Saints for Slackers

S4 Ep 20: The Little Way Finale

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:36:18 +0000

Welcome to Episode 20, the finale of Season 4 of Saints for Slackers. This is a very special episode: It’s not only our Season 4 Finale, but we hosted a LIVE event featuring special guests—like members from our Little With Great Love team, guest podcasters, and sponsors. This video/podcast episode is the replay of that live event.

Watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/IRY4iyCaHQo

GUESTS:

Lisa Martinez--LWGL Founder, Podcast Co-host
Alyssa Sanchez – LWGL Content Manager, Contributor, Designer; Ep 1 – St. Gertrude the Great
Tammi McCarthy – LWGL Contributor, Spiritual Mom & Speaker; Ep 13 – St. Augustine
Rhen Hoehn from the Holy Donors Podcast, which shares inspiring stories of radical generosity that have changed the world, as presented by Petrus Development; Sponsor of Ep 12
Christina Brown, Catholic Life Coach & Speaker, Co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast, and sponsor of Episodes 3-9
Special appearance by Jeff Sanchez, Podcast Co-host

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/season-4-finale/

Listen for the top 5 saints {so far} of Season 4.

Remember: Season 3 of Saints for Slackers is the Advent Edition, and Advent starts Sunday, December 3, 2023

LINKS for some of our Advent Resources:

An Advent Calendar FREE Download Printable adapted to the liturgical calendar of Advent 2023 to follow Season 3 of the podcast (since it won't be chronological order this Advent)
A beautiful art download of an Advent Calendar Craft with Sacred Art to do with your family
A free FREE Nativity Color Page coloring page download
We also have another podcast for Advent, called Accompanying the Holy Family which is a series of 6 podcasts that pairs with a free eBook in our shop and an Advent playlist
Download our free 2023 Advent Planning Guide, packed with great Advent resources, recommendations and tips

Stay tuned: We’re going to post an Advent Roundup blog on Sunday, December 3^rd, which will have all our Advent resources in 1 place on the blog at littlewithgreatlove.com

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 19: St. Maria Goretti

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

A Little Witness to God’s Merciful Love

St. Maria Goretti lived a remarkable, though short, life of holiness, praying at the point of death for the salvation of her attacker. Caitlin Bootsma shows us how this little saint is a shining example of the Little Way, choosing love in all circumstances and God as her only joy.

Our last guest podcaster of Season 4 is Caitlin Bootsma. Caitlin is an author and parish librarian with a career working in Catholic communications. Her first book "Detective Thomas and the Biggest Question" was released in September and there are more in the works! Caitlin has a big heart for the universal Church, her children, the Catholic imagination, and building local community.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Caitlin Bootsma at:

Instagram: @theinkyswan

Get her book "Detective Thomas and the Biggest Question" for middle-grade readers through Our Sunday Visitor + on Amazon here.

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-maria-goretti/

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 18: Fr. Walter Ciszek, Servant of God

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The Little Way of Abandonment

Servant of God Walter Ciszek lived a life of total abandonment to God’s will, moment by moment. Katerina Deem ties the work of this great spiritual leader in with St. Therese’s focus on abandoning to God in the small, routine, mundane tasks of everyday life.

Our guest podcaster for today is Katerina Deem, the founder and owner of Little Way Design Co.: a small design studio she runs with her husband and five children from their home located outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Her mission is to contribute to the New Evangelization efforts of the Church by providing clean, powerful, and awe-inspiring design that are rooted in tradition and inspired by the living faith. Katerina has a Masters of Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. She has been serving in parish ministry for over 20 years in different roles, more notably as a catechist, youth minister, and Little Flowers Girls' Club Leader.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Katerina Deem & the Little Way Design Co at:

littlewaydesign.co

Instagram: @littlewaydesignco

Facebook: fb.com/littlewaydesignco

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

littlewithgreatlove.com/servant-of-god-walter-ciszek

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 17: St. Philip Neri

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Spiritual Father of a Generation

St. Philip Neri came from humble, unremarkable beginnings. And yet his preaching inspired countless others to follow God. Contributor Sefanit Stefanos tells us about his littleness, and how God used that littleness to inspire great things

Our podcaster today is Sefanit Stefanos, a seeker of Truth, wife, mom of three, favorite sister and friend. Originally from Eritrea, born in Rome, and raised in Dallas, Texas, her upbringing in an Eritrean-American home shaped her worldview that she is part of a greater community. Her joy is being with family and friends, and she loves making people feel at home in her presence. Her calling in life is to introduce others to the generous love of God that she has experienced.

Sefanit experienced the best of both worlds as a graduate of Texas A&M and Franciscan University and has worked in full-time ministry for more than ten years. Living in Dallas with her husband and kids, you'll find her seeking joy and gratitude amidst changing diapers and cleaning food off the walls.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Sefanit at:

Read more of Sefanit’s blogs here.

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-philip-neri/

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 16: St. Bruno

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

A Model of Holy Silence

St. Bruno of Cologne was a hermit who longed for the silence and stillness of the hermitage but kept getting drawn into the political life of the Church. Katie Goebel tells us more about this remarkable saint who exemplifies the Little Way by sacrifice.

Our guest podcaster today is: Katie Goebel, mother of 3 & wife of 10 years to Jeremy, is Catholic because of the Eucharist. As a former full-time youth minister, she is passionate about encouraging youth & young adults to deeply know the love of Jesus & radiantly live that love in their daily lives.

Now, as an online marketing strategist, she is on a mission to make marketing more human. She helps mission-driven small businesses & entrepreneurs grow their audience online through crystal clear messaging, fruitful relationship-building & sustainable video marketing.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Katie Goebel at:

Facebook: facebook.com/katie.goebel518

Instagram: @kotiegoebelonline

TikTok: tiktok.com/@katiegoebelonline

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/k-goebel

VISIT: podcastpage.katiegoebel.com/toppodcasts for the Top 30 Catholic podcasts to help small business owners & ministries build relationships, get visible & grow their audience

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-bruno

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

——

S4 Ep 15: St. Damien of Molokai

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

A Leper to the Lepers

St. Damien of Molokai was a public witness of a life lived in communal sacrifice with others, for the sake of Christ. Greg Hendry tells us about how Damien poured out his life serving the lepers of Molokai.

Greg Hendry is a devoted father of five children who lives in Flower Mound, Texas, with his wife, MaryBeth. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, served as a ranger and captain in the U.S. Army, and earned a master's from Cornell University. During his work in the airline and tech industries over twenty years, he founded fromHeaven Books. With books spanning from children’s book honoring his late wife, Allison, to a “power” series on priest, religious, and eventually the laity, his publications have been featured on EWTN radio and in various Catholic publications. He serves as a Serra club member, ambassador for Catholic radio, and a featured speaker at Catholic teen and vocational events.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Greg Hendry at:

fromheavenbooks.com

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064238251556

Amazon Books: Power Priests, and COMING SOON, Power Sisters

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-damien-of-molokai/

GET SLACKER SWAG here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product-category/saints-for-slackers/

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

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Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 14: St. Peter

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The First Pope

St. Peter was all in, excited to follow Our Lord even to death…until he wasn’t. The failures of this great saint can help reveal our own weaknesses. But Anne-Marie Klobe reminds us that through our failures, through our littleness, God can work miracles of transformation.

Anne-Marie Klobe studied Theology at Franciscan University, then later studied Interior Design and The Way of Beauty. Her mission is to evangelize through art, design, books, and retreats. The Foundress of a Ministry for Catholic Single Women called Life Journey, she also inspires and encourages women on their own life journey through Catholic coaching.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Anne-Marie Klobe at:

www.Anne-MarieKlobe.com

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/confidentgodlywomen

Instagram: @Catholiclifedesigner

Get her book, A Letter to Judas, here.

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-peter/

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE:

Little With Great Love Email List (we respect your privacy!)

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 13: St. Augustine of Hippo

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

A Big Sinner Who Let Love Win

Many of us know St. Augustine as a theologically profound giant, yet perhaps his most influential work is a work of deep humility. Contributor Tammi McCarthy takes us deeper into how this great saint can show us the Little Way through a spirit of sacrifice.

Speaker & Little With Great Love Contributor, Tammi McCarthy, kicks off the first saint under this new theme, sacrifice.

Tammi has a heart for people and a need to communicate her love through blogging about parenting, homeschooling, marriage, and her faith journey as a Catholic. As a former teacher and now homeschooling mom of five, Tammi sprinkles humor and sarcasm into many of her Instagram posts and personal blogs. Both Franciscan University alumni, she and her husband of over 22 years live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Through her authentically Catholic blog she strives to “fill the banquet table of the Lord” through writing about His whispers of love and faith.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Tammi at:

whispersofloveandfaith.com

facebook.com/whispersofloveandfaith

@whispersofloveandfaith

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-augustine-of-hippo/

Get the St. Therese of Lisieux quotes sticker sheet here:

littlewithgreatlove.com/product/st-therese-of-lisieux-quotes-sticker-sheet

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 12: St. Philomena

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The Greek Princess Who Won a Double Crown

St. Philomena was such an obscure saint that no one had heard her name until her tomb was found in 1802. But in the years that followed, this little saint has become a beloved friend to many great saints. Caitlyn tells us more about Philomena’s life and her unwavering trust in God’s holy will.

Caitlyn Pszonka is first and foremost a beloved daughter of God and uses her gifts as a co-creator for love of Him and His Body, the Church. With degrees in Creative Writing and Theology, she loves to get at deeper truths through telling stories in various forms, including novels, poems, plays, and songs. She serves as an Artist and our Little With Great Love Editor. shares her visual art, in addition to reflections on diving ever deeper in love with God, at Heart to Sacred Heart.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Caitlyn at:

@hearttosacredheart

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-philomena/

All Soul’s Day blog: ”8 Ways to Honor the Dead on All Souls Day”:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/ways-to-honor-the-dead-all-souls-day/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by:

The Holy Donors podcast, which explores the stories of prominent Catholic philanthropists to ask whether they were faithful, humble, radically generous, and worthy of emulation. Check it out at holydonors.com

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 11: St. Clement of Rome

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

The Fourth Pope

St. Clement of Rome comes to us all the way from the 1st century, and is one of three chief Apostolic Fathers. Though not much about his life is known, Christie Walker shares what we do know of the fourth Pope who showed great faithfulness and trust in the Lord, despite facing great persecution.

Today’s guest podcaster is Christie Walker. Christie is a joy-filled Catholic wife, mom, podcaster, speaker, and The Catholic Sobriety Coach. As a trained life coach through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute and with over 26 years of sobriety, Christie specializes in coaching Catholic women who are ready to unravel the mystery surrounding their drinking habits to discover a sense of peace and clarity they never imagined possible. She also coaches women in recovery who want to learn how to invite the Holy Spirit in to clear up the “mental mess” that can stick around long after the last drink.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Christie at:

thecathlicsobrietycoach.com

@thecatholicsobrietycoach

facebook.com/TheCatholicSobrietyCoach

buzzsprout.com/2087354

Get the “Drink Less or Not at All” Catholic guide to freedom here.

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-clement-of-rome/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by:

Catholic Creations, a small business sticker shop that creates unique waterproof vinyl stickers to proudly display your faith wherever you go.

VISIT: Etsy.com/shop/catholiccreationshop and use code SLACKERS20 for 20% off all stickers

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 10: St. Monica

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

Model of Unceasing Prayer

St. Monica prayed many years for the conversion of her son, Augustine. Michelle Hillaert talks about how this continual trust in God’s plan and continual surrender to His will can help to motivate and inspire us in every struggle.

Michelle Hillaert has been married for over 23 years to her husband, Trent. Together they have 6 children, 3 in college and three still at home, along with three dogs, a cat and 21 chickens. As the Executive director of the GIVEN Institute, a not-for-profit founded by religious sisters and dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the church and the world, Michelle is passionate about helping women live out their God-given vocations. GIVEN fulfills this mission by inspiring and equipping the next generation of female leaders through leadership training, faith formation, and dedicated mentoring.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Michelle at:

giveninstitute.com

Instagram: @michellehillaert @giveninstitute

Facebook: facebook.com/giveninstitute

facebook.com/michellehillaert

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellehillaert/?_l=en_US

linkedin.com/company/giveninstitute/

Upcoming GIVEN Gathering in Arlington, November 11, 2023. Check out website for details.

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-monica/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Someday Saints, a blog and shop where you’ll find encouragement to seek God right where you are.

Shop at www.somedaysaints.com, and use promo code SaintsforSlackers for a special offer!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 9: St. Rita of Cascia

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:36:01 +0000

Mother and Miracle Worker

St. Rita is known for being one of the patron saints for impossible causes and difficult marriages. Julia Miller relates a story of powerful story of healing in her own marriage that she attributes to this powerful intercessor.

Today’s guest podcaster Julia Miller. Julia is a lifelong Catholic and professional wedding florist who, after retiring in 2017, embarked on another floral career. She creates and ships life-size rosaries, made of real, whole, fresh roses, all over the lower 48 states, for funerals, sacraments, gifts, and other holy occasions. Julia and her husband John will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary later this year, and live in Western Washington. Together they have five adult children and seven young grandchildren.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Julia at:

freshrosary.com

Instagram: @freshrosary

facebook.com/freshrosary

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-rita-of-cascia/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 8: St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

Holiness Through Suffering

Jane Frances de Chantel experienced much suffering throughout her life, from the grief of losing her husband to challenges to both her mental and physical health. Micole Amalu highlights for us how this holy woman’s struggles show us the hand of God in our weakness.

Today’s guest podcaster Micole Amalu. Micole is the founder and director for The Face of Mercy, an organization dedicated to mental health education and advocacy within the Catholic Church. This mission brings together her own struggles with mental illness, an educational background in psychology, and her passion for helping the Church live out Christ’s mission better! One of her favorite parts of this work is sharing stories of saints who lived with mental illness, because all of us are capable of holiness.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Micole at:

www.thefaceofmercy.org

Instagram: @thefaceofmercy @mercyandmiserypodcast

facebook.com/thefaceofmercy/

podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mercyandmisery

The Face of Mercy has recently launched a podcast, Mercy and Misery! Micole and Catholic psychologist Mairead chat about the intersection of faith and mental health.

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-jane-frances-de-chantal/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 7: St. John Bosco

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

Glorifying God in Loving Service

Many times, we misunderstand the virtue of humility. As she tells us about St. John Bosco, who rooted his catechesis on first loving those he taught, Krista Hanrahan frames humility as total dependence on God in all things.

Today’s guest podcaster Krista Hanrahan. Krista is a Catholic Life and Mindset Coach for women at Little Way Coaching. She coaches Catholic women on various topics, including faith, personal health and wellness, marriage, motherhood, and home management. She currently resides in Steubenville, Ohio with her husband, Mark, and their 6 children.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Krista at:

www.littlewaycoaching.com

Instagram: @littlewaycoaching

Facebook.com

Krista offers private 1-1 coaching OR small group coaching on creating a well ordered life through prayer, personal wellness, marriage, motherhood, and home management. To determine if 1-1 or group coaching is better for you, sign up for a free Discovery call: https://www.littlewaycoaching.com/free-discovery-call

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-john-bosco/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 6: St. Ephraim the Syrian

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

Humble Hymn Writer

St. Ephraim the Syrian used his gifts to the best of his ability, writing hymns to defend the faith against heresies of the day, ministering to the poor, and speaking with simple humility. Today's guest podcaster, Sissel Anderson, teaches us how this saint exemplifies the humility of the Little Way.

Sissel Anderson is a 25-year-old convert in North Texas. Just a year and a half after coming home to the Catholic Church, she dove headfirst into Catholic media by interning at the local Catholic Radio station during college, operated by the Guadalupe Radio Network. Six years later, she is now the North Texas Assistant at the network and produces and hosts local programs, including one for young people (or the young at heart!) for which she has a desire to reach out to more.

A collector of hobbies and volunteer positions, she is never without something to do, whether it be helping lead her parish's young adult group to mastering the perfect Old Fashion. While she has ideas and dreams for the future, she enjoys taking each day at a time to see where God is calling her at that moment.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Sissel at:

GRNOnline.com

Instagram: @sisselmarieflorian

Facebook: facebook.com/grnonline

READ more on today's podcast on our website:

https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-ephraim-syrian/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 5: St. Andre Bessette

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

Patron of the Rejected

St. Andre Bessette lived a simple life, physically frail but spiritually lively and devoted. He became known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal” by the many who were healed after encounters with him. Today’s podcast introduces our next theme of the Little Way, humility, so for the next two weeks, our saints will reveal more to us about what true humility looks like. The podcaster here to kick off our new theme is Little With Great Love Contributor, Bridget Holtz.

Bridget is a deep-thinking compassionate caregiver who serves as a pediatric nurse, cherished dog mom, world traveler, and lover of color and kindness. She has worked with the underserved, both here and abroad, throughout her life – standing with impoverished in whatever ways they need. She currently lives in Austin, TX with her dogs Nigel & Callie. For more podcasts and blogs from Bridget, visit littlewithgreatlove.com

CONNECT + FOLLOW Bridget at:

Instagram: @bridgetshope

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-andre-bessette/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 4: St. Teresa of the Andes

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:55:00 +0000

A Model For Suffering and Love

St. Teresa de los Andes, or Teresa of the Andes, is a saint who knew many sufferings during the course of her short life, offering everything for love of her Divine Spouse. Contributor Citlalin “Tati” Ossio dives deeper into the life of this remarkable saint who spent herself in love.

Tati Ossio is an avid fantasy writer and reader, whose work is heavily inspired by her Catholic faith, her Mexican heritage, and Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda. Her fantasy short stories have been featured in various anthologies, and have even been award-winning. She is a joyful single living in Texas with her family and enjoys creating art, playing video games, and watching anime and Korean dramas. When she’s not writing or spending time with her loved ones, she’s on Instagram, or dreaming about raising a panda army.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Tati at:

Instagram: @citlalinossio

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-teresa-de-los-andes/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 3: St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 04:50:00 +0000

The Little Saint Who Loved Much

St. Thérèse of Lisieux loved God fully, joyfully, and like a child. Learn more about the little saint who inspired this season, her philosophy of suffering and how that has impacted our special guest today, Taryn DeLong. Taryn shares how Thérèse famously embodies this first theme of love in our Little Way Edition.

Today’s guest podcaster is Taryn DeLong

Taryn DeLong is a Catholic wife and mother in North Carolina who serves as co-president and editor-in-chief of Catholic Women in Business. Her writing has appeared in publications such as FemCatholic, Natural Womanhood, CatholicMom.com, Radiant Magazine, and Live Today Well Co. She enjoys curling up with a cup of Earl Grey and a good novel, playing the piano, and taking walks in the sunshine with her family.

CONNECT + FOLLOW Taryn at:

everydayroses.blog

catholicwomeninbusiness.com/membership

Instagram: @tarynmdelong

Facebook: facebook.com/everydayroses

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taryn-delong-72346a20

Sign-up for Catholic Women in Business e-mail list here

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-therese-of-lisieux/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: Christina Brown, Certified Catholic Life Coach, speaker, and podcast co-host of the Thanks Mom podcast.

Follow on all social media platforms + visit her website: www.christinambrown.com

Schedule a FREE consultation call + use code “SLACKER15” for 15% off any booked coaching or speaking engagements!

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 2: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The Princess Who Became a Saint

St. Elizabeth of Hungary reminds us that the most enduring acts of love aren’t always grand gestures. St. Elizabeth continues to develop our first Little Way theme of love through her path to sainthood.

Today’s guest podcaster is Rosemary Terrell.

Rosemary is the owner of Mama’s Little Loves. She is from Central Texas, where, along with her husband and kids, they embark on their beautifully chaotic journey to raise and become saints. Her shop is filled with little items made with love that serve as little reminders of faith in life’s ordinary moments.

FOLLOW Mama’s Little Loves at:

Facebook.com

Instagram @mamaslittlelovestx

Etsy.com/shop/mamaslittlelovesShop

10% off on Etsy for all listeners with code Slackers10

mamaslittlelovesshop.etsy.com/?coupon=SLACKERS10

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: LegendFiction

Visit LegendFiction.com and be part of their growing community of 400+ legends.

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-elizabeth-of-hungary/

Follow Little With Great Love on Facebook & Instagram

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 1: St. Gertrude the Great

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 04:55:00 +0000

The Only Female Saint to Be Named ‘The Great’

St. Gertrude placed the Lord into all that she did, just like St. Therese of Lisieux. The mundane tasks of life turned sweet when she invited Him into them.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love Contributor, Social Media Manager & Designer, Alyssa Sanchez.

Alyssa is young professional with a master’s degree in communications. She lives in sunny Florida, enjoys watching movies and binging tv shows, and hopes to one day produce films of her own in which to act. Creatively she enjoys writing in any medium, fashion, and participating in cosplay. She loves to travel by plane, train, car and especially cruises, and hopes to see the world. Caring, kind and loving, she tends to see the good in all people. Alyssa’s calling is to make people smile through her creativity, sharing God’s message of love through how she lives. Her motto is a quote by Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

READ more on today's podcast on our website: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-gertrude-the-great/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by: 12th & Blossom

Visit 12thandblossom.com and unlock a world of inspiration. Use the code SLACKER at checkout and enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase.

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

S4 Ep 0 Introduction to The Little Way Edition

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Join podcast cohosts and siblings Lisa Martinez and Jeff Sanchez as they kick off Season 4 of Saints for Slackers, The Little Way Edition! You can WATCH the video of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/G1yXGFST-qI

Learn:

What is the Little Way?
More about St. Thérèse of Lisieux
The jubilee year of St. Thérèse, and how the Church is celebrating it
The 5 themes we will cover this season
About Season 4’s guest podcasters
Get a sneak peek of some of our 19 NEW saints
and MORE!

Our 5 themes will break down The Little Way Spirituality St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and each of our new saints will exemplify these themes.

We’ll introduce the themes bi-monthly on Sundays, with new episodes dropping every Sunday &Thursday from Sept 21 - Nov 30.

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube Channel

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 20: Season Finale: Epiphany Stories

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:41:58 +0000

Sharing the Revelations from Along the Journey

Listen to members of the Little With Great Love Team and special guests from this season share stories from the season, as well as their epiphanies or great revelations from this Advent and Christmas Season.

This is a replay from our LIVE Epiphany stories event on January 10, 2023. Watch the video of this special finale episode here: https://youtu.be/AZn4xUmQSCM

And subscribe to the Little With Great Love YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@littlewithgreatlove

Check out the blog of this podcast episode here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/epiphany-stories-replay/

Get your free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 19: The Epiphany

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Celebrating the Revelation that Jesus is the Son of God

Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is the feast day that celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God, illuminating the mysteries of the Advent & Christmas seasons.

Today’s podcaster is Founder & Cohost, Lisa Martinez.

Lisa is an entrepreneur and creative with a penchant for storytelling across the digital landscape. She studied writing, mental health, and theology at Franciscan University. With more than twenty-five years of experience across various industries, Lisa and her husband, Mike, run a small business, and serve on the board of the nonprofit she founded to address the challenges of modern ministry.

After ten years of blogging and many more spent in the pursuit of healing, Lisa established this outreach, Little With Great Love. She leads a team using media to share stories to bring restoration and utilizes their gifts of art and design to bring truth, goodness and beauty through their online shop. After ten plus years of infertility, Lisa is currently writing her first book, a devotional that draws from the Scriptures and her story and others bearing the cross of infertility.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and feast here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/the-epiphany/

Register for our LIVE Epiphanies Stories event on January 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM Central/8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeigrzkiGdxJno3YtXLa9ZbI0Qi4ToWl

Get your free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 18: St. John Neumann

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 04:18:49 +0000

The First U.S. Bishop Raised to Sainthood

St. John Neumann was the first U.S. bishop to be named a saint, who worked tirelessly in service to God and the Church. Listen as Jason Hayward, a professor of Nuclear Engineering, tells us more about this remarkable saint.

Today’s guest podcaster is Jason Hayward.

Jason became a Christ follower as a teenager in the early 90s and is a little different today compared to back then. He married his high school sweetheart and is a father of two young women. He's been an engineering professor for the last 15 years, and prior to that he spent 8 years as a Naval officer. He lives in East Tennessee, where he has been affiliated with a couple of jail ministries for the past 10 years. He's also a lover of biographies and the Bible.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-john-neumann/

Register for our LIVE Epiphanies Stories event on January 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM Central/8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeigrzkiGdxJno3YtXLa9ZbI0Qi4ToWl

Get your free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 17: St. Genevieve

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0000

The Saint Filled with the Signs of the Holy Spirit Working through Her

St. Genevieve, a consecrated virgin born in 422, lived a life of prayer and complete devotion to Our Lord, sharing His love with others. Alyssa Sanchez tells us about the life of this little saint who had the courage to say “yes” like our Blessed Mother.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love Contributor, Social Media Manager & Designer, Alyssa Sanchez.

Alyssa is young professional with a master’s degree in communications. She lives in sunny Florida, enjoys watching movies and binging tv shows, and hopes to one day produce films of her own in which to act. Creatively she enjoys writing in any medium, fashion and participating in cosplay. She loves to travel by plane, train, car, and especially cruises, and hopes to see the world. Caring, kind, and loving, she tends to see the good in all people. Alyssa’s calling is to make people smile through her creativity, sharing God’s message of love through how she lives. Her motto is a quote by Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-genevieve/

Register for our LIVE Epiphanies Stories event on January 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM Central/8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeigrzkiGdxJno3YtXLa9ZbI0Qi4ToWl

Get your Christmas free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 16: The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Celebrating God’s Perfect Instrument

We reflect on this Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. While Our Lady is known by many titles, as we kick off the new year honoring her as Mother of God, Curtis Stephan reflects on Mary as God’s instrument. By following her example, we have a place in this symphony, too.

Today’s guest podcaster is Curtis Stephan.

