Ave Explores

Scott Boyle, associate director of recruitment and formation for the Notre Dame Echo and Notre Dame Vision programs, discusses how these week-long summer camps at the University of Notre Dame are life-changing experiences for thousands of young people who have learned to share their faith through authentic storytelling and witness.

Chris Padgett, internationally known Catholic speaker and author, discusses how evangelization begins and ends with an authentic witness to the ways Jesus has changed your life. He says stories and humor are especially important when trying to help people encounter the Lord.

Fr. Blake Britton, a priest in the diocese of Orlando, says that you can begin evangelization at home by immersing your family in the Church's sacramental and liturgical life. He recommends examples such as praying the Liturgy of the Hours or making daily Mass a priority.

Gloria Purvis, host of The Gloria Purvis Podcast from America Media, believes that evangelization must be rooted in your personal prayer life. With stories from her life and from her professional experiences as a radio host and internationally known Catholic speaker, Purvis uses examples from her own life and work to explain how tackling tough topics with others should be done with charity and conviction.

Mallory Smyth discusses how understanding our gifts and paying attention to how the Holy Spirit calls us to use them is the first step in sharing the faith. She also shares how her reversion to Catholicism and her work in various ministries has shown her that we are all called to uniquely give witness to Jesus.

Shannon Schmidt, a pastoral associate in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, discusses how working in parish ministry has taught her the value of listening and meeting people where they are in order to provide them with what they need.

Marcel LeJeune, founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples, says forming authentic and honest relationships is the key to sharing the faith with others. He explains that evangelization is not a program to fix people.

Alex Jones discusses the founding of Hallow--a Catholic prayer and meditation app--which came from his desire to read and meditate more on scripture. Scripture is a key component of the app, including audio recordings of books of the Bible, Gospel challenges, and scripture-based sleep stories. Jones said thousands of users have developed a habit of reading the Bible because of Hallow.

Jeff Cavins, biblical scholar and a contributor to _The Bible in a Year _podcast, says that the book of Revelation is often misinterpreted as predicting the future. Instead, Revelation reveals that Heaven is a Mass and we are all invited to it.

Sarah Christmyer, contributor of The Ave Catholic Notetaking Bible, discusses how she grew to love Scripture and explains how reading the New Testament, especially the Gospels, helps us to know Jesus fully.

Andrew Glicksman, chairman of the theology department at the University of Dallas, discusses his love of the Old Testament and explains how studying the sacred text brings about a greater appreciation for the New Testament and the story of Jesus.

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, shares her vocation story and discusses how living in community and praying the Liturgy of the Hours have been sources of joy and consolation in her life as a religious sister. She challenges all of us to let scripture--especially the Psalms--become a regular part of our lives.

Fr. William L. Burton, OFM, says that many Catholics are hesitant to read Scripture because they assume they'll get it wrong, but even scholars sometimes make mistakes. Burton explains there are surprises on every page of the Bible and encourages every Catholic to keep God's Word as their constant companion.

Author and itinerant missionary Meg Hunter-Kilmer says daily reading of Scripture inspires a greater appreciation of Church tradition and a more robust understanding of Christ. Hunter-Kilmer has shared her reflections on daily Scripture on Instagram for two years. She explains how her life of faith has been changed by using the Bible as an anchor of her daily prayer.

Andrew Glicksman, chairman of the theology department at the University of Dallas, discusses his love of the Old Testament and explains how studying the sacred text brings about a greater appreciation for the New Testament and the story of Jesus.

Mark Hart began sharing scripture reflections with teens in his youth group in the mid-1990s. Now "The Bible Geek" is executive vice president of Life Teen International and travels the world sharing his passion for God's Word. Hart offers encouragement for those who want to meet Jesus through the Bible and tips for becoming a better reader of scripture.

Leah Darrow, a speaker, author, Season 2 contestant on America’s Next Top Model, and founder of Lux U, shares about her struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, “mom guilt,” balance, and explores ways one can find peace and strength through spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, regularly attending daily Mass, and “recalibrating” one’s routine.

Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, archbishop of Durban in South Africa, discusses the Church's global diversity, which is rooted in love of Jesus Christ. Napier, who went to seminary in Ireland, also talks about the early days of his priesthood during apartheid in South Africa and eventually voting in the conclaves that elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

Christopher T. Baglow, director of the science and religion initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, discusses how faith and science approach truth. He says that by exploring science with the eyes of faith and approaching faith with a desire to understand science, the Church can evangelize in new ways.

Katie Prejean McGrady visits with Leticia Ochoa Adams, a wife, mom, and speaker from Texas, who shares about grief, hope, and faith following the suicide of her son and how we can look to Mary as mother and comforter during the darkest days.

Roy Petitfils returns to join Katie Prejean McGrady to talk about crises teenagers face today and how to have honest conversations about mental health.

Fr. Joshua Johnson and Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, share their experiences as Black Catholics, discuss why racism is sinful, and explore how Catholics are called to advocate for change.

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of the forthcoming Pray for Us, loves to tell stories of the saints, especially those who are not as well known. She shares how growing close to holy men and women has helped her to love Christ more. Hunter-Kilmer says each saint she’s grown close to has been a unique match during particular challenges in her life.

Mike Aquilina, bestselling and award-winning author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects, relates how Catholics are a sacramental people, and objects such as the chains of St. Peter and the dome of the basilica named for him are significant to our understanding of faith. Aquilina also shares how ancient locations central to Christianity’s early development have helped him grow his love for the Lord.

Popular Catholic speakers and authors Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr. John Burns join Katie Prejean McGrady to talk about forgiveness and healing.

