Best ACTS XXIX Podcasts (2025)

1
Guest: Fr. Lawrence Carney 31:18

Play Pause

10h ago31:18

31:18

We are happy to be joined by Fr. Lawrence Carney to hear about his unique mission seeking out lost souls as he walks the streets of Wichita and traveling the world to preach about the Holy Face of Jesus. Finally, he shares his vocation story.

1
Episode 363: The Holy Family Might Not Be What We Think 27:44

5h ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, in light of the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr. John and Mary talk honestly about family—the blessings, the wounds, and the ache many carry into holidays and gatherings. Looking at Jesus’ own family life in the Gospels, we discover that the Holy Family is bigger than we think, and that Jesus understands the complexity of our relation…

1
Guest: Fr. Jason Borkenhagen 30:27

6d ago30:27

30:27

Today we welcome in Fr. Jason Borkenhagen to share about his priestly life and his experience of studying in Rome and writing his doctoral thesis on St. Thomas Aquinas and the priesthood. Then, he recounts his vocation story and how a fwe simple invitations led him from wanting a family with 20 kids to the ordained priesthood.…

1
Episode 362: Speechless 22:17

4d ago22:17

22:17

In this episode to prepare us for the great celebrations of Christmas, Fr. John and Mary attempt to put into words several ways to help us better understand events and mysteries that are truly beyond all telling. Merry Christmas, everyone! Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@a…

1
Guest: Fr. Ken Schuckman 30:44

11d ago30:44

30:44

Fr. Ken Schuckman joins the studio to talk about what retirement is like as a priest and a recent pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Then he recounts the story of the Lord leading him in and out of high school seminary, through a broken engagement and ultimately to a mature and authentic call to priestly life.…

1
Episode 361: Don't Box God In 27:08

11d ago27:08

27:08

For this 4th Sunday of Advent, Fr. John and Mary reflect on Joseph and John the Baptist as examples of people the Lord allowed to experience great confusion in their lives, but who also exemplify astounding trust in the God for whom nothing is impossible. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via ema…

1
Art of Conversation 34:14

18d ago34:14

34:14

We start off by throwing around ideas for the one question we'd ask Pope Leo if given the chance. Then we dive into a conversation on conversation: why small talk is important, methods for maintaining and directing conversation and, finally, our hot takes on cussing.

1
Episode 360: The Plan Is the Plan Until… 32:21

18d ago32:21

32:21

On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Fr. John and Mary hold up our Lady as the model for radical trust and surrender to God, and discuss how oftentimes our good and holy plans might need to be discarded if God has another and better plan. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via e…

1
Guest: Sr. Abigail Marie, MS 36:45

29d ago36:45

36:45

We are delighted to have two Marian Sisters join us to talk about their recent experience with the Feast for Fiat as well as sharing memories from different milestone moments in their religious life, including chopping off their hair and performing plays written about sisters in honor of their first vows. Then Sr. Abigail Marie shares her vocation …

1
Episode 359: There’s Power in the Name of Jesus 24:29

25d ago24:29

24:29

As we continue our way through these first few weeks of Advent and our focus on the coming of the King, Jesus, Fr. John and Mary offer some thoughts and Scripture passages to pray with on the power of Jesus’ name. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: missi…

1
Guest: Fr. David Marstall 34:40

1M ago34:40

34:40

Today we sit down to talk with Fr. David Marstall about his (in)famous dog Osa, mountain climbing, priestly transitions, and how his call to the priesthood began with a deal made with God to get into the middle school band.

1
Episode 358: The Big Story 24:29

1M ago24:29

24:29

As we prepare for the 1st Sunday of Advent and the start of the Church Year, Fr. John and Mary step back and invite us to consider God’s design for creating the human race so as to better understand the mission that belongs to us all as the Church. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at […

1
Guest: Fr. Paul Sheller, O.S.B. 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

Fr. Paul Sheller, a monk of Conception Abbey, joins us to share some stories from seminary with Fr. Chad, including a garage sale phase and the rods in Fr. Paul's back from surgery for scoliosis. Finally, Fr. Paul shares his vocation story as well as a few opportunities for anyone to deepen their spiritual life through Benedictine spirituality.…

1
Episode 357: Stand Before Jesus … Today 28:44

1M ago28:44

28:44

Father John and Mary invite us to reflect on and prepare for that real day when each of us is going to stand face to face in front of Jesus and be judged by Him who is the King of the Universe and hear one of two things. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto…

1
Clergy Conference with Acts XXIX 32:42

2M ago32:42

32:42

We begin by discussing our practice of "Videamus", in which we watch and discuss films with seminarians in order to deepen their artistic and cultural experience. Then we discuss our experience and hot takes from the recent Clergy Conference and the presentations by Fr. John Riccardo and Acts XXIX.

