Episodes

  • S16 E8 - Jesus and the Jubilee: Chapters One and Two
    Mar 10 2025

    In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen.

    Heather’s One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Fall Like Rain

    Heather’s Other One Thing - Ascension’s Holy Bible – The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition Premium

    Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Those who live in Lafayette and attended an event at the University of Louisiana

    Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - Jean Valjean: Bought with a Price (a scene from the 1998 Les Miserables with Liam Neesen)

    Michelle’s One Thing - Her recent trip with family to the Dominican Republic

    Jesus and the Jubilee Reading Schedule:

    • March 10th: Chapters 1 & 2
    • March 17th: Chapters 3 & 4
    • March 24th: Chapters 5 & 6
    • March 31st: Chapters 7 & 8
    • April 7th: Chapter 9 & Conclusion
    • April 14th: Epilogue and Preparing for the Triduum and Easter

    Announcement:

    It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.

    Journal Questions:

    • How can I embrace freedom, family, and fullness this Lent?
    • What is the Lord inviting me to this Lent? What gift is He trying to give me?
    • What does the Holy Spirit want to co-create with me this Lent?
    • What idols do I sense the Lord destroying in my life?

    Discussion Questions:

    • How are you approaching a Jubilee Lent differently?
    • What is taking up more room in your life than it needs to?
    • How do you see Lent as a season of hardship versus a season of restoration?
    • How can you press into prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to open yourself up to freedom this Lent?

    Quotes to Ponder:

    “The Story of the biblical jubilee does not begin with Leviticus 25, the first chapter where the institution is mentioned. The jubilee is at its heart an act of restoration, which means it recreates and reestablishes a situation that existed beforehand. And what is that situation? It’s the Good Creation!” (Jesus and the Jubilee, John Bergsma, Page 9)



    Scripture for Lectio:

    “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)

    Sponsor - Into the Deep:

    A Lamp & a Light is a Scripture prayer journal for women that walks you through the movements of lectio divina with prompting questions.

    The journal provides 40 pre-selected Bible passages for you that are ideal for imaginative prayer. Then, you’ll have 40 blank pages where you can choose your own passages.

    If you have wanted to pray with Sacred Scripture but aren’t sure how or if you feel like you need a guide, this Scripture journal can help you go deeper in your personal relationship with the Lord.

    If you are in need of hope, perseverance, direction, joy, or faith through God’s unfailing Word, A Lamp & a Light is for you.

    You can get one for yourself, your mom, sister, and friends for 10% off at intothedeep.co with code ABIDE10.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Into the Deep

    01:34 - Intro

    02:27 - Welcome

    04:30 - Back to the Garden

    08:38 - Our Need for Jubilee

    10:22 - What is Taking Up Room in Our Hearts?

