Ave Spotlight

Episode 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera

December 20th, 2024  |  23 mins 13 secs

and mary, ave maria press, ave spotlight, christmas movies, christmas songs, oscar rivera, our mother

Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s more than just the music—Oscar dives into Mary’s incredible role in the Christmas story, highlighting her strength, faith, and why she’s the real MVP of the season. Whether you’re here for hot takes, fresh insights on your favorite carols, or a deeper appreciation for the queen of Christmas herself, this episode is your holiday vibe!

Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson

December 9th, 2024  |  28 mins 51 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, joan watson, jubilee year of hope 2025, opening the holy door, oscar rivera, pilgrimage, rome, st. peter's basilica, verso ministries

Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy Door, offering reflections that will inspire your faith. The episode concludes with an uplifting conversation about gratitude, hope, and the exciting possibilities of future pilgrimages with Verso Ministries. Tune in and prepare your heart for the Jubilee year this Advent season!

Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven

November 25th, 2024  |  32 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, disunity, god's kingdom, ii, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcast for everyday catholics, unity

Why has our deep longing for community been overshadowed by division—setting my tribe against your tribe?

In part two of our conversation, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, and Oscar address the pressing issue of disunity and its dangers to God’s Kingdom on earth. They explore how polarization affects our faith and offer practical steps toward reconciliation. Plus, hear a message of hope and Bishop Espaillat’s inspiring closing words. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on the transformative power of coming together.

Episode 152: Part One: May Your Kingdom Come with Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat

November 11th, 2024  |  32 mins 3 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bishop joseph espaillat, catholic podcasts, living for god's kingdom, oscar rivera, our father prayer, podcasts for the everyday catholic

Join Oscar and Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat as they unpack the powerful words, "may your kingdom come," from the Our Father and uncover the true purpose of this often-overlooked line in one of Christianity's most beloved prayers. They dive into what it really means to invite God's Kingdom into our lives, exploring whether faith has become too individualized and how we can refocus on community and unity. Along the way, we’ll explore an “amen or ouch” approach to speaking truth that challenges and inspires. Grab a cup of matcha (or a plate of mangú!) and let’s explore what living for his kingdom looks like today.

Episode 151: Rough Waters Ahead: A Mission to Navigate Youth Anxiety with Deacon Bob Rice

October 28th, 2024  |  37 mins 21 secs

accompaniment, ave spotlight, deacon bob rice, free catholic podcast, living the gospel, oscar rivera, teens, the anxious generation, youth ministry

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trust issues and anxiety that so many teens face today. Can relational ministry be the ultimate tool for guiding them through the rough waters of adolescence? Join us as we explore the thrilling yet perilous world of accompanying teens and how we can help teens recognize that they are not just the future—they are the right now!

Get ready for an insightful conversation with Deacon Bob Rice about the mission territory that is ministry to youth and how living the Gospel can be the life raft they need. Buckle up, because this episode is all about embracing the deep waters of youth ministry!

Episode 150: Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel

October 11th, 2024  |  24 mins 14 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic podcast, dignity of women, example of mary, katie hartfiel, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics, womanhood

In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful and mesmerizing springbok—an emblem of both strength and grace. Joined by Katie Hartfiel, we explore how the dignity of womanhood is rooted in the ability to embrace this balance. Through the example of Mary, the mother of God, we discuss how embodying both strength and grace enriches not only a woman's identity but society as a whole. Together, we’ll unpack the importance of recognizing and valuing these two, Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the essential role women play when they embrace their full potential.

Episode 149: Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

September 30th, 2024  |  24 mins 51 secs

authentic male spirituality and fatherhood, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholicism, deacon harold burke-sivers, ephesians 5, manhood, oscar rivera

In this episode, Oscar talks with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers to explore his roots in Barbados and his lifelong passion for trains. Together, we uncover fascinating insights about trains, drawing a powerful analogy between the mechanics of cruise control and the state of modern manhood. Just as a train can coast smoothly when balanced and under the right conditions, the same applies to men navigating life. However, without that balance, cruise control can lead to disaster—much like how many men today risk becoming either overly dominant or too passive. Are we facing a derailment of manhood in today’s society? This conversation is both eye-opening and provocative, offering a fresh perspective that’s sure to spark deep reflection.

Episode 148: The Difference Between Piety and Scrupulosity and the Power of Longing for God with Tanner Kalina

September 16th, 2024  |  31 mins 2 secs

aching for greatness, ave maria press, ave spotlight, longing for god, oscar rivera, scrupulosity, st. augustine, tanner kalina

Ever wonder if your spiritual practices are drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? In this episode, Tanner Kalina sheds light on the subtle dangers of scrupulosity—when devotion becomes obsession—and how it can create barriers between us and the Father’s love. We also journey through the transformative life of St. Augustine of Hippo, uncovering how his mother’s relentless prayers and God’s boundless grace guided him from restless searching to profound peace. Join us as we explore the powerful intersection of faith, grace, and the deep yearning for divine connection.

