Bringing God’s Kingdom to Your Parish Boundary

In this episode, Edmund and Emily discuss the meaning and applications of the petition 'Thy Kingdom Come' from the Lord's Prayer for parish ministry. The episode emphasizes the importance of engaging parish communities in bringing God's kingdom into their local community through both prayer and action. They share personal experiences and practical examples, including the need for awareness of the local parish community needs and the vital role of discernment and prayer in parish ministry. The episode encourages listeners to actively participate in transforming their parishes into reflections of God's kingdom on Earth.Show Notes(00:00) Edmund and Emily dive into the petition “Thy Kingdom Come,” exploring how praying this line of the Lord’s Prayer calls us to action. Drawing from the Catechism, they reflect on how Christian communities, and especially parishes, must actively serve justice and peace. They discuss discerning true progress from cultural trends and embodying the Kingdom of God in our daily lives.(06:18) This part of the episode explores what it truly means for a parish to live out the petition “Thy Kingdom Come.” They challenge listeners to reflect on whether their parish would be missed if it disappeared, and what impact it has on the local community beyond events and mass. Sharing example stories from parishes, they highlight practical ways parish communities can serve as visible signs of God’s kingdom in the world.(12:06) Edmund and Emily share more powerful stories of parishes actively living out “Thy Kingdom Come” by engaging their local communities. From small acts of service to driving every street in a parish boundary, they emphasize how parishes can reflect God's kingdom through presence, care, and discernment of local needs. They encourage listeners to take initiative and discover their parish’s unique mission for their parish’s neighborhood.(18:04) This part of the episode, the conversation turns to reflecting on how awareness, discernment, and small intentional acts can help parish communities live out the petition “Thy Kingdom Come.” They share low-cost, high-impact ideas: from building relationships with neighboring churches to tracking community needs. They discuss the goal to build parish communities as places where disciples can experience a prayer life rooted in action and solidarity. Even simple practices like prayer intention boards can help transform a parish into a visible sign of God’s kingdom.(24:08) Edmund and Emily close the episode with a powerful real-life story of a man welcomed by a parish community and transformed by their love and presence during his unexpected time of need. They emphasize how prayer fuels action, creating a parish culture of awareness and care. “Thy Kingdom Come” is not only a petition of the Lord’s prayer, it’s a call by Jesus to a mission lived together through relationships, service, and solidarity.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode of the Real+True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the significance of the phrase 'Hallowed be thy name' in the Lord’s Prayer, from the fourth pillar on prayer in the Catechism. They reflect on the often-overlooked importance of revering God's name and how this contributes to our spiritual lives and evangelization. The discussion touches upon themes like the importance of our names, cultural realities of revering God, and practical advice for catechists. They also discuss the remarkable story of a man born without words from an episode of Radiolab, exploring how these real world stories can help open people up to spiritual realities. The episode underscores how the sanctification of God's name is linked deeply to our own lives and prayer.00:00 In the opening of the episode, Edmund and Emily discuss the meaning behind the phrase "Hallowed be thy name" in The Lord’s Prayer. They explore how God's name carries significance for us personally and how we participate in making it holy through our lives and prayer. Drawing from catechism paragraph 2814, they reflect on how our actions shape the sanctification of God's name in the world.06:35 Edmund and Emily discuss the importance of explicitly naming Jesus in our prayer, evangelization, and daily actions. Drawing from Evangelii Nuntiandi and the catechism, they emphasize that true evangelization proclaims Jesus Christ, not just general moral goodness. They reflect on how living in God’s name shapes our witness and challenges us to make His name known in the world.12:15 The conversation shifts to the importance of using God’s name in prayer and life as a way of deepening our personal relationship with Him. They explore practical ways catechists and evangelists can help others grow in this practice, from being aware of how we address God to reflecting on the significance of baptismal and confirmation names.18:24 Edmund and Emily explore the impact of saint names and the names of places as part of the inherited story of Church history. They also reflect on the weight and consequences of Jesus’ name throughout history and the sacrifices made by early Christians, leading into a compelling story from Radiolab about the impact of language and meaning.24:10 Edmund and Emily close the podcast reflecting on the moving story of Ildefonso and St. Paul’s encounter in Athens, exploring how names deepen understanding and connection for relationships. They emphasize that evangelization and catechesis must always point to the name above all names: Jesus Christ, and the relationship we are all invited to have with Him.