City on a Hill: Kansas City

Andrew & Ellen Holzum sit down with Fr. Mattingly to discuss all the ways they are pursuing Sainthood in Kansas City! They each share how they eventually came to make the faith their own—sending each of them on the pursuit for Catholic community, which they ultimately found in City on a Hill. They both recently decided on a Plan of Life and share the benefits and struggles of sticking to it. Ellen also shares her practice of mental prayer and the personal apostolate she started at the Catholic school where she teaches. Show Notes: - Daily Rosary Podcast - "Rediscover Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly - "Time for God" by Jacques Philippe - "Theology for Beginners" by Frank Sheed

This week, Fr. Mattingly and Taylor Downey sit down with Jordyn Kukla as she shares how the Lord has pursued her heart over the last few years. Hear how Jordyn uncovered her feelings of unworthiness and the way it extended into her life. The promptings of the Lord and those around her pointed her towards a more accurate depiction of how God truly sees her. Jordyn shares the ways she worships the Lord daily and one thing she does to grow in humility that may surprise you! This episode is packed full of goodness and one you do not want to miss! Show Notes: - “Be Healed” by Bob Schuts - Maverick City Music - SPO (Saint Paul’s Outreach)

We are back with Season 4 of the City on a Hill Podcast! Kicking off the first episode is Dr. Luke Murray! He is the headmaster at Chesterton Academy in Kansas City! He shares how he first had an intellectual conversion during his early years of college, which was later followed by a heart conversion while attending Steubenville. Dr. Luke shares what lead him to his current position at Chesterton Academy and his heart behind it. If you are interested learning more about classical education, Dr. Luke and Fr. Mattingly discuss the differences between a modern education and the Chesterton model. He also shares the need for this form of education in our society today and the skills that it equips students with to not only benefit them in their professional lives, but set them on a path to Sainthood. Show Notes: - Mount Angel Seminary - “The Everlasting Man” (1993) by G.K. Chesterton - Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri: Kansas City

As many may know, City on a Hill has been led by Father Andrew Mattingly as Director & Chaplain of City on a Hill since the summer of 2016. Through mutual discernment with Bishop Johnston and Fr. Mattingly, in the summer of 2021 City on a Hill became its own, independent lay apostolate. In light of this shift, one of the next goals was for the newly formed board of directors to hire a full-time lay director. It is only fitting that a lay apostolate would be led by a lay director, allowing an assigned chaplain to spend time bringing the Sacraments to the young adults and allowing a lay director to inspire the mission of young adults! Catherine shares her testimony and how the Lord has been ever present in her life since a young age. Learn how Catherine shares her gifts to inspire those around her. She dives deep into what it means to seek healing in the Lord and how to identify charisms in others. Catherine also shares some of her favorite books and resources to continue to grow and learn more about the Catholic faith daily. Continue to pray for Catherine as she begins her new role as Director of City on a Hill!  Show Notes: - "Interior Freedom" by Jacques Philippe - "I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux" by Jean C. J. d'Elbee - "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis - Benedictine College - The Avila Institute: School of Spiritual Formation

Jeff Shields sits down with Fr. Mattingly to chat about how his faith has been strengthened over the years. Jeff shares how he is striving for holiness on a daily basis by acknowledging that every person we encounter is a child of God. Changing his perspective has deepened his own faith and relationships with those around him. Show Notes:  - Tuesdays at the Boulevard : 6 times a year, 200+ young adults attend Mass together, complete with beautiful music. Following Mass, we walk across the parking lot Boulevard Brewery and it costs $15 for Waldo pizza and Boulevard beer. Check out the link for more information!  - Band of Brothers is a community of men who meet regularly in small groups to hold each other accountable in pursuing holiness in the modern world. Email bandofbrothers.coah@gmail.com if you have questions or want to sign up.

Madison Allen shares her journey with Christ as he revealed himself to her in a number of unique experiences. She speaks about her time of discernment and what it was like to transition back to “normal” life after living at the Madonna House in Ontario, Canada for a brief time (an apostolate of a Catholic community of men, women and priests, dedicated to loving and serving Jesus Christ in all aspects of everyday life). Madison continues to serve those around her in the little ways and by bringing Christ to those who may be lonely. She is continually on mission to do what delights the heart of the Father. Show Notes:  - Essence of Prayer by Ruth Burrows - The Community of the Lamb in Kansas City - 33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr. Michael Gaitley - The Madonna House 

