Abiding Together

In this episode we discuss the mystery and gift of the Church in the midst of scandals, disappointments, heartaches and failures. We discuss the “both and” nature of the Church that delivers the grace of the sacraments and is made up of only sinners. We chat about the family of the Church and our role as women to help reconcile and restore the broken places through transparency and repentance. We pray you would notice the Holy Spirit working a new thing within your heart this week.  Michelle’s one thing -  Be Transformed - Dr. Bob Schuchts Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast with Dr. Bob Schutchts and Jake Khym Sister Miriam’s one thing - Broken gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Dr. Gregory Popcak Other Episodes on This Topic:  Season 4, Episode 1: On Summer and Scandal Season 4, Episode 10: Joint Restoration: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to continue

In this episode we discuss Pope Benedict XVI’s 2017 address to artists from the Sistine Chapel. We chat about the power of beauty to draw us in, pierce our hearts with longing, and lead us to the Beautiful One, the Creator God Himself. We discuss the importance of pausing to consider our reaction to beauty and how surrendering our fear of being wounded can lead us to the intimate encounter with God we all long for. We pray this week you would meet God in the ache uncovered by beauty!   Michelle’s one thing - Through the Heart of St. Joseph - Father Boniface Hicks  Michelles other one thing - My Backyard Lights Sister Miriam’s one thing - Jane Austen Coloring Book  Heather’s one thing - My “Fruit Salad” Tree! - 5 fruits on one tree...amazing.   Other Links mentioned in this episode: Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI I at the Meeting with Artists, Sistine Chapel, November 21, 2009   Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you experienced beauty in your everyday life rec

In this episode we discuss the importance of encountering God through play and leisure. We talk about how we remember what we played as children and when we stopped playing for a more serious, busy or productive adulthood. We chat about God’s desire to restore our playful hearts so that we may come as children with trust, dependence and surrender. Michelle’s one thing -  My Heart - Corinna Luyken Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Kid with Bruce Willis Heather’s one thing - Joyful - Dante Bowe Other Links mentioned in this episode: S08 E11: Holey, Wholly, Holy: Living an Integrated Life Michelle’s Fallow Blog Post Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How do you understand ‘play’ - as a waste of time, unnecessary,frivolous or as a sign of trust, surrender and dependence? What are small acts of play, rest and leisure that you enjoy? What are some new ways to incorporate play and leisure that God delights in into your life? Journal Questions: What is the history of play in your

In this episode we complete the four part mini-series Herstory on women in Scripture with the story of Esther. We discuss the providence in the behind the scenes work of God and how God’s call on one person’s life can cause a ripple effect within a nation. We chat about God’s design and plan for each of us and how he desires to use your unique influence to build the kingdom right where you are. We pray that you would receive God’s courage to live out your feminine genius to bring about God’s glory today. Michelle’s one thing -   Magdelena Kyne and the Lorien art prints that she created for me Sister Miriam’s one thing - WoodWick Candles Heather’s one thing - Employees and volunteers at my diocese in Vancouver Other Links mentioned in this episode: The Feminine Genius Series on the Abiding Together Podcast Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What do you think of the idea that you were born for a time such as this? What do you think God’s purpose for your life is in this partic

In this episode, we continue the 4 part “Herstory” mini-series focusing on women in scripture with the Easter story of Mary Magdalene. We discuss how Jesus taught Mary a new way to live and how her audacious love led her to be called the “apostle of hope”, announcing his resurrection to the apostles. We chat about the power of naming the areas of grief, shame, or sin in our lives so that we can experience the resurrection Jesus desires for us this side of heaven and in eternity. Join us next week as we dive into the last of four women in scripture: Esther.  Heather’s one thing - No Longer Slaves - Zach Williams Michelle’s one thing -  The Technicolor of Spring! Sister Miriam’s one thing - The lovely people at St Mary’s Parish in Mokena, IL. Esp the ladies group!  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What would you like God to resurrect in your life this Easter season? How does Jesus desire to be “Rabboni” (teacher) for you this Easter and teach you a new way to live? In your li

