Say Yes to Holiness
By Christina Semmens
Say Yes to HolinessFeb 19, 2022
Day 28--Part 4b It Makes the Apostle Capable of Sanctifying Others By His Example
Day 28--Part 4b It Makes the Apostle Capable of Sanctifying Others By His Example
Episode #188-"Having Jesus As Your Model In All Things"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...
Christina speaks about:
- Why practicing virtue will be instrumental to having Jesus as your model for all things in your life
- What silence will help you do in your life
- How responding with hope to challenging circumstances produces greater trust
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!”
Day 27--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 4a The Interior Life Draws Down the Blessings of God
Day 27--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 4a The Interior Life Draws Down the Blessings of God
Day 26--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 4--Action Made Fruitful By The Interior Life
Day 26--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 4--Action Made Fruitful By The Interior Life
Day 25--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3f. It Is a Firm Defence against Discouragement
Day 25--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3f. It Is a Firm Defence against Discouragement
Day 24--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3e. It Refines His Purity of Intention
Day 24--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3e. It Refines His Purity of Intention
Day 23--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3d. It Gives Him Joy and Consolation
Day 23--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3d. It Gives Him Joy and Consolation
Day 22--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3 3c It Multiplies His Energies and His Merits
Day 22--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3 3c It Multiplies His Energies and His Merits
Day 21 --Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3 3b It Renews the Strength of the Apostle
Day 21 --Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3 3b It Renews the Strength of the Apostle
Episode #187--"Thinking Differently In Order To Bear Fruit"--1:1 Conversation with Jen Moeser, Parish & Leadership Specialist, Archdiocese of Omaha
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with Jen Moeser, Parish & Leadership Specialist from the Archdiocese of Omaha. Jen Moeser has served as the Associate Director, Parish Support and Leadership Specialist in the Archdiocese of Omaha since 2013. Prior to that she was the Assistant Director of Evangelization and Outreach at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center and worked as Campus Minister at O'Gorman High School. Jen Moeser has a Master of Arts in Theology/Theological Studies from the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies/Philosophy from Mount Mary University. Our conversation revolved around what is the foundation upon which to share the Gospel with others, how continued formation empowers change, and why a culture shift is necessary within our environments before we begin to see real transformation.
I pray that this converstion may help you begin to think differently so that you can bear fruit either thirty, sixty or hundredfold for our Lord so that together, we can tell the Master of Death, "Not Today!"
To watch Jen Moeser talk about how to use the method of mentorship, go to: https://equip.archomaha.org/the-method-of-mentorship/
Day 20--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3a. It Protects the Soul Against the Dangers of the Exterior Ministry
Day 20--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3a. It Protects the Soul Against the Dangers of the Exterior Ministry
Day 19--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3. The Interior Life Basis of the Holiness of the Apostolic Worker
Day 19--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 3. The Interior Life Basis of the Holiness of the Apostolic Worker
Day 18--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 2. The Active Worker Who Has No Interior Life Part 2
Day 18--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 2. The Active Worker Who Has No Interior Life Part 2
Day 17--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 2. The Active Worker Who Has No Interior Life
Day 17--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 2. The Active Worker Who Has No Interior Life
DAY 16--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 1. Active Works, A Means of Sanctification for Interior Souls, Become, For Others, A Menace to Their Salvation
DAY 16--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 3, 1. Active Works, A Means of Sanctification for Interior Souls, Become, For Others, A Menace to Their Salvation
DAY 15--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 5. The Excellence of This Union
DAY 15--Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 5. The Excellence of This Union
DAY 14--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 4. The Active and Interior Lives Are Completely Interdependent
DAY 14--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 4. The Active and Interior Lives Are Completely Interdependent
DAY 13--SOul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 3. Active Works Must Begin and End in the Interior Life, and, In It, Find Their Means
DAY 13--Part 2, 3. Active Works Must Begin and End in the Interior Life, and, In It, Find Their Means
Day 12--Soul of the Apostolate--Part Two 2 Good Works Should Be Nothing But An Overflow From The Inner Life
Day 12--Soul of the Apostolate--Part Two 2 Good Works Should Be Nothing But An Overflow From The Inner Life
DAY 11--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 1 .The Priority of the Interior Over the Active in the Eyes of God
DAY 11--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 2, 1 .The Priority of the Interior Over the Active in the Eyes of God
Episode #186--"Learning to Let God and Let God"--Say Yes to Holiness podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why it is imperative for us to intercede for our children
- What prayer will help you grow in trust
- How praying a decade of the rosary can help you find answers to your most difficult questions
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!”
