app01 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 05:42:03 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ave Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Catholic Church” https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/tags/catholic%20church Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today. en-us episodic with Oscar Rivera Ave Maria Press Want to hear more about life from a Catholic perspective? Listen to host Oscar Rivera as he talks with special guests about culture, current events, and all things Catholic. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your faith and how to live it in the world today. no Catholic, news, pop culture, Faith, hope, Ave Maria Press Ave Maria Press katieprejean@gmail.com Episode 202: Church Communication with Intentionality feat. Justin Dery https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/202 cf4d5ffa-bc27-489b-978d-c70a9684b37d Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 202 Church Communication with Intentionality feat. Justin Dery full Ave Maria Press Oscar welcomes Justin Dery, founder of Dery Music and Media to explore the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human creativity in church communications. Together they broach the question, are we sacrificing intentionality for efficiency when using Ai in church communications? This conversation challenges Catholics to embrace technology without surrendering the very gifts that make us human. After all, being made in the image of a Creator means we were created to create. Three Takeaways: Efficiency doesn't equal intentionality. AI should assist, not replace. We were created to create. 41:15 no <p>Oscar welcomes Justin Dery, founder of Dery Music and Media to explore the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human creativity in church communications. Together they broach the question, are we sacrificing intentionality for efficiency when using Ai in church communications? This conversation challenges Catholics to embrace technology without surrendering the very gifts that make us human. After all, being made in the image of a Creator means we were created to create.</p> <p><strong>Three Takeaways:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Efficiency doesn't equal intentionality.</li> <li>AI should assist, not replace.</li> <li>We were created to create.</li> </ul> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Justin Dery, Dery Music and Media, Oscar Rivera, AI, artificial intelligence, church communications, Catholic podcast, digital evangelization, cocreators, Catholic faith, Catholicism, Catholic Church Oscar welcomes Justin Dery, founder of Dery Music and Media to explore the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human creativity in church communications. Together they broach the question, are we sacrificing intentionality for efficiency when using Ai in church communications? This conversation challenges Catholics to embrace technology without surrendering the very gifts that make us human. After all, being made in the image of a Creator means we were created to create.

Three Takeaways:

  • Efficiency doesn't equal intentionality.
  • AI should assist, not replace.
  • We were created to create.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Oscar welcomes Justin Dery, founder of Dery Music and Media to explore the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human creativity in church communications. Together they broach the question, are we sacrificing intentionality for efficiency when using Ai in church communications? This conversation challenges Catholics to embrace technology without surrendering the very gifts that make us human. After all, being made in the image of a Creator means we were created to create.

Three Takeaways:

