Higher Ground by Elevated Parish Missions

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the themes of spirituality, peace, and the importance of appreciating life's journey. They discuss the significance of Fridays, the energy derived from good work, and the need to recognize and cherish the moments that make life fulfilling. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they emphasize...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of the Elevated Parish Missions Podcast, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen delve into the profound question of motivation: why do we do what we do? They explore the importance of community and family as driving forces, the search for true fulfillment beyond material gains, and the path to holiness and sainthood. The conversation emphasizes the need for a...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough engage with Alicia and Mike Hernon from the Messy Family Project. They discuss the importance of faith in parenting, the challenges of modern family life, and the role of technology. The Hernons emphasize the need for parents to empower themselves and their children, the significance of marriage in raisi...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the deeper meaning of faith and service beyond just attending Mass. They discuss the importance of being active laborers in the field, the role of community within the parish, and how to empower individuals to live out their faith in everyday life. The conversation emphasizes that Mass is not merely an...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the significance of angels in our lives, emphasizing their role as guardians and guides. They discuss the spiritual battle between good and evil, the importance of calling upon our guardian angels for support, and the profound connection between angels and the Eucharist. The conversation highlights the need for faith i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the profound concept of trust, weaving together the seemingly disparate worlds of physics and faith. Through engaging stories and personal reflections, they delve into how trust in the laws of physics parallels our faith in divine guidance. From a college physics experiment to a gripping tale of mountain...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough delve into the Shroud of Turin, exploring its historical significance, scientific studies, and implications for faith. They discuss the intersection of science and belief, the controversies surrounding carbon dating, and the evidence supporting the Shroud's authenticity as a relic of Jesus Christ. The conversation emphasi...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the significance of bells in the Catholic Mass, discussing their historical context and spiritual meaning. They delve into the idea of Mass as a wedding banquet, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the faithful and God. The conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to reflect...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Brother Ross shares insights on discerning God's calling, emphasizing the importance of prayer, self-knowledge, and community. He discusses practical steps for individuals seeking clarity in their vocation, whether in religious life or other paths, and encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and embrace the journey of discernment. Takeaw...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the significance of prayer in Catholicism, particularly focusing on the Our Father and the Mass. They discuss the beauty and depth of these prayers, emphasizing the need for intentionality and reflection in prayer practices. The conversation highlights the connection between the Our Father and the Eucharist, encouragin...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the concept of virtue and its significance in leading a fulfilling life. They share personal anecdotes, including a memorable trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where a challenging hike led to reflections on fear, courage, and the exhilarating feeling of overcoming obstacles. The conversation delves into the importance of...

Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of the Higher Ground podcast, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the themes of identity, protection, and spirituality in the context of fatherhood and family life. They discuss the societal pressures that define worth and the importance of recognizing one's role as a protector rather than a provider. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritu...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with God. They discuss the challenges of truly 'getting it' in terms of faith and spirituality, and how to move beyond a checklist approach to religion. The conversation highlights the significance of love, acti...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Martin Watjen and special guest Brother Ross Henley explore the practice of Lectio Divina, a traditional method of praying with Scripture. They discuss personal experiences with prayer, the importance of engaging with the Bible, and practical steps for incorporating Lectio Divina into daily life. The conversation emphasizes the accessibility of Script...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough discuss the importance of radical hospitality within the parish and the community. They share personal anecdotes and emphasize how simple acts of kindness can create a welcoming environment that fosters connection and acceptance. The discussion highlights the need for churches to embody love and acceptance, making everyon...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the themes of witnessing and personal testimony in the context of faith. They discuss the allure of crime dramas and how they reflect our own life dramas, emphasizing the importance of living out one's faith authentically. The conversation highlights the significance of sharing personal experience...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the intersection of faith and culture through the lens of movies, particularly focusing on 'The Chosen.' They discuss the importance of understanding the Creed in the context of the ongoing story of salvation and our unique roles within it. The conversation emphasizes the need for deepe...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the importance of community and connection in our lives, emphasizing that we are not meant to be alone. They discuss the cultural differences in social interactions, particularly in pub settings, and how isolation has become a significant issue in modern society. The hosts reflect on the Great Commission and the c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the themes of praise and humility in the context of faith. They discuss the importance of focusing on God rather than ourselves, the challenges of maintaining humility in a self-centered world, and the joy that comes from serving others. The conversation encourages listeners to consider how they can upli...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Higher Ground podcast, hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the themes of gardening, collaboration, and the importance of giving one's time, talent, and treasure to the church and community. They discuss how gardening serves as a metaphor for personal growth and cooperation with God, the need to unlock potential through collaboration, and the cal...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Higher Ground podcast, hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the themes of faith, family, and the importance of prayer. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with children and the innocence of faith, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a personal relationship with God through prayer. The conversation highlights the need for beli...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Higher Ground, hosts Brian Hough and Martin Watjen explore the significance of storytelling in families and its connection to faith. They discuss how personal narratives can enrich our understanding of faith and the importance of engaging with the Liturgy of the Word during Mass. The conversation emphasizes the need to listen to God's message through Script...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Higher Ground podcast, Martin Watjen and Brian Hough delve into the deeper meanings of the Mass, exploring aspects that are often taken for granted. They discuss the significance of the Confiteor, the healing power of repentance, and the importance of self-reflection in spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the transformative nature of the Eucharist...

Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling uncertain in your faith journey, looking for a boost in your spiritual walk, or eager to deepen your relationship with the Lord? Welcome to Higher Ground and Elevated Parish Missions podcast, where faith meets inspiration and community. In this episode, hosts Martin Watjen and Brian Hough explore the common "checklist mentality" many Catholics experience...