Living LIT

Robyn Bruggeman

Living in truth for the little church you call home.

  1. 20H AGO

    The Many Rites of the Catholic Church & "The Monks" Children book series with Sylvia Dorham

    Sylvia Dorham, author of The Monks children’s book series from TAN Books, joins me on the podcast for a beautiful conversation packed with wisdom, gentleness, and so much goodness for families. We begin by chatting about the different “flavors” or rites within the Catholic Church, and Sylvia does such a lovely job of breaking it all down in a simple and approachable way that helps make something that can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable much more understandable. Sylvia is part of the Melchite Catholic Church and wife to a priest. We also dive into her delightful children’s book series, The Monks, and the inspiration behind these lovable little monks and the lessons they offer not only children—but parents too. Sylvia shares about her journey to becoming an author, learning the rhythm and discipline of writing, and how beauty, prayer, order, and joy can shape the little church we call home. Sylvia's most recent book is called" This episode is full of encouragement, insight, and practical wisdom woven together with the charm and simplicity of monastic life. Whether you are curious about the richness of the Catholic Church, looking for faith-filled books for your family, or longing to cultivate a more peaceful rhythm in your home, this conversation is such a gift. TAN Books | Traditional Catholic Books, Saints, Theology & Devotions link to TAN books to purchase Monks books *Use Code LIVINGLIT15 for discount

    55 min
  2. MAY 9

    Festive Faith: Living a Liturgical Life with Steffani Aquila

    Transform your faith from routine to radiant with Living a Liturgical Life—an ancient rhythm that can bring deep joy and meaning to everyday life. Steffani Aquila, founder of His Girl Sunday and author of Festive Faith, reveals how you can seamlessly weave the richness of the Church’s seasons, feasts, and traditions into your modern life without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Most Catholics already celebrate Christmas and Easter; Steffani shows you how to expand those moments into a beautiful, year-round practice of praise. Whether you're single, married, have children, or part of a parish community-Living a Liturgical Life is for everyone in any stage. Living Liturgically is a universal invitation to deepen your faith. In this episode, we break down: How to recognize the liturgical and seasonal practices you're already doing—without realizing itHow incorporating recipes, decor, and family traditions breathe new life into old customsThe importance of embracing your unique culture and gifts as parts of your faith journeyThe value of storytelling and community in fostering long-lasting faith practices Why does this matter? Because living liturgically isn’t just another spiritual activity—it's the way we walk with Christ through every season, celebration, and ordinary day. It offers your family a sense of rhythm, roots, and reverence that nurtures the soul amid life’s busyness. If you're craving more intentionality, joy, and beauty in your faith life, this episode will inspire you to start where you are and grow authentically. Liturgical Living & Catholic Tradition | His Girl Sunday To order Festive Faith book: visit Ave Maria Press

    35 min
  3. APR 30

    Choosing to Live Fully Human in a Distracted World & St Joseph: Keeper of the King (with Emily Stimpson Chapman)

    In this episode, Emily Stimpson Chapman joins us to explore what it truly means to be fully human in a distracted and digital age. We discuss her latest book on St. Joseph, how to live more intentionally, and ways to reconnect with our true selves and with God. Key Topics: The profound significance of St. Joseph as a model of humility, virtue, and fatherhoodThe importance of free will and discernment in our faith stories, exemplified by Joseph's decisionsThe impact of digital distraction on our ability to live authenticallyPractical ways to reconnect with the real worldThe importance of praying for discernment and trusting God's invitation in our vocationsHow to cultivate a more human life amid technological and societal pressuresThe significance of living rightly ordered lives and the danger of being hurried and divided Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the episode's focus on being fully human 02:32 - Insights into Emily’s new book on St. Joseph and its messaging for children and adults 04:19 - The significance of seeing St. Joseph as a model of fatherhood for everyone 06:33 - Exploring the virtues of St. Joseph, including his humility, faith, and influence 08:50 - The debate about young versus old Joseph and its theological implications 10:24 - The importance of Joseph's decision to accept God's plan and his role in salvation history 12:18 - How Joseph’s angelic dreams offered divine guidance and a model of discernment 15:01 - Living in a distracted world and the importance of unplugging from media to live fully human 16:39 - Reflections on technology’s shaping influence and how to cultivate intentionality 18:42 - The cultural shift in social media and the importance of local, face-to-face influence 22:41 - Recognizing the profound loss of what it means to live rightly paced and ordered lives 29:34 - Practical ways to embrace our humanity, including exploring with children and unplugging 30:57 - The metaphor of life as a journey and the importance of wandering to discover God’s beauty 31:08 - Resources for connecting with Emily and her work: website, Substack, and podcast 32:34 - The meaning behind Emily’s Substack name, "Through a Glass Darkly" 33:25 - Final words of encouragement to prioritize living in God's truth and beautyResources & Links: Home | Emily Stimpson Chapman, Catholic Author & Speaker - Official websiteJoseph Keeper of the King by Emily Stimpson Chapman - Book on St. JosephStudy the Bible through the Catholic lens - St. Paul Center - Resources on Catholic faith and books

