Fathom the Heart

Ben sits down with recent FTH guest Deacon Nathan Frankart to unpack the St. Mary's 2026 Parish Mission, talking about the vertical and horizontal components of worship and our call to mission!The 3 nights of the Mission can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@st.marymedia6612/videosWe again discuss A Flourishing Apostolic Church, the recent Apostolic Letter from Bishop Edward Malesic of the Diocese of Cleveland, which can be found at https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/files/assets/a-flourishing-apostolic-church-web-version.pdfEdited by Jim Vogel, Deacon Nathan Frankart and Ben Kroger

We begin the second season of Fathom the Heart with Transitional Deacon (and soon to be Priest!) Nathan Frankart of the Diocese of Cleveland. We explore his earliest memories of the movement of the Holy Spirit and how the Jesus gently and patiently called to his heart. Bishop Malesic's Apostolic Letter can be found at: https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/files/assets/a-flourishing-apostolic-church-web-version.pdfVenerable Emil Kapaun's story and cause can be reviewed at: https://frkapaun.orgEdited by: Ben Kroger and Josh MetzgerMusic Licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Revelation 21:4 states that "he will wife away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away." From this side of the veil, however, that eventuality can seem so distant. Pain in this life can seem like a constant companion and we are living so immersed in the "former things" that their departure can seem very far away indeed. Cathleen has found herself accompanying a number of those very dear to her as they approach the final veil and joins us to share some of the blessings that emerged from the weight of those experiences. The book Cathleen mentions is Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us, by Wilfrid Stinissen.Also mentioned is The Reed of God, by Caryll HouselanderEdited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fr. David's Poetic 2025 Christmas HomilyReadings for the Vigil Mass of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122525-Vigil.cfmReading I: Isaiah 62:1-5Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29Reading II: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25Edited by Fr. David ChojnackiMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

We are joined by Jen Ricard, Executive Director of TOB CLE (Theology of the Body - Cleveland) as she shares her story of how deep encounter with the Sacred Heart of Jesus brought her from reluctant Catechist, unsure if she was even at home in the Catholic Church, to passionate evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated through the rich teaching of Pope St. John Paul II. Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Rembering that we sometimes release these episodes out of order, be advised that this is the last episode we recorded (months ago) before connecting with Josh Metzger, who has been our editor ever since. As such, the editing and production value are of a lesser quality than they became once he joined the team. We still wanted to share this episode with you, but it has served as a reminder of how valuable his contribution is. We are blessed to have him and humbled by his participation in this work!Virtue is not its own end, but rather the means by which we accept our Lord's invitation to travel towards His own Sacred Heart. Like studying a language, the more fully we immerse ourselves in grace, the more readily we open ourselves to it!Editing by Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

When we ask God why and He gives no answer, He is not absent, but present, asking to stretch and deepen our hearts.This is Fr. David's homily from October 19, 2025, the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.The readings for this Sunday are as follows:Reading 1: Exodus 17:8-13Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Reading 2: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2Gospel: Luke 18:1-8Readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfmEditing by Fr. David ChojnackiMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

In this out-of-order publication of a prequel to the recently released story of the hunt, Ben and Fr. David dig into the topic of hunting before Father actually had a chance to get out in the deer woods. Their conversation touches on the realities of mentorship, community and the essential questions of the masculine heart!Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Tomorrow is Opening Day for Ohio Deer Archery Season and we are bringing you the story of Father David's first successful whitetail hunt, during the 2024-25 season. We discuss the joy of meeting the Lord in His creation and testing ourselves against a creature that has all the biological advantages.If you're headed into the woods this fall, happy hunting and prayers for a safe, successful season!Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Father David's homily on September 14, 2025, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Readings:Reading 1: Numbers 21:4b-9Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38Reading 2: Philippians 2:6-11Gospel: John 3:13-17Readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfmEditing by Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc

In chapter 5 of the Gospel according to St. John, Jesus asks a man who has been ill for 38 years "Do you want to be healed?"Jesus continues to ask us if we want to be healed, and it's a serious question. We are often attached to our wounds and comfortable in our indignation at those who inflicted them, but Jesus offers another path. In this episode, Fr. David and Ben begin to unpack the healing into which He invites us.Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fathom the Heart welcomes dear friend and FOCUS missionary Sydney Ebin on to share her story of falling crazy in love with Jesus, and encountering the reality that He is crazy in love with us!If you want to support Sydney in her mission, please reach out to her at [email protected] by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fr. David's homily from the 21st Sunday in Ordinary time on how we enter into trials and suffering. The Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time are: Reading I: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18bResponsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 20-21Reading II: Ephesians: 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32John: 6:60-69Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082221.cfmEdited by: Fr. David Chojnacki and Ben KrogerMusic Licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Again, please note: sometimes we release these episodes in a different order from that in which we record them. This episode makes reference to several slightly dated elements. We here dig even further into the invitation to let Holy Spirit shape our interactions, beginning with prayer and moving through listening and discernment. We hope to continue to learn and grow as we explore the true meaning of Synodality, what it really is, what it really isn't, and how we as the Church can grow in openness and receptivity to the work of the Spirit.Edited by Ben Kroger and Josh MetzgerMusic Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Please note: sometimes we release these episodes in a different order from that in which we record them. This episode makes reference to several slightly dated elements, not the least of which being that when we recorded it Francis was still Pope. While we intercede for the repose of his soul and welcome the Pontificate of Leo XIV with great joy, we also hope to continue to learn and grow as we explore the true meaning of Synodality, what it really is, what it really isn't, and how we as the Church can grow in openness and receptivity to the work of the Spirit.Edited by Ben Kroger and Josh MetzgerMusic Licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

