Unwritten: One Hello Changed Everything

Check out a new podcast from FOCUS: Unwritten. This storytelling podcast allows you to hear the gripping ways that God is at work in the world - one person at a time. Find Unwritten by searching "Unwritten FOCUS" wherever you get your podcasts.Ever wonder if a single "hello" could change someone's life forever? That's exactly what happened one ordinary day in Accounting 201 at the University of Kansas.Fallon noticed a quiet classmate who always arrived early and spent time on the phone. Curiosity led her to strike up a conversation, discovering he was talking with his dad each day. This simple introduction to Sam—a student with few friends who had never been exposed to faith—set in motion a remarkable journey neither could have anticipated.Join us for this powerful reminder that divine encounters often disguise themselves as ordinary moments.

Join us on this episode of the SEEK podcast as we explore the profound concept of being a child of God with Fr. James Brent, a Dominican friar and the author of “The Father’s House.” This discussion delves into the transformative understanding of divine fatherhood and its impact on our identity.Fr. James addresses the essential questions at the heart of our existence: What is my purpose? Who am I? And how do I find love? He enlightens us on how viewing God as our ultimate Father provides the answers to these questions, encouraging us to see beyond our earthly fathers’ limitations and recognize that they, too, are reflections of the divine Father. Thank you for joining us this year on the SEEK Podcast. 

Join us on the SEEK podcast as Father John Burns opens our hearts to the transformative power of Catholic homilies. Unlike any other form of public speaking, an authentic homily weaves together Scripture, liturgy, and our daily lives, offering a unique conduit for divine grace.Father Burns delves deep into the essence of impactful preaching, emphasizing that the core of powerful homilies is not in the technique but in prayer. He shares his personal approach to homily preparation, which begins with a prayerful request to understand the hearts of his listeners. This spiritual preparation allows him to transcend his own ideas and deliver messages that resonate deeply with parishioners, often addressing their needs in ways he had not anticipated.Highlighting the biblical metaphor of sowing seeds, Father Burns reminds us that as preachers, we participate in God’s work by planting the living Word in the hearts of the faithful. It’s a humble reminder that while we may lay the foundations, it is God alone who brings forth the growth.Father Burns also touches on the need for a holistic approach to Church renewal, suggesting that powerful preaching must go hand in hand with the nurturing roles of both spiritual fathers and mothers within the Church. This unity of masculine and feminine expressions of faith embodies the fullness of God’s design for our spiritual family.Check out SEEK Replay https://seekreplay.com/

Join us for a special episode of the SEEK Podcast, recorded live from SEEK  in Salt Lake City, where we dive into the joyous and relational heart of Catholic discipleship. Our guests, FOCUS missionaries Emily and Zach, along with Madeline, Julia, and Izzy from Ohio University’s knowHis.love podcast, share vibrant tales from their experiences at Central Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. They unfold the transformative power of genuine relationships through the “win-build-send” approach to evangelization.In this conversation, they share personal stories of conversion and community building. From Emily’s inspirational aunt who introduced her to adoration, to Zach’s realization of living a joyful life free from guilt, and the Ohio students’ revival of a once-dormant Newman Center through authenticity and creative outreach—each story highlights the impactful simplicity of their mission.Discover the unconventional yet effective methods they use to connect with others, like hosting jean-themed parties, celebrating with unique baby doll birthday cakes, and even organizing a “Milk Fest” on campus. These narratives not only showcase the fun and relatability of their evangelization efforts but also demonstrate how true friendship and joyful witness can break down barriers and foster deep, meaningful connections.Tune in to learn how embracing authenticity, joy, and community can revolutionize your approach to faith-sharing and transform hearts. Join us in celebrating the ways these missionaries live out their call to discipleship, proving that faith, fun, and friendship are at the core of winning hearts for Christ.

Navigating the corporate world as a young adult can be intimidating, especially for those who want to maintain their faith in a secular environment. In this episode hosts Allison and Claire share transformative lessons they've learned throughout their careers. Drawing from their personal experiences, they detail the essential idea that your first job doesn't have to define your career. Instead, it's a valuable learning opportunity filled with potential for growth and purpose.The corporate landscape needs more people of faith to champion positive change within organizations. Allison and Claire wholeheartedly believe that by embracing their identities as Catholics in the workplace, they can inspire a new perspective in corporate culture. They challenge the notion that work must be a mundane necessity divorced from spirituality, encouraging listeners to see their contributions through a prayerful lens. Each moment spent in the office can, in fact, be an opportunity for worship and service. Community also plays a crucial role in this journey. The hosts advocate for building supportive networks, urging young professionals to connect with each other for encouragement and growth. The lives they build around their careers should be infused with faith, and they emphasize that previous experiences will shape their paths, even if it feels confusing at the moment. Check out SEEK Replay

Tune in for this episode from the SEEK podcast stage in Salt Lake City, where Mari and Trey Wagner dive into the profound benefits of weaving faith into daily life. They discuss key spiritual practices such as the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina that strengthen their bond, highlight the role of effective communication in dating, and provide useful tips for enhancing relationships through faith. Sharing their personal story from building a friendship to forming a marriage, they focus on the importance of discernment, chastity, and aligning with God’s plan for a rewarding, faith-driven relationship. Listen to learn practical ways to cultivate a deeply connected, spiritual relationship.Check out SEEK Replay!

What if truth wasn't just an abstract concept but a person who could transform your life? Join Deacon Max and Deacon Joseph as they explore this through the narrative of the Epiphany. They share their personal encounters with Truth in the figure of Jesus Christ and how these experiences have reshaped their lives. By examining the contrasting responses of the Magi and King Herod, they illustrate the power of an open versus a fearful heart. The Magi's journey symbolizes the courage to seek truth, while Herod's grasp on power reveals the destructiveness of fear and control.Check out SEEK Replay

Explore the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership with us in this  episode recorded at SEEK in Salt Lake City. Drawing from the rich tapestry of Byzantine traditions and spiritual practices, we delve into how embracing vulnerability can enhance your leadership effectiveness and foster deeper connections.We examine the profound stories of Christ’s crucifixion and baptism, which illustrate the immense courage and humility essential for true leadership. By sharing personal anecdotes and reflections, we uncover how acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses can build trust and foster genuine relationships within our communities.Check out SEEK Replay here: https://seekreplay.com/welcome

Dive deep into the mysteries of faith with Joe Heschmeyer, celebrated author and podcaster, in this episode recorded live at SEEK in Salt Lake City. Together, we explore the transformation of afterlife concepts from the Old Testament to the New Testament through Christ’s resurrection, and delve into the pivotal role of Peter in establishing the Church’s foundation in Rome, as detailed in Joe’s book, “Pope Peter.”Further enriching this episode is a comparative analysis of Catholic and Protestant views on the papacy, inspired by insights from Dr. Gavin Ortlund. We reflect on the historical and ecumenical impacts of councils like the Second Council of Lyon, fostering a dialogue that bridges doctrinal divides. The conversation also ventures into the challenges of engaging respectfully online, promoting a culture of reverence and gentle discourse in digital spaces.Check out SEEK Replay at https://seekreplay.com/welcome

In this episode of All Things Catholic, we sit down with Father Mike Schmitz at SEEK 25 in Salt Lake City, recorded live from the Max Studios podcast stage. Father Mike delves into the pivotal role of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in bridging the vast expanse between humanity and the divine. Drawing from his profound keynote speech, he illustrates our spiritual journey using the vivid analogy of floating in space, emphasizing our dependency on Christ to anchor us. We also discusses its practical impact on everyday faith and its historical context. Check out SEEK Replay for Fr. Mike's Keynote