web01.fireside.fm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:09:46 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ave Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Podcast For Everyday Catholics” https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/tags/podcast%20for%20everyday%20catholics Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -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 182: Human Dignity Isn’t Optional featuring Gloria Purvis https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/182 bd382a17-5507-4861-ba0f-bc0a79ad3a39 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 182 Human Dignity Isn’t Optional featuring Gloria Purvis full Ave Maria Press Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity rooted in our rich faith. 54:01 no Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity rooted in our rich faith. 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, Ave Maria Press, Oscar Rivera, Gloria Purvis, human dignity, justice, equity, podcast for everyday Catholics Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity rooted in our rich faith.

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:

]]> Gloria Purvis joins Oscar for a powerful dialogue on faith, race, and the Church’s call to uphold human dignity with no qualifiers. When rightly understood scripture demands justice rooted in love not just law. From Southern roots and Catholic School discipline to the Church’s response to racial injustice, Gloria challenges listeners to confront false narratives and reclaim justice and equity rooted in our rich faith.

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 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/168 f1272682-1da0-4838-b8e9-5c0cbaa2cb0e Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 168 Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo full Ave Maria Press In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healing and hope found in Christ. Mari also shares the mission behind In His Heart Ministries, offering a powerful call to embrace both devotional practices and open, honest conversations about mental health. And yes—there’s a little talk about caffeine-free mornings and why the Sacred Heart continues to transform her life. 37:02 no In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healing and hope found in Christ. Mari also shares the mission behind In His Heart Ministries, offering a powerful call to embrace both devotional practices and open, honest conversations about mental health. And yes—there’s a little talk about caffeine-free mornings and why the Sacred Heart continues to transform her life. 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, Ave Maria Press, Mari Pablo, Oscar Rivera, the Sacred Heart, In His Heart Ministries, free Catholic podcast, podcast for everyday Catholics In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healing and hope found in Christ. Mari also shares the mission behind In His Heart Ministries, offering a powerful call to embrace both devotional practices and open, honest conversations about mental health. And yes—there’s a little talk about caffeine-free mornings and why the Sacred Heart continues to transform her life.

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 vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healing and hope found in Christ. Mari also shares the mission behind In His Heart Ministries, offering a powerful call to embrace both devotional practices and open, honest conversations about mental health. And yes—there’s a little talk about caffeine-free mornings and why the Sacred Heart continues to transform her life.

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/)

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]]> Episode 153: Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/153 35fbae63-4add-4d6e-8d2e-0f1afab8e288 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 153 Part Two with Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, On Earth as It is in Heaven full Ave Maria Press 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. 32:36 no 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. 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 Spotlight, Ave Maria Press, Oscar Rivera, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, II, Our Father prayer, unity, disunity, God's Kingdom, podcast for everyday Catholics 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.

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:

]]> 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.

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 150: Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/150 7ca9583b-8c18-4c5a-ab44-909a6bf9a75e Fri, 11 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 150 Lion’s, Springboks, and Womanhood: Balance of Strength and Grace with Katie Hartfiel full Ave Maria Press 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. 24:14 no 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. 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, Katie Hartfiel, dignity of women, example of Mary, womanhood, Catholic podcast, podcast for everyday Catholics 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.

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 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.

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 146: Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/146 8f443a24-1c76-4958-91cd-e889b068268c Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 146 Oscar Rivera is Welcomed to the Ave Podcast Family by Katie McGrady full Ave Maria Press 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. 26:27 no 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. 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, free Catholic podcast, podcast for everyday Catholics, Katie McGrady, Ave Explores, National Eucharistic Congress 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.

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 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.

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 145: Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera! https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/145 a4dcccdd-313a-4638-b385-8f68908e8d47 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 145 Introducing the NEW Host of Ave Spotlight, Oscar Rivera! trailer Ave Maria Press 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. 8:43 no 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. 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, free Catholic podcast, 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.

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 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.

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 136: Best of Ave Spotlight: It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/136 8f7c847e-7f19-4e3b-8b13-a2635a0fce77 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 136 Best of Ave Spotlight: It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek full Ave Maria Press This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist! 25:14 no This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist! 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, Chenele Shaw, Joel Stepanek, National Eucharistic Congress, Eucharistic Revival, free Catholic podcast, podcast for everyday Catholics This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!

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:

]]> This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!

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 133: Catholic Art and Media: Holy Laughter! Conversation with Catholic Comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/133 b32c6423-5a6e-4f15-b2db-153afcfd39a0 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500 Ave Maria Press 133 Catholic Art and Media: Holy Laughter! Conversation with Catholic Comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski full Ave Maria Press Get ready for a holy dose of laughter on this episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele as she sits down with Catholic comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski. Together, they delve into the transformative power of laughter and the art of not taking life too seriously. Get ready for a joy-filled conversation that explores the lighter side of faith and the beauty of finding humor in the journey. 22:41 no Get ready for a holy dose of laughter on this episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele as she sits down with Catholic comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski. Together, they delve into the transformative power of laughter and the art of not taking life too seriously. Get ready for a joy-filled conversation that explores the lighter side of faith and the beauty of finding humor in the journey. 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, Chenele Shaw, Catholic comedy, Scott Vinci, Carl Kozlowski, finding humor in the journey of faith, the lighter side of faith, podcast for everyday Catholics Get ready for a holy dose of laughter on this episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele as she sits down with Catholic comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski. Together, they delve into the transformative power of laughter and the art of not taking life too seriously. Get ready for a joy-filled conversation that explores the lighter side of faith and the beauty of finding humor in the journey.

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:

]]> Get ready for a holy dose of laughter on this episode of Ave Spotlight! Join host Chenele as she sits down with Catholic comedians Scott Vinci and Carl Kozlowski. Together, they delve into the transformative power of laughter and the art of not taking life too seriously. Get ready for a joy-filled conversation that explores the lighter side of faith and the beauty of finding humor in the journey.

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 118: It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek https://avespotlight.fireside.fm/118 04b33ce8-2178-462c-a4b9-d51122d6dbe3 Mon, 01 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400 Ave Maria Press 118 It's Time for a Revival with Joel Stepanek full Ave Maria Press This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist! 24:46 no This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist! Ave Maria Press, Ave Spotlight, Chenele Shaw, Joel Stepanek, National Eucharistic Congress, Eucharistic Revival, free Catholic podcast, podcast for everyday Catholics This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!

Links:

]]> This week Chenele Shaw talks with Joel Stepanek, chief mission officer for the National Eucharist Congress, about the Eucharistic Revival. What is it? How can you be a part of it? What does it mean for the Church? Join us in this conversation about encountering Jesus in the Eucharist!

Links:

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