Say Yes to Holiness

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens sits down with Edmund Mitchell, Founder of Zealous Parish Ministries and have a conversation about Edmund's journey from being a cradle Catholic to becoming a passionate parish minister. They discuss the importance of evangelization within the parish, the mission of the parish to save souls, and the transition from maintenance to mission-oriented churches. This conversation was especially near and dear to my heart due to my work at The Catholic Leadership Puzzle, so was excited to give Edmund a chance to introduce his new initiative, Zealous Parish Ministers, aimed at supporting parish ministers in their roles. Edmund also emphasized the need for continuous formation and skill development in ministry. The conversation highlights the significance of vision casting and various roles a parish minister must embody to effectively lead their community. TakeawaysEdmund's journey reflects a deep love for Jesus and evangelization.Parishes are crucial for local evangelization efforts.The mission of the parish is to invite all souls into God's family.Transitioning from maintenance to mission is essential for parish vitality.Zealous Parish Ministers aims to support parish staff in their roles.Continuous formation is vital for parish ministers' effectiveness.Understanding the three roles of a parish minister enhances ministry impact.Vision casting is a key discipline for effective leadership.The parish boundary includes all souls, not just registered members.Resources like 'The Advantage' can help parish ministers develop essential skills.Sound Bites"Parishes can't be just maintenance.""We need to help parish ministers thrive.""Zeal for my house will consume me."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evangelization and Parish Ministry 03:01 Edmund's Journey: From Cradle Catholic to Parish Minister 06:00 The Role of the Parish in Evangelization 09:02 Defining the Mission of the Parish 11:57 Transitioning from Maintenance to Mission 15:00 Launching Zealous Parish Ministers 17:56 The Importance of Continuous Formation 20:48 Skills for Effective Parish Ministry 24:11 The Three Roles of a Parish Minister 26:52 Vision Casting and Its Importance 30:02 Conclusion and Resources for Parish MinistersFor more information about Edmund and Zealous Parish Ministers, go to: https://edmundmitchell.com/ and https://www.zealousparishministers.co/

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina discusses the significance of the Lenten season, emphasizing the importance of prayer, humility, and self-reflection. Drawing from the wisdom of St. John of the Cross, she encourages listeners to view Lent as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. Christina highlights the need to conquer negative speech and to abandon oneself to God's will, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with the divine.Takeaways Lent is an opportunity for spiritual growth. St. John of the Cross offers wisdom for the Lenten journey. Prayer is essential for a good spiritual life. Conquering the tongue is more important than fasting. Humility involves recognizing our own nothingness. We should view Lent with gratitude, not obligation. Fasting should include withdrawing from earthly distractions. The importance of daily prayer and sacraments is emphasized. We must change our perspective on Lent to see its value. Abandoning ourselves to God's will leads to true fulfillment.Sound Bites "I actually enjoy the Lenten season." "Look at Lent as an opportunity." "God is God and I am not." "You change the world by changing yourself." "Lent is such a great gift."Chapters00:00 Embracing the Lenten Season02:23 Preparing for Lent with St. John of the Cross06:11 Changing Perspectives on Lent07:36 The Importance of Prayer13:48 Conquering the Tongue20:16 Humility and Abandoning to God's Will

In this engaging conversation, Christina Semmens interviews Teresa Tomeo about her new book, 'Italy's Shrines and Wonders.' Teresa shares her personal journey of faith, her deep connection to Italy, and the inspiration behind her book, which serves as a guide to sacred spaces and cultural experiences in Italy. The discussion highlights the importance of savoring the beauty of Italy, planning meaningful pilgrimages, and the transformative power of travel and faith. Teresa also reflects on the challenges of writing the book and her hopes for its impact on readers.Takeaways Teresa's new book focuses on Italy's sacred spaces. Travel can deepen one's faith and connection to God. Experiencing local culture is essential when visiting Italy. Planning a pilgrimage requires patience and flexibility. Italy is meant to be savored, not rushed. The book serves as a guide for both first-time and veteran travelers. Teresa emphasizes the importance of the saints in her journey. Writing the book was a labor of love and a challenge. Traveling in Italy can lead to profound spiritual experiences. The beauty of Italy can inspire and strengthen one's faith.Sound Bites "It's called Italy's Shrines and Wonders." "Italy is very much connected to it." "This book is stealth evangelization." "You have to experience a slice of life." "I love the saints." "You could do this."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Teresa Tomeo and Her New Book01:01 Teresa's Journey and Connection to Italy05:08 Exploring Italy's Sacred Spaces09:52 Experiencing Italian Life and Culture15:01 Planning Your Pilgrimage to Italy20:12 The Challenges and Rewards of Writing the Book25:01 Personal Growth Through Travel and Faith30:07 Conclusion and Where to Find the Book