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode of the Real Plus True podcast, co-hosts Emily Mentock and Edmund Mitchell dive deep into the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the opening words, 'Our Father who art in heaven.' The discussion covers the role and qualities of a father, comparing earthly fatherhood with the divine fatherhood of God as revealed by Jesus. They explore the theological foundations of calling God 'Father' and its implications on our relationship with God and each other. They also touch on the challenges people might face due to their own experiences with fatherhood and offer resources and insights on deepening this divine relationship through catechesis and prayer.(00:00)  Emily and Edmund open by welcoming listeners and revisiting this season’s focus on the Lord’s Prayer, introducing this episode’s topic and focus: Learning to pray “Our Father”. They reflect on how cultural portrayals and personal experiences of fatherhood shape our view of God as Father.(08:28)  Edmund and Emily explain that Jesus uniquely reveals God as Father, something we can’t grasp by reason alone. Through Jesus, we learn we are adopted children of God. They highlight how calling God “Abba” was revolutionary at the time, showing a new depth of intimacy with God.(13:16)  The conversation focuses on the importance of a Trinitarian foundation in prayer. God is one and God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Praying the Our Father unites us to Jesus’s own relationship with the Father. Edmund and Emily recommend resources for deeper study.(20:37) Edmund and Emily highlight that the Catechism advises us to set aside flawed earthly images before saying “Our Father.” They note how worldly models of fatherhood can impact our understanding of God as Father.(27:37)  The conversation transitions to emphasizing the power of praying “Our” Father, which unites believers as one family rather than individuals in isolation. Even in private prayer, the communal aspect reminds us we share a bond with all who call God Father. The episode ends by urging listeners to revisit the Lord’s Prayer with deeper gratitude in daily prayer.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode, Emily and Edmund dive into the Catechism’s call to make prayer “the life of the new heart” (CCC 2697), exploring how daily rhythms and personal expressions of prayer deepen our relationship with Jesus. They reflect on the importance of modeling prayer for others, learning from witnesses, and creating space for personal encounters with God. Practical tips include building habits of prayer, incorporating lectio divina, and fostering prayer in the domestic church. They also address common struggles like distraction, dryness, lack of faith, and acedia, offering insights from the Catechism and encouragement to persevere in a life of prayer powered by trust and grace.(00:00) Emily and Edmund open this episode discussing the Catechism’s call to make prayer “the life of the new heart” (CCC 2697), emphasizing the importance of daily rhythms and personal expressions of prayer. They encourage catechists to witness a prayerful life, blending structure and spontaneity, as they model walking with Jesus in our daily relationship with Him.(07:20) Emily and Edmund reflect on the importance of modeling prayer for others and learning from witnesses of daily rhythms of prayer. They discuss creating space for personal encounters with God, turning inward to the heart where prayer begins, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide deeper connections in evangelization and catechesis. (14:08) The conversation shifts to building habits of prayer through techniques like habit stacking and incorporating prayer into daily routines. They explore the three expressions of prayer—vocal, meditative, and contemplative—and offer practical tips for introducing meditative prayer, like using lectio divina, to foster deeper reflection and connection with God.(21:09) Emily and Edmund discuss building habits of prayer in daily life, emphasizing the role of the domestic church in fostering rhythms of prayer. They explore common difficulties in prayer—distraction and dryness—offering insights from the Catechism on how these challenges can reveal attachments, prompt self-reflection, and invite deeper conversion of the heart.(28:11) Emily and Edmund explore the struggles and joys of prayer, reflecting on the Catechism’s insights into distraction, dryness, lack of faith, and acedia as challenges in the life of prayer. They offer practical takeaways for fostering a daily walk with Jesus, emphasizing trust, grace, and openness to the Holy Spirit.