1
Episode 356: Creation Is On Tiptoe. Are We? 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

Fr. John and Mary invite us to learn a lesson from the beauty and wonder of creation all around us as we await the real and glorious day of the King’s return. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web…

1
Guest: Fr. Michael Wegenka 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

Today we welcome into the studio our first Jesuit priest, Fr. Michael Wegenka, S.J. We discuss his recent experience serving in Kenya as well as his take on the current state of the Jesuit order. He also shares how a priest rapping during a homily led to a curiosity about the priesthood, and the personal accompaniment of a Jesuit priest at his high…

1
Episode 355: The Temple That Is You 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

On this feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Fr. John and Mary explain what this feast is about, and then reflect on the readings assigned for this feast in general, before highlighting several key themes in Psalm 46. ========================== Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via em…

1
Guest: Fr. J.D. Betzen 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

Today we are joined by Fr. J.D. Betzen to hear about his current assignment and the only Bible based parade in the country before hearing his vocation story. As a proud nerd, Fr. J.D. educates us on Science Olympiad and shares the joy of being called to the priesthood.

1
Episode 354: I Will Be There That Day 25:19

2M ago25:19

25:19

In this episode for All Souls Day, Fr. John invites Mary to share her experience of standing at the entrance of the valley of death, and what it was that gave her strength at that time. They then invite us to ask ourselves if we know the Good Shepherd, and what we’re going to do today to get ready for the day of our death. Connect with us and our c…

1
Guest: Fr. Wayne Schmid 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

It was an honor to sit down with Fr. Wayne Schmid, a full bird Army Colonel and priest of Jesus Christ. He shares his incredible journey from being "raised on a barstool" in St. Louis to reading The Story of Chaplain Kapaun as a high schooler leading him to serving as a priest in the Diocese of Wichita and nearly 25 years as an Army chaplain.…

1
Episode 353: He Listens, Do We? 20:35

2M ago20:35

20:35

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open Psalm 34, highlighting the beautiful reality that God is the most attentive listener there is and encourages us to imitate Him. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing …

1
Guest: Fr. Sam Brand 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

Fr. Sam Brand joins us in the studio to share his vocation story as well as the ordeal of getting his final seminary thesis complete and his important role on the seminary basketball team.

1
Episode 352: Where Does Your Help Come From? 18:47

3M ago18:47

18:47

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open Psalm 121 and invite us to breathe and reflect upon the steady assurance of God’s all powerful and loving presence with us. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for …

1
History of Celibacy 35:03

3M ago35:03

35:03

Today we begin by discussing our sleeping habits and give our hottest takes on naps. Then we answer a listener's question regarding the historical development of the practice of priestly celibacy.

1
Episode 351: Praise Demolishes Discouragement 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

In this episode, mindful of so many things that are tempting us right now to discouragement, Fr. John and Mary discuss for what and how we can praise God, and what precisely praise can do to demolish discouragement. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: mis…

1
Guest: Fr. Andy Hammeke 36:29

3M ago36:29

36:29

Fr. Andy Hammeke, the vocations director for the diocese of Salina, joins us to reminisce about sports memories from seminary and then shares his vocation story and how the Lord led him from the mostly typical life of a college athlete to the priesthood.

1
Episode 350: God’s Gym is the Book of Psalms 32:29

3M ago32:29

32:29

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss how the Psalms help us to exercise various spiritual “muscles,” training us to get in shape and become the men and women God created us to be and that we want to be. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: mission@ac…

1
Guest: Fr. Scott Schilmoeller 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

Fr. Garett is once again joined by Fr. Paul Clark and Fr. Scott Schilmoeller to hear about karaoke nights and their favorite pranks from their time in seminary. Then Fr. Scott shares how the Lord led him to see the sense of adventure he had since childhood would be most fulfilled through a life of priesthood.…

1
Episode 349: Seeking Consolation From God in a Troubled Time 19:26

3M ago19:26

19:26

In this episode, against the backdrop of all that’s taking place in our country, Fr. John and Mary seek God’s wisdom and help from His Word. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.acts…

1
Guest: Fr. Paul Clark 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

Fr. Paul Clark from Jefferson City and Fr. Scott Schilmoeller from Omaha join Fr. Garett to discuss their adventures in New York during the vocation directors conference as well as Fr. Paul's choreography expertise getting put to good use for seminary musicals. Then, Fr. Paul shares the story of his vocation, including how encounters with the saint…