Summary In this conversation, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Jubilee year, emphasizing the themes of hope, unity, and forgiveness. She discusses the importance of striving for reconciliation in a divided world, the power of forgiveness in personal relationships, and the responsibility of individuals to engage with their communities. Semmens encourages listeners to root themselves in God's word and to live out their calling to holiness, ultimately presenting a vision for a unified church that embodies Christ's teachings. Takeaways The Jubilee year is a time of hope and reconciliation. Unity is essential in a divided world. Forgiveness is crucial for personal peace and family unity. We must actively work towards community engagement. Living out God's will involves becoming a saint. Personal growth is rooted in understanding God's word. We should focus on what unites us rather than divides us. Forgiveness allows us to move on from past hurts. Community responsibility starts at the local level. Unity in the church is necessary for fulfilling Christ's prayer. Sound Bites "This is a Jubilee year of hope." "We need to let go of any grudge." "You are to become a saint." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 06:03 The Importance of Unity 15:13 Community Engagement and Responsibility 20:52 Living Out God's Will 26:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this heartfelt conversation, Christina Semmens reflects on the new year following the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of hope, change, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace new beginnings and make resolutions that align with God's will. Christina shares insights on the power of small, daily steps towards transformation and the significance of faith in navigating life's challenges. She concludes with a call to abandon oneself to God and strive for an extraordinary life, filled with purpose and love. Takeaways Christina reflects on her personal journey after her husband's passing. The new year symbolizes hope and new beginnings. Pope Francis has declared 2025 a year of hope. Change is essential for personal growth and transformation. We must invite God into our lives to facilitate change. Daily resolutions should focus on serving others, not just ourselves. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant transformation. Patience with ourselves is crucial in the journey of change. Abandoning ourselves to God can lead to extraordinary lives. We are all called to be extraordinary ambassadors of God's love. Sound Bites "Hope does not disappoint." "We are created to be extraordinary." "Have patience with all things." Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings and Personal Reflection 09:55 The Power of Change and Hope 20:03 Daily Resolutions and Small Steps 23:08 Abandoning to God and Living an Extraordinary Life

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens interviews Taylor Kemp, vice president of content at the Augustine Institute. Taylor shares his journey from a successful soccer career to a profound conversion to the Catholic faith. The conversation delves into the revitalization of the Symbolon series, a program designed to educate and deepen the understanding of the Catholic faith. Taylor discusses the importance of storytelling, the integration of prayer, and the goal of inspiring holiness in viewers. The episode concludes with reflections on personal faith, the significance of patience in the spiritual journey, and the call to conversion. Takeaways Taylor Kemp transitioned from a professional soccer career to theology. Symbolon serves as a vital resource for faith formation. The series emphasizes the call to holiness for all individuals. Revamping Symbolon focuses on American Catholic history and local stories. Each episode integrates salvation history, pilgrimage, theology, and prayer. The goal is to deepen devotion to the Eucharist and the Catholic faith. Patience is essential in the journey of faith and holiness. The series aims to inspire viewers to live out their faith heroically. Personal experiences shape the way faith is taught and shared. The Augustine Institute supports parish leaders in their ministry efforts. Sound Bites "I had a pretty radical and powerful conversion." "Symbolon is a beautiful entry point." "Every single one of us is called to sainthood." "I felt so privileged to be a part of it." "Patience is the fundamental virtue for you." "The work of holiness is an act done by God." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Taylor Kemp and His Journey 05:47 The Symbolon Series: A New Initiative 12:42 Revamping Symbolon: Focus on American Catholic History 17:51 Structure of Symbolon: Integrating Faith and Prayer 22:05 Goals of the Revamped Symbolon Series 25:24 Personal Reflections on Faith and Holiness 32:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on her personal journey of grief following the passing of her husband, Paul. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving, and how it aligns with the beginning of the liturgical year. Christina discusses the significance of Christ the King and the Kingdom of God, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God. She draws inspiration from saints and highlights the need to live by principles rather than feelings, ultimately urging everyone to find gratitude amidst life's challenges and to trust in God's plan. Takeaways Grief can be a profound teacher about gratitude. Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to express gratitude. Christ the King signifies a new kind of kingship. We are called to live as followers of the King. God meets us in our struggles and transforms our lives. The Kingdom of God grows through our prayers and actions. Saints inspire us to live virtuous lives. Living by principles helps us navigate life's challenges. We must prepare for eternal life with God. Gratitude opens our hearts to God's blessings. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Grief and Gratitude 05:46 Understanding Christ the King 11:44 The Kingdom of God and Intimacy with the Father 17:25 Inspiration from Saints and Community 24:03 Living by Principles, Not Feelings

