The Schoenstatt Way of Life

Episode 60: Tune in to this episode as author and host Julia Monnin* shares with listeners a talk she gave to a group recently about the Schoenstatt Home Shrine.

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*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 59: "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." - John 12:32 Join author and host Julia Monnin* on this episode as she invites listeners to spend some time pondering the words found in John 12:20–33 and a Lenten sermon by Schoenstatt's founder Fr. Joseph Kentenich. "He who is raised on the cross wishes to speak to us. He who is raised on the cross wishes to draw our hearts closer to himself . . . He stresses that he possesses the first right over the heart which he created and which so many try to lure away from him. He wants to draw our hearts to himself; they should be completely his own." - Fr. Joseph Kentenich (Lenten Sermons)

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*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 58: "Schoenstatt highlights the way in which Mary embodied the Gospel and lived out of an intimate, personal covenant relationship with our Lord." (Sr. M. Isabel Bracero in "Sursum Corda: Lift Up Your Hearts!", pg. 11)

"Slow down and receive." "Walk, don't run." "Focus more on letting Christ in and less on uprooting the darkness." . . . Join author and host Julia Monnin* on this episode as she reflects on these thoughts (and more!) while encouraging listeners to consider moving slower (not faster) during this season of Lent. "Let us walk like you through life, / let us mirror you forever, / strong and noble, meek and mild,/ peace and love be our endeavor. / Walk in us through our world, /make it ready for the Lord." (Opening of the "Imitation of Mary" prayer by Fr. Joseph Kentenich)

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*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 57: "...and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'" (Luke 2:34-35)

Join author and host Julia Monnin* on this episode as she reflects on The Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Looking ahead to Lent, Julia also shares with listeners some ideas on entering into the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with a little more intentionality and focus. "Filled with longing for our salvation, you present in the Temple the One you conceived of the Holy Spirit. Your motherly gaze is turned to us as you return him unconditionally and entirely to the Father. ... 'Like you, the great servant of the sacrifice, I give everything I hold most dear for the salvation of souls.'" (Reflection on The Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary written by Fr. Joseph Kentenich in Heavenwards.)

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*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 56: "Grace is divine love's invitation, not compelling, but simply reaching out to us." (from Introduction to Schoenstatt Book 5, "Covenant of Love in Daily Life")

"Not Compelling" could be defined as "not forceful, interesting, or persuasive." So, what does it mean that grace is "not compelling"? Tune in to this episode as author and host Julia Monnin* ponders this question and invites listeners to do the same. "Who has believed what we have heard? / And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? / For he grew up before him like a young plant, / and like a root out of dry ground; / he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, / nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. / He was despised and rejected by others; / a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; / and as one from whom others hide their faces / he was despised, and we held him of no account." - Isaiah 53:1–3

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*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 55: "Before you make your dedication, I ask you . . . What do you consider your apostolate?"

During Schoenstatt's Covenant of Love Ceremony the priest asks the candidates to answer four questions as they are stating their intent. The last of these four questions is "What do you consider your apostolate?" In answer to that question, the candidates respond: "To do whatever God asks of us according to our personal mission and state in life. Our most effective apostolate will be the sanctification of our lives and the service of those entrusted to our care. The horizon of our apostolate is the spiritual and moral renewal of the whole Church and world, in Christ through Mary. We will consider it our task to follow God's plan into any field of apostolate He desires."

Have you thought any more about your response to this question since your own Covenant Day? Tune in to this episode as author and host Julia Monnin talks about one way she has responded to this call to "follow God's plan into any field of apostolate He desires." In this episode, Julia announces the release of her newest book "The World Is Noisy - God Whispers: The Second Daily Devotional" (which is dedicated to the Blessed Mother in a special way) and shares with listeners some of the thoughts inside its pages that might be especially helpful to ponder as we wait with Mary in the upcoming season of Advent. As always, Julia's new book (and all of her other books) are available for sale online at journeysrevealed.com/shop. ///

*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

** Learn more about the Catholic, nonprofit apostolate Journeys Revealed Ministries at journeysrevealed.com

Episode 54: "Jesus, the only mediator, is the way of our prayer; Mary, his mother and ours, is wholly transparent to him." - CCC, 2674

On this special "founding day" episode, author and host Julia Monnin* shares with listeners a live recording of a class she taught recently on paragraphs 2673–2679 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This section of the Catechism is titled "In communion with the holy Mother of God."

