Faith Break: Finding God Moments In Your Every Day

Episode 2.5 -- 12.14.25. Season of Joy: Karen and Anne celebrate Gaudete Sunday, when we light the pink Advent candle, by sharing the many JOYFUL God moments our teens recently experienced on our pilgrimage to the National Catholic Youth Conference. The exuberant faith of our young church is contagious! Scripture references: Exodus 3 (especially Ex. 3:7-8) 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Quote from St. Joan of Arc: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”

Season of Expectation: Advent is a time of waiting in joyful hope for the coming of Jesus into our world. This week, as we celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Karen and Anne reflect on Mary’s story as a model of expectant faith, responsiveness to God, and courage in answering God’s call for her life. Scripture references: Luke 1 Luke 2

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and also the first Sunday in Advent! In this week’s episode, Karen and Anne reflect on all the things we are grateful for in our lives right now and get ready to head into the crazy month of December in a spirit of thankfulness, peace, and appreciation of the gift of each present moment. Scripture references: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 Psalm 9:1 Psalm 107:9

In the month of November, the Church remembers our loved ones who have gone before us in faith and who are still connected to us in the Communion of Saints. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on personal losses and how the rituals of faith and community help us move through grief to gratitude. Scripture references: Hebrews 12:1 Psalm 34:19 Matthew 5:4 Romans 12:15 Revelation 21.4

This season on Faith Break, Karen and Anne will be exploring all the different seasons of life: the many ages and stages, the flow of the liturgical year, and the ups and downs of living faith in a blessed and broken world. This week we ask, when you look back at the season you’re living through today, what do you want to remember? Scripture references: · Philippians 4:6 · Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter walks on water) · John 12:1-11 (Anointing at Bethany)

Episode 28 – 6.8.25: Pentecost The Holy Spirit has been so active in our faith community this year! Before we take a summer hiatus from the podcast, Karen and Anne celebrate the birthday of the Church by naming the graces of this year and looking forward to some peaceful time with God thissummer. Scripture References: Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 104 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Episode 27 – 6.1.25: Call Stories It’s Baccalaureate weekend, and in honor of our graduating seniors, Karen and Anne reflect on God’s call for all of us to share our gifts with the world. Our youth ministry intern Sarah joins us as she prepares to take the next step toward God’s call for her. Scripture References: Call of Moses. Exodus 3:1-22 Call of Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-18Call of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:4-10 Call of the first disciples. Matthew 4:18-22 Call of Paul. Acts of the Apostles 9:1-19.

We are part of a BIG Church, made up of all the believers on earth and in heaven. This week, Karen and Anne, along with our friend Don, geek out about all our favorite saints and how much we love being a part of this eternal family in faith. Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1 Romans 12:4-13 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 1 John 1:3

Our favorite Church nerd Don Smith is back to talk with Karen and Anne about the spiritual significance of pilgrimages within our life-long journeys of faith. God does great things when we move out of our comfort zones and trust Him to guide our steps alongthe road. Scripture References: Psalms 120-134 Genesis 12:1 Exodus 13:21 Luke 2:41-52

Catholics Love Mom! Special Mother’s Day Reflection on Mary. This week, in honor of all who mother, Karen and Anne celebrate Mary’s fierce faith, courageous choices, and beautiful relationship with Jesus. Scripture References: Luke 1-2 John 2 John 19:25-30

Episode 23 – 5.4.25: Celebrating Our Youth: Sacraments Edition. Kids and teens at church say the darndest things! In honor of our young people making their first Holy Communion and Confirmation this week, Karen and Anne share their favorite conversations and moments with our youth. Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:12 Jeremiah 1:4-10

Episode 22 – 4.27.25: Moving from Doubt to Faith. Today Karen and Anne ask the question, does “doubting” Thomas get a bad rap? What does it look like today to desire the gift of faith for ourselves and others? Scripture references: Acts 5:12-16 John 20:19-31

Episode 21 – 4.20.25: Happy Easter! As we move from Lent into the joyful Easter season, Karen and Anne reflect about what it means to have a Resurrection faith in a world that still feels uncertain. The empty tomb is just the first step toward “Alleluia.” Scripture references: Acts 10:34a-43 John 20:1-9

Passion Sunday. Today, Karen and Anne welcome special guest Deacon Eric Bessette to reflect on the graces of praying Holy Week deeply, the meaning of the Cross, and Jesus’ incredible love for each of us. Scripture references: Luke 19:28-40 John 18:1-19:42 Philippians 2:6-11 John 12:1-11

Finding Renewal in God this Lent. It’s been a long, hard winter, and we are all ready for the freshness and new growth of spring. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on how God is bringing new life into our hearts and into our world during this Lenten season. Scripture references: Isaiah 43:16-21 John 8:1-11

Returning to God This Lent. This Lent we are making a “pilgrimage of hope,” and our Mass readings this week remind us that every journey ends with a homecoming. Karen and Anne reflect on how we create home in spiritual community and find our ultimate home in God. Scripture references: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Lenten Disciplines: Almsgiving Today. This week, Karen and Anne welcome back Dan Hofford, our Finance Director, to talk about what it looks like to be generous with the gifts God has given us and share creative ways to practice almsgiving this Lent and beyond. Scripture references: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Luke 13:1-9 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Matthew 25

Lenten Disciples: Praying Today. This week, Karen and Anne ask the question, “What would it look like to let God be in charge of our prayer this Lent?” How can we create favorable conditions for God’s grace to move in our hearts by showing up to prayer with emptiness, not expectations, with stillness, not an agenda? Scripture references: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Luke 9:28b-36

Lenten Disciplines: Fasting Today. Giving up something for Lent doesn’t just have to be chocolate! This week, Karen and Anne offer creative ideas for going deeper with the practice of fasting to help you let go of what’s cluttering up your heart and make space for God’s Spirit to move. Scripture references: Matthew 6:16-18 Isaiah 58:6 Joel 2:12

Karen and Anne welcome friend and colleague Don Smith, our Diocesan Coordinator of Sacramental Catechesis and Family Life, to share fresh ideas about what it can look like to practice Lent in the real world today. With Ash Wednesday just a few days away, tune in for practical advice to help you set your intentions for your Lenten journey. Scripture references: Joel 2:12-18 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Luke 4:18-19