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens and Dave Plisky discuss the ongoing impact of a study on intentional discipleship, the importance of spiritual direction, and the launch of the Religion to Reality webinar series. They explore the findings of the study, including the barriers to evangelization and the need for community and ongoing formation. The conversation highlights the significance of integrating faith into daily life and the generational differences in discipleship, emphasizing the need for in-person community engagement. Takeaways Spiritual direction plays a crucial role in personal growth. The study revealed that many Catholics are comfortable sharing their faith but do not do so. There is a strong interest in deeper faith formation among Catholics. The Religion to Reality webinar series aims to unpack the study's findings. Community and ongoing formation are essential for discipleship. Generational differences impact how faith is experienced and shared. Retreats and dedicated time for contemplation are vital for spiritual growth. The youngest generations crave in-person community despite being digital natives.Integration of faith into daily life is necessary for true discipleship. The webinar series will evolve into a podcast for further exploration. Sound Bites "You need a spiritual director." "We want to have an integrated life." "Spiritual direction is a relatively new thing." "Prayer has to precede action." "We must continue to accompany." "Make retreats more of a thing." "We want to journey together." "The youngest generations are the most hungry for community." "Check out the webinar series." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth 04:14 Understanding the Study and Its Findings 09:52 Religion to Reality Webinar Series 17:49 Insights on Spiritual Direction 23:57 The Importance of Community and Ongoing Formation 31:59 Generational Differences in Discipleship 39:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens shares her personal journey of faith and grief as her husband battles lung cancer. She reflects on the significance of the liturgical feasts of All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and the Communion of Saints, emphasizing the importance of striving for holiness, deepening one's love for God, and the power of prayer and intercession for the departed. Christina discusses the necessity of real effort in faith, the role of sacrifice, and the impact of indulgences, encouraging listeners to live in the present and act with intention to fulfill their spiritual mission. Takeaways Christina shares her personal journey of grief and faith. The Communion of Saints consists of the Church Militant, Triumphant, and Suffering. Real effort is required to strive for holiness and win the crown. Deepening love for God is essential for a meaningful spiritual life. Prayer is crucial for strengthening faith and hope. Intercession for the living and the dead is a vital practice. Sacrifice and mortification can aid in saving souls. Indulgences can be obtained through acts of mercy and prayer. Living in the present is key to fulfilling our spiritual mission. We are created to become saints and fulfill God's will. Sound Bites "The future is not in our hands." "We need to seize today." "We are created to become holy." Chapters 00:00 Journey Through Grief and Faith 06:06 The Importance of Real Effort in Faith 11:51 Intercession and Sacrifice for Souls 22:11 Living in the Present and Seizing the Day

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens speaks with Thomas W. Carroll, founder of the Catholic Talent Project, about the alarming trend of young people leaving the Catholic faith. They discuss the importance of strong leadership in Catholic education, the need for faithful educators, and the mission of Catholic schools to draw children closer to God. Carroll shares insights from his own faith journey and the initiatives he is implementing to recruit and train passionate teachers who can serve as witnesses of faith in the classroom. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of Catholic identity in education and the urgent need for a renewed commitment to evangelization within the Church. Takeaways The Catholic Talent Project aims to address the crisis of faith among youth. By age 13, almost half of Catholic children lose their faith. Leadership in Catholic schools is crucial for maintaining faith. Catholic schools should focus on drawing children closer to God. Recruiting faithful educators is essential for Catholic identity. Witnesses in the classroom are more effective than traditional teachers. The Church risks going the way of Europe if youth faith is not preserved. Faithful young people are needed to refresh the Church. The curriculum must integrate God at the center of education. Creating a faith community among educators enhances spiritual growth. Sound Bites "We need to put a witness in every single classroom." "The primary purpose of a Catholic school is to draw children closer to God." "We have to have constantly the church refreshed with faithful young people." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Catholic Talent Project 06:29 Thomas Carroll's Faith Journey and Background 11:19 Strengthening Catholic Identity in Education 16:09 Recruiting and Cultivating Talent in Catholic Schools 21:56 The Importance of Witness in Catholic Education 28:08 Challenges Facing Catholic Education Today 33:46 The Future of Catholic Education and Leadership 41:31 Inspiration from the Next Generation of Catholics 46:43 Getting Involved with the Catholic Talent Project 51:36 Leaving Suggestions for Upcoming Podcasts To learn more about The Catholic Talent Project, go to: https://catholictalentproject.org/