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"Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus' mother into our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. The prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope." - CCC, 2679

*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 53: "On September 15, 1968, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, immediately after celebrating the holy sacrifice of the Mass, Father Kentenich was called home to the heavenly Father. At his request, the words Dilexit Ecclesiam (he loved the Church), were inscribed on his tomb." - from the website schoenstattsistersofmary.us/our-founder/

Join author and host Julia Monnin* on this episode as she shares a reflection on the Mystery of the Cross, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and a pivotal moment in the young life of Schoenstatt's founder Fr. Joseph Kentenich. May we be filled with hope even in the sorrowful times of our lives as we remember that God doesn't always take the pain away (because doing so would take away our humanity), but that He does "enter into the loneliness of ruined love as one who shares the sorrow, as a consolation."

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“God did not work . . . in such a way as to make sorrow vanish and to change the system, so that there is no longer any need for consolation. That would be to take away our humanity. And this is what we secretly desire. Yes, being human is too burdensome for us. But if our humanity were taken away from us, we would cease to be human beings and the world would become inhuman. God did not work that way. He chose a wiser way that was more difficult in many respects but, for precisely that reason, better, more divine. He did not take away our humanity but shares it with us. He entered into the loneliness of ruined love as one who shares the sorrow, as a consolation. This is the divine way of redemption. Maybe from this we can best understand what redemption means in the Christian sense: not a magical transformation of the world, not that our humanity is taken away from us, but that we are consoled, that God shares with us the burden of life, and that now the light of his compassionate love remains forever in our midst.” – Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) from a homily titled “How God Comforts” in the book On Love: Selected Writings

*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 52: O Mother, in your holy heart / deeply inscribe each name / and as a sign that we are yours / write it with blood and flame. / In love and childlike gratitude / your name shall also be / deeply inscribed within my heart / for all eternity. - "Oneness with Mary" Prayer by Fr. Joseph Kentenich

How can we better pray like the Blessed Mother, "taking all things and pondering them in our hearts"? What does St. Teresa of Avila mean when she writes, "Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking the time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us"? Tune in to this episode as author and host Julia Monnin* shares a few thoughts about these questions while reflecting on Fr. Kentenich's "Oneness with Mary" prayer and the teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church found in paragraphs 2705–2707.

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"Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking. The required attentiveness is difficult to sustain. We are usually helped by books, and Christians do not want for them . . . (CCC, 2705). To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the light: 'Lord, what do you want me to do?' (CCC, 2706). There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters. Christians owe it to themselves to develop the desire to meditate regularly . . . But a method is only a guide; the important thing is to advance, with the Holy Spirit, along the one way of prayer: Christ Jesus" (CCC, 2707).

*Learn more about Julia's books, podcasts, and blog at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 51: "To play the game of love we need to be interiorly free, perfectly free—free from ourselves.'" - Fr. Joseph Kentenich

What does it mean to be "free"? And what does freedom have to do with the identity of the Schoenstatt movement? Tune in to this month's episode as author and host Julia Monnin* turns to the Vatican's definition of Schoenstatt as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1730–1748) for a more detailed look at what it truly means to be "interiorly free, perfectly free—free from ourselves".