In this episode, we conclude our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. Claire joins us as we discuss the hidden way St. Elizabeth of the Trinity chooses us and draws us closer to God. We chat about St. Elizabeth’s delayed canonization and her prophetic messages: the call to love and be loved, the universal call to holiness, and God’s desire for deep intimacy that moves us to union and receptivity to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining us on the journey this Lent! Claire’s one thing - A Personal Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love - Father Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks  Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Easter Playlist: Hallelujah Is Our Song Michelle’s one thing -  A place to belong - Letters from Catholic Women - Corynne Staresinic or buy directly from Pauline Press and receive a free tote! Sister Miriam’s one thing - Ginger Tea: Boiled water, fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Other add-ins: Honey, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, (and black pepper too if you wish!

In this episode, we continue with part five of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the power of small acts of love that serve as the true measure of feminine strength. We expand on the ideas of humility, vulnerability and the hidden life in the inner cloister. We also chat about our call to spiritual maternity especially in the invitation to pray for priests. We hope you can join us next week for the conclusion of our series as we are joined by Claire Dwyer for our final discussion. Heather’s one thing - Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Recipe Michelle’s one thing -  Cooking the Catholic Relief Services Meal with her family Sister Miriam’s one thing - Institute of Catholic Culture Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? Where in your life do you feel particularly little or hidden right now?  What area do you feel desperately in need of the Savior? How can you and your group respond to the invitation to pray for priests? How have

In this episode, we continue with part four of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss our experiences of peace and home felt at ‘thin places’ like monasteries and convents and how God desires for us to experience this within our souls’ inner cloister. We chat about the maturation of love over time in our relationship with God and the helpfulness of a rule of life to anchor our daily decisions in rightly ordered love. We pray that as your journey through this Lent, you may respond to God’s desire for you and experience greater union with him. Heather’s one thing - Bees! Michelle’s one thing - Humble Mission beads - St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Bracelet  Michelle’s other one thing - The Interior Castle: Study Edition  Sister Miriam’s one thing - With You - Jonathan Ogden  Other Links mentioned in the episode- The Visitation Sisters & Monastery in Mobile, Alabama  The Nashville Dominicans  Father John Burns Podcast on Religious Life  Prayer from Cardinal

In this episode, we dive into part three of our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We chat about the importance of silence in a noisy, distracting world and how God is always present to us. We discuss the truth that God knows us by name, that we are always before him, and that He desires to restore what the enemy has stolen. We also talk about St. Elizabeth’s motto of ‘God in me and I in him’ and reflect on our own life mottos. We pray you may live a presence driven life this Lent and we will continue our journey with St. Elizabeth next week! Heather’s one thing - Soaking in His Presence (Instrumental Worship) - William Augusto Michelle’s one thing - Anna from CORDA candles Sister Miriam’s one thing - The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints - Sr. Joseph Marie, CHT on Amazon or through the Carmelite Publishing Company ICS Publications Other links mentioned in the episode: Institute of Carmelite Resources for books about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity You can als

In this episode, we continue our six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the complementarity of vocations to marriage and religious life and our universal vocation to love. We talk about St. Elizabeth’s relationship with the Virgin Mary and the beauty of entrusting ourselves to her in times of waiting or suffering. We also chat about sacred spaces where God makes His presence known to us sacramentally, in nature, in one another and even in the mundane of our everyday lives. We pray this Lent has been a blessing to you and we will continue our discussion next week! Heather’s one thing - Fr. Mike Schmitz and the success of The Bible in a Year Podcast Michelle’s one thing - This Close - Steffany Gretzinger on youtube or Spotify Sister Miriam’s one thing - Worshipping the Lord and taking time with music - Check out Sister Miriam’s daily mix playlist Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How has God used your own vocation or others’ v

