Family Pilgrimage: The Practicals and Spiritual Fruit

Leaning on Faith, Family, and Friends Through Adversity

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324580/fan_mail/new] Grief has a way of revealing what we are truly made of, and for Maura McGee, it became the unlikely path to peace. Jim and Meghan sit down with Maura, a mother of six and author of It Is What It Is, to hear how her family navigated miscarriage, the murder of a beloved priest uncle, her husband Dave's rare cancer diagnosis, and the loss of her mother all within a few years of one another. With honesty and quiet strength, Maura shares how leaning on faith, family, and friends carried her through the darkest seasons and ultimately led her to write a book she never planned to write. What’s in this episode: * Maura's journey through miscarriage, loss, and her husband's rare cancer * The murder of her uncle, Father Thomas Wells, and its impact on her faith * Dave's final years and the soaring faith he modeled for their six children * A pilgrimage to Lourdes and the unexpected miracle Dave received there * The peace that comes when surrender replaces the need for control * Why going through the motions in faith still carries you during grief * The community and Catholic schools that helped her children stay rooted * How writing became both a calling and a deeply therapeutic act * Why Maura kept the book secret from her family until Palm Sunday * One resource every Catholic family should know: MassTimes.org [https://masstimes.org/] * Book she is currently reading: A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage [https://www.amazon.com/Lasting-Promise-Christian-Fighting-Marriage/dp/0470580534] by Scott Stanley * Advice to her younger self: Life is short and you are not in charge, so trust and surrender * Final wisdom for listeners: Lean on faith, family, and friends; humbly accept help when it is your turn Resources Mentioned: MassTimes.org [https://masstimes.org/] – Find Catholic Mass times anywhere in the world It Is What It Is [https://www.amazon.com/What-Journey-Seeking-Through-Friends/dp/1966786174] by Maura McGee – A memoir of surviving adversity through faith, family, and friends @mauramcgeeauthor [https://www.instagram.com/mauramcgeeauthor/] on Instagram – Maura's Instagram for updates and outreach A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide for Fighting for Your Marriage [https://www.amazon.com/Lasting-Promise-Christian-Fighting-Marriage/dp/0470580534] by Scott Stanley – A faith-based guide for strengthening and protecting your marriage Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.

Catholic Finishing School: Forming Young Ladies for Heaven and Earth

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324580/fan_mail/new] The teenage years are a critical window for forming young women in virtue, confidence, and a deep Catholic identity. Jim and Meghan sit down with Chantal Howard, Catholic entrepreneur, coach, and mother of seven, to explore how a faith-centered program called Catholic Finishing School is equipping daughters to navigate girlhood with grace and courage. Drawing from over a decade of coaching women and raising five daughters of her own, Chantal shares how this work was born straight from her own motherhood and the needs she saw in young women around her. With warmth and authenticity, she invites parents and daughters into a mission that forms young women not just for the world but for heaven. What’s in this episode: * Why the teenage years are the critical formation window for young women * How Catholic Finishing School helps girls build identity, virtue, and confidence * The practical skills Catholic girls need: friendships, communication, and presence * The program structure: self-study lessons, a workbook, and live group coaching calls * Common challenges facing young girls: social awkwardness and a fixed mindset * A 10-day mother-daughter pilgrimage to Brittany, France in the works * The saints who anchor the pilgrimage: Therese, Michael, and Joan of Arc * Stories of fruit: girls finding community, healing friendships, and feeling seen * One resource every Catholic family should know: Catholic Finishing School [https://catholicfinishingschool.com/] and Aroma Rosary [https://www.aromarosary.com/] * Book she is currently reading: Peace of Soul [https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Soul-Fulton-J-Sheen/dp/0892439157] by Archbishop Fulton Sheen * Advice to her younger self: Stop telling yourself you are close but not quite * Final wisdom for listeners: Embrace full formation on every level and be merciful to yourself and others Resources Mentioned: Catholic Finishing School [https://catholicfinishingschool.com/] – Faith-centered self-study course and formation program for Catholic girls ages 14-19 Chantal Howard’s Website [https://www.chantal-howard.com/] – Chantal's personal website with marriage retreats, resources, and updates Aroma Rosary [https://www.aromarosary.com/] – Handcrafted rosaries designed to diffuse essential oils and help families fall in love with the Rosary Peace of Soul [https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Soul-Fulton-J-Sheen/dp/0892439157] by Archbishop Fulton Sheen – A spiritual classic currently at Chantal's side as she works on a manuscript about suffering Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.

