Say Yes to Holiness--Catholic Saints in Training

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens interviews Chance Olivas, who shares his journey of faith and the mission behind ActsSocial, a Christian social media platform. They discuss the challenges of traditional social media, the importance of community, and how ActsSocial aims to provide a positive, faith-centered alternative. Chance reflects on his personal experiences, the significance of prayer, and the encouragement he finds in his work, emphasizing the need for believers to unite and support one another in their faith journeys.TakeawaysChance's journey of faith began with family struggles and confusion about God.He found grace and mercy through his faith during challenging times.ActsSocial aims to create a positive, faith-based social media platform.The platform seeks to unite believers and non-believers around Christ.ActsSocial is designed to counteract the negativity of traditional social media.Users are encouraged to engage positively and support one another.Transitioning to a new platform can be challenging due to existing habits.Prayer and connection with God are vital for overcoming discouragement.The platform offers free services to churches and nonprofits.Chance emphasizes the importance of community and reaching out to others.Sound Bites"What does God have in store?""I realized there was more to life.""We want to unite around Christ.""We’re flipping social media on its head.""You’re not perfect and that’s okay.""Jesus loves you, accept that gift."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Act Social and Faith Journeys03:11 Chance's Journey of Faith and Ministry06:05 Understanding Act Social's Mission and Vision09:10 The Functionality of Act Social12:05 The Challenge of Transitioning to a New Platform15:01 Overcoming Discouragement and Building Community18:01 Engaging Churches and Nonprofits21:08 Challenges and Rewards in the Journey24:00 The Importance of Prayer and Connection27:04 Advice to the Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

In this conversation, Christina Semmens reflects on the recent canonization of Saints Carlos Acutis and Piers Giorgio Frassati, emphasizing their exemplary lives of holiness and stewardship. She discusses the importance of living a meaningful life, focusing on God's calling rather than worldly success. The conversation highlights the essence of true stewardship, which involves giving selflessly and co-creating with God to build the heavenly kingdom. Semmens encourages listeners to learn from the saints and become witnesses of greatness in their own lives.TakeawaysSaint Carlos Acutis and Piers Giorgio Frassati exemplified holiness and stewardship.The process of canonization involves verifying miracles and a life of holiness.Stewardship means using our gifts and talents for God's glory.We should focus on what God is calling us to do, not worldly success.True stewardship involves giving without expecting anything in return.Co-creating with God helps build the heavenly kingdom on earth.God's gifts are abundant and available to everyone.We often perceive life through a lens of scarcity rather than abundance.Living a meaningful life requires us to serve others selflessly.We can learn from the saints to become witnesses of greatness.Sound Bites"We can't waste our lives.""We are called to co-create alongside God.""God's gifts are available to everyone."Chapters00:00 Celebrating New Saints: Carlos Acutus and Piers Giorgio Frassati04:44 Stewardship of Holiness: Living a Meaningful Life12:03 The Call to Serve: Following God's Will19:08 Co-Creating with God: Building the Heavenly Kingdom25:46 Witnesses of Greatness: Learning from the SaintsMay this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”

In this conversation, Christina Semmens discusses the importance of hope and honesty in spiritual growth. She emphasizes the need for self-honesty and honesty with God to foster a deeper relationship with Him. The discussion highlights the power of Christian hope, especially in chaotic times, and the significance of mastering our passions to lead a fulfilling life. Christina also touches on the simplicity of seeking God's mercy as a means to navigate life's challenges and maintain a hopeful outlook.TakeawaysSpiritual growth depends on honesty with ourselves.We must be honest with God to grow closer to Him.Christian hope is about believing in God's presence and intervention.Hope is essential in the midst of chaos and challenges.We impact others in ways we may not realize.Mastering our passions leads to a more fulfilling life.God's mercy is always available to us, no matter our struggles.Every life has inherent value and purpose.We should rule our passions rather than let them control us.Reflecting on daily moments of grace can strengthen our hope.Sound Bites"We impact others more than we realize.""Hope changes everything in our lives.""God's mercy is always available to us."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast01:10 Honesty with Ourselves and God07:14 The Power of Christian Hope12:27 Finding Hope Amidst Chaos20:17 Mastering Our Passions for a Fulfilling Life23:04 God's Mercy and Our ResponseMay this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”

I'm FINALLY back! After a break for travel and retreat, I'm now back at it with my podcast. I hope that you find what I have to share to be of value in helping you become the saint God has created you to be, and I am excited about what is to come in the weeks and months ahead. Enjoy!In this episode, Christina Semmens reflects on her recent pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland, emphasizing the importance of patient trust in God's timing and grace. She shares insights from her experiences, including the beauty of nature and the lessons learned during her retreat. Christina discusses the gradual maturation of ideas and the necessity of faithfulness in spiritual practices, encouraging listeners to embrace the slow work of God in their lives. She concludes with practical resolutions for personal growth, focusing on patience and faithfulness.TakeawaysThe summer was a time of grace and reflection.Patient trust is essential in our spiritual journey.Ideas mature gradually; we must allow them to grow.Trusting in God's timing can be challenging but necessary.Faithfulness is more important than success.We often resist change due to our desire for control.Spiritual growth takes longer than we anticipate.Practicing patience can be integrated into daily tasks.Remaining faithful to spiritual practices is crucial.Accepting feelings of suspense and incompleteness is part of the journey.Sound Bites"Trust in the slow work of God""Your ideas mature gradually""Jesus, I trust in you"Chapters00:00 Return from Pilgrimage: A Journey of Grace06:47 Patient Trust: Embracing God's Timing14:46 Faithfulness in the Journey: Lessons from St. Paul22:01 Resolutions for Growth: Practicing Patience and Faithfulness

