Faith Break: Finding God Moments In Your Every Day

Episode 2.21 -- 4.5.26 -- Season of the Empty Tomb. This Easter Sunday, Karen and Anne reflect on what new life looks like in our lives, how the blessing of the Resurrection can still seem unfinished, and on moving forward with courage even when we don’t have all the answers. Scripture passages: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 John 20:1-9

Episode 2.20 -- 3.29.26Season of Surrender In a special Holy Week episode, Karen and Anne sit down with our pastor, Father Rob, to reflect on how Jesus’ last days on earth show us what a changed heart looks like, how we experience dying and rising in our lives, and what God calls us to surrender so that new life can grow. Scripture passages: Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66

Episode 2.19 -- 3.22.26 Season of Opening. This week Karen and Anne reflect on the raising of Lazarus, the graves we need God to open in our own lives, and how the things that break our hearts can also open our hearts to deeper love and compassion. Scripture passages: Ezekial 37:12-14 John 11:1-45

Episode 2.18 Season of the Unexpected. This week Karen and Anne reflect on how the Holy Spirit is full of surprises, breaking boundaries to bring healing and growth. This Lent, how can we let God move in our hearts to help us see in new ways? Scripture passages: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a (call of David) John 9:1-41 (man born blind)

Episode 2.17 -- 3.8.26 Season of Water for the Thirsty. This week Karen and Anne welcome friend and colleague Margie Benza to reflect on the Scriptures for the third week in Lent: God providing water in the desert for the Israelites and Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. We share a spirit of gratitude for the many ways that God has been present with us. Scripture passages: Exodus 17:3-7 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42

This week Karen and Anne reflect on how change can be both uncomfortable and exciting. God can give us a glimpse of what is possible, if only we are brave enough to step out of our comfort zones in trust. Scripture passages: Genesis 12:1-4a Matthew 17:1-9

This Lent our Mass readings encourage us to let God change our hearts, to open them and soften them so that we can receive and share God’s love. This week Karen and Anne reflect on how Jesus turned his heart to God in the desert and how we are called to do the same. Scripture passages: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 Matthew 4:1-11

Episode 2.14.26 Seasons of Marriage. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Karen and Anne welcome back our husbands Jeremy and Brian to reflect on the many seasons in marriage. We’ve been through the ups and downs over the years and are looking forward to the seasons that lie ahead. What seasons have we experienced in our marriages? What seasons are we looking forward to?

Episode 2.13 -- 2.08.26. Season of Welcoming. How have you experienced a welcoming community here? How can we better welcome others in the future? Scripture passages:Romans 12:4-5. “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and belong to each other.” Romans 15:7. “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Matthew 25:35-36. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Hebrews 13:2. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Acts 2:42-47. “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Episode 2.12 -- 2.01.26. Season of Our Second Act. Is retirement even a thing? How do we dream and plan for our second act in life? What's it like to stop working the way we always have and find new ways to share our gifts? Scripture passages: Psalm 92:14-15. “Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” 2 Timothey 4:7. “I have competed well (fought the good fight). I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for woe, to give you a future of hope.” Philippians 1:6. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Episode 2.11 -- 1.25.26. Season of Joy, Part Two. In a very special episode, our parish teens who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference share their God moments from the pilgrimage. As Pope Leo said, they are not just the Church of the future, they are the Church right now!

Episode 2.10 -- 1.18.26. Season of Sowing Seeds. As we embark on 2026, Karen and Anne reflect on what new things we are hoping to grow in our lives this year. How can we nourish the seedlings God is calling us to care for and make choices that help us grow into the people God created us to be? Scripture references: Matthew 13:1-23 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 John 12:24

Episode 2.9 -- 1.11.26. Season of Mission: Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on how Jesus’ Baptism gave him a sense of conviction about his mission and on how the Sacramental life of the Church supports us in following God’s call for our lives. Scripture references: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17 Luke 4:16-30

Episode 2.8 -- 1.4.26. Season of Epiphany: Today is the Feast of the Epiphany. This week, Karen and Anne celebrate how the story of the Magi reveals that God is for everyone, that our Church is a global family, and that the Holy Spirit draws us beyond the borders of our comfort zones. Scripture references: Psalm 72 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Episode 2.7 -- 12.28.25. Season of Family: Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on the consolations and desolations of their vocation as spouses and parents and how God’s grace is present in all the ups and downs of family life. Scripture references: Colossians 3:12-17 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Episode 2.6 -- 12.21.25. Season of Dreams: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Are visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? As Advent draws to a close, Karen and Anne reflect on our dreams for a Christmas full of peace and the loving presence of family and friends. And as 2025 draws to a close, we ponder into what deeper dreams God is calling us to in the year ahead. Scripture references: Matthew 1:18-24 Numbers 12:6 Joe 3:1