In less than 15 years, Curtis has risen from a promising young songwriter to one of the most productive forces in liturgical music today. A lifelong musician, he received his bachelor’s in music and his master’s in jazz studies from the University of North Texas. He is a parish music director, composer, concert and recording artist, and workshop clinician.

Since committing his life to serving the Gospel through music, Curtis has published five solo collections. His latest collection, Love Remains: Songs of Consolation, explores grief and finding Christ's peace after his father’s death. His Mass of Renewal is one of the most popular Mass settings in US parishes. Curtis recently collaborated with fellow composers on Our Common Home, a collection inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical.

Curtis travels the world presenting liturgical training and inspirational music, witnessing to all ages through workshops, retreats, missions, conferences, youth rallies and liturgies. Whether he is teaching the foundational elements of planning music for liturgy, the nuts and bolts of arranging and conducting or leading youth through the sacraments, he has the same goal: helping people connect with God and making disciples for Christ.

Curtis currently lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife and four kids. He is director of music and liturgy for St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell, a mega-parish with more than 30,000 attendees. You can follow Curtis on Facebook here.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god/

Register for our LIVE Epiphanies Stories event on January 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM Central/8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdeigrzkiGdxJno3YtXLa9ZbI0Qi4ToWl

Get your Christmas free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 15: The Feast of the Holy Innocents

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

The Littlest Saints

Mark Houck shares about the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the child victims of Herod’s wrath. But in the midst of this somber feast celebrated on December 28th, we find hope for ourselves and for the little ones we’ve lost.

Today’s guest podcaster is Mark Houck.

Mark is the Founder and President of The King’s Men, Inc. He is an author and internationally known motivational speaker who developed in 2004 a highly successful ministry to help others become better leaders, protectors, and providers. As a former All-American collegiate athlete and high school coach, Mark has drawn on his personal pursuit of excellence in sports to encourage and mentor thousands across North America and Europe. Through his seasoned life experience as a human resource manager, youth counselor, and high school teacher, Mark brings practical insight and wisdom to all his presentations. Mark is a husband and father of 7 children. He has a B.A. in Human Resource Management from Catholic University and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Holy Family University.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/the-holy-innocents/

Get your Christmas free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 14: St. John the Evangelist

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:30:00 +0000

The Beloved Disciple

Caitlyn shares how the beloved disciple reclined against Jesus’s Heart at the Last Supper, at the very hour when Christ instituted the Eucharist.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love Editor & Artist, Caitlyn Pszonka. Caitlyn is first and foremost a beloved daughter of God and uses her gifts as a co-creator for love of Him and His Body, the Church. With degrees in Creative Writing and Theology, she loves to get at deeper truths through telling stories in various forms, including novels, poems, plays, and songs. She shares her visual art, in addition to reflections on diving ever deeper in love with God, at Heart to Sacred Heart.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-john-the-evangelist/

Get your Christmas free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by: Catholic in Recovery serves individuals and families seeking freedom from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Connect with other Catholics to find hope, healing, and a renewal of God's Mercy today by visiting CatholicinRecovery.com.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 13: The Nativity of the Lord

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas, Slackers!

In this special Christmas episode, Tammi McCarthy shares about how God chose for Jesus to be born into the mess of a manager and reminds us that Jesus continues to come to us in our own mess.

Today’s podcaster is Speaker & Little With Great Love Contributor, Tammi McCarthy.

She has spent the past few years blogging about parenting, homeschooling, marriage, and family. As a 45-year-old homeschooling mom of five who has recently ventured back into the business world, she sprinkles humor and sarcasm into many of her Instagram posts and blogs. Tammi lives with her Irish husband of 20 years outside Philadelphia. Her blog is authentically Catholic as she strives to “fill the banquet table of the Lord.” Check it out at ChasingTimeandDrinkingWine.com

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/the-nativity-of-the-lord/

Get your Christmas free downloads + new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Euphrosyne Corner Solutions. Slackers, gift yourself with fresh ideas for your programs and ministries this holiday season! With 20+ years experience, Euphrosyne Corner Catholic Education Solutions combines quality educational research with authentic faith practice to transform your programming. Learn more at catholiceducationsolutions.com.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 12: Sts. Adam & Eve

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

The Unlikeliest of Saints

Adam and Eve? Saints? Weren’t they the greatest sinners? Yep. Their feast day is December 24th. In this episode, Ann Koshute tells us how our first parents, most famous for their sinful disobedience, help to reveal God’s merciful love.

Today’s guest podcaster is Ann M. Koshute, M.T.S. Ann holds a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. While studying at the JP II, Ann and her classmates founded Theophany Catholic Theatre Company to perform the plays and poetry of Karol Wojtyła /John Paul II, including at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. She has worked in ministry and education over the years and has been a columnist for The Eastern Catholic Life, the official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic since 2015. Ann is co-founder of Springs in the Desert, a Catholic infertility ministry dedicated to offering spiritual and emotional support and accompaniment to those couples bearing the cross of infertility and loss. To connect with Springs in the Desert, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Ann and her husband Keith enjoy family, friends, and football rivalries in Central Pennsylvania.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saints here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/adam-eve/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Legend Fiction the creative community for Catholic & Orthodox fiction authors. It's a home online to give and get feedback, share your works in progress, and double your writing output! Start your saga by visiting legendfiction.com

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 11: St. Peter Canisius

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:22:34 +0000

Energetic Pursuer of Christ

St. Peter Canisius was an energetic saint who dedicated his gifts to the service of the Church. Sophia Lebano tells us about this 19 year old university graduate from the 1500s.

Sophia Lebano is a senior business management major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is the co-host at Hear and Now Podcast and the founder of Sophia Lebano Creative, LLC. Her company, Sophia Lebano Creative, is a website design and online business management company for Catholic and Christian entrepreneurs.

She has lived with hearing loss since the age of 8, and received bilateral cochlear implants in 2016 & 2018. Since then, she’s started advocating for hearing loss awareness, as it’s a passion of hers to fight for what matters. Her faith has been super important to her, especially living with a diagnosis like hearing loss. After being raised as a cradle Catholic, she fell deeply in love with the faith in high school, and rediscovered that fire again in college.

In her spare time, you can find her working on her business, studying the latest social media trends, dancing, or organizing her outfits for the week. Come connect with her on Instagram @sophialebano.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-peter-canisius/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 10: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Mother to Refugees, Face of Christ

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was a missionary who served Italian immigrants in New York. While her example may seem distant to us, Jane Vaughan talks about her experience living in Europe while Ukrainian refugees arrived in busloads.

Jane is a lover of foreign places, accents, comfort foods, long travel, and a simple life. She enjoys following animals on social media and listening to spy or fantasy novels on long walks and long runs. She currently lives in Allen, Texas with her husband.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-francis-xavier-cabrini/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 9: St. John of the Cross

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 01:30:00 +0000

Faithful Friend in the Darkness

St. John of the Cross is known as a Doctor of the Church for his witness and work in teaching us how to pray. Naomi Broussard tells us how to embrace emptiness of all but Christ as St. John prayed, “Nothing, nothing, nothing.”

Naomi is a true Louisiana Cajun single consecrated woman living in the world but not of it. Naturally exuberant, full of life, and joyful, she has a deep love for Jesus as her spouse, striving to be a saint and encouraging others to do the same. A singer-songwriter, she can play any instrument by ear. But as a music minister serving the church for twenty-six years, she chooses guitar and piano as her main instruments to usher God's people in praising him in song. She also serves as the head of the St. Ignatius Catholic school choir. Calling herself a "Jill of all trades" since she's a woman, Naomi has been blessed with many gifts, such as singing, playing musical instruments, songwriting, poem writing, drawing, carpentry work, welding, and others. She uses all her gifts to give God glory and is passionate about proclaiming God's kingdom from the rooftops. Her Facebook page features many live-stream videos to help to lift the hearts of others in song and encouragement as we all move forward, keeping our eyes on the prize, which is Heaven. Her ministry is called The Visitation Pilgrimage since, like Mary, it brings Jesus to others so they can experience the exposing of God's love as Elizabeth and St. John the Baptist did. Through her ministry, Naomi provides music for weddings, funerals, conferences, retreats, and talks upon request. She will do what the Spirit says to do and holds all of God's people in her heart as she serves her King with great fervor.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-john-of-the-cross/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Catholic in Recovery serves individuals and families seeking freedom from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Connect with other Catholics to find hope, healing, and a renewal of God's Mercy today by visiting CatholicinRecovery.com.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 8: St. Lucy

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:50:01 +0000

Immersed in Joy

St. Lucy, a virgin and martyr of the late 200s, gave her entire self for love of Our Lord. Kelli Davis points to this young Bride of Christ as a model of Christian joy.

Kelli’s life changed when she met Jesus for the first time on an 8th grade retreat. Since that time, she has been on a faith adventure which seems to keep her and those around her on their toes. The Lord rescued Kelli from a disordered life of anxiety. Out of love, He has been reordering and restoring her life for more than a decade through a journey of healing, transformation, and empowerment. Now, she is doing her part to help others discover the joy in little things while overcoming life's challenges with Jesus by our side. Kelli is a wife who likes to keep her husband laughing. She has developed a deep appreciation for using the Word of God as our daily medicine, for learning how not to take ourselves too seriously, and for listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit for help in everyday circumstances. Through 25+ years of experience in her faith adventure, she communicates simple and practical ways for individuals to find hope, joy, and God's presence in everyday life.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-lucy/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 7: 3rd Sunday of Advent, Joy: St. Juan Diego

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Our Lady’s Messenger on Tepeyac

On this Gaudete Sunday, we learn about St. Juan Diego whose feast day we just celebrated on December 9th. Juan Diego initially felt unworthy of his call to tell his bishop of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tepeyac Hill. Citlalin reminds us that our calling is never a mistake.

Citlalin Ossio is an avid fantasy writer and reader, whose work is heavily inspired by her Catholic faith, her Mexican heritage, and Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda. Her fantasy short stories have been featured in various anthologies, and one, She Has No Voice, won second place in the Prose category for Rehumanize International’s 2021 Create | Encounter. She is a joyful single living in Texas with her family and enjoys creating art, playing video games, and watching anime and Korean dramas. When she’s not writing or spending time with her loved ones, she’s on Instagram, or dreaming about raising a panda army.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-juan-diego/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Saint of the Month subscription boxes. Each month offers a journey with one saint, containing weekly gifts that inspire you to do radical things like the saints. It's like Christmas every month! So go subscribe to saintofthemonth.com.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 6: The Immaculate Conception

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:30:00 +0000

A Mother Made To Love Us

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Heather Lebano shares some of the beautiful theology behind this feast, as well as a personal experience in which she encountered Our Lady not as distant and aloof, but as a tenderly loving mother.

Heather Lebano is a Catholic Convert who lives near the City of Brotherly Love with her husband, Jon, of 25 years, their four children, and two feisty dogs in their home rooted in faith and love.

She spends her days running her home, supporting and caring for her husband while guiding her high school girls with their home education and searching for truth, beauty, and goodness. She enjoys writing, creating, and sharing about her deep faith, the gift of raising her family, the vocation of marriage, and where she sees God moving in her life while lingering over a fresh cup of coffee.

Heather writes at HouseofLoveandLaughter.com and on Instagram @houseofloveandlaughterblog, where she weaves words, offers a soft place to land, reflects on finding hope and joy, loving others, laughing often, and seeing beauty while encouraging others to grow closer to God in this sometimes difficult journey called life.

More recently, she shares glimpses into finding joy and beauty in the surrender of embracing God’s will as she cares for Jon, who is living with aggressive brain cancer and healing from a stroke. Heather also shares tender thoughts on grief, loss, and reconciliation and podcasts with her oldest daughter, Sophia, on the Hear and Now Podcast, where they have genuine conversations and share stories about where they and their guests hear God’s voice in their lives.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/immaculate-conception/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Red Bird Ministries. Red Bird Ministries is a Catholic grief support ministry that serves ordinary families who have been given an extraordinary cross to carry called child loss. Use the promo code "PURCHASEWITHPURPOSE" to get 15% off of your order inside their benefit boutique at www.redbird.love

Special thanks to musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 5: St. Nicholas

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Myra’s Best-Known Bishop

Though he’s best known for traveling the whole world every Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas was actually a bishop beloved for his charity and fidelity to Christ. Christy Brown tells us why this saint is still much loved to this present day.

Christina Brown is a certified Catholic Life Coach and Catholic speaker. She also co-hosts the Thanks Mom Podcast with her eldest daughter Grace. She has been a guest on multiple podcasts including the Instagram Live show, Many Hail Marys at a Time, Treasures in Heaven, Made for Greatness, Empowered Modern Woman, as well as Say Yes to Holiness. She is a Life Coaching consultant for Made for Greatness and runs her own Life Coaching business. She has been married to Paul for 23 years, and they have raised 6 incredible children ranging from 22-4. She is passionate about living out her vocation and in doing so, is invigorated to help lead her family and others closer to Christ. She has gifts in speaking and communication and enjoys inspiring and connecting with others in building up the Kingdom of God. She would love to connect with you more about how she can support you in living out, with intention, the fullness of life that God desires for you.