After a few impactful experiences in his classical high school education & Great Books program, Gabe LeBeau started on an intellectual pursuit which lead him to want to study philosophy at Benedictine College in Kansas. Most people are drawn to one of the transcendentals—truth, beauty, and goodness. Gabe realized he specifically encounters the Lord through pursuing Truth, which has guided him along the way. After College, Gabe has since moved to Kansas City and is currently studying to be a doctor at KU Med. He is pursuing a path to Sanctity through the medical field and with the intent to regain the integrity of the medicine. Gabe shares how conversations with his peers in med school have allowed him to dive into Catholic principles, appealing to them through the transcendentals. Show Notes: - City of the Lord – Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community - The Republic by Plato - Benedictine College in Atchison, KS - Opus Dei Men's Recollection - Catholic Medical Student Association at KU Medical - Confessions by St. Augustine

Kendall Nick shares how just a few moments of courage set her on a path of healing and began to transform her relationship with Jesus Christ. Once she started talking to God as a friend, her relationship with Christ became more intimate and personal, which ever so subtly began to change her life. Kendall is actively pursuing sainthood by living out the words of Mother Teresa, “Do small things with great love.” Kendall shares how Feeding Homeless Friends got started, a personal apostolate she began which serves those in the River Market area in Kansas City every other Friday night. They bring food, clothes, consistency and comfort to those who lack it. They have built friendships, shared stories, and are impacting lives just by showing up. To learn more or get involved with Kendall’s ministry, check out the Show Notes! Show Notes: - Feeding Homeless Friends

Sam and Adrienne Volkmer chat about their lives in Kansas City since moving here, meeting each other while on a run, getting married, and starting their family. They both share similar stories from living their faith lukewarm to being surrounded by people who encouraged them to pursue Christ on a more intimate level. They are currently striving for holiness by praying with scripture, saying a daily rosary, and praying together as a couple. They also discuss the apostolate of the dinner table and Fr. Mattingly gives important insight on having intentional conversations. Show Notes:  - University of Nebraska Lincoln Newman Center  - Band of Brothers is a community of men who meet regularly in small groups to hold each other accountable in pursuing holiness in the modern world. Email bandofbrothers.coah@gmail.com if you have questions or want to sign up.  - Sisterhood is focused on building authentic, feminine friendships centered on Christ. Each group is unique in the content they choose and the frequency with which they meet! Email sisterhoodkc@gmail.com to learn more or find a group!  - Catholic Challenge Sports, often called CCS, is more than a sports league. CCS challenges you to connect mind, body, and soul. Check out a seasonal sports league or sign up for a 1-day tournament! - In Conversation with God

Jessica Le grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and shares how a few positive peer influences growing up nudged her to seek out the faith on a deeper level. By making a conscious effort to just show up, Jess was amazed how the Lord worked in her life during college and continues to do so. She has made a conscious effort to have a personal encounter with each person she interacts with daily and shares practical tips on how to do so. Jessica chats with Fr. Mattingly and Taylor Downey about how to stay strong in your faith through big life transitions, specifically going from college to adult life. They discuss the importance of seeking out opportunities and finding community. Show Notes:  - “Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose” By Matthew Kelly - Catholic Challenge Sports (CCS)

Jarrad Condreay grew up in a Catholic family in Wichita. Although he had great faith formation growing up, he began to question his faith when his family faced some difficult challenges during his sophomore year of college. After realizing it was faith that got them through it, he began to seek more involvement in Catholic community. After discovering City on a Hill, Jarrad has gotten involved in a variety of ways—pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Jarrad is on the hospitality team, was the Mass Hospitality lead for City Lights 2021, and leads a Band of Brothers group. Jarrad and Fr. Mattingly discuss the need to go from being a “comfortable Catholic” to putting yourself out there and digging deeper into community. They also discuss the benefits of frequent confession and how specificity in confession can fuel humility. Show Notes: - “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis - Band of Brothers is a community of men who meet regularly in small groups to hold each other accountable in pursuing holiness in the modern world. Email bandofbrothers.coah@gmail.com if you have questions or want to sign up. - Sisterhood is focused on building authentic, feminine friendships centered on Christ. Each group is unique in the content they choose and the frequency with which they meet! Email sisterhoodkc@gmail.com to learn more or find a group! - KC Underground

NOTICE: CONTENT NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN (i.e. mentions masturbation) As a young girl, Abbey Foard longed for the fullness of life. She shares her powerful story of healing from sexual sins and finding freedom in the truth. She became Catholic shortly before recording this podcast and shares how she went from the Christian charismatic world to finding stability in the Sacraments. Rather than relying on a feeling, she liked that they are “guaranteed touch-points to heaven” and is finding new life in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Abbey is now helping others on their own paths to healing and finding freedom in their sexuality through her work as a counselor. She also serves as the Executive Director for Desert Stream/Living Waters. To learn more about this ministry, check out the show notes below! Show Notes: - Desert Stream / Living Waters Ministries : provides help for Christians struggling with sexual and relational problems. Their help is based on the biblical foundation of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God. Living Waters is a closed group for men and women seeking healing in their lives through weekly times of worship, teaching, and small group prayer with the goal to pray for God’s healing to restore broken areas of life so that people can “love well” as God intended. For more information or to get connected with the ministry, check out their website and social channels below! - Website   - Instagram 

