and prayer) that you can combat the evils.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, evil, evil tactics, overcoming evil with good

Magnificat Presents® Some Women®: Be Not Afraid

February 9, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Be Not Afraid | Episode 9 – Some Women Podcast (Luke 8:1–3)

“Be not afraid.”

In this powerful episode of the Some Women podcast, Angela, Jackie, Pat, and Sharla share how God has proven Himself faithful in the midst of life’s battles. Through personal testimony, prayer, and reflection on Scripture, they reveal how the Lord led them into deeper trust—and spoke personally to their hearts with the words “Be not afraid.”

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

How God meets us personally during seasons of fear and uncertainty
What it looks like to trust the Lord in spiritual warfare and daily struggles
How ordinary women grow extraordinary faith through surrender and prayer
Why the words “Be not afraid” remain central to the Christian life

📖 Scripture Focus

This episode is part of the Some Women podcast series, inspired by Luke 8:1–3, which highlights the women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples. Their example invites us to ask:

Who were the women who followed and served Jesus?
How are we called to follow and serve Him today?
What does faithful discipleship look like for women in the modern world?

🎙️ About the Some Women Podcast

Presented by Magnificat®, Some Women features lively panel discussions (with occasional guest panelists) on topics relevant to Catholic women today, including:

Growing in holiness
Building authentic community
Living a Holy Spirit–led life
Spiritual warfare
Developing a deeper prayer life

Each episode reflects on Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, encouraging listeners to pray, learn, and experience what God can do when we let Him work in our lives.

🌸 About Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women

Inspired by Mary’s words in Luke 1:46—“My soul magnifies the Lord”—Magnificat® gatherings include:

Praise and worship
Testimonies of God’s transforming grace
Faith-sharing in a relaxed, welcoming community

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model for all Christians, especially women.

🔗 Learn more at: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Be Not Afraid Bible verse, Catholic faith testimony, Catholic spiritual warfare, Catholic women podcast, Christian women encouragement, Holy Spirit lifestyle, Luke 8:1-3 women of the Bible, Magnificat Ministry, women following Jesus

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 13, Kelly Wahlquist- From Heart to Heart: Bringing Joy with the New Evangelization

February 6, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 13, Kelly Wahlquist- From Heart to Heart: Bringing Joy with the New Evangelization

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Kelly Wahlquist shares her faith-filled journey to becoming a disciple of Christ. Today, through founding the national women’s ministry WINE: Women in the New Evangelization, she shares the faith, empowering women to enjoy a closer relationship with the Lord and to use their unique gifts to bring joy, connection, and community, healing the body of Christ.

Kelly is also Director of the Archbishop Flynn Catechetical Institute in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Kelly is the author of innovative collaborative Bible studies and travels the country speaking at Catholic conferences, retreats and leads women’s pilgrimages through Italy. She and her husband, Andy, reside with their three children in Minnesota.

Women of the New Evangelization website: https://catholicvineyard.com

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims Tagged With: Catholic podcast, Kelly Wahlquist, Magnificat Ministries Presents, Magnificat Ministry for Women

Memorize Scripture (Replay)

February 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Memorize Scripture

Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com

When was the last time you attempted to memorize scripture? This is worthwhile and beneficial to our spiritual growth. By memorizing the verses we can ingrain them into our hearts and call them to mind in times when we struggle. Here are some tips for memorizing with ease.

Visit Media Angels and the books and services provided for Christian Families. Books such as the Truth Seekers Mystery Series, A Few Minutes with God, One More Child as well as the 24 different Character Planners for the entire family.

When the children were younger I would assign them scriptures to memorize. Most of the time they were a verse or two, often nothing longer. I had friends whose children could quote sections of the Bible and I was amazed! And while memorization is great for children, it is important that we as adults also spend time on memorization. In fact, it can really help us as we get older.

I have a list that I call life verses, such as Joshua 24:15 – but the entire verse is not what I quote. Here is the entire verse:

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

When I think of the verse, it is this part… As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Another is John 1:1-5 –

What I will quote having memorized it is this part, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.”

I love that verse because it is one of those mind-blowing verses – in those words I can see the Almighty God, Father, and Son. The Word is Jesus, God is God the Father and nothing is done without the Spirit. For some reason, that verse makes me very happy!

It is almost like I have a tiny glimpse of the creation of the world.

Then there is what we call the Magnificat – Luke146-55 when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and the baby in Elizabeth’s womb lept for joy. Here we read Mary’s answer to Elizabeth: And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, …

Another version says, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

and another the King James – My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

I love all of those versions, but my favorite is My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…

You can look up various scripture verses on a website such as BibleGateway.com or your own Bible translation.

I’m making a point to memorize some new verses, do you want to join me in the challenge? Let’s get started with some simple techniques for memorization.

Memorize Scripture The Easy Way

Scriptures that are important to you. The first step is to look at the Bible and find the verses that are important to you. You can begin by listing some of your favorites, even if you have already memorized these verses. I shared some with you.
Write them down. Reinforces the words. Using seeing, hearing, and writing helps us in remembering. While typing is tactile it really is beneficial to write the scriptures out and say them out loud. Seeing them in print helps as well.
Read them often. Put the scriptures you are using in one spot. Several of my children used flashcards to help them when studying for a test. You can do this with the scripture verses. Put the words on the lined side of the card, and the verse number on the back. By looking at the verse such as John 1:1 – you should be able to recite, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Create a sign or banner. This is one of my favorite things and I love receiving gifts that are plaques with Scripture verses on them, in fact, I have many throughout my home. I also hang them from the bedroom doors, I use those sticky plastic hook things. Okay, so sometimes it does bang on the door when you open or close it, but it is so worth it to see those verses and it reminds me to live them!
Test yourself. How are you doing? You can set simple goals like one new verse a week. Just think in a year you can memorize 52 new verses! Wouldn’t that be great?

Will you join me? That is this week’s challenge, one verse! Be blessed and in the Name of Jesus I ask for an infilling of the Holy Spirit to be upon your family today and always. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: learn the bible, pray with scripture, scripture memory

Magnificat Presents Some Women: Personal Prayer Life

January 23, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Magnificat Presents Some Women: Personal Prayer Life

In this episode, Angela, Donna, Jackie, and Pat talk about their prayer lives. They describe what their prayer was like when they first came back to the Lord, how it has changed over the years, and how it’s like for them now.

Some Women Podcast

Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women

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Magnificat Ministry Podcast: Testimony of Claire Gallagher

January 16, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Claire Gallagher

Claire Gallagher is a consecrated virgin from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Claire was born and raised in the New Orleans area in a devout Catholic family. She had many good role models, her own parents as well as, aunts and uncles. Like many little girls she had dreams of one day getting married, having a large family, and living in a home with a white picket fence. While attending college, she thought she found the perfect man, but she knew deep down it was not right.

Claire explains how her life took many unexpected turns and she received important life lessons that allowed her to listen more closely to God’s plan for her. She found that God uses everything, he led her through a process of ‘letting go’ enabling her to be open to a deeper relationship with him and the vocation to the consecrated life.

Her love for the youth and young adult ministry, teaching, and retreat ministry led to her involvement and years of experience nurturing the spiritual formation of others. She currently manages a project through the Loyola Institute for Ministry that provides spiritual enrichment for religious sisters and is the co-host of the podcast “Flourishing Sisterhood,” which highlights the unique stories of religious sisters in the south.

This testimony was given to the Marrero, Louisiana Chapter in August 2025. The recording is 44 minutes, 26seconds in length.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at www.magnificat-ministry.org

Magnificat Store

Did you know there is a wonderful shopping opportunity just waiting for you? Explore our shopping cart for rosaries, apparel, books, jewelry, statues, CDs, study programs, (ex. Bible studies, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Growth in the Spirit series), and much more. To find great gifts for family, friends and YOU, we invite you to visit https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic Testimony, Claire Gallagher, consecrated virgin, Magnificat Ministry Testimony

Finding God Every Day

January 12, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Finding God in the Every Day with Felice Gerwitz

Do you have a daily schedule? It’s time to add finding God to your list. The Lord’s voice is something we seek, whether in quiet time or in prayer. What should we do? What does God want us to do? What is God’s will for us, today, tomorrow or next year? How do we find God? In this episode, Felice Gerwitz discusses how we should seek God every day.

Magnificat Presents Some Women: Scripture as a Pathway to Holiness

January 9, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Scripture as a Pathway to Holiness

In this episode, Angela, Jackie, Mary, and Pat share how scripture has formed them and contributed to their personal growth in holiness. Each describes instances of their personal diving into the scriptures and some of their most meaningful scripture passages.

SOME WOMEN

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Watch on YouTube

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: holiness, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Scripture, Some Women Podcast

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 12, Dr. Carol Razza – Recognizing Life More Abundant

January 2, 2026 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 12, Dr. Carol Razza – Recognizing Life More Abundant

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Dr. Carol Razza explores how to recognize the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10). She also shares insights on our true identity in God’s eyes, the promises He makes to His children, and how to dispel the enemy’s lies.

Dr. Carol Razza serves on the Advisory Team for the International Magnificat. Licensed by the state of Florida in Mental Health Counseling, Dr. Razza has worked in private practice as a psychotherapist for over 25 years. Formerly a faculty member and formation advisor at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Dr. Razza has written two books: Sonblock, How Christians Unknowingly Shield Themselves from Grace, and Parent me…Please. Dr. Rassa also presents at seminars, conferences, workshops, and retreats both nationally and internationally. Her greatest blessing includes her marriage of over 50 years to her husband, Paul, and their wonderful sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Contact Dr. Carol Razza at drcarolraz@yahoo.com.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

Watch this on YouTube:

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims

The Joy of the Lord (New Year Replay)

December 29, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Joy of the Lord Episode 196

The joy of the Lord is… can you fill in the blanks here? The joy of the Lord is so many different things to different people but in this podcast, we will explore how God’s joy can bring us to a greater and deeper commitment with Him!

Please visit my website for books and classes at Media Angels.com

Check out these our podcasts on the topic of Joy: Joy in Living God’s Will and Daily Joy here.

What did you answer when I asked you what you would say when asked, “The joy of the Lord is…”

I can give you so many such as the Joy of the Lord is my strength, Nehemiah 8:10

The joy of the Lord is my rock, He is my Savior and my Lord. How can I thank the Lord who created the heavens and the earth and who knows every hair on my head and every need I have beforehand? The only way I know how is by giving him all the praise. And, when we praise God, what naturally follows is a thankful heart.

The world is trying to weigh us down and watching the news is enough to depress even the most joyful. There is nothing that surprises the Lord and there is nothing, no event that He does not already know the outcome. Throughout the history of mankind, we see the same mistakes made over and over again, beginning with the fall of the garden of Eden. Things have not changed significantly in the sense of people continuing to sin!

We read in Psalm 92:4

Each day we have a challenge, and that challenge is to keep the joy of God in our hearts. Ask ourselves the following questions:

1. What can you offer the Lord today?

2. What can you thank the Lord for today?

3. How can you show the joy of the Lord to others?

Think about these questions and what is key is that whenever we are in the mindset of trying to please the Lord we are receiving blessings. We can not outgive the Lord. Try it. The Lord will not be outdone and we can see that as evidence in our lives. The disciples followed Jesus not because it was easy, but because there was no other way to light, truth, and love. Jesus was compelling, He drew them in with His unconditional love and forgiveness. They were transformed from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

How can we be transformed each day in our ordinary lives? Think about this? It is the theme of this podcast and that is to have the joy of the Lord in our hearts. We can study the Word of God in the scriptures, memorize scripture verses to help us when we are down, turn to God in prayer whenever we have a need or just because we want to praise and thank Him. We can be transformed by the everlasting love of God and the joy that thought brings to our hearts.

Have you gotten off course? We all go off course at some time in our lives. We feel that the Lord is too busy for our needs so we will go it alone. This is not the way to live life and when that burden seems to heavy to carry we will see the evidence in the fruit and that is the wrong path or the path of least resistance. Friends this is not the path we want to be on, we want to be on that narrow path that leads to God and that joy we talk about, the joy of the Lord.

Is there something that is weighing you down? If so, release it and give it to God. That is why over the course of the years I’ve asked you to try a journal, first a praise and thanksgiving journal because that is unbelievably helpful. The second is a prayer journal so that you can go back at some point and see all of the prayers that have been answered. It is truly a faith booster. I have one that I started in 2008 and that thing has pages that are bent and highlighted words and sticky notes. I keep it around to remind myself that while not all prayers were answered, the ones that were important were answered better than I can possibly imagine.

What is the end of this story? We need to keep the focus of Christ in our minds daily, to focus on the blessing we have in our lives, those simple things, the comforts of a home of a family of the blue sky and green grass or even a snowy vista…whatever that is that God brings to us in nature. Nothing can hold back an attitude of gratitude if we will it to be.

The joy of the Lord is my strength and I pray that for you today, and my challenge to you is to increase that joy in your heart with song and prayer, daily! May God be blessed! Amen, and amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God

Magnificat Presents Some Women – Holiness through Prayer and Sacrament

December 26, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

In this episode, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share testimonies concerning their personal prayer lives and how they have developed over years and the importance of the sacraments in our growth in holiness.

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?

In this SOME WOMEN podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today. Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women. Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic Testimony, Magnifcat Ministry for Women, sacraments, Some Women Podcast

Testimony of Sarah Cobb

December 17, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Sarah Cobb

A Story of Faith, Family, and Living Counterculturally

A Magnificat Ministry Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Sarah Cobb shares her personal testimony of growing up in a devout Catholic family and learning how to live out her faith in a world that is becoming increasingly secular.

Sarah is from Columbus, Ohio, and is currently a senior at the University of Cincinnati, where she is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She credits her strong faith foundation to her family and her years in Catholic education. Watching her parents and grandparents lead by example—and openly share their faith—has inspired Sarah to do the same.

Throughout high school and college, Sarah’s faith has grown deeply. She speaks about the importance of surrounding herself with friends rooted in Christ, the power of prayer within family life, and how service and volunteering have shaped her spiritual journey. Her testimony is an encouragement to anyone striving to walk a faithful path with courage and joy.

✨ This testimony was given to the Magnificat – Huron, Ohio Chapter in February 2025.

Episode Details

⏱ Length: 28 minutes, 45 seconds
🎙 Format: Recorded testimony

About Magnificat

Magnificat is a ministry to Catholic women, dedicated to fostering spiritual growth through prayer, fellowship, and witness.

🔗 Learn more about the ministry:
www.magnificat-ministry.org

Visit the Magnificat Store 🛍️

Looking for meaningful gifts for family, friends—or yourself?

The Magnificat Store offers:

Rosaries
Apparel
Books & CDs
Jewelry & statues
Bible studies and spiritual growth programs
And much more!

👉 Explore the store here:
https://store.magnificat-ministry.net

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Called to Be Saints — Embracing Holiness in Everyday Life

December 15, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 362: Called to Be Saints — Embracing Holiness in Everyday Life

Are we really called to be saints… even in the middle of busy, ordinary life?

In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, we explore what it truly means to be called to sainthood—not as a lofty, unreachable goal reserved for monks or martyrs, but as a daily invitation for every believer.

As the holidays approach and life feels increasingly full, it can be difficult to focus on prayer, holiness, or even quiet moments with the Lord. Yet Scripture reminds us that sainthood is not about perfection—it’s about total commitment to God, lived out one faithful step at a time.

Through Scripture, real-life stories, and reflections on well-known saints, we are reminded that holiness often looks like small acts done with great love.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

What Scripture means when it says we are called to be saints
Why sainthood isn’t reserved for clergy or religious life
How fear often keeps us from fully surrendering to God
Why saints can be described as “rebels for God”
Lessons from modern examples of faith lived boldly
Encouragement from the life of Mother Teresa and her hidden struggles
Practical, manageable steps to grow in holiness today
Why there is no “middle ground” when it comes to following Christ

Scripture Featured:

James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from above
Romans 1:7 – Called to be saints
Joshua 24:15 – Choose this day whom you will serve
Philippians 4:13 – Strength through Christ
Philippians 4:7 – The peace that surpasses understanding
Matthew 6:16–18 – Fasting in humility
Ephesians 2:8–10 – Saved by grace, created for good works

Simple Ways to Live the Call to Sainthood:

Put God first each day—even with a short prayer
Practice daily prayer, morning or night
Embrace small acts of self-denial or fasting
Make restitution when you’ve wronged others
Give generously to those in need
Share Christ through both words and actions

Sainthood isn’t about being flawless—it’s about running toward God, especially when life is difficult. Whether you’re a parent, student, professional, or caregiver, your daily vocation is holy ground when offered to the Lord.

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa

🙏 May this episode encourage you to take one faithful step closer to God today.

🎧 Listen to Episode 362
📌 Find the full show notes and resources at:
AFewMinutesWithGodPodcast.com

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, becoming a saint, biblical sainthood, called to be saints, Catholic and Christian saints, Christian discipleship, Christian encouragement podcast, Christian holiness, Christian Podcast, Christian spiritual growth, faith and holiness, faith in daily life, holiness in daily life, living a holy life, living out your faith, modern Christian living, sainthood in everyday life, scripture based podcast, small acts with great love, Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat Presents Some Women – Roadblocks to Holiness

December 12, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Roadblocks to Holiness | Some Women Podcast

In this episode, Angela, Donna, Jackie, and Pat will look at roadblocks to holiness including Msgr. Steven Rosseti’s list of attitudes on which the enemy feeds. Panelists share their personal experiences with overcoming unforgiveness and other dispositions in prayer and within community.

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry.

Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: holiness, Some Women Podcast

Magnificat Proclaims, Ep 11, Bishop David L. Toups, All things work for good for those who love God

December 5, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 11, Bishop David L. Toups – All things work for good for those who love God

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims. In this episode, Bishop David L. Toups shares his inspiring testimony and how the Lord led him to become a priest, then Bishop, as well as some valuable faith-filled life lessons. Bishop Toups obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree and Licentiate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Later, Bishop received a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome. He was appointed to the faculty at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, and later named dean of students.

In 2007, Bishop Toups left St. Vincent de Paul to become associate director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations at the USCCB in Washington D.C. In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Beaumont where he continues to serve today. Bishop Toups, author of many articles, is also author of the book, Reclaiming Our Priestly Character.

