Ave Explores

NEW SERIES Teaser: Exploring the Digital Continent: Why the Catholic Church Cares About the Internet

July 8th, 2025  |  Season 29  |  31 mins 6 secs

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The Vatican has begun using a powerful new phrase to describe evangelization in the digital age: digital mission on the digital continent. As people spend increasing amounts of time online—scrolling, streaming, and searching for meaning—the Church recognizes that the internet isn’t just a tool but a place, a mission field where the Gospel can be shared.

In this teaser episode of Ave Explores: Digital Evangelization, host Katie McGrady introduces the theme of this series and unpacks why the Catholic Church is taking digital evangelization seriously. Why does it matter? Who is being reached? And what does it mean to be a digital missionary today?

Tune in as we begin this essential conversation about faith, presence, and purpose in the digital world.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Let Leo Be Leo: Reflecting on the First Few days of Pope Leo XIV's Papacy

May 14th, 2025  |  28 mins 7 secs

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In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Pope Francis with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP

May 6th, 2025  |  43 mins

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When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM. In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, share personal stories of meeting him, and discuss what may lie ahead for the Church as the 2025 conclave approaches.

Palm Sunday: Holy Week is a Dramatic Pause with Fr. John Nepil

April 11th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  43 mins 23 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

Join Fr. John Nepil, vice rector at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, as he explores the power of authenticity in faith and formation. He shares why “being normal” is essential—not only for preparing men for the priesthood but for all Catholics seeking to live and share their faith meaningfully. Fr. John also reflects on the significance of Holy Week, especially the Triduum liturgies, as a time to recognize God’s work in our lives throughout Lent. He challenges us to embrace the “dramatic pause” of these sacred days and enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Lenten Practices People "Hate" the Most

April 10th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  8 mins 4 secs

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Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes you didn’t see coming.

Renewing Your Relationship with Jesus each Lent with Courtney Roach

April 3rd, 2025  |  Season 28  |  49 mins 50 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationships, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who live their faith, and why turning to Christ before turning to your phone is key to true fulfillment—especially as a young adult.

BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Mercy is Waiting

March 31st, 2025  |  Season 28  |  9 mins 42 secs

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Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son.

4th Sunday of Lent: Finding Healing in Lent by Embracing God’s Love with Brya Hanan

March 28th, 2025  |  Season 28  |  43 mins 4 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to his abundant and limitless love.

3rd Sunday of Lent: Lent is Meant for Mercy with Fr. Josh Johnson

March 21st, 2025  |  Season 28  |  42 mins 23 secs

ave explores, ave maria press, brya hanan, courtney roach, csfn, fr. john nepil, fr. josh johnson, june jameson, katie mcgrady, mari pablo, oscar rivera, shayne smith, sr. josephine garrett, wilderness within

At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional.

BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Clearing Out During Lent

March 21st, 2025  |  Season 28  |  7 mins 47 secs

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What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent