Ave Explores

In this week's episode, Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, talks with Katie about finding ourselves in the Easter story. He says that when we embrace an authentic relationship with Christ, we can see how our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have given space for him to dwell in our hearts.

Holy Week not only should be a time for deep contemplation of Christ's suffering but also an invitation to enter into our own hardship. On this week's podcast, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, discusses how patient suffering is a chance to grow closer to Jesus.

In this week's episode, Rakhi McCormick says we can return to the Lord this Lent if we allow the sadness and sorrow Jesus feels for the less fortunate of the world to energize us to work for change.

Stephanie Weinert, founder of Mother and Home, talks with Katie about losing her young son, Becket, and how his death brought her to a deeper understanding of suffering, the Cross, and how to navigate hardship with an anchor in Christ.

On this week's podcast, Paul George talks about leaning into intentional prayer and giving generously of our first fruits during Lent. These spiritual practices can sometimes make us uncomfortable, but the Lord can help us grow in that discomfort.

Fr. John LoCoco, vocations director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, shares how Lent is a time of giving more and expecting more. By leaning into the suffering of Lent, in even the small things, we're able to more fully return to Jesus with our sometimes fractured and broken hearts.

On this week's podcast, Britt Fisk discusses radical surrender and dependence on God during her battle with cancer. Her season of suffering felt like a perpetual Lent, she says. Britt helps us see that trusting the Lord with the big things in our lives can help us trust him with the small ones as well.

Fr. John Burns, author of Return, talks about why returning to the Lord during Lent is important. He explains that when we pursue the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we place ourselves before God in a healthy way.

In this special episode of Ave Explores: Lent 2023, Mark Hart, AKA the "Bible Geek," says that we shouldn't start Lent hoping to complete a series of tasks on a list. Rather, we should commit ourselves to growing closer to Jesus.

Rachel and Jason Bulman, contributors to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, discuss cultivating holiness, prayerfulness, and humility in a family. The couple also talks about how your healing journey can be essential to growing in holiness as a family.

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, explores how childlike wonder is a source of joy and healing during Advent. Michelle says that as we contemplate the infant Jesus, we are brought into the beauty and simplicity of the incarnation. She also shares her own family's growing sense of delight in God's creation and in one another.

Fr. Josh Johnson, host of the podcast Ask Fr. Josh, reflects on the essential role of fathers in families and in the Church. He also discusses how fathers--through their role as protectors and shepherds--can inspire and transform a family.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, introduces the theme of each week of her Advent reflection journal, Behold. She also explains how allowing ourselves to gaze at God—and inviting God into our lives—is the most fruitful way to begin the Advent season.

Jackie Mulligan, CEO of Reform Wellness, says healing only happens when we know Jesus, rely on him, and allow him to heal us. We come to be healed through this relationship with Jesus.

Heather Khym, author of Abide and cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, shares her story of healing and her journey to understand God's love for her. Khym explains why all of us are called to and deserve, an abundant and healed life in Christ.

Jennifer Hubbard discusses how she found healing, peace, and new purpose after losing daughter, Catherine, in the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.

Leticia Ochoa Adams, author of Our Lady of Hot Messes discusses her experience with childhood trauma and her grief following her son's death by suicide. She offers practical ways to engage with struggle, learn from wounds, and help others as they travel the same road.

Scott Weeman, executive director of Catholic in Recovery, discusses how twelve-step programs and the Sacraments work together to help people heal from addiction.

Rachael Killackey, founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries, discusses pornography addiction by women. Killackey says that naming wounds and identifying the source of trauma can lead to deeper healing and awareness of your identity as a beloved daughter of God.

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, says that when we work to restore ourselves to healing we can begin to help heal the world in which we live. Our personal healing can be transformative for others as well.

Roy Petitfils, a licensed professional counselor, discusses how healing occurs when we recognize that we've become disconnected from ourselves and others, and then work to restore those connections by acknowledging our wounds, leaning into our faith, and being vulnerable, especially with ourselves.

Fr. Sean Kilcawley, director of the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Lincoln, explains that healing is the process of allowing Jesus to look upon us with love and acceptance. He says that when we allow Jesus to love us, we are able to live a life of abundant joy.

Licensed mental health counselor Regina Boyd explains that healing is rooted in hope and a desire to recover and experience resurrection. She said women especially seek answers to questions about worthiness and acceptance, and when they find answers, discover the hope found in healing.

Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, discusses his journey of healing and the transforming graces of the sacraments as he sought to repair wounds in his life. Schuchts also talks about initial steps toward healing your heart and mind.

Fr. Rob Galea discusses his inspiring story of healing, an ongoing journey that has included not only moments of great despair but also profound hope. Galea said that healing must be rooted in love of Jesus and a desire to know him more.

Mark Hart discusses how being open and prepared for Mass—even in the midst of our busy lives—allows us to fully experience the fruits of the Eucharist and to understand the gift of the Mass.

