Say Yes to Holiness--Catholic Saints in Training

Christina Semmens
  • 5.0 (4)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to inspire, encourage and nourish future saints on the journey to holiness while finding purpose, peace and abundance in the midst of daily life.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode #261--"Finding Purpose & Joy in the Easter Season"

    In this episode, Christina reflects on her recent projects, upcoming travels, and how the Easter season invites us to deepen our faith, love, and purpose. Listen now to discover practical spiritual practices, powerful stories, and biblical insights to transform your perspective and life. Main Topics: Christina’s recent book release, Solving the Parish Puzzle: One Person, One Disciple, One Leader at a Time and reflections on other work associated with the Catholic Leadership Puzzle platform The spiritual significance of the Easter season and its call to loving God and neighbor How to navigate grief, fear, and darkness through faith and hope The importance of community, discernment, and relational listening in leadership Stories of faith and hope from history, including St. John Vianney, Midori Nagai, and Pope Leo XIV Practical tips for praying the Rosary and embracing the victory of Christ over death Encouragement to share your faith story and testify to God’s wondrous deeds Preparing for Pentecost and receiving Easter graces through open hands and hearts May this episode inspire you to embrace the joy, hope, and life that the risen Christ offers us this Easter season. Open your hands, trust in God’s goodness, and share your faith story with the world so that together, we can tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”Chapters and Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and recent updates on Christina’s projects01:01 - Celebrating the release of “Solving the Parish Puzzle”02:26 - The link between personal holiness and community mission03:23 - Baptismal leadership: priest, prophet, king roles04:21 - Christina’s upcoming travel and reflection plans05:17 - Reflection on the 250th anniversary of America’s independence06:14 - Conversation with Paul McCusker about storytelling and faith07:11 - Inspiration from the story of Midori Nagai and hope after tragedy08:11 - How spending life for God reveals beauty in the world09:10 - Grieving loss while trusting in Christ’s victory over death10:10 - The Easter message: death has been overcome11:10 - Embracing death as a friend, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi12:10 - Loving life and living fully through faith and joy13:07 - The example of Mary’s journey of loving and desiring God only14:25 - Small steps to prioritize God in our daily lives15:50 - The call to declare God’s deeds and share our testimony16:48 - The mission each of us is called for, inspired by St. Joan of Arc17:45 - The power of personal stories to bear witness to God’s love19:20 - The importance of prayer, especially the Rosary, for peace and joy20:16 - Practical advice for starting or deepening Rosary prayer21:15 - The spiritual significance of trusting in Mary’s intercession22:42 - Encouragement to keep praying and trusting in God’s goodness23:20 - The cycle of loving, receiving, and giving life in Christ24:17 - Preparing for Pentecost and receiving Easter grace24:44 - Closing prayers and encouragement to keep trusting in God’s plan Resources and Links: Christina Semmens Books Solving the Parish Puzzle Welcome to Hope Springs Series Pope Leo XIII St. Joan of Arc Fulton Sheen Rosary Resources Website Twitter Facebook Connect with Christina: Schedule a FREE 20 minute consultation here

    23 min
  2. Episode #260--"Helping Your Marriage Flourish"--1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League

    FEB 13

    Episode #260--"Helping Your Marriage Flourish"--1:1 with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director, Couple to Couple League