Christina can be reached at www.christinambrown.com, @christina__m__brown on Instagram, as well as at https://www.facebook.com/christinambrowncoachandspeaker

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-nicholas/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

This podcast is sponsored by Saint of the Month subscription boxes. Their new Eye of the Needle card game features Saints you collect to complete your missions to win the game. Who said slackers can't have fun? Go buy it at www.saintofthemonth.com/shop. Use promo code SLACKERS to get 15% off your card game. Link to Eye of the Needle card game: https://www.saintofthemonth.com/shop/product/4720296116

Special thanks to musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 4: 2nd Sunday of Advent: John the Baptist, Model of Faith

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

The theme for this Second Sunday of Advent is faith. Sefanit discusses this faith as evidenced in the life and example of St. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of the Word.

Sefanit Stefanos is a seeker of Truth, wife, mom of three, favorite sister, and friend. Originally from Eritrea, born in Rome, and raised in Dallas, Texas, her upbringing in an Eritrean-American home shaped her worldview that she is part of a greater community. Her joy is being with family and friends, and she loves making people feel at home in her presence. Her calling in life is to introduce others to the generous love of God that she has experienced.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-john-the-baptist/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 3: St. Francis Xavier

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus, or as they’re commonly known today, the Jesuits. Susan Husband tells us more about this tenacious evangelist burning with the love of God.

Susan Husband is a farm wife and mother of seven adventurous sons. When she’s not cooking for the army or acting as resident medic, she enjoys reading, gardening, and running. She and her husband, Steve, enjoy sharing encouraging stories and positive tips on raising sons via their Testosterone Tuesday series on Instagram. Susan and her family reside in rural Kansas. Follow Susan on Instagram at: @solesearchingmamma

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-francis-xavier/

Get your Advent + Christmas free downloads, new Saints for Slackers swag, and Christmas cards here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 2: St. Andrew

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000

St. Andrew, the First Called, was the first of Jesus’s disciples. Saint of the Month’s Patrick Pulis talks about St. Andrew’s strength, and the courage it takes to answer God’s call.

Patrick Pulis is a lifelong Catholic who grew up in a rural area of Colorado where he was captivated by the stars of the night. As he grew in his faith he decided, after college, to join a religious lay movement to possibly become a priest. As he went to formation, he grew more in his faith than at any other time in his life. He was inspired by these men and women to be the best he can to help change the world for the better. After three years of many fruitful experiences, he decided to return home and follow God’s new path preparing someday to get married. Inspired by the saints and their lives, he decided to start a business to help people become little saints which became the Saint of the Month subscription box. Now married, his wife helps with Saint of the Month, and they have a daughter. He loves spending time with family and playing with his little girl.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-andrew/

www.saintofthemonth.com

IG: saint_of_the_month

Facebook: saintsubscriptionbox

Saint Andrew One Time box: saintofthemonth.com/shop/product/4771390375

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 1: 1st Sunday of Advent: Hope, and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne served the poor during the French Revolution before becoming a missionary to the United States. Bridget tells us about this strong-willed saint who left the comfort of wealth to live in a small room under a stairwell.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love contributor, Bridget Holtz. Bridget is a deep-thinking compassionate caregiver who serves as a pediatric nurse, cherished dog mom, world traveler, and lover of color and kindness. She has worked with the underserved, both here and abroad, throughout her life – standing with the impoverished in whatever ways they need. She currently lives in Austin, TX, with her dogs, Nigel & Callie. For more podcasts and blogs from Bridget, visit littlewithgreatlove.com.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-rose-philippine-duchesne/

This podcast is sponsored by Zelie Crafts. Visit this Catholic shop at zeliecraftsshop.com

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 0: INTRO TO ADVENT

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:35:06 +0000

Join podcast cohosts and siblings Lisa Martinez and Jeff Sanchez as they kick off Season 3 of Saints for Slackers, Advent Edition! The Advent season begins the Church’s new liturgical year, and is comprised of the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas.

We’ll introduce the weekly THEMES of Advent on Sundays, which may also relate to a saint or the saints whose feast days we’ll be celebrating that week. Then we’ll follow the liturgical calendar, celebrating the saints and feasts throughout the season all the way through to Epiphany!

Read more about today's podcast and cohosts here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/intro-to-advent

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 17: Season 2 Finale of Saints for Slackers

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:26:08 +0000

Catch the highlights on Season 2 with the podcast co-hosts and the brainchild of Saints for Slackers!

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/season-2-finale-of-saints-for-slackers/

Please support our sponsor, Pio Prints. Check out their original Feast Day plate! It makes a perfect gift for baptisms, baby showers, and confirmations! Join in on the fun and add feast day celebrations to your family traditions. Get your Feast Day plate now at pioprints.com.

PRE-ORDER YOUR ADVENT PACK HERE: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/advent-ebook-holy-family/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; Contributor Tammi McCarthy, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 16: Blessed Imelda Lambertini

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 01:52:36 +0000

Pure Love, Pure Joy

Blessed Imelda Lambertini is the patron saint of First Communicants for her example of joyful reception of the Blessed Sacrament. She reminds us that no matter our age, we are called to be witnesses to God’s love in joyful surrender.

Our editor, Caitlyn Pszonka, is back today to share our final saint of season 2 before this Thursday’s finale – which you don’t want to miss!

Caitlyn loves to get at deeper truths through telling stories in various forms, including novels, poems, plays, and songs. Visit hearttosacredheart.com to see her striking visual art plus reflections on diving ever deeper in love with God.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-imelda-lambertini/

PRE-ORDER YOUR ADVENT PACK HERE: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/advent-ebook-holy-family/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 15: St. Peter Yu Tae Chol

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:51:18 +0000

Young Martyr, Inspiring Faith

St. Peter Yu Tae Chol, a Korean martyr, was 13 years old when he was martyred for his faith during a time of severe persecution for Korean Catholics. This youth’s radical faith is an example of pure, selfless love of God.

We’re bringing our last but definitely not least guest podcaster of season 2 to you today. After Asian Hate crimes rose 76% in 2020 (according to the FBI), we felt called to feature at least 1 Asian saint by an Asian guest podcaster this season. You can imagine how thrilled we were when we got two! Today is the second of two religious sisters of Korean decent.

Sr. Clara Choi is a Korean-American sister. After graduating from college, she joined the Sisters of the Blessed Korean Martyrs (SBKM) in 2010, receiving her formation in Mexico. In 2020, she made her perpetual vows in Korea, and is part of the Quasi-Province of Americas that serves in Mexico, Peru, and USA.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-peter-yu-tae-chol/

PRE-ORDER YOUR ADVENT PACK HERE: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/advent-ebook-holy-family/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 14: St. Zita

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 01:35:22 +0000

A Saint for the Ordinary

St. Zita was born to a poor family who taught her the value of service to God and neighbor. Despite hardships, abuse, and misunderstandings, she remained steadfast in faith and prayer, committing all her work to God.

We’re back today with Little With Great Love contributor, Bridget Holtz.

Bridget is our resident caregiver serving as a pediatric nurse, cherished dog mom, world traveler, and lover of color and kindness. She has worked with the underserved, both here and abroad, throughout her life – standing with the impoverished in whatever ways they need. Check out her beautiful blogs and other podcasts from Seasons 1 + 2 at littlewithgreatlove.com.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-zita/

PRE-ORDER YOUR ADVENT PACK HERE: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/advent-ebook-holy-family/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 13: St. Andrew Kim

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:19 +0000

A Korean Witness to God’s Love

St. Andrew Kim was born in Korea, and left for seminary training before later returning to Korea to serve as a missionary, where he served generously and ultimately gave his life for the faith.

Today’s special guest podcaster checks off two firsts for our podcast – our first nun and Korean immigrant!

Born in Seoul, Korea, Sister Juana Teresa was baptized as Helen Chung. Even as a little child she knew that God had a unique and special plan for her life. Helen’s family immigrated to Paraguay, where she learned to speak Spanish, and later to Canada. After she received the sacrament of Confirmation and had a deep, personal encounter with God through the baptism in the Holy Spirit, Helen desired to respond to God’s great love discerning that she was called to be a religious Sister.

In October of 1992, she joined the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and received the name Sr. Juana Teresa. Becoming a Sister was a response of love, one that the Lord called her to, to learn to love. She is still learning that each day by following in the footsteps of Jesus amongst her community in Texas. Read more about Sr. Juana, with a link to her community, on our blog!

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-andrew-kim-dae-gun/

Red Bird Ministries is a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. They help ordinary families who have been given an extraordinary cross to carry, by systematically guiding them through the complexity and trauma that happens after suffering child loss.

Find their grief resources, including their Restoring Love 33-day consecration to the Holy Family for couples of loss, at redbird.love.

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

PRE-ORDER ADVENT PACK HERE: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/advent-ebook-holy-family/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 12: Bl. Margaret of Costello

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:55:40 +0000

Blind, Hunchback, Outcast, Miracle Worker

Blessed Margaret of Costello was born blind and lame and at an early age was rejected by her parents. Despite these early difficulties, Margaret prayed and performed miracles for all who sought her aid.

We’ve got another exceptional new guest contributor for you today.

Bryan Mercier is a Catholic speaker, retreat leader, YouTuber, author, and the president of Catholic Truth. He has been aired on national TV and radio including Ave Maria Radio, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Relevant Radio, and EWTN.

A professional apologist, Bryan has over 20 years of field experience teaching Catholics to discover, deepen, and defend their faith! He holds a master’s degree in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary and has written two books: Counterfeit Spirituality and Why Do You Believe In GOD? Check out his popular Catholic Truth YouTube channel.

Website: https://thecatholictruth.org/

YouTube: Catholic Truth

Podcast: Catholic Truth Podcast

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-margaret-of-costello/

This podcast is sponsored by: Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Find their grief resources, including Founder Kelly Breaux’s autobiography, Hiding In the Upper Room, online at redbird.love.

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 11: St. Catherine of Siena

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 01:30:00 +0000

Bold and Persistent in Christ

St. Catherine of Siena is known for her outspokenness and courage in the face of adversity. Recognized today as a Doctor of the Church, she shows us how holy perseverance can transform the world.

We’ve got the spiritual mom, contributor, and speaker of our team back for her round 2 of season 2 today.

Tammi McCarthy is a wife of 20 years, mom of 5, homeschooler, and blogger that lives outside of Philly. You’ll find a blending of humor, sarcasm, faith and family on her Instagram and blog, Chasing Time and Drinking Wine. She’s hilarious and faith-filled, so go follow her if you haven’t already!

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-catherine-of-siena/

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 10: St. Margaret of Antioch

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:00:00 +0000

Dragonslaying Wonder Woman

St. Margaret of Antioch is an inspiration for how to fight and win spiritual battles. She faced strong opposition and intense persecution, but she remained steadfast in her faith, continually saying “yes” to all that God asked of her.

Today, Little With Great Love contributor Danielle Knight is back! Danielle is a creative storyteller with a passion for sharing God’s relentless love with others. In case you missed her earlier episodes –you’ll love Episode #2 from this season, and Episodes 9 and 33 from Season 1. Plus, her original collection of beautiful stories at littlewithgreatlove.com.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-margaret-of-antioch/

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 9: St. Catherine of Alexandria

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:05 +0000

Virgin, Witness, Warrior

St. Catherine of Alexandria was martyred for her faith around the early 4th century. She debated pagan philosophers of her time, convinced many souls to convert to Christianity, and is revered both in the East and the West.

We have Little With Great Love’s NEW editor, Caitlyn Pszonka as our podcaster today!

Caitlyn is first and foremost a beloved daughter of God and uses her gifts as a co-creator for love of Him and His Body, the Church. With degrees in Creative Writing and Theology, she loves to get at deeper truths through telling stories in various forms, including novels, poems, plays, and songs. She shares her visual art, in addition to reflections on diving ever deeper in love with God, at Heart to Sacred Heart.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-catherine-of-alexandria/

This podcast is sponsored by: Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Find their grief resources, including their Restoring Love 33-day Consecration to the Holy Family for couples of loss, at redbird.love.

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 8: St. Francis of Assisi

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 23:03:01 +0000

Patron of Puppies and Peace

Francis of Assisi is best known for being patron saint of animals. In describing her personal relationship with this great saint, Alyssa takes us deeper into Francis’s recognition of the goodness, joy, and beauty in all of God’s creation.

We have Little With Great Love contributor Alyssa Sanchez back today.

Alyssa is not only one of our Co-host Jeff’s favorite podcasters, but she also is one of his favorite people. And that’s not just because she is his daughter. Among her various roles, she serves as our team’s Social Media Manager and the talented designer of most of the stylish apparel, gear, and free downloads in our online shop. But don’t take my word for it, go check out her handiwork for yourself!

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-francis-of-assisi/

This podcast is sponsored by: Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Find their grief resources, including their Restoring Love 33-day Consecration to the Holy Family for couples of loss, at redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 7: St. Bridget of Sweden

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 02:00:00 +0000

Swedish Royalty, Child of God

St. Bridget of Sweden was born into royalty, but gave it all away in order to live a life of service to the poor. She founded the Bridgettine order and fought for reform in the Church.