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The Vatican website mentioned in this episode is https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/documents/rc_pc_laity_doc_20051114_associazioni_en.html

The Catechism information mentioned in this episode (CCC 1730-1748) can be found at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a3.htm

* Learn more about Julia's books and podcasts at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 50: "You gather what I am aiming at: I would like to make this place a place of pilgrimage, a place of grace for our house and for the whole German province, and perhaps even further afield. All those who come here to pray shall experience the glory of Mary and confess: 'It is good for us to be here. Here we want to build our tents, here shall be our favorite place.'" - Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Miracles get our attention, but do they keep it? Tune in to this month's episode as author and host Julia Monnin* wrestles with this question while reflecting on the simple (and incredibly "ordinary") founding of the Schoenstatt Movement back on October 18, 1914.

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The book mentioned in this episode is called "Joseph Kentenich: A Life on the Edge of the Volcano" by Dorothea M. Schlickmann

* Learn more about Julia's books and podcasts at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 49: "It is so inspiring how your longing opened your eyes and hearts to the open doors through which God's Providence led you to the goal. Fr. Kentenich always told us that 'the measure of longing is the measure of fulfillment. And the Schoenstatt family in Ohio and the history of the shrine interior at St. Lawrence is a wonderful proof of this. He also said that 'longing is love,' and that confirms the Blessed Mother's covenant faithfulness in the words from the Founding Document: 'I love those who love me ...'" - From a letter written to Mrs. Carol Lis and the Ohio Schoenstatt Family dated March 24, 2023 from the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Waukesha, WI

What are "prayers of yearning" and how can something as painful as "longing" be beautiful? Tune in to this month's episode to find out! Join author and host Julia Monnin* as she ponders the mystery of our Lord's Ascension and shares thoughts and reflections related to the connection between longing and hope.

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* Learn more about Julia's books and podcasts at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 48: We often talk in Schoenstatt about the need to "walk through the open doors". Well, thanks to the efforts of some Schoenstatt Mothers in Oregon who did just that, this podcast (and a few others!) are now being shared with a wider audience in the Portland area. Praised be Jesus Christ! Tune in to this special episode to learn more about these "Open Doors in Oregon" as you listen to an interview between author and host Julia Monnin and Brenda Aikin, host of "The Morning Blend" radio show on Mater Dei Radio.

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* Learn more about Julia's books and podcasts at theworldisnoisy.com

** Learn more about Journeys Revealed Ministries at journeysrevealed.com

*** Learn more about Mater Dei Radio and their Hail Maria Media App at materdeiradio.com

Episode 47: "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" - Luke 1:43

Taking a second to breathe in God's goodness and say "thank you" for the gift of new life, author and host Julia Monnin* reflects in this episode on the mystery of the Visitation (Luke 1:39–56) as she shares with listeners a few details about the newly erected "Schoenstatt Chapel"** located at St. Lawrence Church in Rhine, OH.

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The Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation

"We see you, Mother, hastening with the Savior to stay with Elizabeth and serve her. She rejoices and is filled with the Holy Spirit, and feels her child sanctified in her womb." . . . Let us, too, devote our strength and time in quiet service to the work of salvation.

* Information about Julia's books and podcasts can be found at theworldisnoisy.com and also at journeysrevealed.com/shop

** Information about The Schoenstatt Chapel at St. Lawrence Church in Rhine, Ohio can be found at schoenstattofohio.org

Episode 46: "In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” - Psalm 57:2

Join author and host Julia Monnin on this episode as she shares with listeners the need for (and beauty of) taking refuge under the mantle of Mary's maternal protection, especially during the "Lenten seasons" of our lives.

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"What can likely be attributed to (what seem like) countless and never-ending 'storms' that have come up in my life... I have been finding myself (time and time again) in situations during which I have felt the need for some kind of shelter. It has been during my search for protection in the midst of these storms that I have found myself being drawn (once again) to the wound in Christ’s pierced side. When the storms hit, I find myself not only reflecting on this precious wound of His but wanting to somehow crawl into it.

