Old St. Pat's Podcast

Have you ever noticed how the past can sometimes feel strangely present? Someone says something that hurt you ten years ago—and suddenly, there you are again. You can hear their voice, feel the sting, and remember exactly what happened. So how do we forgive when the hurt still feels so real? Maybe forgiveness begins by turning toward the part of us inside that is still hurting and saying: “I see you and you don’t have to carry this alone anymore.” Because forgiveness isn't about forgetting, pretending it didn't happen, or putting yourself in a position to be hurt again. Forgiveness can have boundaries. It's saying, “What happened wasn't okay—and I'm still choosing love.” When we can offer compassion to the wounded parts of ourselves, we can begin to loosen our grip, make room for healing, and even find greater compassion for the wounded parts of others. Because forgiveness isn't a single moment when we suddenly say, “I'm over it.” It's a journey of remembering and releasing, protecting ourselves while opening our hearts again and discovering that the hurt doesn't have to define us. Today, Father Jack Wall teaches us that if we want to know forgiveness, we must become forgiveness—and that means doing the inner work so that our hearts of peace and love can become bigger than the hurt.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:O Breathe on Me, O Breath of GodIf TodayOn Our Pilgrim Journey (Mark Scozzafave)

It can be so easy—and so tempting—to think we know better. He should do this. She should do that. I’m right. You’re wrong. We can find ourselves wanting to correct someone’s choices, their thinking, or the way they’re living their life because we’re convinced we know how things should be. But when we focus on correcting, we leave very little room for conversation or connection. What happens when, instead of trying to correct the person in front of us, we choose to connect with them? We get to understand them a little better. To hear where they’re coming from. To see the story behind their perspective. And maybe even to discover that we have more in common than we realized. Today, Father Christopher Alt reminds us that connection can open the door to forgiveness and reconciliation—and that through God’s grace, we can become vessels of His love here on

If life is a dance, God is our ultimate dance partner. And the music playing over the speakers? That’s the Holy Spirit—keeping the rhythm, moving us along, filling the space around us. And the DJ selecting the tunes? That’s Jesus. Sometimes DJ JC puts on a song we absolutely love. And other times, we’re thinking, “Aw, man…this song is way too slow and depressing. Or way too fast and we can’t keep up!” But here’s the thing: God has the playlist. He knows the choreography. And He knows what comes next. He knows when to pull us close. He knows when to send us spinning. And He knows exactly when to catch us. So maybe the question for us today isn’t: “Do I know all the steps?” Maybe it’s: “Do I trust the One leading me?” What if the thing you’re resisting right now—the surrender, the change of direction, the vulnerability, the letting go—is actually part of the choreography God is using to move you into a new place? What if the thing that feels like losing your balance is actually the beginning of your next beautiful move? So today, Father Foley reminds us: we don't necessarily need to understand the entire dance, we just need to learn to follow the lead of the One who knows the choreography.

Have you ever had one of those days that you planned down to the last detail? You picked the right restaurant, made sure everyone could make it, and thought through the logistics, the timing, the weather—you even knew what topics of conversation you wanted to bring up…everything that needed to line up for the day to be fun. And then… somehow, it just wasn’t. And then there are those other days. You get a good night’s sleep. You eat a good meal. You meet up with friends. You have a general understanding of the structure of the day but you don’t have much of an agenda. You just let the day unfold—and somehow, you end up laughing harder, feeling more connected, and having way more fun than you ever could have planned. You created space for joy, spontaneity, and connection—and fun became the byproduct. In some ways, spirituality works a lot like that. Sometimes we think we have to figure everything out. We have to pray the right way, understand the right things, have the perfect relationship with God, or somehow make ourselves more spiritual. But what if we don't have to force it? What if our job is simply to create space for God—and then let God do what God does? Prayer. Meditation. Honest reflection. Simply paying attention to what’s happening inside of us. These things don't necessarily produce some immediate, dramatic spiritual breakthrough. But they create the conditions for something to grow. And sometimes, when we stop trying so hard to make something happen, we discover that God has been working all along. Today, Father Michael Simone reminds us that wherever we are on our spiritual journey, we don't have to have it all figured out.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are listed below and sung by Michael St. Peter: Con Te Partirò Holy Is Your Name The Prayer (Instrumental)

