In this powerful episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of the Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., to explore how the four foundational pillars of seminary formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic—apply beautifully to forming strong, faith-filled families.

Drawing from his new book, Forming Families, Forming Saints, Fr. Griffin shares deep wisdom and practical insights on what a “formed family” looks like and how to intentionally build one. The conversation covers topics like:

What family formation really means

How to cultivate order and virtue in family life

Grounding children in reality amidst a digital culture

Practical tools for fostering human formation and flourishing

Learning to live in the present moment instead of dwelling on past parenting regrets

Whether you’re just beginning your parenting journey or in the thick of family life, this episode will leave you encouraged, inspired, and equipped to form your “little domestic church” in truth and love.

Fr. Griffin’s gentle wisdom and clear vision make this an absolute must-listen for every parent seeking to raise saints in today’s world.

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Fr Carter Griffin is available to purchase through: https://stpaulcenter.co/FormingFamiliesFormingSaints

Instagram Emmaus Road Publishing: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6nG6JPGtC/

Instagram St Paul Center: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulcenter/

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Catholic author Rosemary McGuire Berry to talk about her newest book, Piety & Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints. Together, they explore how understanding the four classic temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—can help us grow in holiness, parent with more peace, and live with greater self-awareness.

Rosemary shares how the temperaments show up in the lives of the saints and what each temperament can teach us about our strengths and struggles. Whether you're a choleric mom, a melancholic teen, or a phlegmatic dad, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and joyfully in the truth of who God made you to be.

Piety & Personality book available at TAN Books Catholic Books, Homeschool, & Streaming use code “LIVINGLIT15” for 15%off

Rosemary McGuire Berry

Wife/Mom/Teacher/Author/Pilgrimage Planner

Website: Paths to His Heart: Traveling with the Saints

Catholic Posts on Instagram: @rosemary.writer

Weekly articles on Substack - Tea, Talk & Tattered Pages.

Direct link to receive an inspiring handout about Catholic Ireland, and to receive my monthly roundup of resources: Resources

If you scroll to the bottom of that page, you can also download the free handout called "A Taste of the Temperaments".

Personality Plus Quiz only (copied by an outside source) Personality Plus

Here's a link to the whole book, which includes Florence Littauer's definitions of the words on the quiz: https://amzn.to/4kRWkNM

In this special episode, I sit down with Fr Scott Traynor to explore the profound meaning of the Jubilee Year — a time of renewal, mercy, and pilgrimage deeply rooted in Scripture and Jewish tradition. Together, we unpack why the Church celebrates Jubilee Years, what it means to embark on a pilgrimage, and how these sacred experiences invite us to encounter God’s abundant grace.

Whether you’re planning a physical pilgrimage or journeying spiritually at home, this episode offers practical ways to enter into the Jubilee Year with intention and hope. Discover how this year is an opportunity for every Christian to embrace renewal & rest, seek reconciliation, and walk forward as a pilgrim on the path of faith.

Tune in for thoughtful reflections, historical insights, and encouragement to make this Jubilee Year a transformative experience — no matter where your journey takes you.

Fr Scott Catechism references CCC 1471-1479

Check out this great video with Fr JP Morgan and me--where we show you how to Take a Pilgrimage

Jubilee year opportunities throughout the Diocese: SXF0125_0 (2).pdf

*Registration for the pilgrimage that Fr talks about in June has closed. But don't let that stop you from taking your own..

Catholic author Katie Warner joins us for a lively and joy-filled conversation about the power of children's books in shaping faith-filled homes and families. We chat about how she got into writing, what makes Catholic children's books unique, and how stories can spark conversations. Katie shares her #1 tip for creating a strong Catholic culture in the home, practical advice for family prayer and introduces a powerful tool to help teach children how to have "Jesus Time" --their own personal prayer time with God. Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring show packed with wisdom for building up your domestic church!

To purchase Katie's books, visit TAN books https://lddy.no/1l6ff and use special code: LIVINGLIT15 for 15%off your order.

And be sure to check out Katie's website https://katiewarner.com for fantastic resources. as well as http://firstfaithtreasury.com/shop/

Find Katie on Instagram (KatieWarnerCatholic)

We Have a Pope! Talking with Kids About the Papacy, the Conclave & the Chair of St. Peter

with Katie Bogner of Look to Him & Be Radiant

Author, educator, and beloved friend of Living LIT—Katie Bogner—returns to the podcast for a timely and thoughtful conversation on the papacy, the Conclave, and how to bring these sacred realities into the heart of our homes and classrooms.