Yeah, I guess, in a way, this wound of Christ’s has, in particular, become what I have equated with the Psalmist’s 'Shadow of [His] wings.' I have a growing desire and intensifying longing to not only be near this wound of my Beloved but to somehow live inside it; to let it be my 'place of refuge until the storms of destruction pass me by.'" - from Reflection #291 "Refuge in the Pierced Side of Christ" found in Julia's book "The World Is Noisy - God Whispers: Volume II, My Trials and Tribulations" published by Journeys Revealed Ministries*

* Information about Julia's books and podcasts can be found at theworldisnoisy.com and also at journeysrevealed.com/shop

Episode 45: "And is not the enraptured gaze of Mary as she contemplated the face of the newborn Christ and cradled him in her arms that unparalleled model of love which should inspire us every time we receive Eucharistic communion?" – Pope Saint John Paul II

Reflecting some on the mystery of the Visitation (which we read about in Luke 1:39-56), author and host Julia Monnin ponders what it means to imitate "the enraptured gaze of Mary" as we continue our strivings to be transformed into a "little Mary"—a Christ-bearer—for others.

Notes: 

* The document "Ecclesia de Eucharistia" by Pope Saint John Paul II mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_eccl-de-euch.html

* Information about Julia's books and podcasts can be found at theworldisnoisy.com

Episode 44: "Joseph was an eyewitness to this birth, which took place in conditions that, humanly speaking, were embarrassing—a first announcement of that 'self-emptying' (cf. Phil 2:5–8) which Christ freely accepted for the forgiveness of sins" – Pope Saint John Paul II

Pondering our Lord's birth in a lowly manger, author and host Julia Monnin shares thoughts in this episode on St. Joseph. Specifically, she focuses on St. Joseph being a model of silence and prayer for us as well as a model of faith, obedience, chastity, tenderness, and hope. 

St. Joseph, Man of Silence, Pray for Us!

*Note: The document "Redemptoris Custos" by Pope Saint John Paul II mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_15081989_redemptoris-custos.html

Episode 42: "Prove to me first by deeds that you really love me and that you take your resolution seriously. Now you have the best opportunity to do so." - Words from Schoenstatt's Founding Act.

It may be easy to say the words, "You know the way for me, you know the time, into your hands I trustingly place mine. Your plan is perfect, born of perfect love. You know the way for me, that is enough." But just because it's easy to say them doesn't mean it's always easy to live them. Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin shares some thoughts on what is meant by Schoenstatt's message of "practical faith in Divine Providence." In this episode, Julia reminds listeners that true faithfulness to God is especially proven during the challenging times of life.

Episode 41: "The disciples flee, run away, while the women stand." - from a homily by Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) 

Have you ever found yourself gazing at the Blessed Mother standing next to her Beloved Son hanging on the cross with a chalice in her hand receiving each and every drop of Christ's Precious Blood as portrayed in Schoenstatt's Unity Cross and thought, "This is so beautiful! . . . But what does it all mean?" Then this month's episode might be particularly interesting to you! Join author and host Julia Monnin as she reflects a little on the mystery of Our Lady of Sorrows while sharing some homiletic wisdom from Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI), St. Bernard, and Schoenstatt's founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich.

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"Perhaps someone will say: 'Had she not known before that he would die?' Undoubtedly. 'Did she not expect him to rise again at once?' Surely. 'And still she grieved over her crucified Son?' Intensely. Who are you and what is the source of your wisdom that you are more surprised at the compassion of Mary than at the passion of Mary’s Son? For if he could die in body, could she not die with him in spirit? He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since his." - from a sermon by St. Bernard

"Christian life is suffering and rising with Christ. . . . To the degree that I suffer with Christ, I can also rejoice with Christ. . . . [Therefore] 'Who experienced the greatest joy at Easter?' The answer can only be, 'The one who suffered most with Christ.' And that was the Mater Dolorosa, the sorrowful Mother." - from a sermon by Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Episode 40: Do you have a hard time keeping your mind from running? This is a struggle for so many of us! Tune in to this episode as author and host Julia Monnin talks about some of the differences between pondering in our depths, like Mary, and uselessly worrying about matters that are out of our control. In this episode, Julia also shares a few practical things she has found helpful in her own life to keep her mind from running away from her!