Find out more about Bishop Toup’s Broadcast “For The Good”:

https://omomchurchbmt.com/videos

“For The Good” on YouTube:

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims Tagged With: All things work for good for those who love God, Bishop David L. Toups, Magnifcat Ministry for Women, Magnificat Proclaims

Christian Hospitality (Holiday Replay)

December 1, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Christian Hospitality

Episode # 47 (Holiday Replay)

How are your Christian hospitality skills? Is this something that needs practice or do you have an open door policy and invite people into your inner circle, often?

In this episode, Felice Gerwitz discusses how hospitality is a gift but a skill that can improve and grow. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels!

Hebrews 13:22 is a warning from St. Paul who says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

I know we are all busy and the idea of one more thing often tips us over the edge.

Yet, Christian hospitality really begins at home. I know many churches are equipped with various ministries and they all have a very important place. In fact, those ministries are a way for people to connect and grow in faith. In the past, I volunteered to teach many classes at church and for over ten years was very involved. As the seasons of my life changed, I began working on Christian hospitality and ministry in other ways. This podcast reflects one of those ways.

The Bible gives us much food for thought.

Jesus was an example when he went to a tax collector’s home, someone who was considered a crook by many because they often charged more than they should in order to keep some of the money. Read Matthews 5:46-48 — here Jesus challenges us to extend our Christian hospitality even to our enemies and one line always gets me, “So be perfect, just as our heavenly Father is perfect.”

How can we be perfect?

The Father, our heavenly Father perfects us – -we can’t do it alone. We are such a mess most of the time, one friend calls it being a “hot mess.” How can we minister to others when we can’t even minister to ourselves? Well, with the help of our heavenly Father!

Here is some suggestions.

Pray. Is there someone at church who catches your eye and perhaps someone you should invite out for coffee?
Ask the Lord for guidance. Is there a particular ministry He wants you involved with or something you should join?
Introduce people you think might get along and see if you can connect others.
If you are Catholic and are able, go to daily Mass. Or, no matter what your denomination, take time to sit in quiet and listen to the Lord.
Pray about ways you can be used by the Lord in Christian hospitality.
If you are in a group setting, speak to those you don’t know.
Invite someone you don’t know into your own group.
Invite someone to listen to this podcast — it is a form of Christian ministry and hospitality. Better yet, listen with a friend!

The simple gesture of kindness and hospitality toward a stranger can be turned into something wonderful by the Lord.

Take the time to talk to those you don’t know. If you are in prayer about this, the Lord will provide those wonderful “God-incidents” to connect you with those in need.

Remember to fill up! Go to church, pray, read the Bible and be still before the Lord. You can’t give to others if you are spiritually empty yourself.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, I thank you for the gifts you’ve given me and to those who are listening to this broadcast. I know that nothing is impossible for you and if you call us to service, you will provide not only for us but for those who we minister to, in Your Name, Jesus. We ask you to send us out in service for You, as your hands and feet. Point us to those who need You the most and let us help in any way that we can. Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of hospitality and bring good for the kingdom of God from our efforts. I pray this in Jesus, Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Moments with God, Christian hospitality, hospitality, serving others

Magnificat Presents Some Women – What is Holiness?

November 28, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples? Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?

In This Episode of SOME WOMEN

In this episode, Angela, Jackie , and Pat will share their personal calls to holiness, acknowledging it as a journey that we choose when we want to be like Jesus. Listen as they describe times in their lives when they felt a conviction to grow in holiness, getting serious about growing in holiness, and their experiences along the journey to holiness.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: holiness, Magnifcat Ministry for Women, Some Women Podcast

Pray Deeper: Overcoming Barriers to a Vibrant Prayer Life

November 24, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Show Notes: Episode 361 – Pray Deeper: Overcoming Barriers to a Vibrant Prayer Life

Podcast: A Few Minutes with God
Host: Felice Gerwitz
Network: Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode, Felice Gerwitz explores practical strategies for deepening your prayer life and overcoming common obstacles such as doubt, busyness, and spiritual dryness. Drawing from personal experience and scripture, listeners are encouraged to persevere in prayer and experience God’s transformative presence.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. Recognizing Barriers to Prayer

Prayer routines can become stagnant or distracted by daily life, social media, and work pressures.
Common obstacles include doubt, lack of time, spiritual dryness, and routine prayers.

2. Scriptural Encouragement

Luke 18:1: Jesus teaches perseverance in prayer.
Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Matthew 6:6: Pray privately and intentionally.
Psalms 42:1-2: God revives our spirit when we seek Him.
Ephesians 6:18: Pray in the Spirit on all occasions.
James 5:16: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
1 Timothy 2:1: Intercede and give thanks for all people.
Philippians 4:6: Present requests to God with thanksgiving.
Daniel 6:10, 1 Samuel 1:10-20, Luke 5:16: Examples of bold and persistent prayer.
2 Corinthians 12:9: God’s grace is sufficient in weakness.
Romans 5:3-4: Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

3. Practical Strategies for a Vibrant Prayer Life

Start small: Even five-minute increments can make a difference.
Make a “prayer appointment” and treat it as an important meeting.
Use tools like devotionals or scripture apps to begin your day intentionally.
Incorporate praise, worship, journaling, and quiet reflection.
Lean on community for support and accountability.
Intercede for others to shift focus from self and serve.
End prayers with gratitude to foster joy and remember God’s faithfulness.

4. Personal Reflections

The host shares personal experiences of praying with children, using short segments, and finding revival through intentional prayer.
Encouragement to recognize distractions and respond to God’s nudges.
Importance of community prayer and sharing requests for mutual support.

5. Encouragement & Closing

Prayer is for our transformation, not to change God.
Rely on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s help.
Commitment to break through barriers together and grow in faith.
Host prays for listeners’ renewed prayer lives and asks for prayers in return.

Related Episodes on Prayer and Faith

Deepen your prayer journey with these episodes from A Few Minutes with God on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

Praying for a Friend – Explore the power of intercessory prayer for loved ones.
Prayer to God – Practical ways to communicate with the Almighty daily.
Faith Minutes – Turn brief moments into powerful faith-building prayers.
Asking God – A replay on boldly approaching God with your needs.
Your God-Given Purpose – How prayer reveals God’s plan for your life.

Resources Mentioned

Call to Action

Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast.
Visit afewminuteswithgodpodcast.com for show notes and more episodes.
Join the community and share prayer requests.

May God bless you today and always. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, prayer, prayer life, struggles with prayer, struggling to pray

Testimony of Fr. Fredrick Schlueter: Faith, Family, and Vocation

November 19, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Testimony of Fr. Fredrick Schlueter

In this powerful Magnificat Podcast episode, we share the journey of Fr. Fredrick Schlueter on his journey discerning the priesthood. He describes himself as a ‘link in a chain.’

He shares a prayer by John Henry Neumann, “I am a link in a chain, a bond of connections between persons.”

God has worked outwardly in his family, through generations of faithful people who have gone before him in faithfulness to God. This has given Fr. Fredrick the blessings and the fruits of the spirit in his life.

Fr. Fredrick ‘Fritz’ shares the stories of his paternal and maternal grandparents and his own parents, how they passed on their deep faith and devotions, by attending Mass and praying the Rosary as a family. That daily example of the grandparents and parents placing God first in their lives deeply affected Fr. Fredrick and his seven siblings.

A Catholic summer camp experience profoundly influenced Fr. Fredrick prompting him to begin the steps toward entering the Seminary. Fr. Fredrick was ordained in June of 2023 and is a priest in the Youngstown Diocese.

This testimony was given to the Stark County, OH Chapter in September of 2024.

To find out more about Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit us at: www.magnificat-ministry.org

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Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Father Fredrick Schlueter

Guest:
Father Fredrick Schlueter, priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, ordained June 2023. Parochial vicar at St. Francis Assisi Parish (Canton, OH) and Holy Family Parish (Brewster & Navarre, OH).

Episode Highlights

Introduction & Background
- Father Fredrick shares his gratitude for joining the community and reflects on the theme of being a “link in a chain,” inspired by St. John Henry Newman’s prayer.
Family Stories & Faith Traditions
- Berry picking mishaps and the spiritual impact of daily Mass in childhood.
- The tradition of praying the rosary as a family, including humorous stories about language and leadership.
- The influence of extended family members and the importance of faith passed down through generations.
Marriage & Faith Journeys
- How his grandparents met in a hospital and the role of faith in their relationship.
- The story of his mother’s conversion from Methodism to Catholicism, including challenges and family dynamics.
- The impact of church camp experiences and the importance of community in faith formation.
Vocation Discernment
- Memorable moments from college, including quirky traditions at the University of Dallas and signs pointing toward the priesthood.
- The role of friends, family, and unexpected encounters in discerning his vocation.
- Seminary experiences: intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation.
Priesthood & Ministry
- Reflections on the “ministry of presence” and what it means to serve as a priest.
- Stories of working with Hispanic communities and helping start new ministries.
- The joy of being a bridge between the institutional church and the movement of the Spirit among laypeople.
Closing Thoughts
- Returning to St. John Henry Newman’s prayer: the importance of being a link in the chain of faith.
- Encouragement for listeners to reflect on their own role in passing on faith and supporting others in their spiritual journeys.

Key Quotes

“I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good. I shall do his work.”
— St. John Henry Newman (read by Father Fritz)

“The blessings I’ve received from God… have been because of the many people who’ve gone before me in faithfulness to God.”

