The Young Church

Ep. 20 - Brandon & Andrew | Experiencing God’s Presence: The Encounters That Changed Us

In this season finale, Brandon Esquivias and Andrew Reza jump into another discussion about this year's Year 1 Confirmation retreat. While Brandon delves into how his perspective of and relationship with God transformed throughout the retreat as a candidate, his leader, Andrew, shares about an immensely powerful encounter he had when he came home from the retreat.

Ep. 19 - Sydney & Liz | Two Sides of Retreat: Preparation and Impact

Sydney Torres and Liz Reza sit down to debrief this year’s Year 1 confirmation retreat. The pair unpack opposing yet complementary perspectives — Liz having served on the CORE team for 4 years and Sydney in her first year of confirmation. While Liz offers a window into the spiritual and practical preparation that goes into these weekends, Sydney shares her experience encountering the Lord in new ways on the retreat and how she’s taken home that spiritual rejuvenation.

Ep. 18 - Lauren & Julia: Loving Daily Mass and Fostering Holy Co-Ed Friendships

Lauren Udabe and Julia Butterbaugh discuss how they've each cultivated a deep love for encountering Jesus through daily mass and their friend group that attends together often. Jumping into how their group exemplifies holy and healthy co-ed friendship, Lauren and Julia explore the nuances and boundaries of fostering healthy platonic relationships with men that lead both parties closer to God.

Ep. 17 - Connor: Why You Should Go to SEEK

Connor McCoy discusses what brought him to SEEK 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and how his experience there deepened his relationship with God, dedication to the faith, and thirst for knowledge. He tackles what it's like to be Catholic at a protestant college and the importance of being involved in Christ-centered community.

Ep. 16 - Kristen & Michael: Deepening My Faith at SEEK 2025

Kristen Martinez and Michael Villate recap their experience at SEEK 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah with 18,000 other young Catholics. Touching on their favorite talks and experiences from the conference, they discuss why they traveled to SEEK and how their lives have changed coming back home. Kristen and Michael witness to the life-giving fullness that God poured into the event and embolden others to go in future years to encounter the transformative power of Christ.