". . . and his mother kept all these things in her heart." – Luke 2:51

Episode 39: Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin sits down with Ohio's Schoenstatt Diocesan Council Men's Branch Leader, John Lalley. During their conversation, John shares his story of ever-deepening conversion and service to our Lord and Mother and the two discuss the realities and importance of growing, as men, in authentic masculinity and, as women, in authentic femininity. (Oh, and, to give you a little more insight into what to expect with this recording, it should be noted that this episode could also easily be titled, "A Step at a Time with No Plan: The John Lalley Story" 😊.) 

Episode 38: Join author and host Julia Monnin as she sits down with special guest Cathy Varno, member of the Schoenstatt Movement in Ohio and coordinator of the The Father Eye Pilgrimage currently taking place there. During their conversation, Cathy shares the story behind answering the call to coordinate this year's pilgrimage and she and Julia remind listeners about the importance of living with a consciousness of mission. 

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"Schoenstatt proclaims as an essential part of its message, mission consciousness. In other words, this means that in this world no one is indispensable or merely is called to be a spectator. We all have a task to fulfill…..something to do…..in summary, we all have a mission. The Lord Himself sends us. We are therefore instruments in His all-powerful hands. In spite of all human limitations, we are full of confidence in the divine strength which works in us (…..'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' 2 Cor 12,9) Here lies our hope of reaching the final victory." - from www.schoenstatt.org

Episode 37: The Father Eye symbol from the Mariengarten Daughter Shrine (this Shrine was originally consecrated in Milwaukee, WI in 1962) has been on pilgrimage in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia traveling with the title: "Our Mother's Mission of Uniting the Ohio Family Around the Shrine." Why does this matter and what does this actually mean? Tune in to this month's episode to find out! Join author and host Julia Monnin as she discusses the history of the Mariengarten Shrine, the purpose of the Father Eye Symbol, and what these both have to do with Ohio's own (God willing) Daughter Shrine.

"Our lives unfold according to a plan made by God from all eternity . . . It is a plan of love, a plan of wisdom, a plan of omnipotence." - Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Episode 36: "We must believe unshakably in the resurrection of Christ. . . . The great comfort in the confusion of our life today, in the great spiritual disaster of our time, is faith and confidence in our perfect resurrection and glory in heaven." - J. Kentenich (Aus dem Glauben Leben, Vol.1, pp. 81-94)

Join author and host Julia Monnin on this episode as she shares a follow-up thought on the four temperaments while reflecting on an Easter Sunday reflection from Schoenstatt's founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich. (See Episode #12 of this "Schoenstatt Way of Life" Podcast for Julia's original teaching on the four temperaments.)

"In his letter to the Corinthians (2 Cr 4:8-18), St. Paul relates that we, indeed, must suffer anguish, afflictions, doubts, persecution, but does all this harm us? We are not crushed interiorly, we never despair; on the contrary! What holds us together and gives us strength? It is the spirit of faith in the glorious resurrection in and with our Savior throughout all eternity.

As true Christians we will never lose courage. . . . Our cross is not too heavy for us because our Lord carried it for us and before us. One day there will be an end. . . .

I wish you now, and I wish myself, and we all with each other, an Easter filled with abundant graces. We wish to become paschal persons like the Blessed Mother, people who live and realize the Easter mystery in daily life in its totality." - J. Kentenich (Aus dem Glauben Leben, Vol.1, pp. 81-94)

Episode 35: If pride is the root of all sin, then humility must be the heart of all holiness, right? But what does it really mean to be humble? Join author and host Julia Monnin on this month's episode as she ponders these questions herself while reflecting on the connection between Fr. Kentenich's prayer "I beg you, Father, for all the Cross and Suffering" and the "Litany of Humility".