  • Efficiency doesn't equal intentionality.
  • AI should assist, not replace.
  • We were created to create.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Episode 201: Blessed Fulton Sheen’s Lasting Impact feat. Katie McGrady https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/201 9d156a76-3c90-4f90-91c5-3242a6fb6578 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 201 Blessed Fulton Sheen’s Lasting Impact feat. Katie McGrady full Ave Maria Press Oscar welcomes Catholic speaker, author, and radio host Katie McGrady back to _Ave Spotlight_ for a conversation about the legacy of Blessed Fulton Sheen and the power of media to proclaim the Gospel. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Sheen Award for Impact in Radio and Podcasting, Katie reflects on the importance of using our platforms for something greater than recognition. Together, they explore Sheen’s groundbreaking television ministry and his remarkable gift for communicating timeless truths with clarity, boldness, humor, and a profound understanding of the Church’s mission. From the missionary creativity of the 1950s to today’s world of podcasts, social media, and algorithms, this episode asks a challenging question: If we have more ways than ever to share Jesus with the world, what are we doing with that gift? 39:08 no <p>Oscar welcomes Catholic speaker, author, and radio host Katie McGrady back to <em>Ave Spotlight</em> for a conversation about the legacy of Blessed Fulton Sheen and the power of media to proclaim the Gospel. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Sheen Award for Impact in Radio and Podcasting, Katie reflects on the importance of using our platforms for something greater than recognition. Together, they explore Sheen’s groundbreaking television ministry and his remarkable gift for communicating timeless truths with clarity, boldness, humor, and a profound understanding of the Church’s mission. From the missionary creativity of the 1950s to today’s world of podcasts, social media, and algorithms, this episode asks a challenging question: If we have more ways than ever to share Jesus with the world, what are we doing with that gift?</p> <p><strong>Three Takeaways:</strong></p> <ul> <li><p><strong>The platform is a tool, not the prize</strong>. Fulton Sheen understood that the value of media wasn’t found in awards or recognition, but in its ability to communicate Christ and his Church to the world.</p></li> <li><p><strong>The Church is bigger than what we see.</strong> The veneration of relics and the communion of saints remind us that we belong to one Body of Christ, united across generations and throughout the world.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Every generation has a missionary opportunity.</strong> From television and radio to podcasts and social media, the challenge remains the same: use the tools of our time to bring people closer to Jesus.</p></li> </ul> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Spotlight, Blessed Fulton Sheen, Sheen awards, evangelization, Katie McGrady, Oscar Rivera, Catholic podcast, beatification of Fulton Sheen, Catholic Church, Saints, proclaim the gospel Oscar welcomes Catholic speaker, author, and radio host Katie McGrady back to Ave Spotlight for a conversation about the legacy of Blessed Fulton Sheen and the power of media to proclaim the Gospel. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Sheen Award for Impact in Radio and Podcasting, Katie reflects on the importance of using our platforms for something greater than recognition. Together, they explore Sheen’s groundbreaking television ministry and his remarkable gift for communicating timeless truths with clarity, boldness, humor, and a profound understanding of the Church’s mission. From the missionary creativity of the 1950s to today’s world of podcasts, social media, and algorithms, this episode asks a challenging question: If we have more ways than ever to share Jesus with the world, what are we doing with that gift?

Three Takeaways:

  • The platform is a tool, not the prize. Fulton Sheen understood that the value of media wasn’t found in awards or recognition, but in its ability to communicate Christ and his Church to the world.

  • The Church is bigger than what we see. The veneration of relics and the communion of saints remind us that we belong to one Body of Christ, united across generations and throughout the world.

  • Every generation has a missionary opportunity. From television and radio to podcasts and social media, the challenge remains the same: use the tools of our time to bring people closer to Jesus.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Oscar welcomes Catholic speaker, author, and radio host Katie McGrady back to Ave Spotlight for a conversation about the legacy of Blessed Fulton Sheen and the power of media to proclaim the Gospel. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Sheen Award for Impact in Radio and Podcasting, Katie reflects on the importance of using our platforms for something greater than recognition. Together, they explore Sheen’s groundbreaking television ministry and his remarkable gift for communicating timeless truths with clarity, boldness, humor, and a profound understanding of the Church’s mission. From the missionary creativity of the 1950s to today’s world of podcasts, social media, and algorithms, this episode asks a challenging question: If we have more ways than ever to share Jesus with the world, what are we doing with that gift?

Three Takeaways:

  • The platform is a tool, not the prize. Fulton Sheen understood that the value of media wasn’t found in awards or recognition, but in its ability to communicate Christ and his Church to the world.

  • The Church is bigger than what we see. The veneration of relics and the communion of saints remind us that we belong to one Body of Christ, united across generations and throughout the world.

