Practicing Catholic

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Latest Episodes:

Do Catholics Worship Mary? The Real Reason for Marian Devotion Dec 01, 2025

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott welcome Molly Sweeney to explore one of the most essential yet often misunderstood aspects of Catholic spirituality: devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They share their personal journeys with Mary, unpack key Scripture passages—from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana—and explain why every disciple of Jesus is invited into a relationship with His Mother.

The conversation touches on common questions about the Rosary, the meaning of Marian intercession, and how Mary continues to guide believers toward her Son. With practical tips for deepening Marian devotion, recommended resources, and honest reflections on family life, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration for anyone seeking to grow closer to Christ through His Mother.

Retreats and Conferences at the Augustine Institute: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/about-pages/retreats-and-conferences

Lectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705

ESV Catholic Edition on Catholic Market: https://catholic.market/bibles/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7H-MLGMFNpqKZA8X1BO8xBunNaqvcUQT1dd3J8i748tAvnihH

The Bible: What Every Catholic Should Know: https://catholic.market/books/the-bible-what-every-catholic-should-know/?searchid=1391521&search_query=the+bible%3A+what+every+

-Get a FREE 7 day trial of Formed https://watch.formed.org/checkout/subscribe/purchase

-Check out the Augustine Institute: https://bit.ly/3i4kXcf

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Reclaiming Advent: How to Prepare Your Heart (and Home) for the Season Nov 24, 2025

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful.
Scott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent experience, while Taylor discusses the challenges of feeling “aimless” during the season and the small commitments that finally brought it to life. Together they explore Advent practices such as the Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, calendars, family devotions, fasting, gratitude, and preparing for Christ by entering into the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Israel’s long-awaited hope.
They also tackle audience questions about Christmas music, decorations, parties, Santa vs. St. Nicholas, and the explosion of quirky secular Advent calendars. The episode wraps with their personal Advent challenges—concrete ideas you can adapt for your own home.
If you want a more meaningful Advent and a richer Christmas, this episode will help you reclaim the season with purpose.

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Is Gen Z the Loneliest Generation? Finding Real Connection in a Digital World Nov 17, 2025

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with Solenne Santiago, a young Catholic from Gen Z, to explore the challenges of growing up in the age of social media, smartphones, and constant connection—yet feeling more isolated than ever. Solenne shares her personal story of faith, how her parents helped her stay rooted in the Church, and practical ways young Catholics can build authentic community and friendships.

The conversation dives into the balance between digital life and real presence, the art of conversation, and how faith and parish life can help counter the epidemic of loneliness. Plus, the team previews the Augustine Institute’s new series, How to Advent, with a sneak peek at what’s to come this season!

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How Catholics Should Read the Bible (and Actually Grow Closer to God) Nov 10, 2025

Most Catholics hear the Bible at Mass—but how should we personally read Scripture to grow in faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott share their own journeys with the Word of God, how to make Scripture a source of renewal, and practical ways to pray with the Bible every day.

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How to Hear God’s Voice: Discernment, Prayer, and Finding Peace in God’s Will Nov 03, 2025

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, and Emily take on one of the most common spiritual questions: How do we hear God’s voice?

They explore Scripture, prayer, providence, and the peace that comes from true discernment. You’ll hear stories of how they’ve recognized God’s voice in major life decisions—from career changes to moving across the country—and learn how to cultivate silence, freedom, and trust when clarity seems out of reach.

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Can Social Media Bring People to Christ? with John Donahue Oct 27, 2025

What does it mean to bring the Gospel to the internet? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with John Donohue, founder of Truth Charting, to talk about digital evangelization — how Gen Z consumes faith content, the temptations of pride in online work, and how to discern whether God is calling you to be a “digital missionary.”

John shares his journey from youth ministry to filmmaking to reaching millions online, his inspiration from Blessed Carlo Acutis, and practical ways to stay grounded in faith while creating content that connects.

Whether you’re a Catholic content creator, youth minister, or simply trying to use social media with virtue, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

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Catholic Marriage Advice You’ll Actually Use Oct 20, 2025

Preparing for marriage—or trying to strengthen yours? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share heartfelt and practical insights on what it means to live out the Sacrament of Marriage.