Ordering Love

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324580/fan_mail/new] What would change in your family if every relationship were ordered toward God first? Jim and Meghan welcome Sarah McKenzie, a registered therapeutic counselor and mother of eight from British Columbia, Canada, to explore the Augustinian concept of "ordering love" and its surprising power for modern families. Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas and her own clinical practice, Sarah offers a grace-filled look at how disordered relationships quietly undermine our homes and how faith-integrated healing can restore them. This conversation speaks directly to every Catholic family longing for clarity, connection, and Christ at the center. What’s in this episode: * The concept of ordering love and what it means for every family * Why faith-integrated counseling addresses what secular approaches often miss * The bullseye exercise Sarah uses to reveal disordered relationships * How barriers to receiving love show up in marriages and families * Clearly defined roles and responsibilities as essential to family life * Structure and freedom as two sides of the same gift in marriage * Older siblings serving younger ones as an invitation, not a burden * The damage disordered counseling can do to the family unit * What today's couples are missing and why it matters for the Church * Tech boundaries and how to navigate them imperfectly but intentionally * The practice of delight and its power in family life and faith * One resource every Catholic family should know: Word on Fire Institute [https://institute.wordonfire.org/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=wordonfire.org&utm_campaign=homepage&_gl=1*flda67*_gcl_au*MTYxNjA5NTQxNi4xNzc4NTk5MTEx*_ga*MjUyNTc0ODE1LjE3Nzg1OTkxMTE.*_ga_4081DYV3TL*czE3Nzg1OTkxMDkkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzg1OTkxMDkkajYwJGwwJGgzNzQ3OTI2MjY.] * Book she is currently reading: Imitation of Christ, With All Her Mind edited by Rachel Bowman (Word on Fire), How Emotions Are Made, Litanies of the Heart [https://www.amazon.com/Litanies-Heart-Gerry-Ken-Crete/dp/B0CGH3PC7Z] by Gerry Ken Crete, The Anxious Generation [https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036] by Jonathan Haidt * Advice to her younger self: Live in front of your eyes and less in your own head; spend more time outward-facing * Final wisdom for listeners: Practice delight. Learn to let the Lord delight in you and let that overflow into the people around you. Resources Mentioned: Mountain View Therapy [https://www.mountainviewtherapy.ca/] – Sarah's website with services, digital courses, and links Word on Fire Institute [https://institute.wordonfire.org/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=wordonfire.org&utm_campaign=homepage&_gl=1*flda67*_gcl_au*MTYxNjA5NTQxNi4xNzc4NTk5MTEx*_ga*MjUyNTc0ODE1LjE3Nzg1OTkxMTE.*_ga_4081DYV3TL*czE3Nzg1OTkxMDkkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzg1OTkxMDkkajYwJGwwJGgzNzQ3OTI2MjY.] – Catholic courses, quarterly journal, and faith formation resources Godsplaining [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/godsplaining/id1476326650] – Short, humorous podcast on faith and culture hosted by Father Gregory Pine Litanies of the Heart [https://www.amazon.com/Litanies-Heart-Gerry-Ken-Crete/dp/B0CGH3PC7Z] by Gerry Ken Crete – A Catholic guide to healing and trauma with guided spiritual exercises The Anxious Generation [https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036] by Jonathan Haidt – Insights on technology's impact on young people Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.

Keeping Your Kids Catholic

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324580/fan_mail/new] What if the key to keeping your kids Catholic isn't found in a better curriculum, but in the quality of the soil? Stacy Halbach, Catholic author, speaker, and mother of six, joins Jim and Meghan with a hope-filled recipe for raising children who hold fast to Christ. Drawing from the Parable of the Sower, years of personal research, and her own family's beautiful struggles, Stacy reveals what parents can do right now to cultivate a home where faith takes deep root and lasts a lifetime. What’s in this episode: * The Parable of the Sower and why family soil matters more than the seed * Why a strong marriage is the foundation of secure, faith-filled kids * "Tuck in time" and the simple weekly practice that builds real connection * Compost parenting and the life-giving power of rupture and repair * The love languages quiz and how it transforms the way you love your children * The origin of Bloom [https://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Unfolding-Femininity-Catholic-Daughters/dp/B0DSKX2SN2], a Catholic puberty guidebook for moms and daughters ages 8-13 * Level Up [https://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Catholic-Virtuous-Conversations/dp/B0DNV4FCM8], a faith guide designed to help moms connect with sons ages 13 and up * The freeing truth that your children's choices do not define your parenting * Stories of vulnerability, sanctification, and surrender in family life * One resource every Catholic family should know: Five Love Languages Quiz [https://5lovelanguages.com/] * Book she is currently reading: In the School of the Holy Spirit [https://www.amazon.com/School-Holy-Spirit-Jacques-Philippe/dp/1594170533] by FR. Jacques Philippe * Advice to her younger self: "You have no idea what God has planned for you. Put what you want aside." She also referenced this meme [https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QpyUyg5iPh951wqVGoKSBovRfOjWHMj/view?usp=sharing] about trusting what God has waiting on the other side * Final wisdom for listeners: Jump into the river of the Holy Spirit; control is overrated Resources Mentioned: Full of Grace Femininity Workshop [https://www.jumpincatholic.com/full-of-grace] – Use code MODERNCATHOLIC to make the parish program free Jump In Catholic [https://www.jumpincatholic.com/] – Books, podcasts, workshops, and free resources for Catholic families (85% free) Bloom [https://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Unfolding-Femininity-Catholic-Daughters/dp/B0DSKX2SN2] by Stacy Halbach – Catholic puberty guidebook for moms and daughters to read together Level Up [https://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Catholic-Virtuous-Conversations/dp/B0DNV4FCM8]by Stacy Halbach – Catholic faith guide for moms and sons ages 13 and up In the School of the Holy Spirit [https://www.amazon.com/School-Holy-Spirit-Jacques-Philippe/dp/1594170533] by FR. Jacques Philippe - Guide to recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit in daily life Five Love Languages Quiz [https://5lovelanguages.com/] – Tool for discovering how each family member gives and receives love Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.

