The Gathering Place, a Podcast from Blessed is She

Today's episode is the last one of season five, and so we brought in a special surprise. Today we hear Blessed is She's Spiritual Advisor Father John Parks speak about current racial tensions in America and what we, as Catholics, can do about it. Editor's note: You can watch the videos from this podcast episode on our YouTube channel. Links below. Resource: Teachable Tuesday Q&A with Father Pa...

In today’s episode we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Please join us. Resource: How to Pray the Rosary

Life. Human dignity. Love. It's all in this episode! Beth and Jenna chat with Sister Giovanna Mariae, who is part of the Sisters of Life. They talk about how protecting the sanctity of life is so much more than just praying outside abortion clinics, and what it means to fall in love with life. Resources mentioned: Sisters of Life Blessed is She retreats Prayer for Life What ways can you fall in lo...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna answer one of the most frequently asked questions for the Blessed is She team:  how do you start reading the Bible? If you've ever desired to read the Word more often, or if you're struggling with how to start, this is the podcast episode for you. Resources mentioned: The Creation Project #BISVBS on YouTube Mark 5:41 Romans 8:28 Mark 1:1-8 Lectio Divina Ignatia...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat with Rachel Leininger , wife, mama, and Catholic author/speaker extraordinaire. Rachel tells us all about how a quirky English professor in college changed her perspective and trajectory in life with one simple question: What do you care about? Resources mentioned: The Reap Team "Feeling Good" by Michael Bublé Genesis 50:20 Abiding Together Podcast Well, it's y...

Does conflict make you uncomfortable? Well, this episode is for you! Beth and Jenna chat all about how healthy conflict is crucial to maintaining God-honoring relationships, how your family of origin influences your conflict style, and how to be intentional about getting better at conflict. Resources: Counseling Cheer on Netflix What are your thoughts on conflict? Is it easy or difficult for you?...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna sit down with Sister Mary Claire Strasser, a sister in the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity . They chat about how to find hope in the Lord, even when you've prayed and wrestled through the same issues over and over again. Resources: SOLT Sisters The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur Psalm 13 Romans 5:5 Do you struggle with feeling hopeless? Can you see wh...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk about cultivating the "secret place," or the "inner room," in our hearts for the Lord. They talk about how to start a prayer life (hint: it's pretty simple!), why a daily conversation with the Lord is so important, and how and why we can discuss our personal prayers with others. Resources: Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Ávila How's your inner room? Where's th...

We're all feeling a little bit anxious right now, aren't we? It totally makes sense, but how do we cope with it? In this episode, we talk with Chika Anyanwu all about how Christians still encounter worry, even with prayer and Jesus on our side, how being in therapy doesn't have to be at odds with your faith, and the power of gratitude. Resources: My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer by Chika An...

It's here; the Triduum, in arguably one of the weirdest times in our lives. In this episode, Beth and Jenna (from a safe six feet apart!) chat about tweaking Holy Week practices in the time of a pandemic and how they're feeling Jesus' call to deeper intimacy throughout. Resources: We are livestreaming the entire Triduum Mass on our Facebook page and Instagram . We would love it if you would join u...

In this episode, it's all about Mama Mary! Beth and Jenna sit down with Sister Maria Kim-Ngân Bùi, a Daughter of St. Paul and Blessed is She contributor. They open up all about their encounters with the Blessed Mother, how praying the Rosary brings us so much closer to Jesus, and how Our Lady saved Sister's life, little by little. Resources mentioned: Blessed is She retreats Flame of Love by Eliza...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat with author and Blessed is She writer Laura Kelly Fanucci . They discuss all the ways that God pursues each of us individually, and how we can look at grief and loss with eyes of hope. Resources mentioned: One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler Risen: 50 Ways to Live Easter A Free Easter Gathering with Laura Kelly Fanucci on April 11 at 1pm ET. What are some...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk about all the names of God and what they say about His character, and how His provision is bigger than our problems. Resources mentioned: The Blessed is She Liturgical Planner What's your favorite name of God? Why does it resonate with you so much? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter , or Instagram !

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat about the Rules of St. Ignatius. They explore the idea of "storing up" consolations and what to do when you feel desolation. Resources mentioned: The Rules of St. Ignatius.

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat with Sister Agnus Dei of the Sisters of Life. They talk about the power of your name, and what happens when you give God permission in your life, and the power of a smile. Resources mentioned: Sisters of Life Blessed is She Retreats What have you seen the Lord do with your little "yes"? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter , or Instagram !

Beth and Jenna debrief about the Phoenix Restore Retreat and their excitement for what's to come from the Lord in restoration in our lives every single day. What do you think the Lord is focused on restoring in your life? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter , or Instagram ! Take a listen below or over on iTunes (and give us a rating while you're over there!).

In this episode, Beth and Jenna sit down with Mary Castner, full time youth minister and worship leader for our Blessed is She retreats. They discuss their favorite moments from last year's Shine retreats, how worship music actually draws us to silence, and Mary shares how playing on the playground in her childhood influences her prayer life today. Resources mentioned: Restore Retreats 2020 The Te...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna share the amazing fruits from their Blessed is She Leadership Weekend with Managing Editor Nell O'Leary and Spiritual Advisor Father John Parks. Hear all about Blessed is She's core values, core purpose, and operational definition, as well as why Beth and Jenna have committed to making lunch together each day. Resources mentioned:  The Advantage by Patrick Lenc...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna sit down with Blessed is She writer and writer over at Mama Needs Coffee , Jenny Uebbing. They chat all about how God speaks to us through our unique vocations and the one thing Jenny just can’t let you forget this Lenten season. Resources Mentioned Nashville Dominicans Sisters of Life Theology of the Body Humane Vitae St. John Paul II 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Here, Too...

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk about their biggest lessons from 2019, the ways they are hoping to grow in 2020, and why it’s so crucial to adopt a weekly Holy Hour. Resources Mentioned: 8-Day silent retreat Sisters of Life John 15:5 2020 Restore Retreats

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat talk about the scripture verse that they've been praying over leading into 2020, what they hope for this year's journey through Advent, and why they we shouldn't look at the past when we're praying about the future. Resources Mentioned: All the Generations: From Genesis to You 2020 Restore Retreats

In this episode, Beth and Jenna chat with Father Fernando Camou of the Diocese of Phoenix. They discuss what to do about differing opinions within church communities, what we have in common with caged monkeys, and how reading more novels makes us better discerners. Resources Mentioned: Biography of Saint Catherine of Siena All the Light We Cannot See

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk all about their most transformative interactions with the Word and the Holy Spirit. They discuss practical ways to access the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and why it's so important to be reading scripture every single day. Resources mentioned: BIS VBS

In this episode, Beth and Jenna sit down with Father Paul Sullivan, Director of Vocations with the Diocese of Phoenix, to chat all about discernment: practical ways to discern, whether or not we can actually miss our true calling, and what we get wrong about the whole process.

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk about the Lord's sweet tendency toward active listening, how convicted they are currently feeling about the words they say, and how gossip actually IS a big deal to God.  Resources Mentioned: The Diary of Saint Faustina Examination of Conscience