Say Yes to Holiness

Christina Semmens
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Say Yes to Holiness Podcast

A podcast designed to inspire, encourage, and accompany you to finding purpose, peace and abundance in your daily life in the pursuit of holiness Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode #222--"Judging Favorably: A Path to Peace"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast

    In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens discusses the challenges of living out one's faith amidst daily struggles. She emphasizes the importance of making choices in difficult situations—whether to change, accept, or exit—and how faith, hope, and love play crucial roles in these decisions. Drawing on the lives of saints like Elizabeth Ann Seton and Therese of Lisieux, Christina encourages listeners to practice favorable judgments and to engage deeply with the sacraments as a means of growing in love and virtue. Takeaways Perseverance is key in living out our faith. We face three choices in difficult situations: change, accept, or exit. Faith, hope, and love are essential virtues in our lives. God's grace is necessary for making good choices. We should trust in God's goodness amidst struggles. Practicing favorable judgments can transform our relationships. The sacraments provide us with the grace to grow in love. Small acts of love can have a significant impact. Inviting Mary into our lives can help us grow closer to Jesus. We can choose to respond to challenges with love. Sound Bites "Satan is in charge of technology." "We always are confronting different things." "We have to trust in the Lord's goodness." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 02:25 The Three Choices in Life: Change, Accept, or Exit 10:40 The Role of Faith, Hope, and Love 17:13 Practicing Favorable Judgments 20:50 The Little Way of Love and Sacrifice May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    30 min

  2. SEP 1

    Episode #221 "Sharing Words of Hope" 1:1 Conversation with Susan Windley-Daoust, Executive Director, Mark 5:19 Project

    In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast conversation, Christina has a conversation with Susan Windley-Daoust, Executive Director, of the Mark 5:19 Project.  Susan discusses her journey and the launch of the Mark 5:19 project, a nonprofit apostolate aimed at helping parishes become evangelizing communities. In their conversation, Susan emphasizes the importance of prayer and courage in sharing the Gospel and encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others in conversations about faith. She also highlights the need for a culture change in the Church, where evangelization becomes a natural part of our lives and relationships. Finally, she suggests practical steps, such as forming small groups and fostering meaningful conversations within families, to help foster parish renewal. Takeaways Prayer and discernment are essential in the process of parish renewal and evangelization. Every Catholic, regardless of their role in the Church, can share the Gospel and be a witness to God's love. Parish renewal requires a culture change, where evangelization becomes a natural part of our lives and relationships. Creating spaces for meaningful conversations and fostering small groups can help facilitate the sharing of faith. We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and engage with others in conversations about faith and hope. The purpose of the Mark 5:19 project is to support parishes in their journey towards becoming evangelizing communities. Sound Bites" "The first thing I would recommend, whether you're average person in the pew or the pastor of the church, is to pray." "We need to be converted to God's people and be the bearers of the good news." "The first time is hard, the second time is uncomfortable, and the third time you're there." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Susan's Journey 08:29 The Genesis of the Mark 519 Project 14:16 The Role of the Average Person in Parish Renewal 17:04 Creating a Culture of Evangelization 22:13 Fostering Meaningful Conversations and Small Groups 25:01 Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones 34:27 The Mark 5:19 Project: Supporting Parishes in Evangelization   To learn more about the Mark 5:19 Project, go to: https://mark519project.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    43 min

  3. AUG 24

    Episode #220 "Remaining Faithful In the Midst of Busyness"

    The Say Yes to Holiness podcast seeks to provide Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet  to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina Semmens discusses the importance of drawing closer to the Lord, particularly through the Eucharist. She shares the benefits and graces that come from receiving the Eucharist, such as comfort, strength, and enrichment. Christina also emphasizes the need to trust in God's plan and to use our gifts and talents to serve Him and others. She encourages listeners to have faith, hope, and perseverance, even in difficult times. The episode concludes with resolutions to ask for Mary's intercession, to avoid comparing oneself to others, and to look for the miraculous in everyday life. Takeaways Frequent reception of the Eucharist allows us to receive the graces and benefits that we need in various situations. In difficult times, God provides comfort, strength, and the weapons to fight against the challenges we face. We should trust in God's plan and have faith, hope, and perseverance, even when we don't understand His timing. Each person has unique gifts and talents that should be used to serve God and others. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on fulfilling our personal mission and being who God created us to be. We should seek Mary's intercession and ask for her help in growing in faith and enduring through struggles. It is important to recognize and appreciate the miraculous ways in which God cares for us in our daily lives. Sound Bites "Drawing close to our Lord, particularly in the Eucharist." "Let us open the door of His sacred and adorable heart and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of His love." "He will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory." Chapters 00:00 Drawing Closer to God Through the Eucharist 03:50 The Benefits and Graces of Receiving the Eucharist 08:45 Trusting in God's Plan and Using Our Gifts 20:27 Faith, Hope, and Perseverance in Difficult Times 26:43 Fulfilling Our Personal Mission and Avoiding Comparison 27:12 Seeking Mary's Intercession and Growing in Faith May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    28 min

