Not Lukewarm, a new podcast with Deanna Bartalini – There are many voices asking to be heard in this world today. Some are the voices of those we know and love – family and friends, those we serve in ministry, those we care about. There are other voices as well – cultural icons, sports figures, politicians, clergy, authors – all asking us for our time so that they can tell us their point of view and possibly sway us to what they believe.

I am not here to sway anyone into what I believe. I am here to tell you what the Church teaches and how I live it out in my daily life. I live it out as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, friend, teacher, seeker of truth, beauty and goodness, sometimes saint and sometimes sinner; but always focusing my eyes on Jesus. Except when I can’t face him because I’ve fallen into that last category. Then I ask forgiveness and remember God’s mercy and know that keeping my eyes on Jesus is the most important thing.

For many years, I have served in both paid and volunteer ministry in the Church, mostly in Florida where I moved to after college graduation. My faith is not something that has sustained me only recently, it has been my rock and my fortress for as long as I can remember. As a child, my two favorite places were my local Catholic church and the library. In truth, just add a great coffee shop to the list and you’ve got my top three places today.

Has my faith been tested? Yes and no. You see, my father was always fond of reminding us that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time, clergy included. So, when scandals hit, I was sad and angry. But I knew that it was not God’s fault. I was able to help hurt and confused parents when the bishop was forced to leave the diocese right after he had confirmed their children and then again when the same thing happened after my son’s confirmation.

When my friends have died too soon, leaving husbands without wife and children without mothers, I have mourned but stood fast and helped them embrace their cross as I did mine and move from life into eternal life.

There have been more trials but those are not the only things that have formed me. I was formed by Franciscan priests and brothers, countless orders of sisters, and a few Jesuits. I have learned through books and life experiences; in classrooms giving and receiving instruction; through bible studies and discussion groups.

I cannot count or name all those who I have helped come into the Catholic Church. And I know, that while I may have supplied information, it was the Spirit that led each person. Did every parent keep bringing their child to Mass after First Communion or every youth or adult continue in the faith after their Baptism or Confirmation? I don’t think so.

My goal in this podcast is to give you a glimpse of what it means to be Catholic. Maybe you are seeking answers or clarity. Maybe you want to re-learn the lessons you have forgotten. Maybe you are from the generations who learned little in the aftermath of Vatican II and now you want to know what you didn’t learn. Whatever your reason, join me on the journey.

This week your challenge is to pray a morning offering when you wake up. It can be as simple as, “God, I offer you all that I think, do and say today. Please be with me always.”

Here are some other options:
from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops
from Our Catholic Prayers

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