Episode 2.5 -- 12.14.25. Season of Joy: Karen and Anne celebrate Gaudete Sunday, when we light the pink Advent candle, by sharing the many JOYFUL God moments our teens recently experienced on our pilgrimage to the National Catholic Youth Conference. The exuberant faith of our young church is contagious! Scripture references: Exodus 3 (especially Ex. 3:7-8) 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Quote from St. Joan of Arc: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”

Season of Expectation: Advent is a time of waiting in joyful hope for the coming of Jesus into our world. This week, as we celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Karen and Anne reflect on Mary’s story as a model of expectant faith, responsiveness to God, and courage in answering God’s call for her life. Scripture references: Luke 1 Luke 2

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and also the first Sunday in Advent! In this week’s episode, Karen and Anne reflect on all the things we are grateful for in our lives right now and get ready to head into the crazy month of December in a spirit of thankfulness, peace, and appreciation of the gift of each present moment. Scripture references: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 Psalm 9:1 Psalm 107:9

In the month of November, the Church remembers our loved ones who have gone before us in faith and who are still connected to us in the Communion of Saints. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on personal losses and how the rituals of faith and community help us move through grief to gratitude. Scripture references: Hebrews 12:1 Psalm 34:19 Matthew 5:4 Romans 12:15 Revelation 21.4

This season on Faith Break, Karen and Anne will be exploring all the different seasons of life: the many ages and stages, the flow of the liturgical year, and the ups and downs of living faith in a blessed and broken world. This week we ask, when you look back at the season you’re living through today, what do you want to remember? Scripture references: · Philippians 4:6 · Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter walks on water) · John 12:1-11 (Anointing at Bethany)

Episode 28 – 6.8.25: Pentecost The Holy Spirit has been so active in our faith community this year! Before we take a summer hiatus from the podcast, Karen and Anne celebrate the birthday of the Church by naming the graces of this year and looking forward to some peaceful time with God thissummer. Scripture References: Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 104 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Episode 27 – 6.1.25: Call Stories It’s Baccalaureate weekend, and in honor of our graduating seniors, Karen and Anne reflect on God’s call for all of us to share our gifts with the world. Our youth ministry intern Sarah joins us as she prepares to take the next step toward God’s call for her. Scripture References: Call of Moses. Exodus 3:1-22 Call of Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-18Call of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:4-10 Call of the first disciples. Matthew 4:18-22 Call of Paul. Acts of the Apostles 9:1-19.

We are part of a BIG Church, made up of all the believers on earth and in heaven. This week, Karen and Anne, along with our friend Don, geek out about all our favorite saints and how much we love being a part of this eternal family in faith. Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1 Romans 12:4-13 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 1 John 1:3

Our favorite Church nerd Don Smith is back to talk with Karen and Anne about the spiritual significance of pilgrimages within our life-long journeys of faith. God does great things when we move out of our comfort zones and trust Him to guide our steps alongthe road. Scripture References: Psalms 120-134 Genesis 12:1 Exodus 13:21 Luke 2:41-52

Catholics Love Mom! Special Mother’s Day Reflection on Mary. This week, in honor of all who mother, Karen and Anne celebrate Mary’s fierce faith, courageous choices, and beautiful relationship with Jesus. Scripture References: Luke 1-2 John 2 John 19:25-30

Episode 23 – 5.4.25: Celebrating Our Youth: Sacraments Edition. Kids and teens at church say the darndest things! In honor of our young people making their first Holy Communion and Confirmation this week, Karen and Anne share their favorite conversations and moments with our youth. Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:12 Jeremiah 1:4-10

Episode 22 – 4.27.25: Moving from Doubt to Faith. Today Karen and Anne ask the question, does “doubting” Thomas get a bad rap? What does it look like today to desire the gift of faith for ourselves and others? Scripture references: Acts 5:12-16 John 20:19-31

