Southern Catholic

Jesus has prepared a place for you in heaven! And how He longs for you to turn towards Him, receive His love and mercy, so that one day you can come home to Him for eternity!

Host Tracy Dillon introduces Southern Catholic, shares her journey from a Protestant-dominated upbringing to a deeper Catholic faith, and explains why she started the podcast. In this episode she encourages listeners to intentionally put God first each day—through morning prayer, brief moments with God during the day, and evening reflection—promising that in loving God above all else and making more time for Him, will transform your life.

Despite the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, Advent offers a sacred time to reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ. Discover the rich traditions, including the significance of Advent candles and wreaths, and what it truly means to prepare for the Savior's arrival in our hearts and lives. In this episode, explore Christ's threefold arrival—His historical birth, anticipated second coming, and daily presence within us. Learn how to truly embrace the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love and see Advent as the beginning of the Catholic liturgical calendar. The conversation encourages slowing down amidst the holiday chaos and focusing on spiritual preparation and the beauty of the season. With Christmas just around the corner, take this time to empty your mind and heart for a deeper connection with Jesus, ensuring that every moment of this sacred time is thoughtfully appreciated.

Amidst the noise and distractions of the world, we will discuss the longing in our hearts for love and fulfillment, which can only truly be satisfied by God's unconditional love. We will talk about the "the chase," the pursuit of success, wealth, and happiness that often leaves us exhausted and unfulfilled. Discover the freedom that comes from making God the highest good in your life- the "summum bonum". Through prayer and listening to God's voice, we can experience true rest and abundant life. Once we embrace God's love, we are called to share it with others, spreading the good news and living out the greatest commandments to love God and our neighbors. Reflect on these insights, embrace the readings, and open your heart to the love of God. Welcome home to Southern Catholic.

Welcome to this episode of Southern Catholic, where we dive into the topic of what Catholics truly believe about Mary. Join us as we address common misconceptions and explore the difference between worship and honor in the Catholic faith. Our special guest, Sister Joanna, a Dominican sister and teacher at St. Mary's in Jackson, shares her wisdom and insights on this important topic. Together, we discuss the role of Mary in Catholicism, the significance of intercessory prayer, and why Catholics hold Mary in high regard. Discover how Mary, as the Mother of God, is honored and how she continuously points us to her son, Jesus. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic perspective on Mary and how it enhances the spiritual journey of believers.

Are we really focused on our destination of Heaven? Does our daily lives and actions reflect our goal? Let’s make a conscious effort every day of living our life with our destination in mind and moving towards heaven everyday!

Let’s talk about all things Holy Week- The Triduum, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, his obedience to His Father’s Will and His incredible love for us!

Let’s take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ this Advent! Make room for Him!

As we enter this holiday season, let’s remember to look to Jesus. He gave the ultimate gift of Himself, we are to give of ourselves as well. Give the gift of your time and talents to others this season!

Kicking off the changing of Seasons with Season 2 of Southern Catholic! Fall is in the air in Tennessee and we are here for it! We are getting back to the basics of our Christian Faith today. Our Mission as Christians is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it’s really easier than you think! We will also discuss how much Jesus Loves You!! Here is a link to an amazing song that has been a blessing to me this week and I hope will to you as well- “The One You Love” by Elevation Worship https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y1ShMzA4x4o&si=j6ruA2DNIXI8Cr6b

We all go to different “wells” at some point in our lives to find satisfaction. We all desire happiness, love and acceptance. Jesus is waiting at the wells, ready to give us the Living Water of Eternal Life so we will never thirst again!

Through our suffering, God is with us, drawing us closer to Him. In this world, there will be suffering, but there is hope in the Resurrection! Good is always working for our good!

It’s comforting to know your True North when you are lost. It’s a constant that never changes, just like God is our True God, our Truth and our constant when we are lost in this ever changing, chaotic world!

Why are we so busy and is it a choice sometimes? How can we back off and get rid of some distractions in our lives that are keeping us from the good and the Highest Good?

How much emphasis do we put on the health of our physical bodies compared to the health of our spiritual souls? Let’s take time to think about the heath of our souls and what we are feeding it! After all, our souls are eternal, they will live on well after our physical bodies pass way.

Probably one of the top 10 questions Catholics get is why we pray to Saints?! Well, I hope to clear this up and help this misunderstanding of intercessory prayer! St. John the Baptist, Lover of Truth, Pray for Us!

Do we have to give up everything to follow Jesus? Good question! We know that Jesus does call us to give HIM everything! So how can we do that on a daily basis?

We are called to love our neighbor as ourself. That can be a tough order, but through the grace of the Holy Spirt, God will give us what we need to “will the good of the other” in our everyday relationships!

Evangelization doesn’t have to be so scary! As Christians, we are all called to spread the gospel, but we all do it different ways. The simple way to start is by showing LOVE to those around us! “They will know we are Christians by our Love!”

Spiritual healing is such an important part of our spiritual journey. Even though going through any type of healing process can be painful, the outcome is so worth it! God is waiting to heal every wound in your heart, He wants to make you whole again! Invite Him in to wash over your heart with His love and mercy today! “Healing the Whole Person”- conference link. Memphis Sept 7-9 https://email-mg.flocknote.com/c/eJwUy0tyhCAQANDTwE4Kuvm0CxbZcA8H2tGMA5Z2JZXbp-YAr-XkEJLXnF2kGGYLlPSWiajF2bVHoGABfWWb3FphxurXRqD3DBbQRgcuObLBJB9deBCFhBVxQeXteoz66kPY1PHWR95Ezlvhl4KioHyf-77xcuz9WbkLX2ZcTwWFf7iLgkJTmgCn7fdUUPSVX4uwkdGa8vaW93L93Ub6B_0HAAD__2_4Oag

In a country of plenty, people are staving, starving for the truth of Jesus Christ. It’s up to us as Christians to share God’s Love and Mercy to this staving Nation!

Do you like to have control? Are you a backseat driver? Today we talk about why we need to let Jesus have control and how we do that! He is always working for our good and leading us to heaven! So sit back and enjoy the ride!

As we look forward to Pentecost this weekend, today we talk all things Holy Spirit! We have Father Bryan Timby as our guest, to share his wisdom and joy of the Holy Spirit!

Today we have special guest, Father David Graham on the show to talk about The Eucharist and the real presence of Jesus Christ! This is a very important topic considering that only one third of Catholics actually believe in the real presence. We realize as a church that we must get back to the basics of our fundamental teachings and beliefs of The Eucharist! Link to “The Veil Removed” https://youtu.be/OOLZDaTgIaM

How to find peace when life is crazy busy, chaotic and constantly changing! Jesus is our constant and we can find that peace and joy if we reside with Him and place Him at the center of our life!

We are so excited to have our very first guest on the show… Melissa Davignon! Let’s talk about Mass and why Catholics don’t think it’s weird to go to other Churches in other towns, how the Catholic Church is very Universal, and do we go every Sunday out of obligation or true desire to worship our Lord? Maybe both?!

If you know you know! Let’s talk about why we have that Catholic guilt and hopefully we can get rid of it once and for all!

Brandon Lake -“Don’t you Give up on Me” https://youtu.be/UKS-jxBRlj8

Introduction to Southern Catholic, what is this podcast all about?