    12:10 - Approaching Lent Differently

    14:19 - Five Identities

    16:10 - Restoring what was Lost

    18:31 - A Glimpse into Full Restoration

    20:41 - Self-Reliance vs Communion

    22:38 - The Ten Plagues

    24:26 - Spiritual Slavery

    25:53 - God is Trying to Help You

    27:30 - Continual Conversion

    28:30 - Hope and Patience

    31:35 - One Things

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    38 mins
  • S16 E7 - Our Need for Jubilee with Dr. John Bergsma
    Mar 3 2025
    In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study “Jesus and the Jubilee” and welcome the author, Dr. John Bergsma, to the podcast! Dr. Bergsma shares his powerful conversion story during the Great Jubilee Year in 2000 and why he felt called to write a book about this Jubilee Year of Hope. We also reflect on this Jubilee year as a time of abundant grace, why Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee, and how we can engage the virtue of hope this Lenten season. Heather’s One Thing - Fathering Sons by Dominic Polito Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Floriani (Chants of Deliverance CD) (Spotify) Michelle’s One Thing - Jesus and the Jubilee Dr. Bergsma’s One Thing - Dr. Scott Hahn’s meditations on “The Seven Last Words of Christ”. (Sign up to be sent a weekly video reflection during Lent) Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. Journal Questions: How does the Lord want to invite me more deeply into the Jubilee Year?What am I seeking freedom from this Lent?How can I approach Lent with a spirit of hope?What do I need to repent of this Lent? Discussion Questions: What is your current understanding of the Jubilee?How have you experienced interior miracles from the Lord?What stuck out to you from Dr. Bergsma’s statement: “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a perpetual Jubilee”?What is a miracle you want to pray for this Lent? Quote to Ponder: “I’m convinced in my heart that the proper response to the announcement of Jubilee 2025 should be joy, hope, and excitement. Lived well, this Jubilee Year can be a moment of miracle and grace for all of us, a kind of yearlong spiritual Christmas season in which we daily awake to open the gifts of grace that God our Father so lovingly gives us.” (Dr. John Bergsma) Scripture for Lectio: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (Isaiah 61:1-4) Sponsor - CORDA: CORDA translates the stories of the saints into scents, and handcrafts those scents into gorgeous Catholic candles. Each candle scent is directly inspired by different saints and aspects of the faith, and is made with clean coconut wax and a beautiful, modern design. Be sure to sign up for the CORDA Fan Club, too: it’s free and an awesome way to earn points that you can redeem for free products, gift cards, and free shipping. You can join the club and explore CORDA’s gorgeous Catholic candles (and 3,000+ reviews!) at cordacandles.com. And don’t forget to enter code ABIDE15 to save 15% on everything, now through May 31, 2025. Thank you for supporting this family owned, Catholic small business! Timestamps: 00:00 - CORDA 01:34 - Intro 02:26 - Welcome 04:55 - Dr. Bergsma’s Conversion Story 12:58 - The Jubilee Year of Hope is a Time of Grace 16:07 - St. Pope John Paul II 17:35 - The Inspiration to Write Jesus and the Jubilee 21:29 - Why the Jubilee Year is a Personal Experience 28:16 - Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee 31:38 - Engaging the Virtue of Hope 37:38 - Hope in Prayer 40:12 - One Things
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    47 mins
  • S16 E6 - Spiritual Mentorship: Being Formed in Jesus
    Feb 24 2025

    In this episode, we talk about spiritual mentorship and being formed in Jesus. We reflect on the spiritual mentors who have journeyed with us and share stories about the lessons that have shaped who we are today. We also talk about why comparison crushes our ability to receive, our calling to make disciples of all nations, and how the daily witness of our lives is an answer to this call.

    Heather’s One Thing - Fix You (Live from the O2 Arena) by Jacob Collier and Chris Martin

    Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Dr. Christin McIntyre on the Restore the Glory Podcast and her lectures on Thomistic Psychology (Part 1) (Part 2)

    Michelle’s One Thing - Dr. Mary Lou and Chris O’Grady and letting us use their beach home

    Announcement:

    Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee.

    Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. The St. Paul Center just restocked their inventory so they have plenty of books for you to order!

    Journal Questions:

    • Who has mentored me throughout my life?
    • Who have I mentored throughout my life?
    • How have I failed to acknowledge the humanity of my mentors?
    • What intentional “yeses” can I give to mentoring or being mentored in this season?

    Discussion Questions:

    • What were the practical ways that you were able to receive mentorship in your life?
    • What parts of the Face of God did my mentors reveal to me despite their own brokenness?
    • How have your peers mentored you in different seasons?
    • Who can you help discover & release their gifts to the world?

    Quote to Ponder:

    “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (Pope Paul VI, On Evangelization in the Modern World)

    Scripture for Lectio:

    “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)

    Sponsor - Hallow:

    This episode is sponsored by Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world with over 10,000 prayers, meditations, and music to help you find peace and grow closer to God. Hallow's annual Pray40 challenge for Lent is a powerful way to dive deeper into the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year's Pray40 is called The Way and focuses on the writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá and the story of Servant of God Takashi Nagai. You can join Sr. Miriam as well as other Christian voices like Jonathan Roumie, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mark Wahlberg, actor Chris Pratt, and more for this 40-day journey to the cross. As we meditate on the lives of those who follow Christ, we’ll see that despite the noise and distraction of today, Jesus died on the cross so that we might know His love and, ultimately, eternal life. We need only to follow His Way.

    Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Hallow

    01:23 - Intro

    02:15 - Welcome

    03:26 - The Loss of a Mentor

    05:20 - Receiving and Giving

    06:40 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

    07:16 - Michelle’s Mentors

    11:26 - Sister’s Mentors

    15:02 - Heather’s Mentors

    18:04 - Sitting at Each Other’s Feet

    18:50 - St. Pope John Paul II

    19:47 - The Next Generation

    22:06 - Spiritual and Biological Grandparents

    25:04 - We are Called to Disciple

    26:36 - Where You are Standing is Holy Ground

    28:13 - Giving Our Yes to Jesus

    30:56 - Speaking Blessings

    32:10 - One Things

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    38 mins
  • S16 E5 - Happy 8th Birthday!
    Feb 17 2025
    In this episode, we celebrate eight years of abiding together with you! We want to celebrate what God has done and is doing in not only our lives, but also in yours. We reflect on why we started the podcast and how our hearts still echo with a desire to help women grow closer to our Lord through communion with others. We share why we surrender the podcast to the Holy Spirit, how we’ve navigated supporting each other through different seasons of life, and what our hopes are for the future of the podcast. Most of all, we want to thank you for how you’ve received our vulnerability, your openness to us and the Lord, and your steadfastness in journeying with us along the way. Heather’s One Thing - Jubilee Spotify Playlist Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Our very first episode - Coffee, Unity, and Companionship Michelle’s One Thing - Our listeners! We are so grateful for you! Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee. Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. While “Jesus and the Jubilee” is currently backordered, the St. Paul Center expects a new shipment of books later this week and plans to fulfill your orders by late February. Journal Questions: Have I experienced friendships and relationships that have been anointed by the Lord?How can I steward my relationships, gifts, time, and opportunities well?When have I seen the difference between success and fruitfulness? Discussion Questions: When did you first start listening to the podcast?Do you have a favorite episode, season, series, or study? How did it bless you?What areas of your life can you surrender to the Lord to give growth? Quote to Ponder: "To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference." (Thomas Merton) Scripture for Lectio: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'" (1 Samuel 7:12) Sponsor - The Little Rose Shop: Discover the beauty of integrating faith into your everyday life with The Little Rose Shop. Our Morning Offering Prayer Mug the perfect companion for your morning routine, allowing you to start each day with a heartfelt prayer, focusing your thoughts on Christ. Plus, explore our Quiet Books collection, including the Mass Quiet Book, Rosary Quiet Book, the Where is Jesus Quiet Book, and Wrapped in Mary’s Mantle Quiet Book. These engaging books are designed for babies and toddlers, making it easy to introduce them to the wonders of faith in a quiet and interactive way—perfect for adoration or Mass. As a special treat for Abiding Together listeners, use promo code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% discount at checkout. Enrich your spiritual journey and bring the joy of faith into your home with The Little Rose Shop. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Little Rose Shop 01:17 - Intro 02:09 - Lenten Book Announcement 02:54 - Welcome 04:40 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse 05:53 - Born Out of Friendship 09:19 - Surrendering Everything Back 10:39 - Honest Conversations 12:05 - Stewarding Well 15:22 - Thankfulness 18:23 - Hearing from Listeners 20:35 - A Collaboration 22:47 - Your Starting Point 24:26 - Hope for the Future 28:29 - One Things 31:12 - Lenten Book Study Reminder
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    34 mins
  • S16 E4 - Journey to Nazareth
    Feb 10 2025
    In this episode, we talk about how we can receive graces by making a spiritual pilgrimage to Nazareth. We reflect on the Holy Family, how they teach us to love well, and how they show us how to build a family that heals and transforms its members. We also discuss the sanctification of the ordinary, how life is found in doing our daily duty well, and how to dialogue with others. Nazareth is a place of love, and we invite you to use your imagination and make the journey with us. Heather’s One Thing - Discovering your God-given Identity Course Heather’s Other One Thing - Memorize Scripture by Jackie Angel Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Last Paragraph of Pope Benedict XVI’s Inaugural Homily Michelle’s One Thing - Everyone who experienced the loss of home from a natural disaster. We are praying for you. Other Resources Mentioned: For any alumni of the JPII Healing Center’s Holy Desire retreat, Jake Khym is offering a free online course “The Freedom Series: Journeying with Holy Desire” Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee. Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. Amazon has very limited copies, so we recommend you order from St. Paul Center to ensure you receive your copy before Lent begins! Journal Questions: Have I ever prayed about life in Nazareth?How can I experience Nazareth in an ordinary way?Where do I need to be transformed in family life?Spend time this week meditating on life in Nazareth. How did I encounter the Holy Family in my meditation?When are the times that I want to rebuke and accuse others? Do I want holiness and transformation more than being right? Discussion Questions: What renewal and transformation do you need to experience in Nazareth?How do you see ordinary life as the path to sanctification?How do you see ordinary life as an obstacle to sanctification?Where are you in bondage within family life? How can you allow an encounter of Nazareth to set you free from that bondage? Quote to Ponder: “Pilgrimages are a call to return to the roots of our faith. Nazareth, where Jesus lived His hidden life, is a place that invites us to reflect on our own journey. It is not only a place of memory but also a place of renewal and