Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast

Holy Family Adrian
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. With each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, and revelations moments of doubt, discovery, and everything in between. Here, we believe that every story matters, and in the open seat, there’s room for honesty, vulnerability, and community. Whether you’re questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you’ll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive in to today’s story here - at the Open Seat.

  1. 5d ago

    Hot Seat Episode: Creeds, Relics and Social Media

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Hot Seat, Father Mike Newman and Katie Love tackle some of your questions about the Catholic faith—from the difference between the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed to the role of relics in the altar and what would happen if the Pope were kidnapped. They also take a deeper look at something that affects all of us: how should Catholics live their faith on social media?Are the people we encounter online our neighbors in the Christian sense? How can we move beyond anger, arguments, and algorithms and instead treat others with charity, patience, gentleness, and respect? Father Mike and Katie discuss the temptation to post every thought, the way social media can fuel anger and division, and the importance of knowing when to step away. They also share practical ways to be more intentional with our phones and remember that our faith doesn't stop when we go online. In this episode: What's the difference between the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed?What does it mean when an altar contains a relic?What would happen if the Pope were kidnapped?Are people on social media our neighbors?Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

  2. Jul 24

    A Heart Ready to Learn: The Faith Story of Sonja Howell

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Open Seat, we sit down with Sonja Howell to hear her inspiring journey from being raised Baptist to becoming Catholic and finding a home at Holy Family Parish. Sonja shares how a love of learning has shaped both her career in education and her walk of faith. She talks about why she looks forward to the homily each week, how she finds practical lessons for everyday life in Scripture, and why she believes there's always something God wants us to hear. We also discuss her passion for serving in middle school faith formation, the joy of accompanying young people as they discover their faith, and how creating a safe, welcoming space helps them grow in confidence and in Christ. Whether you're searching for encouragement in your own faith journey or looking for inspiration to serve your parish, Sonja's story is a reminder that God continues to teach us, guide us, and call us closer every day. Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

    A Heart Ready to Learn: The Faith Story of Sonja Howell

  3. Jul 10

    From Skeptic to Believer: Finding Christ in History

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a lifelong skeptic begins searching for the truth? In this episode of Open Seat, Austin See shares his  journey from questioning God and wrestling with faith to becoming Catholic through history, service, and a life-changing encounter that challenged everything he believed. As a Marine Corps veteran, former city council member, and nonprofit leader, Austin has dedicated his life to serving others. But it wasn't until he began exploring the historical evidence for Christianity—and asking some difficult questions—that he discovered a deeper relationship with Christ. Whether you're searching for answers, curious about the Catholic faith, or simply looking for an inspiring story of hope and transformation, Austin's testimony is a reminder that God often meets us where we least expect Him. If this conversation encouraged you, share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

    From Skeptic to Believer: Finding Christ in History

  4. Jun 26

    The Everday Gospel: Living Between Sundays

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Open Seat, Lora Arriaga joins us for a conversation about faith, family, service, and finding joy in the everyday moments of parish life. Lora shares how welcoming her nieces and nephew into her home changed her life, the ministries that keep her connected to the Holy Family community, and why she believes the Gospel message is something we need not just on Sunday, but throughout the week. From the Giving Tree and parish softball to quiet prayer and coffee and donuts after Mass, Lora reflects on the people, experiences, and moments that have helped shape her faith journey. Whether you're looking for encouragement, community, or a reminder of what really matters, pull up a chair and join us for this inspiring conversation. Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

    The Everday Gospel: Living Between Sundays

  5. Jun 12

    Called Again: A Journey Back to Priestly Vocation with Chris Allen, n/OSFS

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when someone leaves religious life, builds what seems like the perfect life, and then feels called back? In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with novice Chris Allen, OSFS, to talk about his vocation journey with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. His story is a powerful reminder that vocation is not about having everything figured out—it's about responding to God's call one step at a time. Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

  6. May 29

    Playstation to Prayer: A Young Voice on Faith

    Send us Fan Mail What does faith look like through the eyes of a teenager? In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with 14-year-old Omar Garcia Jr. to talk about growing up Catholic, serving at church and discovering a deeper relationship with God along the way. Omar shares how serving at a young age helped him grow in confidence and faith, how prayer became personal during the pandemic, and how young people can inspire an entire church community. Omar’s story is a reminder that faith can grow in unexpected ways — and that young people have more to offer the Church than many realize. Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

  7. May 15

    Family Boundaries, Confesion and the Eucharist | Hot Seat

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Hot Seat, Father Mike and Katie Love tackle some of the toughest questions Catholics wrestle with today: 🔥 What boundaries can you have with family members involved in grave sin or illegal activity? 🔥 Why do priests lay face down during the Good Friday service? 🔥 Do you need to go to confession before receiving the Eucharist? Father Mike breaks down Church teaching on confession, mortal sin, family boundaries, suffering, and the healing power of the Eucharist.Whether you’re struggling with difficult relationships, questions about worthiness, or simply curious about Catholic traditions, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement rooted in the Catholic faith. Do you have a question for a future Hot Seat episode? Submit a question to the podcast at: www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org/Podcast Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

  8. May 1

    Trees and Spirituality with Paul Pfeifer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Paul Pfeifer — horticulturist, nature lover, and director at Hidden Lake Gardens — for a thoughtful conversation on faith, family, trees, and spirituality. Paul shares his journey from studying horticulture at The Ohio State University and Purdue University to discovering a deeper spiritual connection through nature, prayer, and the Ignatian spiritual exercises. Together, we explore eco-spirituality, the healing power of slowing down, and how encounters with creation can open our hearts to God’s presence. The conversation also touches on the story behind the canopy walk at Hidden Lake Gardens, everyday blessings, helping people reconnect with nature in a meaningful way as well as finding community at Holy Family Parish.  Whether you love gardening, enjoy being outdoors, or are searching for God in ordinary moments, this episode offers encouragement to notice the blessings already surrounding you.  Reflection Question for this episode: where are you missing blessings in your life by not realizing God is in your midst? Support the show This is a podcast of Holy Family Parish, located in Adrian MI. We are a Catholic people, not a place, striving to Live Jesus through celebrating the sacraments and forming disciples in Adrian and beyond. www.HolyFamilyAdrian.org Instagram: Instagram.com/holyfamilyadrian Facebook: Facebook.com/adrianCatholic YouTube: www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian

    Trees and Spirituality with Paul Pfeifer
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. With each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, and revelations moments of doubt, discovery, and everything in between. Here, we believe that every story matters, and in the open seat, there’s room for honesty, vulnerability, and community. Whether you’re questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you’ll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive in to today’s story here - at the Open Seat.

Information

  • Creator
    Holy Family Adrian
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast
  • Show Website
    Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast

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