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode of the Real+True podcast, hosts Emily Mentock and Edmund Mitchell explore prayer's wellsprings in the Holy Spirit and the Church. They discuss the use of Church documents, the Catechism, Scripture, and formal prayers in evangelization and catechesis. They also talk about the importance of the liturgy in evangelization and catechesis, and practical steps for making prayer a more profound and personal experience for others. The episode also covers the role of aspiration prayers, the liturgical calendar, and the significance of recognizing God's presence in everyday life.00:00 - Emily and Edmund discuss learning to pray personally and with the Church, highlighting the Catechism’s four wellsprings of prayer: Scripture, liturgy, the virtues, and Christian living. They share practical tips for encountering Jesus through Scripture and emphasize prayer as a relationship that deepens through the liturgy.08:47 - The conversation dives deeper into practical ways to help others pray with scripture and liturgy, emphasizing the call-and-response dynamic and the Liturgy of the Hours. These practices can help us even outside of Mass and train our hearts to engage deeply with prayer, Scripture, and the rhythms of the Church’s liturgical life.17:06 - Emily and Edmund explore aspiration prayers—short, scriptural prayers like “Come, Holy Spirit”—as a way to “pray without ceasing” and integrate prayer into daily life. They discuss teaching these prayers, connecting them to liturgy, and unlocking deeper meaning behind structured prayers to enrich catechesis and evangelization.27:50 - Emily and Edmund discuss encountering God today through prayer, inspired by Brother Lawrence’s Practice of Presence and the Catechism’s call to embrace the present moment (CCC 2659). They highlight prayer as a journey of the heart, guided by the theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—as the foundation of our relationship with God.33:52 - The episode ends with a recap of the importance of teaching others to “fish” by leading them to the Church’s wellsprings where Jesus waits. They encourage catechists to revisit these wellsprings, including Church documents, for inspiration and to deepen their own encounter with Christ.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Summary: In this episode of The Real+True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock explore part four of the Catechism, focusing on Christian prayer and its roots in the Old Testament. They discuss prayer and Scripture and how the gradual revelation of God in the Old Testament can deepen our prayer life. Key figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets are highlighted, showcasing each one’s example that contributes to God’s revelation of prayer and our relationship with God. The episode also covers the role of the Psalms as a 'school of prayer' and delves into the dynamics of praying within the Holy Trinity. The episode concludes with practical insights and advice for using Scripture effectively in catechesis and evangelization. Show Notes00:00 Introduction and MissionEmily and Edmund introduce the podcast, sharing their excitement about exploring the Catechism, particularly focusing on the section on Christian prayer. They aim to equip listeners with insights for using the Catechism for evangelization and catechesis on prayer, specifically using Scripture. Edmund outlines that the current unit emphasizes prayer in both the Old and New Testaments, pointing to God’s invitation to a covenant relationship through prayer. 01:23 Personal Stories of PrayerEdmund and Emily share personal stories of how prayer and Scripture have impacted their spiritual lives. Emily recounts a profound experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that opened her eyes to the enduring mercy of God, while Edmund shares a touching moment where he sensed God's affirming voice during a difficult time.06:29 Understanding God's VoiceEmily elaborates on how people often struggle to recognize God’s voice in their lives, stressing the importance of engaging with Scripture as a way to become familiar with it. They discuss the significance of hearing and reading Scripture, both personally and communally, for understanding and maintaining a relationship with God.09:27 Catechism Insights on PrayerEdmund and Emily discuss the catechism’s breakdown of prayer through various figures in the Old Testament. Starting with Creation and Adam and Eve, moving through Abraham’s faith, Moses’ intercession, David’s prayer in the presence of God, and the prophets' calls for conversion, they emphasize the gradual revelation of God’s relationship with His people.19:09 The Depth and Beauty of the PsalmsThe hosts express their admiration for the Psalms, highlighting Pope Benedict’s description of them as a school of prayer. They discuss how the Psalms encompass all five expressions of prayer and serve as a foundational model for both personal and communal prayer practices.21:10 Jesus: The Fulfillment of PrayerEmily and Edmund describe Jesus as the culmination and fulfillment of all Old Testament examples of prayer, providing the perfect model of prayer and relationship with God. They emphasize the importance of praying through Jesus to the Father in the Holy Spirit, explaining how the Holy Spirit aids and perfects our prayer.26:48 Practical Tips for Incorporating Scripture and PrayerThey offer practical advice on teaching and integrating Scripture and prayer, suggesting the use of the Catechism’s structure for understanding the story of salvation. They stress the importance of embodying and speaking God's word naturally in catechesis and evangelization.