Michael and Gina Tinio are truly on fire for their faith in Kansas City! They met at the one and only Kanza Hall, a country dance hall in Overland Park! Their meeting was truly a work of the Holy Spirit and a beautiful start to their vocation of marriage. Both Gina and Michael have had strong role models in their life who set the example in living out the Catholic faith. Michael and Gina share a glimpse into how their pursuit of holiness has guided their marriage—for example, making daily mass a priority has made all the difference. Show Notes: - "Emotional Virtue" by Sarah Swafford - Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan - FOCUS Conferences - Totus Tuus - City Lights Gala - Daily Rosary Podcast

Jack Oxley grew up in Kansas City in a home where the Catholic faith was not modeled before the age of 10. As he grew older, he noticed a distinction between non-denominational churches and the Catholic faith and was ultimately drawn towards Catholicism. Jack now works at Holy Family School of Faith, a Catholic organization! Jack and Fr. Mattingly chat about how to deepen friendships and invest in people. They also discuss why it so important to have good, holy people in your life. Show Notes: - Tuesday’s Crew - School of Faith

Alex Weibel and Fr. Mattingly chat about many specific moments in Alex's life that have ultimately lead to a deepening of her faith over time. Alex shares how she strives to be heroic in the small moments every day and how this has made her more willing and able to face larger things head on. Alex also describes ways she welcomes others into her home and why hospitality and creating a space for others in your home is so important. Alex is originally from Minnesota and currently teaches 1st grade at Stanley Elementary in Kansas City. Show Notes:  - Capen Rock Park in Columbia, MO

Fr. Mattingly chats with Ignateus Marten as he shares his journey from lukewarm catholic to on fire for his faith. The two discuss how God moves into the human struggle and helps you carry the cross, rather than simply remove it. Ignateus shares many nuggets of wisdom he has learned over the years through his healing journey and involvement with City on a Hill. Show Notes: - Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing | by Jay Stringer - Four Loves | by C.S. Louis

Anne Schwartz shares how she first truly realized God’s existence after a wild experience in the 8th grade. Anne, Fr. Mattingly, and Marco chat about how to keep your prayer life strong after the initial spark of a conversion. They discuss the importance of having a spiritual mentor in leading us to sainthood and how this has greatly impacted Anne in her spiritual journey since graduating college. They discuss what perseverance looks like in “the real world” and how even the greatest saints had mentors. Anne currently works at KU Med as a physical therapist in the patient burn unit. She shares her talents through leading a Sisterhood group through City on a Hill and is a member of the Hospitality Team. Show Notes: - Spiritual Mentorship through School of Faith - Interested in joining a Sisterhood group through City on a Hill? Email sisterhoodkc@gmail.com to learn more and get connected with a group! - Blessed is She studies for small groups

Derek and Kelly Maghe sit down with Fr. Mattingly to discuss all things marriage, family life, and evangelization in their everyday activities. They are also joined by their adorable daughter Pia. Derek and Kelly share their individual testimonies of how their faith grew to what it is today. The couple shares how they keep daily prayer in their relationship and the importance of spending that time together with the Lord. Derek and Kelly continue to spread light by intentionally hosting others and engaging in fruitful conversations. Show Notes: - FOCUS - Benedictine College - Domestic Church

Jacob Woods, a previous Reformed Evangelical, recently entered the Catholic Church on Pentecost Sunday. He shares how his search for truth lead him to Catholicism as he began to question his beliefs. Jacob’s advice to Catholics is to dive into Scripture and learn how to defend the faith. Jacob now has a YouTube channel, “The Candid Catholic,” where he shares on topics of Scripture, Theology, Life as a Catholic, Catholicism’s view on culture, stories of the Saints and more to help Catholics and non-Catholics alike to discover more about the Catholic faith. Show Notes: - Pope Peter by Joe Heschmeyer - YouTube debate between James White & Trent Horn - Jacob’s YouTube Channel: The Candid Catholic - Scott Hahn - Trent Horn - Jimmy Akin

Fr. Mattingly sits down with Ellen Kopetzky as she shares how the Lord has touched her life through the Eucharist. Ellen grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and now works as an elementary and special education teacher in Kansas City. Listen to hear how a severe injury in high school became a pivotal moment in Ellen’s faith journey. We discuss how getting rid of distractions and spending one-on-one time with God is essential in our spiritual lives. Ellen also shares some resources she has found helpful in her prayer life and making time for God. Show Notes: - "Time for God" by Jacques Phillipe - In Sinu Jesu by anonymous Benedictine Monk - Abiding Together Podcast by Blessed is She - Abiding Together's study on female Doctors of the Church - Interested in joining a Sisterhood group? Email sisterhood@kansascityonahill.org to get connected to a group!