Resources & Mentions

St. John Henry Newman’s prayer
University of Dallas, Texas
Catholic Familyland, Bloomingdale, Ohio
St. Francis Assisi Parish, Canton, OH
Holy Family Parish, Brewster & Navarre, OH

Call to Action

Reflect on your own “chain of faith.” Who has influenced your spiritual journey?
Consider ways you can be a link for others—through prayer, service, or sharing your story.

Thank you for listening! Subscribe for more inspiring stories of faith, vocation, and community.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: Catholic faith stories, Catholic family life, Catholic Testimony, Catholic Women Ministry, Father Fritz, Fr. Fredrick Schlueter, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat podcast, Priesthood Discernment, Rosary Traditions, Seminary Journey, St. John Henry Newman, Vocation Story, Youngstown Diocese

Faith Challenge – Episode 200 (Replay)

November 17, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Faith Challenge ~ Episode 200 (Replay)

It’s time for a challenge, a faith challenge! When was the last time you asked God for more of Him and less of you? When we look at our faith is it something we take for granted, or is it something we need to cherish? Felice shares three faith challenges in this 200^th episode of A Few Minutes with God!

Visit my website for great faith challenging books, such as One More Child and A Few Minutes with God.

What is a faith challenge? It is a way to increase our faith in good times and in bad. It is a time to grow, to become stronger, and to be light to others. It is also helpful to be prepared and get your faith-kit together. Something you can pull out in times of need that will help you to overcome with God. God is here for us all of the time, yet in times of crisis, we freeze up and forget we have many tools in our arsenal!

Perhaps your faith has been challenged when something terrible happens in your life or the life of someone you love. What do you do during these times? Usually, we drop to our knees and pray, but sometimes we feel like God doesn’t hear us. Has this happened to you? For many Christians when our faith is challenged we get more of God, not less. We may not feel Him, but we know without Him we would fall.

First Faith Challenge Prep:

Be prepared. Do you have a prayer you can pray to calm yourself down? If not find one or write one.
What are your favorite go-to scriptures when you are in need? Write them down with the subheading for each topic. Have your Bible handy with marked passages to read.
Be ready to use your praise journal (and prayer journal) and have it handy.

Faith Challenge 1 ~ Hard Times:

Pray for strength and wisdom.
Pray with someone else and if necessary, pick up the phone and text or call someone who will pray for you.
Put your need on a prayer chain. If you do not have one, ask around. There are many eMail prayer chains available as well as on social media. The Facebook page here is just for that need.

All of us have been challenged by recent worldwide events. I don’t need to list them, I am sure you have a mental list of your own. It was and has been a horrible time with fear the number one ingredient that everyone in the media keeps pushing. Are you fearful? What do you do when you experience fear?

Faith Challenge 2 – When Things Are Out of Our Control:

Know that God is in control, remind yourself of this.
Remind yourself that God always wins.
The enemy is a liar and fear is one way to manipulate us, pray this verse: 1 John 4:4 “…for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.“

Another challenge in our lives is when someone lets us down. This is more difficult when it is someone we know or love. We feel abandoned and alone. We feel misunderstood. We feel at a loss. During these times where can you turn?

Faith Challenge 3 ~ When People Let Us Down.

Remember that God will never let you down. God is always there, even in the midst of difficulty and trial.
Focus on today, don’t let past hurt or future what-ifs bog you down.
Pray Jeremiah 29:11 –For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The biggest challenge we have as Christians is to get out of our own way and allow the Lord to work in our lives. We often give the enemy the credit, but truly it is our own obstacles that are the most deferential to our spiritual growth. If things are not going as we planned we are quick to blame (or I am quick to blame, and maybe you are a bit like me?) but I’ve realized the older I get that the only person responsible for my spiritual growth or lack, of growth, is me.

Ask yourself these quick questions:

Am I taking time to pray and read the Bible?
Am I spending quiet time with God?
Do I praise God in all things?
Am I allowing the Lord to work in me?
Do I surround myself with like-minded Christians?
Am I spending time ministering to others (even if it is your family – that counts).
Do I share what God has done for me with others?
Do I see the miracles of God’s grace in my life?
Am I appreciative of all that I have?
Am I loving and kind to my own family or Christian support group?

These are just a few of the ways we can check our own hearts and motivation. If we are striving to become more faithful in thought, word and deed we are working toward a goal and not becoming stagnant. The challenge for you this week and in the next is to grow in faith and challenge yourself in this way! May God be blessed.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, faith, faith challenge, Felice Gerwitz

Some Women – Episode 3: The Garden of Eden

November 14, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

The Garden of Eden: Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

In this episode of SOME WOMEN, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share personal reflections on the events in the Garden of Eden. They discuss insights from Scripture scholar Dr. Brant Pitre and explore the contrast between God’s desires and Satan’s intentions. The group also considers the meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—and the lessons we can carry into our own spiritual lives.

Who were the women who followed Jesus and His disciples? Why do we follow Him today—and how do we serve Him faithfully?

The SOME WOMEN podcast explores these questions.

Inspired by Luke 8:1–3, Magnificat® brings together a lively panel of women—plus occasional guests—to discuss the issues shaping women’s lives today. Topics include holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit–led life, spiritual warfare, prayer, and more. Each conversation looks at Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and discover what God can do when we open our lives to Him.

Magnificat® Presents – SOME WOMEN

Episode 3: The Garden of Eden – Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

Hosts:

Angela Rizzo – Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team of Magnificat®
Pat Higginbotham – First Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team
Jackie France – Historian, Central Service Team

Episode Overview

They explore:

The three temptations in the Garden of Eden
How Jesus confronted the same three temptations in the desert
Why Scripture is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare
How free will, disordered desires, and our modern culture all tie into the Fall
Simple, practical ways to begin letting the Holy Spirit transform our hearts

The conversation is honest, relatable, and full of encouragement for women who want to walk more closely with the Lord.

Opening Prayer

The episode begins with the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer, asking protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil, especially as the hosts discuss temptation and the Fall.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”

The hosts invite listeners to pray in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Main Themes in This Episode

1. The Three Temptations in the Garden
Pat walks through Genesis 3 and highlights three reasons Eve gave in to temptation:

The tree was good for food – pleasure
It was a delight to the eyes – possession
It was desired to make one wise – pride / wanting to be like God

These same three areas—pleasure, possessions, and pride—are still where we are tempted today.

2. How Jesus Reverses the Fall in the Desert
The hosts compare Eve’s temptation with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4):

Bread from stones (food/pleasure):

“One does not live by bread alone.”
All the kingdoms of the world (possession/power):

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
Throw yourself down from the Temple (pride/presumption):

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus answers every temptation with the Word of God, modeling for us how to resist the enemy.

3. Why We Must Know Scripture
Angela shares how memorizing Scripture transformed her spiritual life:

She used to write verses on index cards and review them while waiting at appointments.
Scripture is “sharper than any two-edged sword” and our weapon against the enemy.
Jesus Himself used Scripture when speaking to the devil—so we must, too.

“If you’re going to get into a dialogue with the devil, just use the Word of God.”

4. Image and Likeness: Walking with God Day by Day
Pat reflects on Adam walking with God “in the cool of the day” in the garden:

We are made in God’s image instantly.
Growing into God’s likeness is a process—a daily walk.
The enemy tempts us with a “quick fix” to become like God without walking with Him.

Instead of patient growth in relationship, Adam and Eve reached for a shortcut.

5. Free Will, Disordered Desire, and Modern Culture
The hosts discuss:

Adam and Eve had free will even in their sinless state.
Their fall came quickly—possibly within a short time of being in the garden.
Temptation today still plays on the same desires:
- “More land, more power, more control.”
- Advertising that appeals to possessions, pleasure, and pride, often misusing sexuality.
We often try to fill a God-shaped void with earthly things that never satisfy.

6. Putting Others & Things Above God
Angela reflects on Adam’s responsibility:

Adam was likely standing right next to Eve while she was tempted.
The command was given to Adam; he was called to lead and protect.
Adam put Eve above God, receiving the fruit instead of guarding obedience.

They invite listeners to ask:

“What am I putting on a pedestal before God—food, work, control, children, money, power?”

7. Grace, Confession, and the Virtues
The women discuss:

Our ongoing struggle between the life of the Spirit and our sin nature
The help of Confession, the sacraments, and virtue as answers to the seven deadly sins
The patience and kindness of God, who continually invites us back

They stress that God has already given immense provision: His Word, His Church, the sacraments, and His grace.

A Gentle First Step: Asking the Holy Spirit

If you feel overwhelmed, the hosts encourage a simple, honest prayer:

“Holy Spirit, show me where I’ve put something above You.
Show me what I need to detach from.”

They suggest starting small:

Try fasting from one meal.
Notice how, as you surrender one area, God begins to touch others: screen time, work, control, etc.
Let God form you into the beautiful woman He created you to be.

Scripture & Spiritual Practices Mentioned

Genesis 3 – The Fall of Man
Luke 4 – Jesus’ temptation in the desert
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (mentioned as a memorized verse)
St. Michael the Archangel Prayer
Lectio Divina – Encouraged as a way to pray with Scripture
Eucharistic Adoration – Gazing on the Lord and being transformed

They also mention:

The USCCB online Bible as a free resource for reading Scripture
Reading Genesis slowly, with introductions and footnotes
Using books and guides to help understand Scripture more deeply

Resources & Mentions

Magnificat® Store:
Angela shares about a Magnificat mug and other beautiful religious items available:
- Plaques
- Jewelry
- Clothing
- Gifts for conversation and evangelization

You can pour a cup of coffee, invite a friend, and talk about Jesus together.

