Did you catch the title from Wayne's World: Are You Mental?!

For our listeners, this podcast may be difficult to listen to for some. We discuss childhood trauma and how it has affected us both directly and indirectly. We also discuss our own various struggles with occasional and chronic anxiety and depression.

In this episode, we discuss the short but powerful life of Saint Carlo Acutis. We also discuss how each of us uses technology in our homes and the rules we live by as far as the internet is concerned.

We mentioned software like Qustudio or other custodian software that monitors and controls our kids' devices.

Picture of St. Bernard Statue that looks oddly like Fr. Donovan

Ways to foster vocations

• Making learning about the faith and praying a part of your life. Fr. Donovan explained that we are all like fish swimming in the presence of God. We not only
• Frequent the Sacraments (Bribing with donuts, pizza or ice cream work great!)
• Ask your kids/nieces/nephews/friend’s kids if they have thought about being a priest/nun/brother, etc.
• Tell others when you think they would be good as a priest/nun/brother, etc.
• Have priests/nuns/brothers over for dinner when you can.
• Maybe don’t traumatize your kids by yelling at them to marry Jesus (or work for Jesus like this video).
• Point out similarities in the natural vocation of marriage and the supernatural call of priesthood such as selflessness, sacrifice, prayer, etc.
• Everyone is called to participate in spiritual fatherhood and spiritual motherhood. The HOW we live that out is our vocation.
• God’s will for our lives will make us the happiest and most joyful, even if that differs from your plan.
• We need to pray for our priests!
• Encourage your family to be involved in your parish! Familiarize yourself with serving the church, getting to know priests and seminarians along the way.
• WE NEED PRIESTS! Pray for Vocations!
• Pray, Pray, Pray. Develop your own relationship with Jesus and foster prayer in your kid’s lives as good as you can as early as you can.
• Adoration fosters discernment.
• What is adoration? Fr.’s response at 1:21:42
• Recommended Books from Fr. Donovan

1. Religious Vocation: An Unnecessary Mystery, Richard Butler, O.P.
2. Finding God’s Will for You by St. Frances de Sales