As promised and with great joy, we present Father James Parisi telling the story of his Ordination to Christ's own Priesthood on May 17, 2025! Ben and Father David invite Father James to reflect on the liturgical experience, the reality of sacrifice and ontological change, and the invitation of Jesus to become a good shepherd in the Good Shepherd. Link to Father David's Holy Thursday Homily: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DzaGfZ4rExo9w7jKRr4nL?si=f6uPOZkcSFO-78i8ti4lBQLink to the Livestream of the Ordination Liturgy at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Cleveland: https://www.youtube.com/live/JSzbPh5_jxI?si=lSzOpij_-eusx6dnRecorded on May 30, 2025Edited by: Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc

Father James Parisi is back to share the rest of his Vocation story! After leaving us with a cliffhanger about a possible military element to the next chapter of his discernment process, Father James takes on a journey into his very heart, sharing the origin of a motto that shaped the balance of his time in the Seminary and will continue to shape his Priestly ministry.

Before he was Ordained in May of 2025, Father James Parisi was Fathom the Heart's first guest, during his year of Transitional Diaconate. This episode was released out of sequence with its recording date so that we could capture the rest of his story and bring to you in order, released over the next several weeks. In this episode Father James shares the story of his decision to enter Diocesan Seminary, the early challenges that he faced in Seminary life, the love that was awakened in his heart, and how that love drew him more deeply into his calling to the Ministerial Priesthood!Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Some of this will sound familiar if you listened to our Habemus Papam episode! Father David reflects on the excitement of hearing that we have a new Pope, but also the hope that we have for continued healing and reconciliation in the Body of Christ as we grow in openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit and surrender even in times of uncertainty. Readings for this Sunday were: Reading I: Acts 12: 14, 43-52Responsorial: Psalm 100: 1-2, 3, 5Reading II: Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17Gospel: John 10: 27-30Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051125.cfmEpisode edited by Benjamin KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Fathom the Heart is joined by our dear friend Mikayla Metzger, who is a convert to Catholicism and Campus Minister in Wooster, Ohio. She shares from her heart, her experience and her extensive study of the beauty and brokenness present in the intersection of masculinity and femininity. Father David mentions the Second Reading in the Office from Mary Magdalene's Feast Day, which is reproduced here:SECOND READINGFrom a homily on the Gospels by Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome(Hom. 25,1-2.4-5: PL 76, 1189-1193) She longed for Christ, though she thought he had been taken awayWhen Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and did not find the Lord’s body, she thought it had been taken away and so informed the disciples. After they came and saw the tomb, they too believed what Mary had told them. The text then says: "The disciples went back home," and it adds: "but Mary wept and remained standing outside the tomb."We should reflect on Mary’s attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained. She was still seeking the one she had not found, and while she sought she wept; burning with the fire of love, she longed for him who she thought had been taken away. And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tells us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved."At first she sought but did not find, but when she persevered it happened that she found what she was looking for. When our desires are not satisfied, they grow stronger, and becoming stronger they take hold of their object. Holy desires likewise grow with anticipation, and if they do not grow they are not really desires. Anyone who succeeds in attaining the truth has burned with such a great love. As David says: "My soul has thirsted for the living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God?" And so also in the Song of Songs the Church says: "I was wounded by love;" and again: "My soul is melted with love.""Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" She is asked why she is sorrowing so that her desire might be strengthened; for when she mentions whom she is seeking, her love is kindled all the more ardently."Jesus says to her: Mary." Jesus is not recognised when he calls her “woman”; so he calls her by name, as though he were saying: Recognise me as I recognise you; for I do not know you as I know others; I know you as yourself. And so Mary, once addressed by name, recognises who is speaking. She immediately calls him "rabboni," that is to say, "teacher," because the one whom she sought outwardly was the one who inwardly taught her to keep on searching. (http://www.liturgies.net/saints/marymagdalene/officeofreadings.htm)Edited by: Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic Licensed by: Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

Habemus Papam!We have a Pope!Ben and Father David greet the election of Pope Leo XIV with great joy and gratitude. This episode is not meant to be any kind of reporting on our new Papa, rather it is a reflection on his election, the uneasiness of the interregnum period, our longing to be fathered and the choice to hope even when we face uncertainty. We have a Pope! Pray with us for Pope Leo XIV!Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios, Inc.

This is the recording of just the Divine Mercy Chaplet as extracted from episode 15. Please come back to it anytime to pray it with us!