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens discusses the significance of praying the Rosary, emphasizing its power in personal and communal prayer. She encourages listeners to deepen their commitment to this practice, especially in the context of family life and intercession for others. Christina shares personal experiences and insights from saints and popes, highlighting the transformative effects of the Rosary in bringing peace, joy, and grace into our lives and the lives of those around us. Takeaways Praying the Rosary is essential for spiritual growth. The Rosary brings joy to heaven and impacts the Communion of Saints. Family prayer strengthens bonds and fosters gratitude. Pray the Rosary with faith, humility, confidence, and perseverance. The Rosary is a powerful tool for intercession and peace. Mary leads us to Jesus through the Rosary. Establishing a family Rosary can enhance family life. The Rosary can help solve personal and communal problems. Regular Rosary prayer can transform your spiritual life. The Rosary is a spiritual super weapon in today's world. Sound Bites "Praying the Rosary brings joy to heaven." "The Rosary is a spiritual super weapon." "There is no problem that cannot be solved by the Rosary." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of the Rosary 08:10 Family and Community in Prayer 14:18 Praying with Faith and Humility 24:40 The Rosary as a Spiritual Super Weapon

In this conversation, Christina Semmens interviews Laura Huval about her music ministry and her latest project, 'Sing the Rosary.' Laura shares her faith journey, the inspiration behind her music, and how she aims to bring people closer to Jesus through the Rosary. The discussion highlights the power of music in prayer and the importance of spiritual growth, as well as the hopes for the impact of her project on the community. Takeaways Laura Huval's music is a tool for evangelization. The Rosary can be experienced in new ways through music. Personal faith journeys often intertwine with musical experiences. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in creative inspiration. Music can help overcome barriers to prayer. The project aims to foster peace and conversion of souls. Daily practices like the Rosary can lead to spiritual growth. Community support is vital for ministry work. Being open to new modalities of prayer can enhance faith. Identity as a child of God is foundational for spiritual life. Sound Bites "Go and check out Sing the Rosary." "Sharing the gospel one song at a time." "Bring people closer to Jesus through Mary." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:03 Faith Journey and Musical Influence 07:26 The Call to Music Ministry 10:21 Creating the Rosary in Song 13:11 Experiencing the Rosary Through Music 16:03 Challenges in Musical Composition 19:25 The Impact of the Rosary 22:00 Personal Growth Through Music 25:08 Conclusion and Resources 29:58 Introduction to Sing the Rosary 30:29 The Mission of Conversion and Peace To learn more about Laura Huval and his music, go to: https://laurahuval.com/rosary 

In this episode of Say Yes to Holiness, Christina Semmens shares her personal journey as she navigates her husband's terminal cancer diagnosis and the transition to hospice care. She reflects on the importance of spiritual warfare, the power of prayer, and the necessity of choosing love amidst life's trials. Christina emphasizes the ongoing battle between good and evil, urging listeners to remain steadfast in their faith and to engage in prayer as a means of spiritual combat. Takeaways Christina shares her husband's transition to hospice care. The importance of being present during difficult times. St. Francis de Sales offers a battle strategy against doubt. Prayer is a form of spiritual warfare. Choosing love is a daily commitment amidst trials. Trials are opportunities for growth in virtue. We must trust in God's plan even in suffering. The Rosary is a powerful tool for spiritual combat. We are part of a larger battle between good and evil. God permits trials to bring about good in our lives. Sound Bites "Prayer is warfare to the last breath." "We have to choose to love one another." Chapters 00:00 Journey Through Terminal Illness 09:14 Spiritual Warfare and Prayer 14:19 Choosing Love Amidst Trials 21:12 Confronting the Battle of Good and Evil

In this crossover episode of the Say Yes to Holiness and The Catholic Leadership Puzzle podcasts, Christina Semmens interviews Hans Platt, founder of Vinea Research, discussing his journey of faith, the importance of accurate data in understanding Catholic beliefs, particularly regarding the Eucharist, and the transformative power of faith in personal and professional life. They explore the challenges and rewards of working within the Catholic community and the significance of language in conveying religious truths. Takeaways Hans Plate's journey from lukewarm Catholicism to a passionate faith. The impact of Jeff Cavins' scripture teachings on Hans' faith. Vinea Research aims to provide insights for Catholic organizations. Language used in surveys can significantly affect belief reporting. The recent study showed a higher belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist than previously reported. Accurate data is crucial for understanding and improving faith practices. The importance of personal connections and invitations in faith development. Hans emphasizes the need for Catholic organizations to conduct their own research. The role of spiritual direction in personal growth and faith. God's timing in one's faith journey is always perfect. Sound Bites "Ignorance of scriptures is ignorance of faith." "Language matters to identify truth." "I feel like I'm doing work that matters." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faith and Research 05:14 Journey of Faith and Transformation 10:02 The Role of Vinea Research 14:56 Understanding Belief in the Eucharist 19:52 The Importance of Accurate Data 24:46 Personal Reflections and Challenges 30:01 Advice to the Younger Self 34:51 Conclusion and Resources For more information about Vinea Research, go to: https://www.vinearesearch.com/