Say Yes to Holiness
By Christina Semmens
Say Yes to HolinessMay 11, 2024
Episode #212 "Holiness Here (and Now!)" 1:1 w/Karen Stiller, Author, Holiness Here
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with Karen Stiller, author of 'Holiness Here'. In their conversation, they discuss the importance of holiness in everyday life.
Karen shares her own faith journey and how she was inspired by her husband's commitment to holiness. She also emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency in our spiritual growth and encourages readers to believe in their own holiness. Karen suggests practical steps such as sitting in a room and affirming, 'I am holy', and being open to opportunities for acts of love and forgiveness. Finally, Karen also highlights the power of community and accountability in our journey towards holiness.
Takeaways
- Holiness is not just for the 'perfect', but for everyone. We are called to participate in our own transformation and believe in our belovedness.
- Practical steps towards holiness include affirming our holiness, being open to acts of love and forgiveness, and growing through both love and hardship.
- Honesty and transparency are essential in our spiritual growth. Sharing our struggles and mistakes with others creates a space for growth and accountability.
- Reading spiritual books and engaging in spiritual practices can deepen our understanding of holiness and support our journey towards sanctity.
- Believing in our own holiness and embracing the journey of growth can bring meaning and purpose to our faith.
Sound Bites
- "We want to change and we want to know that this life of faith is an adventure."
- "Holiness is transforming union with God."
- "We are holy, but then we get to do holy and then we will grow."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:00 Karen's Faith Journey and Vocation as a Writer
07:12 Redefining Holiness and Embracing the Journey
15:09 Discussing Holiness Differently to Propel Growth
23:04 Moving Beyond Messiness and Brokenness
26:50 Practical Steps Towards Holiness
29:38 The Power of Honesty and Accountability
35:10 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
To learn more about Karen and her work, go to: www.karenstiller.com
Episode #211--"Waiting on the Holy Spirit"--Say Yes to Holiness podcast
The Say Yes to Holiness podcast seeks to provide Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...
In this episode, Christina Semmens discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and how we can embrace the waiting period before Pentecost. She emphasizes the importance of stripping our intellect of passions in order to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Semmens also highlights the role of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, in nourishing our souls and allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. She encourages listeners to do good deeds with love, asking for Mary's intercession, and to remain steadfast in their faith despite the imperfections of the Church.
Takeaways
- Stripping our intellect of passions allows us to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, nourish our souls and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.
- Doing good deeds with love, through the intercession of Mary, is essential.
- Despite the imperfections of the Church, we should remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God will reform His Church according to His will.
Sound Bites
- "When our intellect, our reason, is stripped of the passions, then we are truly open to the Holy Spirit."
- "The Holy Spirit brings Jesus to you, for example, for you to consume body, blood, soul, and divinity."
- "Without love, deeds, even those that seem quite extraordinary count as nothing."
Chapters
- 00:00 Embracing the Waiting Period Before Pentecost
- 08:48 Nourishing Our Souls Through the Sacraments
- 15:15 Doing Good Deeds with Love
May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”
Episode #210--"No Such Thing As Ordinary"--1:1 Conversation with Rachel Balducci, Author, Speaker & Catholic TV Cohost
In this episode, Christina speaks with Rachel Balducci, a writer and co-host of the GIST on Catholic TV, shares her journey of finding her identity and purpose as a wife and mother. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our worth and identity come from being known and loved by God. Rachel also discusses the power of prayer and the need to create sacred spaces to connect with the Lord. She encourages women to find their unique gifts and wait on God's timing, rather than trying to do everything at once. Rachel's work as a writer has allowed her to share her personal experiences and lessons learned, while also inspiring others.
Takeaways
Our worth and identity come from being known and loved by God.
Create sacred spaces and spend time in prayer to connect with the Lord.
Recognize and embrace your unique gifts, and wait on God's timing.
Share your personal experiences and lessons learned to inspire others.
Sound Bites
"I'm a mom. That's my primary vocation."
"We're too quick to let our identity come from the things we do."
"You have value beyond measure."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:28 Rachel's Journey to Being a Writer and Co-Host
05:15 The Importance of Recognizing Our Worth and Identity
09:03 Discovering Passion and Adventure in Life
14:31 The Power of Prayer and Creating Sacred Spaces
25:41 Finding Peace and Truth in Prayer
29:03 Advice to Her 18-Year-Old Self
32:23 Conclusion and Where to Find Rachel's Work
www.rachelbalducci.com
Episode #209--"Staying Connected to the True Vine"
The Say Yes to Holiness podcast is all about providing you Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...
