Ave Spotlight

Episode 164: Cold Matcha, Charisms, and the Call of the Holy Spirit with Jill Simons

April 28th, 2025  |  44 mins 21 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, charisms, free catholic podcast, jill simons, oscar rivera, supernatural gifts, the authentic uprising show

Oscar and Jill Simons have an honest conversation about the Holy Spirit in today’s modernist world. Together they explore the power of charisms—gifts from the Holy Spirit—and how they shape our mission as baptized people. This conversation challenges listeners to consider diving deeper into what it really means to walk with the Spirit.

Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera

April 14th, 2025  |  21 mins 2 secs

almsgiving, ave maria press, ave spotlight, fasting, free catholic podcast, how is lent going for you, lent, oscar rivera, podcast for the everyday catholic, prayer

As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and spiritual growth. In this episode, Oscar shares encouragement and practical wisdom to help you make this final stretch count—so you can prepare your heart for the joy and renewal of Easter.

Episode 162: Faithful Surrender: Adoption, Marriage, and Bold Prayers with Allison Gingras

March 31st, 2025  |  29 mins 29 secs

adoption, allison gingras, ave maria press, ave spotlight, family, free catholic podcast, marriage, oscar rivera

In this episode, Oscar sits down with Catholic author and media evangelist Allison Gingras to talk about marriage, family, and the boldness of saying "yes" when God calls you into the unexpected. Allison shares her powerful journey of surrender and trust, which led her all the way to China to adopt a specific child. We also explore the beauty of the Sacrament of Marriage, how God guides couples, and the importance of open communication in following his lead.

Episode 161: From Struggles to Strength: Real Talk on Marriage and Faith feat. Mary Bruno

March 17th, 2025  |  32 mins 36 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, embracing love in marriage, free catholic podcast, infertility and faith, intimacy, maria bruno, marriage, oscar rivera

In this episode, Oscar sits down with Mary Bruno to unpack the quirks, challenges, and joys of marriage. From humorous food debates to deep struggles with infertility and faith, they share raw and uplifting stories of love, loss, and transformation. Mary opens up about her journey through infertility, the adoption of her daughter, and the powerful moment she encountered Jesus in her pain. Together, they explore the beauty of intimacy, the importance of vulnerability, and how God’s light shines through even the darkest moments. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on embracing love, suffering, and purpose in marriage.

Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel

January 20th, 2025  |  27 mins 23 secs

ave maria press, ave spotlight, bible, free catholic podcast, jackie angel, memorize scripture, oscar rivera, scripture, seek

Fresh off the Seek 25 Conference, Oscar and Jackie Angel unpack the power of large conferences that unite young people, spark friendships, and ignite encounters with Jesus. Jackie shares her journey with scripture—from opening her first Bible at eighteen years old to writing Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God’s Word. Together, they break down how scripture can transform lives, strengthen relationships, and inspire faith, no matter where you’re starting from. Tune in and let’s talk about how the Sacred Word of God speaks to us and meets us right where we are.

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 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!