We've got another Little With Great Love contributor and Season 1 podcaster back to inspire you today.

Bridget Holtz is a deep-thinking, compassionate caregiver with a love for color, culture, travel, kindness, and the encouraging word. A pediatric nurse, she’s worked in a variety of settings - including with the underserved in the US and abroad. She carries a particular call to stand with the impoverished in whatever way they are affected. Bridget currently lives in Austin, TX with her dogs Nigel & Callie.

Read Bridget’s blog posts here.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-bridget-of-sweden/

This podcast is sponsored by: Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Find their grief resources, including their Restoring Love 33-day Consecration to the Holy Family for couples of loss, at redbird.love.

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 6: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 02:00:00 +0000

Walking With Those Who Wait

Elizabeth of the Trinity had to wait many years before she was able to live the vocation to which God was calling her. During her wait, she learned and shares with us a bridge between silent contemplation and the service of daily life.

Today, we have our next remarkable guest podcaster, Claire Dwyer.

Claire lives in Arizona with her husband and six children who range in age from 23 to 9. She works for the Avila Foundation and writes and speaks on topics such as authentic femininity, discernment of one’s personal vocation, and living fully the present moment.

At EventheSparrow.com she writes on everything from saints to the spiritual life to the sacramentality of the everyday. Earlier this year she published her first book, This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Her passion is to help fellow followers of Christ see the beauty and possibility of their interior lives and own their unrepeatable place in the Church.

**Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-elizabeth-of-the-trinity/

This podcast is sponsored by: Armadei.com. Use the promo code SLACKER15 for 15% off the purchase of any of Arma Dei’s Catholic books, Saints or Catechism Quizzing Cards and over 60 Catholic Craft Kits!

Check out our 3 collections of Saints for Slackers swag (hoodies, tees, mugs, stickers, totes, etc) at: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/shop/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 5: St. Josephine Bakhita

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:00:00 +0000

A Woman Who Fought for Freedom After Slavery

Many of us struggle to allow God’s light to penetrate our hearts. St. Josephine Bakhita, who was sold into slavery as a young child, can show us a model of openness to God’s love, joy, and the freedom He offers, even after great suffering and abuse.

Today’s podcaster is Tammi McCarthy, the first person to utter the words “saints for slackers.” She is back as our podcaster today!

A Little With Great Love contributor & speaker, Tammi has blogged for many years about parenting, homeschooling, marriage, and family on her blog, Chasing Time and Drinking Wine. A hilarious mom of five, she sprinkles humor and sarcasm into many of her Instagram posts and blogs. She lives with her Irish husband of 20 years and kids outside Philadelphia. Tammi recently shifted the focus of her blog to be authentically Catholic as she strives to “fill the banquet table of the Lord.”

Check out her blog, Chasing Time and Drinking Wine, here.

Read Tammi’s blog posts here.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-josephine-bakhita/

This podcast is sponsored by: Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family, Catholic grief support ministry serving individuals and couples who have experienced the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood. Find their grief resources, including their Restoring Love 33-day Consecration to the Holy Family for couples of loss, at redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 4: St. Mary Magdalene

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 02:35:00 +0000

St. Mary Magdalene, like all of us, knew what it was to struggle. Most well known for being the woman out of whom Jesus cast seven demons, we find in this woman a model for turning away from the Enemy, and turning toward Christ.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love contributor and speaker, Kelli Davis. Kelli has been on a faith adventure since her life changed when she met Jesus for the first time on an 8th grade retreat. God has been reordering and restoring Kelli’s life for more than a decade through a journey of healing, transformation, and empowerment. Now, she is doing her part to help others discover the joy in little things while overcoming life’s challenges with Jesus by our side. Kelli is a wife who likes to keep her husband laughing. Through 25+ years of experience in her faith adventure, she communicates simple and practical ways for individuals to find hope, joy, and God’s presence in everyday life.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-mary-magdalen/

This podcast is sponsored by: Armadei.com. Use the promo code SLACKER15 for 15% off the purchase of any of Arma Dei’s Catholic books, Saints or Catechism Quizzing Cards and over 60 Catholic Craft Kits!

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 3: St. John the Evangelist

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:51:47 +0000

St. John the Evangelist reminds us that each one of us is loved deeply by God. We can't change this love. We can't escape this love. But will we embrace it?

Today we have our first guest podcaster of Season 2, Patrick Sullivan. Also, our token Canadian of this season, as he and his wife, Kyla, reside in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, with their nine children.

A favorite, seasoned slacker, Patrick did a bang-up job on St. Patrick in episode 24 of Season 1. We also had deep to hysterical discussions with him during our Season 1 live wrap event, Glory Stories, which you can watch on Little With Great Love’s YouTube channel. We’re thrilled to have him back for round 2!

Patrick is the President of Evango, a Catholic Media Organization that seeks to build a culture of Catholic evangelization and missionary discipleship. A Catholic Speaker, he travels internationally for Catholic events, parenting conferences and to lead retreats and parish missions. Watch his groundbreaking Catholic Parenting program, “Me & My House,” on Shalom World TV and Formed.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-john-the-evangelist/

This podcast is sponsored by: Redbird.love.

Learn more about Evango + follow here:

Evango site: https://www.evango.net/

Parenting Site: https://www.meandmyhouse.net/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/evango.net

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/catholicministrytv

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Ep 2: St. Mark Ji Tiangjing

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 02:00:00 +0000

St. Mark Ji Tiangjing's life is one where we can see that God is not limited by our imperfections. When we sin and find it difficult to stop sinning, God can still work with and in our lives, as long as we keep trying, as long as we keep telling God, "Please help."

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love contributor, Danielle Knight, an adventurer, creative, and storyteller. After quitting her seven-year trek in sales and marketing at a commercial real estate firm, she enjoyed a sabbatical of adventure, prayer, and reflection. She is now excited about a new life chapter and job! Danielle wants to share the mysterious and relentless love of God with others. You can find her enjoying the outdoors, cuddling her puppy, or spinning amidst a salsa dance move in Houston, TX.

Read Danielle’s blog posts here.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-mark-ji-tiangjing/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 1: St. Anthony of Padua

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 02:00:00 +0000

St. Anthony of Padua is often called upon for help in finding lost items, and he responds with hilarious timing. As we dig into understanding this great saint, we find in him a wise companion and a friend to accompany us as we journey toward heaven.

Today’s podcaster is Little With Great Love Contributor, Social Media Manager & Designer, Alyssa Sanchez. Since we finished Season 1, Alyssa completed her graduate studies and received her master’s in communications. She is pursuing her creative endeavors remotely in sunny South Florida. A world traveler, she can’t wait until her next trip. Alyssa desires to make people smile through her creativity and sharing God’s message of love through how she lives.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-anthony-of-padua/

This podcast is sponsored by: https://www.redbird.love/

Special thanks to slacker co-host, Jeff Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 0, Season 2: START HERE

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 01:43:14 +0000

We're BACK!!! Podcast co-hosts, Lisa Martinez and Jeff Sanchez are here to launch the back-by-popular-demand Saints for Slackers Season 2!!

These siblings keep us inspired and laughing as they share what you can expect this season. Check out what's new, what's back, and when and where to listen to another fun and faith-filled season of a journey with the saints for us slackers.

Read today’s reflection and find out more about today's featured podcaster here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/season-2-episode-0-welcome-back-to-saints-for-slackers/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com

Special thanks to slacker, co-host, Jeff Sanchez, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 40: Easter Sunday - Glory Stories

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 05:54:25 +0000

In this final episode of Season 1 of Saints for Slackers, Lisa and Tammi review the reasons for creating this podcast. They discuss how there is a universal call to holiness that God gives us. Recapping some of their favorite saints, Lisa even introduces a new venerable who lived for the Easter Vigil. Lisa and Tammi dive into topics like woundedness, resurrection, the Ascension, the power of the Holy Spirit, and MORE. So settle in and GLORY with these spiritual sisters.

Our podcasters today are Lisa Martinez, Founder of Little With Great Love, and Tammi McCarthy, Spiritual Mom, Contributor and Speaker.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/glory-stories/

OTHER LINKS:

Register for our LIVE Crowdcast Glory Stories event on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM Central here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/glory-stories-sharing

Danielle Rose "The Saint That Is Just Me" song: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-saint-that-is-just-me-single/404373231

Fr. Mark-Mary video on How to Find Healing Together: https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/how-to-find-healing-together/

John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, FL: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Danielle Knight, Tammi McCarthy & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 39: Holy Saturday Divine Mercy Reflection

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 02:34:20 +0000

Yesterday (Good Friday), we started a powerful novena based on the Devotion to Divine Mercy that St. Faustina received from Our Lord. Our teammate Michelle Hillaert first brought us a beautiful reflection on St. Faustina in Episode 6.

In honor of the Divine Mercy novena and in anticipation of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 11^th, the week after Easter Sunday, we’re sharing this bonus podcast on Faustina and Divine Mercy by a special young guest. Since our podcast, season 1, ends tomorrow on Easter —- we’re sharing this with you now.

Here is a link to the Divine Mercy Novena that started yesterday (Good Friday) for you to pray and follow along daily at: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-13366

But you can easily do the novena prayers daily through Little With Great Love’s Facebook and Instagram stories. So, if you’re not following us there, go do that, and you can say the prayers with us each day through our stories found on those social media platforms.

Our guest podcaster today is Lauren Catherine. Lauren is the 19-year-old daughter of our Red Bird Ministries teammate, Shelley Gallet. Her sister, Caroline, was our guest podcaster on Episode 31. Lauren was named after St. Catherine Laboure’s Miraculous Medal. She has a devotion to St. Faustina, who was one of her Confirmation saints.

Lauren attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she majors in Kinesiology. She is a KD Lady or member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. From her desire to help, heal and give people hope, she wants to be a Physical Therapist. Lauren sees the needs of others and quickly and selflessly responds.

She enjoys such things as running, shopping, photography, fishing with her dad, and going to the beach and Disney. With a great eye for fashion, she also likes shopping but loves buying little gifts for others just to see them smile. Remember that 80’s movie “Adventures in Babysitting”? Well, she adores children and earns money babysitting just like Chris Parker, but minus all that crazy stuff.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/holy-saturday-divine-mercy

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; guest podcaster Lauren Catherine; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 38: Good Friday Meditation

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 04:18:16 +0000

“Why? Why me, Lord? Why die for me?"

Enter into Good Friday with today's short but powerful meditation in Episode 39. ✝️

Grab your FREE download of the poem "In His Eyes" recited by author, Tammi McCarthy here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/product/good-friday-meditation-download/

Read today’s reflection and find out more about today's featured podcaster here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/good-friday-meditation/

Here is a link to the Divine Mercy Novena that starts today (Good Friday) for you to pray and follow along daily at: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-13366

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Danielle Knight, Tammi McCarthy & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 37: St. John Paul the Great

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 04:10:14 +0000

St. John Paul the Great, our beloved Pope, taught us how to find our identity in God. He inspired so many young people during his life, constantly reminding them to find their worth in Christ instead of any false ideas of the world. Our worth can only be found in the sum of God's love for us. His legacy is one of great inspiration and a call to heroically live out the Christian call.

Our guest podcaster today is Rev. Fr. Charles Canoy. He is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Lansing in Michigan. “Father Chas,” as he is more commonly called, grew up in Columbia, Missouri. He graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 1994. He then worked for a few years as a business planning associate for General Mills and then as a regional director for Legatus, an organization of Catholic business leaders.

Before entering seminary, Fr. Canoy studied two years at Franciscan University in Ohio and a year in Rome. A transformative 30-day Ignatian retreat during the Lent of 2001 prompted him to pursue the diocesan priesthood and enter Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where he earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.), graduating summa cum laude in 2005.

On June 11, 2005, Fr. Canoy was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He served for five years at two parishes, St. Thomas the Apostle in downtown Ann Arbor and St. Andrew the Apostle in Saline, Michigan. In 2010, he then served on the faculty of the same seminary from which he graduated, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, for four years while completing his S.T.L. degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas with a specialty in the New Evangelization in 2014. Fr. Chas been serving as the pastor at St. John the Evangelist in Jackson, Michigan ever since.

Fr. Chas still enjoys his childhood sport of golf, but now with a glass of bourbon on the rocks afterward.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-john-paul-the-great/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; guest podcaster Fr. Chas; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 36: Blessed Carlo Acutis

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 03:00:05 +0000

Blessed Carlo Acutis shows us how our differences are what make us unique in God’s eyes. Carlo was considered to be a technological genius by all who knew him. Check out this website he created to document and catalog all of the Eucharistic miracles. He is on the path to becoming the first millennial saint.