transformation.” (Pope Francis, Homily, Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation, 2014) Scripture for Lectio: “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:23) Sponsor - CMF CURO: Embrace the Wholeness God Desires for You Are you looking for a community of Catholics that is open to Christ’s healing love, prays together and is striving for excellence in spirit, mind and body? We know it can be hard to find that. That’s why CURO offers its Belong, Thrive and Share communities. As a listener of Abiding Together, we’re excited to offer you a free session of Catholic spiritual direction or personalized wellness coaching. We’re confident that you’ll love your time with our trained and experienced coaches and spiritual directors. Our members can’t stop saying how grateful they are to grow closer to Christ, form new habits and progress in virtue. If online is your thing, then check out the Belong wellness portal with a free 30-Day trial. It’s designed to help you learn your strengths, discover areas to grow in, and lets you sync with your smart device to seamlessly track your progress towards your goals. To sign up or learn more just visit: cmfcuro.com/abiding. Timestamps: 00:00 - CMF CURO 01:37 - Intro 02:30 - Welcome 04:30 - Rest in Nazareth 06:45 - How Do We Go to Nazareth? 11:57 - Spiritual Pilgrimage of Hope 13:31 - The Sanctification of Ordinary Life 15:34 - We Find a Love that Heals 18:00 - A Place to Dialogue 20:39 - Bringing Our Littleness to Nazareth 24:07 - An Encouragement to Try 24:37 - A Place of Astonishment and Wonder 28:50 - One Things
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    35 mins
  • S16 E3 - Rosary in a Year with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
    Feb 3 2025
    In this episode, we welcome Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to talk about his podcast Rosary in a Year. He shares the inspiration behind his podcast and the importance of meditating on and understanding the mysteries of our faith. We also reflect on prayer being something received not produced, how the Rosary specifically answers the cry of our hearts to learn how to pray, and how Mary intercedes for us within this prayer. Our desire is that Fr. Mark-Mary’s podcast will be an aid as you take the next step deeper in your prayer life. Heather’s One Thing - Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Heather’s Other One Thing - Sharing the Gospel with Our Lives: A Relational Approach to Catholic Youth Ministry by Bob Rice Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe Michelle’s One Thing - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Fr. Mark-Mary’s One Thing - Christ in the City Missionaries Other Resources Mentioned: Rosary in a Year Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Ascension’s Website (or app) Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee. Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. Amazon has very limited copies, so we recommend you order from St. Paul Center to ensure you receive your copy before Lent begins! Journal Questions: What has my relationship been with the Rosary?Do I often perceive the Rosary to be a formulaic task or a channel of grace?How have I experienced a strengthening of my “concentration muscle” in the past?Do I see prayer as something I produce, or something I receive? Discussion Questions: How were you formed in how to pray the Rosary?What obstacles do you experience when praying the Rosary?What do you desire for your relationship with Our Blessed Mother?How can I enter more fully into the Rosary during this Jubilee Year of Hope? Quote to Ponder: "Mary was the first person to take the 'way' to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavor to put it into practice." (Pope Benedict XVI) Scripture for Lectio: “Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:27) Sponsor - Ascension: Join Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Ascension Press for a new installment of the “In a Year” series with the new Rosary in a Year podcast, which debuted in January as the #1 podcast in the U.S.! The podcast’s host, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, takes listeners on a step-by-step journey that will change how they approach the Rosary—and prayer in general—no matter where they are in their spiritual life. By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world. In six different phases throughout the year, the podcast builds up from just an “Our Father", three “Hail Mary’s”, and a “Glory Be” at the beginning, to joyfully praying the entire Rosary together by the end. Along the way, listeners will learn the basics of prayer, discover the Biblical roots of the Rosary, and learn to meditate on each mystery like never before with help from Sacred Scripture, the writings of the saints, and Sacred Art. You can listen to the podcast and download the Rosary in a Year Prayer guide by visiting our website here. Whether you’re already listening every day or this is your first time hearing about the podcast, it’s never too late to start and there is no better place to listen to Rosary in a Year than in the Ascension app. You’ll get exclusive content and special features you won’t find anywhere else, like full transcripts of each episode, the full text of the prayers and litanies Fr. Mark-Mary shares in the podcast, references to Sacred Scripture and the Catechism, images of sacred art, and much more that help you dive even deeper into each reflection on the Rosary. You can also pray all four mysteries of the Rosary with recordings from Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Jeff Cavins, all for free in the Ascension app. Download the Ascension App on your smartphone or tablet from wherever you get your apps, or by visiting https://link.ascension-app.com/Abide15 Additionally, you can get 15% off the following Rosary in a Year resources by clicking the links and using the promo code ABIDE15 at checkout: Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide (preorder) How to Pray a Better Rosary Rosary in a Year 5 Decade Gemstone Rosary (preorder) Timestamps: 00:00 - Ascension 01:33 - Intro 02:26 - Welcome 03:20 - Fr. Mark-Mary 09:30 - Guiding Quote ...
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    34 mins
  • S16 E2 - Pilgrims of Hope
    Jan 27 2025

