Abiding Together

• S17 E5 - The Ministry of Presence

  In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God’s Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it’s God’s love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.   Heather’s One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti  Michelle’s One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser   Journal Questions: How can I show up for people in my life in this season? How do I need others to show up for me? In what ways do I lose myself when entering into the suffering of others? Do I need to create a boundary in any of my relationships?   Discussion Questions: What margin do you need to create for yourself so you can be more present? What is your biggest obstacle to being present to your loved ones? How can you prioritize being present to Christ and what He’s doing in you? What would it look like for you to give from a place of security?   Quote to Ponder: “More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.” (Henri Nouwen, Gracias: A Latin American Journal)   Scripture for Lectio: “O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me!” (Psalm 139:1)   Sponsor - Camp Wojtyla: Are you looking for a transformative experience for your middle school or high school student? Camp Wojtyla helps young people fall more in love with Jesus Christ and His Church through epic adventures in the Colorado mountains, awesome community, and huge fun. Camp Wojtyla helps kids learn they are stronger than they thought, and that God is bigger than they could ever have imagined.  Camp Wojtyla is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado on a beautiful, 1200-acre wilderness property, and offers fourteen different single gender programs, giving campers a unique opportunity to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!  We have a God of adventure. He has a story and a plan for each of us. Camp Wojtyla teaches about God and the Catholic Church through authentic and life-changing adventures in creation. In a culture that inundates us with noise, unplugged time on the mountain helps us understand who God is and who He has made us to be. While at Camp Wojtyla, campers experience expertly designed and sequenced programming that helps them understand that they are called to sainthood...and how they can achieve it! Our carefully selected, and highly trained team of staff and counselors are joyful and faithful role models who can’t wait to help give your camper their best summer ever!  Come check us out at www.camp-w.com. We can’t wait to offer you or your child a transformative adventure! The lottery for 2026 programming is open now through October 26th. Sign up today for a chance to experience Life to the Full at Camp Wojtyla this summer! SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK ONLINE TRADING POST STORE   Chapters:   (00:00) Camp Wojtyla  (01:40) Intro (02:30) Welcome (04:39) Guiding Quote (07:06) Being Present in the Everyday (08:48) The Gift of Another’s Presence (10:05) Contemplating Others as A Mystery to Be Revealed (12:18) The Gift of Presence is an Artform (14:51) Balancing Presence for You and Others (16:34) What Does Accompiment Look Like? (18:44) Having Boundaries (21:24) Fearing Being Present (23:37) Receiving from God First (26:07) One Things

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• S17 E4 - Hope in Humanity

  In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.   Heather’s One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt Michelle’s One Thing - Her new back porch!   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo XIV’s General Audience of September 10, 2025 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer   Journal Questions: When was the last time I cried? What would it look like for me to cry well? Where has my heart been repressed? Where do I need to cry out?   Discussion Questions: How did Pope Leo’s words change your perspective on crying? How are you tempted to give in to cynicism? In what ways are you self-reliant in this season of life? How can you be an empathetic witness to someone crying out in their life?   Quote to Ponder: “Finally, she asks God to give her a gift of tears to draw his mercy down upon the world, and especially upon his church.  In one of her visions, Catherine records having been told by God: “If you open your mind’s eye you will see that the Holy Spirit weeps in the person of every one of my servants who offers me the fragrance of holy desire and constant humble prayer.” (St. Catherine of Sienna, The Dialogue Study Edition)   “We are accustomed to thinking of crying out as something disorderly, to be repressed. The Gospel confers an immense value to our cry, reminding us that it can be an invocation, a protest, a desire, a surrender. It can even be the extreme form of prayer, when there are no words left. In that cry, Jesus gave all that he had left: all his love, all his hope.” (General Audience, September 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV)    Scripture for Lectio: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)   Sponsor - Beata Home: This episode is sponsored by Beata Home, a boutique-style print shop founded by Katie, a wife and mom of four. The word Beata is derived from the Latin word for “blessed,” and that is her hope, that each piece will be a blessing to homes and families. Born out of the conviction that beauty has the power to evangelize, Beata Home makes it easy for Catholic families to surround themselves with art that reflects their faith and lifts hearts and minds to God. Beata Home offers something for every family and every budget: Digital downloads for instant access and affordable printing Fine art prints in sizes from 8x10 up to 30x40 inches Ready-to-hang framed artwork in seven different frame styles Artwork is printed on museum-quality paper with archival inks, ensuring beauty that lasts for generations. Whether it’s a small image for a prayer corner or a statement piece for your living room, Beata Home makes it simple to bring beauty and faith into your everyday spaces. The heart of Beata Home is sacred art, but the collection also includes carefully chosen vintage artwork because all beauty points to the Creator. Visit beatahome.com to explore the growing collection, and as a gift for Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDING10 for 10% off your first purchase. Support a Catholic family business and bring beauty into your domestic church with Beata Home!   Chapters:  00:00 Beata Home 01:14 Intro 02:04 Welcome 03:58 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:11 The Pain of Resisting Tears 06:58 Crying Out is Vulnerable 08:50 Tears are a Gift 11:45 A Remedy for Self Reliance 13:23 What Happens When We Stop Crying Out 15:25 Crying with Others 17:53 Being Needy vs Having Needs 20:41 Sometimes All We Can Do is Cry 22:54 God Speaks to You Though Tears 24:30 Slowing Down 26:37 Crying as an Intercession 28:46 One Things