  4. AUG 17

    Episode #219 "The Lies Being Told To Women" 1:1 with Leah Jacobsen, Program Manager, Catholic Women's & Gender Studies

    In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast conversation, Christina Summary has a conversation with Leah Jacobson. She discusses her journey and the new program she is managing called Catholic Women's and Gender Studies. She shares how her upbringing on a dairy farm and how her Catholic faith shaped her understanding of the natural order and the importance of women's bodies. Leah also talks about her experience in college, where she realized the differences in perspectives on gender and women's rights which led her to question the mainstream feminist movement and advocate for a Catholic feminism that aligns with the teachings of the Church. Leah founded the Guiding Star Project, a nonprofit that focuses on holistic women's health and supports women's bodies. She then explains the new Master's program in Catholic Women's and Gender Studies at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, which aims to provide a Christian anthropology and worldview in the study of gender and sexuality. The program is divided into four certificates: Catholic feminism, women's health and wellness, gender and family policy, and sexuality and gender. Leah hopes that graduates of the program will be able to speak truthfully and charitably about women's issues and contribute to the restoration of the natural order in society. Takeaways Leah Jacobson's upbringing on a dairy farm and her Catholic faith shaped her understanding of the natural order and the importance of women's bodies. She questioned the mainstream feminist movement and advocated for a Catholic feminism that aligns with the teachings of the Church. Leah founded the Guiding Star Project, a nonprofit that focuses on holistic women's health and supports women's bodies. The master's program in Catholics, Women's, and Gender Studies at the University of St. Thomas provides a Christian anthropology and worldview in the study of gender and sexuality. Sound Bites "I never understood how women should take all of this onto ourselves and sort of excuse men from the conversation." "Misogyny is the alteration and the suppression and the destruction of a female body." "The effects that it's having are so detrimental on our daughters' generations, on all of us. It's destroying our identity as women." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:41 Questioning the Mainstream Feminist Movement 08:55 Advocating for Catholic Feminism 12:47 The Guiding Star Project: Supporting Holistic Women's Health 16:35 The Master's Program in Catholics, Women's, and Gender Studies 25:42 The Rewards and Challenges of the Work 28:37 Finding Grounding in Nature 29:33 Advice to Her 18-Year-Old Self 31:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To learn more about the Master's in Catholic Women's & Gender Studies, go to: www.catholicgenderstudies.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    37 min

  5. AUG 10

    Episode #218--"Striving For The Crown That Matters--Pilgrimage, Trials & the Olympics"

    In this episode, Christina reflects on the value of community and the importance of journeying together on the pilgrimage of life. She emphasizes the power of shared beliefs and the unity that comes from professing our faith together. Christina also discusses the significance of going on physical pilgrimages to holy places and how they can enrich our spiritual lives. She encourages listeners to make time for the sacraments, prayer, and personal reflection. Finally, she reminds us that our pilgrimage on earth is not exempt from trials, but through trust in God, we can overcome and receive the crown of salvation. Takeaways Community is essential for us to become fully who we are created to be and to achieve greatness. Shared beliefs and professing our faith together bring unity and power. Physical pilgrimages to holy places can enrich our spiritual lives and help us connect with the Communion of Saints. Making time for the sacraments, prayer, and personal reflection is crucial for our spiritual growth. Trials are a part of our pilgrimage on earth, but through trust in God, we can overcome and receive the crown of salvation. Sound Bites "Community, in order to be able to become fully who we are created to be, and also for us to achieve the greatness, even in the eyes of the world, it takes a community." "We forget how important it is that we have commonly held beliefs." "When we profess our faith and we do it in union with others, we can achieve miracles." Chapters 00:00 The Value of Community and the Pilgrimage of Life 01:29 The Power of Shared Beliefs and Professing Our Faith Together 08:22 Enriching Our Spiritual Lives Through Physical Pilgrimages 09:02 Making Time for the Sacraments, Prayer, and Personal Reflection 23:05 Overcoming Trials and Receiving the Crown of Salvation May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    30 min

  6. AUG 9

    "What Love Compels Us To Do"--1:1 with Joel Stepanek, VP Programming & Administration for the National Eucharistic Congress

