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Say Yes to Holiness--Catholic Saints in Training: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Christina Semmens
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- 5 days ago38 min
Episode #262--"Hope Springs Eternal"--1:1 with Paul McCusker, Senior Director of Creative Content, Augustine Institute
In this engaging 1:1 interview, Christina Semmens sit down with Paul McCusker, Senior Director of Creative Content for the Augustine Institute, a seasoned storyteller and Catholic convert. Paul shares his journey from evangelical roots to Catholicism, as well as his creative process and the inspiration behind his latest series 'Welcome to Hope Springs.' In this Say Yes to Holiness episode, we discover how storytelling can deepen our faith, help us explore spiritual themes, and also inspire the next generation.Conversation Themes:Paul's spiritual journey from Baptist to CatholicThe role of storytelling and audio dramas in faith The development, purpose, and impact of 'Hope Springs' series Sound Bites:"The Catholic imagination is so much bigger.""Saints obeyed even when they felt crazy.""Music and history inspire my storytelling.""There's a million reasons to become Catholic""God knows me and loves me in spite of myself"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paul McCusker and His Journey02:37 The Intersection of Writing and Spirituality05:11 Transitioning to Catholicism and Its Impact on Creativity07:55 The Genesis of Hope Springs10:39 Exploring the Themes of Hope Springs13:25 The Resurgence of Audio Dramas16:20 The Future of Hope Springs and Its Impact18:51 Personal Reflections on Storytelling and Faith
- 1 weeks ago22 min
Episode #261--"Finding Purpose & Joy in the Easter Season"
In this episode, Christina reflects on her recent projects, upcoming travels, and how the Easter season invites us to deepen our faith, love, and purpose. Listen now to discover practical spiritual practices, powerful stories, and biblical insights to transform your perspective and life.Main Topics:Christina’s recent book release, Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time and reflections on other work associated with the Catholic Leadership Puzzle platformThe spiritual significance of the Easter season and its call to loving God and neighborHow to navigate grief, fear, and darkness through faith and hopeThe importance of community, discernment, and relational listening in leadershipStories of faith and hope from history, including St. John Vianney, Midori Nagai, and Pope Leo XIVPractical tips for praying the Rosary and embracing the victory of Christ over deathEncouragement to share your faith story and testify to God’s wondrous deedsPreparing for Pentecost and receiving Easter graces through open hands and heartsMay this episode inspire you to embrace the joy, hope, and life that the risen Christ offers us this Easter season. Open your hands, trust in God’s goodness, and share your faith story with the world so that together, we can tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”Chapters and Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and recent updates on Christina’s projects01:01 - Celebrating the release of “Solving the Parish Puzzle”02:26 - The link between personal holiness and community mission03:23 - Baptismal leadership: priest, prophet, king roles04:21 - Christina’s upcoming travel and reflection plans05:17 - Reflection on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence06:14 - Conversation with Paul McCusker about storytelling and faith07:11 - Inspiration from the story of Midori Nagai and hope after tragedy08:11 - How spending life for God reveals beauty in the world09:10 - Grieving loss while trusting in Christ’s victory over death10:10 - The Easter message: death has been overcome11:10 - Embracing death as a friend, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi12:10 - Loving life and living fully through faith and joy13:07 - The example of Mary’s journey of loving and desiring God only14:25 - Small steps to prioritize God in our daily lives15:50 - The call to declare God’s deeds and share our testimony16:48 - The mission each of us is called for, inspired by St. Joan of Arc17:45 - The power of personal stories to bear witness to God’s love19:20 - The importance of prayer, especially the Rosary, for peace and joy20:16 - Practical advice for starting or deepening Rosary prayer21:15 - The spiritual significance of trusting in Mary’s intercession22:42 - Encouragement to keep praying and trusting in God’s goodness23:20 - The cycle of loving, receiving, and giving life in Christ24:17 - Preparing for Pentecost and receiving Easter grace24:44 - Closing prayers and encouragement to keep trusting in God’s planResources and Links:Christina Semmens BooksSolving the Parish PuzzleWelcome to Hope Springs SeriesPope Leo XIIISt. Joan of ArcFulton SheenRosary ResourcesWebsiteTwitterFacebookConnect with Christina: Schedule a FREE 20 minut