Our guest podcaster today is Shayla McCarthy. Shayla is the oldest daughter of Little With Great Love contributor, Tammi McCarthy. At sixteen years old, she exhibits a maturity that few at her age possess. She has been homeschooling all her life and enjoys singing and playing piano. As a dancer, she loves to perform onstage whether it’s tap, hip hop, jazz or ballet. She has a special devotion to St Maria Goretti and spends any free time with close friends.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-carlo-acutis/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; guest podcaster Shayla McCarthy; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 35: Blessed Chiara Badano

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 02:44:57 +0000

Blessed Chiara Badano poured out the love of God into a rich and generous life. Chiara Badano was a beautiful young woman who yearned to be the love of God to others. Her love knew no limits as she said "yes" to Jesus in everything, even to the point of suffering and death at an early age. She lived her best life with Jesus at her side.

Our podcaster today is Liz Artymko. Liz is a young woman who works as a Young Adult Coordinator for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, The Redemptorists. She has been working in ministry for 4 years and has spent a year after high school volunteering her time to a 'live-in' community in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital in Canada, serving and ministering to the "most poor and abandoned." She now lives with her two cats, Miss Chew and Adonis.

Liz loves to express herself through dance, photography, and digital art. Her most recent adventure is to start a business with her digital art! Making art for others and of the saints has helped to pass the time during the lockdowns in Canada and to bring joy to the little moments of her day.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-chiara-badano/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; guest podcaster Liz Artymko; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 34: St. Josemaría Escríva

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 01:45:18 +0000

St. Josemaría Escríva believed that every interaction. Every movement or action, when done out of love, can have a large impact on us and on those around us. Canonized by St. John Paul II, this Spanish priest organized a group of laypeople and priests whose teachings were centered on the belief that everyone is called to holiness by God. See how today’s founding member of Little with Great Love relates this saint back to our identity and mission.

We’re bringing back a Little With Great Love podcaster today, Tammi McCarthy, Our Spiritual Mom, Speaker & Contributor.

If you’re late to the Slacker party, take a few and also go catch Tammi’s St. John Vianney podcast in episode 7. As a spirit-filled speaker and blogger, Tammi will make it well worth your time.

Today Tammi brings things close to home with her reflection on St. Josemaría Escríva. She relates this holy priest’s teaching not only to your daily life but to the heart of the mission of Little With Great Love’s restoration ministry.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-josemaria-escriva/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Tammi McCarthy, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 33: St. Augusta of Treviso

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 01:45:00 +0000

St. Augusta of Treviso was a virgin, martyr, and hardcore servant of Christ. She defied her father by converting to Christianity and refusing to renounce Christ. She lived out the consequences of torture and death. St. Augusta was a special young woman who reminds us that Jesus is worth all the suffering we say yes to.

We’re bringing back a Little With Great Love podcaster today, Danielle Knight, our Chief Storyteller & Contributor.

Danielle did a bang-up job with her Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati podcast in episode 9. If you caught it, you were blessed to learn about both Danielle and Pier. Or were you slacking back then? If so, it’s not too late to go back and catch up on your podcasts now.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-augusta-of-treviso/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 32: Blessed Conchita

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 01:37:19 +0000

Blessed Conchita sets the bar high for all of us. As a widow with six children, she managed to be a mother, a leader in religious communities, and a faithful servant of Christ in all that He asked her. Blessed Conchita, like our podcaster Pam, suffered with child loss. She did so very courageously by uniting her suffering with the Cross. Pam has a deep love for Christ crucified and encourages other families of loss to do the same.

Our podcaster today is Pam Stanford, Red Bird Ministries’ spiritual mother. Pam and her husband Tommy have been married for 31 years. Together they have 8 children, 5 on earth, and 3 little saints in heaven. And adding to the Stanford bunch 2 little grandsons, Nathan and Issac, and 2 more little ones are expected to hatch in April.

Pam has a degree in architecture and works with her husband as a design build team as general contractors for over 20 years. She has been serving the Church in the Cursillo movement for 14 years as a professor helping bringing souls back to Christ.

She also has been teaching high school religion and preparing students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation for the last 9 years in her local parish of St. Leo the Great in Leonville, LA.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-conchita/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Guest podcaster Pam Stanford; teammates Kelly Breaux, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 31: Blessed Chiara Corbella Petrillo

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:38:34 +0000

Blessed Chiara was a modern-day mother who sacrificed her life for her child. Blessed Chiara Corbella Petrillo lost two of her children right after birth and during her third pregnancy, she had to make a difficult choice - receive cancer treatment that could negatively impact the baby in her womb, or deny treatment and embrace the likelihood of death. She was a woman who overcame many of life's sufferings with the hope and joy of God.

Our guest podcaster today is Caroline Gallet. Caroline is a sweet girl with a heart of gold at only 13 years old. Here are a few fun facts about this blue-eyed beauty. Her 14th birthday is on Easter Sunday this year. She was born in 2007 the year of Grace. She lives in the Lafayette, Louisiana area with her parents and sister Lauren. She has a sweet connection with her two siblings in heaven as her parents rainbow baby.

She wants to be a pediatric nurse because she wants to help kids who are suffering. Loves to shop (a little too much but usually for others instead of herself). Loves fresh flowers / fresh floral arrangements, the beach, and Disney. She is a good friend and always sees the good in others. She is compassionate and forgiving, faith-filled, prayerful, and very helpful.

Her favorite pastime is hanging with dad shooting guns, fishing, drinking sweet tea, cheering, and dancing. This southern belle isn’t afraid to put on her hunting clothes to shoot coyotes in the backyard with her dad.

This beautiful girl, both inside and out, shares a deep connection with Blessed Chiara.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-chiara-corbella-petrillo/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Guest podcaster Caroline Gallet; teammates Kelly Breaux, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 30: St. Bernadette

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 02:42:22 +0000

St. Bernadette was the humble saint of Lourdes who loved to unite with Christ's suffering. She was called to reveal the Immaculate Conception by Mary. After, she lived a hidden life in a convent, where she practiced simplicity and uniting her sufferings with those of Christ. She reminds us that whenever we’re in need, turn to our "mama" in heaven and rest in her arms peacefully.

Our podcaster today is Michelle Hillaert. Michelle was the slacker, a.k.a. saint-in-training, who brought us the legendary St. Faustina in Episode 6. So, if you missed that, including her proper introduction by my sister, Lisa, then get your boot in a scoot and catch up on your podcasts, Slacker!

And while you’re at it, go follow Michelle and Trent Hillaert’s podcast, Catholic Family Uncorked, also on Spotify. Plus, more beautiful saints and inspiration through Michelle’s new outreach at Woman Genius on Facebook and Instagram.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-bernadette/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Teammate/podcaster Michelle Hillaert; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 29: St. Ignatius of Loyola

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 02:41:25 +0000

St. Ignatius of Loyola reminds us of the call to live our faith amidst life's struggles. Julie’s reflection today on St. Ignatius reminds us of the desire to live out what God calls us to—total dependence on Him and appreciating the true gift of our faith. A gift that means we are never alone. St. Ignatius and Julie both remind us that our growth in faith, hope, and love are part of our daily journey through life.

Our guest podcaster today is Julie Mouton. Julie is a social worker who has a passion for helping others. She appreciates faith, family, friends, and the simple pleasures in life. Julie has two dogs – aka ”double trouble”— that she calls the woof pack. She is grateful for everything that she has, and the one thing that she does count is the many blessings God has granted her.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-ignatius-of-loyola/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Guest podcaster Julie Mouton; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 28: St. Catherine Laboure

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 02:47:52 +0000

St. Catherine Laboure had a special mission from Mary. Mary appeared to this young woman, charging her with the special missions of spreading devotion to the Immaculate Conception and wearing the Miraculous Medal. Although St. Catherine was chosen for this mission, she humbly kept it a secret until her last moments on earth.

Our guest podcaster today is Caroline Kennedy. Caroline is a 16-year-old junior at Kingwood High School. She is a varsity player for her high school volleyball and basketball team and an active member of the Health Occupational Students of America and National Honor Society.

Outside of her high school commitments, Caroline loves being involved as a discipleship team leader for St Martha Catholic Church. As a discipleship team member, Caroline helps guide small group discussions for teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Caroline first began volunteering for her church as one of the lead technology individuals that manage the PowerPoint slides for the Lifeteen Mass and music ministry. She has attended several Archdiocese Youth Conferences in Houston and volunteered at the SHINE (Serving Him In the Needy and Elderly) high school camp in McAllen, TX for two different summers.

Throughout her middle and high school career, Christian music has always woken her love of Christ. One of her first Christian concerts was a variety of artists including Toby Mac, Matt Maher, MercyMe, Hillsong UNITED, and for King & Country.

Caroline has a strong devotion to Our Lady and recently counted over 20 rosaries that she has been given as gifts or received while attending conferences. One of these days she hopes to learn to make rosaries as a reflective prayer and relaxing hobby.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-catherine-laboure/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Guest podcaster Caroline Kennedy; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 27: St. Christopher

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:06:10 +0000

St. Christopher was an early Christian committed to following Christ to the end. We can all relate to St. Christopher's thirst for more, to find our ultimate meaning and purpose in life. He eventually found it in Christ, and He served His king to the end, and to the point of death! Legend tells us this saint carried the child Jesus across a raging river!

Our guest podcaster today is Charlie Jardine. Charlie is currently a Senior at St. Thomas High School looking to study Philosophy and Theology at Franciscan University. He is the captain of the St Thomas’ Rugby Team and a member of the school’s Pro-Life club. Charlie is also heavily involved in St. Martha’s Parish youth group, being both of the high school and middle school ministry teams. He also runs his own Podcast A Catholic Guy’s thoughts where he talks about his faith experience and gives a catholic youth perspective on the world!

Charlie has lived overseas in Nigeria and Angola for four years of his life and experienced backlash and oppression for his faith in a predominantly atheist community. And although he was not perfect in persevering through these trials, he soon found an intimate relationship with God and has never turned back since.

Charlie is very passionate about sports, cooking, and God! At most all times you can find him doing one of the three either watching or playing sports, cooking or learning to cook something, or growing deeper in his faith.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-christopher/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Guest podcaster Chris Jardine; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 26: St. Joseph

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 02:00:00 +0000

St. Joseph, the Foster-father of Jesus, Dedicated Spouse to Mary, and Patron of the Universal Church. Meet the man chosen to father, protect, teach and love the Messiah of the world. Marty Hebert shares with us just how special this powerful man is, the saint chosen to care for the Infant Jesus and His Holy Mother. And St. Joseph's work is not done! He eagerly awaits us to ask Him for His help and protection for all of our needs.

Our guest podcaster today is Marty Hebert. Marty is the happily married husband of Ann, and they have four wonderful children. They reside in Abbeville, Louisiana, and are parishioners at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.

He is the Director of Marketing and Development for Magnificat Travel, where they are all about "Taking Pilgrims to Holy Places"! Marty is also involved in athletics management at John Paul the Great Academy and serves on the board of the Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana athletic league. He enjoys traveling on pilgrimage, reading about the saints, fishing, and sports.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-joseph/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; Marty Hebert; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 25: St. Edith Stein

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:53:31 +0000

St. Edith Stein was a saint who inspires our courage amidst life's most difficult moments.

Learn how after giving up her faith, this remarkable woman made her way back to God, a convent, and martyrdom at the hand of the Nazis. Listen as John shares about the miraculous journey of St. Edith Stein — from Jewish roots to no faith in God at all, she finds her way to Catholicism, religious life and ultimately sacrificing her life for her commitment to God.

Our guest podcaster today is John Brahier. John teaches high school math and theology and enjoys engaging students in dialogue about their faith to introduce them to the richness of the Catholic Church. He is married to Annie and has a one-year-old son named Stephen. John created his own Apple podcast, “The Lamb and the Scroll,” for parents of his students so that they could follow along with what they’re learning in class. They are short and power-packed with inspiration as well – so go give those a listen.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-edith-stein/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 24: St. Patrick

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:36:03 +0000

St. Patrick is the saint we think we know for the Irish, beer, and four-leaf clovers—who many of us don’t really know at all. Patrick was an unlearned, kidnapped, and unreligious man who overcame the odds and achieved great things for Christ. First off, St. Patrick wasn't even Irish! He was kidnapped by Irish raiders in Britain. But St. Patrick didn't allow this setback, along with his lack of education or religious upbringing, to stop him from doing what God called him to do.

Our guest podcaster today is Patrick Sullivan. Patrick Sullivan is a Catholic Speaker and the President of Evango, a Catholic Media Organization that seeks to build a culture of Catholic evangelization and missionary discipleship. Patrick travels internationally to speak at Catholic events, parenting conferences, and to lead retreats and parish renewal missions. His new groundbreaking Catholic Parenting program, “Me & My House” has been streamed on Shalom World Tv, and is available on Formed. Patrick draws on his rich educational experience as well as his work in Catholic catechesis and evangelization to inspire the faithful in all walks of life to know, to love, and to live their Catholic faith. Patrick lives in beautiful Barry’s Bay, Ontario with his loving wife, Kyla, and their nine children.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-patrick/

Learn more about Evango + follow here:

Evango site: https://www.evango.net/

Parenting Site: https://www.meandmyhouse.net/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/evango.net

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/catholicministrytv

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 23: St. Lawrence

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 03:55:13 +0000

St. Lawrence was infamous as a radical follower of Christ...to the point where he eagerly awaited his martyrdom of being cooked on a grill, which he was sentenced to by the Roman Emperor Valerian in 2nd century Rome. Lawrence is a saint who puts us all to the test with his ability to suffer radically for Jesus - to the point of a slow and tortuous death.