From learning to not count the cost to seeing marriage as a sacrament of service, they dive deep into how couples can truly love one another as Christ loves the Church. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or decades in, this honest and hope-filled conversation will encourage you to see marriage as an adventure of love, sacrifice, and grace.

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Why You Struggle to Pray—And How to Fix It Oct 13, 2025

Struggling to stay consistent in prayer? Taylor Kemp & Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share practical ways to deepen your daily prayer life and make time for God—no matter your season of life.

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Why Is Prayer So Hard? Oct 06, 2025

Why is prayer so difficult—even when we know it’s important? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Heffelfinger dive into the struggles we all face in prayer: distraction, busyness, pride, and dryness. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the wisdom of the saints, and personal experience, they explore why prayer often feels like a battle and how humility, trust, and perseverance help us grow in friendship with God.

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Why the Saints Still Matter Today Sep 29, 2025

What can the lives of the Saints teach us about following Christ today? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, we explore why the Saints are more than distant historical figures—they are models, guides, and spiritual “big brothers and sisters” who show us how to grow in holiness.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

Mentioned in today's episode:

Explore the "Based on a True Saint" documentaries: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1138316
Watch "Littlest Saints" on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622
Listen to the Catholic Saints Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-saints/id1597828386

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Why Work Matters: A Catholic Perspective on Purpose & Productivity Sep 22, 2025

Work isn’t just a paycheck — it’s a path to holiness. In this episode ofPracticing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into the Catholic understanding of work: why it’s fundamentally good, how Scripture and Church teaching frame it, and how simple practices like the morning offering can transform your daily routine.

They discuss real-world struggles like distraction, burnout, and the temptation to see work as “just drudgery,” and offer practical ways to see your labor as a way to glorify God.

If you’ve ever wondered How should Catholics approach work? or How can I find purpose in my daily job? — this episode is for you.

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Triumph of the Heart: Why Art & Suffering Matter in Faith (w/ Filmmaker) Sep 15, 2025

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, writer and director of the powerful new film Triumph of the Heart about St. Maximilian Kolbe.

From Auschwitz to the timeless call of Christ, discover why Catholicism doesn’t shy away from suffering, how art has always shaped the Church’s identity, and how beauty can emerge even from tragedy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Catholic art embraces suffering and beauty together
How St. Maximilian Kolbe’s sacrifice reveals the heart of the priesthood
What Catholic creatives can learn about perseverance in their work
How modern technology like film carries the Gospel today

🎬 Triumph of the Heart is in theaters now! Don’t miss this powerful Catholic film:

👉 Buy tickets on Fandango: https://www.fandango.com/triumph-of-the-heart-2025-241138/movie-overview

👉 Buy tickets on AMC: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/triumph-of-the-heart-79988

If you’ve ever wondered why Catholic art can be so raw or how beauty saves souls, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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Holiness Isn’t Just for Saints: What Vatican II Really Taught Sep 08, 2025

Holiness isn’t just for saints. Vatican II taught that every Catholic is called to holiness—here’s what that actually looks like in real life.

What does the “universal call to holiness” really mean? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into this teaching from Lumen Gentium and Vatican II, breaking down what holiness looks like in everyday life. Is it about miracles and levitation—or the perfection of charity? Hear stories of struggle, perseverance, and adventure in the Christian life, plus answers to real listener questions about discouragement, discerning your vocation, and living holiness as a lay Catholic.

If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to Christ’s words “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”—this episode will help you see that holiness is both possible and personal.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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Why ANOTHER Catholic Podcast? Living the Universal Call to Holiness Sep 02, 2025

Welcome to the first episode of Practicing Catholic! Hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive into what it really means to practice holiness as a Catholic in today’s busy world. They share their personal faith journeys—a conversion and a reversion—and reflect on the universal call to holiness, the role of daily prayer, and the wisdom of the saints. Listeners will learn why patience and hope are essential virtues, how to take practical first steps toward a deeper spiritual life, and why holiness is a lifelong process of growth. Whether you’re a cradle Catholic, a convert, or simply seeking to live your faith more intentionally, this episode will encourage and equip you to become a “practicing Catholic” in the truest sense.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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