- Feb 13, 202631 min
Episode #260--"Helping Your Marriage Flourish"--1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens sits down to speak with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director of the Couple to Couple League (CCL) about ways to help your marriage flourish. To that end, we specifically focused upon the fertility awareness and the Peak Day app, a Catholic fertility and period tracking application. They discuss the risks associated with mainstream fertility apps, and how the Peak Day app empowers women and couples to take charge of their reproductive health. The conversation also highlights the significance of open communication between mothers and daughters regarding fertility, the role of Natural Family Planning (NFP) in strengthening marriages, and the resources available through the Fertility Science Institute. Katie shares her faith journey and the challenges and rewards of her work in promoting restorative reproductive medicine.TakeawaysFertility awareness improves communication and strengthens marriages. The Peak Day app is designed to empower women in tracking their fertility.Mainstream fertility apps often contain immoral content and hidden dangers.Open communication about fertility is crucial between mothers and daughters.Restorative reproductive medicine offers a natural alternative to IVF.The discipline of tracking fertility can lead to significant rewards.The Fertility Science Institute provides valuable resources for families.Women should be aware of the risks associated with using secular fertility apps.The Peak Day app integrates with wearable technology for better tracking.Everyone deserves access to accurate and supportive fertility resources. Sound Bites“A healthy cycle is a sign of health.”“Everyone needs to hear about this app.”“The discipline of NFP has huge rewards.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Peak Day and Katie Zulanas’ Faith Journey02:47 The Importance of Fertility Awareness05:28 Risks of Mainstream Fertility Apps07:59 Overview of Peak Day App Features10:32 Empowering Conversations Between Mothers and Daughters13:24 The Role of NFP in Strengthening Marriages15:53 Resources and Support from Fertility Science Institute18:24 The Need for Restorative Reproductive Medicine21:04 Challenges and Rewards in the Work23:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
- Jan 31, 202625 min
Episode #259--"Embracing the Cross--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this episode, Christina Semmens shares insights on how to deepen your prayer life, embrace the Cross, and live out the Gospel with purpose and hope. She invites listeners into a meaningful Lenten journey centered on Scripture, virtue, and community, emphasizing that holiness is a daily choice rooted in God’s grace.TakeawaysUsing the Particular Examen guided by the five wounds of Jesus to confront hidden faults and sinsThe importance of daily dialogue with the Word of God and how Scripture breathes life into our soulsVirtues inspired by the saints, like humility, poverty, patience, and obedience, and how to cultivate themThe significance of loving the Cross in small, everyday ways by trusting in God’s planThe role of righteous anger and prayer in responding to injustice without divisionHow baptism and the Holy Spirit empower us as priests, prophets, and kings to bring Christ into our daily livesPractical steps to begin loving the Cross, bearing suffering with faith, and finding joy amidst trialsRecognizing that each person’s path to holiness is unique, guided by the Holy SpiritTimestamps00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the Lent journey 00:28 - Announcing the Say Yes to Holinessonline retreat 00:57 - UsingRooting Out Hidden Faults for spiritual growth 1:21 - TheParticular Examen and its focus on Jesus’ wounds 2:16 - Gratitude and review as tools for prayer 3:13 - Addressing the seven deadly sins through Scripture 4:08 - Pope Francis on making Sunday a day rooted in God’s Word 5:05 - Meditating on Scripture beyond Mass 6:02 - The living nature of God’s Word and its ongoing relevance 7:28 - Continuing the dialogue with Jesus throughout the day 8:44 - The importance of making space for God’s Word daily 9:45 - St. Ignatius of Loyola’s call to live for God’s glory 10:40 - Baptismal call to holiness and present in every moment 11:39 - Responding to injustice with prayer and Righteous Anger 12:42 - The Holy Spirit within us and our divine calling 13:17 - The nonviolent power of Christ’s sacrifice 14:17 - Embracing peace and hope through the Holy Spirit 15:39 - Virtues of humility, patience, obedience taught by St. Anthony 16:34 - The diversity of paths to