Open Wide the Doors

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, we learn about the Blessings in a Bag Ministry from someone who has been with this ministry from the start. We discuss the history of Blessings in a Bag as well as a core princible of Catholic Social Teaching, the preferential option for the poor. In this conversation we emphasize the importance of seeing Christ in those in need, the joy of serving others, and practical ways to live out this teaching in everyday life.Learn more about Blessings in a Bag

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, with the Our Lady of Good Hope music director, we discuss the important and profound role Music has in Mass. Singing is an integral part of worship, it can enhance participation and prayer. We also discuss how music changes with the liturgical seasons and its significance during each season. Music is not an add on to Mass it is meant to enhance prayer and what is happening at Mass. Learn more about our Choirs

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, we discuss the complexities of Catholic parenting in 2026. With one of the members of our parish family Mom's Group, we explore some of the challenges posed by modern technology, talk about the importance of community support, and the need for parents to model faith in their homes. As parents, we to turn towards God in prayer and trust in His parenting even when life gets busy. Mom's Group

In this episode of the Open Wide The Doors podcast, we discuss the joy of Divine Mercy, emphasizing that true Christian joy is rooted in encountering a merciful God. Our Associate Director of Youth and Family Formation helps us to explore the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday, the role of confession in experiencing God's mercy, and practical ways to cultivate joy through gratitude and community.

Christ is risen! Alleluia! In this episode, Featuring our Director of Worship, we discuss the significance of the Easter season, emphasizing that Easter is not just a single day but a transformative season that shapes our lives. There is a lot of pain and suffering in this world, but we are called to live joyfully through our trials, knowing that Christ has already won our battles and is calling us to eternal life with Him.

This week is Holy Week! Featuring Father Fox, we delve into the significance of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum, emphasizing the importance of these liturgical celebrations in our Catholic faith. We discuss how the Triduum is not merely a series of separate events but a continuous act of worship that invites participants to engage deeply with the mysteries of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. We also explore the unique elements of each liturgy within the Triduum, including Holy Thursday's focus on the Last Supper, Good Friday's solemn remembrance of Christ's crucifixion, and the Easter Vigil's celebration of the resurrection.Join us for the Sacred Triduum this Week!https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/holyweek

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, we discusses the preparation for sacraments, particularly First Communion and Confirmation, with our Parish Family Sacrament Preparation Event Planner. We explore the importance of these sacraments in the lives of children and the community, the role of parents in the preparation process, and the various events and programs designed to support the youth in their faith journey. We talk about the joy and growth experienced by the children as they prepare to receive these sacraments.Let us pray for all those who just received the Sacrament of Confirmation and for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of their first Communion!

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors Podcast, we feature Intervention Specialist and Bishop Leibold Mom, Megan Apple. We explore the intersection of faith and special needs, and emphasize the importance of inclusion, dignity, and community support within the Catholic Church. Megan shares her experiences as a parent and intervention specialist, highlighting the need for sensory-friendly worship environments and the role of faith in navigating challenges faced by families with special needs.

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors Podcast, we explore the significance of the Sacrament of Confession and the role of the priest in this Sacrament. Father Chris helps us to understand the connection between confession and purgatory, the mechanics of the sacrament, and the healing power of God's mercy. Father Chris also shares some insights on what confession is like on the priest's side of the confessional.Examinations of ConscienceFor Adults and TeensFor Married PeopleFor Single PeopleLent Confession ScheduleConfession Schedule

In this episode we discuss the importance of almsgiving during Lent, focusing on food insecurity in the Dayton area. Our Director of Care, Jennifer Zwiers helps us to explore various programs in our parish family aimed at feeding the hungry and also addresses common misconceptions about who experiences food insecurity. Serving others as well as acts of kindness can deepen one's faith and community connections.Learn more about these programs in our parish family!Box Lunch WednesdayBrown Bag Meal ProgramMeals for the Homeless

In this episode along with Father Howard, we explore the significance of fasting especially during Lent. We discuss the historical context of fasting within the church, it's biblical roots and the purpose of this spiritual practice. Fasting is important in helping us to foster humility, charity, and a deeper relationship with God in our lives.