In this episode, we begin a six-part Lenten series on the book “This Present Paradise” by Claire Dwyer. We discuss the sufferings in the early life of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, the humbling moments of parenthood and surrendering your giftedness to be refined by God and used for his glory. We chat about the “little way” of recognizing the Trinity in our everyday lives and how often our woundedness and our glory lie side by side. We are excited to continue this journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and you next week! Heather’s one thing - Heather’s Spotify Lenten Playlist Michelle’s one thing -  Restoration House: Creating a Space that gives life and connection - Kennesha Buycks  Sister Miriam’s one thing - Monica at Damascus Catholic Mission Campus Carmelite Examen mentioned by Michelle Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you been challenged to develop a disposition of hope in the midst of loss or suffering? What part of your personality, gifts, or interests d

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Fr. Josh Johnson on the Sacrament of Confession and God’s enduring delight in His children. We discuss how to uncover what might be at the root of our sin and what longings or desires we may be seeking to fulfill when we are in these situations. We finish with a healing prayer led by Fr. Josh and an encouragement to encounter Jesus in confession for greater freedom and healing this Lent! You can find the Pocket Guide to Reconciliation at AscensionPress.com or Amazon.    Fr. Josh Johnson’s one thing -  You are Welcome in This Place - Maverick City Music  Fr. Josh Johnsons’s other one thing - Through and Through - Will Reagan Sister Miriam’s one thing - The gift of the priesthood Heather’s one thing - The Metanoia Series - Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4pm media Michelle’s one thing - “O Ineffable Love, although in your light you saw all the evils that your creature would commit against your infinite goodness, you acted as if you did not see; rather, you kept your

In this episode we spend some time with one of our dearest friends, Fr. Josh Johnson, to discuss the invitation to God’s mercy as we prepare for the season of Lent. Fr. Josh shares his own personal stories of healing through the sacrament of confession, as well his heart behind his new book A Pocket Guide to Reconciliation. We discuss confession as a sacrament of healing and God’s heart to restore our relationship with Him rather than condemn or shame us. We will be back next week with part two of our conversation with Fr. Josh, and you can find the Pocket Guide to Reconciliation at AscensionPress.com or Amazon.  Fr. Josh Johnson’s one thing -  Make us one - Maverick City Music Come and Get your Love - Father Commercial Father Josh referenced   Sister Miriam’s one thing - The students at Hillsdale College Heather’s one thing - Helena and Serra at Franciscan University Heather’s other one thing - Fresh Wind - Hillsong Michelle’s one thing - La La Lu - Christy Nockles from the Album Be Held: Lullabies for the

In this episode, we focus on the patron of the universal Church, St Joseph. Since Pope Francis has declared this as the “Year of St Joseph”, we desire to uncover the gift of this humble and faithful adoptive father of Jesus. We discuss Joseph as a tender, loving Father who shows us that God can use our frailty and weakness to bring about great things for the Kingdom. We consider how in the face of disappointment, Joseph chose to surrender and continue to give his daily fiat. We pray that you would allow Joseph to take you into his home as he does with Mary and be open to the healing God wants to work in your heart this year. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Dear Father: A Message of Love for Priests - Catherine De Hueck Doherty  Heather’s one thing - Recipe for baked black pepper ranch chicken fingers Michelle’s one thing - Becket Wants to Be a Priest - Matt Regitz Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How can we model St. Joseph’s love for the people dearest to us in our life - not

In this episode, we continue a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Deborah. We discuss the story of the prophetess Deborah who takes a posture of receptivity as she collaborates and mothers the people of Israel. We consider Deborah's magnificat and the ways we can give God praise for what he has done in our own lives. We chat about the importance of being attuned and attentive to God’s voice and where he may be inviting us to call others on to who they were meant to be. We pray that you would hear God’s invitation to rise up this week and allow the Holy Spirit full access that God may bring about his kingdom through you. Sister Miriam’s one thing - Beholding Beauty: Mary and the Song of Songs - Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV  Heather’s one thing -  My daughter Maria and the blessings of spiritual fathers like Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR at Franciscan where she is going off to University. Michelle’s one thing - Set a Fire for Kids Lent Journal - Blessed is She Discussion questions:     What struck