    In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens sits down to speak with Katie Zulanas, Executive Director of the Couple to Couple League (CCL) about ways to help your marriage flourish. To that end, we specifically focused upon the fertility awareness and the Peak Day app, a Catholic fertility and period tracking application. They discuss the risks associated with mainstream fertility apps, and how the Peak Day app empowers women and couples to take charge of their reproductive health. The conversation also highlights the significance of open communication between mothers and daughters regarding fertility, the role of Natural Family Planning (NFP) in strengthening marriages, and the resources available through the Fertility Science Institute. Katie shares her faith journey and the challenges and rewards of her work in promoting restorative reproductive medicine. Takeaways Fertility awareness improves communication and strengthens marriages. The Peak Day app is designed to empower women in tracking their fertility. Mainstream fertility apps often contain immoral content and hidden dangers. Open communication about fertility is crucial between mothers and daughters. Restorative reproductive medicine offers a natural alternative to IVF. The discipline of tracking fertility can lead to significant rewards. The Fertility Science Institute provides valuable resources for families. Women should be aware of the risks associated with using secular fertility apps. The Peak Day app integrates with wearable technology for better tracking. Everyone deserves access to accurate and supportive fertility resources. Sound Bites “A healthy cycle is a sign of health.” “Everyone needs to hear about this app.” “The discipline of NFP has huge rewards.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peak Day and Katie Zulanas’ Faith Journey 02:47 The Importance of Fertility Awareness 05:28 Risks of Mainstream Fertility Apps 07:59 Overview of Peak Day App Features 10:32 Empowering Conversations Between Mothers and Daughters 13:24 The Role of NFP in Strengthening Marriages 15:53 Resources and Support from Fertility Science Institute 18:24 The Need for Restorative Reproductive Medicine 21:04 Challenges and Rewards in the Work 23:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    32 min

  3. JAN 31

    Episode #259--"Embracing the Cross--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast

    In this episode, Christina Semmens shares insights on how to deepen your prayer life, embrace the Cross, and live out the Gospel with purpose and hope. She invites listeners into a meaningful Lenten journey centered on Scripture, virtue, and community, emphasizing that holiness is a daily choice rooted in God’s grace. Takeaways Using the Particular Examen guided by the five wounds of Jesus to confront hidden faults and sins The importance of daily dialogue with the Word of God and how Scripture breathes life into our souls Virtues inspired by the saints, like humility, poverty, patience, and obedience, and how to cultivate them The significance of loving the Cross in small, everyday ways by trusting in God’s plan The role of righteous anger and prayer in responding to injustice without division How baptism and the Holy Spirit empower us as priests, prophets, and kings to bring Christ into our daily lives Practical steps to begin loving the Cross, bearing suffering with faith, and finding joy amidst trials Recognizing that each person’s path to holiness is unique, guided by the Holy Spirit Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the Lent journey 00:28 - Announcing the Say Yes to Holinessonline retreat 00:57 - UsingRooting Out Hidden Faults for spiritual growth 1:21 - TheParticular Examen and its focus on Jesus’ wounds 2:16 - Gratitude and review as tools for prayer 3:13 - Addressing the seven deadly sins through Scripture 4:08 - Pope Francis on making Sunday a day rooted in God’s Word 5:05 - Meditating on Scripture beyond Mass 6:02 - The living nature of God’s Word and its ongoing relevance 7:28 - Continuing the dialogue with Jesus throughout the day 8:44 - The importance of making space for God’s Word daily 9:45 - St. Ignatius of Loyola’s call to live for God’s glory 10:40 - Baptismal call to holiness and present in every moment 11:39 - Responding to injustice with prayer and Righteous Anger 12:42 - The Holy Spirit within us and our divine calling 13:17 - The nonviolent power of Christ’s sacrifice 14:17 - Embracing peace and hope through the Holy Spirit 15:39 - Virtues of humility, patience, obedience taught by St. Anthony 16:34 - The diversity of paths to holiness guided by the Holy Spirit 17:22 - The common traits of saints and how love unites us 18:09 - Love does—how Christian love manifests in action (Bob Goff) 18:57 - Allowing the Spirit to guide our words and actions 19:13 - Rooting in prayer, sacraments, and virtue for a holy life 20:09 - Responding to injustice with humility and prayer 21:08 - The importance of righteous anger guided by the Holy Spirit 21:36 - Avoiding division and trusting in God’s truth 22:09 - Comparing ourselves only to Jesus, not others 22:52 - The one path to holiness: your unique journey 23:21 - Loving the Cross through acceptance and trust in God 23:50 - Carrying suffering with love and presence of Christ 24:33 - Embracing pain as part of God’s divine plan 25:32 - Finding goodness and truth in suffering 26:17 - The journey from bearing to loving the Cross 27:14 - Trusting God to bring joy and purpose through suffering 28:11 - Mary as our model of faithful acceptance 28:52 - Asking Our Lady and saints to guide us in carrying crosses 29:21 - Closing prayer, encouragement, and invitation to the Lent retreat Resources and Links Rooting Out Hidden Faults, How the Particular Examine Conquers Sin by Father James McElhoney Say Yes to Holiness (Substack platform) Love Does by Bob Goff St. Ignatius of Loyola St. Anthony of Padua Twitter Website Join the Lent Online Retreat: Send a message to Christina at: https://www.sayyestoholiness.com/