On a trip, it’s fun to have a good travel companion. Someone who makes the load feel a little lighter—physically and mentally. Someone who makes a playlist for the long drive, can laugh when plans change, and goes with the flow when the road takes an unexpected turn. Someone who handles the tired, stressful days with patience and grace. Someone who sees the best in you and somehow brings out the best in you, too. Because every good trip has its obstacles—wrong turns, delays, traffic, bad weather, and those moments when you wonder, Are we ever going to get there? And when those moments come, it helps to have someone beside you who says, Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out. We’re in this together. Life is much like a long journey. Thankfully, we don’t have to travel it alone. We have our families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and classmates—people who become our travel companions along the way. They’re the people who love us when we’re tired, overwhelmed, emotional, or simply having a bad day. They make an ordinary Tuesday a little more fun and bring some color to the days that feel gray. God knows this journey can be difficult, which is why he gives us one another. He doesn’t expect us to navigate every narrow, winding road of life by ourselves. We may look different. We may think differently. We may come from different places and have very different stories. But we are all traveling the same road. We are part of the same human family. So today, Father Tom Hurley asks us to reflect on what kind of travel companion we are—and reminds us that we can slow down, make room for one another, and trust that together, we can work this out.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Every Word & Every Breath Christ Has No Body Now I Am For You 

Every great story has a main character, a beginning, an arc, unexpected turns, moments of struggle, and moments that change everything. But what if you thought about your own faith that way? If you were to tell the story of your relationship with God, what would it sound like? When in your life has God felt especially close? When have you wondered where God was—or questioned whether God was there at all, or have been mad at God? Who are the people who helped you recognize God's presence? And what experiences opened your heart to something bigger, deeper, or more meaningful? Faith is a lot like friendship. The longer we know someone, the more we can look back and see the moments that shaped the relationship—the conversations, the challenges, the unexpected encounters, and the people who helped bring us closer together. Our relationship with God has a story, too. Today, Father Pat McGrath invites us to reflect on that story—to look back at the ways God has been present throughout our lives and to recognize that faith isn't simply what we believe today. It's a relationship that has been unfolding all along.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Gathered As One Broken for the Broken I Am The Bread of Life! At the Table of Jesus

Summer is often a season that invites us to slow down. Whether you're taking a vacation, enjoying a staycation, relaxing by the neighborhood pool, or simply spending a quiet evening on the porch, this time of year reminds us that rest isn't a luxury—it's something we all need before we go back to school or work. In today's Gospel, Jesus shows us that even he needed to step away from the crowds. After hearing the heartbreaking news of John the Baptist's death, he withdrew to a quiet place to pray before returning to continue his mission. That time of solitude wasn't an escape from the work ahead—it was what renewed him with the compassion, strength, and purpose to keep going. In today's homily, Father Pat McGrath reminds us that we're called to do the same. When we intentionally step away from the noise and distractions of daily life, we create space to hear God's voice more clearly. It's in those moments of prayer and quiet that God renews us, so we can return to our families, workplaces, and communities with hearts ready to love and serve others.

What's been occupying your mind these past few weeks? Is it your career? A relationship? A dream you've been putting off? Or maybe a worry or fear you can't seem to shake. What we consistently give our attention to slowly shapes the people we become. Some things energize us and bring a quiet sense of purpose, even when they're challenging. Other things quietly drain us. They keep us stuck in cycles of anxiety, comparison, busyness, or the constant pressure to prove ourselves, pulling us further from the life we were created to live. One of the signs we're moving in the direction God is calling us is that, even amid hard work, there's a deeper sense of peace. We begin to see the fruits of our efforts. But when we're investing our energy in things that aren't truly ours to carry, we often feel restless, exhausted, and stuck. And sometimes the hardest step is letting go of what's familiar—even when we know it's no longer serving us—because the unknown can feel frightening. Today, Father Pat McGrath invites us to pay attention to what has captured our hearts and gives us the courage to reorient our lives toward what God is calling us to do.

