Ave Explores - Episodes Tagged with “Solt”

Week Six: Digital Detox with Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP, dives into the intersection of faith and media in today’s digital world. Drawing on the vision of Bl. James Alberione—the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul—she unpacks how we can integrate our faith into the way we consume, create, and share content. Sr. Nancy also invites us to consider the importance of digital fasting—a spiritual detox that helps us reset our minds and hearts amid constant media noise. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on living faithfully both online and offline.

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Week Five: Sharing Faith Online That Leads to Real-Life Encounter Kaylee Stoll of FOCUS

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

As a Catholic convert and Director of Digital Media at FOCUS, Kaylee Stoll knows the power of storytelling online—but also its limits. In this episode, she shares how digital media can reveal the beauty of the Catholic faith while ultimately leading people to in-person encounters with Christ and authentic community. Kaylee discusses the importance of genuine connection, the “look at this” vs. “come to this” balance, and how FOCUS inspires young adults worldwide to grow deeper in their faith.

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Week Four: Standing on Holy Ground Online with the Women of the Abiding Together Podcast

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Michelle Benzinger, Heather Khym, and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT—the beloved voices behind the Abiding Together podcast—join Katie to reflect on the story behind their show, their commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into their spiritual journey. They share why they believe online spaces can become “holy ground” when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn’t real and rooted in truth, it’s not worth sharing.

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Week Three: Truthful and Trustworthy Content with Montse Alvarado of EWTN

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In a world flooded with misinformation and digital noise, how can Catholics use media to evangelize with clarity and credibility?

Montse Alvarado, President of EWTN News, joins Katie to talk about why traditional media—especially television and radio—still matter and what it takes to earn and keep the public’s trust. Together, they dive into the urgent need for honesty and transparency in Catholic media and explore how that same trustworthiness must carry over into digital and social platforms.

This conversation is a timely and inspiring look at how truth, trust, and technology intersect in the mission of evangelization today.

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WEEK TWO: Influencer Culture in the Church with Grady Connolly of The Social Thomist

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Grady Connolly, a Gen Z Catholic influencer and digital strategist, shares key principles for discerning how to use social media well—especially when representing the Church. Drawing from his experience managing multiple social platforms for content creators and apostolates, Grady makes a bold claim: if influencers and digital missionaries aren't Christ-focused, they shouldn't be doing the work at all. In this episode, he unpacks the heart behind authentic digital ministry, tells the story of how he got started, and explains why everyone online has the power to influence others in ways they may never realize.

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Week One: Phones Pushing us to Prayer with Alex Jones of Hallow

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Katie sits down with Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of the Hallow app, to explore how one of the world’s most popular Catholic apps is transforming lives through digital prayer. Once an agnostic, Alex shares his powerful reversion story and how it inspired him to create a tool that helps people encounter Christ right where they are—on their phones. Hear how Hallow is using technology to make prayer more accessible, engaging, and meaningful in today’s fast-paced world.

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

Ave Maria Press — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

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.

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4th Week of Advent: Seeing and Showing Jesus with Msgr. Roger Landry

Ave Maria Press — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500

In the summer of 2024, Msgr. Roger Landry embarked on an extraordinary mission as the full-time chaplain for the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. For sixty consecutive days, he and a group of dedicated pilgrims walked alongside Jesus in the Eucharist, journeying from Connecticut to Indiana. Together, they brought Christ to bustling city streets, quiet rural landscapes, and unsuspecting hearts, sparking moments of grace and transformation.

In this episode, Msgr. Landry reflects on the profound impact of carrying Jesus in the monstrance through towns, over rivers, and into the lives of people—both those eagerly awaiting the Eucharistic procession and those surprised by the encounter. He shares how this pilgrimage reshaped his ministry and deepened his approach to Advent and Christmas, inspiring him to see Jesus more vividly and reveal him to others in new and meaningful ways.

Prepare to be inspired by this powerful testimony of faith in action and the beauty of bringing Christ to the world!

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3rd Week of Advent: Scripture Shows us Jesus with Jackie Angel

Ave Maria Press — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Amid the hustle and bustle of this time of year, it’s easy to lose sight of the heart of Advent—and the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. In this episode, Jackie Angel, author of the upcoming Memorize Scripture, shares how immersing yourself in Sacred Scripture—through daily reading and simple memorization—can transform your experience of the season. Discover how slowing down with God’s Word can help you embrace the joy of Advent, prepare your heart for Christmas, and encounter Christ in a deeper, more personal way.

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2nd Week of Advent: Pursuing Holiness Together with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr John Burns

Ave Maria Press — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Advent is more than just a season—it’s an invitation to journey together as a Church, pursuing divine life with the Lord. In this episode, Fr. John Burns and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, share their powerful ministry work with priests and religious sisters. They also offer heartfelt encouragement for all vocations, reminding us that holiness is a shared pursuit.

