Kacie Barrett M.A.R. '25: Theological Inquiry With a Mystic’s Heart

Jeth Fogg '27: Christ All The Way

Jeth Fogg, a sophomore at Yale, shares his journey to the Catholic Church, sparked by engaging with the Church’s intellectual tradition alongside friends. From the thought-provoking texts of Aristotle and Augustine to the supportive community at Saint Thomas More, Jeff’s story is a testament to the transformative power of intellectual and spiritual exploration. We uncover how his intellectual curiosity guided him to ask questions about the meaning of life, which ultimately led him home to the Church.  Still, as part of Jeth’s conversion process, he wrestled with what surrender to God meant, as well as how to cultivate an interior life that conforms the heart to God. The sacraments, especially Confession, are a big part of that, as is a daily Ignatian Examen. With a heart and mind attuned to God, Jeth shares how life on campus looks different these days. In his words, it’s “Christ all the way.” Thankfully, Jeth and other students don’t have to pursue Christ alone; STM exists to ensure that we have a community of faith walking together towards Christ.  Join us as we explore the beauty of continuous learning, the importance of community, and the liberating power of a life centered around Christ. This episode promises to ignite your faith and remind you of the profound freedom found in embracing “Christ all the way.” Mentioned in this episode: Davenport Pops Orchestra [http://www.dpops.com/], the Ignatian Examen [https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/], the Elm Institute [https://www.elminstitute.org/] Support the show [https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=StThomasMoreCC&d2tool=donate]

Teresa Berger Ph.D.: Worshiping God with All of Creation

Imagine viewing yourself as part of a worshiping community that includes trees and animals, not just the people in the church pews with you. Join us on Finding God on Park Street as we sit down with Teresa Berger, a distinguished professor at Yale Divinity School and the Institute of Sacred Music (ISM), who gives us insight into how she worships God, and with whom. Her faith and scholarship explore questions surrounding creation and communion, which she lays out in her forthcoming book Benedicite.  But how did this German Catholic dedicate her life to liturgical studies? Join this conversation to hear about Teresa’s journey through various Christian communities and different university contexts until she found a faith home at Saint Thomas More at Yale University. From overcoming institutional resistance to integrating nature into worship, Teresa's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Learn how she navigated personal and professional hurdles and the joys she experiences in teaching and learning with her students. Teresa's reflections inspire us to seek divine encounters in everyday moments, transforming our daily routines into spiritual practices. Tune in to be challenged and uplifted by Teresa’s experiences of the joys and struggles of this life.  Mentioned in this episode: Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) [https://ism.yale.edu/] Support the show [https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=StThomasMoreCC&d2tool=donate]

David Rivera '21 M.A.R.: Faith in Action at Work and at Home

Assistant Chaplain David Rivera shares his faith journey, from growing up immersed in Mexican-American Catholic culture in California, to experiencing the strength of community life during college, and ultimately to New Haven, a city he’s called home for a decade. Together with student co-host Zach Moynihan, we celebrate the vibrant start of the academic year, the joy of new and returning students, and the dynamism of life at Saint Thomas More.  David shares poignant memories from his childhood, where family traditions and treasured sacraments set a foundation for his spiritual journey. He delves into how his personal experiences, including a transformative postgraduate service program in Honduras, have shaped his approach to faith-driven community engagement and his understanding of vocation as a husband, dad, and chaplain serving college students. Furthermore, we explore the critical role of one-on-one relationships in ministry, reflecting on David's transition from a graduate student's spouse to an experienced member of the pastoral team at STM.  Listen as he brings to life the concept of "faith in action,” illustrating how personal prayer and reception of the sacraments fuels our justice and charity efforts. Mentioned in this episode: South Bend Catholic Worker [https://www.southbendcatholicworker.org/], Finca del Niño/Farm of the Child [https://www.farmofthechild.org/], Saint Martin de Porres Academy [https://www.saintmartinacademy.org/] Support the show [https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=StThomasMoreCC&d2tool=donate]

Kacie Barrett M.A.R. '25: Theological Inquiry With a Mystic’s Heart

Join us as Kacie Barrett, a passionate graduate student at Yale Divinity School, shares her remarkable journey from a childhood on the ice in Montana to the study of theology here at Yale. Although she may not have seen it coming for herself, Kacie has been asking theological questions and honing her skills of critical analysis from a young age as a Catholic school student and teen youth ministry leader. Now, she’s putting them to practice as a budding theologian.  Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of Kacie’s spiritual life, particularly her devotion to the Eucharist and Adoration. She reveals how these practices not only nourish her soul, but also inform her academic work and leadership within the Catholic Church. Hear Kacie’s candid reflections on navigating gender expectations as a young woman in leadership roles in the Church, and how the wisdom of mystics and Eucharistic devotion provide her with strength and insight. Her personal anecdotes shed light on the interior wrestling that happens in the life of faith.  Kacie is currently serving as an intern at Saint Thomas More at Yale, which she sees as a parallel experience to serving in a parish while in college. Kacie offers valuable insights into the intersection of academic theology, practical ministry, and the ongoing challenges and rewards of maintaining a Catholic identity in a diverse academic environment. Don't miss this enriching exploration of faith, academia, and personal discovery. Mentioned in this episode:  Catholic Youth Coalition Board [https://diocesehelena.org/cycboard/] Support the show [https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=StThomasMoreCC&d2tool=donate]

Kay Perdue Meadows: Noticing God’s Golden Thread in her Life

Growing up in a secular household to becoming a dedicated Catholic catechist is a journey sure to be full of unexpected twists and turns.  Join us as alum, Kay Perdue Meadows, takes us through her remarkable journey of falling in love with Christ and seeing the beauty of this world with the eyes of faith, especially as a current producer at Yale Repertory Theatre.  Raised in an intellectually curious, non-religious environment, Kay discovered the world of theater as a means to overcome her shyness. Her love of stories played out in a new way on stage, cultivating compassion and empathy for others’ struggles and experiences. As she progressed through college and graduate school at Yale, Kay found herself wondering what it meant to let love and self-gift, rather than achievement, shape her life and her goals. This propelled her towards the Catholic Church, where she discovered the ultimate story of creation, redemption, beauty, and love. Not long after, Kay entered the Catholic Church at STM’s Easter Vigil.  Her transformative visit to a Cistercian monastery and her encounter with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program offered her profound insights into God's love and the integration of faith into every aspect of life, from family life to professional endeavors. Join us as Kay reflects on living out her faith in a secular environment at Yale and the daily practice of surrender that she continues to pursue as a wife, mom, and catechist. This episode is a testament to how faith, knowledge, and human experience can intersect beautifully, offering pathways to spiritual fulfillment and community engagement. Mentioned in this episode: Yale Repertory Theatre [https://yalerep.org/], St. Joseph’s Abbey [https://spencerabbey.org/] in Spencer, MA, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd [https://www.cgsusa.org/] Support the show [https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=StThomasMoreCC&d2tool=donate]