    33 min
  4. APR 29

    Top 5 Feast Days to Live Liturgically in MAY

    This episode explores the rich liturgical traditions and feast days celebrated in May. Robyn shares insightful ways to deepen your faith experience and incorporate feast days into your domestic church. Key topics:Top 5 feast days: St. Joseph the Worker, Our Lady of Fatima, Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity SundayPractical ideas for living liturgically — blessing tools, making themed foods, prayer routines such as the rosary, and Marian devotion setupsThe importance of prayer and participating in the church's liturgical calendar for spiritual growthHow to celebrate feast days joyfully and intentionally without stress, including family activities and meaningful traditionsInsights into Rogation Days and Ember Days as times to pray and ask God’s blessing on creation Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to May as a grace-filled liturgical month 00:28 - Feast of St. Joseph the Worker — the dignity of work & sanctification 01:52 - Connecting St. Joseph’s feast with daily life & work blessings 05:58 - Celebrating Our Lady of Fatima — prayer, sacrifices, and themed foods 10:12 - Ascension Sunday — Jesus’ ascension and our divine home in heaven 14:24 - Pentecost — Holy Spirit’s descent, fire, and wearing red to mass 17:43 - Trinity Sunday — understanding the mystery of one God in three persons 20:29 - Living Easter through Rogation Days & honoring seeds & crops 21:51 - The value of balancing feasting and fasting in liturgical living 22:21 - Final tips for stress-free celebration & embracing the church’s rhythm Resources & Links:The feast of St. Joseph the Worker | Catholic LivingIt's a Pentecost Party - YouTubeRogation Days, Ember Days and Living Liturgical with Fr Darin SchmidtRogation DaysMary isn't just for Catholics | Living LitEaster isn't Over: Celebrating All 50 Days Connect with Robyn:InstagramHome - Living Lit In this episode, discover joyful, practical ways to incorporate May feast days into your home—making your domestic church a vibrant space for faith and family.

    23 min
  5. APR 23

    Rogation Days, Ember Days and Fasting & Feasting through the year with Fr Darin Schmidt

    Unlock the ancient practice of Rogation Days and Ember Days—timeless traditions that still shape our faith today. If you've ever wondered how these seasonal prayers and processions can deeply enrich your spiritual life and connect you with the land, this episode is your invitation to rediscover them. Father Darin Schmidt, a seasoned priest from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD- with a passion for living liturgically, shares the fascinating roots of these old practices—from pagan rituals in Rome to the meaningful ways they still influence farming communities and parish life today in the Christian life. You’ll discover how Rogation Days originated as a plea for God’s protection over crops and land, and how Ember Days connect to gratitude, penance, and vocations. We break down: the history behind these days and why returning to these traditions can bring a fresh sense of purpose and holy rhythm to your year. Honoring and observing these special times in the Church year, turns seasons into spiritual opportunities for fasting, penance, and thanksgiving. In a world overwhelmed by busyness, these sacred customs remind us to slow down, invite God's blessing, and recognize His sovereignty over creation and our work. They are calls to holiness woven into the fabric of everyday life—whether you’re on a farm, in the city, or anywhere in between. We also chat about Fasting & Feasting- and the significance of what the Church invites us into and why it matters. **For practical ways and ideas to honor, observe and celebrate Rogation Days-Be sure to check out our other podcast on Rogation Days

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

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Living in truth for the little church you call home.

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