Practicing Catholic

What do we do when we're called to Christian joy but find ourselves in difficult, frustrating, or even painful circumstances? Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore how Catholics can cultivate joy even when life isn't joyful.



Drawing on the witness of Mother Teresa and St. Maximilian Kolbe, they discuss the power of changing our perspective, seeing Christ in others, surrendering our circumstances to God's providence, and turning outward through gratitude and service. They ultimately offer a simple roadmap for difficult seasons: smile, surrender, and serve.



The episode also answers a listener question about what Scripture means by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.



Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com



Watch Triumph of the Heart on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1507373



Check out the Surrender Novena on the Amen app: https://amenapp.org/prayer/aznmzn

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What can St. Augustine teach us about living a holy life in the modern world? Taylor and Scott welcome Dr. Elizabeth Klein to explore the life, writings, and enduring influence of this great Father and Doctor of the Church. From his conversion and vocation to his love of Scripture, Augustine shows us how holiness grows through saying yes to God, loving the people closest to us, cultivating friendship, and being radically available to those around us.

 

The conversation also explores how Augustine’s thought continues to shape Catholic theology, what we can learn from his approach to Scripture, and how his example can help us resist the egocentrism and isolation of modern life. Plus, the hosts discuss practical ways to pray with Scripture through lectio divina, recommendations for getting started with Augustine’s writings, favorite Bible passages, and personal challenges inspired by the episode.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

 

Listen to the Catholic Saints Podcast: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/podcast/catholic-saints

 

Watch The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Cozzens on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553  

 

Watch Lectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705  

 

Watch an Overview of the Confessions with Dr. Klein and Dr. John Sehorn on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/765930  

 

Take Dr. Klein’s short course on Augustine’s Confessions: https://courses.augustineinstitute.org/courses/the-confessions-of-st-augustine

 

Purchase Dr. Klein’s book, “What Every Catholic Should Know about God”: https://catholic.market/books/god-what-every-catholic-should-know/

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What happens when a family places faith, beauty, and artistic excellence at the center of family life? Taylor Kemp sits down with the Wolavers of the Annie Moses Band to talk about music, parenting, the arts, and their mission to help families raise children who can use their God-given talents for His glory.

 

The conversation explores why the arts matter for evangelization, how parents can introduce music and artistic disciplines to their children, the importance of community and perseverance, and how families can reclaim the arts from a culture of fame and self-promotion. The Wolavers also share practical advice for parents who did not grow up in musical families and reflect on the beauty of building a family tradition together.  

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

 

Watch the Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/226781

 

Watch the Annie Moses Show here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1125806

 

Learn more about the Wolaver family here: https://www.anniemoses.org

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Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, Taylor and Scott reflect on the surprising spiritual lessons they've learned through raising their children. From wonder and joy to honesty, play, fairness, and presence, they explore how children reveal what it means to live a deeply human—and deeply Christian—life. They also answer listener questions about helping teenagers grow in freedom while staying rooted in the faith, and how to persevere in prayer during difficult seasons when God feels distant. Whether you're a parent or not, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing in holiness through the ordinary experiences God places before us. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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What is virtue, and how do we actually become more virtuous? Taylor Kemp sits down with Dr. Joe Scherrer—retired Air Force colonel, leadership coach, and secular Discalced Carmelite—to explore how the habits we practice shape the people we become.

 

Together, they discuss the cardinal and theological virtues, the relationship between prudence and leadership, the need for temperance in everyday life, and why humility is essential for holiness. Dr. Joe Scherrer also offers a practical approach to growth: identify one virtue, practice it through small concrete actions, and cooperate with God’s grace over time.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

 

Learn more about Dr. Joe Sherrer and the Leadership Forge: https://theleadershipforge.com

 

Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637

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