Episode 147: Back to School Made Simple with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

September 2nd, 2024  |  28 mins 27 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, back to school, back to school tips, csfn, free catholic podcast, mental health, oscar rivera, sr. josephine garrett

Grab your backpack and get ready! In this episode, Oscar sits down with the ever-inspiring Sr. Josephine Garrett from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sr. Josephine dishes out practical and heartwarming “back to school” tips for parents, teens, and college students alike. From staying organized to staying faithful, she reminds us that even in the busiest seasons, ordinary people can do extraordinary things with God’s amazing grace. Whether you’re gearing up for class or just need a little back-to-school boost, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart!

Episode 146: Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady

August 16th, 2024  |  26 mins 27 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, katie mcgrady, national eucharistic congress, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

In this new episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Katie Prejean McGrady—host of Ave Explores and The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM. Together, they discuss the origins of their collaboration, dive into their experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, and share thoughts on the Olympics.

Episode 145: Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera!

August 2nd, 2024  |  8 mins 43 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, free catholic podcast, oscar rivera, podcast for everyday catholics

Oscar shares his hopes and prayers for this podcast—that it will bring encouragement, enthusiasm, and empowerment to everyday Catholics to live out their faith as described in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”

Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Episode 144: Chenele Shaw's Final Episode: Gratitude and Excitement for What's Next!

May 6th, 2024  |  12 mins 57 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, eucharistic pilgrimages, eucharistic revival, free catholic podcast, national eucharistic congress

Hello, Spotlight friends and welcome to my final episode of Ave Spotlight. I'm Chenele Shaw, and it's with a mix of emotions that I bring you this farewell episode. For three incredible years, we've delved into meaningful conversations, explored faith and community, and shared stories that have touched our hearts.
As I prepare to move on to coordinate two routes for a national Eucharistic pilgrimage this summer, I can't help but reflect on the journey we've had together. In this episode, I'll share my excitement about the upcoming pilgrimage, giving you a glimpse into what awaits those who embark on this adventure!
I also want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of you - our amazing guests, dedicated listeners, and everyone who has supported Ave Spotlight along the way. Your enthusiasm, insights, and stories have made this podcast a treasure trove of inspiration and connection.
So I bid farewell to my time as host of Ave Spotlight with warmth, gratitude, and anticipation for the new paths ahead. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!

Episode 143: Image Perception and Style for Young People with Lillian Fallon

April 22nd, 2024  |  23 mins 58 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, lillian fallon, theology of style, theology of the body

In the final episode of Ignite! Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens series, Lillian Fallon, author of Theology of Style, discusses how young people can express their dignity and Catholic faith through their personal style. As a teen, Fallon shares how her parents gave her the freedom to express her creativity and uniqueness in her style which lead to discovering her uniqueness, worth, and identity in the Lord.

Episode 142: Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens: The Saint Squad Effect with Amy Cattapan

April 8th, 2024  |  21 mins 42 secs

When we’re having a bad day or going through a rough patch, some of the greatest comforts come from our friends. Whether it’s to give us advice, pump us up, or just sit with us in the hard stuff, having solid people in our lives is crucial for feeling supported.

In this episode, discover how to create a group of heavenly helpers—or “saint squad,” as speaker, writer, and teacher Amy Cattapan calls it—to connect with saints personally and to reap the benefits of their guidance and intercession. In this chat, Amy and Chenele also explore the profound impact that the lives of saints can have on the faith of young people and show how to incorporate that practice into everyday faith.

Episode 141: Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens: A Family Foundation with Jasmyn and Steven Joubert

March 25th, 2024  |  26 mins 59 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, chenele shaw, jasmyne joubert, sparking faith in the hearts of teens, steven joubert, the power of familial bonds in handing down the faith

In this episode, we delve into the profound influence of family on the spiritual journey of teens, featuring the insightful perspectives of Jasmyn and Steven Joubert, a dynamic young Catholic couple. Through their experiences and reflections, we uncover how families and close-knit communities ignite the hearts of young people. Join us as we explore the power of familial bonds and the role they play in inspiring and nurturing the faith lives of today's youth!

Episode 140: Sparking Faith in the Hearts of Teens: YDisciple's Annie Grandell on Transformative Media

March 11th, 2024  |  19 mins 4 secs

annie grandell, ave maria press, ave spotlight, catholic youth ministry, chenele shaw, intersection of faith and media, media and young people, net ministries, ydisciple, youth ministry

In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Annie Grandell, Director of YDisciple, discusses the impact of transformative media. Join us as Annie shares insights on ways that media can assist us in ministry while being fun, informative, and well done. Explore the intersection of faith, media, and personal transformation in this enlightening conversation!