10 years ago Ben's Dad passed away on Divine Mercy Sunday of 2015. Ben reminisces here about the profound consolation of praying the Chaplet with family members as they entered the final hours of his Dad's earthly life, and the expression of Christ's unfathomable Mercy as it was spoken over and into places of deep wounding. Edited by Benjamin KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios Inc.

This is Fr. David's Homily for Easter Sunday 2025, on the Gospel experience of encountering the Empty Tomb within the context of not yet realizing the Resurrection implications and how we can see parallels to this experience in our own lives. Readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033124.cfmand are as follows: Reading I - Acts 10:34a, 37-43Responsorial - Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23Reading II - Colossians 3:1-4Gospel - John 20:1-9Edited by Benjamin KrogerMusic licensed from Fesliyan Studios

In celebration of this year's Easter Vigil, Fathom the Heart presents Father David's Homily from the Easter Vigil of 2024, on the invitation to join Jesus in the ways that His death and subsequent resurrection and emergence from the tomb transform our hearts and lives.There are lots of readings for the Vigil: Reading I: Genesis 1:1-2:2Responsorial I: Psalm 104: 1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35Reading II: Genesis 22: 1-18Responsorial II: Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11Reading III: Exodus 14:15-15:1Responsorial III: Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18Reading IV: Isaiah 54:5-14Responsorial IV: Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13Reading V: Isaiah 55:1-11Responsorial V: Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6Reading VI: Baruch 3: 9-15, 32-4:4Responsorial VI: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11Reading VII: Ezekiel 36: 16-17a, 18-28Responsorial VII: Psalm 42: 3, 5, 43:3, 4Epistle: Romans 6:3-11Responsorial VIII: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23Gospel: Mark 16:1-7Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033024.cfmEdited by Benjamin KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios

This is Father David's recent Homily from Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, on wounds, sacrifice and the Priesthood.The Readings for this Mass were as follows:Reading I: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14Responsorial: Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18Reading II: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Gospel: John 13:1-15Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041725-Supper.cfmEditing by Benjamin KrogerMusic licensed by Fesliyan Studios

Chuck is a Seminarian in the Diocese of Cleveland. This episode is released on the occasion of his Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate, an event that we at Fathom the Heart celebrate with great joy. In this interview, Chuck shares his story of navigating the journey into manhood and discerning his call to the Priesthood. He speaks candidly about his love for his earthly father, himself a man of deep devotion to Jesus and the Catholic faith, even while navigating the common relational struggles associated with a young man emerging from dad's masculine shadow. Chuck will return in future episodes to share the rest of his vocation story, as well as his experience(s) of Ordination.Edited by Josh Metzger, Ben Kroger and Fr. David ChojnackiMusic licensed from Fesliyan Studios

Ben and Fr. David enter into a reflection on Paragraph 2563 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in order to discern the name of the podcast, also musing on sparkling water, the origins of the universe and the empirical verifiability of the human soul.Edited by Josh Metzger and Ben KrogerMusic licensed through Fesliyan Studios

These 3 bonus episodes represent a prequel to Fathom the Heart. Following our 2024 Lenten Parish Mission, a series of post-Mission dialogues were held to invite and engage the lay faithful at our Parish to explore further the themes of liturgical theology.

These 3 bonus episodes represent a prequel to Fathom the Heart. Following our 2024 Lenten Parish Mission, a series of post-Mission dialogues were held to invite and engage the lay faithful at our Parish to explore further the themes of liturgical theology.

These 3 bonus episodes represent a prequel to Fathom the Heart. Following our 2024 Lenten Parish Mission, a series of post-Mission dialogues were held to invite and engage the lay faithful at our Parish to explore further the themes of liturgical theology.

This is Father David's recent Homily from March 23, 2025, on thirst, longing, and the elimination of hurry.The Readings for this Mass were the Scrutiny Readings (Year A) for the Third Sunday of Lent Reading I: Exodus 17: 3-7Responsorial: Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9Reading II: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8Gospel: John 4: 5-42Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032325-YearA.cfm

This is Fr. David's Homily from March 3, 2024 on the Woman at the Well. The Readings for this Mass were the Scrutiny Readings (Year A) for the Third Sunday of Lent Reading I: Exodus 17: 3-7Responsorial: Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9Reading II: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8Gospel: John 4: 5-42Readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearA.cfm

Ben and Fr. David work their way through a reflection on who God is and what some of the major obstacles are in our relationship with Him. Link to the episode of the Chris Stefanick show that is mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VRJd05ZTAHtWTsSSYakod?si=xgOnjXFBRO2wrTEYyu5kPwSee also: Fathom the Heart Episode 5 and 6 for Fr. David's 2024 and 2025 Homilied on the Woman at the Well!

Ben and Father David delve into their experiences of saying yes to fatherhood and how that yes has stretched each of them, including contending with both the joys as well as the loss and heartbreak that they encountered along the way.

Ben and Father David begin to unpack the subject of Fatherhood, both spiritual and biological. We dig into the impact of both virtuous and broken expressions of fatherhood and the ramifications of both on our hearts.

Father David Chojnacki and Ben Kroger dive into their own hearts to discuss the vision for the podcast and the need to shine a light into a world that has largely forgotten Christ.