In this episode, Christina Semmens discusses the gifts and graces of the Easter season and how we can grow in holiness. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus, relying on His strength, and utilizing the gifts He has given us. Christina also encourages listeners to pause, practice aspirations (short prayers), and seek spiritual direction or mentorship. The key takeaways include pausing to see the goodness around us, staying connected to Jesus through aspirations, relying on His word and sacraments, and seeking guidance from a spiritual director or mentor.
Takeaways
- Pause and see the goodness around you
- Practice aspirations to stay connected to Jesus
- Rely on Jesus' word and sacraments
- Seek guidance from a spiritual director or mentor
Sound Bites
- "We rely on ourselves"
- "Pause and give thanks"
- "Practice aspirations"
May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”
Episode #208 "How To Become A Master of the Art of Evangelization" 1:1 Conversation with Dr. Tom Harmon, Associate Director of Catholic Studies, UST-Houston
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with Dr. Tom Harmon, Associate Director of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, to discuss the new Master of Arts in Evangelization program offered by the Word on Fire Institute and UST Houston.
The program aims to teach people how to approach evangelization in the same way as Bishop Robert Barron, focusing on finding the good, true and beautiful in culture and engaging with it.
The program includes courses on philosophy, apologetics, ethics, art, poetry, and architecture, as well as a summer immersion experience. The program is open to people of all ages and professions who have a heart for evangelization.
Takeaways
- The Master of Arts in Evangelization program aims to teach people how to approach evangelization in the same way as Bishop Robert Barron.
- The program focuses on finding the good in culture and engaging with it, using philosophy, apologetics, ethics, art, poetry, and architecture.
- The program includes a summer immersion experience where students and professors come together for a week of lectures, seminars, workshops, and fellowship.
- The program is open to people of all ages and professions who have a heart for evangelization.
Sound Bites
- "Even in the most hostile cultures, there are still these traces of God's truth that can be found."
- "Nothing's too mundane for the attention of the evangelist."
- "The program is not just interested only in theology, but also in art, literature, history, and politics."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Towards Holiness
00:37 Introduction and Background
03:31 Introduction and Background
10:10 The Creation of the Initiative
17:18 Practical Ways to Evangelize
29:53 Hopes for the Program
34:05 Book, Movie, and TV Show Recommendations
38:54 Closing Remarks
39:20 Leaving Suggestions for Upcoming Podcasts
To learn more, go to: https://www.stthom.edu/MAEvangelization
Episode #207 "Easter Mercy and Grace"
Summary
In this episode, Christina reflects on the Easter season and shares quotes from saints to inspire and encourage listeners.
The main themes include God's love and mercy, the importance of forgiveness, and the need to trust in Jesus.
Christina encourages listeners to spend time in thanksgiving after receiving the Eucharist, reflect on the cross and the forgiveness we have received, and repeat the mantra 'Jesus, I trust in you' for peace and hope.
The episode concludes with a reminder to begin again with joy and to open our hearts to God's love and mercy.
Takeaways
- The Easter season is an opportunity to reflect on God's love and mercy.
- Forgiveness is essential for our journey towards holiness.
- Trusting in Jesus brings comfort, peace, and joy.
- Reflecting on the cross reminds us of the forgiveness we have received and encourages us to forgive others.
- Beginning again with joy allows us to let go of the past and embrace the present moment.
Sound Bites
- "Let's meditate on God's love and His mercy."
- "The essence of Divine Mercy is to trust and live by God's grace."
- "Reflect upon the cross, the sign of the crucifixion, and allow the forgiveness that God won for us to inspire us to forgive others."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Easter Greetings
08:33 The Power of Forgiveness
13:44 Finding Comfort and Peace in Trusting in Jesus
23:51 Beginning Again with Joy
28:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
May this podcast help inspire, encourage and accompany you in doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that you may continue to grow in holiness as we tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”
Divine Mercy and Forgiveness
A small morsel from this week's podcast episode!