holiness guided by the Holy Spirit 17:22 - The common traits of saints and how love unites us 18:09 - Love does—how Christian love manifests in action (Bob Goff) 18:57 - Allowing the Spirit to guide our words and actions 19:13 - Rooting in prayer, sacraments, and virtue for a holy life 20:09 - Responding to injustice with humility and prayer 21:08 - The importance of righteous anger guided by the Holy Spirit 21:36 - Avoiding division and trusting in God’s truth 22:09 - Comparing ourselves only to Jesus, not others 22:52 - The one path to holiness: your unique journey 23:21 - Loving the Cross through acceptance and trust in God 23:50 - Carrying suffering with love and presence of Christ 24:33 - Embracing pain as part of God’s divine plan 25:32 - Finding goodness and truth in suffering 26:17 - The journey from bearing to loving the Cross 27:14 - Trusting God to bring joy and purpose through suffering 28:11 - Mary as our model of faithful acceptance 28:52 - Asking Our Lady and saints to guide us in carrying crosses 29:21 - Closing prayer, encouragement, and invitation to the Lent retreatResources and LinksRooting Out Hidden Faults, How the Particular Examine Conquers Sin by Father James McElhoneySay Yes to Holiness (Substack platform)Love Does by Bob GoffSt. Ignatius of LoyolaSt. Anthony of PaduaTwitterWebsiteJoin the Lent Online Retreat:Send a message to Christina at:
- Jan 24, 202631 min
Episode #258--"Creating Sacred Spaces: The Mission of Grand Coteau"--Say Yes to Holiness podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens speaks with Father Patrick Hough, SJ from the Grand Coteau Retreat Center. Father Patrick shares his faith journey as a Jesuit priest, the importance of spiritual retreats, and the transformative experiences they offer. He discusses the role of the retreat center in fostering spiritual growth and community, the challenges and rewards of ministry, and the future of the retreat center. The conversation emphasizes the need for a welcoming environment for retreats and the significance of trusting in God’s plan.TakeawaysFather Patrick has been a Jesuit priest for 14 years and is about to celebrate his final vows.The Grand Coteau Retreat Center has transitioned from a novitiate to a retreat center for laypeople.Spiritual retreats are essential for personal growth and deepening one’s faith.Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for the success of retreats.The transformative power of retreats can lead to profound changes in individuals’ lives.Father Patrick emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan during challenging times.The retreat center aims to support families and individuals in their spiritual journeys.Father Patrick’s experience highlights the need for ongoing spiritual direction and growth.The retreat center has seen an increase in participation and interest from various groups.Father Patrick encourages listeners to commit to their faith journey despite challenges.Sound Bites“It’s evangelical to follow Christ.”“What we offer is faith filled and beautiful.”“You have to practice what you preach.”“The spiritual life is one of opening and growth.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Father Patrick Hough, SJ02:43 Father Patrick’s Faith Journey05:23 The Role of the Grand Coteau Retreat Center08:19 The Importance of Spiritual Retreats11:14 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Retreats14:00 The Transformative Power of Retreats16:43 Challenges and Rewards in Ministry19:12 The Future of the Retreat Center22:05 Final Thoughts and EncouragementFor more information on the Grand Coteau Retreats, go to: https://www.gcretreats.org/
- Jan 8, 202625 min
Episode #257--"Embracing New Beginnings: Setting Priorities for the Year"
In this podcast episode, Christina Semmens discusses the importance of setting priorities for the new year, focusing on our true worth as God’s creations, and the necessity of silence and reflection in our lives. She emphasizes living justly and impartially towards others and the role of suffering in achieving personal growth and virtue. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God and to strive for a more just and loving world.TakeawaysWe should focus on one priority this year: love.Our true worth is defined by God, not by others.Silence is essential for discernment and reflection.Justice requires us to treat others as we wish to be treated.Suffering can lead to personal growth and virtue.We must strive to be the change we want to see.God is always present, even in difficult times.Living justly means understanding individual needs.Perseverance is key to achieving our goals.Our witness can inspire others to persevere.Sound Bites“We are God’s beloved sons and daughters.”“You need to be the change that you wish to see.”“God is always with you, never forget that.”Chapters00:00 New Beginnings: Embracing the New Year02:42 Understanding Our True Worth05:21 The Importance of Silence and Reflection08:24 Living Justly: The Call to Justice11:05 The Role of Suffering in Growth13:41 The Pursuit of Virtue and Love16:38 The Crown of Eternal Life: Perseverance and Hope