Have you seen The Odyssey yet? Whether you've already watched it or you've just been hearing everyone talk about it lately, there's something worth noticing about the story. At its heart, The Odyssey isn't simply about getting home—it's about who Odysseus becomes along the journey. The same is true of our spiritual lives. None of us begin as a finished product. We all carry strengths and weaknesses, moments of courage and moments of failure. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus describes it another way: each of us has both wheat and weeds growing within our hearts and minds. The good news is that God isn't asking us to become perfect overnight. And He isn't asking us to spend our lives pulling out everyone else's weeds, either. Instead, He invites us to patiently cultivate what is good, trusting that His grace can transform us over time. Today, Father Rossman reminds us that our mission isn't to obsess over the weeds—whether in ourselves or in others and teaches us how to faithfully grow what is good.

This time of year, summer farmers markets are everywhere. Each vendor brings something different to share—some bring flowers, others bring cheese, apples, vegetables, or fresh produce grown from their own fields. Imagine if you had a stand at a spiritual farmers market. What would you have to offer? What would be growing so abundantly in your life that you could share it with others? Would your table be filled with encouragement? Compassion? Forgiveness? Patience? Joy? Love? Or lately, have the fruits of our lives been fear, negativity, frustration, or division? Take a moment to look within. And if you don’t like the fruit you are producing today, remember this: you can always plant new seeds. Today, Father Jack Wall invites us to listen deeply to the Word of God being spoken into our hearts, trusting that when we allow God’s seeds of love to take root, they will grow, blossom, and bear fruit—not only in our own lives, but in the lives of everyone we encounter.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: For The Faithful Who Have Answered  Ad Maiorem Dei, Gloriam  How Can I Keep From Singing?

Have you ever noticed that the people who seem to have life completely figured out often stop asking questions? But the people who continue to grow—those who remain open and full of wonder—never lose their sense of humility. They know and recognize there's always more to learn, more to discover, and more ways to love. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus thanks the Father that the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed not to the wise and the powerful, but to the "little ones." Who are these little ones? They aren't simply children. They're ordinary people—people who know what it means to hope, to struggle, to grieve, to ask questions, and to long for something more. Today, Father Pat McGrath reminds us that the deepest desire of every human heart is "to know and be known, to love and be loved," so he invites us to embrace our shared humanity with humility, compassion, and openness.

Think about your family, your circle of friends, your lunch table, your neighborhood, or the people you naturally gravitate toward. These are your people—your tribe, your community, your place of belonging. And there is something beautiful and deeply human about finding a place where we feel known, loved, and accepted. But when was the last time you invited someone new into that circle? When was the last time you expanded your heart to make room for someone you once considered an outsider? Maybe you've experienced this when a sibling married and welcomed a new spouse into the family. Maybe it happened when a new colleague joined your workplace, or when a new student walked into your classroom. In those moments, we discover something remarkable: our capacity to love is not fixed. Our hearts can grow. Our understanding of family can expand. Because ultimately, despite our differences in race, culture, background, beliefs, or life experience, we all belong to one human family. And if we want every person to experience that sense of belonging, then each of us has a role to play. In today's episode, Father Ed Foley invites us to extend a hand across racial, cultural, and social divides, and to dare to discover family in places we may never have expected.

Dear God - As we approach this Fourth of July, we seek Your guidance and blessings. We thank You for the gift of freedom and the opportunities it affords us. Grant us the wisdom to be good stewards of this liberty, that we may foster justice, unity, and compassion within our communities. Bless our nation, our leaders, and all those who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms. May this holiday serve as a reminder of the values that bind us together as one nation under God. Amen. Wishing you a wonderful week leading up to the Fourth of July and a joyful Independence Day from all of us at OSP! As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States, we invite you to enjoy this special music episode in celebration of our nation's history, spirit, and enduring hope!

