web01.fireside.fm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:12:12 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ave Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Catholicism” https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/tags/catholicism Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 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 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 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 (https://www.avemariapress.com/products/praying-with-the-psalms-lent-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/) 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 169: The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/169 6ce05475-ae36-49e8-af08-5cb20684456b Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 169 The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel full Ave Maria Press Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city. 34:19 no Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city. 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/) Ave Maria Press, Brandon Morel, The Symbol, youth ministry, evangelization, Catholicism, Catholic Faith, Ministry in New York City, Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera, Pierre Toussaint, the Catholic Church and hip hop, gospel rooted in justice and joy, cultural evangelization Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city.

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:

]]> Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip hop, and what it means to become saints in the middle of the city.

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 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/) 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:

]]> Episode 149: Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/149 46c08a81-e3c9-4432-8611-e57a4b20e340 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 149 Manhood Derailed: How to Get Back on Track with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers full Ave Maria Press 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. 24:51 no 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. Listen today to hear more about authentic male spirituality and fatherhood. Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 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/) Ave Maria Press, Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, manhood, Catholicism, Ephesians 5, authentic male spirituality and fatherhood 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.

Listen today to hear more about authentic male spirituality and fatherhood.

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

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, 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.

Listen today to hear more about authentic male spirituality and fatherhood.

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

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 47: Regina Boyd on Mental Health https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/47 2726fed5-d890-42b0-9f36-97727ba8eb08 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 47 Regina Boyd on Mental Health full Ave Maria Press Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy. 23:47 no Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy. Ave Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Regina Boyd, mental health, anxiety, depression, catholicism, therapy, counseling Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy.

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]]> Let's talk about mental health: Join Chenele Shaw and mental health counselor Regina Boyd on this special episode where they answer listener questions about everything from managing anxiety to going to therapy.

Links:

]]> Episode 15: A Day in the Life of a Country Priest https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/15 3a5f065d-ad44-48af-94f6-b0b74cdde7c3 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 15 A Day in the Life of a Country Priest full Ave Maria Press Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing. 18:59 no Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing. priest, priesthood, catholic, catholicism, cover Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing.

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]]> Fr. Edward Looney, a pastor of two parishes in the diocese of Green Bay and author of A Heart Like Mary’s, discusses his daily life as a priest and shares how he makes time for prayer, connecting with family, and writing.

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]]> Learning New Saints https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/saints 2e78c3d8-d067-46e4-9c91-d631b29cca28 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press full Ave Maria Press Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness. 16:23 no Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness. saints, catholicism, ave spotlight Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness.

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]]> Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a Catholic blogger and speaker who is known as the "Hobo for Christ," discusses how learning the stories of the saints, especially those who are lesser-known, is an opportunity to grow in personal holiness.

Links:

]]> Episode 11: The Indispensable Role of Women in the Church https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/11 d1fc852f-90c3-49dc-b48d-803d8bb945c9 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 11 The Indispensable Role of Women in the Church full Ave Maria Press Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight. 24:34 no Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight. women, catholicism, church, ave Maria press Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight.

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]]> Jessica McMillan explores the role of women in ministry and authority in the Church. She also discusses women’s understanding of themselves, what they have to offer, and their unique wisdom and insight.

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]]> Episode 10: Christ in the Storm https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/10 78a7bead-5c12-402f-af1d-84267706dda6 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 10 Christ in the Storm full Ave Maria Press Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times. 22:32 no Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times. Pope Francis, Pontifex, Covid-19, Vatican, Rome, Urbi et Orbi, Catholicism, Faith, Ave Explores, Ave Spotlight Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times.

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]]> Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an acquisitions editor at Ave Maria Press, reflects on the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from Pope Francis on March 27th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that the new book Christ in the Storm is a school of prayer for those who find themselves navigating challenging times.

Links:

]]> Episode 7: Black Lives are Sacred https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/7 85074051-8c84-41e5-9570-61326f4097bd Mon, 21 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 7 Black Lives are Sacred full Ave Maria Press Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter. 23:27 no Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter. black lives matter, BLM, catholicism, faith, racism, ave spotlight, ave Maria press Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter.

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]]> Chenele Shaw talks about her experiences of racism and how it’s affected her relationship with God and explains how recognizing and resting in the sacredness of Black lives is more important than merely acknowledging that Black lives matter.

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]]> Episode 6: Sharing Faith with Kids https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/6 238034f0-2d96-43dc-9b8b-5a5c65255402 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 6 Sharing Faith with Kids full Ave Maria Press Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves. 24:17 no Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves. religion, faith, faith sharing, catechism, catholic, catholicism, jared dees, religion teacher, ave Maria press Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves.

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]]> Catholic author and speaker Jared Dees talks about how sharing faith with kids is not only an essential part of the mission of a family, but a great way for parents to engage more with the faith themselves.

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]]> Episode 5: Parenting through the Pandemic https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/5 20ec6220-886b-46b6-847d-f4b84a56f724 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 5 Parenting through the Pandemic full Ave Maria Press Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic. 58:07 no Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic. pandemic, Gaffigan, catholicism, covid-19, faith, family, ave Maria press, ave explores Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic.

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]]> Ave Spotlight features a special rebroadcast of the episode from Ave Explores: Catholic Family Life with actress, writer, and producer Jeannie Gaffigan, who shares the challenges and joys of being quarantined with her husband comedian Jim Gaffigan and their five children during the pandemic.

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]]> Episode 4: Taking a Social Media Break https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/4 8289a469-652b-43db-80dc-5a74f41bc579 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 4 Taking a Social Media Break full Ave Maria Press Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer. 23:11 no Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer. social media, fast, catholic, catholicism, racism, ave Maria press, ave spotlight Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer.

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]]> Catholic speaker and author Chika Anyanwu shares about her recent decision to take a break from social media, not only to use her time better, but also to focus on the voice of Jesus in her life and to return to deeper prayer.

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]]> Episode 2: Dealing with Anxiety https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/2 58ba8c74-e612-48a1-a4ff-80a89a63f2e9 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 2 Dealing with Anxiety full Ave Maria Press Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week. 21:28 no Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week. covid-19, pandemic, anxiety, University of Notre Dame, Ave Maria Press, Catholicism, Faith Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week.

Links:

]]> Gary Zimak, author of Give Up Worry for Lent! And the forthcoming Let Go of Anger and Stress!, joins the show to discuss how to deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown, especially during the pandemic. He also chats about rules for schools opening and share their hopes for the week.

Links:

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