    In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast conversation, Christina Summary has a conversation with Joel Stepanek, Vice President of Programming and Administration for the National Eucharistic Congress. Their conversation touches upon the Eucharistic revival, pilgrimage, and upcoming Congress. Joel shares highlights from his own faith journey and emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into daily life. He speaks about how the National Eucharistic Congress was conceived to reinvigorate Eucharistic belief among Catholics, and the pilgrimage was designed to bring Jesus to people who may not be able to attend the Congress. Joel encourages listeners to follow along remotely and participate in their own personal pilgrimage. The goal of the revival and Congress is to inspire missionary Eucharistic belief and see an increase in mass attendance and community engagement. Takeaways Integrating faith into daily life is essential for a vibrant and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. The National Eucharistic Congress aims to reinvigorate Eucharistic belief among Catholics. The pilgrimage brings Jesus to people who may not be able to attend the Congress, allowing them to encounter the Lord. Listeners can participate remotely by making their own personal pilgrimage and following along on social media. The goal of the revival and Congress is to inspire missionary Eucharistic belief and see an increase in mass attendance and community engagement.  Sound Bites "Integrating faith into daily life is essential" "The National Eucharistic Congress aims to reinvigorate Eucharistic belief" "The pilgrimage brings Jesus to people who may not be able to attend the Congress" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:49 The National Eucharistic Congress and Revival 12:18 The Power of Pilgrimage 21:51 Inspiring Missionary Eucharistic Belief To learn more about the Eucharistic Revival, go to: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    35 min

  7. JUL 20

    "When Things Don't Go According To Plan"

    The Say Yes to Holiness podcast seeks to provide Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet  to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...  In this episode, Christina reflects on the National Eucharistic Congress and the importance of focusing on our Eucharistic Lord, especially when things don't go according to plan. She emphasizes the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the need to set aside doubts and trust in Him. Christina also discusses the role of friendship and how we can be Christ to others by being patient, sympathetic, and attentive. She encourages listeners to turn to Jesus and make their requests known to Him, knowing that He is always there for us. Finally, she reminds us that the Eucharist is a glimpse of heaven on earth and challenges us to be Eucharistic missionaries, shining the light of Christ to others. Takeaways Trust in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and set aside doubts Be a friend to others, listening and providing counsel and help Turn to Jesus and make your requests known to Him The Eucharist is a glimpse of heaven on earth Be a Eucharistic missionary, shining the light of Christ to others Sound Bites "He is truly present. The Body and Blood of Christ is truly present. Body, Blood, His Soul, and His Divinity are present before us." "He accommodates Himself to our weakness. In heaven, where we shall be glorious and triumphant, we shall see Him in all His glory." "He always has a refuge where quietude and peace can again be found." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: National Eucharistic Congress and the Importance of Focusing on the Eucharistic Lord 03:05 Trusting in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist 08:54 Being a Friend and Bringing Others to Christ 13:24 Turning to Jesus and Making Our Requests Known 21:03 The Eucharist: A Glimpse of Heaven on Earth 25:24 Being Eucharistic Missionaries: Shining the Light of Christ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    29 min

  8. JUN 21

    Episode #215--"Making Ordinary Time Extraordinary"

    The Say Yes to Holiness podcast seeks to provide Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet  to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...    In this episode, Christina discusses the importance of continuing to grow in our relationship with God during Ordinary Time. She emphasizes the need for consistency, perseverance, and the cultivation of four habits: daily prayer and meditation, frequenting the sacraments, growing in virtue, and abandoning ourselves to God's will. She also explores the concepts of finding God, the importance of patience, and the process of detachment. She also offers practical suggestions like the daily examen, devotion to the Sacred Heart, cultivating patience, and seeking Mary's intercession. Takeaways Consistency and perseverance are key to growing in our relationship with God during ordinary time. Four habits to cultivate are daily prayer and meditation, frequenting the sacraments, growing in virtue, and abandoning ourselves to God's will. Everyone is either looking for God or has found Him and is deepening their relationship with Him. Pride can hinder our ability to recognize and accept the truth of God's love and presence in our lives. Patience is essential for navigating difficulties and avoiding burnout. Detachment is about loving things and people in a way that allows us to let go and focus on God. Practical suggestions include daily examination, devotion to the Sacred Heart, cultivating patience through humility, faith, and joy, and seeking Mary's intercession. Sound Bites "We need to be constant, we need to persevere." "Everyone is looking for God. Either they found him and continuing that search to deepen their relationship, or they're thirsting and hungering and seeking him still." "We have to make room for God. If we think we have all the answers, if we think we've got it all together, if we think that we don't need God, then we're that much farther away from finding that peace and that joy and that salvation that God is waiting to give us." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Growing in Relationship with God During Ordinary Time 03:23 The Importance of Consistency and Perseverance 04:21 Finding God and the Role of Sinners 08:06 Overcoming Pride to Recognize God's Presence 14:47 The Power of Patience in Navigating Difficulties 26:35 Practical Suggestions for Spiritual Growth 29:00 Conclusion and Seeking Mary's Intercession May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

    30 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast designed to inspire, encourage, and accompany you to finding purpose, peace and abundance in your daily life in the pursuit of holiness Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sayyestoholiness/support

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Semmens
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    439
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christina Semmens
  • Show Website
    Say Yes to Holiness

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