In this episode, Christina Semmens shares her personal journey as she prepares for a pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland, reflecting on life, faith, and the importance of offering our summers to God. She discusses the significance of prayer, the contemplation of Jesus' sufferings, and the example of Mary in living a life of faith and reflection. Christina encourages listeners to embrace their spiritual journeys and to remain steadfast in their discipleship, even amidst life's challenges.TakeawaysChristina is embarking on a pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland.She reflects on entering the 'third third' of her life after her husband's passing.Offering our summers to God is a way to live intentionally.Prayer is essential for intimacy with God and spiritual growth.Contemplating Jesus' sufferings helps us understand His love and grace.Mary serves as a model for living a life of faith and reflection.Acts of love can help us feel closer to God during difficult times.We should strive to live in union with God through prayer and action.The importance of community and support in our spiritual journeys.Faith allows us to trust in God's faithfulness through life's ups and downs.Sound Bites"I'm entering my third third of life.""We can offer our summers to the Lord.""Jesus has suffered everything for us."Chapters00:00 Embarking on a Pilgrimage: A Personal Journey03:25 Entering the Third Third: Life Reflections04:54 Offering Our Summers to God10:40 The Importance of Prayer in Our Lives14:29 Contemplating the Sufferings of Jesus20:39 Mary's Example: Living with Faith and ReflectionMay this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens speaks with Jason Shanks, the president of the National Eucharistic Congress. They discuss the ongoing Eucharistic revival in the Catholic Church, Jason's personal journey to Catholicism, the importance of community engagement, and the future plans for the movement. Jason shares insights on the role of synodality, the challenges faced during the revival, and the significance of priest renewal. The conversation emphasizes the call for individuals to become Eucharistic missionaries and the need for a deeper understanding of the Eucharist in everyday life.TakeawaysJason Shanks is the president of the National Eucharistic Congress.He became Catholic due to his understanding of the Eucharist.The Eucharistic revival is seen as a generational work.Community engagement is crucial for the revival's success.Synodality played a significant role in planning the revival.The movement aims to bring Jesus to the margins of society.Eucharistic missionaries will be commissioned to spread the message.Challenges faced during the Congress included resource allocation and collaboration.Personal spiritual practices, like holy hours, are essential for grounding.The revival seeks to empower individuals to become revivalists in their communities.Sound Bites"I became Catholic because of the Eucharist.""Jesus waits for us to come visit him.""This is a generational work.""The church is best when it's on mission.""We want to bring Jesus to the margins.""It's about spiritual multiplication.""Let's everybody become a revivalist."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Eucharistic Revival02:46 Personal Journey and Spiritual Awakening06:09 The Role of Synodality in the Revival09:08 Plans for the Future of the Eucharistic Movement12:05 Eucharistic Missionaries and Community Engagement14:56 Challenges and Lessons Learned17:55 Grounding Practices and Spiritual Habits20:48 The Importance of Priest Renewal24:06 Conclusion and Call to ActionFor more information, go to https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

In this episode of Say Yes to Holiness, host Christina Semmens speaks with Brooke Joiner, co-founder and CEO of Catholic Owned, a platform dedicated to connecting Catholic consumers with businesses that align with their faith. Brooke shares her journey of conversion to Catholicism, the inspiration behind launching Catholic Owned, and the importance of supporting fellow Catholics through intentional spending. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of building a faith-based business, the significance of spiritual practices, and the future initiatives of Catholic Owned, including the Eastertide shopping guide.TakeawaysBrooke Joyner is a convert to Catholicism and co-founder of Catholic Owned.The mission of Catholic Owned is to connect Catholic consumers with businesses that share their values.Brooke's journey involved a significant pilgrimage that inspired the launch of Catholic Owned.The platform started as a digital magazine to test the market for Catholic businesses.Vetting businesses involves adherence to the Magisterium and personal faith practices of owners.Spending money wisely can support Catholic families and communities.Users can nominate businesses to be included in the Catholic Owned network.The Eastertide shopping guide offers curated gifts for various occasions.Catholic Owned aims to build a new Catholic economy by fostering community support.Brooke emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices in her work.Sound Bites"We need to do something better.""If we can't even help our own people, what are we doing?""Our dollars have power.""You can nominate businesses that you know of in your area.""The Eastertide shopping guide is a curated collection.""We are seeing that Catholics really care about this.""It's a very long game.""We are building the new Catholic economy."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Catholic Owned and Its Mission 03:11 Brooke Joyner's Journey to Catholic Owned 05:52 The Birth of Catholic Owned 09:14 Pilgrimage and Inspiration 12:08 Launching the Digital Magazine 14:59 Vetting Catholic Businesses 18:08 The Importance of Spending Wisely 21:05 Nominate and Expand the Network 24:00 Eastertide Shopping Guide Overview 26:47 Future Initiatives and Growth Plans 29:59 Challenges and Rewards of the Journey 33:11 Spiritual Practices and Their Impact 35:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action For more information about Brooke and Catholic Owned, go to: https://catholicowned.com/introduction