Join us as we explore how Advent calls each of us—whether single, married, or consecrated—to grow in unity and prepare our hearts for Christ.

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1st Week of Advent with Heather Khym

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Advent is a chance to encounter Jesus in a new way, and Heather Khym offers advice on how to settle into the new liturgical season and embrace it as a time of reflection and resolution.

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Teaser: Starting Advent with Fr. Dave Pivonka

Ave Maria Press — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In the first episode of Ave Explores Advent with Heather Khym, Fr. Dave Pivonka, president of Franciscan University, reflects on his favorite traditions of the Advent season and offers practical ways we can embrace the slow and intentional moments in the beginning of the new Liturgical year.

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Embracing Suffering in Holy Week with Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Ave Maria Press — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Holy Week not only should be a time for deep contemplation of Christ's suffering but also an invitation to enter into our own hardship. On this week's podcast, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, discusses how patient suffering is a chance to grow closer to Jesus.

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Return to Lent with Mark Hart

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0500

In this special episode of Ave Explores: Lent 2023, Mark Hart, AKA the "Bible Geek," says that we shouldn't start Lent hoping to complete a series of tasks on a list. Rather, we should commit ourselves to growing closer to Jesus.

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The Holy Family with The Bulmans

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rachel and Jason Bulman, contributors to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, discuss cultivating holiness, prayerfulness, and humility in a family. The couple also talks about how your healing journey can be essential to growing in holiness as a family.

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The Child Jesus with Michelle Benzinger

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, explores how childlike wonder is a source of joy and healing during Advent. Michelle says that as we contemplate the infant Jesus, we are brought into the beauty and simplicity of the incarnation. She also shares her own family's growing sense of delight in God's creation and in one another.

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Joseph as Protector with Fr. Josh Johnson

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Fr. Josh Johnson, host of the podcast Ask Fr. Josh, reflects on the essential role of fathers in families and in the Church. He also discusses how fathers--through their role as protectors and shepherds--can inspire and transform a family.

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Mary as Healer with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, introduces the theme of each week of her Advent reflection journal, Behold. She also explains how allowing ourselves to gaze at God—and inviting God into our lives—is the most fruitful way to begin the Advent season.

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Easter Sunday with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, concludes her Restore reflections for Lent and offers practical ways to fully enter into the celebration of the Easter season.

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Healing in Holy Week with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, explains that when we seek healing in Christ, the Holy Week liturgies of Palm Sunday, the Triduum, and Easter show us the transformation of suffering and the redemption of the Resurrection.

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Forgiveness Heals All Wounds

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Heather and Jake Khym discuss the Week Five theme of Restore, the journey of forgiveness. The Khyms share their personal story of healing and practical insights on forgiveness, as well as what it means to be open to the miracle of God's restoration of our hearts and minds.

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Generosity can be Restorative with Michelle Benzinger

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Michelle Benzinger, cohost of the popular Abiding Together podcast, talks about almsgiving as an opportunity to be generous and grateful. She also discusses how you can find restoration when you give your time, treasure, and presence.

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Gently Rooting Out Sin

Ave Maria Press — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, joins Katie this week to talk about sin. Sr. Josephine explains that while sin is the cause of much of our woundedness, we should remember that we weren't created to sin but to be sons and daughters of Christ. Rather than being hyper-focused on sin, we should look for God's healing through prayer and the sacraments.

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The Freedom Found in Uncovering Wounds with Bob Schuchts

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and author of the bestselling Be Healed, discusses the Week Two theme of Restore, freedom of heart. He explains why healing and the work of identifying wounds are both difficult and fruitful, leading to a joy that can only come from Jesus. Schuchts says when we explore our wounds, we are doing the work of restoration; when we're willing to do that work, the Lord heals us and gives us the freedom to live life to the fullest.

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Entering into the Desert with Fr. John Burns

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Fr. John Burns examines the Week One theme of Restore, the desert. He discusses how the wilderness of the desert is a place where healing can begin and where restoration is found.

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Introducing Restoration in Lent with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, author of Restore, introduces the main themes of healing and forgiveness as you begin your Lenten journey with her. By following Sr. Miriam's guided journal for prayer and meditation, you will find a deeper awareness of God's healing presence in your life as you walk with Jesus for forty days.

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Nearness with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Ave Maria Press — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, explains that drawing near to Jesus during Advent provides peace and comfort in times of sorrow and distress, and offers us a glimpse of the Lord's goodness which comes with the joy of Christmas day.

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The Power of Healing with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT and Fr. John Burns

Ave Maria Press — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Popular Catholic speakers and authors Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Fr. John Burns join Katie Prejean McGrady to talk about forgiveness and healing.

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