    In this episode, we talk about Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction on the Jubilee Year of Hope! A Jubilee year occurs once every 25 years and it is a year set apart and consecrated just for our Lord. We chat about what it looks like to be pilgrims of hope, especially in the places where we have deep sorrows or unfulfilled desires. We reflect on how we can bring these tender places to our Lord and let them be illuminated, so He can redeem and restore the light of hope in our lives. Keeping our hearts open to hope can be painful and crucifying. But when we enter into this pilgrimage, we are transformed in the light of hope.

    Heather’s One Thing - The Podcast Burning Hearts with Rachel Herbeck

    Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Heather’s Acoustic Worship Spotify Playlist

    Michelle’s One Thing - Jubilee by Maverick City Music

    Other Resources Mentioned:

    • In Defense of Hope a talk by Jackie Hill Perry

    Announcement:

    Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee.

    Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. Amazon has very limited copies, so we recommend you order from St. Paul Center to ensure you receive your copy before Lent begins!

    Journal Questions:

    • Where in my life am I experiencing hopelessness?
    • What idols do I place my hope in?
    • How can I look at this year through the lens of hope?
    • Think about an area of hopelessness in your life. What do you believe about the situation? What do you believe about yourself in this situation? What do you believe about the Lord in this area?

    Discussion Questions:

    • Where in your life is it scary to have hope?
    • When have you experienced the buoyancy and freedom of hope?
    • How is Christ inviting you to hope this year?
    • How does your hopelessness impact your understanding of the character of God?

    Quotes to Ponder:

    "Begin again with hope." (Pope Francis)

    “Indeed, the jubilee is a new beginning, the possibility for everyone to start anew from God. With the jubilee we start a new life, a new phase.” (Pope Francis)

    Scripture for Lectio:

    “Hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5:5)

    Sponsor - Glory: Women’s Gathering:

    Franciscan University, and Heather Khym from Life Restoration are holding their first ever Steubenville women’s conference! We absolutely love the theme they've chosen: The Spirit and the Bride Say Come. Heather will be joined by an amazing lineup of speakers including Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Josephine Gerrett, Sarah Kaczmarek, Debbie Herbeck, Fr. Tim Hepburn, and Sarah Kroger leading worship! Join women across generations to worship God, hear from Spirit-filled speakers, and make room for conversation with one another and with Jesus the Bridegroom. Mark your calendars for June 6th-8th 2025 and click this link to register!