Day 54--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Love
Day 54--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Love
Day 53--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Hope & Wisdom
Day 53--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Hope & Wisdom
Day 52--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Faith & Courage
Day 52--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Faith & Courage
Day 51--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Silence
Day 51--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Silence
Day 50--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Patience
Day 50--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Patience
Day 49--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Perseverance & Friendship
Day 49--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Perseverance & Friendship
Day 48--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Obedience
Day 48--Love Like A Saint--Reflection Week--Obedience
Day 47--Love Like A Saint--HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN! ALELLUIA! ALLELUIA!
Day 47--Love Like A Saint--HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN! ALELLUIA! ALLELUIA!
Day 46--Love Like A Saint--Epilogue--Magnanimity
Day 46--Love Like A Saint--Epilogue--Magnanimity
Day 45--Love Like A Saint--Epilogue--Humility
Day 45--Love Like A Saint--Epilogue--Humility
Day 44--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 44--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 43--Love Like A Saint--The Leading Lady of Penitence
Day 43--Love Like A Saint--The Leading Lady of Penitence
Day 42--Love Like A Saint--Lacordaire's Magdalen
Day 42--Love Like A Saint--Lacordaire's Magdalen
Day 41--Love Like A Saint--Exit Stage Left
Day 41--Love Like A Saint--Exit Stage Left
Day 40--Love Like A Saint--Modern Magdalene
Day 40--Love Like A Saint--Modern Magdalene
Day 39--Love Like A Saint--Who Needs Your Love?
Day 39--Love Like A Saint--Who Needs Your Love?
Day 38--Love Like A Saint--Saint Mary Magdalene
Day 38--Love Like A Saint--Saint Mary Magdalene
Day 37--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 37--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 36--Love Like A Saint--In Christ Alone
Day 36--Love Like A Saint--In Christ Alone
Day 35--Love Like A Saint--The Way of the Cross
Day 35--Love Like A Saint--The Way of the Cross
Day 34--Love Like A Saint--Converging Hopes
Day 34--Love Like A Saint--Converging Hopes
Day 33-Love Like A Saint--Cross Bearer
Day 33-Love Like A Saint--Cross Bearer
Day 32--Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop
Day 32--Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop
Day 31--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 31--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 30--Love Like A Saint--Beloved Brown Mother
Day 30--Love Like A Saint--Beloved Brown Mother
Day 29--Love Like A Saint--Forward Out of Love
Day 29--Love Like A Saint--Forward Out of Love
Day 28--Love Like A Saint--Conversion and Coraggio
Day 28--Love Like A Saint--Conversion and Coraggio
Day 27--Love Like A Saint--Hidden Mystery, New Master
Day 27--Love Like A Saint--Hidden Mystery, New Master
Day 26--Love Like A Saint--A Shattered Little Heart
Day 26--Love Like A Saint--A Shattered Little Heart
Day 25--Love Like A Saint--Saint Josephine Bakhita
Day 25--Love Like A Saint--Saint Josephine Bakhita
Day 24--Love Like a Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 24--Love Like a Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 23--Love Like A Saint--A Silent Heart is a Loving Heart
Day 23--Love Like A Saint--A Silent Heart is a Loving Heart
Day 22--Love Like A Saint--Reviving Poustinia
Day 22--Love Like A Saint--Reviving Poustinia
Day 21--Love Like A Saint--The Silence of Lover
Day 21--Love Like A Saint--The Silence of Lover
Day 20--Love Like A Saint--Catherine de Hueck Doherty
Day 20--Love Like A Saint--Catherine de Hueck Doherty
Day 19--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 19--Love Like A Saint--In Her Own Words
Day 18--Love Like A Saint--She Knew How To Wait
Day 18--Love Like A Saint--She Knew How To Wait
Day 29--Love Like A Saint--Forward Out Of Love
Day 29--Love Like A Saint--Forward Out Of Love
Day 17--Love Like A Saint--The Powerful Arms of Patience--Part 2
Day 17--Love Like A Saint--The Powerful Arms of Patience--Part 2
Day 16--Love Like A Saint--The Powerful Arms of Patience
Day 16--Love Like A Saint--The Powerful Arms of Patience
Day 15--Love Like A Saint--A Note of Clarification
Day 15--Love Like A Saint--A Note of Clarification
Day 14--Love Like A Saint--Blessed Elizabetta Canori Mora
Day 14--Love Like A Saint--Blessed Elizabetta Canori Mora
Day 13--Love Like A Saint--Holding Jesus in the Palm of her Hand
Day 13--Love Like A Saint--Holding Jesus in the Palm of her Hand