The Catholic Journey with Deacon Pat Kearns

The mystery of the Holy Trinity is not simply something to understand… it is something to enter into. In this heartfelt homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we reflect on the incredible truth that God is not distant or cold, but an eternal communion of love — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through the Scriptures, we explore: ✨ God’s mercy and faithfulness ✨ The meaning of John 3:16...

What if someone lived centuries before Jesus… yet described the coming Messiah with astonishing clarity? In this powerful episode of The Prophets Series, we journey into the life and visions of the prophet Isaiah — the man often called the “Prince of the Prophets.” From his breathtaking vision of heaven and the angels crying “Holy, Holy, Holy,” to his incredible prophecies of the Virgin Birth, the...

What do you do when faith feels exhausting… when truth feels unpopular… and when you feel like you are standing alone? In this powerful episode of The Prophets Series, we journey into the dramatic life of the prophet Elijah — the fearless servant of God who confronted corrupt kings, challenged false prophets on Mount Carmel, called down fire from heaven, and ultimately discovered God not in the fi...

What happens when we truly learn to hear the voice of God? In this powerful episode of The Prophets Series, we journey into the life of the prophet Samuel — the child born from Hannah’s faithful prayer who would grow to become one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Israel’s history. Together, we explore Samuel’s miraculous beginning, his calling in the Temple, the famous words “Speak, Lord, your...

The prophet Ezekiel lived in a time of chaos, exile, and spiritual darkness — yet God called him to bring a message of warning, hope, restoration, and new life. In this powerful first episode of our new series on the prophets, we journey through Ezekiel’s astonishing visions, the calling of the watchman, and the unforgettable Valley of Dry Bones. Together, we discover how God still speaks into bro...

What if the emptiness you feel is actually God calling you toward something greater? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the deeply moving spiritual novel The Hidden Journey — a story of broken lives, hidden wounds, divine encounters, and the transforming power of God’s grace. Journey alongside a wealthy CEO searching for meaning, a wounded priest facing be...

There are trips you take… and then there are journeys that stay with you forever. My son Sean and I just completed a 4-day, 900-mile motorcycle camping adventure through Northern California — from the Mendocino Coast to the towering Redwoods, alongside the breathtaking Trinity River, and into the mountains near Burney Falls. We cooked meals over campfires, caught trout in cold mountain streams, ex...

Sometimes the hardest person to love is ourselves. In this deeply personal and faith-filled episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the painful reality of self-doubt, shame, loneliness, and the feeling of having nothing left to give. Through Catholic wisdom, honest reflection, and the healing love of God, this episode reminds us that our worth is not defined by our failures, wo...

The Church is more than stained glass, pews, and walls—it is the living Body of Christ. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey, we explore what it truly means to be the Church. Why did Christ establish it? What makes the Church alive? And how are we each called to become part of something far greater than ourselves? This episode challenges us to move beyond simply “going to church” and i...

Why do Catholics “have” to go to Mass? Is it just a rule… or is it something far deeper? In this episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the true meaning behind the Catholic obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days. This isn’t about checking a box or following empty traditions—it’s about encountering Christ in a real and life-changing way. Discover why the Mass is the cen...

In this episode of The Hermit’s Word, we step into the silence of the spiritual life and explore what happens when a soul learns to listen for the voice of God away from the noise of the world. Through reflection, prayer, and the wisdom of the Christian journey, this episode challenges us to examine our hearts, confront our distractions, and rediscover the peace that only God can give. If you’ve e...

In this powerful Ascension Sunday reflection, Deacon Pat Kearns explores what it truly means that Jesus ascended into Heaven—not as an ending, but as a mission for every believer. The Ascension reminds us that Christ calls us to lift our eyes beyond the temporary struggles of this world and live with courage, purpose, and eternal perspective. Through Scripture, reflection, and practical challenge,...

Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions. After decades of work, responsibility, and routine, many people quietly begin asking: “What is my purpose now?” In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores retirement through the lens of Catholic faith — not as the end of purpose, but the beginning of a new spiritual calling. This episode dives into: finding identity...

In a world growing more divided by politics, faith, anger, isolation, and fear, how do we as Catholics respond without losing our souls in the process? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat explores the deep spiritual divide affecting our nation—not just politically, but morally, emotionally, and spiritually. From the loss of faith and family unity to the growing sep...

Saint John was more than a disciple — he was the beloved disciple who stayed close to Christ through the Cross, witnessed the Resurrection, and revealed to the world one of the greatest truths ever spoken: God is love. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey, we explore the life of Saint John, his transformation from a “Son of Thunder” into the Apostle of Love, his writings, the Book of R...

Saint Mark’s Gospel moves with urgency, power, and conviction — revealing Jesus Christ as the suffering servant, miracle worker, and Son of God. But behind this Gospel is the remarkable story of a man who once struggled with fear and failure before becoming one of Christianity’s greatest evangelists. In this episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the life of Saint Mark...

Choosing a future spouse may be one of the most important decisions a person ever makes—not just emotionally, but spiritually and eternally. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns explores what true Catholic discernment looks like in a world often driven by attraction, emotion, and instant gratification. Drawing from themes in his book Discernment of a Future S...

What kind of man does Jesus choose to change the world? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, we journey into the life of Saint Matthew the Apostle — the tax collector turned Apostle, evangelist, and saint. Despised by society and considered a traitor by many, Matthew seemed like the last person anyone would expect Jesus to call. Yet Christ walked directly to him, looked past h...

Who was Saint Luke the Evangelist really? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the life, heart, and writings of the beloved Gospel author known as the “physician of mercy.” Discover how Luke’s background as a doctor, historian, and faithful companion of Saint Paul the Apostle shaped the way he saw Jesus — with compassion, tenderness, and deep hope fo...

What if the greatest battle of our time isn’t political… but spiritual? In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns explores themes from his novel Catholic Special Forces — a story of wounded souls, spiritual warfare, mercy, brotherhood, and the call to holiness in a broken world. Through the journey of a returning soldier searching for healing and purpose, this epi...

Why does a loving God allow suffering? It is one of the deepest and most painful questions the human heart can ask. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Journey with Deacon Pat Kearns, we explore suffering through the lens of the Cross, the saints, and the teachings of the Catholic faith. Together we reflect on grief, loss, unanswered prayers, spiritual darkness, and the mysterious ways God ca...

What if grief became the beginning of something greater? In this emotional and inspiring episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns shares a powerful story inspired by his novel The Ranch — a story of five brothers brought together by loss, mysterious dreams, faith, and a calling they never expected. As they struggle with grief after the death of their younger brother, they begin d...

What happens when a soul spends an entire lifetime chasing success, pleasure, and comfort… while slowly pushing God away? In this deeply emotional and sobering episode of The Catholic Journey Podcast, Deacon Pat Kearns explores a fictional yet spiritually grounded reflection on the reality of hell, judgment, mercy, and eternity through the story of one man’s final moments and what follows after de...

This Mother’s Day, we reflect on the hidden holiness of mothers — the prayers, sacrifices, tears, and quiet love that help shape souls for eternity. From Saint Monica praying for her lost son… to Mary standing faithfully at the foot of the Cross… this powerful episode explores how God works through ordinary mothers in extraordinary ways. Because behind many saints… stood a mother who never stopped...

What’s the real difference between Catholic priests, Protestant pastors, deacons, and elders? In this episode of The Catholic Journey, Deacon Pat Kearns explores the deeper meaning behind Holy Orders, Apostolic Succession, the laying on of hands, and the sacraments handed down from the time of Christ and the Apostles. This conversation isn’t about attacking other Christians—it’s about understandin...