The Last Pew

Today Kendell and Lori look at the underlying motivations that get in our way and lead us to sin. In a way of briefly examining our conscience we can often identify root causes of our thoughts and actions so that we can correct our course. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today's episode is all about getting out of our own way, as well as getting out of God's way.  He is so ready and willing to do great things in our lives, but how often do we really let Him work? Today Kendell shares a personal story of getting out of the way and the astounding results that decision has produced.  The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In other words...get yo'self to church!  In today's episode Kendell and Lori discuss handling trials with God and without Him.  Spoiler: it's much easier WITH Him!!Every Sacred Sunday Mass JournalThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today Kendell and Lori discuss the importance of recognizing ourselves as new creations in Christ, even when people want to remind us who we used to be.  We are not who we were. Our identity is now rooted in Christ. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Happy Easter, everyone!  For the next several weeks the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in a very special way. Today Kendell and Lori examine ways to keep our Lenten sacrifices meaningful throughout the season and the year. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Welcome to Holy Week, everyone!  Today Kendell and Lori unpack the Sword of the Spirit, which St. Paul tells us is the Word of God.  May this last piece of armor keep us battle-ready!The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

This week we put on the last piece of protective gear: the helmet. Kendell and Lori unpack the helmet of salvation as we look at how we wear this particular piece of armor in our regular day. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In today's episode as we pick up the shield of faith, Kendell and Lori discuss what the shield really does and how it protects not just ourselves but our faith community. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

 Week four of our Lenten journey has us lacing up our shoes, specifically the shoes of the Gospel of Peace.  The shoes are the one piece of armor that indicates our need to do something. They require us to spread the Good News - to GO and spread the Gospel of Peace. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Week Three of our Lenten series brings us to the Breastplate of Righteousness.  As armor, the breastplate protects the chest and heart. The spiritual armor of the breastplate protects our heart from spiritual harm and the consequences of sin.  We know that our own righteous acts are no match for Satan's attacks. But we need frequent reminders.The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today we discuss the first piece of armor, the belt of truth.  St. Paul tells us to put on the belt, and we know that truth is foundational. So what does this look like in an average day? Kendell and Lori explore what it means to wear the belt of truth in our battle against the principalities that rule this world. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Welcome to Lent, everybody!  We are starting this season with the posture of standing as Paul encourages us in Ephesians to STAND! Please continue to join us on this most extraordinary journey as we put on the whole armor of God!The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Welcome to Season Two! Today we introduce our Lenten series, Battle Ready.  For the next eight weeks we will discuss what it means to put on the armor of God, and what that might look like in our daily lives. Lent officially begins next Wednesday, February 18, so we are starting the series with an introduction to Ephesians 6 in which Paul instructs us to put on the whole armor of God so that we might withstand in the evil day. We look forward to unpacking each piece of armor and learning to wear them constantly so that we will be able to withstand the battle that happens all around us every day. The Last Pew (official site) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchWrapped in His Word ClothingWrapped in His Word on FacebookThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In this last episode of Season One, Kendell and Lori talk with Spiritual Director and fellow parishioner, Karen Dill, to learn what is spiritual direction, how to seek it and why you might want to.  St. Ignatius of Loyola 19th AnnotationThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Change is hard. We all know it, and few of us really look forward to it. In this week's episode, Kendell and Lori discuss some practical spiritual ways to prepare for change so that it is not so overwhelming. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

As we approach the second week of the new year, our resolutions can be beneficial or bewildering. Kendell and Lori offer encouragement today that do-overs are always welcome.  Never give up on becoming who God made you to be. He never asked us to be perfect... just faithful.  The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

A quick unedited update!  We hope and pray that you are all having a wonderful holiday season filled with family and joy!!!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Merry Christmas, one and all!  During this fourth week of Advent we light the final purple candle, the Angel’s candle, which symbolizes the message of God’s love that the angels announced at Christ’s birth. The Last Pew Podcast (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today Kendell and Lori dive into the third week of Advent. During this week we light the pink candle to symbolize our JOY. This candle is the Shepherd’s candle, representing the joy of the shepherds at the birth of Christ and the joy we all share in anticipation of His return.The Last Pew (official podcast)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In this second week of Advent, we light the second purple candle, the Bethlehem candle, which symbolizes peace and preparation. This week we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and the peace that Mary proclaimed in her yes to the Lord. The Last Pew Podcast (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Welcome to our special Advent series, Virtues on Fire. This week Kendell and Lori discuss the virtue of Hope, represented by the first candle on the Advent wreath, also called the Prophecy candle. We recall the Old Testament prophecies and the hope that the prophesied Messiah brings to the world.  The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