Sign up for the Summer & Fall Audio Online Retreat Here
DAY 10--Soul of the Apostolate--Part One 7 No Conflict Between the Interior Life and the Salvation of Souls
DAY 10--Soul of the Apostolate--Part One 7 No Conflict Between the Interior Life and the Salvation of Souls
Day 9--The Soul of the Apostolate
Day 9--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part One 6 Reply to Another Objection Is the Interior Life Selfish?
Day 8--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part One 5 Reply to a First Objection Is the Interior Life Lazy?
Day 8--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part One 5 Reply to a First Objection Is the Interior Life Lazy?
DAY 7--Soul of the Apostolate
DAY 7--Part 1, 4. Ignorance and Neglect of This Interior Life
Episode #185 "Creating Postive Change in Parishes" 1:1 Conversation with Katie Herzing, OSV Talk Speaker
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with Katie Herzing, OSV Talk speaker, thought leader, leadership coach and parish strategist.
Katie's OSV Talk, "Creating Positive Change in Parishes" focuses upon the disconnect between where we are and where we want to go and how it is that this disconnect is due to our personal struggles with change and lack of understanding of different change styles.
Our conversation revolved around Katie's talk about how change isn't something that some people love and others hate, but rather is about how each of us have different needs, and how those needs are addressed dictates whether we are open or resistant to change.
It was an absolutely fascinating conversation as it gives insight not only to working towards change in our parishes, but also how we might go about change in our relationships and families and any other place where we are encountering and working with others.
Enjoy the converstion, and may it help you continue to do whatever it takes to help yourself and others be open to God's will in all things so that we can tell the Master of Death, "Not Today!"
To watch Katie Herzing's OSV Talk, go to: https://osvtalks.com/talks/creating-positive-change-in-parishes/
DAY 6--The Soul of the Apostolate
DAY 6--The Soul of the Apostolate--Part 1, 3. What Is The Interior Life?
DAY 5--The Soul of the Apostolate
DAY 5--Part 1, 2.--God Wills That The Life-Principle Of Our Work Be Christ Himself
DAY 4 --Part One 1 God Wants Good Works And Therefore He Wants Zealous Action
DAY 4 --Part One 1 God Wants Good Works And Therefore He Wants Zealous Action--The Soul of the Apostolate
DAY THREE--The Prologue--Summer & Fall Audio Online Retreat
DAY THREE--The Prologue--The Soul of the Apostolate
DAY TWO--A Biographical Note Part 2--Summer & Fall Audio Online Retreat
DAY TWO--A Biographical Note Part 2
DAY 1--Bio Part 1--Summer & Fall Audio Online Retreat
DAY 1--Bio Part 1-_Summer & Fall Audio Online Retreat
Episode #184--"Learning To Love Without Measure"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why praying the rosary opens our hearts to God's love
- What knowledge of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching empowers us to do each day
- How spiritual reading will help encourage us to continue the struggle to love without measure
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 #183 "Your Words Matter" 1:1 Conversation with MaryBeth Eberhard, Catholic Writer, Speaker & Podcast Co-Host
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with MaryBeth Eberhard, Catholic writer, speaker and podcast co-host.
MaryBeth loves sharing stories, and has written about having a large family, marriage, parenting through Mary to Jesus, having special needs children creating a culture of faith in the home, and the saints.
In the process of sharing stories, she has written for numerous publications including The Catholic Times, Blessed is She blog, Women of the New Evangelization (WINE, and the National Catholic Register.
MaryBeth and I spoke about writing, the beauty of family life, and how by welcoming others into our home, we have the opportunity to welcome them into a relationship with Jesus.
Our words truly do matter, and this is why I think you will find this conversation with MaryBeth to be a richly encouraging and inspiring one for how it is possible to live out a life of holiness in the midst of your beautiful and messy life.
Enjoy the converstion, and may it help you continue to do whatever it takes so we can tell the Master of Death, "Not Today!"
To read more about MaryBeth, you can go to: MaryBethEberhard.com
Episode #182--"Living An Integrated & Courageous Life"
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness...
