Word On Purpose

Ep: 58 To Heights and Unto Depths with Fr. John Nepil

In this conversation, Father John Nepil shares his journey of faith, the writing of his book 'To Heights and Unto Depths', [https://ignatius.com/to-heights-and-unto-depths-thudp/] and the profound lessons learned from nature and suffering. He discusses the importance of seeking spirituality in creation, the challenges of modern technology, and the need for authentic relationships in faith. Father John emphasizes the significance of suffering as a means of learning and the necessity of awakening questions about God in a secular world. He also reflects on the beauty of celebrating Mass on Colorado's 14ers and offers insights on maintaining faith in everyday life. * Father John's dramatic conversion led him to the priesthood. * The book intertwines hiking experiences with theological reflections. * Nature can be a profound source of spirituality. * Suffering prompts deep existential questions. * Writing a book is a long and often torturous process. * The target audience for the book is young Catholics seeking connection. * Awakening questions about faith is crucial in today's secular culture. * Faith should be presented as a way of life, not just a set of beliefs. * Technology can be both a challenge and a tool for spirituality. * Finding God in everyday life is possible, even without mountains. Mentioned In This Episode: * From Heights And Unto Depths [https://ignatius.com/to-heights-and-unto-depths-thudp/] * Colorado Trail [https://coloradotrail.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq9rYZ6nQ2J8ePnmMEcuTrlDgMsXkpu2Sj1RXPcNO3kPu49ES4i] * Wisdom 13:5 [https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/13] * Camino to Santiago [https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22372276797&gbraid=0AAAAADq80ejK3F55KvwcpfJloqt9WprI_&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzIznzAF-OXGUWDUpIdWmvERQ9JJhIcltpcB5Qgu4jwYQNzBdzM0KkoaAiJmEALw_wcB] * Steubenville Conference [https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth-conferences/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=5stones] * Miracle Hunters - Hallow [https://hallow.com/collections/2872/] * Catholic Stuff You Should Know Podcast [https://catholicstuffpodcast.com/] Connect with Laura K. Beck: * Website [https://www.laurakbeck.com] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurakbeck/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laurakbeckwriter] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@laurakbeck] * laurakbeck.com@gmail.com

Ep: 57 Keeping the Love For The Eucharist Alive with Wouter DeBrie

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. In John chapter 6, Jesus explains what us Catholics understand as the real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus proclaimed that when blessed, bread and wine became something much more…the flesh and blood of Christ himself. It's a truth we stake our lives on as Catholics. There is possibly no more important teaching. Enter Carlo Acutis, the first Milennial Saint. The Eucharist was so important to him that he dedicated his short life to communicating this miraculous blessing to the world. Wouter DeBrie discusses Carlo, his mission and his legacy…from how he started as a normal teen but was later canonized after his death because of his love and dedication to Jesus Christ. Wouter DeBrie is a part of Stichting Acutis, otherwise known as the Acutis Foundation. The group's mission is to revive passion for the Eucharist in the Netherlands through social media and online information. * There is a petition for Carlo Acutis as a patron saint. * Saint Isidore is the current patron saint of the internet. * Carlo Acutis is seen as a better fit for modern users. * The need for a patron saint reflects current digital challenges. * The conversation emphasizes the importance of digital safety. * Carlo Acutis represents a contemporary figure for internet users. * The idea of a patron saint can provide guidance in digital ethics. * The role of saints can evolve with societal changes. * The discussion highlights the intersection of faith and technology. * The speakers advocate for a more relatable figure for today's challenges. STICHTING ACUTIS CAN BE FOUND HERE: Website [https://stichting-acutis.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stichtingacutis/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/StichtingAcutis] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stichtingacutis] FOLLOW LAURA K. BECK HERE: Website [https://laurakbeck.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurakbeck/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laurakbeckwriter] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@laurakbeck] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@laurakbeck]

Ep: 56 Finding Joy and Jesus In The Messiness of Motherhood with Jennifer Stavinoha

In this conversation, Laura Beck speaks with Jennifer Stavinoha about her book, "Sacred Chaos: Finding Joy and Jesus in the Messiness of Motherhood." [https://www.avemariapress.com/products/sacred-chaos?srsltid=AfmBOoo9s0YuLVXknDwxm2K8l9i554CofU5ynEN2rO4hh-d0eaB3rlYZ] They discuss the challenges mothers face in balancing prayer and motherhood, the importance of inviting children into prayer and practical advice for maintaining a spiritual life amidst the business of everyday life. Jennifer emphasizes the difference between joy and happiness, the significance of a peaceful mother in the family and offers insights on how to create a meaningful prayer routine. The discussion highlights the beauty of finding God in everyday moments and the transformative power of prayer. Main Points * Prayer can be challenging for mothers, leading to feelings of guilt * It's important to invite children into personal prayer time * Setting aside just two minutes for prayer can be impactful * Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on circumstances * A peaceful mother positively influences the entire family * Creating a prayer asket can help engage children in prayer * The structure of the retreat is designed to be accessible for busy moms * Accepting chaos as part of motherhood can lead to peace * Everything in life can be seen as grace if we choose to look for it * Finding God in everyday moments is essential for spiritual growth Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Sacred Chaos 01:23 The Struggles of Motherhood and Prayer 06:13 Finding Time for Prayer in Chaos 12:07 Creating a Prayer Basket for Kids 14:54 Sacred Chaos Retreat Structure 21:33 Understanding Sacred Chaos 25:47 The Impsac of a Peaceful Mother 32:09 Joy vs. Happiness in Motherhood 53:05 Practical Advice for Moms 55:28 Resources for Moms Jennifer's Website [https://www.jenstavinoha.com/] Follow Jennifer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/everydayfiatjen/] The Everyday Fiat Podcast [https://www.jenstavinoha.com/everydayfiat]

