Saint In Progress

Michael LaMorte
  • 5.0 (1)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A Catholic show about how to be a saint. Your source for inspiration, information, and directions home to the Father's house. catholictreehouse.substack.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Know when to call a professional — Saint in Progress Episode #57

    A backed up drain leads to some thoughts about the American DIY mindset, and why it’s largely incompatible with growth in the spiritual life. Whether it’s plumbing or weighty spiritual topics, sometimes you need to call in an expert. Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min

  2. JAN 30

    Spiritual Winters and Bountiful Harvests — Saint in Progress Episode #56

    Despite the unpredictable day-to-day nature of the weather, the cycle of the seasons has never stopped. Our spiritual lives go through seasons as well, and in this first episode of 2026, Mike discusses the nature of these spiritual seasons, and why it’s necessary—and good—when we have a spiritual winter, and why the harshest winters produce the most fruit-filled harvests. Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. A defining moment. A simple question. A lifetime of answers. Everyone who serves in the public square is faced with a unique set of challenges. Confronting these trials through the lens of faith presents unique challenges of its own, as well as reasoned solutions. Part memoir, part reflection, this retrospective by author Michael Heyeck chronicles—with honesty and conviction—his own personal journey from a prayerful youth in New Jersey, to being the longest-serving member and chair in the 168-year history of the City of Westerville, Ohio. This is not a partisan manifesto, nor a simple memoir. Rather, What Are We Looking For? is a faith-informed examination of public service, written by a man who refused to separate conscience from responsibility. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    The big picture and little steps — Saint in Progress Episode #55

    All frustrated because you can’t see the big picture and figure out the next steps in your life? In this final episode of 2025, Mike shares some advice his spiritual director gave him a long time ago that is valuable to everyone today. A podcast of Mike’s radio appearance from this morning can be found at: https://stgabrielradio.com/cafe Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Eyes of Wonder — Saint in Progress Episode #54

    What do you do when you kid’s school emails and asks you be the substitute St. Nicholas? Well, what would Mary do? She would say “yes” and so did Mike. This week, Mike’s experience playing the part of the beloved bishop of Myra has him reflecting on Matthew 18:1-6 and 19:13-14, and asking the question: “How can we enter the kingdom of heaven when we have doubts about the very thing that is the source and summit of our faith?” * Mike recommends: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Embrace the Wait

    This time of year as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord, a common Advent theme is one of waiting. This week Mike avoids talking about the Israelites waiting for the messiah, and instead looks at the growing impatience that we all suffer, and why we need to embrace waiting. Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min

  6. 11/21/2025

    Re-homing our hearts — Saint in Progress Episode #52

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by being always busy, and still feeling like you’re not working hard enough? You’re not alone. You’re living a broken work ethic that dates back to the mid 1500’s. (Gee, what happened around then?) This week Mike takes a look at: * The work ethic that the Puritans brought over that drives America today * The modern secular always-at-work mindset * The concept of “re-homing” * Rerum Novarum, an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII * Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus * The one thing we should all do, starting this Advent, to “re-home” Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min

  7. 11/14/2025

    Freeing the Soul in the Stone — Saint in Progress Episode #51

    A postcard of Michelangelo’s Pietà and a discussion of sacred art is the jumping off point for this week’s episode. Listen in as he covers: * Michelangelo’s unfinished “The Prisoners” * A profound quote from Michelangelo * The Martyrs of Constantinople (circa 730 AD) * Exodus, Deuteronomy, the Ten Commandments, and “graven images” * How God works as the Divine Sculptor Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    “Mater Populi Fidelis,” Magisterial correction, and understanding Mary’s role in saving souls — Saint in Progress Episode #50

    Many devout Catholics who have a strong Marian devotion are up in arms about the latest document Mater Populi Fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”) which they claim is de-throning the Mother of God by saying that we are not to use the title “Co-Redemptrix.” Many Protestants who see Marian devotion as “Mary worship” see the document as the Catholic Church finally realizing the truth and changing its teaching. In this episode, Mike uses Mater Populi Fidelis to look a litter closer at the nature of Magisterial teachings: what they are and a few of the reasons they’re issued, with a closer look at why this latest one was issued, and provide some clarity. Some highlights: * Mark 2:23-28 as an example of Jesus’ correction of inaccurate teachings * Some of the crazy Jewish Sabbath laws, including one involving a radish * The role of the Church as steward of the faith * The epistles… the first Magisterial teachings? * The prayer, “Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.” * An incredible conversion story from the life of St. Gemma Galgani that explains the proper understanding of Mary’s role in salvation better than anything else Our work here on Substack is made available at no charge, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free to make. Your generous support keeps the lights on in the treehouse, and helps us deliver our content to thousands of people every day. Support our work with an annual or monthly subscription. Get full access to Catholic Treehouse at catholictreehouse.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
See All (58)

About

A Catholic show about how to be a saint. Your source for inspiration, information, and directions home to the Father's house. catholictreehouse.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michael LaMorte
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael LaMorte
  • Show Website
    Saint In Progress

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