Think about all the people who helped shape you into the person you are today. Chances are, it wasn't just one person. It may have been a parent, a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, an uncle, or a family friend. In their own way, each stepped into your life with presence, encouragement, and loving guidance, reminding you that you didn't have to face life alone. It's in these moments that we realize God often works through a whole community of people. His love becomes tangible through those who show up, invest in us, and help us become who we are meant to be. And since we recently celebrated Father's Day, our attention turns especially to those who have played the role of a father. We are reminded that there are many ways to be a dad. In fact, you might say that dad is a verb. Fatherhood is not simply a title or a matter of biology. It's something you do. It's showing up. It's offering guidance, encouragement, and steadfast love. It's being present. Because the people who shape us most are often the ones who gave us life and the ones who gave us their time, their presence, and their love. Fatherhood is more than biology—it's a way of loving. In other words, it's choosing to "dad." This past Sunday, Ryan Malawy offered a special reflection at Mass on the many ways one can be a father and the profound impact father figures—whether dads, foster parents, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, neighbors, or friends—can have on the lives of those they love and guide.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir Today's music series features a musical medley as a special tribute to all Dads, Stepdads, Grandfathers, and all Father figures!   The featured songs today are: Our Father (The Lord's Prayer) You Raise Me Up (Lovland/Graham)

Do you ever find yourself unexpectedly emotional when listening to a beautiful song? Maybe it's at a concert when thousands of voices join together, and suddenly you feel something stirring deep within you. Or perhaps you've gotten teary-eyed watching a loved one walk across a graduation stage, hearing a moving speech, or witnessing an act of kindness that seemed to restore your faith in humanity. Maybe it happens while standing before a breathtaking piece of art, watching a sunset over the water, or stepping into a sacred space that leaves you speechless. In those moments, it's almost as if a part of your soul has been recognized—seen in a way that words can't quite explain. Beauty has a remarkable power to stop us in our tracks. It bypasses our defenses, reaches beyond logic, and speaks directly to the soul. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves—a story filled with wonder, meaning, and grace. Sometimes our hearts recognize a truth before our minds can fully understand it. And perhaps that's why beauty can bring us to tears. Not because we're sad, but because for a brief moment we catch a glimpse of something holy, we catch a glimpse of God. In today's episode, Father Pat McGrath explores how beauty awakens compassion, reveals the dignity of every person, and opens our eyes to God's presence in the world around us. So the next time something beautiful brings tears to your eyes, pay attention. It just might be God speaking to your soul.

Think about the last time you gathered around a table with family or friends. Maybe it was a holiday meal. Maybe it was dinner after a long day. Maybe it was coffee with a friend. Whatever the occasion, chances are it involved more than food. Around the table, stories were shared. Laughter erupted. Memories were made. And perhaps there were even difficult conversations, tears, or moments of healing. There's something powerful about a table. It brings us together. It unites. We arrive hungry, but we leave with more than a full stomach. We leave feeling connected. Nourished. Reminded that we belong to something bigger than ourselves. In many ways, that's what happens every time we gather for the Eucharist. We come carrying the joys, worries, questions, and challenges of our lives. We bring our successes and failures, our celebrations and sorrows. And at the table of the Lord, we hear Jesus say, "I am the bread of life." We are fed by His presence, strengthened by His love, and reminded that we do not walk this journey alone. But the Eucharist is not simply something we receive. It is something that transforms us. Just as a family meal strengthens us physically, the Eucharist nourishes us spiritually and sends us back into the world with purpose and inner peace. We are fed so that we can feed others. We are comforted so that we can offer comfort. We are loved so that we can become love in action. Today, Father Tom Hurley reflects on the beautiful connection between the tables of our everyday lives and the altar table and he challenges us to see the Eucharist as the source of spiritual life - nourishing, strengthening, and renewing us so that we can become nourishment, comfort, and support for others.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: One Bread One Body  Holy Is Your Name  Go Light Your World 