A pear-sized brain tumor helped director, producer, and comedy writer Jeannie Gaffigan draw closer to the Blessed Mother. In this first Ave Explores podcast, Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, talks about praying the Rosary alone and with her family and how her illness helped her grow in her faith. Gaffigan’s book, When Life Gives You Pears, was released in 2019.

Leah Libresco Sargeant discusses her conversion from atheism to Catholicism, highlighting how she used math and science to reconcile the ideas of objective moral truth and God's existence. She reflects on how we can help others to convert by answering questions, opening our homes, and being a witness to faith in everyday life.

Dr. Tod Worner, editor of the Word on Fire Institute's Evangelization and Culture journal, talks about how to tackle difficult topics of faith with skeptics and non-believers. He suggests starting from a place where each side can acknowledge their human dignity and a shared desire for truth and the ability to explain the natural world.

Bioethicist John Brehany addresses the debate about whether it is ethical for Catholics to receive the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. He also reflects on how answering questions concerning bioethical issues—ranging from end-of-life care to medical intervention and from contraception to vaccination—is a form of accompaniment and ministry, critical in the life of the Church today.

John Di Camillo, a staff ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, offers moral principles to guide decision-making in bioethics and discusses how to answer common bioethical questions about such issues as vaccinations, infertility, abortion, and end-of-life with charity and Church teaching.

Geologist Paul Giesting discusses how working as an environmental regulator has helped him to contemplate mankind's tiny place in the colossal universe. Giesting says studying the planet through its geology has expanded his faith and given him a deeper appreciation of God's power.

Chris Baglow, director of the science and religion Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, discusses how faith and science approach truth. He said that by exploring science with the eyes of faith and approaching faith with a desire to understand science, the Church can evangelize in new ways.

Kathleen Hoenke, a spatial ecologist and program director at the St. Kateri Conservation Center, discusses growing native plants and building rain gardens on church properties. She says her faith came to life when she realized the grandeur of God in the natural flowers that grew in her own backyard. As a result, how she manages her household, what she grows in her garden, and what she teaches her children have changed.

Elena Gaona discusses the mission of the Catholic Climate Covenant, highlighting how the organization works to bring solar power to parishes, create climate care teams for dioceses, and encourage the faithful to care for the earth and slow the effects of climate change.

Brandon Vogt, senior content director of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, explains that faith and science are not only compatible but also necessary to understand the mysteries of creation. He also offers strategies to best explain how faith and science work together to those who have serious doubts.

The Catholic Traveler Mountain Butorac discusses the vibrancy of parish communities in Rome and how pilgrimages help people grow deeper in their faith and understand the beauty of the universal Church.

James and Catherine McLoughlin have lived and worked in England, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. They discuss Catholicism in each country, explain how faith comes alive on pilgrimages, in small groups, and through acts of service, and look ahead to the future of the Church in the United Kingdom.

Sean Forrest, founder of Haiti180, discusses his international mission that serves the impoverished of Port Au Prince. Forrest, who travels to Haiti frequently to work with missionaries and operate an orphanage, says Catholicism is an anchor in the Haitian culture.

Samuel Maina, a seminarian in the Diocese of Nyeri in Kenya, shares his vocation journey and how his love of the Church in Africa and the vibrancy of the African culture in worship, community, and study led him to discern the priesthood.

Percival Holt, former president of the Youth Council of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, discusses the vibrant Church in India, especially within youth and young adult ministry. Having traveled throughout India advancing the youth worker movement, Holt also explains the diversity within Indian Catholicism, where liturgical worship is an expression of local regions and communities.

Joe Moeno-Kolio, a climate change advocate in Samoa, discusses how the Catholic faith is thriving in the South Pacific, especially in small village communities that are grounded in family life. Moeno-Kolio also explains how working to fight climate change, and care for God's creation is critical work for every Christian.

Brenda Noriega reverted to Catholicism when she moved to the United States from Mexico. She discusses how to end division and create unity and build community within our local parishes and throughout the world.

J.D. Flynn, cofounder and editor-in-chief of Pillar Catholic, discusses how the Church in America is responding to divisions caused by the sex abuse crisis, opposition to Pope Francis, politics, and online forums.

Malcolm Hart, director of the Center for Evangelization for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, discusses how the Church in Australia is addressing increased secularization and rejection of the faith.

Cardinal Wilfred Fox Napier, O.F.M., archbishop of Durban in South Africa, discusses the Church's global diversity, which is rooted in love of Jesus Christ. Napier, who went to seminary in Ireland, also talks about the early days of his priesthood during apartheid in South Africa and eventually voting in the conclaves that elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, authors of bestselling Messages series for Advent and Lent and the award-winning [ital] Rebuilt, discuss how to celebrate the entire Christmas season and stay connected as a parish community.

Heidemarie Petersen, owner of Reliquary Supply, says that charity means little if it isn't rooted in your heart. She practices charity personally and through her Catholic small business, giving to other organizations and hiring people from marginalized and oppressed communities.

Kelly Wahlquist, founder of WINE: Women in the New Evangelization, says that joy is ultimately rooted in peace. She offers encouragement on ways to maintain joy during Advent in the time of coronavirus.

Most Rev. William Wack, bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, reflects on spending the Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus with a joyful, hopeful, and generous heart.

Justina Kopp explains how she grew in faithfulness and hope while pregnant with her now-four-year-old quadruplets. Kopp says that although hope may feel different in light of the pandemic and the social unrest in the country this year, it is still valuable to look for the light that only Christ brings.