    26 min

  4. JAN 24

    Episode #258--"Creating Sacred Spaces: The Mission of Grand Coteau"--Say Yes to Holiness podcast

    In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens speaks with Father Patrick Hough, SJ from the Grand Coteau Retreat Center. Father Patrick shares his faith journey as a Jesuit priest, the importance of spiritual retreats, and the transformative experiences they offer. He discusses the role of the retreat center in fostering spiritual growth and community, the challenges and rewards of ministry, and the future of the retreat center. The conversation emphasizes the need for a welcoming environment for retreats and the significance of trusting in God’s plan. Takeaways Father Patrick has been a Jesuit priest for 14 years and is about to celebrate his final vows. The Grand Coteau Retreat Center has transitioned from a novitiate to a retreat center for laypeople. Spiritual retreats are essential for personal growth and deepening one’s faith. Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for the success of retreats. The transformative power of retreats can lead to profound changes in individuals’ lives. Father Patrick emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan during challenging times. The retreat center aims to support families and individuals in their spiritual journeys. Father Patrick’s experience highlights the need for ongoing spiritual direction and growth. The retreat center has seen an increase in participation and interest from various groups. Father Patrick encourages listeners to commit to their faith journey despite challenges. Sound Bites “It’s evangelical to follow Christ.” “What we offer is faith filled and beautiful.” “You have to practice what you preach.” “The spiritual life is one of opening and growth.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Father Patrick Hough, SJ 02:43 Father Patrick’s Faith Journey 05:23 The Role of the Grand Coteau Retreat Center 08:19 The Importance of Spiritual Retreats 11:14 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Retreats 14:00 The Transformative Power of Retreats 16:43 Challenges and Rewards in Ministry 19:12 The Future of the Retreat Center 22:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement For more information on the Grand Coteau Retreats, go to: https://www.gcretreats.org/

    32 min

  5. JAN 8

    Episode #257--"Embracing New Beginnings: Setting Priorities for the Year"

    In this podcast episode, Christina Semmens discusses the importance of setting priorities for the new year, focusing on our true worth as God’s creations, and the necessity of silence and reflection in our lives. She emphasizes living justly and impartially towards others and the role of suffering in achieving personal growth and virtue. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God and to strive for a more just and loving world. Takeaways We should focus on one priority this year: love. Our true worth is defined by God, not by others. Silence is essential for discernment and reflection. Justice requires us to treat others as we wish to be treated. Suffering can lead to personal growth and virtue. We must strive to be the change we want to see. God is always present, even in difficult times. Living justly means understanding individual needs. Perseverance is key to achieving our goals. Our witness can inspire others to persevere. Sound Bites “We are God’s beloved sons and daughters.” “You need to be the change that you wish to see.” “God is always with you, never forget that.” Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings: Embracing the New Year 02:42 Understanding Our True Worth 05:21 The Importance of Silence and Reflection 08:24 Living Justly: The Call to Justice 11:05 The Role of Suffering in Growth 13:41 The Pursuit of Virtue and Love 16:38 The Crown of Eternal Life: Perseverance and Hope

    26 min

  6. 12/20/2025

    Episode #256--"Don't Let Anxiety Define You"--1:1 with Dr Rachael Popcak Isaac, Mental Performance Specialist, Success & Performance Coaching

