Lent invites us to slow down, simplify, and take an honest look at the habits that shape our lives, including the way we handle money. In this episode, Brooke welcomes Sam Fatzinger for a conversation on financial discipline, generational challenges, and the spiritual renewal that can come from reordering our priorities.

Sam reflects on how money habits are formed in childhood, the power of mentoring within families, and the importance of unity and communication for couples preparing for marriage.

The discussion also highlights the role of community support, the freedom that comes from delayed gratification, and the deeper peace that emerges when finances are properly ordered with faith and purpose.

Click here for Sam's book.

Click here for the Joyful Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.

Click here for the Christ in Her event in Beaumont, Texas.

In this episode, Brooke Taylor shares a story about her daughter's equine therapy lesson, highlighting the everyday struggles faced by caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with special needs. Nearly one in four adults in the U.S. is a caregiver, often juggling their own responsibilities alongside the needs of others. Special guest Luke Brown, a licensed professional clinical counselor, provides valuable guidance on managing caregiver stress.

This episode explores the profound devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, featuring Father Lawrence Carney, who discusses the spiritual journey and the significance of reparation, reverence, and reversion. The conversation delves into the historical and spiritual aspects of this devotion, its impact on personal faith, and its relevance in today's world.

Click here for the book, Preparation for Total Consecration to the Holy Face of Jesus: How God Draws the Soul into the Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive Ways.

Click here for the first book by Fr. Carney, Secret of the Holy Face.

• Consistent prayer correlates with contentment.
• The Holy Face devotion is cherished by saints like St. Therese of Lisieux.
• Father Carney emphasizes the importance of reparation, reverence, and reversion.
• The devotion offers a blueprint for engaging against spiritual challenges.
• St. Therese's spirituality was deeply connected to the Holy Face.
• Reversion involves returning to the Church and embracing its teachings.
• Spiritual reading is essential for deepening one's faith.
• The devotion to the Holy Face is a remedy for spiritual darkness.
• Father Carney shares personal insights on his spiritual journey.

In this episode, Brooke shares a personal update and reflects on the theme of making room in our hearts and lives. Discussion on home renovation project over the Christmas break, the challenges and lessons learned, and the importance of decluttering both physically and spiritually.

Brooke also shares insights from Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Henry Newman, emphasizing the need for inner renewal and attentiveness to God's presence. The episode concludes with A Prayer for Divine Illumination by Saint John Henry Newman and a preview of upcoming events and topics for the new season.

• Making room in our hearts is essential for spiritual growth.
• Home renovation can be both an exterior and interior journey.
• Decluttering helps focus on what truly matters.
• Pope Benedict XVI's insights on inner renewal.
• St. John Henry Newman's prayer emphasizes divine guidance.
• Social media detox can lead to unexpected peace.
• Upcoming events include retreats and conferences.
• The importance of attentiveness to God's presence.
• The new season of exciting topics and guests.

Click here for the Soul, Mind and Body Retreat in Tennessee.

Click here for the Christ in Her Catholic Women's Conference in Texas.

Click here to join Brooke on Danube River Cruise and Christmas Markets pilgrimage.

Summary

In this conversation, Brooke Taylor and Dr. Michael Pakaluk explore the concept of friendship in contemporary society, highlighting the alarming trend of declining close friendships, often referred to as a 'friendship recession.' They discuss the importance of true friendship, its role in mental health, and how Catholic teaching can guide souls in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern friendships, the significance of friendship in marriage and family life, and concludes with a reflection on the legacy of Ruth Pakaluk, emphasizing the value of community and connection in a fragmented world.

Links

Book: The Company We Keep: True Friendship and Why it Matters.

The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God: The Story of Ruth Pakaluk..

Takeaways

• You are not alone in feeling lonely.
• We are in a friendship recession.
• The percentage of adults reporting no close friends has quadrupled.
• Friendship is necessary, like philosophy, like art.
• True friendship is about sacrifice.
• Friendship is not flattery.
• We need to make ourselves more befriendable.
• Men have a harder time with good, godly friendships.
• Friendship is essential among Christians.
• The legacy of Ruth Pakaluk is inspiring.

In this episode, Brother Richard Hendrick joins Brooke to discuss the rich traditions and spiritual significance of sacraments in the Catholic faith. We explore the use of a bride's veil as a christening gown, the mystery of sacraments, and the journey from baptism to confirmation. The final segment of the show focuses on Advent.

• The bride's veil can be transformed into a christening gown for the firstborn child.
• Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace.
• Confirmation marks the transition from disciple to apostle.
• Inclusivity in sacraments is emphasized for those with disabilities.
• The sacraments span the totality of human life.
• Baptism is the seed, and confirmation is the tree beginning to flower.
• The sacraments are a mystery, beyond full human understanding.
• The church encourages understanding the true teachings of sacraments.
• Inclusivity in sacraments is a right for all, regardless of capacity.
• The journey of faith is supported by the community and sacraments.