Just An Average Catholic - Pursuing Holiness in Ordinary Life

Episode 17 - Have We Traded Eternal Treasures for Temporary Ones?

In this heartfelt episode of Just An Average Catholic, Michael Champagne explores a question that touches countless Catholic families: what happens when loved ones walk away from the faith? Whether you're a parent grieving the loss of your child's connection to the Church, a grandparent longing to share your faith with your grandchildren, or someone who has drifted away from Catholicism yourself, this episode offers a message of hope, compassion, and invitation—not judgment. Michael reflects on the modern pursuit of success, wealth, and status, and asks an important question: Are we investing as much energy into our souls as we are into our careers, possessions, and personal ambitions? Through personal reflection, Scripture, and the inspiring example of Saint Monica and her son, Saint Augustine, this episode examines the difference between the earthly spoils our culture encourages us to pursue and the spiritual treasures that truly endure. No matter how far we've wandered—or how long we've been praying for someone we love—God never stops pursuing His children. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why many people gradually drift away from the faith * The difference between earthly success and spiritual fulfillment * How parents and grandparents can respond with love, patience, and prayer * The power of faithful witness and persistent prayer * Why it's never too late to turn back toward God Featured Scripture: * Matthew 6:19–21 — Treasures in Heaven * Mark 10:17–22 — The Rich Young Man * James 1:17 — Every good and perfect gift is from above * 1 Timothy 6:7 — We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it If this episode speaks to your heart, please share it with someone you love—especially someone who may need the reminder that they are missed, they are loved, and it's never too late to come home. Until next time, keep seeking the spiritual spoils that lead to eternal life. God bless.

Episode 16 - Catholic Marriage: Growing in Holiness Together

In Episode 16 of Just An Average Catholic, Michael Champagne reflects on the beauty, challenges, and spiritual purpose of Catholic marriage and family life in a world that often struggles to understand commitment, sacrifice, and faithfulness. “Catholic Marriage: Growing in Holiness Together” explores how husbands and wives help shape one another through ordinary daily life — not through perfection, but through patience, forgiveness, perseverance, prayer, and love lived out one day at a time. This episode also reflects on the importance of praying together as families, being faithful role models for our children, and encouraging them as they begin navigating their own personal journey of faith and vocation. Through honest conversation and relatable reflections, this episode reminds us that holiness is often built quietly: in our homes, in our marriages, in our families, and in the ordinary moments the world rarely notices. Because sometimes the most meaningful spiritual growth happens through ordinary people striving to walk toward God together.

Episode 15 - The People God Places in Our Lives

Some people enter our lives for only a short time… yet leave an impact that lasts forever. In this heartfelt episode of Just An Average Catholic, Michael Champagne reflects on the people God places in our lives — mentors, family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, spiritual guides, and even unexpected strangers whose encouragement, wisdom, and kindness help shape who we become. Through personal stories, Scripture, and honest reflection, Michael explores how God often works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. This episode is a reminder that even small acts of encouragement, compassion, and presence can leave a lasting mark on someone’s life. The conversation also touches on forgiveness, healing, and learning to trust God through difficult relationships, while ultimately focusing on gratitude for the people who strengthened our faith, character, and journey through life. If you’ve ever looked back and realized certain people appeared in your life exactly when you needed them most, this episode will resonate deeply. Because sometimes the greatest blessings God gives us… are the people He places along our path. Thank you for listening to Just An Average Catholic. If this episode means something to you, please share it with someone who has made a difference in your life.

Episode 14 – Faith Outside the Church Walls

What does it really mean to live our faith once Sunday Mass is over? In Episode 14 of Just An Average Catholic, Michael Champagne reflects on the challenge of carrying our Catholic faith into everyday life — into our workplaces, families, friendships, conversations, and even the difficult moments we face each day. In a world filled with noise, division, distraction, and constant pressure, authentic Christianity is often revealed not through perfection, but through quiet consistency: compassion, patience, forgiveness, humility, and hope. This episode explores: * Why faith was never meant to stay inside a church building * The importance of living as witnesses in ordinary life * How small daily actions can reflect Christ to others * The challenge of remaining grounded in a distracted world * Finding peace and purpose through intentional faith Whether you’re strong in your faith journey or simply trying to stay spiritually grounded in everyday life, this conversation offers encouragement and practical reflection for living faithfully beyond the church walls. Scripture References: * Matthew 5:14 * Colossians 3:12-13 * Psalm 46:10 Thank you for listening to Just An Average Catholic. If this episode encouraged you, please follow, share, and leave a review to help others discover the podcast.

Episode 13 - Faith During Dry Seasons

What happens when prayer feels empty… and God feels distant? In this episode of Just An Average Catholic, Michael Champagne reflects on the spiritual dry seasons that many Christians experience but few openly discuss. Whether caused by exhaustion, grief, distraction, suffering, or quiet spiritual growth, these seasons can leave us wondering where God is — and whether our faith is weakening. But spiritual dryness is not the same as spiritual failure. Drawing from Scripture, the Psalms, the lives of the saints, and personal reflection, this episode explores how faith often grows deepest beneath the surface — in perseverance, silence, and trust beyond emotion. If you’ve ever struggled to pray, felt spiritually exhausted, or wondered whether God was still near, this conversation is for you. Scripture References: * Psalm 22 * Psalm 42 * 2 Corinthians 5:7 * Romans 8:26 * John 6:35 * 1 Kings 19 “Sometimes faith is simply choosing to stay.”