Family Pilgrimage: The Practicals and Spiritual Fruit

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324580/fan_mail/new] What if the most powerful pilgrimage your family could take this year started just a few hours down the road? Jason Spoolstra, creator of the Light and Heavy Pilgrimages YouTube channel, joins Jim and Meghan to make the case that every Catholic family is called to pilgrimage, and that it is far more accessible than most people think. Drawing from nearly two decades of Catholic ministry and years of personal experience leading pilgrimages around the world, Jason unpacks both the spiritual depth and the practical steps that can turn any journey into a sacred act of faith. What’s in this episode: * Pilgrimages as accessible, affordable, and doable for every Catholic family * Tying a pilgrimage into your next road trip or family vacation * The spiritual warfare and sacrifice woven into every pilgrimage journey * The American Saints tour: finding blesseds, venerables, and saints near you * Adapting pilgrimages to your children's ages, temperaments, and interests * A moving story of consecration to Our Lady and answered prayer in Brazil * Practical steps: devotions, budget, timeframe, and choosing your destination * The difference between a pilgrimage and a regular vacation * Using AI tools to discover Catholic shrines along your travel route * One resource every Catholic family should know: Handbook of Prayers [https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Prayers-James-Socias-ebook/dp/B008B105D2/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=144673988823&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pX5FKJ1SHgI8Dvrt9Z3hcJWFawe5UFiTu06YPNo5bViHFT0QNHwtFAbA-VrDE_oWpB3Yd94p2AddLuqDDHNle-xeOyjqR-AmralZ-_ffBtojes7UK7xoVs7kMjJNNo-8yIKv-Uq-nxrzOmvycNScWkXyYlc8kouVdl1UKMiunbNSHMJxAMIE2hlGrwN6yQNVO8ssPsz94oYIoK8Vu3G7p_Hft-Cwzea4kZ2It3kvj3g.YHM9wXMUuY3ZqBgIOSTvT4Ffh1EdH17yoveQdxCIMFI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=647953651335&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1011157&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7324441913877746892&hvtargid=kwd-309204247676&hydadcr=21689_13447951&keywords=handbook+of+prayers&mcid=2d1dec38c6063424822073337336c30b&qid=1778263294&sr=8-5] & Catechism of the Catholic Church [https://www.amazon.com/Catechism-Catholic-Church/dp/1574551094/ref=sr_1_7?crid=KJ7QLH57DOGU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CNPTvXWGGQ9Jq7Psd-TMdvxjgXcI32CdcSDkzB4ekWzVxLexDExrYw4pqTnn0PirZ8CTYretAC9D5sgTyXTZ676ju8lDU0UmYBkgHVezmI9lwfR1Qoe0pAPuYHduS_YrcKSsT0Iv7hwoHA-4BVM3fzUbfb0k5i5ob3Pih063-kD2rPQKt5hcYmn_X-PF7LIWyQMyiwyvC1xj5tfHwSEgIUpZZcIIeGgXMknQsSN7gb0.tiiDWaOSL0gd3ftJS-bGyfzK0G5C_5IqVS7In3xbz-k&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Catechism+of+the+Catholic+Church&qid=1778263522&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C48&sr=1-7] * Book he is currently reading: The Theology of the Body  [https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Human-Divine-Parish-Resources/dp/0819873942] * Advice to his younger self: Learn to pray more and trust in the Lord more * Final wisdom for listeners: In the words of JP2, do not be afraid to go on pilgrimage Resources Mentioned: National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate (NASPA) [https://www.catholicshrines.org/] Catholic Pilgrimage Sites [https://catholicpilgrimagesites.wordpress.com/sites-by-state-2/] The Faithful Traveler - Map of US Shrines [https://thefaithfultraveler.com/us_shrine_map/] The Little Pilgrim [https://thelittlepilgrim.com/]  Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.