Ep: 55 How Opening Your Heart To Jesus Can Change Your Life with Stephanie Verni

The woman said to him, " I know that Messiah is coming; when he comes he will show us all things. Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. This story of the samaritan woman from John chapter four may be familiar to you. But how familiar? Do you see yourself in the woman? The one looking for Jesus…the one being sought by Jesus? In today's conversation I talk with Catholic author and professor Stephanie Verni about how recognizing Jesus and opening her heart to him has changed her life.This is the Word On Purpose Podcast. Stephanie Verni is the author of nine works of inspirational fiction, including her latest release, The Ones Closest to You from 2024. She is also a co-author of the textbook, Event Planning and Management, Communicating Theory and Practice. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University online, she instructs graduate communication courses. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, and they have two grown children. She loves her time in Bible study and enjoys boating, blogging, and traveling. In This Episode: Stephanie's Website [https://stephanieverni.com/] Find Stephanie On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stephanieverniwrites/] Walking With Purpose [https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/] BIble In A Year With Father Mike Schmitz [https://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/bible?srsltid=AfmBOoq63hH8t7Fd-rf-t5xNu0crlb6OfonxC099V9nw839WwZNQJEgS&utm_medium=website&utm_source=ascension-shopify] The Bible In A Year Bible Study Book: A Guided Scripture Reading Journey For Women [https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Year-Scripture-Reading-Journey/dp/1087750415/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2XWD957VWDXCA&keywords=kandi+gallaty&qid=1703696336&sprefix=kandi+ga%2Caps%2C482&sr=8-3] "29 Days" Homily [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lgmk6a3CrE] Hallow App [https://try.hallow.com/advent-special?=google90&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Search_US_Brand_EM&utm_content=Hallow_App&utm_term=hallow%20app&utm_creative=784449627777&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11443894960&gbraid=0AAAAAC7O-Ac7KEiz51Hg1Y3VPsXFVsgLO&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaymrrjMvKiWPKSlEtpL9rRjDX43l24G_CTt81lhdbmnL_JQpHWx6V-saAnVgEALw_wcB] Novel: The Ones Closest To You [https://www.amazon.com/Ones-Closest-You-Novel/dp/B0DF2YCC6D] Novel: From Humbug To Humble [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7C59TT/?bestFormat=true&k=from%20humbug%20to%20humble&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_10_de&crid=1D8IFWHMPUE9Y&sprefix=from%20humbu] Novel: The Letters In The Books [https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Books-Novel-Stephanie-Verni/dp/0692900543/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BKDPAQ7OJ6QU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9MO7Nsew5OXsNYPdQlDWdNdYkBsD39Z3xKrYIHeTwMcrEh-3G2GB3MIa2liRE5Qbmm-IdGVhSnX6YlFtRH6OXdaZK61hBSDyDVLnVJ1IVryoWz6p230UDXyWBwfzob5vhi1lrcfcDL6KpObLnrsvdqi4Yvk1-fgDulWYAfAPSEvyNpNEEG84r_qqzBu5klGwiRO2SdV0FO4t_oi49-ImToVI3JCo80R0rhx1s6ht91M.aJ3XERZe6CVu-liMw2DeCUDMBnhKsDE5w2CihKqEXYE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+letters+in+the+books&qid=1765338480&s=books&sprefix=the+letters+in+the+book%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-1] Connect with Laura: * Website [https://www.laurakbeck.com] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurakbeck/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/laurakbeckwriter] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@laurakbeck] * Email [laurakbeck.com@gmail.com]

Ep: 54 Pray Like St. Monica To Help Kids Return To The Faith with Sheila Thelen

What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost. That's Matthew 18:12-14. God doesn't will that any one of us be led astray. Neither does any mother that raised her child in the faith. That's why today's guest has made it her mission to help others return. In this conversation, Catholic wife and mother Sheila Thielen will explain the Saint Monica ministry and talk about why she felt called to start one in her local parish. To start a St. Monica Ministry for your parish: https://celestebehe.com/stmonicaministry/ [https://celestebehe.com/stmonicaministry/] Books mentioned in this episode: * Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, by Brandon Vogt [https://www.amazon.com/Return-Draw-Your-Child-Church/dp/1943243743/?tag=ththve-20] * The Saint Monica Club, by Maggie Green [https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Monica-Club-Fallen-Away-Loved/dp/1622827236/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P6UIN8FVD3NZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._zi3ze5-eX7FTDzVyFaDKxQ7wpKZ5Oyfh0idav9Ru9kGcr6JaKoY9aQXOWzuY9lM2hYMcGClbhN-hjSnSbEmRUOgv92U5f-5pVk0jFnaYaUq0wMxposCnOnSn6H_7tEcWC49aikJk9DV0HI67wYsYA.EGOjUs6aGkyhNjXMZpAMJ6TpbXl9S2lhbrkdgMzMrVU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+saint+monica+club+book&qid=1764734769&sprefix=the+saint+monica+club%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1] * What Would Monica Do?, by Patti Maguire Armstrong & Roxane Beauclair Salonen [https://www.amazon.com/Would-Monica-Patti-Maguire-Armstrong/dp/1954881525/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P1RXHR3V66QR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lDIcvqqpHLblCxD7mrZJtdDd9PMEIxRPNuwBEs8dOK_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.snCRtOMQlmmCD9BdsMJLqNMMwtZEOLKdX9S3x-gjQIk&dib_tag=se&keywords=what+would+monica+do+book&qid=1764734796&sprefix=what+would+monica+do%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1] Email for our ministry: returnministry1@gmail.com [returnministry1@gmail.com]