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Show Quotes:

"I beg you, Father, for all the cross and suffering that you hold ready for me. . . . But if you want to preserve me from suffering—I only want to comply with your fatherly wish—then I pray: Keep all misfortune far from me; you are alone for me life's guiding star. . . . Father, let me finally be entirely converted!" - Prayer of Fr. Joseph Kentenich as found in the book Heavenwards

"That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it." - From the Litany of Humility

"If I love the good that is in my neighbor as much as he loves it himself, that good is as much mine as it is his." - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Episode 34: "Do you have any helpful hints to share with others about ways to grow closer to Mary through prayers, books, etc? Or maybe just some basic suggestions of things others can get started with?" Join author and host Julia Monnin on this month's episode as she ponders, not only these questions, but her inability to answer them! WARNING: This episode may, indeed, be a nonsensical one! But sometimes the obvious is just well, obvious! (To contact Julia with your own answers to these questions, visit her website at theworldisnoisy.com)

Episode 33: What do Fr. Kentenich’s “joyful yes” and January 20th have in common? You’re about to find out! Tune in as Schoenstatt Sister of Mary, Sr. M. Isabel, discusses “the second milestone” in the history of our Schoenstatt family, which took place on January 20, 1942.

Episode 32: "To see and adore God in graced souls is the original form of Christian adoration." - Sr. Emilie Engel

We may long to be near our Eucharistic Lord at daily Mass and in Eucharistic Adoration, but what can we do during those times when this is not possible? Schoenstatt's own Venerable Servant of God, Sr. Emilie Engel, offers us some encouragement and guidance. Join author and host Julia Monnin on this episode as she introduces listeners to Sr. Emilie and shares some of her wisdom on this topic of seeing and adoring God in the graced souls that surround us.

Episode 31: Author and host Julia Monnin sits back down with wife, mother, and sister in Christ, Rebecca Willard, on this month's show. In this episode, the two share the (unexpected) way the Lord proved to them the point they were trying to make on last month's show: that we do our best as parents not knowing how, if, or when anything will actually sink in but TRUSTING that God will bear fruit—in His time and in His way—through the seeds we plant in our children's hearts along the way. Rebecca also shares with listeners a little gem that was handed down to her from her own grandmother as she talks about the ins and outs of what Fr. Kentenich called "The Schoenstatt Hour."

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Details of "The Schoenstatt Hour"

Plan on 1 Hour, Find Somewhere Quiet to Meet

1) Pray Together

2) In Charity and Love, Discuss Offenses with One Another: (Ask: Did I do anything to offend you this week? One spouse goes first and say what it was. Then the other spouse listens generously and responds with a question like, “What can I do to change it?” And then the other spouse goes.)

3) In Openness and Fruitful Dialogue, Discuss How to Handle Situations at home with your Children and Finances, etc.: (Strive to collaborate with each other in order to get on the same page so that you can be united in how you proceed.)

4) Discuss what's been going on in the Life of your Soul: (Ask each other about their spiritual life and discuss ways you can help one another grow in wisdom and grace.)

5) End in Prayer and Thanksgiving

Episode 30: "I know that Mary is the educator and I try to teach my kids the faith, I'm just hoping it's doing something and is sticking with them." - Can you relate with this statement of faith, hope, and love given by this episode's special guest? If so, then tune in as author and host Julia Monnin sits down with Rebecca Willard—a wife, mother, and sister in Christ—as they converse about what it actually looks like in a busy home to "fulfill your duties faithfully." (This episode is dedicated to the generations of the faithful men and women, especially those in our own families, who have gone before us. In love, we thank God for all of you as we recall the words of our founder Fr. Joseph Kentenich which read, "Only those among us who have first prayed for people can effectively bless them!" So, thank you—Grandpas & Grandmas and Dads & Moms—for praying for us! May God continue to bless us all.)

Episode 29: What are we to do when our lives of prayer become "blah" and we're longing to feel God's presence in our home but don't? How do we live trusting more and more fully in the words of our founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich, which confidently remind us that "no one will be lost who remains faithful to the covenant of love!"? Join author and host Julia Monnin as she ponders these questions while encouraging listeners to pay more attention to their faithfulness in prayer and in the fulfillment of their duties than in how they may (or may not) be feeling about it.