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Episode Description: In this first episode of Season 4 of The Real + True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: Christian Prayer. They explore how prayer is the heart of the Christian life and not just something we do, but a personal relationship with God Himself. Throughout this episode, Edmund and Emily share personal stories about their evolving understanding of prayer and how it transformed their relationship with God from mere intellectual pursuit or cultural practice into a fulfilling life of prayer. They also discuss practical insights for ministry based on the catechism’s teaching about prayer, discovering how it fosters a relationship with God that touches every other aspect of the faith. Whether you’re new to prayer or have been praying for years, this episode will challenge and inspire you to view prayer in a new light and help you walk with others closer to Jesus through prayer. Show Notes00:00 – Edmund and Emily dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: prayer. They share how their understanding of prayer evolved from routine recitations to a transformative, personal relationship with God. The conversation emphasizes that prayer is not just something we do, but the personal relationship with God itself.10:59 – In this section, Edmund and Emily discuss how prayer is not just a dry routine, but a personal relationship with God. They emphasize that the Catechism teaches prayer as a gift. Prayer is unique to each person, shaped by how we naturally engage with God. They explain that true prayer comes from the heart, not just the mind, and how the Catechism emphasizes the heart as a place of encounter with God. Cultivating this heart-to-heart connection is key to deepening one’s relationship with God.21:36 – The conversation turns to how spiritual awareness, particularly recognizing movements of the heart, can deepen prayer. Edmund and Emily highlight St. Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment of spirits and how prayer goes beyond emotion to a personal encounter with God. Edmund shares a personal story of how a seemingly ordinary moment became an answer to prayer, showing God’s care and involvement. The hosts emphasize that prayer is relational, and God desires to connect with us personally in our everyday lives, making even simple moments spiritually significant.30:24 – In part of the podcast, Edmund and Emily discuss how true prayer comes from the heart, as seen in both spontaneous and recited prayers, which help deepen our connection with God. They encourage listeners to reflect on moments when prayer felt personal and to cultivate an awareness of their heart in prayer. This practice makes prayer more meaningful, transforming it into a genuine, heart-to-heart relationship with God.40:16 – Wrapping up the podcast, Emily and Edmund emphasize the importance of sharing personal experiences of prayer to inspire others, whether as catechists or individuals living out their faith. They highlight the various expressions of prayer and encourage exploring different types to deepen one’s relationship with God. An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode, Edmund welcomes special guest Ryan O’Hara to dive into the Eighth Commandment. With over 25 years of ministry experience, Ryan shares his insights on the deeper implications of “bearing false witness” and how it extends beyond simply "not lying." They explore practical advice for catechists and parish ministers, discuss the importance of right speech, and offer tips for repairing broken trust. Whether you're in ministry or simply interested in learning more about living a life of integrity, tune in to discover how truth and trust shape our relationships with God and one another. Show Notes:(00:00) In the opening of the episode, co-host Edmund Mitchell and guest Ryan O’Hara explore the deeper meaning of the 8th Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness.” Ryan reflects on his ministry experience and emphasizes the transformative power of speech, truthfulness, and formation in living a life rooted in integrity.(09:02) In this portion of the podcast, Edmund and Ryan explore the 8th Commandment's connection to trust, truth, and relationships. They emphasize the power of words to build or destroy trust, referencing both Christian teachings and real-world examples. The discussion highlights the importance of integrity and how speech can unite or divide communities.(21:18)  In this segment, Edmund and Ryan explore the distinction between conviction and condemnation in ministry, emphasizing the need to guide people toward repentance with compassion. They discuss repairing relationships through honest apologies and forgiveness, as well as the importance of ministers modeling trust and truthfulness while offering support to those hurt by the Church or others. (31:16) In the conclusion of the podcast, Edmund and Ryan discuss practical tips for ministers on presenting the 8th Commandment to others. They reflect on the balance between truth and love, addressing the struggle of people-pleasing and the sin of omission. Ryan also highlights the importance of honesty in relationships and points listeners to his podcast “Better Preach” for more resources on preaching and teaching.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode Edmund Mitchell welcomes special guest Nick Sawicki, the Associate Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and a member of CAPP USA, the American branch of a Vatican foundation that promotes Catholic social teaching. Nick brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, including his work with America's Catholic social teaching initiatives and his legal background from Fordham University.Show Notes:(00:00) The episode begins with Nick’s background and his deep connection with Catholic social teaching, rooted in his experiences at his home parish, which was led by the inspiring figure: Venerable Nelson Baker. Nick recounts how Father Baker's life and work in the "City of Charity" in Buffalo left a profound impact on him, shaping his understanding of faith in action. Nick discusses how Father Baker's dedication to serving the poor and needy during the Great Depression exemplifies the true spirit of Catholic social teaching.