Episode 21 – 4.20.25: Happy Easter! As we move from Lent into the joyful Easter season, Karen and Anne reflect about what it means to have a Resurrection faith in a world that still feels uncertain. The empty tomb is just the first step toward “Alleluia.” Scripture references: Acts 10:34a-43 John 20:1-9

Passion Sunday. Today, Karen and Anne welcome special guest Deacon Eric Bessette to reflect on the graces of praying Holy Week deeply, the meaning of the Cross, and Jesus’ incredible love for each of us. Scripture references: Luke 19:28-40 John 18:1-19:42 Philippians 2:6-11 John 12:1-11

Finding Renewal in God this Lent. It’s been a long, hard winter, and we are all ready for the freshness and new growth of spring. This week, Karen and Anne reflect on how God is bringing new life into our hearts and into our world during this Lenten season. Scripture references: Isaiah 43:16-21 John 8:1-11

Returning to God This Lent. This Lent we are making a “pilgrimage of hope,” and our Mass readings this week remind us that every journey ends with a homecoming. Karen and Anne reflect on how we create home in spiritual community and find our ultimate home in God. Scripture references: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Lenten Disciplines: Almsgiving Today. This week, Karen and Anne welcome back Dan Hofford, our Finance Director, to talk about what it looks like to be generous with the gifts God has given us and share creative ways to practice almsgiving this Lent and beyond. Scripture references: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Luke 13:1-9 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Matthew 25

Lenten Disciples: Praying Today. This week, Karen and Anne ask the question, “What would it look like to let God be in charge of our prayer this Lent?” How can we create favorable conditions for God’s grace to move in our hearts by showing up to prayer with emptiness, not expectations, with stillness, not an agenda? Scripture references: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Luke 9:28b-36

Lenten Disciplines: Fasting Today. Giving up something for Lent doesn’t just have to be chocolate! This week, Karen and Anne offer creative ideas for going deeper with the practice of fasting to help you let go of what’s cluttering up your heart and make space for God’s Spirit to move. Scripture references: Matthew 6:16-18 Isaiah 58:6 Joel 2:12

Karen and Anne welcome friend and colleague Don Smith, our Diocesan Coordinator of Sacramental Catechesis and Family Life, to share fresh ideas about what it can look like to practice Lent in the real world today. With Ash Wednesday just a few days away, tune in for practical advice to help you set your intentions for your Lenten journey. Scripture references: Joel 2:12-18 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Luke 4:18-19

Even though we’re still in winter, spring is on the way, and Lent is just around the corner. This week, Karen and Anne offer a run down of the many opportunities coming up in our faith community in the coming monthsand invite you to spring forward in faith with us. There’s something for everyone and so much to look forward to! Scripture references: Isaiah 35:1-2 James 5:7 Zechariah 10:1 Song of Songs 2:11-13

It's February 16th and today Karen and Anne welcome their spouses, Jeremy and Brian, to the podcast. Looking back on their decades of marriage, they discuss how they've learned to make it all work, and celebrate loving each other through the seasons of life. Scripture references: Genesis 2:24 Proverbs 31:10 1 Peter 4:8 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Colossians 3:12-17

On Superbowl Sunday, our hosts Karen and Anne acknowledge the team that is our church and how we all work together to create this beautiful worship experience in our community. We explore: How is the church like a team? What is our mission? How do we show "team" spirit? What does it mean to belong? What does it look like to win? It's gametime! Scripture Connections: 1 Corinthians 12 (whole chapter) 12:4-7: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the spirit is given for some benefit.” 12: 12 –13: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” Hebrews 10:24-25: “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-9: “What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Karen and Anne and special guest Sarah explore a young adults perpective on today's church. Anne and Karen want to know what it's like to be a teen in today's world and in our church, what adults can do to support teens and what drives Sarah to persue her ministry internship in the church. Sarah asks Karen and Anne about their most influential moments working in youth ministry, why they chose youth ministry, and what they would change in the chuch if they could. Today's scriptural connections include:1 Timothy 4:12. “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” Jeremiah 1:4-9 The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.’ ‘Ah, Lord God,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak. I am too young.’ But the Lord answered me, ‘Do not say ‘I am too young.’ To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.’ Pope Francis: “The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds. ... And you have to start from the ground up.