In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why we don't follow our dreams
- What we need to be doing to get everything we desire
- How voluntary poverty frees us to be our best selves
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!”
"Leaving Space For God To Work"--1:1 Conversation with Rhonda Ortiz, Author, The Molly Chase Series
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina sits down with Rhonda Ortiz, award-winning novelist, nonfiction writer, and founding editor emerita of Chrism Press.
In particular, we focused upon the upcoming release on August 8th of her novel, Adrift--the second novel of the thriller-historical fiction-romance that is the Molly Chase series.
Rhonda is an award-winning novelist, nonfiction writer, and founding editor emerita of Chrism Press. In Pieces, the first novel of her Molly Chase series. She is also a fully professed lay member of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans); a native Oregonian; attended St. John’s College in historic Annapolis, Maryland and now lives in Michigan with her husband and children.
Rhonda and I had a most delightful conversationw that had us discussing all sorts of topics--the writing process; power of stories; the intersection of faith, daily life and fiction; and of course, a deep dive into the Molly Chase series, especially with the release of the next book, Adrift, on August 8th.
I was inspired, encouraged and thoroughly enjoyed our conversation about books, faith, and fiction, but especially about what can happen when we leave space for God to work.
I have no doubt that you will love this conversation, too, so make sure to give it a listen as you go and order a copy of Adrift TODAY!
To learn more about Rhonda Ortiz, and the Molly Chase series, go to: https://rhondaortiz.com/
Episode #180--"Life As Pilgrimage"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why the Christian life really is a pilgrimage
- What needs to happen if we are to overcome fear in our lives
- How listening to others' stories helps inspire us
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 #179--"Faith & Love Can Destroy Fear?"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why purity requires modesty
- What is necessary in order to steer safely through every storm of life
- How faith can become 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 #178--"God Never Stops Pursuing You"--1:1 Conversation with Crystalina Evert, Author, Woman Made New
In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina sits down with Crystalina Evert, founder of Women Made New Ministries, co-founder of Chastity Project and author of the recently released book, Women Made New, Reflections on Adversity, Transformation and Healing as well as the upcoming At the Well: Women's Eucharistic Retreat being held at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.
Our conversation focused upon Crystalina and her desire to help women answer the fundamental question, "What is it that is keeping you from becoming the woman God created you to be?"
We also dove deeply into the themes of her powerful book, Women Made New, and how it came to contain the captivating stories of twelve women who overcame personal trials and societal deceptions to become champions for the Kingdom of God.
Throughout our conversation, Crystalina shared the wisdom of how we are never alone, of the necessity of listening to God’s voice, surrendering to His mercy, and trusting that He is there to carry you through and deliver you from evil. as well as practical steps that you can take NOW to enter fully into the National Eucharistic Revival.
I was inspired, encouraged and brought to tears during our conversation, so if you, too, want to experience healing, be given the courage to push back against Satan's negative "self-talk", reignite your faith life and help encourage others to do the same, then make sure to listen to this conversation TODAY!
To register for the At the Well: Women's Eucharistic Retreat, click here
To learn more about Women Made New, go to: www.ewtn.com/womenmadenew
Episode #177--"We Are All Broken"-1:1 Conversation with Keaton Douglas & Lindsay Schlegel, Authors, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction
In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast 1:1 Conversation, Christina sits down with Keaton Douglas and Lindsey Schlegel to speak about their recently published book, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction.
Our conversation focused upon the tragedy of addiction that our society is currently facing, about how we can each respond as members of the Body of Christ, and about how the iThirst initiative can be part of the solution...
The iTHIRST initiative empowers dioceses, parishes and communities to become a resource for both those suffering from addictions and their families. At the heart of iTHIRST is an understanding that there is a spiritual dimension to the disease of addiction that cannot be met by clinical professionals, but only by the spiritual consolation and guidance that the Church can provide.
Through our comprehensive, faith-based approach to education, we want to transform the way the Catholic Church understands addiction. Through the programs below, parishes and communities educate the Catholic community on the nature of substance use disorders, in age-appropriate language, and demonstrate how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool of prevention.
In addition, we offer formation for laity and clergy to equip them as Certified Spiritual Companions capable of supporting addicted individuals and their families thirsting for relief, thereby helping parishes and dioceses impacted by the scourge of addiction.
The iTHIRST Education programs include: iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Training; School/ Parish Programs; a Catholic Campus Ministry Program, & a Pastoral Care Guide.