Key Takeaways

The same three temptations from Eden—pleasure, possessions, pride—still tug at our hearts today.
Jesus shows us the way to victory through obedience and the Word of God.
Scripture is not just inspiring; it is powerful spiritual armor.
We often put people, things, or desires above God without realizing it.
The Holy Spirit is gentle and will show us, step by step, where to surrender.
God longs for us, thirsts for us, and has already made provision for our healing and freedom.

Closing Prayer

Pat closes the episode in prayer, thanking God for:

Sisters in Christ
His Word
His provision from the very beginning
The grace He gives as we say yes to transformation and the renewal of our minds

***

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, is an international nonprofit with more than 70 Chapters worldwide. Its mission is simple: evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening their hearts to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” from Luke 1:46, begins Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

This moment—the Visitation—inspires the entire Ministry. Each quarter, Chapters host gatherings that include a Meal, praise and worship, and guest speakers who share how God transformed their lives. These events offer faith-sharing in a relaxed, social setting. Women (and men) come away inspired and strengthened in their faith through the Holy Spirit.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. She is the image of the Church and the model for every Christian, especially women.
Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Adam and Eve, Bible truths, Catholic podcast, Catholic spirituality, Catholic teaching, Catholic women, free will, Garden of Eden, Genesis Bible study, Holy Spirit, living in God’s will, Magnificat Ministry, renewing your mind, Scripture study, Some Women Podcast, Spiritual Growth, spiritual warfare, St. Michael prayer, Temptation, women of faith

Thanksgiving and Faith (Holiday Replay)

November 10, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving and Faith Episode 162

Thanksgiving and faith go hand in hand even when our faith is always being tested by the forces of this world. Even if everything in your life is going well, or as well as can be expected, it is as if we have one eye looking in the rearview mirror just waiting for something to happen. Maybe, however you are an optimist and you look at things as being in God’s hands, a very good place to be… and for us as Christians there is a very simple lesson and that is to get our priorities in the right place.

Where are your priorities?

Your family, your immediate needs, maybe you are struggling with an illness and your priority is to get better. We must get our priorities straight and that includes thanking God in all things, having faith when faith seems distant, and looking at our lives as a temporary place yet, somewhere the Lord wants us right now.

Do you remember, some time ago (for those of you who have listened for a while) I did a show on being in the present moment? When our peace is robbed, it is because we are looking too far in the future.

Today, focus on today.

And, as you are focusing on today—what are you thankful for. As I record this it is a time of difficulty as well as the holidays around the corner. And truthfully, many people might feel like there is not much to be thankful for…however, that is never true. As disciples of Christ, we have so much to be thankful for!

Gratitude is something that is innate for some people, it comes naturally—yet, for others it is difficult. Being grateful means we see the little things, the things often overlooked by others. We see the it in the sunset, in the time with family or friends. We see it in the ability to go to church and praise God. Without gratitude, we have no hope. Without hope we have no future. Where is our hope? It is with the Almighty.

Lately, the news has been dire. And when you listen to the news you hear doom and gloom, yet when you open the Bible, the Word of God is encouraging for those who love and follow the Lord and His commands. Remember the children’s song, based on scripture? This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad? Psalm 118:24 says, The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. But what about verse 25? Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!

Remember success varies, and what you consider success is not what I consider success.

For some success translates into money earned, and for others, success is in the smile of a child or a sunset or sunrise. Thanksgiving doesn’t depend on success. Thanksgiving takes a conscious effort of determining that you will be thankful…why? Why not? What is it in your life that you can praise God for, and mean it? Take some time to think about this. I see people post things on social media that show a sense of hopelessness. There is a sense that things are all bad and there is no redemption, but those people have not only lost a sense of hope and dare I say, faith. If we have faith—the faith that surpasses all understanding we have hope. And, if we have hope – we are thankful.

Why is it that it is easy to list all the things that upset you?

If I gave you five minutes to list all your grievances you could probably fill a sheet of paper, but if I asked you to list all the ways you are thankful and have hope, what would your paper say? The enemy does not want us to have hope and he has robbed a society glued to social media and television of hope. Do you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you feel defeated? Think about this:

Here is what we know.

God is the victor, and to Him goes the glory and honor.
You are a child of God. Remember that.
Unite your will to God’s every day – Lord I give you my will, please give me your will. Thy kingdom come thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
In God there is hope. Never forget that.
The battle is not for us to fight, but the battle is for us to prepare for (Ephesians 6:10-18- put on the armor of Christ: –because once again the battle has been won. Let me remind you what this amazing scripture says:

Ephesians 6:10-18

New International Version

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

How can we be vigilant? By praying dear friends, praying to our Lord because only God and God alone can change our hearts from being burdened to overflowing with Thanksgiving and hope!

Let’s pray.

Dear heavenly Father, I praise you and I thank you for everything. For the sun, the moon, and the stars, for the mornings and the evenings. For giving me the breath each and every day to not only survive but to thrive and to praise YOU who are worthy of my praise. I love you my God and I thank you, only YOU are victorious against the enemy and I thank God the Father for sending His only son that we can not only be saved but to be healed and to be joyful and hopeful people. Dear Lord, I pray for the following needs: And I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, Gratitude, prayer, Thanksgiving

Magnificat Proclaims, Ep, 10, Father Tom Sparacino, A Faith Journey Leading to the Priesthood

November 7, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 10, Fr. Tom Sparacino, A Faith Journey Leading to the Priesthood

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims.

In this episode, Fr. Tom Sparacino, a priest of Jesus Christ for the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since June 6, 1998, shares his faith journey and path to becoming a priest.

His devout Catholic upbringing in a small hamlet of West Pittsburg instilled in him Christian values and the importance of faith-filled community from an early age. At fourteen, a powerful Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) weekend left a profound impact on Fr. Tom, leading him to hear God’s call to the priesthood. However, the path to ecclesiastic life was not immediately clear, as he also harbored dreams of becoming a chef, getting married, and having a large family. It took Fr. Tom some time and overcoming various challenges before he fully embraced his calling.

Fr. Tom’s journey has been marked by diverse roles in the church, each contributing to his rich and varied experience. He has served as a parochial vicar, pastor, high school chaplain, and co-vocation director, each role shaping his understanding of faith and service. Currently, he serves as the rector of St. Paul Seminary and is the director of pre-ordination formation for the diocese. His role as Spiritual Advisor to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chapter of Magnificat, since 2010, further connects him to the community.

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE Magnificat® Ministry’s Podcasts

Watch the video podcast of this episode on Magnificat Ministry’s YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/@MagnificatMinistry

Visit: Magnificat® A Ministry to Catholic Women website and peruse the Magnificat Proclaims books in the store: https://magnificat-ministry.org

About Magnificat® Ministry

All Magnificat® Ministry Podcasts: https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/magnificatministry

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Magnificat® Proclaims Tagged With: Father Tom Sparacino, Magnifcat Ministry for Women, Magnificat Proclaims podcast, testimonies

Commitment to Pray (Prayer Challenge)

October 27, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

A Commitment to Pray

with Felice Gerwitz

Are you ready? Today’s challenge is a commitment to pray. However, will you find the time? In today’s broadcast, Felice shares how you can begin with one minute, add another and another until you reach your goal of spending time with God each day.

Sponsor: Media Angels, Inc. Novels – Truth Seekers Mystery Series available on Amazon. Three novels for tweens!

Thanks to our sponsor, Media Angels, Inc. A Few Minutes with God, The Journey Begins

Show Notes: Commitment to pray

Beginning steps to listening to the Lord and how to prepare to enter God’s presence.
Do you need more of Jesus in your life?
It is no accident you are here!
Can you make a commitment – today?
Be still before the Lord. The Lord will pour out an abundance of blessings during this time!

First, there are some decisions to make:

Are you a Christian – if not, consider becoming one today.
How much time will you spend in prayer?
How can you rearrange your schedule to make it happen?
Do you need daily reminders? This handout contains information on receiving daily reminders: AFMWGod- Podcast Handout

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: A Few Minutes With God Podcast, commitment to pray, pray, prayer, prayer challenge

Daily Joy (Special Replay)

October 24, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

How do you start the day with daily joy? Some days it is easier than others, but in this podcast, I’ll share ways that are helpful and will encourage you to begin with a smile. Shh! It is contagious.

Episode 21 – Daily Joy

Thanks to our sponsor, MediaAngels.com – where you can find Christian books and classes.

Family life is hectic to say the least. Especially in families where faith takes a back seat. I’d like to say that faith is the one thing that has sustained, guided and brought me to a point where I see the Lord’s hand in everything.

God is all around us and busy moms and dads can’t see it because, well, they are busy! But here is a quick list for you to begin your day with joy a daily dose of joy… and guess what? It is contagious! Your family with be joyful as well.

How can we begin with a dose of daily joy?

Start off with prayer. We always pray before meals. We prayed before school and we prayed as a family at night. We also prayed a blessing on each of our children.
Song! A joyful and encouraging song can be such a blessing. I can’t tell you how it touched my soul! It is soulful, but it gave me such peace and Joy! Is there a song that makes you joyful? It works, today I listened to Hillsong’s Oceans here. Lyrics: My faith will keep me stronger in the presence of my Savior… I will call upon your Name. … I am yours, and you are mine. Just a few words that can only make you smile!
Trust. God’s got this. Why are we worried, concerned, upset? Give it to the Lord.
Still upset. Call a friend, pray with them. If you can pray with your spouse that is the best!
Journal. Tell the Lord what you are thankful for and have all the kids start their own prayer journals. This is wonderful.