Have you ever felt lonely? Not just physically alone, but disconnected and unseen. Like you're moving through life without a real sense of belonging. It's a curious paradox of modern life. We can live in a city of millions yet still feel isolated. We can spend our days on video calls, emails, and text messages and go hours—or even days—without a meaningful face-to-face conversation. We live in an age of unprecedented connection, and yet many people are experiencing unprecedented loneliness. Why? Perhaps it's because, deep down, we were never meant to live as isolated individuals. At our very core, we are relational beings. We were created to be connected to God and to one another. Think about the moments when you feel most alive. Chances are they involve relationships: sharing a meal with friends, helping someone in need, laughing with family, encouraging a coworker, mentoring a young person, or simply sitting with someone who needs to be heard. There is something about giving love, receiving love, and being known by others that awakens us to our deepest selves. We discover who we are, not by focusing only on ourselves, but by giving ourselves away in love. Not out of obligation, guilt, or trying to earn approval. But rather, because we already know we are loved by God. When we recognize ourselves as beloved, love naturally begins to overflow. So today, Father Jack invites us to look at the people right in front of us and recognize that every relationship is an opportunity to love and to become who we were created to be.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Go Be Justine For the Healing of the World In the Breaking of the Bread

What is one thing in your life right now that you are not doing because you are afraid? Maybe you are afraid of failing. Afraid of what others might think. Afraid of being judged, rejected, or not being enough. Maybe you are afraid of letting someone down, getting hurt, or stepping into something uncertain. Fear has a way of locking us up. It convinces us to stay quiet, small, and hidden. But think about the moments in your life when you did push past the fear. What helped you move forward? Maybe it was encouragement from someone you trusted. Maybe it was focusing less on yourself and more on the people you could help. Maybe it was remembering the joy, healing, or goodness that could come if you took the risk anyway. Courage is not the absence of fear. Often, courage is simply recognizing that something else is more important than fear. Fear is part of the human experience. Even the disciples at Pentecost were afraid. They literally locked themselves in a room — confused, anxious, and uncertain about what would come next. But then Jesus entered into that fear and spoke peace. He breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and sent them out on a mission so the world could hear the Good News of the Gospel. And it is a good thing they left that room. Because their courage changed lives. Their willingness to move forward despite fear allowed others to encounter hope, healing, and the love of God. Whatever fear you may be carrying today, remember this: fear does not have to have the final word. You can still feel afraid and move forward anyway. And when you do, both you and the people around you can be blessed by your courage. It can strengthen you, stretch you, and help you grow into the person God is calling you to be. In today’s episode, Father Pat McGrath reminds us that the question is not whether fear exists. The question is whether we will allow the Holy Spirit to move us beyond it and into the life and mission God is calling us to live.

Have you ever had the chance to care for someone? Maybe professionally as a nurse or doctor, or maybe in a personal way — caring for a sick child, helping a spouse recover after surgery, or supporting a bedridden friend. When someone is unable to care for themselves fully, you become their hands and feet. You bring the medicine, prepare the meals, offer comfort, run errands, and help them heal. Their well-being depends, in part, on your willingness to show up with love, compassion, and empathy. And often, the most healing part of care is not the task itself, but the feeling that someone truly sees your pain and is there for you. That is the power of empathy. It reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering. At the heart of the Ascension that we celebrated this past Sunday is this beautiful truth that Jesus does not leave humanity behind. Instead, He carries the full human experience — our grief, fear, heartbreak, joy, and hope — into the very heart of God. The Ascension is not about distance from humanity, but divine empathy embracing it forever. In many ways, that is exactly what the Feast of the Ascension asks of us. Jesus’ physical body is no longer here on earth. And so now, we are called to become His hands and feet, His voice, His compassion, and His presence in the world. We are the ones called to carry out acts of mercy, pursue justice, spread kindness, and remind people they are deeply loved by God — especially in moments when God can feel absent or far away. And imperfect as we are, we are the ones entrusted to continue His mission. So today Fr. Ed Foley reminds us that Jesus is counting on us to be His healing presence in the world.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Only This I Want I Will Be The Vine I Am For You

