Practicing Catholic

Family tensions, mixed expectations, spiritual pressure, and packed schedules — Christmas can bring joy and stress. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott unpack how to navigate family dynamics during the holidays with gratitude, intentionality, and a deep reliance on God’s grace.They discuss practical strategies for maintaining peace, communicating expectations with loved ones, fostering authentic joy, witnessing the faith without conflict, and keeping prayer at the center of a busy season. With humor, honesty, and pastoral insight, they help listeners enter Christmas prepared to love well – even when things get messy.Plus: family traditions that keep Christ at the center, tips for praying while traveling, and the great Santa/St. Nicholas conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why is waiting so hard—and what is God doing in that waiting? In this Advent episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtues of patience and perseverance, why they matter for the Christian life, and how Advent trains us to grow in them. From parenting struggles to workplace challenges to spiritual dryness, they unpack practical, concrete ways to build these virtues with God’s grace. They also answer audience questions on defending the faith with charity and using medals and sacramentals without superstition. A relatable and hope-filled guide for anyone striving to begin again and stay the course. Be sure to check out The Art of Living video series, coming to Formed in January 2026. Buy The Art of Living here: https://catholic.market/gifts/women/the-art-of-living-the-cardinal-virtues-and-the-freedom-to-love/?srsltid=AfmBOorEU_8H0jDiFN_9f5zw3ktOL75XP-7R9sfRadrDP3IefzC9m4Li Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott welcome Molly Sweeney to explore one of the most essential yet often misunderstood aspects of Catholic spirituality: devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They share their personal journeys with Mary, unpack key Scripture passages—from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana—and explain why every disciple of Jesus is invited into a relationship with His Mother. The conversation touches on common questions about the Rosary, the meaning of Marian intercession, and how Mary continues to guide believers toward her Son. With practical tips for deepening Marian devotion, recommended resources, and honest reflections on family life, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration for anyone seeking to grow closer to Christ through His Mother. Retreats and Conferences at the Augustine Institute: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/about-pages/retreats-and-conferencesLectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705ESV Catholic Edition on Catholic Market: https://catholic.market/bibles/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7H-MLGMFNpqKZA8X1BO8xBunNaqvcUQT1dd3J8i748tAvnihHThe Bible: What Every Catholic Should Know: https://catholic.market/books/the-bible-what-every-catholic-should-know/?searchid=1391521&search_query=the+bible%3A+what+every+ -Get a FREE 7 day trial of Formed  https://watch.formed.org/checkout/subscribe/purchase-Check out the Augustine Institute: https://bit.ly/3i4kXcf Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful.Scott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent experience, while Taylor discusses the challenges of feeling “aimless” during the season and the small commitments that finally brought it to life. Together they explore Advent practices such as the Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, calendars, family devotions, fasting, gratitude, and preparing for Christ by entering into the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Israel’s long-awaited hope.They also tackle audience questions about Christmas music, decorations, parties, Santa vs. St. Nicholas, and the explosion of quirky secular Advent calendars. The episode wraps with their personal Advent challenges—concrete ideas you can adapt for your own home.If you want a more meaningful Advent and a richer Christmas, this episode will help you reclaim the season with purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with Solenne Santiago, a young Catholic from Gen Z, to explore the challenges of growing up in the age of social media, smartphones, and constant connection—yet feeling more isolated than ever. Solenne shares her personal story of faith, how her parents helped her stay rooted in the Church, and practical ways young Catholics can build authentic community and friendships. The conversation dives into the balance between digital life and real presence, the art of conversation, and how faith and parish life can help counter the epidemic of loneliness. Plus, the team previews the Augustine Institute’s new series, How to Advent, with a sneak peek at what’s to come this season! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.