He's been called the "Ragin' Cajun I.T Guru from down on the Bayou.” Ben Boudreaux has been married to his sweetheart Joy (who you heard talking about St. Veronica earlier) for almost 26 years. His varied 27-year career in computers has taken him from banks to business computer agencies to travel agencies, insurance companies, construction companies, and even a few Fortune 500 companies, but his primary and favorite vocation is that of husband and "daddy-man", as his kids call him. He enjoys video games, wood-burning crafts, and being outdoors working on small construction projects. He also gets a kick out of the shocked look on most people's faces when they learn that he and his wife are parents to fifteen kids! He's quick with a dad-joke and on most weekends, can be found working his magic on a bbq pit or on a giant pot of chicken and pork jambalaya. Without any more ado, here is Red Bird Ministries' very own... Ben Boudreaux.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-lawrence/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Ben Boudreaux, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 22: St. Hildegard

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:50:55 +0000

St. Hildegard was a true renaissance woman who enjoyed the fruits of a rich life in God, the creative arts, science and more. If you're looking for a saint to crush on—St. Hildegard is an easy one! While this woman encountered a desire to enter religious life at 15 years old, she pursued a full life inside and outside of the convent. She had visions, wrote music and poetry, and treatises on medicine and natural history, she loved baking, traveled and evangelized, AND - she is one of the only FOUR female doctors of the Catholic Church! She was a saint whose rich life helped her better fathom the mysterious relationship between God and humanity.

Emma Pourciau is a dynamic teen allowing the Lord to take the lead in her life. She is passionate about empowering young women to embrace their feminine genius role through truth, dignity and purity.

Emma is a Breaux Bridge native, attends John Paul the Great Academy, and is a Red Bird Ministries team member. In her free time, she can be found serving her church parish, leading a girls group in her school community and actively participating in her local St. Martin Parish 4-H Junior Leader Club. Emma has a love for dance, good food, good conversation and seeks all things true and just in the eyes of God. Emma desires to pursue a career in journalism or medical research.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-hildegard/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Emma, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; Karla Alfaro, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 21: St. Joseph of Cupertino

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 04:42:20 +0000

St. Joseph of Cupertino was a simple, holy, and greatly misunderstood friar. A man who encountered rejection, accusation, and skepticism from his peers—he reached the heights of holiness and union with God, as manifested in frequent ecstasies and even levitating in prayer and at Mass. A holy man, St. Joseph of Cupertino was misjudged by others but elevated to great heights by God.

Bridget Holtz is a deep-thinking compassionate caregiver with a love for color, culture, travel, kindness, and the encouraging word. She has been called to seek out and serve the lost, vulnerable, broken, and oppressed. A pediatric nurse, she’s worked in numerous inpatient and outpatient settings, and with the underserved domestically and internationally, and carries a particular call to stand with the impoverished in all capacities. Bridget currently lives in Austin, TX with her dogs, Nigel and Callie.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-joseph-of-cupertino/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Bridget Holtz, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 20: St. Joan of Arc

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:51:25 +0000

St. Joan of Arc KNEW, without a doubt and despite opposition and persecution, that God had called her to a special mission: to save the Catholic King and the Catholic Church in France - and ultimately to save souls for Christ. She was the heroic, warrior saint who shows us how to enter the battlefield for God!

Moira of Modern Catholic Mom is a Midwest girl — though she lived for a short while in the South, and absolutely loved it — she still misses those winters!

She met her husband, John, while filming a chastity video in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Clearly, they are big fans of irony. The rest, as they say, is history.

Marriage and kids has been the best — and most unexpected — adventure of her life! She and John have six kids, work together in a family business and are are in various stages of homeschooling their kids. So far, so good.

In her “free time” a.k.a. “when she should be doing something else” she loves writing about faith, family, friends, travel — and everything in between — over at ModernCatholicMom.com.

A few random things about her: she used to travel the country and give chastity talks, once testified before Congress on the issue of abstinence education, was kissed on the forehead by St. John Paul II, and Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables helped her learn to love her red hair at a time in her life when she absolutely hated it.

Her biggest surprise in life has been finding so much happiness in the craziness of the life of a wife and mother. She wouldn’t change it for anything!

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-joan-of-arc/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 19: St. Maximilian Kolbe

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:06:04 +0000

St. Maximilian Kolbe is the saint who gave up his life to save a fellow Auschwitz prisoner. He loved to remind us that truth is not relative, but a fundamental creation of God. St. Maximilian challenges us to overcome the obstacles of life by growing in our faith and staying close to the sacraments to gain strength - so that we might become one with Truth, the Truth that is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Jeremy Lustig has been a member of the Troops of Saint George since its launch. He served as the original chartering Captain of his parish troop, and then appointed to the National Board of the Troops of Saint George. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Board and as the Director of the National Executive team.

Jeremy was raised participating in scouting organizations as a child and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and is an avid hunter and fisherman still today.

A graduate of Baylor University, Dr. Lustig continued his education by earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree and a Masters degree in orthodontics and oral biology. Currently, he is in private practice in the north Fort Worth area.

Jeremy converted to Catholicism in 2005 and is on fire for his faith. He serves as the chairmen of the pastoral advisory council, is a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus, and participates in many other parish organizations. Most importantly, he is honored to serve as an Acolyte during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Jeremy has been married to his beautiful wife Kerry since 1997, and they are blessed to have five children; Madison, Savannah, Nicholas, Isaac and Gracie Ann (who passed away at the age of two in February of 2018).

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/saint-maximilian-kolbe/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 18: St. Pope John Paul II, Strong Families Create Saints

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 03:34:03 +0000

St. Pope John Paul II was the pope who urgently taught us to fight for the family. We learn to live out our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God in the family. Of the many wonderful treasures offered to us from this incredible pope and saint, his advocacy for the family is second to none. His teachings echo in our hearts that strong families make strong nations, and strong nations produce saints.

Patrick Novecosky is one of America’s most accomplished Catholic communicators. He’s the author of 100 WAYS JOHN PAUL II CHANGED THE WORLD and has won more than two dozen awards from the Catholic Press Association. He has edited and written for some of America’s top publications and has been published in five languages. Patrick serves as the Executive Director of the Warrenton Pregnancy Center in Warrenton, Virginia. He’s the founder of NovaMedia, a public relations firm specializing in the Catholic space. He previously served as Legatus Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief for 12 years. He’s traveled to 26 countries, met Pope St. John Paul II five times, and made Pope Francis laugh out loud, but most importantly, he is a husband and father of five beautiful children.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-pope-john-paul-ii-strong-families-create-saints/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; teammates Michelle Hillaert, Danielle Knight & Alyssa Sanchez; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 17: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:13:47 +0000

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton suffered the loss of loved ones throughout her life, which left her feeling empty and in search for more. She eventually found all she was looking for, and so much more, in finding her home in the Catholic Church and in the arms of Mary, the Mother of God. This saint teaches us to find all we could ever want and need in God Our Father and Mary Our Mother.

Fr. Joe O’Connor serves as the Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Syracuse and Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Baldwinsville, New York.

Here’s a little backstory on the good Padre: Before Fr. Joe became a priest, a few of our teammates came to know him through our alma mater, the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He’s been friends with our Founder, Lisa Martinez, since Freshman orientation weekend, presided at her and Mike’s wedding a decade ago, and now serves as the Spiritual Father of Little With Great Love. Fr. Joe has also been bosom buddies with Tammi McCarthy, our team’s Spiritual Mother – so that makes them Mom and Dad, spiritually speaking – which is very accurate since they nurture a lot of spiritual children.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-elizabeth-ann-seton/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 16: St. Benedict

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:00:16 +0000

St. Benedict teaches monks, and us, how to live a Christ-centered & Christ-ordered life. St. Benedict began a deep walk with the Lord as a hermit, living in solitude for three years. He then started opening monasteries, and developing principles to structure a monk's daily way of life, which we know of today as "The Benedictine Rule."

This saint taught monks how to be monks. The quote “ora et labora” is Latin for pray and work.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Brian Squibbs. Brian has been a member of the Troops of Saint George since its inception the summer of 2013. Volunteering in capacities such as Patrol 2nd Lieutenant, Communications Officer and Co-Recruiting Chair at the local troop level, Brian joined the National Executive Team March of 2015. In striving to become a better Catholic male in society each and every day, the Troops of Saint George has allowed for Brian and his sons to grow in virtue, their love for Christ and the Church He founded in an outdoors organization faithful to the catechism and magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Brian has over 20 years experience in sales and recruitment and he enjoys a good old-fashioned conversation. He holds a Bachelors in Business Administration degree in Marketing from Youngstown State University. Brian was blessed to have wonderful spiritual influence and guidance from several strong priests and nuns throughout his altar service and schooling at St. Patrick’s Parish and Catholic School in Hubbard, Ohio and then at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio before moving to Texas.

Brian is a former Marine and garnered many strengths that are now used in his daily life. He married his wife, Lisa, in 1999 and they reside in North-central Texas with their three sons, Alex, Luke and Sean, and daughter, Maria. He and his family are faithful parishioners of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, Texas.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: xxx

Learn more + follow the Troops of St. George here:

https://troopsofsaintgeorge.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TroopsofSaintGeorge/

https://twitter.com/troopsstgeorge

https://www.instagram.com/troopsofsaintgeorge/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TSGHQ

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 15: St. Veronica

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 04:43:11 +0000

St. Veronica knelt down, wiped a suffering face with love and compassion, and became a saint! The example of St. Veronica teaches us that loving our neighbors well is a ticket to sainthood. When we can see the face of Jesus in those around us and love them, we are not far from the love St. Veronica showed Jesus in wiping His face. The love we put into small gestures and acts of service holds a power that can make us holy.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Joy Boudreaux. Joy and her husband, Ben, were both born and raised in the small rural village of Parks, Louisiana. They both graduated from Breaux Bridge High School, where she helped him pass English IV and he helped her pass Advanced Math. It was a good match! Ben graduated from USL in May 1995 (no typo) and the high school sweethearts married just one week later. Joy continued on at USL as an English secondary education major, until early 1996 to when they learned their first child was on his way.

Ben and Joy continue to raise their family in Cecilia, Louisiana where they’ve lived since 2008. Ben has worked in the IT field for 25 years now. His IT work led him to Brown and Brown Insurance Agency over a decade ago where he continues to work as an Enterprise Engineer. Joy was able to put her educational experience to good use by homeschooling their kids for the past 13 years.

They now have 15 children: Anthony - 23; Thomas - 20; Samuel - 18; MaryJoe - 17 (lost to miscarriage in 2002); Grace - 16; Teresa - 14; Charlie - 13; Henry - 12 (lost to miscarriage in 2007); their ‘big twins,’ Max & Simon - 11; their ‘little twins,’ Eric & Adam - 10 (stillborn in 2009 at 34 weeks); Carolyn - 8; Lucy - 7; and little Ella - 4 (died in 2016).

They feel blessed to have been able to care for Ella themselves in their home with the help of hospice care for all 8 months and 6 days of her short life. After months of assorted health issues and complications, including morphine shots for pain management, Ella earned her crown on Valentine’s Day of 2016. As Joy says, “Jesus and Mary themselves came to bring her back home.”

The Boudreauxs are both blog contributors for Red Bird Ministries. Joy also has her own blog where she writes about large family life, homeschooling, being Catholic and living life while parenting kids both here on earth and in Heaven.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-veronica/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 14: St. Louis Martin

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 04:05:36 +0000

St. Louis Martin was a remarkable saint, husband & father, and a man who helped build an entire family dedicated to God. He can teach us how to lead and be members of a holy family and household. St. Louis Martin entered a special and holy marriage with another saint, his wife St. Zelie Martin. Together, they raised a family that offered their whole lives to God.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Ryan Breaux. Ryan is from the small town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He's been married 18-years to his wife, Kelly. They have 4 children: 12-year-old Estelle Gabriella, and 3 Saints in heaven - twins Emma Grace & Talon Antoine would be turning 15 this year, and a baby they lost through miscarriage, Christian Ryan. Ryan works for Coca-Cola when he’s not doing Red Bird Ministries work with Kelly. Together they worship at St Bernard Church in their hometown, and serve the Diocese of Lafayette in grief support for parents of loss. Red Bird Ministries has carefully designed a system that anticipates the stages of grief and the challenges that will be encountered with a unique focus on how to keep marriages intact and preserve healthy family relationships after a loss.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-louis-martin/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 13: St. Zélie Guérin Martin

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 04:57:59 +0000

St. Zelie Martin became the mother of a family that radically said "Yes" to God's plans. She is a saint who teaches us to say yes to God no matter what, to His unique and unexpected plans, joys, sorrows, and everything else that means following God in all things.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kelly Breaux. Kelly is from the small town of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She's been married 18-years to her husband, Ryan. They have 4 children: 12-year-old Estelle Gabriella, and 3 Saints in heaven - twins Emma Grace & Talon Antoine would be turning 15 this year, and a baby they lost through miscarriage, Christian Ryan. Kelly serves as the president of Red Bird Ministries, which has carefully designed a system that anticipates the stages of grief and the challenges that will be encountered with a unique focus on how to keep marriages intact and preserve healthy family relationships after a loss.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-zelie-guerin-martin/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 12: St. Gianna Molla

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:22:25 +0000

St. Gianna Molla was a wife, mother, doctor, and God's faithful servant. St. Gianna inspires us to open ourselves to the many ways God will call us to use our gifts and talents for His glory. She particularly inspires any woman who longs to follow Christ in all things. She practiced self-giving daily in her call to her family, her medical patients, and in the stillness of prayer with God.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kara Hebert. Kara Hebert is a native of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. A small-town community where family and faith run strong. She is married to Daniel, her one and only high school sweetheart. They welcomed their first daughter, Genevieve, in the winter of 2017. A few short years later, they prepared to welcome a new member to their family with their second daughter, Vivienne.