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• S17 E3 - The Spirit Awakens Hope

  In this episode, we talk about how God is at work in our lives even when sorrow feels overwhelming. This Jubilee year of hope is still a light for us, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to despair. We talk about the “fatigue of living”, what happens when we isolate ourselves, and why the micromovements of our hearts are so important. God has not guaranteed us an easy life, but He abundantly offers us Himself. With Him, we can encounter Jesus deeply, allow the Spirit to help us overcome our fears, and journey through this life with more hope than we thought possible.   Heather’s One Thing - Join me on a pilgrimage to Denmark & Norway | August 3 - 12, 2026   Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen Michelle’s One Thing - I Will Come to You: A Story of Adoption and the Relentless Love of God by Jamie McAleer   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo XIV’s Homily for Pentecost   Journal Questions: When did I last pour my heart out to the Lord? How have I been tempted to isolate myself? What distractions do I turn to in suffering? What heartbreaks have I been holding back from the Lord in prayer? Where am I feeling afraid?   Discussion Questions: Where in your life are you struggling to see the Lord? How has the Lord given you daily bread today? What lessons have you learned throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope? Where in your life are you waiting for a personal Pentecost? What resonated with you in Sister Miriam’s prayer?   Quote to Ponder: “The Holy Spirit bestows understanding. The Spirit overcomes the ‘breach’ that began in Babel, the confusion of mind and heart that sets us one against the other. The Spirit opens borders... The Church must always become anew what she already is. She must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race. In her, there cannot be those who are neglected or disdained. In the Church there are only free men and women, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.” (Homily for Pentecost, 15 May 2005, Pope Benedict XVI)   Scripture for Lectio: “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Mark 5:34)   Sponsor - The Ember Collective: “Holistic wellness in light of eternity.” The Ember Collective is a community of women passionate about holistic wellness through the lens of our Catholic faith. They believe that we cannot separate the physical from the spiritual, and that harmony exists among them.You can subscribe to The Ember Journal, a visually stunning quarterly print magazine that dives into nutrition, broader health & wellness topics, our Catholic faith, liturgical living, delicious and nourishing whole food recipes, and more. They just launched their first book, Feast Faith Flourish, through Sophia Institute. This book makes the perfect addition to your coffee table, as your seasonal and liturgical companion to living well and whole. Use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off our entire shop (subscriptions excluded).   Chapters: 00:00 The Ember Collective 00:58 Intro 01:49 Welcome 05:38 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 06:50 The Fatigue of Living 09:17 Into A Place of Isolation 11:25 Micromovements of the Heart 13:33 Bonding vs Bondage 15:48 Deeply Encountering Jesus 18:18 Will this Situation Ever Change? 20:17 The Spirit Opens Borders in Our Own Hearts 22:50 Overcoming Fear 25:45 Inviting the Holy Spirit Into Our Lives Through Prayer 31:38 One Things

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• S17 E2 - The Mysteries of Our Lives (Part 2)