1
Episode 348: Praise the Lord, Who Lifts Up The Poor, That Is, Me. 24:17

3M ago24:17

24:17

In this episode, as Fr. John and Mary discuss Psalm 113, they reflect on how important it is to see ourselves as being among “the poor.” Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix…

1
Guest: Fr. Ryan Adorjan 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

Fr. Garett sits down with Fr. Ryan Adorjan from the Diocese of Joliet during some free time at a national convention for vocation directors to reminisce about their days in seminary before hearing how the Lord led Fr. Ryan from growing up with a "milk toast" experience of Catholicism to laying down his life as a priest.…

1
Episode 347: God’s Extraordinary Response to a Forgetful Race 24:25

4M ago24:25

24:25

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open Psalm 78, the Psalm for this coming Sunday, encouraging us to teach to those entrusted to our charge the great things He has done, and to consider how we’re personally responding to His extravagant mercy and patience in our own lives. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. O…

1
Affective Maturity 29:05

4M ago29:05

29:05

Today we catch up on what everyone has been reading before diving into a discussion on what the Church refers to as "affective maturity" and its importance in the life of seminarians and priests.

1
Episode 346: How Long, O Lord?! 21:34

4M ago21:34

21:34

After the traumatic events that took place last week in Minnesota, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the anguish many of us are experiencing in light of Scripture in general, the Psalms in particular and Saint Augustine. ========================== Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [missio…

1
Totus Tuus with Mark and Mary Ellen Arnold 36:09

4M ago36:09

36:09

Today we are joined by Mark and Mary Ellen Arnold, the Coordinators for Totus Tuus in the diocese. In between shenanigans between Fr. Chad and Mark, we share memorable stories from our time with Totus Tuus, discuss how it promotes the diocesan culture of vocations, and learn about the term "heart sparkle."…

1
Episode 345: The Jesus Conference – Mobilizing the Church for the World He Loves 10:17

4M ago10:17

10:17

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary share the exciting news about the Jesus Conference – Mobilizing the Church for the World He Loves, ACTS XXIX’s first international gathering happening in Plymouth, Michigan on October 2-4, 2026. https://www.actsxxix.org/thejesusconference Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simpl…

1
Bishop Kemme on Grief as a Priest 32:26

4M ago32:26

32:26

We welcome back Bishop Carl Kemme to share the most unique and memorable places we have celebrated the Holy Mass. Then we transition into a more somber tone to discuss the unique aspects of grief and mourning as priests, and Bishop shares his experience of the recent loss of his own mother.

1
EP 14 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 7:51

4M ago7:51

7:51

In this final episode of the series, Fr. John and Mary remind us that what they’ve shared is a principle (restoring the initiative to God) and a practical application of the principle. They also remind us that it is important to keep living and applying this principle going forward so as to forever change the way we make decisions. Buy the journal …

1
EP 13 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary move into the last collective prayer exercise, “Lord, reveal the most important thing for us to do right now.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mis…

1
EP 12 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 13:28

4M ago13:28

13:28

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the third collective prayer exercise, “Lord, reveal the enemy’s primary strategy against us.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@a…

1
EP 11 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 8:47

4M ago8:47

8:47

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the second collective prayer exercise, “Lord, reveal the biggest impediment preventing us from becoming the family on mission You intend us to be.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and so…

1
EP 10 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 26:08

4M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the first collective prayer exercise, “Lord, reveal the most significant gift You have so generously entrusted to us.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach u…

1
EP 9 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 26:08

4M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary move into the second part of the series, breaking open collective discernment, touching on the need to restore the initiative to God and what that practically looks like for diocesan teams, parish teams, apostolate leaders, married couples and more. Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/spea…

1
Episode 344: Glory Days: Are They In the Past? Part III 42:35

4M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary conclude their series on being able to relive great memories of the past with friends and prayerfully apply those great memories to the mission God is entrusting to us today. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: mission@a…

1
EP 8 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 11:10

4M ago11:10

11:10

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary tee up the fourth personal healing prayer exercise, “Jesus, reveal what is the most important thing for me to do right now.” ========================== Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) ACTS XXIX …

1
EP 7 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 5:42

4M ago5:42

5:42

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary offer a gentle encouragement to consider doing something in particular before moving on to the fourth personal healing prayer exercise. Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply r…

1
EP 6 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 18:14

4M ago18:14

18:14

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the third personal healing prayer exercise, “Jesus, reveal the enemy’s primary strategy for my life.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [m…

1
EP 5 | Speak, Lord: The Art of Synodality 19:06

4M ago19:06

19:06

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the second personal healing prayer exercise, “Jesus, lovingly reveal the one thing that is most holding me back from following You.” Buy the journal here: https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/speak-lord-your-servants-are-listening Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or …