(10:18)  In this section of the podcast, Nick and Edmund discuss the multifaceted nature of poverty, emphasizing that beyond material poverty, the Church also recognizes moral and spiritual poverty. They explore the significance of Catholic social teaching, particularly how the Seventh Commandment ("Thou shall not steal") extends beyond just avoiding theft. Nick highlights the Church’s teachings on the universal destination of goods, the tension between private property rights, and the common good. The discussion also touches on the complexities of economic systems and the moral foundations necessary for true human dignity and justice.(15:58)  In this segment, Edmund and Nick discuss the importance of understanding the Church's teachings on private property and its deeper spiritual significance. Edmund shares a personal story about his children and their attachment to belongings, which sparks a conversation about the dignity and fulfillment that come from owning property. Nick explains that while private property is important, it must be balanced with the Church’s teachings on the universal destination of goods, ensuring that possessions serve the common good. The discussion also highlights the role of Catholic social teaching in guiding how we relate to and use our material possessions.(25:24)  In this closing segment, Edmund and Nick discuss how Pope Francis emphasizes Catholic social teaching through his actions and decisions, sparking conversations about living a life aligned with the Gospel. Nick shares practical ways to cultivate a healthier relationship with material goods, like using the Jesuit practice of the Examen to reflect on motivations behind purchases. They also discuss the dangers of consumerism, which can distract from spiritual growth. Nick encourages listeners to explore Catholic social teaching further by visiting cappusa.com, which offers valuable resources for understanding and applying these principles in daily life.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode, Edmund is joined by Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and the author of the best-selling book Be Healed: Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life. They delve into topics around sexual sin and the 6th and 9th Commandments, exploring issues of adultery, chastity, and healing within a ministry context. Dr. Schuchts shares his personal and professional experience and insights around presenting God’s plan for sexuality and addressing the reality of people’s experience of sexual sin in their families and marriages. 00:00 Edmund introduces Dr. Bob Schuchts, a therapist and founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, who has spent over 30 years working in ministry and family therapy. They discuss the 6th and 9th Commandments, focusing on the complexities of adultery and covetousness and the broader implications of sexual sin. Dr. Schuchts emphasizes the profound impact of sexual sins and violations on individuals and relationships, advocating for a deeper understanding of these issues through his work and the Catechism.09:08 This part of the episode focuses on the unintended consequences of “vows” made in response to personal trauma, like adultery witnessed in one's family growing up. Dr. Bob explains that vows made out of fear or judgment can have a negative impact on our lives. He highlights the importance of approaching vows and commandments not from a place of fear but through a positive perspective of living one's values in the Holy Spirit's power and freedom. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such vows for healing and living authentically in accordance with God's design.17:03 In this segment, the discussion centers on overcoming the denials associated with adultery. Dr. Bob and Edmund discuss the four specific denials: denial of the act itself, denial of wrongness, denial of consequences, and the denial of hope. Dr. Bob emphasizes the role of shame and isolation in perpetuating sexual sin and highlights the importance of confronting these feelings to foster healing and communion. They discuss strategies for encouraging openness and healing in ministry settings, suggesting practical exercises for acknowledging and confronting one’s past within a supportive community.25:21 In the closing of the episode, the conversation focuses on understanding and practicing chastity within and outside marriage. Dr. Bob emphasizes that chastity is about seeing sexuality through God's perspective and highlights the importance of understanding divine intentions for sexuality, as illustrated in the Theology of the Body. Practical advice for growing in chastity includes recognizing personal violations of chastity and pursuing healing through the Sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist. For married couples, discussing feelings of use within the relationship and fostering mutual respect and dignity is advised. Dr. Bob and Edmund also discuss the broad implications of sexual teachings in understanding human relationships and personal growth in love.This episode is sponsored by UNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH:Study "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Visit shms.edu/onlineAn OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.