Look at what steals your joy. What is it? One thing? A pile-up of things? Don’t let things or business rob your joy. Take a breath, sometimes we all need a time out. While we want to be a good example to our kids, that doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. We can’t be perfect!

If we make mistakes we ask forgiveness and move on. Remember, focus on today.

Joyfulness is a choice. It is a decision to think the best of people to have a positive outlook and to look upon our situation in life with the knowledge that nothing lasts forever. Nothing. I know some of you listening may be ill or have circumstances that would cripple someone less faint of heart. For those of you, I send a virtual hug and know that you are in my prayers. We pray for all of our listeners on this network and another network I run.

This is meant to encourage you that joy is attainable and not to heap guilt upon you if you are not joyful today. That is okay! There are days when I want to crawl back in bed. Today I had to deal with a difficult work situation and all kinds of thoughts went through my head – some not very kind, but ultimately I found the reason for my feeling badly was because I was hurt. I think identifying hurt helped me to deal with it in a nonemotional manner, deal with it, and move beyond it. Do things hurt us, of course, every day. But what we do about it is the ultimate question. Do we sit in the hurt or claim our daily joy?

I for one will claim Joy!

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Joy In Living God’s Will (Special Replay)

October 24, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Joy in Living In God’s Will Episode 19

The joy in living God’s will is right before us and we often miss it in our daily lives. Before we look at the practical tools of discerning God’s will in a given situation, I think it can be useful to develop an awareness or atmosphere of worldliness in contemporary society.

A list of worldly practices or issues which project a negative spirit of worldliness. Within the context of our affluent society, some of us may carry a deep-seated attitude of entitlement. It could go something like this: When I want something I need to get it! I deserve it, and I want it Now! And I should be able to do whatever it takes to get it. After all, we live in a land of freedom and I should be able to get what I want when I want it, even if some people are inconvenienced a little by my action. Why should I sacrifice and serve others? After all, it takes everything I have, and I am too busy to spend time worrying about other people’s situations. Some of my friends think I am narcissistic because I always look to my needs first.

The Joy in Living God’s Will escapes so many! Here are some real examples:

We live in an anxious worrisome stress filled society, and some of us are so busy because we have so many things and projects to accomplish. Down deep inside I feel that unless I do all these things I won’t feel happy. A teacher who cares for me asked me the other day why my sense of self-worth is so low! When I get down I just go to the store and buy something. My husband makes plenty of money, and I just feel so compelled to buy so many things. I love nice things and my family always encouraged me to frequently spend and buy many things. My husband kids me about being so compulsively materialistic.

The other day uncle John and aunt Maureen showed up from the coast. What a huge expensive camper they have; they just spend months traveling all over the place. We were having a beer last night and John told me that his pastor was disappointed when he refused to undertake some church responsibilities for mercy work. He said I told him,“I can’t take on those services and still enjoy my recreational pursuits.

Thanks for picking me up Pete. Boy, I need a good workout! Harriet blew up at me last night. She said that she was fed up with my incessant worrisome attention about little details about my life. She said I am so perfectionistic about little details in my life, that I never spend quality time with the two boys, which, in her mind is much more important than the little things I get involved in. Boy, my friends at the club are reality irritated at the pastor. He gave a homily where he mentioned that this country is so addicted to sports that it has reached the point where it has become a false god, or at least obsessive idol worship.

My kids feel that they need to participate in all the sports at school. Do you realize how hectic that is for our family? When I try to limit it, they cry and complain that other kids parents let them do this, and they fear they will be rejected and pushed out of the circle of popularity. Sports is a good thing and has many positive features in its activities. However, it seems that in this country it has become an inordinate preoccupation. All year long some go from one sport to another. It becomes the main manner of socializing, and for some, it has become a necessary escape from the pain of modern life, and the distressing conflicts in contemporary society. It can lead to a significant disorder in the relationships and the well-being of family life. It seems for some it has reached the level of an idol or false god. For some, it has replaced the priority of worship of God on the Lord’s Day, and the good of rest and being with those we love the most.

The joy in living God’s will can be found with several keys:

Here is a key way of determining where I find the temptations to give in to the negative spirit of the world in my daily life: Where are my excessive and inordinate attachments in my life? Is it food, sex, physical exercise, excessive need for comfort and protection, compulsive need to be loved and accepted by others, hidden seeking of approval from others, inordinate fear of rejection, power and control over others, inordinate personal relationships, excessive use of I phones, androids, iPads and other technologies, workaholism, inordinate need to accomplish, acquiring excessive possessions, living a life of false pretensions and undealt with addictions, erroneous religious practice and attachment to rigid religious structure without highlighting a personal love and knowledge of God, etc.

All of these things can contribute to or be containers of a spirit of worldliness. And these challenges directly pertains to knowing and following God’s will in my daily life. Returning to the preparation Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper. Just as Jesus prepared and pre-planned for his disciples by way of sending them the Holy Spirit, who will teach them all truth and give to them the strength to be the chosen, called, committed, and faithful against the spirit of the world.

And to ensure the disciples that they will have all that is needed to fulfill their mission as they establish the Kingdom of God on earth. They will be empowered with the Spirit and given the wisdom, gifts, and skills the active dynamic presence of Jesus in the world. No small task!

The preplanning of Jesus includes us. We are humbled and privileged to participate in the same empowerment and gifts which sustained the Apostles. Therefore, we are called daily to do the will of God as active agents in renewing the life of the Gospel in the Church, in our families, and in all the situations of our human life, all the decisions, choices, and behaviors.

The joy in living God’s will is shown at the wedding feast of Cana.

It is one thing to hear this taught or preached, but it is another thing to learn how to do it! What is the next step in this process to make doing the will of God a practical thing in our life? It seems we should cut to the chase in this matter. Early in the ministry of Jesus Mary tells the servants to do what Jesus tells them. They did and the water was changed into wine at the wedding feast of Cana.

Therefore, this gives us the basic principle of action, do what Jesus tells us! How do I know what he is telling me? There are some things about doing the will of God which are not hard to understand. But how do I know it is the will of God? What is it like to listen to the Lord and discern what to do? It seems to me it is easy to make mistakes in this attempt, that possibility makes me nervous. How do I know it is the Lord who is speaking to me? I have always tended to rely on myself in making decisions rather than on God. I was brought up that way. Sometimes I know what God wants, but when and how should I put it into action? There are many questions for sure, let’s get started to try and get as much clarity in this matter as possible.

As we begin the practical considerations of doing God’s will, it is good to remember that the principle of grace always invites us to make good changes in our life. It is a known principle in the life of grace that God gives sufficient grace for whatever he asks us to do. In view of the original sin of humankind, both personal and social, we tend to our sin and weakness and discover that to do the good is always a struggle. This encounter with the world, the flesh, and the devil the early Church Fathers called spiritual warfare. The psalmist reminds us that our call is to surrender to God and he will do everything for us.

May we turn from evil, learn to do God’s will; the Lord will strengthen us if we obey him. “ If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord he will grant your heart’s desire…commit your life to the Lord, trust in him and he will act so that your justice breaks forth like the light, your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait in patience…Then turn away from evil and do good and you shall have a home forever; for the Lord loves justice and will never forsake his friends”, see Psalm 37: 3-7a.

The areas in our life where it is relatively easy to know God’s will: All Christians know where to go and what to do to find and know what is God’s will and where it is revealed for them. Every Christian needs to be born again from above by water and the Holy Spirit. This experience initiates us into what we know to be life and union with God unto salvation. God reveals himself in a special way through the Old Testament Covenant to the Israelite People. God revealed the natural law as the way he wanted humankind to live. The Old Testament Covenant given to a special people is called the Ten Commandments. Jesus makes it very clear that he did not come to set aside the Old Testament Covenant, but he came to bring it to fulfillment in the New Testament Covenant in his very person through faith in him. The New Testament reveals what Jesus taught and did in his ministry, And his wonderful life culminated in the Paschal Mystery; his Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, and confirmed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Here in lies the vast majority of God’s will for all the Christian People. In our present day and age, it is manifested in various churches and communities. If you really want to know God’s will for your life pray and read the Word of God, both the Old and New Testament. And become very familiar with the authentic teaching of the Christian community within which you were baptized and have made the necessary commitments. Given this reality which is a good thing! It does not completely answer the day by day practical discernment in one’s daily life.

Need patience and good discernment to do God’s will: “Be patient, therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient, make your hearts firm…”, see Ja. 5: 7-9. God wants happiness for all. Yet there is the uncertainty of life, its complete dependence on God, and the necessity of submitting to God’s will to help us know and do God’s will and what is right, you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. In terms of what we are going to do, “If the Lord wills we shall do this or that,” this is the condition we should employ to qualify all our plans.

It is part of the personal vision of our life, which we should consider before making choices and decisions for all our plans. In many ways, it is not that difficult to know God’s will in a given set of circumstances. The important thing is to be prayerfully seeking it. The grace of discernment each Christian receives in baptism and in the actual graces that one has because of their personal relationship with the Lord. These gifts are tremendously helpful in knowing practically what God’s will is in a given situation. The charism of the discernment of spirits aids us in knowing if a desire for a particular action is coming from a selfish part of me, or is a deception or temptation from the evil one, or is coming from an inspiration from God, specifically the Holy Spirit.

