Just An Average Catholic - Pursuing Holiness in Ordinary Life

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.”

Episode 12 - What Happens When You Hear Him?

Last episode, we reflected on recognizing the voice of God. But hearing Him is only the beginning. The real question is: what happens next? In Episode 12 of Just An Average Catholic, we explore what it means to truly follow Christ in the middle of uncertainty, suffering, and everyday life. This episode challenges the idea of being an “à la carte Catholic” — choosing only the comfortable parts of the faith — while encouraging listeners to embrace the small daily acts of trust and surrender that shape authentic discipleship. Through reflections on Scripture, perseverance, suffering, and the beauty of a faithful life lived well, this episode reminds us that holiness is rarely built in dramatic moments. More often, it’s formed quietly through ordinary faithfulness and small “yeses” to God. Michael also shares a personal reflection on the peaceful passing of his father-in-law and the deeply Catholic understanding of praying for the grace of a holy and peaceful death. This episode invites listeners to consider: • What is God asking me to trust Him with right now? • Am I following Christ completely… or selectively? • What small “yes” is God asking of me today? Because maybe being “just an average Catholic” isn’t about settling for average faith… maybe it’s about continuing to say yes to an extraordinary God one small step at a time.

Episode 11 - Recognizing the Voice of God

In Episode 11 of Just An Average Catholic, we explore one of the most important questions in the spiritual life: How do you recognize the voice of God? Is it a feeling? A thought? A sense of peace? Or something else entirely? God is always speaking—but discerning His voice from our own thoughts, emotions, or outside noise can be challenging. In this episode, we break down what discernment really looks like, how God often communicates in subtle ways, and how patience, prayer, and formation help us recognize His guidance more clearly. If you’ve ever questioned whether God is leading you, struggled to make a decision, or wanted greater clarity in your faith journey—this episode is for you. Learning to recognize His voice doesn’t happen overnight… but it changes everything when you do.

Episode 10 - God Forms Us Slowly

Episode 10 – God Forms Us Slowly We live in a world that expects quick results, clear answers, and immediate progress. But spiritual growth usually doesn’t happen that way. In this episode of Just an Average Catholic, we reflect on patience, trust, and the quiet ways God works over time. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and the reminder that God has a good plan for each of us, we’re invited to trust His timing—even when we don’t yet understand the path ahead. Because what feels delayed may not be denied. It may be developing something lasting. And sometimes, God forms us slowly because He is forming something deeper.

Episode 9 - Faith in Action: Seeing the Face of Christ in the Poor

Faith is not only something we believe, pray, or learn. It is something we live. In this episode of Just an Average Catholic, I reflect on how serving others can become more than an act of charity — it can become an encounter with Christ. Drawing from my experience with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, I share how the simple act of being present can bring dignity, compassion, and hope to those who are struggling. Because sometimes the greatest gift we offer is not a solution… but our presence. And sometimes the person we came to help… helps us see things more clearly.