Our Top Ten Favorite Faith Things for 2025: This week, Karen and Anne offer our recommendations of all the things we are loving in our prayer lives right now. Take a break with us as we share our picks for music, spiritual reading, prayer practices, and more to help you grow in faith this year. Books referenced: "Rest is Resistance", by Tricia Hersey "We Will Rest: The Art of Escape", by Tricia Hersey "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times", by Katherine May "The Passion and the Cross", by Ronald Rolheiser "The Holy Longing", by Ronald Rolheiser

Finding the Extraordinary in Ordinary Time: We are now in Ordinary Time until the season of Lent begins in March, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate! Karen and Anne talk about how to keep from getting stuck in a faith rut when you’re in the middle of the daily grind. Juggling work and family, the days can be long, but the years will seem short when we look back on them. Take a break with us as we reflect on how every ordinary moment matters when you are building a legacy of love. Scripture references: Ephesians 5:15-17 Romans 12:1 John 10:10

The Missing Years of Jesus: Karen and Anne ask the question, where did Jesus go between the time he was born and when he began his public ministry decades later? We wonder about how Jesus grew into his fully human and fully divine identity and how he came to understand God’s call for his life. Take a break with us as we delight in imagining Jesus as a child, a teen, and a young adult. Scripture references: Matthew 2:13-23 Matthew 3:1-17 Luke 2:41-52 Luke 3:1-22

Karen and Anne discuss New Year’s resolutions, love them or hate them. How can we make a spiritual fresh start in 2025? We reflect on the call to live deeply with intention and to nurture healthy faith habits that can draw us into intimacy with God one day at a time, even if it takes a lifetime. Take a break with us as we share what we need to let go of and what we feel called to lean into as we head into this new year. Scripture references: Romans 12:12 Colossians 3:17 Philippians 4:6 Lamentations 3:22-23 2 Corinthians 5:17 Isaiah 43:18-19 Revelation 21:5

Home for the Holidays! Karen and Anne are joined by our parish finance director, Dan, to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family by talking about how holy our own families are. Just kidding! Really, we commiserate about the joys and challenges of raising a family in faith in today’s real world. Take a break with us as we reflect on what Jesus’ early years might have been like for Mary and Joseph and take comfort in the fact that God’s grace is always at work even in our crazy families. Scripture references: Luke 1-2 Matthew 1-2 John 2:1-12 John 19:25-27

Karen and Anne explore our theme for the fourth week of Advent: LOVE!  We unpack what our Advent stories tell us about what love looks like.  Mary showed fearless love when the angel Gabriel visited her.  Elizabeth and Mary shared their supportive love for each other during their miraculous pregnancies.  And Joseph stepped forward in faith with tender love for Mary and baby Jesus.  Take a break this week to reflect on how sometimes love calls us to let go of expectations, lay down our lives in trust, and hold nothing back.  Scripture references:  Luke 1:26-38  Luke 1:39-45  Luke 1:46-36  1 Cor. 16:14  1 John 4:18 

Karen and Anne explore our theme for the third week of Advent: JOY!  We celebrate the joy kids and teens bring to our families and our community.  Finding joy in the presence of God every day is our armor against discouragement.  Sometimes, our tears and our joy can flow together.  In this week of the pink candle on the Advent wreath, take a break to connect with what lifts your heart with joy!    Scripture references:  Zephaniah 3:14-18  Isaiah 12  Nehemiah 8:10 

Karen and Anne explore our theme for the second week of Advent: PEACE!  We talk about how to find peace in the storms of life (hint: phone a friend!). Our days are very full, but we can still take a little faith break with a warm beverage of choice.  Anxiety and uncertainty are everywhere.  Our families are not Christmas card perfect, even on our best days.  Let God’s peace protect your heart in this crazy season.  Find your grounding, your safety, and your rest in God.  Holy napping is a thing!    Scripture references:  Philippians 4:6-7  “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Psalm 4:8  “In peace will I lie down and fall asleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.”  Colossians 3:15  “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.  And be thankful.”  Isaiah 54:10  “Though the mountains fall away and the hills be shaken, my love shall never fall away from you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” 

Karen and Anne explore our theme for the first week of Advent: HOPE!  Take a deep breath at the start of this very busy season and notice that God is sending you grace-filled moments every day.  We recognize that we’re called to hope when things seem the darkest and to wait for God to move.  We remember Mary as a model of hope who trusted in God to fulfill his promise.  And we celebrate the gift of our faith community in difficult times.  God’s dream is unfolding in the mess.    Scripture references:   Romans 12:12  Psalm 130:5  Luke 1:45  Jeremiah 29:11  Hebrews 10:23