At first glance, The Sound of Music is a musical filled with singing children, rolling hills, and catchy songs. But underneath it all is something much deeper: a story about choosing strength in difficult times…having the integrity & moral courage to do what’s right…creating beauty in the middle of fear… and building a home filled with love in a world that feels uncertain. And maybe that’s why the story continues to resonate so deeply today. Because many people are carrying a sense of heaviness right now — politically, socially, and spiritually — as so much about the future feels uncertain. But today’s message reminds us that hope is still stronger than fear. And perhaps one of the clearest places we learn that lesson is through the people who raised us, cared for us, protected us, and loved us unconditionally. Long before we fully understood faith or resilience, many of us first experienced them through the quiet witness of a mother’s love — a love that kept showing up, kept believing, kept nurturing, even in uncertain times. That’s why Motherhood becomes more than parenting. It becomes a reflection of God’s nurturing love — the choice to keep creating beauty, tenderness, safety, and hope even when the world feels divided, anxious, or heavy. Not hope as wishful thinking but hope as a daily spiritual practice. Because sometimes the most powerful witness to God isn’t found in grand gestures — it’s found in ordinary acts of care that quietly tell someone: “You are loved. You are safe. You belong here.” So today, Maura Keller shares a beautiful witness about motherhood and reminds us that even in a fractured world, ordinary acts of love can become sacred acts of hope… and that, with God, hope and goodness can still bloom and grow forever.

What happens when you stop holding back love? Have you ever caught yourself doing it—holding back just a little? Not saying the kind thing. Not reaching out. Not fully showing how much you care… because somewhere in the back of your mind, there’s that quiet thought: What if I get hurt? It’s a natural instinct. We protect ourselves. We think if we keep some distance—if we don’t give too much—then maybe we won’t feel the sting of rejection, loss, or disappointment. But what if holding back love doesn’t actually protect us? What if it slowly does the opposite? Because love isn’t meant to be stored away. It’s meant to move. In a way, love is like breathing. We’re meant to breathe in… and breathe out. Receive… and give. If we only receive love but never give it, something feels off and we are disconnected. And if we only give love but never allow ourselves to receive it, we become drained, exhausted, and feel like we’re running on empty. A healthy life is a balance of giving and receiving. When we live that way—when we stop holding back—love doesn’t disappear. It multiplies. Because when love is poured out, it has a way of coming back—in ways more abundant, more beautiful, and more meaningful than we could ever expect. So maybe the real question isn’t: What if I get hurt? Maybe it’s: What might happen… if you didn’t hold back? Today, Father Novak shares the story of a life well lived—a life where love was given freely and received fully - a life that shows us we don’t have to be afraid to love boldly.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Sing A New Church Holy Spirit, We're Calling You Ever We Praise You

Do you ever wonder why your dreams are what they are? Why certain goals have always stayed with you… even when they don’t quite make sense? Why you’re drawn to certain subjects or certain activities? Sometimes those desires can feel foolish, maybe even impractical… or even a little childish. And you may dismissed them, thinking they won’t lead anywhere, won’t make a difference or won’t make any money. And maybe these dreams just keep coming back—and you’re not sure why. We all carry desires, hopes, and expectations—and they’re not random. They’re rooted in who we are. And yet, it’s easy to compare. To look at others and wonder if you should be different. To question your personality… your interests… your path. To feel like you don’t quite fit the mold the world seems to reward. But what if the very things you question… are the very things that matter most? Because at the heart of today’s message is this simple truth: Jesus loves who you are. And those desires in your heart? They’re not accidents. They’re invitations.Invitations to grow. To become. To discover how your life can be a gift—not just for yourself, but for others. Today, Father Paul Novak reminds us that Jesus wants to guide you, to nurture you, to help you grow in love and purpose so that what’s been placed within you can be shared with the world.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Healing Time on Earth Love Is the Boat Hope Will Not Fail

Have you ever had a time when you were casually messaging with a coworker online, typing whatever came to mind—and then suddenly you saw the notification: “Your boss was added to the chat”… along with the entire chat history!? Your heart dropped. You started scrolling up to see everything you said—every complaint, every offhand comment—and you thought, If I had only known my boss would see this, I might have spoken a little differently. In a way, that moment reveals something important. It makes you more aware of your words, tone, and of what you’re really saying. Now imagine Jesus walking beside you and asking a simple question: “What are you talking about?” How would that change your conversation? Think about your texts threads, emails, and phone calls. What do you tend to focus on with friends, with family, and even within your own mind? Where is your energy going? Is the conversation of your life simply reflecting the noise of the world or is it rooted in something deeper—something God might be inviting you to see, to wrestle with, to become? This past week, Pope Leo called for dialogue and peace in a world marked by conflict. And at its core, peace begins with conversation—honest, courageous, compassionate conversation. Not just on the global stage, but in our everyday lives. In our homes. In our relationships. Even in the quiet conversations we have with ourselves. Because dialogue has the power to move us from division to understanding, from reaction to reflection, from war to peace. So today, Father Pat McGrath invites us to do something simple, but not easy: to change the conversation of our lives.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Calming Instrumental Piece Eye Has Not Seen I Am For You