    During the holiday season, there can be SUPER high anxiety. If you dread the holidays, or can’t wait for them to be over, then this Say Yes to Holiness podcast episode is definitely for you. Christina Semmens sits down for a deep conversation with Rachael Popcak Isaac, a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist of Success and Performance Coaching at CatholicCounselors.com. Dr. Rachael (Popcak) Isaac, LCSW, CPT is the founder and director of the Success and Performance Coaching Program at CatholicCounselors.com. She holds a Psychology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a focus on success and sports psychology, Rachael has coached individuals, teams, and organizations from high school to the professional level. Together, Christina and Rachael explore the integration of faith with mental performance, the importance of understanding confidence and humility, and effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Rachael also shares her personal journey and insights on how a faith-based approach can enhance counseling and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one’s worth and purpose in life. Their discussion concludes with highlighting transformative practices and mindsets that can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. Takeaways Rachel Isaac is a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist.She integrates faith with mental performance in her counseling.Confidence is about knowing who you are, not comparing yourself to others.Stress and anxiety management are common struggles for clients.Faith is integral to personal identity and counseling effectiveness.Understanding our worth is crucial for personal growth.Connecting with our passions and desires is essential.Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation is important.Visualization techniques can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.Building a supportive community is key to emotional well-being.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling and Mental Performance 04:46 Integrating Faith and Mental Performance Counseling 09:54 Understanding Confidence and Humility 14:58 Managing Stress and Anxiety 20:09 The Importance of Faith in Counseling 24:53 Finding Peace and Purpose in Life 29:57 Transformative Practices and Mindsets 34:59 Conclusion and Resources For more information on Dr Rachael and her work, go to: https://catholiccounselors.com/success-and-performance-coaching/

    36 min
  7. Episode #255--"Embracing Your Advent Journey"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast

    12/13/2025

    Episode #255--"Embracing Your Advent Journey"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast

    In this podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Advent season, emphasizing the importance of preparation, silence, and the role of Mary in guiding us towards Jesus. She encourages listeners to embrace the waiting period of Advent, to be present in their lives, and to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The discussion also highlights the need for silence in order to hear God’s voice and the importance of responding with kindness and love during the holiday season. Ultimately, Christina calls for a joyful and peaceful approach to Christmas, focusing on the true meaning of the season. Takeaways Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas. Being present is essential to receiving God’s gifts. Silence allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly. Mary plays a crucial role in leading us to Jesus. We should focus on experiences rather than material gifts. Joy comes from a deep awareness of God’s presence. Responding with kindness can prevent misunderstandings. The rosary helps us connect with Jesus through Mary. We must open our hearts to receive the Lord. Christmas should be celebrated with peace and joy. Sound Bites “We have to be present in order to receive.” “Take a beat before responding.” “Mary always points us to her Son.” Chapters 00:00 Advent: A Time of Waiting and Preparation 02:32 The Importance of Presence and Silence 08:10 Joy in Advent: Embracing Silence and Awareness 12:36 The Power of Silence in Communication 17:39 Mary’s Role in Advent and Discipleship

    24 min
  8. Episode #254--"Created to Create"--1:1 with Raquel Rose, Founder, The Little Rose Shop

    11/26/2025

    Episode #254--"Created to Create"--1:1 with Raquel Rose, Founder, The Little Rose Shop

    In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens interviews Raquel Rose, founder of The Little Rose Shop. Raquel shares her transformative journey from a broken past to becoming a single mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the inspiration behind her faith-based products designed to help families integrate spirituality into everyday life. The conversation explores the challenges of running a growing business, the importance of community support, and the spiritual practices that guide Raquel in her work and personal life. Takeaways Raquel’s journey illustrates how brokenness can lead to transformation. Faith can be integrated into daily life through creative expressions. The Little Rose Shop was born out of a desire to support her daughter and others. Community support is vital for personal and business growth. Creative outlets can help individuals connect with God. Raquel emphasizes the importance of visual reminders for prayer. The business aims to provide resources for families to celebrate their faith. Challenges in business often lead to personal growth and deeper faith. The Ignatian Examen is a powerful tool for spiritual reflection. Saying ‘yes’ to God can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Sound Bites “What would I need?” “Created to create.” “I can do this.” Chapters 00:00 Raquel’s Journey of Transformation 09:04 The Birth of The Little Rose Shop 18:02 Creative Philosophy and Community Engagement 23:24 Vision for Impact and Growth 25:39 Challenges and Rewards on the Journey 30:00 Spiritual Practices and Daily Reflections

    36 min
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Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to inspire, encourage and nourish future saints on the journey to holiness while finding purpose, peace and abundance in the midst of daily life.

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