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Glory: Women’s Conference

    1:31 - Intro

    1:39 - Welcome

    6:16 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote

    6:51- Why Hope?

    10:01 - Hopelessness and Fear

    12:20 - Grieving Hopeless Areas

    16:29 - A Place of Healing

    17:41 - It’s A Pilgrimage

    19:33 - The Grace of Jubilee

    21:55 - Patience

    23:50 - An Invitation to Transformation

    25:50 - Challenge to Mature

    27:22 - Our Lady Mother of Hope

    29:26 - Lenten Book Study Announcement

    32:01 - One Things

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    36 mins
  • S16 E1 - Word of the Year
    Jan 20 2025

    Welcome to the season 16 kickoff with our annual tradition of the Word of the Year episode! Each year, we ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share what our words for 2025 mean to us and chat about the Saints journeying with us this year. We are excited to be back and look forward to seeing what this season will bring.

    Heather’s One Thing - This Strange Land Podcast

    Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Jubilee Year podcast episode from the Poco a Poco Podcast

    Michelle’s One Thing - Notre Dame Football and Marcus Freeman and time with Heather and Sister at the 2025 SEEK Conference in DC

    Other Resources Mentioned:

    • Word of the Year video from Blessed is She
    • Beautiful Holiness Beautiful Holiness: A Spiritual Journey With Blessed Conchita to the Heart of Jesus by Kathleen Beckman
    • Under the Gaze of the Father by Archbishop Martinez (A retreat written for Blessed Conchita)

    Journal Questions:

    • If you’ve been selecting a word of the year for a few years now, reflect on how the words have built on each other over time.
    • Through what golden lens does God want me to see my year?
    • How can I approach this new year with a spirit of integration rather than novelty?
    • In what circumstances of your life do you feel like God isn’t showing up?

    Discussion Questions:

    • How did you experience your word for 2024?
    • What is the Lord doing for you this year?
    • How is the Lord inviting you to greater faithfulness in 2025?
    • Do you feel like any particular saints have been chosen to journey with you this year?
    • What is your word for 2025?

    Quote to Ponder:

    “The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year, but rather that we should have a new soul.” (G.K. Chesterton)

    Scripture for Lectio:

    “And a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:23)

    Sponsor - Rooted for Good:

    Rooted For Good is your go-to destination for luxurious, all-natural skincare and self-care products designed to nurture your skin and enhance your well-being. Our products not only smell and feel incredible but also reflect your commitment to clean, wholesome living. As a Catholic-owned and operated business, Rooted For Good is dedicated to making a difference. With every purchase, 10% of the proceeds go toward uplifting individuals in need in developing countries. When you choose Rooted, you're not only caring for your skin—you’re contributing to a mission of hope and generosity!

    We’re honored to sponsor the Abiding Together podcast, a community rooted in faith, inspiration, and connection. This partnership is extra special, as many women in the Abiding Together community have been integral to Rooted’s amazing growth. Today, women across the U.S. and beyond trust Rooted products as a key part of their skincare routines.

    Discover why over 90% of Rooted’s customer reviews are 5-star testimonials! Our thoughtfully priced products make premium natural skincare accessible to everyone. Founded by a Catholic mom of six boys, Rooted For Good was built on the belief that every woman deserves high-quality skincare that aligns with her values.

    Make the switch to all-natural skincare in 2025—your skin will thank you, and your heart will feel good knowing you’re making an impact. Join the growing community of women who love Rooted For Good and experience the difference for yourself.

    Use promo code Abide10 to enjoy 10% off your purchase at RootedForGood.com. Start your journey to radiant, natural beauty today!

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Rooted for Good

    01:31 - Intro

    02:23 - Welcome

    04:01 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse

    04:34 - What is a Word of the Year?

    08:24 - Michelle’s Word(s)

    14:10 - Heather’s Word

    24:10 - Sister’s Word

    32:15 - One Things

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    38 mins