“Beloved, do not trust every spirit but put the spirits to a test to see if they belong to God because many false prophets have appeared in the world. This is how you can recognize God’s Spirit: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist which, as you have heard, is to come; in fact, it is in the world already”, see 1 Jn. 4:1-3.

Now here is the “kicker” and presents quite a challenge for one from time to time. Let me give an example here: In the last five years, I have moved every four or five months to a year to different locations eight times. In every one of those situations, by praying and discerning the circumstances I pretty easily received a sense of what the Lord’s will was. However, there are three aspects necessary to know and carry out the will of the Lord in practical ways. The first is to have a moral certitude, a relative certitude or knowledge of what the Lord wants. The second is to know when to put something into action, and the third is how to go about doing it.

For the most part, after embracing the physical and emotional challenge, being in my later years of life, I knew pretty much what the Lord wanted. Because I tend to look to the future a great deal, I would naturally expect a flexible time frame in regard to action. I would usually get a sense that it was time for a partial action. I thought I would hear, or get a sense that the Lord wanted me to pack, it is time to pack! Yes. In over half of the cases I would spend the next two or three months taking items out of storage containers that I needed to use. I really made mistakes in knowing when to move to action. The how is usually a little easier to handle because things in that realm tend to eventually come together. I would say my track record in doing all three aspects of doing the Lord’s will consistently and accurately is not perfect.

Its okay to make mistakes, it doesn’t make the Lord unhappy, but it is personally humiliating, significantly inconvenient, and sometimes costly. The more we practice discernment in knowing and doing God’s will, the better we get at it. The main problem seems to be to learn how to listen to the Lord’s various means of communicating to us.

And by all means, it is important to consult other qualified people about the matter, especially those who are qualified to give good advice and spiritual discernment, at least in important decisions. Also, we need to learn how to let the Lord lead, and then as a humble disciple to follow behind. The Lord will lead and show us what to do if we are patient and give him a chance. “In waiting and in calm is your salvation, in quiet and trust your strength lies.”, see Isaiah 30: 15. A really important thing to keep in mind is that the circumstances of one’s life are a significant way the Lord communicates his will. When we seek and ask him He will give us guidance and direction in regard to the practical doing of God’s will in the practical arena of our reality.

It really is a matter of listening, discerning, and obediently acting in trust and faith. May we return to the wedding feast of Cana. “They have no wine!” This statement was really hard for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On one hand, she was full of compassionate love for the young married couple who were running out of wine. A huge embarrassment! On another level, she knew in her heart discernment that it was time for Jesus to begin his short ministry. It met for her stepping on to the road which would lead to his death. Jesus may have thought to himself, I never do anything unless the Father is working. Jesus says, “woman what is this to you and to me? My hour (his journey to his death and resurrection) has not yet come? Maybe in her heart, she said to the Father, “Oh no Father, please, not now!” Yes, Mary Now! Discerning and knowing what the Father wanted: Mary told the servants, do whatever he tells you! Jesus knew then, this is the will of my Father, and he told the servants to fill up the water jars with water, go and give them to the chief steward. And the water became wine initiating the will of the Father, the beginning of the final years of Jesus historical life on earth.

And the chief steward said this is amazing most guests give the best wine to their guests first, and after the cheaper wine later. But you have saved the best wine until now! God’s will always does it better than our mere human initiative. In this incident, Jesus knew the will of the Father. In Mary’s question, he discerned the time, now! And he knew it and he did it. It is time for me to begin my hour, the short journey on the road to Calvary, and the accomplishment of salvation for humankind! Knowledge, discernment, and action because of the will of the Father, see Jn. 2:1-11. I would very much like to point out that this discernment process was right in the middle of a marriage situation. It wasn’t in a church basement preparing for a catechetical program. Although that also would be a wonderful time to use a practical discernment process.

Discernment is always easier if we have experienced some degree of spiritual renewal and empowerment by the Spirit. In addition to the overall context mentioned above, discernment of God’s will for my life becomes real when it happens within the context of my vocational life. What is the vocation I choose that specifies the journey of my life unto salvation? In this context the discernment of God’s will in my choices and decisions becomes a frequent occurrence; it is helpful if I grow in mature self-knowledge, and learn the method. If I am living a life of prayer, and always strive to hear the voice of the Lord. I will naturally and supernaturally grow mature in knowing, hearing, discerning, and doing the will of God in my life.

May We Pray!

Father, we thank you for the beautiful gift of your merciful love. It is important to us that we know you will, hear your voice, and do what you ask. You have called us at this time in the Church and world to be the disciples and servants of your Son Jesus. Just as you equipped you Son, Jesus with everything that he needed to do your will. We humbly ask you, your weak and humble servants, to live out your will in our life and in the life of my family. Banish fear, laziness, and pride from our lives. And grant to us the gifts which will bring love, joy, and truth to our brothers and sisters. We confidently beseech you these requests in and through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Filed Under: Evangelizing Catholic Culture

Some Women – Episode 2: Gathering for the Gospel

October 24, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Episode 2: Why We Gather as Some Women

In this episode of the Some Women podcast, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share why we gather as Some Women—and how nurturing, sharing, and community are woven into the very nature of womanhood.

Together, they explore how Scripture speaks to women today, the power and purpose of personal testimony, and how sharing our walk with Jesus is one of the most profound forms of evangelization.

“We gather not just to talk about faith, but to live it—together.”

About Magnificat®

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, is an international nonprofit with more than 70 Chapters worldwide. The ministry exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening more fully to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The inspiration for Magnificat® comes from Mary’s words in Luke 1:46 — “My soul magnifies the Lord.” The scene of the Visitation reflects the heart of the ministry: women coming together in faith, joy, and the Holy Spirit.

Through quarterly gatherings that include meals, praise and worship, guest speakers, and powerful testimonies, women (and men) are inspired to deepen their relationship with God in a welcoming, Spirit-filled environment.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, the image of the Church and model for all Christians—especially women.

👉 Visit magnificat-ministry.org to learn more.

Visit, watch, and subscribe to the Some Women podcast on Youtube. Watch Episode 2 here.

About the Some Women Podcast

Who were the women who followed Jesus and His disciples? Why—and how—do we follow and serve Him today?

In this Some Women podcast series, based on Luke 8:1–3, Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion featuring women of faith exploring how to live as disciples in the modern world.

Topics include:

Growing in holiness
Building authentic community
Living a Holy Spirit lifestyle
Spiritual warfare
Nurturing a prayer life
And more—always through the lens of Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives when we let Him!

🎵 Music: The Wild by Bird of Figment — licensed through Epidemic Sound

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast, Some Women® Podcast Tagged With: Catholic community, Catholic discipleship, Catholic podcast for women, Catholic women podcast, Christian testimony, Evangelization, faith sharing, Magnificat Ministry, Mary Mother of God, women in Scripture, women of faith, women’s ministry

Mirror of Scripture (Replay)

October 20, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Mirror of Scripture Episode 261

When was the last time you read a passage in the Bible, and it was as if the Lord was showing you a mirror image? I call that the Mirror of Scripture! In this episode, we’ll look at scripture verses that highlight areas that need our attention.

Visit our sponsor – CTCMath.com, for information about this wonderful math curriculum for kids ages K-12

Everyone wants to hear, “Well done,” or “Great job,” or better yet, “You are on the right track!” Yet, often the response we get when praying is silence. A silence of mind and of our hearts. How are we doing in our spiritual walk, and what does the Lord have to say to us in the words of scripture?

When we least expect it we hear God, it can be in reading a Scripture verse that we feel is powerful or just for us. Or, it can be in the words of a friend or something we hear at Church, maybe in a sermon but often in the Word being read. At my church, we hear readings from the Old and New Testaments each week. The readings may be ones I’ve read many times before yet they are powerful, and more so when it hits me as if a mirror is held up and I see my reflection.

Spiritual Mirror

I can say with assurance that many of us do not like what we see in the mirror. In fact, we possibly avoid looking into it other than getting ready for our day, in the morning. A mirror shows all of our flaws, the spots on our faces, the bad hair day, or other things we’d rather not address. By looking in the mirror we see how we look to the world.

Having a good body image and being happy with our own worth, inside and out is important. The point I’m making is that as a mirror shows our flaws and imperfections so too does a spiritual mirror. It shows us areas of faith we should work on to gain a better sense of where we are going. Hopefully toward a deeper faith.

Mirror of Scripture

Matthew 5:14-18 (Read on air.) ¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I love this verse! There is a Bible Song, “This Little Light of Mine,” we taught our children, and they sang it at Bible camp. It further illustrates that the light of Christ should shine through us to others. Alone we do not shine light but with God we do, and if we have this holy light we have work to do for the Kingdom.

If we hide our light we are not sharing the good news. God knows our situation, He knows what is happening in our lives. He understands our trials and He doesn’t call us to do anything He is not preparing us for ahead of time. A friend of mine didn’t want to embrace faith strongly because he was afraid God would send him to Africa on the mission field. He was a doctor, and he was seriously worried about this! But, when he finally opened his heart to the Lord, He was ready to go anywhere God called him. He and his wife lead our prayer group for many years, and they are some of our closest friends. God never did lead him to the mission field, but God allowed him to pray with his patients and at times allowed healing.