Episode 28: "Only after she had freely said – again, in the name of mankind – the required yes to the death of the Redeemer, only after she had freely renounced her Mother-rights in favor of our claim over him, only after she had surrendered him for the sake of our sins and united her sacrifice with his – only then could the Savior exclaim in accordance with the precise unfolding of God's plan, 'It is consummated!' (John 19:30)." - Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Struggling to send your kids to school and back out into the world? You're not alone! Join author and host Julia Monnin as she looks at these words of Schoenstatt's Founder to find meaning, purpose, and strength in the Marian perspective of renounced mother-rights. 

Episode 27: In this month’s episode, Julia shares with listeners the Keynote Address she gave at the 100th Anniversary of Women in Schoenstatt Event in Waukesha, WI on June 26, 2021. In the talk she shares her own story as a “Woman Touched by God, Authentic Reflection of Mary” as she reflects on how the Lord’s grace and mercy have been at work in her life (and in the life of her family) in powerful ways in the past twenty years.

* This talk (titled “A Walk with Mary On the Road of Authentic Womanhood” is also available (in both English and Spanish) on the “Schoenstatt Wisconsin-Illinois” YouTube Channel.

Episode 26: "The more my heart beats in the heart of the Blessed Mother, the more my heart will beat in the heart of Christ." (Fr. Joseph Kentenich) - What really happens in our hearts when we enter into the Covenant of Love with the Blessed Mother? How is she at work taking "perfect care" in your own life? Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin goes "Back to the Basics" on this episode reminding listeners of the "exchange of hearts" that takes place in Schoenstatt's Covenant of Love.

Episode 25: Where would you be without Schoenstatt? Who do you have to thank for bringing you into this Movement? In a special way this month we, as members of the Schoenstatt Family in the state of Ohio, collectively thank the Lis Family. Gordon and Carol were the first couple to bring the Schoenstatt Movement to Ohio, and on this episode we celebrate the life of Gordon, who passed into eternal life on May 11, 2021. May he rest in peace.

Episode 24: On this special crossover episode, author and host Julia Monnin shares a recently recorded episode of the Darting Through The Faith Podcast. The Darting Through The Faith Podcast is a weekly show hosted by Fr. Sean Wilson and Julia Monnin. On this episode, Fr. Sean and Julia share some reflections on John, Chapter 16. In a particular way, they share insights into the possible ways Mary’s voice comes forth through the Gospel of John.

Episode 23: "To swim in the ocean of mercies means to savor frequently all the gifts of love that God ever gave to me personally." (Fr. Joseph Kentenich) - Have you ever wanted to slow life down enough to stop and smell the roses? Then tune in to this episode on The Weekly Retreat! Taking a look at the book of Genesis, Chapter 2, author and host Julia Monnin shares with listeners one possible way to enter more fully into God's day of rest.

Episode 22: "As often as I may lovingly contemplate your cross, let me trust no longer in money and possessions so that I can give myself with heart and mind, carefree and completely, to you and to my Mother." (Fr. Joseph Kentenich, Heavenwards) - Taking this quote as her inspiration for this episode, tune in as author and host Julia Monnin gives listeners some questions to ponder in prayer as we begin another season of Lent.

Episode 21: "When we acknowledge our smallness, God draws us into the very depth of his heart. It is wrong to become restless." (Fr. Joseph Kentenich) - What does this really mean? And how can we "become like children" and imitate our Mother by becoming a "little Mary" in the world? Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin ponders these questions (and more!) as she takes a closer look at our Lord's words found in Luke 18:15-17. "People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, 'Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.'"

Episode 20: "We will remain still when God wants to form us as instruments for the redemption of the world." - Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin takes a look at a reflection on the 5th Joyful Mystery, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, written by Schoenstatt’s founder Fr. Joseph Kentenich. 

Episode 19: Tune is as author and host Julia Monnin shares some of the practical ways listeners of this show strive to live out their Covenant of Love in their everyday lives. This is Part 2 of the "Living the Covenant" series. Let us learn from one another!