  • Every generation has a missionary opportunity. From television and radio to podcasts and social media, the challenge remains the same: use the tools of our time to bring people closer to Jesus.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Episode 187: Prayer That Changes Everything Fr. Josh Johnson https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/187 a2e51ced-0108-41b2-ade1-4b289054f2c1 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 187 Prayer That Changes Everything Fr. Josh Johnson full Ave Maria Press Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God. 31:06 no <p>Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God.</p> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Oscar Rivera, Fr Josh Johnson, prayer, scripture, call to holiness, free podcast for Catholics, Catholic faith, Catholic Church Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Fr. Josh Johnson shares his journey from spiritual searching to the priesthood and how prayer became the anchor of his life. In this episode of Ave Spotlight, he reflects on the universal call to holiness and the power of scripture to help us hear God’s voice. Slow down, listen, and rediscover how prayer can draw you into deeper relationship with God.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Episode 186: More Than Language with Deacon Charlie Echeverry https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/186 9e48b1ae-1697-41f6-9947-349ab3db60de Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 186 More Than Language with Deacon Charlie Echeverry full Ave Maria Press Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book Blind Spot, Deacon Charlie explains why language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cultural Catholicism, this conversation challenges the Church to move beyond simple translation strategies and toward authentic cultural integration rooted firmly in truth. 55:23 no <p>In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book <em><a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/blind-spot-the-evangelizing-power-of-latino-culture" rel="nofollow noopener">Blind Spot</a></em>, Deacon Charlie explains why language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cultural Catholicism, this conversation challenges the Church to move beyond simple translation strategies and toward authentic cultural integration rooted firmly in truth.</p> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Spotlight, Ave Explores, Oscar Rivera, Blind Spot, Latino Catholics, Catholic Church, Deacon Charlie Echeverry In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book Blind Spot, Deacon Charlie explains why language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cultural Catholicism, this conversation challenges the Church to move beyond simple translation strategies and toward authentic cultural integration rooted firmly in truth.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the intersection of Latino culture and Catholic faith in a rapidly changing America. Drawing from his book Blind Spot, Deacon Charlie explains why language is only a tool—while culture is the true gateway to evangelization. From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime moment to the real risks of syncretism and cultural Catholicism, this conversation challenges the Church to move beyond simple translation strategies and toward authentic cultural integration rooted firmly in truth.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Episode 184: Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/184 fa453110-01ea-4c0e-ad5e-39892ad1acbc Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 184 Influencers, Algorithms, and the Psalms with Emily Mentock full Ave Maria Press Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding. Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures. 34:42 no <p>Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.</p> <p>Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.</p> <p>Check out Emily's Lenten devotional <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026</a></p> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Maria Press, Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera, Praying with the Psalms, Lent, Easter, 2026, Catholicism, Catholic Church, Psalms, podcast for Catholics, digital evangelization Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.

Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.

Check out Emily's Lenten devotional Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Emily Mentock joins Oscar for an honest conversation about faith, influence, and a changing digital era. As the Catholic Church discerns how to navigate influencer culture, we explore what it means to cultivate an authentic online presence rooted in digital mission—not personal branding.

Together, we discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to “perform” as influencers by staying grounded in prayer, humility, and parish life. We also look to King David as a surprising model of influence and reflect on why the Psalms remain one of the Church’s most powerful—and underused—spiritual treasures.

Check out Emily's Lenten devotional Praying with the Psalms: 3-Minute Devotions for Lent and Holy Week 2026

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/167 194c7dbd-498a-4280-93aa-14f1c50f5b87 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 167 High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight full Ave Maria Press On this episode, Oscars talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful. These teens are not the future of the Church, but the RIGHT NOW of the Church. 40:05 no <p>On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful. </p> <p>These teens are not the future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church.</p> <p>Justin Dery of <em>Dery Music &amp; Media</em> donated his time, talent, and equipment for this episode. </p> <p>We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!</p> <p>Editing provided by Forte Catholic (<a href="https://www.fortecatholic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.fortecatholic.com/</a>)</p> Ave Spotlight, high school seniors, sharing the faith, Oscar Rivera, Catholic Church, Catholicism, Ave Maria Press On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful.

These teens are not the future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church.

Justin Dery of Dery Music & Media donated his time, talent, and equipment for this episode.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]> On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful.

These teens are not the future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church.

Justin Dery of Dery Music & Media donated his time, talent, and equipment for this episode.

We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends!

Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Links:

]]>