  In this episode, we conclude our series by reflecting on the sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our lives. In the midst of our own sorrows, we talk about the mortification of authentic love, what it means to carry our cross, and how to be patient when a particular suffering seems endless. We also share the glorious ways God is working in our lives. From the beauty of color to raising our expectations in faith, we ponder how Jesus’ presence in the sufferings of our lives often restores us more deeply than if He simply just healed our pain.    Heather’s One Thing - First Reconciliation and Beyond by Katie Prejean McGrady Heather’s Other One Thing - Show Me Your Glory by Brandon Lake Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Discerning Hearts Podcast with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Discernment of Spirits Series Michelle’s One Thing - Soulcore   Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays & Fridays): The Agony in the Garden – Contrition / Sorrow for Sin The Scourging at the Pillar – Purity / Mortification The Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage / Humility The Carrying of the Cross – Patience in Suffering The Crucifixion – Perseverance / Salvation / Forgiveness   Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays & Sundays): The Resurrection – Faith The Ascension – Hope / Desire for Heaven The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom / Love of God / Zeal The Assumption – Grace of a Happy Death / Devotion to Mary The Coronation of Mary – Eternal Happiness / Trust in Mary's Intercession    Journal Questions: How did you experience delight this summer? When have I felt hypervigilant in this season? Who in my life am I called to entrust to the Divine Caretaker? How has my faith been expanded this summer?   Discussion Questions: Where in your life do you sense Christ walking closely with you? How have you experienced the mortification of authentic love? What breakthroughs have you experienced in this season? How have you experienced the Sorrowful Mysteries in this season? How have you experienced the Glorious Mysteries in this season?   Quote to Ponder: “To contemplate the face of Christ, and to contemplate it with Mary, is the ‘program’ which I have set before the Church at the dawn of the third millennium… To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ. In this school of Mary, we learn to ‘read’ Christ, to discover his secrets, to understand his message.” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, St. Pope John Paul II)   Scripture for Lectio: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)   Sponsor - Triumph of the Heart: Triumph of the Heart is an award-winning film that tells one of the most astounding stories of world war II - when a Polish priest, imprisoned in Auschwitz, volunteered to take the place of a condemned man.  When faced with a truly apocalyptic war, St. Maximilian Kolbe showed us that Christian love can conquer the deepest horrors of the human condition. In the face of unimaginable suffering, Kolbe didn’t retreat—he stepped forward, offering his life to save another. This film, about the passion of St. Maximilian Kolbe, is the most compelling look ever into both the horror and heroism that was to be found in a Nazi death camp. Audiences have already been deeply moved by the light of hope shining forth from the darkest place on earth. Triumph of the Heart is now showing in select theaters throughout the United States. Go to KolbeMovie.com to find out how you can get tickets to a masterpiece destined to become an enduring film classic. Made with a shoe string budget, many miracles from the Lord, and film quality that rivals any studio backed project, Triumph of the Heart will not disappoint. Distributed in partnership with the Augustine Institute, EWTN Studios, Relevant Radio, and more, you too can join the New Renaissance of Catholic Art at KolbeMovie.com.   Timestamps: 00:00 Triumph of the Heart 01:26 Intro 02:15 Contemplating the Face of Christ 05:24 The Carrying of the Cross - Patience in Suffering 09:22 The Scourging at the Pillar - Purity/ Mortification 13:44 The Suffering We Experience as Parents Age 19:32 The Descent of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom/ Love of God/ Zeal 26:36 The Resurrection - Faith 31:33 One Things

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• S17 E1 - The Mysteries of Our Lives (Part 1)

  Welcome to season 17! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives based on the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, we’re given opportunities to grow in charity and to receive God’s grace. Periodically, it is important to pause and reflect on how God has been working in and through our lives. In our conversation, we model what this looks like and discuss how the virtues of each mystery of the Rosary align with the mysteries of our lives and the fruits God is cultivating. Join us today as we share the Joyful and Luminous mysteries of our lives.    Heather’s One Thing - The beauty of being an empty nester! Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses by Bishop Erik Varden  Michelle’s One Thing - Summer camps Michelle’s Other One Thing - College football is back!   🌟 Joyful Mysteries (Mondays & Saturdays): The Annunciation – Humility The Visitation – Love of Neighbor / Charity The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit / Detachment from the World The Presentation – Obedience / Purity The Finding in the Temple – Joy in Finding Jesus / Zeal for God ✨ Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays): The Baptism of Jesus – Openness to the Holy Spirit / Living one’s baptism The Wedding at Cana – To Jesus through Mary / Faith in God's Will The Proclamation of the Kingdom – Repentance and Trust in God The Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness / Spiritual Courage The Institution of the Eucharist – Adoration / Love of the Eucharist   Other Resources Mentioned:  Joy and Pain by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock   Journal Questions: How am I tempted to be so serious that I miss out on having fun? How is the Lord inviting me into detachment and poverty of spirit? What are the paradoxes in my life? What are the prayers and requests of my heart right now?   Discussion Questions: When did you tangibly experience the presence of God during this summer? Who can I invite into deeper intercession in this season? How have you experienced the Joyful Mysteries in this season? How have you experienced the Luminous Mysteries in this season?   Quote to Ponder: “...We must be able to pause in silence, in meditation, in calm, prolonged reflection; we must know how to stop and think. In this way our mind can find healing from the inevitable wounds of daily life, it can penetrate the events that occur in our life and in the world and can attain that wisdom which makes it possible to see things with new eyes.” (Pope Benedict)   Scripture for Lectio: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)   Sponsor - CORDA: CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and helps you create a place of prayer and peace in your home with their Catholic candles. Each candle is handcrafted with great ingredients and a beautiful modern design, and lasts for 45 hours! Now through November 15, use code ABIDING15 to save 15% when you order! And check out the free Rewards program on CORDA’s website, too - it’s an awesome way to earn points you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping. Explore all of CORDA’s gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3500+ five-star reviews) at cordacandles.com/abiding   Timestamps: 00:00 CORDA 01:43 Intro 02:22 Welcome 07:43 Quote to Ponder and Scripture Verse 11:18 The Nativity - Poverty of Spirit  15:40 Finding Jesus in the Temple - Zeal for God 19:22 The Nativity - Detachment from the World 22:50 The Baptism of Jesus - Openness to the Holy Spirit 27:48 The Wedding at Cana - Faith in God’s Will 30:58 The Institution of the Eucharist - Adoration 33:57 One Things 

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