Unfortunately, at her routine 16-week check-up, they learned Vivienne's little heart was no longer beating. With Daniel at her side, on August 20th of 2019, Kara gave birth to Vivienne Janeé Hebert. Her parents delivered her into the arms of Jesus.

In the aftermath of burying their daughter, Kara struggled in her desolation as the world around her continued to move forward while she felt she had ceased living anymore. Through the support of other bereaved mothers and the grace of God dispensed within the sacraments, she began to see and feel His light.

As her life-long grief journey was beginning, divine providence, and the communion of their children in heaven, seated her behind Kelly and Ryan Breaux, founders of Red Bird Ministries, at our home parish St. Bernard Church one Saturday afternoon. From that point forward, Kara's desire to know and love the Lord gained strength. Her attendance at the Restored grieving mother's retreat where Jesus' overwhelming presence moved her to begin using her voice, her words to glorify Him through her suffering. This special calling allows Kara to bring Jesus to others and create a legacy for Vivienne, both of which greatly delight her heart.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-gianna-molla/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 11: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:14:37 +0000

Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Mother Whose Promise & Love NEVER Fails

Our Lady of Guadalupe challenges us, her beloved and sometimes overly self-reliant children, to remember that she always has our back. She will protect us and care for our every need. Even when St. Juan Diego tried to avoid meeting her again to take care of his affairs, she found him wherever he was. She reminded him, and us, that our Mother knows all we need and it is pointless to try to do it all on our own. A mother who is so faithful, she encounters us on whatever path we are walking in life.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Kelli Davis. Kelli is a Little With Great Love Contributor & Speaker, a stepmother to a daughter with a severe mental illness and two young men, and a wife who likes to keep her husband laughing especially in their new home in Lafayette, Louisiana. Kelli’s life changed when she met Jesus for the first time on an 8th grade retreat. Since then, she’s been on a faith adventure which seems to keep her and those around her on their toes. The Lord rescued Kelli from a disordered life of anxiety, which led her to an addiction that almost killed her body, mind, and spirit. Out of love, He has been reordering and restoring Kelli’s life for more than a decade through a journey of healing, transformation, and empowerment. Now, she is doing her part to help others discover the joy in little things while overcoming life’s challenges with Jesus by our side. She has developed a deep appreciation for using the Word of God as our daily medicine, for learning how not to take ourselves too seriously, and for listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit for help in everyday circumstances. Through 25+ years of experience in her faith adventure, she communicates simple and practical ways for individuals to find hope, joy, and God’s presence in everyday life.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/our-lady-of-guadalupe

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 10: St. Francis de Sales

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:30:44 +0000

St. Francis de Sales was a 16th-century spiritual master who teaches us to reject fear and embrace the crosses in life. This saint reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for the God who cares for us today will also care for us every day. St. Francis de Sales draws our attention back to what we know to be true: worry is useless and we cannot escape suffering in this life. But take heart, he also tells us, for our God offers us unfailing strength in every hardship we encounter.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Sefanit Stefanos, a Contributor to the Little With Great Love Team. Sefanit is a seeker of Truth, wife, and mom to two sweet little boys and favorite sister and friend. Originally from Eritrea, born in Rome, and raised in Dallas, Texas, her upbringing in an Eritrean-American home shaped her worldview, which taught her that she is part of a greater community. Her joy is being with family and friends, especially cooking and baking them real food, as she loves making people feel at home in her presence. Her calling in life is to introduce others to the generous love of God that she has experienced.

She enjoyed traveling and experiencing new cultures before this new and very full stage of her life; hopefully, the future holds more blogging and new travels with a bigger crew. She experienced the best of both worlds as a graduate of Texas A&M and Franciscan University and has worked in full-time ministry for more than ten years. Sefanit lives in Dallas with her husband and kids, and you'll find her seeking joy and gratitude amidst changing diapers and cleaning food off the walls.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-francis-de-sales/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 9: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 03:09:30 +0000

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was the mountaineer saint who loved God and fellow man - to the fullest! Frassati was an Italian, charismatic, and loving young man who spent his time serving the poor and suffering, while also living a full life with his friends by his side.

Simply put for slackers, Pier loved God, served the poor, played jokes, and scaled mountains.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Danielle Knight, the Chief Storyteller & Contributor with the Little With Great Love Team. Danielle is an adventurer who likes to inspire hearts through the power of story and creativity. She recently quit her seven-year trek in sales and marketing at a commercial real estate firm. After enjoying a sabbatical of adventure, prayer and reflection, she is now excited about a new life chapter. Danielle wants to share the mysterious and relentless love of God with others. She resides in Houston, TX, where you can find her enjoying the outdoors, hanging out with her boyfriend, or spinning amidst a salsa dance move.

Read Danielle’s blog posts here.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/blessed-pier-giorgio-frassati/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 8: St. Pio

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:58:43 +0000

St. Pio, also known as the Padre of the famous words, “Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry!”, is the saint who encourages us to keep hope at all times. Worry is useless! These are some of the famous words given to us by this special and holy saint, a Capuchin friar who spent most of his days hearing countless confessions, and the rest of his time being a faithful spiritual father, friend, and counselor of souls.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Alyssa Sanchez, Contributor, Social Media Manager & Designer for the Little With Great Love Team. Alyssa is a 23-year-old master’s student studying communications. She lives at home in sunny Florida, enjoys watching movies and binging tv shows, hoping to one day produce films of her own in which to act. Creatively she enjoys writing in any medium, fashion, doing makeup and dressing up in costumes. She loves to travel by plane, train, car and especially cruises, and hopes to see the world. Caring, kind and loving, she tends to see the good in all people. Alyssa’s calling is to make people smile through her creativity, sharing God’s message of love through how she lives. Her motto is a quote by Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

Read Alyssa’s blog posts here.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-pio-pray-hope-and-dont-worry/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to slacker, Jeff Sanchez, for voiceover work; and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 7: St. John Vianney

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:31:17 +0000

St. John Vianney is the saint whose faithfulness made him beloved in all of France.

He was now for his faithfulness, austerity, and for being a dedicated confessor—hearing up to 75,000 confessions per year. He was so faithful in fighting for souls, the devil never left him alone.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Tammi McCarthy, a writer and speaker on the Little With Great Love Team. Still, she has been running her own blog and social media for years at Chasing Time Drinking Wine. This whole podcast was actually born out of a conversation that Tammi was having with my sister. The two of them are pretty much the poster children of the slacker movement towards sainthood. But seriously, check out Tammi’s blogs and especially Chasing Time Drinking Wine on Instagram, cause this homeschooling Momma of 5, and Spiritual Momma of the Little With Great love group and many others is lit, as her kids might say.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-john-vianney/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to our slacker sister, Bridget Holtz, and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann

Episode 6: St. Faustina

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:46:02 +0000

St. Faustina is the saint who reminds us that God loves it when we trust him more and more. Jesus appeared to St. Faustina repeatedly, giving her the message of His Divine Mercy, His merciful love for all of souls. He chose to share His message of love and mercy through a slacker who became a great saint.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by slacker Michelle Hillaert, a writer and speaker on the Little With Great Love Team. Michelle is a wife, mother, bestselling author, coach, and a woman of vision. She is passionate about spending time with her family, making memories, and being intentional in cultivating an intimate relationship with Christ. As an entrepreneur, avid blogger, and website design and branding enthusiast, Michelle is a recovering perfectionist who gets a woman’s desire to strive for more. A mom of 6 kids, she is attuned to the needs of busy women striving to stay ahead while still being “good enough.”

Michelle lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and best friend, Trent. They have fun creating a close family culture and sharing the lessons they’ve learned in over 20 years of marriage in their new ministry, Catholic Family Uncorked. Check their podcast, Catholic Family Uncorked, out here on Spotify!

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-faustina/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love.

Special thanks to guest slacker, Bill Williams (follow on Twitter @Bill_Williams), and musician Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann.

Episode 5: St. John XXIII

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 04:49:10 +0000

St. John XXIII surprised his peers by doing the unexpected and carrying the Catholic Church through big changes and growth during his papacy! He was the "Good" Pope who reminds us to always trust in God!

Our podcast & reflection for today is by Dr. Bob McCarty who lives with his wife Maggie in Laurel, Maryland. Bob is a pastoral ministry consultant and trainer and adjunct faculty at The Catholic University of America and The University of Dallas. He offers consultations, retreats, workshops, and training programs in ministry skills and issues internationally. Here’s a fun fact about Bob, he is the mentor of my sister, Lisa Martinez, and serves on the Board of Directors for iAmplify, the nonprofit parent organization of Little With Great Love, one of this podcast's sponsors.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-john-xxiii/

This podcast is sponsored by: Littlewithgreatlove.com + Redbird.love

Episode 4: St. Teresa of Avila

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

St. Teresa of Avila reminds us that during our hardest times and biggest storms, we never have to be afraid—everything passes and with God, we have all that we need.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by Barb Smerecki, who hails from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan. Barb is a retiree with over 30 years of law enforcement service as an Intelligence Analyst. She has been a volunteer with Catholic High School youth groups for over 40 years. She continues in this service passionately and jokes that she is always the only “senior citizen” in the group.

Read more about today's featured podcaster and saint here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/episode-4-st-teresa-of-avila/

Episode 3: St. Teresa of Calcutta

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:15:13 +0000

St. Teresa of Calcutta, one of our beloved modern-day saints, loved, served, and suffered with all God's poor and forgotten children.

Jesus' thirst for souls took hold of St. Teresa's heart, and the desire to satiate His thirst became the driving force of her life.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by Kelly Breaux of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Kelly and her husband Ryan are the founders of Red Bird Ministries, the sister organization of Little With Great Love. Red Bird Ministries' mission is to serve those who are suffering from the loss of a child from miscarriage through adulthood.

Read more on today's podcast here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-teresa-of-calcutta/

Episode 2: St. Albert the Great

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:09:05 +0000

Today Little With Great Love Founder, Lisa Martinez, gives a little insight into the relationship between St. Albert the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Her 3-minute written reflection and short podcast show us how God chooses whomever He wishes to do whatever He asks, especially the social outcasts.

Read and learn more here: https://www.littlewithgreatlove.com/st-albert-the-great

Episode 1: Blessed Solanus Casey

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 04:41:30 +0000

Blessed Solanus Casey shows us how to become saints in the simplest of ways - in being beacons of light and bringing hope to everyone we encounter.

Our podcast & reflection for today is by Jeff Sanchez, a theology faculty member of Monsignor Edward Pace High School in South Florida. He enjoys craft beers, good food, and family time. Jeff has always had a passion for using his gifts for the Lord, most recently in voiceover work.

Episode 0: START HERE Founders' Intro to Saints for Slacker

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:34:18 +0000

Lisa Martinez, Founder of nonprofit Little With Great Love, and Kelly Breaux, Founder of sister nonprofit Red Bird Ministries introduce our 40-day journey, Saints for Slackers.

Pre-launch Invitation to Slackers from Slackers

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:13:39 +0000

Calling all slackers! Yes, you, the one who might not know what you’re doing for Lent, but also just can’t take one more friggin’ thing right now?!

Nonprofit founders, Lisa Martinez of Little With Great Love and Kelly Breaux of Red Bird ministries are inviting you to join us here! Starting Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021, OR whenever you discover us, we’ll begin a 40-day journey of little daily inspirations from the saints. The saints are really just our friends in Heaven, and couldn’t you use a friend like that right about now?

For just a few moments each day, nurture your heart, mind, and spirit. The saints truly inspire and intercede for each of us, if we let them. We’d love to have you on this journey, please join us!

The new Podcast, Saints for Slackers, is sponsored by Little With Great Love and Red Bird Ministries. We will have some special guests also joining us, so stay tuned!

Podcast blogs with sweet graphics will be each day of Lent at:

LittleWithGreatLove.com

With linkback at redbird.love

Connect with us on the socials to keep up with the journey:

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/LittleWithGreatLove

https://www.facebook.com/redbirdministrylove

INSTAGRAM:

@littlewgreatlove

@redbirdministriesinc

PINTEREST:

@lwithgreatlove