Ash Wednesday is Today! Due to technical difficulties this episode was not able to be released until a few days after it was intended to be released. Today we discuss how Lent isn't just about giving up chocolate or making some small sacrifice for 40 days. This episode features a return guest from last week, Deb Wright, and we discuss Lent being more about growing closer to the Lord in whatever way he is calling you this season.Litany of HumilityLearn more about our Prayer, Blanket and Shawl Ministry

In this episode with guests, John and Deb Wright, we discuss how the Catholic church teaches marriage as a Sacrament and not a temporary commitment until challenges arise. We discuss the many fruits marriage can bear including that of bearing and raising children.Three to Get Married, by Archbishop Fulton SheenThe Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross, by Scott HahnJesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, by Brant Pitre

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, we explore the deeper meanings and components of the Mass. One of our parish Deacons, Deacon Bill discusses the importance of active participation, the structure of the Mass, and how each part contributes to the overall experience of encountering Christ. He shares insights on the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist, the significance of altar servers, and the call to live out the mission of the Mass in daily life. Prayer to the Holy SpiritGIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal)The Veil RemovedPadre Pio's Prayer After Communion

In this episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, with the president of the PTO at Bishop Leibold School, we discusses the significance of Catholic Schools Week and the concept of the Domestic Church. We explore how families can live out their faith at home, the importance of community engagement, and the various traditions and activities that make Catholic Schools Week special. Visit Bishop Leibold School's Social Media Pages to see what is happening during Catholic Schools Week!InstagramFacebook

In this next episode of the Open Wide the Doors podcast, we discusses the importance of discovering one's role within the parish community. Featuring our Director of Involvement and Engagement we discuss how we can use our personal gifts and interests to help our parish and our community. There are many apostolates and ministries within our parish family. If you are interested in taking that first step of finding a new ministry to be a part of, visit our website for a list of several of our parish apostolates or contact one of our staff members or parish council members to learn more!https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/

This past weekend, our pastor, Father Fox released an article on receiving Holy Communion. In this episode Father Chris goes into a little bit more detail on the Eucharist and this article. We discuss the Eucharist is truly the greatest gift we have been given and how we can prepare ourselves and our hearts to receive this gift with true reverence.To read the article click the link here:https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/post/receiving-communionIf you are interested in bringing communion to the sick, the next training session will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026, To learn more and RSVP click here: https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/volunteerTo view our parish family confession schedule, click here:https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/mass-schedulePrayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Communion:http://www.lightgarden.net/rick/PrayerOfSaintThomasAquinasBeforeCommunion.pdf

Today, we are joined by our Director of Faith Formation who facilitates our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), as well as someone who has recently been received into the Catholic church through OCIA in our parish family! Join us as we discuss the process of becoming Catholic in our parish family, how to get started, and how to invite someone you know into starting this journey.Learn more about becoming Catholic by clicking the link below!https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/becoming-catholic

Christmas isn't over yet! Our Director of Worship helps to explain that Christmas isn't over on December 26th but continues well past Christmas Day. We discuss the value of living out the true meaning of Christmas when the rest of the world has stopped celebrating. We also discussing the role ushers have in helping us to fully celebrate Christmas.

In these final days leading up to Christmas, we are joined by one of our Communication Team members who is also a member of the Our Lady of Good Hope Altar Rosary Society! We discuss the history of some traditions we have in the Catholic Church as well as some ways we can connect with those traditions to help us focus on the true meaning of Christmas.Advent Resources in our parish family: https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/adventJoin us for Mass this Christmas! Click the link below to view Mass times in our parish family!https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/christmas

As we continue to journey through Advent together, our Director of Care shares with us some ways we can spiritually prepare for Christmas. We discuss the importance of caring for others and making connections with those in need especially during this time of year. Learn more about our Cookie Connection Program below!https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/cookie-connection

As we prepare for the third Sunday in Advent, our Pastor, Father Fox shares with us what Gaudete Sunday really is and where it came from!References:Rorate Caeli- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZr-dAZl1uI&authuser=0Learn more about our Box Lunch Wednesday ministry here: https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/box-lunch-wednesdays

Let's Prepare Together this Advent! Discover some unique ways to keep this Advent season centered around what truly matters, despite all of the chaos and stress that naturally comes this time of year. Our Associate Director of Sacramental Preparation gives us some insight on how to truly Keep Advent Holy while also giving us some information about our parish family Young Adult Group!Check out our website for additional ways you can prepare your heart for Christmas: https://www.stjohnpaulii.org/advent