Ave Explores

Week One: A Dozen Popes with Shannon Wimp Schmidt

October 8th, 2025  |  Season 30  |  1 hr 56 secs

archbishop nelson pérez, ave explores, ave maria press, catholic social teaching, fr. manuel dorantes, from leo xiii to leo xiv, inés san martín, josé manuel de urquidi, katie mcgrady, praying with the popes, shannon wimp schmidt

Shannon Wimp Schmidt joins Katie to explore the significance of the papacy, highlighting key teachings and defining moments from the past twelve popes—from Leo XIII at the turn of the twentieth century to Leo XIV today. Together they trace how the papacy has evolved through the personalities, styles, and themes each pope brought to their encyclicals and homilies, showing how the Lord continues to guide his Church. In the end, they consider a personal question: What role does the pope play in our individual faith journeys today?

NEW SERIES Teaser: Leo in the Fisherman's Shoes featuring Katie McGrady

October 1st, 2025  |  Season 30  |  22 mins 36 secs

archbishop nelson pérez, ave explores, ave maria press, catholic social teaching, fr. manuel dorantes, from leo xiii to leo xiv, inés san martín, josé manuel de urquidi, katie mcgrady, praying with the popes, shannon wimp schmidt

When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025, he stepped into the metaphorical shoes of the fisherman worn by 266 men before him. Choosing a name that hadn't been held by a pope in over 100 years, he entered an office held by men with varied personalities, lofty goals, numerous agendas and projects. Learning about those popes only helps us understand this current pope, and when we watch what Pope Leo does, says, writes, and where he'll go, we do so in light of all the ones who have done things in the papacy before. This upcoming series of Ave Explores will take a look at the history of the papacy, and the work of the popes, from Pope Leo XIII at the turn of the century up to Pope Leo XIV today.

Preparing for the Mass with Mark Hart

June 8th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  31 mins 24 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Mark Hart discusses how being open and prepared for Mass—even in the midst of our busy lives—allows us to fully experience the fruits of the Eucharist and to understand the gift of the Mass.

The Mass as a Weekend Experience with Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran

June 3rd, 2022  |  Season 16  |  33 mins 18 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—coauthors of the bestselling Rebuilt—discuss how the culture of their parish was transformed when they began to focus on Mass as a weekend experience that begins in the parking lot and culminates in the celebration of the liturgy. The two also share how they help families engage in worship.

How the Mass Converted a Family with Amber Casey

June 1st, 2022  |  Season 16  |  47 mins 6 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

The Latin Mass and Novus Ordo with Fr. Tim Grumbach

May 27th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  59 mins 44 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

During the pandemic, Fr. Tim Grumbach, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, learned how to say the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, also known at the Latin Mass. He reflects on how saying both the Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo--the Mass most Catholics participate in today--enhanced his appreciation for the liturgy and helped him become a better priest.

Cultural Experiences in Mass with Fr. Ajani Gibson

May 25th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  58 mins 7 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Fr. Ajani Gibson, a newly ordained priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, discusses how culture can permeate the liturgy in beautiful ways. He says that when we make space for cultural expression in the Mass we elevate our worship and the body of Christ becomes more united.

Overcoming Distractions During Mass with Shannon Wimp Schmidt

May 20th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  38 mins 32 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Have you ever been distracted by the many sights and sounds at Mass? Shannon Wimp Schmidt, a mother who also has more than a decade of experience in youth and parish ministry, says you can overcome distractions by building holy habits and engaging in contemplative prayer.

How the Laity Can Prepare for Mass with Fr. Joshua Whitfield

May 18th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  44 mins 30 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Fr. Joshua Whitfield, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, provides practical tips for preparing for Mass. He also discusses his conversion from the Anglican Church to Catholicism.

How the Eucharist Grounds Us with Timothy P. O'Malley

May 13th, 2022  |  Season 16  |  45 mins 49 secs

amber casey, ave explores, ave maria press, deacon greg kandra, emily stimpson chapman, fr, fr. ajani gibson, fr. joshua whitfield, fr. michael white, fr. patrick briscoe, katie prejean mcgrady, mark hart, op, paula huston, shannon wimp schmidt, susan timoney, the mass, tim grumbach, timothy p. o'malley, tom corcoran

Theologian Timothy P. O'Malley provides an overview of the USCCB's Eucharistic Revival and discusses how the Mass should not only be integral to the life of the parish, but also in our everyday lives.