There are moments in life that shake us to the core. You can feel it—not just in your mind, but in your body. The fear. The pressure. The quiet voice that wonders, am I enough? The uncertainty of change. The hesitation to be fully known. It’s disorienting… like walking through a mirror maze on a tilted floor—nothing feels steady, and you’re not quite sure which way is forward. And when we feel that way, something shifts in us. We turn inward. We isolate. We lose patience. We become reactive, anxious… even agitated. Most of us don’t lose our faith—we lose our peace. And when peace disappears, fear quietly takes over. But into that exact space—the locked rooms of fear, the unsettled heart, the restless mind—Jesus speaks the same words: “Peace be with you.” How do we find peace? It’s found through prayer, through community, through remembering that we belong to God—and to each other. Today, Father Shelton reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves—overwhelmed, uncertain, or just trying to hold it all together—there is always a way back to peace.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: How Great Thou Art Gather Us In Ever We Praise You

When a newborn enters the world for the first time everything is unfamiliar. There’s noise, light, movement—nothing makes sense. The only response is to cry, to reach, to react. And yet, in that moment of total vulnerability, there are arms waiting. Loving. Steady. Certain. Meeting us exactly as we are. Maybe faith is a little like that. Not something we arrive at fully formed or fully understanding—but something we grow into. Just like birth, Easter doesn’t begin with certainty—it begins in the dark. With Mary in the garden, searching and not yet recognizing. With disciples who believe… but still don’t understand. And maybe that’s the good news. That faith doesn’t require everything to make sense. That even when we’re grieving, confused, or just trying to survive—something deeper is already unfolding. Because the resurrection isn’t just something that happened long ago. It’s happening now. Bringing hope out of despair. Meaning out of confusion. Life out of what feels like death. Today, Fr. Rossmann reminds us that even when we don’t have the words, feel like we’re just holding on and clinging in the dark— God sees us and comes to find us!

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir Happy Easter!  The featured songs today are: Hallelujah Chorus How Can I Keep From Singing? To Where You Are

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Blessed Be Here In This Place A Pilgrim's Journey 

When you’re on a long road trip, there’s a certain comfort in the signs along the highway. You know the ones — a sign a few miles out letting you know a rest stop is ahead… and then another right before the exit. One to alert you, and one to remind you. That’s usually all you need to trust it’s there. But imagine if, instead, there were one hundred signs between you and that exit. At some point, it wouldn’t feel reassuring — it would feel unnecessary… maybe even a little ridiculous. And yet, in our spiritual lives, we often want many signs from God to reassure us. We tell ourselves, “If I just saw something more, I would believe.” But the real issue isn’t the absence of signs. It’s our struggle to recognize and trust what’s already been revealed — what’s right in front of us. Because faith doesn’t come from endlessly receiving more proof. It comes from responding to the signs we’ve already been given. At some point, the question shifts from: “Will God show me more?” to: “Will I trust what I’ve already seen?” So today, Father Pat McGrath challenges us — when we find ourselves asking God for a sign — to stop and wonder if He already has.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: The Lord Is My Shepherd I Lift My Soul Be Thou My Vision

What are you giving up for Lent? Or maybe a better question is: what have you started doing this Lent to become a better person? Are you praying more, fasting, trying to get your spiritual life in order as we prepare for Easter? All of those things are good. In fact, they’re part of the beauty of the season. But sometimes, if we’re not careful, they can subtly reinforce a deeper assumption — the idea that we need to improve ourselves first… that we need to become worthy before we can really encounter God. We often think the spiritual life is about getting our act together, becoming disciplined enough, holy enough, or good enough to finally approach God. But the Gospel tells a very different story. We have a God who goes looking. A God who approaches us first. A God who seeks us out and wants a relationship with us as we are today — not someday when we’ve perfected ourselves in the eyes of our own inner critic, or in the eyes of our family, our workplace, or the culture around us. The surprising message of the Gospel is this: we are already enough. Today, Father Michael Rossmann reflects on this beautiful truth — that the real joy of the spiritual life isn’t that we finally reach God, but that God never stops searching for us

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We hope you'll enjoy this special St. Patrick's Day 2026 collection of Irish music.

Have you ever noticed how the most memorable characters in movies are the ones hiding behind a mask — performing a version of themselves they think the world expects? In The Lion King, Simba runs away after his father’s death and hides behind the carefree philosophy of “Hakuna Matata.” It sounds fun and freeing, but it becomes a mask — a way to avoid guilt, responsibility, and the truth about who he really is. In The Wizard of Oz, the great and powerful wizard turns out to be something very different — just an ordinary, frightened man hiding behind a curtain. And Shrek hides behind the mask of the grumpy ogre to avoid rejection, convincing himself he doesn’t need anyone… until the truth breaks through. These stories resonate with us because we recognize something of ourselves in them. Like those characters, many of us spend part of our lives wearing a mask, too. We wear a mask and perform for protection. To hide our fears, doubts, or insecurities. To appear more confident, successful, or worthy than we sometimes feel. But while the mask may help us temporarily fit in, it often leaves us feeling unseen. It promises protection, but it can create exhaustion and distance. Authenticity can feel risky at first. But it’s also where freedom and real connection begin. Many of us spend years constructing versions of ourselves we hope the world will accept. Today, Father Pat McGrath invites us to take off the mask, live authentically, and become the person God created us to be.

What are the top moments in your life that changed you forever? Was it the day you met your spouse? The moment you held your child for the first time? The day you graduated — or the day you took a risk that scared you but opened a new door? Throughout our lives, there are moments we never go back from. Some are deeply personal — marriage, parenthood, a new beginning. Others are collective. You remember where you were when you heard the news. The assassination of John F. Kennedy. September 11th. Covid. The first time you realized how much the smartphone would change everything — and now, how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. When history shifts, something in us shifts too. Disruptive events — can stir fear, uncertainty, even a sense that the ground beneath us isn’t as steady as we thought. And what do faithful people do when something consequential happens? We gather. We pray. We lean into the mystery rather than run from it. Because faith is not escape from reality; it is courage to enter it. When something happens, we do not respond with fear alone — we go deeper into the mystery of God at work in the world. We remember that God invites us not just to observe history, but to shape it — to become instruments of peace. Today, Father Jack Wall reminds us that we are called to incarnate God’s love, mercy, peace, and hope right in the middle of a changing world. To be peacemakers. To courageously and creatively build communion in one human family.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's Choir The featured songs today are: Eye Has Not Seen Rejoice in Love Love Divine, All Love Excelling

There is a delicate line in the spiritual life — so subtle we often cross it without noticing. It is the line between wanting to be like God… and wanting to be God. The first is holy. The second is destructive. What makes it dangerous is how thin that line can be. We may begin with pure intentions — wanting to love, to help, to stand for what is right. But somewhere along the way, the ego slips in. We start believing we are righteous simply because we started with good motives. And before we know it, we are no longer reflecting God — we are acting like a god. Our actions drift from humility into control, from service into self-importance, and the result is hurt, division, and destruction. We act like we are a god when we condemn rather than discern… when we try to control everything… when we redefine truth to suit our comfort… withhold mercy… seek glory over service… assume we know the whole story… equate retaliation with righteousness… or allow pride to quietly convince us that everything revolves around us. But there is another way — not to be a god, but to be like God. To be like God is to be merciful. To trust. To forgive. To be generous. To heal and to serve. It looks like humility, mercy, kinship, justice without vengeance, and truth spoken with love. We get to choose which path we take. And Lent becomes the perfect time to reflect on our choices. Today, Father Ed Foley invites us to decern how we can be more like God — not by replacing Him, but by reflecting Him.

The Old St. Pat's Music Series Is Brought To You By The Old St. Pat's ChoirThe featured songs today are:Healer of Our Every IllWho Is the Alien?If Today You Hear the Voice of God