- Dec 20, 202536 min
Episode #256--"Don't Let Anxiety Define You"--1:1 with Dr Rachael Popcak Isaac, Mental Performance Specialist, Success & Performance Coaching
During the holiday season, there can be SUPER high anxiety. If you dread the holidays, or can’t wait for them to be over, then this Say Yes to Holiness podcast episode is definitely for you. Christina Semmens sits down for a deep conversation with Rachael Popcak Isaac, a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist of Success and Performance Coaching at CatholicCounselors.com. Dr. Rachael (Popcak) Isaac, LCSW, CPT is the founder and director of the Success and Performance Coaching Program at CatholicCounselors.com. She holds a Psychology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a focus on success and sports psychology, Rachael has coached individuals, teams, and organizations from high school to the professional level.Together, Christina and Rachael explore the integration of faith with mental performance, the importance of understanding confidence and humility, and effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Rachael also shares her personal journey and insights on how a faith-based approach can enhance counseling and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one’s worth and purpose in life. Their discussion concludes with highlighting transformative practices and mindsets that can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.TakeawaysRachel Isaac is a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist.She integrates faith with mental performance in her counseling.Confidence is about knowing who you are, not comparing yourself to others.Stress and anxiety management are common struggles for clients.Faith is integral to personal identity and counseling effectiveness.Understanding our worth is crucial for personal growth.Connecting with our passions and desires is essential.Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation is important.Visualization techniques can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.Building a supportive community is key to emotional well-being.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling and Mental Performance04:46 Integrating Faith and Mental Performance Counseling09:54 Understanding Confidence and Humility14:58 Managing Stress and Anxiety20:09 The Importance of Faith in Counseling24:53 Finding Peace and Purpose in Life29:57 Transformative Practices and Mindsets34:59 Conclusion and ResourcesFor more information on Dr Rachael and her work, go to: https://catholiccounselors.com/success-and-performance-coaching/
- Dec 13, 202523 min
Episode #255--"Embracing Your Advent Journey"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Advent season, emphasizing the importance of preparation, silence, and the role of Mary in guiding us towards Jesus. She encourages listeners to embrace the waiting period of Advent, to be present in their lives, and to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The discussion also highlights the need for silence in order to hear God’s voice and the importance of responding with kindness and love during the holiday season. Ultimately, Christina calls for a joyful and peaceful approach to Christmas, focusing on the true meaning of the season.TakeawaysAdvent is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas.Being present is essential to receiving God’s gifts.Silence allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly.Mary plays a crucial role in leading us to Jesus.We should focus on experiences rather than material gifts.Joy comes from a deep awareness of God’s presence.Responding with kindness can prevent misunderstandings.The rosary helps us connect with Jesus through Mary.We must open our hearts to receive the Lord.Christmas should be celebrated with peace and joy.Sound Bites“We have to be present in order to receive.”“Take a beat before responding.”“Mary always points us to her Son.”Chapters00:00 Advent: A Time of Waiting and Preparation02:32 The Importance of Presence and Silence08:10 Joy in Advent: Embracing Silence and Awareness12:36 The Power of Silence in Communication17:39 Mary’s Role in Advent and Discipleship
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About Say Yes to Holiness--Catholic Saints in Training
Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to inspire, encourage and nourish future saints on the journey to holiness while finding purpose, peace and abundance in the midst of daily life.
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