As the Church prepares for the election of a new pope, Katie joins Robyn to talk about how we can help our children and families understand this sacred and historic time. Drawing from her beautiful book We Have a Pope, Katie shares how to explain the Conclave, the papacy, and the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church—all in ways that are clear, reverent, and meaningful for kids. The Conclave isn't just for Cardinals-it's a time for the whole Church to pray and participate, including children. Join us for a conversation that's rich in faith, full of practical ideas and rooted in the Truth.

Katie's website: Look to Him and be Radiant with oodles of FREE resources for the Conclave/Papal Election & more!

*purchase We Have a Pope - St. Paul Center Use code "Bogner2025" for FREE shipping

RE-RELEASE: We Have a Pope with Katie Bogner - Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime | Podcast on Spotify Listen to Katie read the book on this podcast

Kortnee's website: About – Studio Senn

Follow Katie on IG Instagram and Kortnee Senn Instagram St Paul Center Instagram

Last week's Living Lit episode with everything Papal election White Smoke & the Will of God: How a Pope Is Chosen | Living Lit - Living LIT | Podcast on Spotify

Emmaus Road Publishing: Instagram

Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the Sistine Chapel when a new pope is elected? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, diocesan theologian, to unpack the sacred and fascinating process of papal elections. From conclaves and cardinal ballots to white smoke and divine guidance, we explore how the Holy Spirit moves in the heart of the Church to raise up the next successor of St. Peter. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just pope-curious, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty, mystery, and tradition behind this momentous decision.

Plus, we break down key terms and answer questions like:

• What happens when a pope dies—or resigns?
• Who can become pope?
• What’s the deal with the white and black smoke?
• And what does it mean to be the Vicar of Christ?

Get ready to peek behind the curtains of Vatican City in one of the most awe-inspiring traditions of the Church.

Fantastic resources for your family with info and printables All About the Conclave:

United in Prayer: The Conclave and the Future of the Church

Look to Him and be Radiant: Search results for we have a pope

What do forgiveness, Divine Mercy, a crooked jester, the Last Rites… and Babe Ruth have in common?

A whole lot more than you might think!

In this lively and truth-packed episode, Robyn is joined by the one and only Susan Joy Bellavance—Catholic author, storyteller, and joyful evangelist—to talk about her brand-new children’s book, The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight. This fictional tale, rich in Catholic Truth, opens the door to big conversations about mercy, reconciliation, sin, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Susan is full of Holy Spirit fire and this episode will have you laughing, learning, reflecting and maybe even shouting a few "Amens!" as Suan drops truth bombs wrapped in joy!

Whether you're a parent, catechist, teacher, a big kid at heart, or a person who wants to see the Gift of Mercy and our beautiful Faith passed on to the next generation-this show is for you!

What is Divine Mercy & How you can celebrate it in the Home:

Divine Mercy Sundaes | Catholic Living: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J97sZO2mc4w&list=PLqSqcaJSjAjaEiH2BV6NUi90esDztL0dX&index=14

Susan's website: Susan Joy Books | catholic children's books Susan's book, "The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight" is 20% off until May 1 on her website: https://www.bellacorabooks.com/

Suan with Pope Saint John Paul 2 and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta: About | Bella Cora Books: https://www.bellacorabooks.com/about

Shop Tan Books https://lddy.no/1l6ff (special Living LIT link) and use code: "LIVINGLIT15" to purchase "The King & The Shattered Glass" & many other fantastic Catholic Children's Books: https://lddy.no/1l6ff

In this special Holy Week episode of Living LIT, Robyn invites listeners into her family’s cherished Holy Thursday celebration—a prayerful and meaningful meal that ties Scripture to symbolic foods. For years, this tradition has shaped her children’s understanding of the Last Supper, and now it’s something they look forward to each year.

Robyn shares:

• The special menu and what each food represents
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• Scripture verses that accompany each course
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• How this meal brings the Gospel to life in the heart of the domestic church
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She also reflects on another family favorite—The Seven Churches Visitation, after Holy Thursday Mass, a powerful tradition of keeping watch with Our Lord as He begins His Passion.

Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or enrich one you already have, this episode is full of ideas to help your Holy Thursday feel more like the Upper Room.