We're serving up a shorter episode this Thanksgiving week, but hopefully it's just enough to get you through the holidays.  With all the family gatherings gearing up tensions can run high and to-do lists can run away with us. Take a moment to be grateful - for every little thing in your life. The Last Pew official siteSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchLitany of GratitudeThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

We have our FIRST EVER special guest on the podcast today.  Msgr. Rothell Price, pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, joins Kendell and Lori today to explain what virtues are and how we can cultivate them in our lives. (Hint: It's not hard; it just takes practice!) This episode is the precursor to our special Advent Series, Virtues on Fire. Each week of Advent we will unpack the virtues represented by the four candles of the Advent wreath. The Last Pew (official site) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchCatechism of the Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

No matter the ages of our children, parenting is one tough gig. Today Kendell and Lori discuss the challenges and blessings of guiding these precious souls on the journey to Heaven. The Last Pew podcast (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Deciding what is important and then making enough time for it is not always easy.  This week Kendell and Lori offer some ideas to help you balance prayer with the rest of your busy schedule, making sure that most important conversation with God each day is one of the big rocks in your jar!The Last Pew PodcastSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchPocket Guide to PrayerThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

It's our 13th episode, but don't be scared! Today Kendell and Lori reflect on how we respond to the Lord - do we give Him the "no" of the Enemy and the fallen angels, or do we give Him the "yes" of the saints? Join us as we prepare not for Halloween, but for All Saints Day!The Last Pew PodcastSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchNew Orleans Second Lines explainedThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

This week Kendell and Lori are at battle with the principalities and powers, and discovering how to fight the good fight. Join along as they tape up their fists and get battle ready!The Last Pew PodcastSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Kendell and Lori explore the fundamental attribution error as they dive into the judgiest of all topics... sin.  How do we combat our own tendency to judge (and misjudge) others? The Last Pew PodcastSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishSpiritual Survival in the Modern World by Dr. Andrew SwaffordThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today’s episode is all about grace, particularly the grace that we can give to others because we have already received it from the Father. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishLitany of HumilityThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Forgiveness is tough - tough to give, and often tough to receive. In today's episode Kendell and Lori unpack the power of forgiveness and encourage you to let go of whatever is holding you back from true peace. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishSt. Maria GorettiPrayers of and for forgivenessTreasury of Novenas by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In today’s bonus episode we are all about genius! Working Genius, that is. Kendell and Lori share the joy and benefit our parish staff has received through the Working Genius Assessment and encourage others to utilize this tool at home and the office. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishWorking Genius (official site) Working Genius Podcast: the best episodes to get you started The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Today's episode is about the dry spells and the challenges we face that tempt us to believe God no longer cares about us. This, of course, is false - God always cares for us and loves us, even through the valleys of our days. This episode has met with many challenges and even has some weird noises that weren't there when we recorded (the lawn mower outside the window is legit. ;) We pray for all our listeners because we know the Enemy wants us to believe God is far from us, even unreachable. He is not. He is right there with you through everything - the good and the bad! Nothing is wasted!!The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishSpiritual Survival in the Modern World by Dr. Andrew Swafford The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

News Flash: We don’t have to do it ALL!  In today’s episode Kendell and Lori reflect on a quote from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: “Do what you can, and God will do the rest.”   The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishReflections with St. Elizabeth Ann SetonThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Join Kendell and Lori as they unpack the topic of Surrendering it all to God…the joys, the frustrations, the work, the play.  Hear how the experience of deliberately surrendering everything can bring peace to every aspect of your life.  The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishTips for a Deeper Surrender: The Surrender NovenaLitany of HumilitySarah SwaffordThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In this first lagniappe episode, Kendell and Lori share how The Last Pew came into being and why they feel compelled to share the love of God in this particular way.The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchWant More Joy in Your Career? Pat Lencioni on the Chris Stefanick ShowWorking Genius Assessment siteSteubenville ConferencesUniversity of Mary Parish Management and Administration Certification ProgramThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

In this third episode Kendell and Lori explore what it means to receive and give unconditional love, and what it means that God loves us unconditionally. The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Kendell and Lori explore the idea of waiting upon the Lord –what that might mean and how it looks in both an ordinary day and extraordinary circumstances. p.s. We incorrectly gave credit to Fr. Mike Schmitz for writing the Pocket Guide to Adoration. Fr. Josh Johnson of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is, in fact, the author of this fantastic resource. Check it out on Ascension Press or Amazon (link to Ascension Press below).The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ParishThe Bible in a Year Podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, produced by Ascension PressPocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson, published by Ascension PressLori’s favorite highlighters for bibles (Look! They’re erasable! And they don’t bleed through thin pages.) The Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Kendell and Lori share their concept of our spiritual kitchen sinks and our efforts to keep them clean and filled with the things of Christ. Links:The Last Pew (official site)The ChosenWorking GeniusThe Last Pew (official site)St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church