Kris McGregor Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

This final reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas considers the Incarnation, the Eucharist, Mary, and the call to become weavers of hope. The post MH30 – Weavers of Hope – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

This reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas considers digital attention, interior freedom, vulnerability, and the call to digital sobriety. The post MH26 – Interior Freedom in a Digital Age – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

This reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas considers the technocratic paradigm, efficiency, human dignity, and the measure of love. The post MH18 – When Efficiency Becomes the Measure – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Mike Pacer, author of Mercy and Hope, about the transforming power of God’s mercy and the deep Christian call to live in hope. Drawing from his own spiritual journey, Mike reflects on how many Catholics grow up with a sense of guilt, shame, and the feeling that God’s love must somehow be earned. In response, he offers a deeply biblical and sacramental vision of mercy, showing that God has always been merciful, from the Old Testament to the revelation of Divine Mercy and the life of the Church today. Kris and Mike explore how mercy, trust, and hope are inseparably connected and why authentic Christian hope rests not in self-reliance, but in surrender to the love of God. Their conversation also highlights the healing power of the sacraments, especially Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist, as privileged encounters with divine mercy. Mike speaks movingly about pride as an obstacle to receiving mercy, the beauty of trusting God’s plan, and the courage to hope even in the face of judgment, suffering, and fear for loved ones. With clarity and warmth, he reminds listeners that hope in God’s mercy is not wishful thinking but a confident trust in the Father's goodness. This episode is a rich invitation to rediscover the heart of the Gospel and to believe once again that God’s mercy is greater than sin, fear, and every human weakness. Discerning Hearts Reflections Questions: Do I truly believe that God is merciful, or do I still carry the burden of trying to earn His love?In what ways have guilt, shame or pride kept me from receiving the mercy God wants to pour into my life?How did this conversation deepen my understanding that mercy is not a new message, but the revelation of who God has always been?What does it mean for me personally to say, “Jesus, I trust in You”?How have I experienced God’s mercy through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist?Am I more likely to rely on myself than to surrender in trust to God’s providence and love?What fears do I carry about judgment, and how is the Lord inviting me to grow in hope rather than anxiety?How might God be calling me not only to receive mercy, but to extend mercy more generously to others?In what ways can I become more attentive to the small acts of kindness, patience and compassion that reveal God’s mercy in daily life?Where is the Lord inviting me to hope more boldly in His mercy for myself and for those I love?You can find the book here "Mike's book is not a theological treatise; his writing, like his personality, is real and down-to-earth. To me, the most wonderful and powerful thing Mike has done in this book is to show us the interconnectedness of mercy and hope." –Vinny Flynn, author of 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy "In this book, Mike Pacer offers a loving, heartfelt account of the hope he's found in Divine Mercy. Through his personal reflections on Scripture, St. Faustina's writings, and the theological virtues, he offers fresh insights into the hope-filled mystery of God's merciful love." –Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, author of 33 Days to Morning Glory