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—coauthors of the bestselling Rebuilt—discuss how the culture of their parish was transformed when they began to focus on Mass as a weekend experience that begins in the parking lot and culminates in the celebration of the liturgy. The two also share how they help families engage in worship.

Links:Sign Up for Ave Explores: The MassSubmit Questions about the Mass for IG Live May 31, 12:30 p.m. ET

During the pandemic, Fr. Tim Grumbach, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, learned how to say the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, also known at the Latin Mass. He reflects on how saying both the Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo--the Mass most Catholics participate in today--enhanced his appreciation for the liturgy and helped him become a better priest.

Fr. Ajani Gibson, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, discusses how culture can permeate the liturgy in beautiful ways. He says that when we make space for cultural expression in the Mass we elevate our worship and the body of Christ becomes more united.

Have you ever been distracted by the many sights and sounds at Mass? Shannon Wimp Schmidt, a mother who also has more than a decade of experience in youth and parish ministry, says you can overcome distractions by building holy habits and engaging in contemplative prayer.

Fr. Joshua Whitfield, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, provides practical tips for preparing for Mass. He also discusses his conversion from the Anglican Church to Catholicism.

Theologian Timothy P. O'Malley provides an overview of the USCCB's Eucharistic Revival and discusses how the Mass should not only be integral to the life of the parish, but also in our everyday lives.

In this episode, theologian Susan M. Timoney discusses the history and structure of the Mass. She will help you understand why worship at the altar is the most essential form of prayer for believers.

Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, says the Mass is important because it is there that we stand at the foot of the Cross and are transformed. It's also the place where we meet in community with fellow Catholics.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, concludes her Restore reflections for Lent and offers practical ways to fully enter into the celebration of the Easter season.

The Very Reverend Mark Morozowich joins Katie Prejean McGrady and Chenele Shaw, in a special crossover episode of Ave Explores and Ave Spotlight, to discuss the war in Ukraine and provide historical and spiritual context to the conflict, tell the stories of resilient and holy Ukrainian Catholics, and offer insights into how to pray and fast for peace.

Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, explains that when we seek healing in Christ, the Holy Week liturgies of Palm Sunday, the Triduum, and Easter show us the transformation of suffering and the redemption of the Resurrection.

Heather and Jake Khym discuss the Week Five theme of Restore, the journey of forgiveness. The Khyms share their personal story of healing and practical insights on forgiveness, as well as what it means to be open to the miracle of God's restoration of our hearts and minds.

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the popular Abiding Together podcast, talks about almsgiving as an opportunity to be generous and grateful. She also discusses how you can find restoration when you give your time, treasure, and presence.

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, joins Katie this week to talk about sin. Sr. Josephine explains that while sin is the cause of much of our woundedness, we should remember that we weren't created to sin but to be sons and daughters of Christ. Rather than being hyper-focused on sin, we should look for God's healing through prayer and the sacraments.

Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and author of the bestselling Be Healed, discusses the Week Two theme of Restore, freedom of heart. He explains why healing and the work of identifying wounds are both difficult and fruitful, leading to a joy that can only come from Jesus. Schuchts says when we explore our wounds, we are doing the work of restoration; when we're willing to do that work, the Lord heals us and gives us the freedom to live life to the fullest. Use AVE10 for a 10% discount at https://sockreligious.com/.

Fr. John Burns examines the Week One theme of Restore, the desert. He discusses how the wilderness of the desert is a place where healing can begin and where restoration is found. Use AVE10 for a 10% discount at https://sockreligious.com/.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, author of Restore, introduces the main themes of healing and forgiveness as you begin your Lenten journey with her. By following Sr. Miriam's guided journal for prayer and meditation, you will find a deeper awareness of God's healing presence in your life as you walk with Jesus for forty days. Use AVE10 for a 10% discount at https://sockreligious.com/.

Fr. John Burns wraps up our look at the Advent themes in Adore by explaining that his goal in writing the book was to help readers more deeply appreciate Christmas by getting to know the ways Emmanuel comes into our hearts and changes our lives.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, explains that drawing near to Jesus during Advent provides peace and comfort in times of sorrow and distress, and offers us a glimpse of the Lord's goodness which comes with the joy of Christmas day.

Heather Khym, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, helps us understand what preparedness really means during Advent: creating a heart that accepts God's promises long after the season.

Sarah Swafford says it is important to slow down and embrace peacefulness and simplicity as we enter Advent. Reflecting on watchfulness—the first of the four weekly themes in Adore—Swafford said she has learned to do less so that she can watch for ways the Lord might surprise us during the season.

Paul Jarzembowski, assistant director of youth and young adult ministries at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses {Evangelii Gaudium}, Pope Francis's Apostolic Exhortation on evangelization. Jarzembowski explains how accompaniment and encounter are the key elements of evangelization.

Jonathan Blevins, founder and CEO of Little Flower Media, discusses his switch from sharing the faith through parish ministry to evangelizing with gaming on the streaming platform Twitch. By embracing gamers and hosting conversations about faith online, Blevins has opened up a new area of evangelization for the Church.