What is the weakness of our lives? Do we make excuses so that we don’t have to go to the mission field as well? Opening our hearts to God allows Him and only Him to work in our lives in a powerful way if we allow Him.

James 1: 22-24 (Read on air)

²²But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.^[a] ²³For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.

Powerful! We can be doers with the grace of God, and His providence. Friends, God so loves you. And we can spread that love to others. Today I was at a store and something I purchased was way cheaper than I expected. I told the lady checking me out that God was blessing me. I hadn’t paid too much attention to her, other than to say hi and ask how she was since I was busy loading up the items on the conveyer belt. When she smiled back at me after hearing me say, God was blessing me she said, “I wake up each day and thank God for it, each and every day.” As I looked at her, I was smiling and agreeing with a hearty, Amen! This lady was missing some teeth and fairly elderly, and working, but praising God.

Some of us have harder lives than others and yet if we can praise God in the midst of our trials that is using our lives in a positive way.

By looking at Scripture as a mirror, exposing our shortcomings and ways we have not pleased God, we can offer this to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose and that is to change. By continuing to show God we are dooers not just listeners we can better align our will to His. This week your challenge is to pray to the Lord before you read the Scriptures. Ask Him to use the Word to be a mirror. Let this help you grow closer to Him and in your faith. I will do this as well. May God bless you today and always.

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Filed Under: A Few Minutes With God Tagged With: a few minutes with god, faith, prayer, Scripture

Testimony of Tracy Riffon: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and the Holy Spirit | Magnificat® Podcast

October 17, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

In this powerful Magnificat Ministry® Podcast episode, we share the heartfelt story of Tracy Riffon, whose journey of faith was shaped by both hardship and hope. Raised in a military family marked by frequent moves and her father’s struggle with bipolar disorder, Tracy’s early years were filled with instability and fear. Despite these challenges, she carried within her a deep desire for peace and a growing curiosity about God.

As a teenager, Tracy made choices she later regretted, but God continued to draw her closer. Her true spiritual transformation began in college when she met her future husband.

During their marriage preparation, the couple attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar—an experience that forever changed her life. Tracy was baptized in the Holy Spirit, entered the Catholic faith, and began a new life centered on Christ. Together, she and her husband raised four children, walking in faith and love.

🎧 Listen to the Testimony of Tracy Riffon Now:
This 29-minute testimony was recorded at the Magnificat Morgantown, WV Chapter in June 2025.

💜 Learn More:
To discover more inspiring stories and resources from Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, visit www.magnificat-ministry.org.

🛍️ Visit the Magnificat Store:
Looking for faith-filled gifts and resources? Browse rosaries, jewelry, apparel, books, statues, CDs, and study programs such as the Life in the Spirit Seminar and Growth in the Spirit Series at store.magnificat-ministry.net.

🙏 Join Our Community:
Thank you for being part of our Magnificat network of listeners. Please share this episode with a friend and leave a review on Apple Podcasts—your feedback helps us reach more women with stories of faith, hope, and renewal.

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Filed Under: Magnificat Ministry Podcast Tagged With: baptized in the Holy Spirit, Catholic conversion story, Catholic women faith stories, Catholic women testimonies, Christian women podcast, Holy Spirit transformation, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Magnificat Ministry, Magnificat podcast, Morgantown WV Chapter, Tracy Riffon testimony

Mega Planning (Special Replay)

October 8, 2025 by radioadmin Leave a Comment

Season of Joy! Mega Planning ~ Episode 24

Ready to get your life organized, it is time for mega planning. It is a season of joy, no matter what time of the year, but more so near the holidays. With this season comes stress! One of the best ways to relieve stress is to plan and get ahead of your busy schedule. In this episode, we will look at to organize your time so you have more time for your family.

Thanks to our sponsor — Media Angels, Inc.

We can not get back the time we do not spend with our kids. If we have the cleanest home or the best meals and find we are not spending time with our kids then the question to ask yourself is what is more important. Let’s begin with those questions first:

I am a planner? Yes or No?
I have a daily check-off list and prepare it the night before.
At the end of the day, I am happiest when_________.
If I do not complete this one task I feel like I have not accomplished much _________.
I put my husband and kids first: A. All the time B. Most of the time. C. After I finish my to-do list. D. Sadly I don’t.

Look over those questions and think about it. I don’t believe anyone purposely neglects their family to have a clean house or get the laundry done, but I have been guilty of allowing the kids to watch a movie so that I could get things completed when they were younger. My kids never took the long naps other moms talked about, and often I would clean up and they would proceed to mess up the house again. So, how do you stay ahead?

With prayer. Prayer is the one force in my life that I can say has kept me solidly balanced. It is the one thing that is first on my to-do list, especially now that my kids are older. However, in this simple planner, I want to share with you that I created, you will find you can easily organize your life with one sheet of paper.

I like to see a year at a glance. Mega planning begins with an overview. What dates can you fill-in?

Birthdays
Major holidays – will you plan to take time off?
Special days such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, etc.
Vacations or Family Plans such as family reunions, anniversaries, etc.
School dates and vacations

You can do this online in a free calendar that is provided by Gmail – or perhaps on your phone – or better yet, synch the too.

Once you have an overview of your year you can look at each month. My printed calendar is a month at a glance. I first look at a monthly planner and place all of the important dates on the calendar.

Place the following on your calendar:

Church and events.
Any dates for appointments that are upcoming.
Kids schedule – any events, sports, lessons
Date night (yes! plan it even if it is at home)
Household

Four Square Planner – Mega Planning Fine Tuned:

Once you get your overview laid out you can begin fine-tuning the day. One of the quickest ways to do this is with the Four Square Planner. I love to take a piece of paper and divide it in four. Faith | Kids | School | Household

Take each one of these to quickly make plans for the day.

Faith: Under faith, list ways that you pray, read the Bible, go to church, etc.
Kids: Under kids list things they have to do that day. Chores, lessons, etc.
School: Times, what needs to be done?
Household: Groceries, meals, cleaning, shopping?

Here is a sample and a blank to give you an idea of how to use it: 4-Square-Planner-MediaAngelsInc.

You can add to your main 4-square planner day to day if you do not have many things going on or actually use one for each day. It is the way I plan birthday parties, kids sporting events, the podcasts I record, and more! It is also the way I plan my mega shopping or mega cooking days. I consolidate to a date and time so that I am not overwhelmed.

If you can do this your life will be so much easier! It puts your to-do list in priorities. In fact, one of my friends calls this the priority planner! It is wonderful and so helpful. It is the way I keep my life organized. I hope it helps you in your life as well!

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Filed Under: One More Child Podcast Tagged With: holiday planning, planning

Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Overcome Daily Struggles Episode 52

Overcome Daily Struggles

Scriptures Show Us How To Overcome Daily Struggles

Let’s Pray for help for help to Overcome Daily Struggles:

From Walls of Anxiety to Waves of Praise

In this deeply moving testimonial, Gail O’Brien takes listeners on a chronological journey through her life, illustrating how God repeatedly went before her—even during a year-long period of self-proclaimed atheism.

Gail discusses growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, as a profoundly shy child.

Notable Scripture Quotes Referenced

Magnificat® Ministry Presents Magnificat® Proclaims, Episode 20, Deacon David Hockwalt — Surviving Change with Faith in God’s Plan

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?

Then he tells on his own formation.

That’s where St. Agatha comes in.

Key quotes

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

The Gift of Humility ~ 344

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Praise and Worship

Watch on YouTube

Quotes

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Trusting God in Every Chapter of Life with Yvette Helfers

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

Memorable Quote

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

What Does It Mean to Live on Purpose for God?

God Created You for a Purpose

Choose God Every Day

God’s Plan Isn’t Finished

5 Simple Ways to Live God’s Purpose Every Day

Living on Purpose Isn’t About Perfection

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode

In This Episode

A Question to Consider

Fr. Tom: Let Simeon’s Prayer Be Our Prayer

Fr. Tom then turns the scene toward the listener.

Quotes

Scripture & liturgy references

Nine Homilies with Fr. Tom Sparacino— Living in the Heart of Christ

Throughout the series, Fr. Tom repeatedly returns to the central truth that Jesus desires to dwell in the temple of our hearts.

A recurring theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the refuge where every burden, fear, and sorrow finds rest.

The homilies also challenge listeners to confront the obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.

Highlights

Journaling: Proof That God Answers Prayers

Key Takeaways

Scripture Referenced

Quotable

Sponsors

Connect

Call to Action

Magnificat Presents Some Women Understanding Divorce

Shownotes:

Watch Episode 21 on YouTube

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World, Call to Holiness

Homily given by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon

Key Takeaways

For Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

What Floats Your Boat with the CST

The Spirit of Offense with Dr. Carol Razza, Part Two

Examination of Conscience

What is an examination of conscience?

Why we avoid examining our conscience

How to examine your conscience — five steps

What Scripture says about examining yourself

A short prayer to examine your conscience

Frequently asked questions

Related episodes from A Few Minutes with God

Why Catholics Choose Life | Magnificat Ministry, Some Women Podcast

Getting out of the Boat with Dr. Carol Razza

Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

Episode 22

Fr. Tom Sparacino: Let the Hot Coals Touch Your Heart

Preached on the memorial of St. Agatha, as the group prepares to go ashore for a day of mission, this homily asks a plain question: what are we actually equipped with?