Episode 18: Tune is as author and host Julia Monnin celebrates the 106th anniversary of the Schoenstatt Movement by sharing some of the practical ways she strives to live out her Covenant of Love in her everyday life. And be sure to tune in next month for Part 2, where she shares what other listeners are doing to live out theirs. Let us learn from one another!

Episode 17: What is Membership Dedication in the Schoenstatt Movement? Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin sits down with special guest Susan Bernhold (Diocesan Leader of the Schoenstatt Mother's League in Ohio) as the two take a closer look at this question while welcoming 18 of the Movement's newest Members in the Mother's League.

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"Members come from the ranks of the associate members who feel that they are called to a stronger leadership role in the League. After an appropriate time of growth into Schoenstatt, they are accepted at the 'membership dedication.' This dedication is a moment of further growth into the covenant of love. Members take on greater commitments in the League and generally form the leadership backbone of the League’s activities (leadership circle, membership circle or the like). Their commitments are:

- a permanent apostolate in keeping with their state in life,

- permanent striving for sanctity through the use of the educational tools proper to the movement: Personal Ideal, Particular Examination, Spiritual Daily Order with written control, and a monthly report, if possible, to a stable confessor,

- committed participation in the community of the League: if possible in a Schoenstatt group, in the activities organized by the diocesan branch of the League to which one belongs, in the leadership or membership circle to the extent this is possible."

Source: https://www.theschoenstattcloud.com/schoenstatt/200-questions/26-chapter-seven-about-schoenstatt-s-organization-and-structure

Episode 16: “Nothing without you. Nothing without us.” - Taken from the founding document of the Schoenstatt Movement, the Promises and Requests of Mary give those who make their Covenant of Love a beautiful foundational piece of their covenantal relationship with our Mother Thrice Admirable. On this episode author and host Julia Monnin reviews the 6 promises and 6 requests of Mary and invites listeners to enter more fully into carrying out at least one of these requests daily. 

Episode 15: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). - On this episode author and host Julia Monnin takes a look at the Scripture passages found in Matthew 5:1-12 and Acts 5:12-42 as she reminds listeners not to fear the persecution that sometimes finds us in this world but to instead "rejoice that [you have been] considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name" (Acts 5:41).

Episode 14: "The Schoenstatt Movement is a powerhouse of grace." Often this statement is the lived reality of members making their Covenant of Love and of the many persons making pilgrimages to the Schoenstatt Shrines. Tune is as author and host Julia Monnin sits down with special guest Dr. Joey Miles as he shares his own personal example of the "powerhouse of graces" he received while visiting the Schoenstatt Daughter Shrine in Austin, TX back in 2017.

Episode 13: "The Schoenstatt Movement is a powerhouse of grace." Often this statement is the lived reality of members making their Covenant of Love and of the many persons making pilgrimages to the Schoenstatt Shrines. Tune is as author and host Julia Monnin shares examples of the "powerhouse of graces" she has received while visiting some of the Daughter Shrines in the movement and introduces you to one of the most miraculous of them all, her 2 ½ year old son AJ.

* CORRECTION: You'll notice on this episode that I'm not great with dates. (Sorry about that!) With that being said, my first pregnancy (which resulted in a miscarriage) was in 2011, not in 2013.

Episode 12: Ever wonder why you have a tendency to react a certain way in certain situations? Why one person might prefer to be in charge and call all of the shots while another would much rather stay hidden and let someone else make all of the decisions? Having a basic understanding of the four temperaments might help! Listen in as author and host Julia Monnin presents this class to a group of college students and you might just learn along the way which of the four temperaments God gave you. (For class related handouts, contact Julia via her website at www.theworldisnoisy.com.)

Episode 11: Tune in as author and host Julia Monnin bears her heart and soul about the recent cancellation of all publicly celebrated Catholic Masses and looks to the Blessed Mother for strength and guidance as she prayerfully responds to the question, "Now what?".