Ginny Kochis – Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor In this heartfelt episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy, about the challenges and graces of raising neurodivergent children in Catholic families. Drawing from her own life as a mother, writer, and advocate, Ginny reflects on autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and the often difficult journey toward understanding a child’s unique needs. Together, Kris and Ginny explore the fear, guilt, isolation, and uncertainty many parents experience, while also offering real hope, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that families are not alone. Their conversation also highlights the spiritual dimension of parenting quirky Catholic kids, especially the freedom that can come through diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the need for greater compassion in parishes and schools. Kris shares moving insights from her own family’s experience, while Ginny points listeners toward the dignity of every child and the beauty of seeing neurodivergence through the lens of faith. From meltdowns at Mass to the comfort of the saints, including Servant of God Léonie Martin, this episode offers encouragement for parents, grandparents, teachers, priests, and anyone who wants to better accompany families navigating neurodivergence with faith and joy. About the Author Ginny Kochis is a Catholic wife, mother, author, and neurodivergent parent coach from Northern Virginia. She writes for and about neurodivergent children, teens, and adults through a Catholic lens, and her author site describes her work as serving “the unique and unrepeatable.” Sophia Institute Press describes Quirky Catholic Kids as a book that shares her experience as a parent and educator, along with faith-filled strategies to help families thrive. About Her Ministry: Quirky Catholic Kids Ginny is also the founder of Quirky Catholic Kids, a ministry for Catholic moms raising neurodivergent children. The ministry says it helps mothers move “from overwhelm to confidence” through practical tools, faith, and community, and it offers support through coaching, resources, and encouragement for families raising children who do not fit neatly into conventional expectations Facebook Page Facebook: Not So Formulaic by Ginny KochisYou can link to her Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/notsoformulaic/ Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Have I ever felt fear, guilt, or isolation in loving and caring for someone whose needs did not fit my expectations?In what ways have I struggled to accept that God’s plan for my family may look very different from what I once imagined?How did this conversation help me better understand the difference between labeling a child and receiving a diagnosis that can become a tool for greater freedom?Where have I seen the dignity and beauty of a child shine through, even in the midst of struggle, misunderstanding, or social pressure?Have I ever judged a child or parent from the outside without understanding the deeper reality of what they were carrying?How might God be calling me to become more patient, more attentive, and more compassionate toward neurodivergent children and their families?What does it mean for me to trust that God can bring grace, beauty, and even joy through circumstances I would never have chosen?How does the witness of saints such as Léonie Martin help me see that holiness can blossom in lives that others may misunderstand?In my family, parish, or community, how can I help create a more welcoming place for those who feel different, overwhelmed, or unseen?What part of this conversation most stirred my heart, and where might the Lord be inviting me to respond with greater faith, hope, and love?From the book's description: You can find the book here: https://amzn.to/4cE8Wpl Quirky kids are more: more intense, more active, more emotive, and more sensitive — as much a parent’s or educator’s greatest challenge as they are their greatest joy. In Quirky Catholic Kids, Ginny Kochis explores the complex journey of parenting and educating “outside-the-box,” neurodivergent children — that is, those whose brains receive, process, and express information in unconventional ways — sharing her authentic, often vulnerable, experience as a parent and educator alongside faith-filled strategies designed to help families thrive. Drawing from scientific research, psychology, and her own personal faith journey, Kochis shows you how to turn hurdles into stepping stones of hope. You’ll learn effective approaches for processing the challenges, fears, and frustrations common in neurodivergent family life, affording you and your children powerful techniques for gaining trust and perseverance in the valleys. You’ll also discover: Methods for channeling child behaviors, such as hyperfocusing, to make them fruitfulStep-by-step advice on how to respond to meltdowns and help children regulate their emotionsHow to develop social skills through games, role-playing, and storiesTips on fostering executive functioning skills and navigating difficulties with eating and sleepingFive ways to evaluate whether inappropriate behavior is a matter of discipline or developmentWays to strike a balance with your child’s daily use of screen timeGuides for effective faith formation and parent-child interactions Through the words of Scripture and intercessory prayers of the saints, you will also learn how to combat negative self-talk, grow in temperance yourself, and share these tools with others. Kochis includes several quirky saint examples, such as Carlo Acutis, Dymphna, Joseph of Cupertino, Ignatius of Loyola, Christina the Astonishing, and Servant of God Leonie Martin. A special appendix highlights the talents and struggles of one hundred saints to help you prayerfully discern your child’s patron.  This invaluable resource also includes best practices for helping your family grow in faith, especially during times when your child is struggling.  

St. Gregory the Great teaches that hidden fidelity and prayer keep service rooted in God rather than in praise or recognition. The post BW44 – Guarding What Is Hidden – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Frances of Rome shows that holiness grows through prayer, charity and faithful love in the ordinary duties of daily life. The post BW45 – Fidelity in the Ordinary – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Kris McGregor as she discusses the book "Straight to Heaven: A Practical Guide for Growing in Holiness" with Fr. Thomas Morrow. The post IP#494 Fr. Thomas Morrow – Straight to Heaven on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Patricia McEachern, an associate professor of French at Drew University in Missouri, discusses her book "A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes" with Bruce and Kris McGregor. The post St. Bernadette, A Holy Life – In Conversation with Patricia McEachern – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.