In this episode, we begin a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Hannah. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our desires and the ache of longing much like Hannah’s desire for a child. We chat about the temptation to compare our areas of barrenness to other people’s fruitfulness and the freedom of surrender and keeping our eyes on Christ. We acknowledge the importance of remembering that union with God is the promise, not the things we desire, and how God’s delayed response is sometimes a great mercy. Sister Miriam closes this episode with a prayer inviting the Lord to meet you in the places of fear, despair and longing.  Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins  from Ascension Press Heather’s one thing - The 2021 Passion Conference Heather’s other one thing - Promises - Maverick City Music Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? When have you experienced the L

In this episode we interview our special guest and friend, Fr. Mike Schmitz and introduce you to a brand new podcast from Ascension Press, The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins. We discuss the importance of developing a biblical worldview: a lens to view our relationships, circumstances and choices through how the scripture teaches us to think about ourselves and about God. We chat with one of the most recognizable priests in the modern church about humility, the scripture that speaks to him, and what we all can receive by opening the scriptures every day for a year. You can find a daily reading plan and more information about The Bible in Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins at AscensionPress.com.  Father Mike’s one thing - I Celebrate the Day - Relient K Father Mike’s other one thing - simplifying and decluttering his life Sister Miriam’s one thing -  O Come Let Us Adore Him - Maverick City Music  Heather’s one thing - Holy Mass Candle from Providential Co. 

In this episode, we continue our annual tradition of the word of the year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our word for 2021 and how God has led us on a journey from year to year. After a difficult 2020, we discuss the importance of hope, not in a thing, but in the Person of Jesus. We chat about how sometimes a new yes to the Holy Spirit requires saying no to something else, to make room in our lives for something new that God is doing. We encourage you to pray, reflect and ask the Lord to reveal to you a new word of hope and renewal for this new year! Sister Miriam’s one thing -  The new year! Heather’s one thing - Sunday dinners with her family Michelle’s one thing - Rooted Skincare - Brooke Summers Michelle’s other one thing - The One Who Gave Myrrh - Kate Capato and Visual Grace Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? What is your word for the year? How do

In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We chat about the nurturing. protecting motherhood that Mary wants to offer each of us this Christmas season. We discuss how Mary is the perfect model of loving excellently, even through suffering, and that love is always worth the risk of birth. We pray that our hearts would stay open like Mary to be able to see the joy of the resurrection on the other side of our crosses. Thank you for a great season 8 and we will see you in January! Sister Miriam’s one thing - Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen Sister Miriam’s other one thing - Little Women - Louisa May Alcott  Michelle’s one thing - Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz  Michelle’s other one thing - The Crown season 4  Heather’s one thing - Noel - Chris Tomlin featuring Lauren Daigle   Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How have you received God’s grace to bring new life this advent?  How can

In this episode, we continue our four part Advent series on the nature and character of Mary, our Mother. We discuss the call for women to be tender and strong, to fight for those we love with the power of the feminine genius. We chat about the tender strength required to watch Jesus suffer and die and the importance of trust, surrender and strength submitted under the will of God. Mary is offering her motherhood to us if we are willing to receive her invitation of protection. Michelle’s one thing - In Full Boom - Claire Swinarski Michelle’s other one thing - Rekindled - Mallory Smyth Sister Miriam’s one thing - Essays on Women - Edith Stein. ENDOW also created an online study on these writings that you can purchase online here. Heather’s one thing - Watching epic movies like Gladiator and Braveheart with her family  Discussion questions:     What struck you from this week’s episode? How can we invite Mary into our lives as a real person, more than just a statue in our church or a figure of piety in the Bib