The conversation that Keaton, Lindsay and I had was profoundly moving, but filled with great hope--just like their book, The Road to Hope. For all of us who are struggling with addiction, or know someone who is, this conversation is one that NEEDS to be listened to today.
Click here to get a copy of the book
To learn more about iTHIRST, go to: https://ithirstinitiative.org/
Episode #176-"Fearing Nothing & Finding New Life"
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why taking refuge in God gives you clarity
- What the #1 myth about time is
- How every cross can bring us to new life in the Spirit
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 #175--"Using Data To Help Build The Kingdom"--1:1 Conversation with Terry Poplava, ACS Technologies
In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast 1:1 Conversation, Christina sits down with Terry Poplava of ACS Technologies to speak about the results from the latest survey done concerning American religious beliefs.
The survey was a national research initiative conducted by ACS Technologies, and the results grant us insight into the religious preferences and practices of Amercians that are especially valuable for helping us share the Good News with those around us.
Our conversation also touched upon Terry's own faith journey and how what he has learned through his work has impacted how he lives as a disciple of Christ.
The American Beliefs Study: Religious Preferences and Practicesis groundbreaking research initially conducted in 2013 and then repeated in 2017 and 2021 with over 45,000 participants. This decade-long timespan and significant polling size sample have established The American Beliefs Study as a recognized leader in understanding American religious preferences and practices.
Valuable insights that reveal changing behaviors and social and moral attitudes and trends within communities of faith have been distilled into a series of unique discoveries and conclusions. Long-form articles are the American Belief Reports. And the short-form quotes and highlights for quick use. The full study is also integrated in MissionInsite, providing foundational propriety value to this demographic community intelligence software tool.
A leader in church management software, market expertise, and data analysis for the last 45 years, ACS Technologies conducted this research by examining the theological beliefs of Americans. The goal was to provide church leaders with the wisdom they need to prepare, guide and quicken them to be as effective as they can be in living out the Gospel.
To learn more about the study, go to: https://www.acstechnologies.com/american-beliefs/
Episode #174--"The Time Is Now"--Say Yes to Holiness podcast
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help inspire, encorage and accompany you on the journey towards holiness... In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why happiness is NOT about everything going your way
- What are important activities to reject the lies the world (and Satan) sell us
- How being intentional becomes the key to unlocking the door to freedom each and every day of your life
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 #173--"Holy Moments to Change the World"--Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
Jack Beers is Vice President of Ministry at Dynamic Catholic, responsible for creating a world-class experience for everyone who encounters the ministry. Through his dedication to Dynamic Catholic’s mission, Jack has been privileged to be part of many life-changing projects that have impacted the faith of millions. A die-hard New York Mets fan, Jack resides in the Cincinnati metro area with his wife and children. Dynamic Catholic and Flocknote are partnering this Lent to deliver its Best Lent Ever experience to over 9,000 parishes nationwide—for free. Parishes that use Flocknote will now have unlimited access to the program, which delivers two daily videos designed to inspire participants to grow closer to God one moment at a time. Both organizations see this as an unprecedented opportunity to reach parishioners directly and create a daily community-wide conversation.
Day 90--Ch 12--The Hour of Death
Day 90--Ch 12--The Hour of Death
"SMILE with Mary"--Bonus Say Yes to Holiness Podcast
This is a talk I did for the St Raymond Nonnatus Foundation's Marian Summit. It is designed to help you grow closer to Jesus through a relationship with Mary.
S = Say Yes to being healed, comforted, consoled, encouraged and inspired
M = Make Mary a part of your life
I = Invite Mary to lead you to Jesus
L = Live the Consecration
E = Evangelize with a smile
Day 89--Ch 12--Spiritual Aridity
Day 89--Ch 12--Spiritual Aridity
Episode #172--"Finding Joy In The Midst Of Sadness"
In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help you see signs of God's love for you and hear sounds of joy--even in the midst of sadness...
In this episode, Christina speaks about:
- Why anxiety doesn't help us at all
- What striving for purity each day can help us achieve in our daily life
- How the Eucharist is the supreme sign of God's love for us
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!”
Day 88--Ch 12--A Source of Merit
Day 88--Ch 12--A Source of Merit
Day 87--Ch 12--To Suffer Is To Pray
Day 87--Ch 12--To Suffer Is To Pray